Sun News - 0ctober 24, 2012

Gov Obi grants amnesty to 12 prisoners Page 10

Enugu Airport: 6 landowners die waiting for Bakassi: Nigeria opens fresh talks with Cameroon compensation N150

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2480

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COSTLY PRAYER

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ear of an impending mid-air suicide attack yesterday drove passengers on an Arik Air flight from Maiduguri to take a rather drastic ‘preventive’ measure against a fellow passenger mid-way into their Abuja-bound flight.

Acting against the backdrop of Boko Haram activities, passengers were said to have become alarmed when one of them, obviously a devout Muslim, repeatedly chanted Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest). They mistook that as a battle cry for the impending attack and instantly pounced on him.

See page 5

•Passenger causes mid-air panic on Maiduguri - Abuja Arik flight • His chant of Allahu Akbar forced other passengers, suspecting him to be a suicide bomber, to overpower him

• Pilot makes emergency call to control tower

...Bomb scare a hoax – Minister SCHOOL IS OVER FOR NOW Submerged school at Ebocha, Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Imo: Police rescue monarch, cleric from kidnappers

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2 robbery suspects shot dead in Port Harcourt

Bakassi: Nigeria opens fresh talks with Cameroon Page 9

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2480

Enugu Airport: 6 landowners die waiting for compensation Page 10

Mimiko confirmed ... Gets certificate of return

Pages 12 & 8

• Recommends staggered elections ...Ondo PDP berates Abuja for accepting result L-R: Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Mrs. Folake Soyinka, Amosun’s wife, Funsho and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, during the 50th birthday celebration of Soyinka’s wife in Abeokuta last weekend.

COSTLY PRAYER •Passenger causes mid-air panic on Arik Maiduguri flight

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ear of an impending mid-air suicide attack yesterday drove passengers on an Arik Air flight from Maiduguri to take a rather drastic ‘preventive’ measure against a fellow passenger mid-way into their Abuja-bound flight.

Acting against the backdrop of Boko Haram activities, passengers were said to have become alarmed when one of them, obviously a devout Muslim, repeatedly chanted Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest). They mistook that as a battle cry for the impending attack and instantly pounced See page 5 on him.

• His chant of Allahu akbar forced other passengers, suspecting him to be a suicide bomber, to overpower him

• Pilot makes emergency call to control tower Sallah in the air...

A ram waiting for prospective buyer at the TundunWada ram market in Kaduna yesterday. Price tag?

N100,000.

Photo: NAN

Hajj rites begin today ... As S’Arabia deports another seven female pilgrims Page 8

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012, DAILY SUN

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SUNG GIRL

Commuters stranded as task force impounds 3000 okadas in Lagos

By OLUWOLE FAROTIMI

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he continuous clampdown on commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, in Lagos State have started taking its toll on Lagosians as hundreds of commuters were stranded yesterday at the various bus stops in the metropolis. The action by the state government was taken in a bid to enforce its new traffic laws, which banned commercial motorcyclists from plying certain routes.

Daily Sun gathered that the commuters’ problem was compounded by the decision of state government to withdraw its BRT buses from some routes to save the vehicles from attack by the rampaging okada riders, protesting against government’s decision.

One of the BRT buses was vandalised by suspected commercial motorcyclists at Kollington Bus Stop, along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

The attack brought to 11, the number of BRT buses the protesters had vandalised since the week began.

Eye witnesses told Daily Sun that the motorcyclists, in their hundreds, hauled stones on only BRT buses, shattering their windscreens before policemen started shooting into the air to disperse them.

Reacting to the fresh attack on BRT buses, the Chairman of okada riders at the Ijaiye- Ojokoro Bus Stop, Adebiyi Adewale, distanced his members from the attack, alleging that hundreds of commuters, who were stranded along Abule-Egba/Kollington axis vent their anger on the government-owned transport outfit.

Adewale explained that the frustrated and stranded commuters also vent their anger on policemen whom he said, were overzealous and arrested the okada riders indiscriminately, even on roads where their operations were not outlawed.

“Policemen were arresting okada riders indiscriminately as if it was a total ban on okada. They arrested our members, who were plying roads that were not banned. They collected N15,000 from each okada rider arrested,” Adewale alleged, appealing to the Lagos State Government to ensure justice was done as law-abiding okada riders were unjustly punished by policemen.

Daily Sun gathered that no fewer than 3,000 motorcycles had so far been impounded by the policemen, enforcing the Lagos traffic law.

The office of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit was yesterday littered with the impounded motorbikes.

FERMA vows to recover Nigerian roads From AIDOGHIE PAULINUS, Abuja

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If yes, sign our consent/release form, send your pix/bio-data to 2, Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Estate, Apapa, Lagos.

Name: Victory

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he Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has vowed to recover failed federal roads across the country as dry season sets in.

Ahead of the festive period in the month of December, President Goodluck Jonathan had directed that critical failures on federal roads be fixed.

Speaking yesterday during the inspection of the ongoing preventive intervention work on Abuja-Kaduna Road, the Managing Director of FERMA, Gabriel Amuchi, said a number of such failed corridors had already been recovered.

He added that if not because of the agency’s intervention, the roads would have been worse, saying beyond making the roads motorable, the agency planned to extend the maintenance efforts to maximise the dry season.

Amuchi revealed that not less than 10, 000 youths were being engaged on daily basis to realise the objective of FERMA, adding: “We don’t want to go back to the era of just doing the road and walking away without maintenance culture.”

Amuchi also said the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA were already inspecting damaged portions as a result of flood impacts to see what intervention can be achieved within the dry season.

He stated that FERMA was undergoing the challenge of evolving and sustaining additional sources for materials it uses, noting that it would sustain proper orientation of road users as well as work to deliver on its mandate.

“We are in the recovery process. A number of damaged roads have been recovered. If not for intervention of FERMA, the roads would have been worse.

“The work we are doing currently is durable. We don’t want to go back to the era of doing the road and then walking away without maintenance culture “If cracks develop on our roads, we look at the cracks and fix them because it is from cracks that roads go worse. I want to appeal to road users to work in partnership with government. We are ready to keep an eye on our roads constantly,” Amuchi said.

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

DAILY SUN 5

L-R: The President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Forte Oil Chairman, Chief Femi Otedola, Chief Jim Ovia and Managing Director, Access Bank, Chief AigAigboje Imoukuede, during the meeting of the Economic Management Team (EMT) at the State House, Abuja.

Photo: BAYO OBISESAN

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) Hon. Mutu Nicholas (left) receiving the 2012 Budget Proposal from the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Christian Oboh, at the National Assembly in Abuja, Tuesday.

L-R: Wife of Ondo State Governor, Kemi, her husband, Olusegun Mimiko and Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, at a victory dinner held in honour of the governor, Akure, Monday.

Photo: MUDASHIRU ATANDA

COVER

By UCHE USIM, Lagos, and MOLLY KILETE, Abuja

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here was panic in Abuja, the nation’s capital yesterday when it was rumoured that an Abuja-bound Arik aircraft was laden with explosives suspected to be bombs. The rumour which spread like a wild fire in the harmattan on social media, immediately, sent jitters into air travelers in the federal capital and beyond, with many contemplating aborting their trips.

Trouble started when a passenger, identified as Aminu Galadima, a native of Niger State in the Arik flight from Maiduguri, Borno State, started behaving strangely mid-air. Galadima, Daily Sun learnt, suddenly rose from his seat and like someone possessed, started screaming “Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar!! (God is great).

The passengers on board the aircraft became suspicious, thinking that the man was about to do something sinister. This was in spite of the fact that everyone on board, including the man in question had gone through the normal secu-

Passenger causes scare on Arik flight …It’s a hoax -Minister rity check at the Maiduguri International Airport and nothing incriminating was found on anyone.

The crew members and some passengers rose from their seats and rushed towards the man in a bid to apprehend him. Others, who were also frightened, resorted to prayers.

Immediately, a thorough check was carried out of him to detect if he had explosives

strapped to his body. When nothing of such was found, nor anything incriminating, the pilot still radioed the Air Traffic Control and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport security to report the incident.

The aircraft landed safely but the passenger was handed over to men of the State Security Service (SSS).

Reacting through her spokesman, Joe Obi,

L-R: Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, H.R.M. Dr. Edmond Dakoru, Chairman, South-South Traditional Rulers Council and H.R.M. Ogiame Atuwase II, the Olu of Warri, when members of the council visited the governor at the State House, Asaba, yesterday.

Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah confirmed the story but debunked the bomb scare claim, describing it as a hoax. “In fact, it is a hoax as there is no iota of truth whatsoever in this wicked rumour.”

Obi however, cautioned Nigerians to desist from spreading such rumour as it was capable of destroying the industry.

When Daily Sun visited the airline’s terminal in Lagos, passengers gathered in groups, discussing the matter and its ripple effects on air travel in the country, had the story turned out to be true.

A passenger who identified herself as Ijeoma Amaka said: “If that occurs especially in an airline like Arik Air, it then means the domestic air travel business is dead and buried because people will be too scared to fly.”

Also commenting on the matter, Arik spokesman, Adebanji Ola said that the passenger caused a scare when he started shouting Allah Akbar shortly before the aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

CORRIGENDUM

Ibrahim Our Error: The photograph of Admiral Ola Ibrahim, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on page 5, Daily Sun, Tuesday, 23rd October, 2012, was wrongly captioned as Ezeoba, referring to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba. We apologise for the mix up. Editor.

6 DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012,

NEWS Adamawa: PDP insists on cancellation of congress From TAIWO AMODU, Abuja

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he appeals by the Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako to the Peoples’ Democratic Party National Working Committee (NWC), to allow the candidates that emerged from the state congress conducted by the Alhaji Minjiyawa Kugama to stand for forthcoming council poll in the state, seemed to have been spurned by the party national leadership.

The PDP NWC last week announced the dissolution of the Alhaji Minjiyawa Kugama-led party executive in Adamawa and constituted a caretaker committee to run its affairs.

It also declared that candidates that emerged from the congress would not stand for the forthcoming local council election in the state.

Tukur had insisted that the party constitution vests him with the powers to forward names of candidates for elections at all levels to INEC. Jolted by the party’s pronouncement, Governor Nyako had stormed Abuja last Friday and held a meeting with the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led national executive. Nyako had pleaded with the party leadership to have a rethink on the dissolution of the executive and accept names of candidates for the election already forwarded to INEC. But yesterday, the party National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh issued a statement on behalf of the PDP NWC, directing the party officials who hold party and public offices to comply with provisions of the party’s Constitution with regard to the submission of names for election into public offices.

In a statement Olisa Metuh, called on National Working Committee members, state governors, zonal officers, as well as state chairmen and secretaries to comply with Section 50 of the party’s Constitution, 2012 as amended.

He referred to a circular letter PDP/NC/NWC/SG/ZO/C.S/10/12 dated October 18, 2012 signed by the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and directed the officials to comply with contents of the circular.

Ezeoba reads riot act to crude oil thieves

By PHILIP NWOSU

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he Nigerian Navy said yesterday that it would pursue the mandate handed out to it by the Presidency and ensure that crude oil theft and other illegalities within the maritime domain become a thing of the past.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba said the Nigerian Navy under his watch would ensure that government got maximum revenue accruable to it to meet national development objective.

He spoke few days after the arrest of a Russian Vessel laden with weapons in Lagos, explaining that: “Mr. President’s mandate remains the focal point of my watch because it impinges on our economic well-being and national development, and that is where the navy is very crucial. If we have to secure our maritime domain to ensure that government gets the accruable revenue to meet its national development objective, then we have to make sure we contain that menace decisively.”

The Naval Chief spoke shortly after a familiarization tour of naval facilities in the Lagos area, adding that upon assumption of office, he had a comprehensive objective to move the force forward, hence the detail tours of the command.

He lamented the lack of inadequate platform for the force to carry outs its constitutional roles, but added that the issue would be handled when the navy conducts its fleet evaluation within the next few weeks.

Admiral Ezeoba, who was appointed the Chief of Naval Staff early in the month, tasked the officers, including the Flag Officers Command to ensure that the force was put on the right track, in the policing of the maritime domain.

He started his tour from the Western Naval Command in Lagos, where he drilled officers and particularly the commanding officers of ships and establishment as he tried to restart the engine of the force.

President Goodluck Jonathan while decorating the new Service Chiefs charged them to make fresh inputs into the new security architecture and combat terrorism in all its ramifications. President Jonathan reiterated that the security of lives and property was a sacred obligation, which his administration would do everything possible to provide, adding: “We cannot allow threats to our national security to compromise our national transformation efforts.”

While assuring of his administration’s commitment in providing the requisite support in ensuring optimal operational readiness of our armed forces, President Jonathan specifically charged the navy to stem the rising tide of crude oil thieves.

• Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu presenting her letter of credence to King Juan Carlos of Spain at the Royal Palace in Madrid recently.

PHCN distribution firms may fall into wrong hands, says Uduaghan •Seeks National Assembly’s intervention

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elta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has solicited the intervention of the National Assembly to checkmate the process adopted by the Federal Government in the sale of the Distribution Companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), saying they might fall into the wrong hands.

Dr. Uduaghan who made the call when the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Down Stream) Sector led by its Chairman, Dakuku Peterside paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba, expressed worry that the companies would go into wrong hands.

According to him, a situation where the communities and states directly affected were sidelined does not portend good for the people and certainly would not make for peace in the areas.

Besides, the governor said such shoddy process of sale that was fraught with fraud was bound to throw up incompetent hands that would not be able to deliver as expected.

He said the National Assembly should intervene to ensure that due process was followed, taking into cognizance, the huge investments of state governments in PHCN. The governor who said the privatization exercise should be done rightly regretted that what had been done could create more problems for the country.

Uduaghan appealed to the authorities not to allow politics to take away the essence and need to provide regular power supply to the people, stressing the need for the roles played by states in the energy sector to be acknowledged and com-

pensated for.

Emphasizing further he said: “State governments play crucial roles in the energy sector, with the provision of transformers, setting up the network of electric lines.

Governors are deeply concerned over the power situation and when the chips are down, it is the state governments that communities run to for transformers, among other equipment.”

He recalled that the nation experienced similar challenges in the petroleum sector when some oil wells were sold without involving the communities and the states, noting that the result was that most of

them could not access the wells to operate.

He cautioned that unless the power privatization process was properly addressed, what happened in the oil/gas sector could repeat itself.

The governor who disclosed that he was one of the three governors, who addressed a press conference on the issue, stressed the need for states to be involved in the exercise.

His words: “I want states who play prominent roles in the distribution of electricity to their various communities to be accommodated in the privatization process because when there is a problem it is the state governments that

communities will appeal to for the provision of electricity.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resource (Down Stream) Sector Dakuku Peterside said the committee was in the state to oversee the implementation of the 2012 federal budget.

He said the routine oversight function was necessary to check what was being done with funds and ascertain whether projects earmarked for the state were executed.

He explained that Delta State was strategic in the oil industry and should therefore not be ignored in the implementation of projects and programmes.

Police rescue monarch, cleric from kidnappers From GEORGE ONYEJI- Vehicle (SUV) and kidnapped the driver who turned UWA, Owerri out to be the Rev. Father in he Imo State Police charge of St. Anthony Command yesterday Catholic Church in Uloano in said it has smashed a Isu Council Area, Fr. four-man kidnap syndicate Faustinus Ibewuike and and rescued three victims, dumped them in an underincluding 72-year-old man, a ground room in an uncomtraditional ruler elect and pleted petrol station.

He said that based on a tipclergy from the kidnappers. armed policemen Parading the suspected off, kidnappers before journalists stormed the hideout of the at the police headquarters in kidnappers and were engaged Owerri, the Imo state capital, in a gun battle by the hoodthe state Commissioner of lums: “When our team sightPolice, Baba Adisa Bolanta, ed where the vehicle used in said the notorious kidnappers, the kidnapping operation was abducted the traditional ruler- parked, they condoned off the elect of Owerre Nkworji in area and observed that there Nkwere Council Area of the was an uncompleted building state, Nelson Orisakwe and in the bush, the moment they his 72-year-old cousin, saw our patrol vehicle, they Godwin Orisakwe on their opened fire but our men responded with superior fire way to court in Owerri.

According to the police power and they succumbed boss, the assailants drove and the victims who were their victims in their blind folded, dumped in the Mercedes Benz saloon car, underground cell were resafter they had blind folded cued unhurt and the victims them and intercepted another cars were also recovered,” CP Toyota RAV 4 Sport Utility said.

In a related development,

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another gang of criminals who specialized in stalking people who make large withdrawals from banks and opening their cars with master keys was also smashed by the command.

The police boss said the trans-border robbery gang was apprehended when one of them, Chibuzor Oguzie, was caught lurking around one of the banks in the state capital with his motorcycle and was arrested after he tried to escape.

According to the Bolanta, it was the useful confessions made by Chibuzor Oguzie that led to the apprehension of another member of the gang, Kingsley Ikechukwu and the recovery of three exotic cars, three motorcycles and other household items.

CP who attributed the success to the cooperation between the command and other security agencies and the public, appealed for stronger cooperation from the residents of the state, to assist the police in checking crime.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 7

NEWS Insecurity: We can’t afford to fail, Immigration CG warns personnel •Decorates 2,045 newly promoted senior officers From UBONG UKPONG, Abuja

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omptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Rose Chinyere Uzoma, yesterday, reiterated the service’s commitment to ensure an end to the present security challenges in the country, warning personnel not to slack in their operations to prevent criminals from having access into the country.

Uzoma, who said these while decorating the newly promoted immigration comptrollers, deputy and assistant comptrollers in Abuja, being part of the total 2,045 officers recently promoted in the service, reminded them that the massive promotion was to spur them for greater performance in view of the nation’s security challenges.

She told them they had no reason to fail in their operations as government had given them so much incentives to guarantee their happiness and towards a high level performance.

The CGI said apart from the promotion, which was intended to stimulate them towards high-level performance, arrangements had been concluded to pay all the newly promoted officers salaries on their new scales as well as pay all promotions arrears with immediate effect.

Uzoma, who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services (FATS), Rilwan Bala Musa, expressed sadness over poor performances in certain operational and regimental activities, warning them to sit up and handle the responsibilities accompanying their new ranks.

Aluu killings: Don’t let the murderers go unpunished, NBA tasks FG, Rivers govt

By FAITH OMORUYI

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he Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, yesterday called on both the Federal and Rivers State Governments to effectively prosecute the alleged murderers of four students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), who were killed in Omuokiri-Aluu, near Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Chiadika Lordson, Ugonna Obuzor, Lloyd Toku and Tekena Erikena were lynched by a mob in the area on October 5, over alleged theft of laptops and phones.

Speaking at a press conference in Ikeja on the theme, “Nigeria’s Hobbesian State of Nature – A Portent of Coming Tragedy,” Chairman of the Ikeja branch, Monday Ubani, recommended that families of the Aluu victims be compensated.

He also condemned the October 1 attack on a students’ hostel at Mubi in Adamawa State, where 24 students were killed.

Ubani who was represented at the event by the 1st Vice Chairman of the association, Adesina Ogunlana noted that the culture of lynching seemed to be entrenched in Nigeria. He held that it was not only done by irate mobs but also by uninformed killers.

“Most Nigerians know that their country is far from being healthy and is in reality not a good place to live in a statehood that the ordinary citizen could be proud of. What made the Omuokiri-Aluu killings more outrageous, despite the fewer number of killings is because they show utterly barbaric form of dispatch- four hours of lynching. The killers were not faceless or few but a community of lynch mob.”

Okada riders plead with govt over restrictive laws

By MATTHEW DIKE

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malgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) has pleaded with Lagos State Government to stop the clampdown on commercial motorcycle operators.

The Lagos State Secretary of ACOMORAN, Ugochukwu Okoli, said most of the riders and their families depend on the stipends the riders make from the business. Okoli said since the motorcycle business was a great employer of labour it would be reasonable if the operators were encouraged.

Okoli noted that if the government continued to enforce the new traffic laws and with the flood tragedy ravaging so many states, the number of armed robbers would increase rapidly.

Okoli said the flood that affected 14 states in Nigeria had already created a serious social problem and people in the area were already jobless and some of the flood victims relocated to Lagos.

He said some of the victims came into Lagos with their motorcycles while many whose means of livelihood had been destroyed by the flood depended on their relations who are commercial motorcycle operators, to survive.

The ACOMORAN secretary appealed to Okada riders not to take laws into their hands. He urged them to maintain peace and pray so that God would touch the hearts of both the governor and members of the state House of Assembly.

•Senate President, David Mark (right) and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha during plenary at the 127th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) holding in Quebec, Canada, yesterday.

Gunmen kidnap lawmaker’s mother in Ogun From MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta

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the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), represents Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The lawmaker is the deputy chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security.

Daily Sun could not confirm whether the kidnappers had established contact with members of her family, particularly the lawmaker, Mr.

uspected gunmen numbering about six were said to have kidnapped the mother of a federal lawmaker in Ogun State demanding an undisclosed ransom before she would be released.

Alhaja Obedatu Abudu Balogun, 72, was said to have been abducted from her residence at Ita-Otu, Ijebu Waterside Local Government Area of the state by the gunmen around 9:30pm on Monday.

Balogun’s mother’s kidnap came barely one month after a popular businessman he National Emergency and hotelier in the state, Chief Segun Oyebolu was Management Agency kidnapped in front of his (NEMA) yesterday office in Ijebu-Ode area of recovered five more bodies the state.

Alhaja Balogun’s son, from the commuter bus that Abiodun Abudu Balogun of plunged into a river along

Balogun, whom police sources hinted was the main target of the hoodlums.

Confirming what he described as an ugly trend, Mr. Balogun added that the incident was too painful for to him bear.

“It is bad development for me and my family. What I need as a person and the entire members of my family is prayer that would facilitate the safe return of our dear mother.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, could not be reached for comments, just as a senior officer in the command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said the command was yet to be informed about the kidnap.

“I have heard about the incident but officially we are yet to be briefed. However, we have asked our men to be on alert.”

Ijebu-Ode/Ore Expressway auto crash: 5 more bodies recovered from river

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Ijebu-Ode /Ore Expressway last Friday.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, said 18 bodies had been

FCT demolished estate: Govt must return our houses, residents insist •Threaten to go on mass protest across the city From FRED ITUA, Abuja

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he ongoing controversy surrounding the demolition of 500 houses in Minanuel Estate in Lugbe District has taken a new twist as residents of the affected estate are insisting that authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) must return their houses.

Speaking to newsmen at the site of the demolished house yesterday, one of the affected residents, Mr. Festus Adebayo said the last was yet to be heard regarding the case until the 500 demolished houses were

rebuilt and handed over to the affected owners.

“We cannot wait to have our houses returned to us as we intend to go back on a massive protest as most of us don’t have any hope of home ownership again in life,” Adebayo stated.

The residents, citing a court case of 2002 between the Federal Government and SERAC, where the court upheld the right to shelter or housing in accordance with Articles 14, 16 and 18 of the Human Right Charter said the more than 400 affected persons would sue the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed,

individually.

The residents also called on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene and mandate Mohammed to restore the land under dispute with adequate compensation. “We are strongly appealing to President Goodluck Jonathan to call the FCT minister to order and restore public confidence in his administration,” Adebayo added.

He further threatened that if the appropriate authorities did not respond soon, they would start mass protests across Abuja until their demands were met.

recovered from the scene, while three passengers survived. One of them was a pregnant woman.

“All the remaining five bodies have been discovered this morning, bringing the total to 21, as Madam Christina Umwena, a survivor, revealed that 21 people were on board,” he said.

Farinloye said families of the victims had been collecting the remains of their relations at the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital for burial.

The accident occurred when a coaster bus conveying 21 passengers ran off a dual carriage bridge in Ogbere-Ijebu area and plunged into a river. The bus reportedly left Lagos and was heading towards Benin, the Edo State capital when the crash occurred.

A crane was also reported to have arrived the scene from Omo Woods to pull out the vehicle and possibly save the victims but it struggled from 12pm to 6.00pm without success.

8 DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012,

NEWS Govt to provide Lagosians free bus ride on Eid-el-Kabir

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o ensure easy movement during the Eid-el-Kabir, the Lagos State Government is to provide free bus ride to Lagosians on Friday, October 26, 2012.

The free bus ride, according to a statement by the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, will in particular enable Muslim faithful to have easy access to different praying centres across the state.

Dr. Mobereola said the free bus service, which began in 2008 had helped in decongestion and reducing accidents on the roads during festive periods, adding that the service would run for 13 hours starting from 7.00a.m till 10.00p.m.

The First BRT Cooperative, operator of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will offer free services on Mile 12 to CMS, Mile 12 to Obalende, Ajah to National Stadium, Ajah to Obalende, Mile 12 to National Stadium, Mile 2 to National Stadium, Oshodi to Obalende and Oshodi to National Stadium routes.

On the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS) corridor, free services will be offered on the Ikotun to Ikeja to Maryland, Iyana Ipaja to Maryland, Ikotun to Iyana Ipaja, Igando to Iyana Ipaja, Igando to Ikeja, and Igando to Maryland routes.

He admonished those who would put their vehicles on the road to drive with care and observe all traffic rules.

Mobereola reminded road users of the existence of the Lagos Traffic Law and warned against flouting the law under the guise of the public holiday.

While wishing all Lagosians particularly Muslim faithful a rewarding Eid-el-Kabir, Dr. Mobereola called for moderation during the celebration.

• L-R: Dr. Rotimi Oladele, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) National Council Member; Dr. Steve Adebayo, NIPR Registrar and Mr Jude Ologun, Chairman, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter, at the 23rd NIPR, Lagos State Chapter AGM/conference held in Lagos recently.

Hajj rites begin today

Nigeria public servants most inefficient, ineffective in the world –Prof Iyayi • Saudi Arabia deports another 7 female pilgrims From TONY OSAUZO, Benin

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igerian public servants have been described as the most inefficient and ineffective in the world in terms of quality service to the public.

Former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Head of Department, Business Administration of the University of Benin, Prof Festus Iyayi stated this yesterday in a lecture entitled, “The Imperative for Service Quality in the Public Service,” delivered during a four-day SERVICOM organized workshop holding in Benin for participants from Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the country.

He noted that “over the years, there had been complaints about the productivity, work attitude and quality of service provided by the public service to citizens and non-citizens,” adding that “these complaints’ have come from almost anyone who has had contact with the public service, including even Presidents of the country.”

Recalling former President Shehu Shagari’s description of Nigerian workers in 1982 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka “as having the worst attitude to work in the world,” and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comment at a retreat on service delivery in March 2004 in which he said “regrettably, Nigerians have for too long been feeling short-changed by the quality of public service delivery,” Prof. Iyayi said “in general, the evidence and our individual/collective experiences show that public servants in Nigeria are not trusted, believed to be absolutely corrupt, inefficient and ineffective.’’

Alleged wrong house sale: Family tackles bank over loan collateral

By FAITH OMORUYI

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family has filed a N300million suit against a first generation bank in a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) over an alleged wrongful sale of a house as loan collateral.

The suit was instituted by the eldest son, Benjamin Nwosisi on behalf of the Christopher Asika Nwosisi family against the bank for allegedly selling a house belonging to their late father when the said house was not the one used as collateral by the deceased (Christopher Asika Nwosisi) for a loan he took from the bank before his death.

The claimant is seeking N300million as damages for losses and damages allegedly caused on the family and its business by the bank’s sale of the property situated at 107, OkoOba Road in Lagos to one Miss Olabisi Situ.

Nwosisi is asking the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, its servants, agents, privies and/or anybody claiming title from or through the defendant from taking possession of another property of the family situated at 87, Oko-Oba Road covered by Deed of Conveyance registered as No.36, page 36 in Volume 1588.

He is also seeking the release of the house at 87, Oko-Oba Road from the Deed of Legal Mortgage registered as No. 12 at page 12 in Volume 1834.

From ISMAIL OMIPIDAN where all pilgrims would stay would ensure strict compliAND AKEEB ALARAPE, till Sunday evening; trans- ance to quality welfare packportation and feeding arrange- age for the pilgrims as they Jeddah ments at Mount Arafat as well would be made to visit all the ites for 2012 holy pil- as security of Nigerians at state camps.

The Amirul-Hajj, however, grimage to Saudi Arabia Muzdalifa plains, where the

by Muslims across the pilgrims would camp on warned the pilgrims to be world commences today with Thursday evening before pro- good representatives of camping at Muna, the City of ceeding to Jamrat for the ston- Nigeria by observing their hajj ing of the Devil. rites devoid of violence and Tent.

It was gathered at the meetdisobedience of rules and regNo fewer than three million pilgrims from all countries of ing that Nigerian pilgrims ulations of Saudi authorities.

Head, Media Unit of NAHthe world are expected to would enjoy Tent C treatment, arrive Muna today for onward which is meant for very CON, Mallam Uba Mana movement to Mount Arafat, important personalities, both confirmed the preparedness of the commission, saying all where they are expected to at Muna and Muzdalifa.

The Tent C treatment would hands were on deck to ensure stand up in prayers from dayentitle the pilgrims to rugged hitch-free hajj exercise. break till sunset.

According to him, Nigerian Ninety-five thousand and air-conditioned tents as Nigerians will also participate well as standard feeding medical team were already on in the annual rites, which will arrangement by qualified con- standby for any emergence regardless of the arrangement hold from Thursday, the 9th tractors.

The pilgrims would also made by Saudi authorities. day of Dul- Hijjah, the 12th Mana said Saudi authorities month of Muslims’ calendar have mattresses and pillows as and culminating into the Feast against previous years, where had put in place enough medof Sacrifice on Friday, 10th of the pilgrims are left to the pro- ical facilities for all the pilDul-Hijjah, when other visions of their respective state grims and no ambulance of Islamic faithful across the governments and tour opera- any country was allowed either in Muna, Mount Arafat world would mark as eid-el- tors.

Sultan Abubakar said mem- or Muzdalifa. kabir day.

A local Saudi newspaper, Preparatory to the hajj rites, bers of Council of Ulamas an all-night pre-Arafat meeting was held on Monday at Jeddah’s headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) presided .Says alliance, a sign of weakness over by the Amirul-Hajj of Nigeria and Sultan of Sokoto, From TAIWO AMODU, Prince Oyinlola declared that the PDP was not bothered by His Eminence, Alhaji Abuja what he described as opposiMuhammad Sa’ad Abubakar ormer Osun State governor tion gang up, as he noted that it 111. and Peoples Democratic was an indication of weakness In attendance were the Party (PDP) National on the part of the opposition Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Amb. Abubakar Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye parties.

“No, we don’t think that we Shehu Bunu, Minister of State Oyinlola has dismissed the for Foreign Affairs, Dr. alliance talks between certain are threatened by what I will Nurudeen Muhammed, mem- opposition parties as a futile call gang up.

“In those days, when the bers of the Federal efforts that would not yield any National Party of Nigeria Government delegation, fruitful result.

Political parties including (NPN) and Nigeria Peoples members of Nigerian Council of Ulamas, NAHCON mem- the Action Congress of Party (NPP) were closing bers, chairmen and secretaries Nigeria, (ACN) and the ranks, it was called accord. of state pilgrims’ boards, lead- Congress for Progressive When the Unity Party of ers of state delegation and rep- Change, (CPC) have been Nigeria (UPN) and the Great resentatives of airline opera- engaging in alliance discus- Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP) sions towards forming a formi- were merging, it was called tors.

The meeting reviewed the dable opposition against the gang up.

“Ganging up is an indicaaccommodation arrangement ruling PDP in 2015.

But speaking with journal- tion of weakness; if you are for Nigerian pilgrims at Muna, ists yesterday in Abuja, sure of yourself and your party

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Saudi Gazette, reported yesterday that 25, 700 civil defense force, with 6, 600 vehicles and 19 helicopters had been deployed to the holy sites to ensure safety and security of the victims.

The country with the highest number of pilgrims for this year hajj is Indonesia with 200, 000 pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian authorities, yesterday, deported another seven female pilgrims for alleged incomplete travelling documents, barely two days to the Arafat.

The pilgrims arrived the country through the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 4:30a.m aboard a Boeing 747 Kabo aircraft.

An airport official told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity that the pilgrims were deported from Makka for not having complete travelling documents. He said the identities of the pilgrims could not be ascertained immediately.

2015: Gang up against PDP ‘ll fail –Oyinlola

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spread, you don’t need it.

“But notwithstanding, we shall remain focused in delivering dividends of democracy, so that Nigerians will continue to show interest in our party.

“If you are ganging up, it means you don’t have the national spread; the only party with national spread is the PDP. “That gives them concern and that is responsible for what I call gang up. It has never worked and it will not succeed.”

The PDP national secretary also expressed optimism that the party would reclaim lost ground in South-west in 2015 as he claimed that the PDP lost the zone to ACN, not through the ballot but due to judicial manipulation.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 9

SOUTH SOUTH Dickson signs Bayelsa judiciary autonomy bill into law

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ayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson has signed the state Judiciary Autonomy Bill into law in conformity with the provisions of the constitution.

Assenting to the bill at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Governor Dickson said the move was a demonstration of the importance his administration attached to the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

According to the governor, “having had the privilege of being a member of the bar as well as attorney-general of the state and now governor, I am in a better position to provide the requirements of the judiciary towards improving the delivery of justice in the state.”

He, however, observed that the constitution did not stipulate the framework for the implementation and the execution of the autonomy of the judiciary.

As part of government’s commitment to build institutions rather than personal powers, Governor Dickson noted that he decided to create a legal backing for the autonomy so that it would not be over-ruled by any administrative fiat in future.

With the autonomy of the judiciary in place, the state chief executive said the development signaled a new dawn in the history of the judiciary and expressed confidence in the 3rd arm of government to manage its affairs, especially in financial matters in line with the rules of the public service.

As he puts it, “with effect from the life of the next budget, I or any other governor that will come after me will not have to treat approvals and requests from the judiciary anymore.”

While calling on other governors to support the move for a truly independent judicial arm of government, Governor Dickson said the judiciary was too important as it was the last hope of the common man.

Navy arrests 4 bunkering suspects From TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt

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he Nigerian Navy has arrested four persons suspected to be involved in illegal oil bunkering in Rivers State.

Parading the suspects on Monday at the NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, the Base Commanding Officer, Commodore Oyetunji Fadeyi, said the suspects were arrested on September 30, 2012, along Ererekiri creek in Bonny .

Commodore Fadeyi stated that the suspects were linked to fire outbreak on MT African Hyacinth vessel on September 30, this year, while they were siphoning petroleum product from Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC).

The fire, according to the Naval boss, killed some of the perpetrators, while one person sustained about 30 degree burns.

“The number of the crew affected in the inferno could not be ascertained.” The suspects have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Handing them over to the anti-graft commission, Fadeyi said, was in compliance to the directive from Naval authority, as the force did not have the power to prosecute the suspects.

Leader of the EFCC team, Okechukwu Akague, told journalists that further investigation would be conducted.

The suspects told journalists that they were ignorant of the alleged offence.

Flood: Ex-warlord donates materials to school kids in Delta From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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x-Niger Delta warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo has donated school materials to all public primary schools in Warri, South-West Area of Delta State in his drive to encourage education at the grassroots level.

Mr. Job Bebenimibo, Director of Education, Tompolo Foundation, made the donation on behalf of Tompolo yesterday. Job revealed that the health arm of the foundation had also made donations to ameliorate the sufferings of flood victims at Bomadi.

According to Job: “What you witnessed today is the genuine effort of our Chairman, High Chief Tompolo towards reviving and encouraging education. His interest is to lay a solid education foundation for all the children irrespective of tribe.

“This is a pilot project as we are in the process of giving free book, school uniforms, school bags, sandals and recreational facilities to the 41 schools in the area. We have also earmarked incentives for all the teachers to encourage them.”

On his part, Mr. Kestin Pondi, general manager, Oil Facility Security Limited and Director of Finance, Tompolo Foundation added that the donation was preemption to the proposed donation of free educational materials and enhanced package for teachers.

•Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr Kingsley Kuku (left) and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Ibidapo Adefuye, during the envoy’s courtesy visit to the Amnesty Office in Abuja yesterday.

Nigeria opens fresh talks with Cameroon on Bakassi •We ‘ll protect minority rights, says Mark From ADETUTU in Bakassi have all their rights FOLASADE-KOYI, Quebec intact, to ensure that they are protected; that their human Canada rights are protected?

“We will ensure that they igeria has commenced fresh talks are not maltreated by the with the Republic of Cameroonians. That is one of Cameroon on the fate of the issues we will actually Nigerians in the ceded take time to discuss with Cameroonian parliamentariBakassi Peninsula.

Senate President David ans here at the IPU.” Speaking earlier, the Mark made this known at the ongoing 127th Inter- Senate President, who spoke Parliamentary Union (IPU) on “The parliament, linguistic Assembly in Quebec, and cultural diversity in a globalised world,” reminded Canada.

The Senate President is the IPU that each nation had expected to lead the Nigerian its own peculiarities but delegation, which includes affirmed that Nigeria was on Deputy Speaker of the House the path to addressing such of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, to a meeting with the Cameroon Parliament attending the IPU Assembly in Canada.

From TONY JOHN and The two countries would CANICE UZOUKWU, Port principally discuss the Harcourt enforcement of the rights of Bakassi indigenes in the wo armed robbery susceded Peninsula. pects, on Tuesday, met The Senate President said their waterloo, when although there was a judicial they engaged policemen in a ruling on the Peninsula, shootout in Port Harcourt, Nigeria intends to seize the Rivers State. initiative presented by IPU The incident occurred at 12 meeting to impress it on noon, along Ada George Cameroon to respect the fun- Road, in the state capital.

Addressing journalists few damental human rights of the hours after the operation at Bakassi people.

“Bakassi is a different story the state police command entirely because for Bakassi, headquarters, Moscow Road, there’s a judicial decision and Port Harcourt, the Deputy once there’s a judicial deci- Commissioner of Police insion, you must be careful on charge of Administration, Mr. revisiting it; is it revisiting it Thomas Etomi said the dead so that it will bring more prof- bandits were members of a it or whether we should four-man robbery gang.

Etomi stated that policeensure that Nigerians who are men on routine patrol sus-

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diversities through a further amendment of its constitution.

Senator Mark reiterated that the National Assembly would work to protect minority rights through an amendment of the country’s constitution.

He said: “Parliaments ratify international treaties, including those on human rights and the protection of the vulnerable and minority interests which their various countries are signatories to.

“Indeed, we must bear in mind that every nation has its own peculiarities and must manage its diversities within such local contexts while also drawing from international

best practices and standards.

“As a matter of fact, let me assure you, Mr President and distinguished delegates that the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not just in total support of raising the stakes in the management of diversities in a globalised world, we are already taking steps to ensure that every minority interest within the Nigerian state is well protected.

“We are working to remove all obstacles that hinder unity and harmonious coexistence. At the moment, efforts are on course at the National Assembly to further amend the 1999 Constitution.”

2 robbery suspects shot dead in P ’Harcourt

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pected four young men in a vehicle parked inside a bank premises and accosted them.

On interrogation, two of them bolted away without arms, but the remaining two opened fire on the policemen.

The security men were said to have retaliated and two of them were gunned down in the process.

He warned hoodlums that the police command and other security agencies were out for them and would make sure there was no hiding place for criminals.

Etomi warned further that “everyday is for the thief and one day is for the owner of the house.”

The police boss said that, with the security measures put in place by Governor Chibuike Amaechi, like the

provision of patrol vans for all the security agencies in the state, they would work to ensure safety of lives and property of Rivers residents.

He promised that the yuletide would be crime-free.

“The message for them is enough is enough. We are going to follow them anywhere they run to. Few people cannot be terrorizing the society. We are sad about it, and we want to return the state to a crime-free state.”

Among the items recovered from them were: two AK 47, two fully-loaded magazines and their operational vehicle, Toyota Corolla, with plate number Rivers BGM 896 AG. He assured that the fleeing two gang members would be tracked down.

10, DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

SOUTH EAST Igbo in Lagos to celebrate Ojukwu’s posthumous birthday

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n continuation of the immortalisation of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu, Odine Igwo Ngwo, the Igbo community in Lagos State has concluded arrangement to organize a posthumous birthday for the Biafran warlord on November 4, 2012 in Lagos.

The event will also serve as a welcome party for Ojukwu’s wife, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, who will use the occasion to pay a thank you visit to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos, ACN National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party stalwarts.

According to a statement made available to Daily Sun, the Co-ordinator, Eze (Dr.) Christian Udechukwu Nwachukwu said, “We, Ndigbo in Lagos State, are here to keep the memory of our great leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu alive because his life was devoid of greed and acquisition of material wealth like most wealthy Nigerians do. He was a leader that enthroned the virtues of selfless service to the people. He sacrificed his life and father’s wealth for the good of Ndigbo and Nigerians. These are some of the legacies he left behind.

“Ojukwu’s birthday on November 4, will be marked in Lagos with funfair to celebrate a great leader, who fought to protect his people from oppression. He believed in equity, justice and fair play.

He is a man Nigerian leaders should emulate because Ojukwu brought the idea of transparency into the public service to gain the confidence and trust of the people.

•Former governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim (3rd right) carrying a baby during his visit to the camps of victims of recent flood in the state where he donated a cash gift of N2million and other relief materials yesterday.

Court orders SSS, IGP to investigate traditional ruler’s kidnap

Onwuliri, Ohakim visit flood victims

By FAITH OMORUYI

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he Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday ordered the Director-General of State Security Service (SSS) and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate a June 2, 2011 abduction of a traditional ruler in Anambra State , Chief Lawrence Oragwu.

Chief Oragwu, a retired deputy comptroller-general of Customs, was kidnapped by gunmen at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area in Anambra State on his way from church with his driver. He was at the time the acting Igwe (or traditional head) of Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

Delivering its judgment on an application for police investigation by Oragwu’s son, Nnamdi, the court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris ordered the police to mandate a special unit to commence or take over and conclude the investigation.

He ordered the respondents to transmit to the court’s registry a type-written report of their respective investigations within three months. The court noted that the respondents did not defend the suit brought against them.

Nnamdi Oragwu, in the suit had told the court that a Toyota Hilux truck drove in front of his father’s car and blocked him and his driver. He stated that about four heavily armed men alighted from the truck, dragged the driver out, pushed Chief Oragwu into the truck and drove off with his car.

Bizman cries to IGP over illegal use of police against him

By OLA AGBAJE

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businessman has cried to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar over alleged move by his opponents to arrest him to stall their trial over alleged illegal sale of his property.

Prince Godwin Osondu had already petitioned the IG over alleged illegal sale of his property in Mgbuka Obosi, Anambra State by Obosi Micro Finance Bank Ltd through alleged fictitious power of attorney.

Following the petition in which he fingered the buyer, the auctioneer of his property and the managing director of the bank as those who allegedly perpetrated the illegal sale of his property, the IGP ordered investigation and the suspects were charged to court.

The trial of the suspects has been fixed for October 29, 2012 at Obosi Chief Magistrate Court.

Apart from the criminal charge against the suspects, Prince Osondu, in a bid to recover his property has also instituted civil action against the bank and six defendants.

However, the bank and other defendants have insisted that the property in contention was validly sold following the alleged failure of the plaintiff to redeem a facility he took from the bank.

It was the contention of the defendants that the plaintiff failed to repay the facility running into millions at the stipulated time which informed the sale.

In a new twist to the matter, Osondu’s brother, Uju Nweze was arrested in Lagos on Monday around 7.00p.m in lieu of his brother by a team of detectives allegedly from AIG zone 9.

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ictims of the recent flood in some camps in Imo State heaved a sigh of relief when two prominent indigenes of the state, Prof Biola Onwuliri, minister of state for Foreign Affairs and Chief Ikedi Ohakim, immediate past governor of Imo State visited their camps with relief materials last weekend.

The two frontline politicians who jointly ran for the 2011 governorship election in the state were accompanied by a number of top politicians in the state including the former speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Goodluck Opiah, Secretary to the state branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir George Eguh and the member representing Oguta State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mr Eugene Dibiagwu.

The entourage, which first visited Eziorsu in the Oguta Local Government Area received cheerful welcome by youths in the area amid shots, reminiscent of election-

eering days.

Addressing the victims of the flood, Ohakim said that in spite of his having left the office, he was still a part of them and that he had come to the area to demonstrate his love for the people and his continuing commitment to their welfare. He assured the victims that he would join hands with other political leaders in the state to mitigate their sufferings and ensure they got whatever was due to them from the Federal Government’s relief package.

Speaking on a similar vein,

ed by the flood.

Among relief items presented to the victims at both Eziorsu and Oguta towns were several bags of rice, cartons of tomatoes, beverages, cooking oil, soaps, detergents, toiletries among other materials.

Chief Ohakim had earlier visited the victims at Abacheke in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and the home of Opiah, where he donated a cash gift of N2million in addition to other relief materials.

Enugu Intl Airport: 6 landowners dead ...As govt, landlords continue to battle over compensation From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

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ix landowners among persons whose houses were demolished and property acquired by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the expansion of the Enugu Airport have been reported dead, just as the legal battle

Gov Obi grants amnesty to 12 prisoners From DAVID From Enugu prison, ONWUCHEKWA, Nnewi Ikechukwu Nwafor had his death sentence commuted to n exercise of his constitu- life imprisonment while tional powers and to mark Emmanuel Izuchukwu the 52nd Independence Nwaziri from the same prison anniversary of our country, was released.

Governor Peter Obi of From Ibite-Olo Prison, Anambra State has granted Chinagorom Eze and Onyeka amnesty to 12 prisoners.

Okona were released, while A memo from the Jude Okolo, Joy Audu, Attorney-General of Chukwudum Nwasogu, Anambra State/Chairman, Ngozi Chukwuasonibe and State Advisory Council on Felicia Asonibe were granted Prerogative of Mercy, Mr Peter Afuba referenced reprieve from Onitsha Prison.

Awka Prison had one benAG.AN/S.198/Vol.VI/134, namely Peter dated 5th October, 2012 eficiary, Chukwuka Asonibe while states that these persons were serving terms in Enugu , Ogbonna Okeke and Emeka Ibite-Olo, Onitsha , Awka and Ukpabi in Aguata prison were also lucky.

Aguata prisons.

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the minister of state told the victims that the Federal Government would do everything to ensure that they were not exposed to further danger arising from flood and urged them to remain calm, lawabiding and prayerful.

The entourage later moved to Oguta town where they were similarly received by indigenes of the area who told the former governor and the minister that there were no camps in the area because the natives decided to absorb the displaced persons within families that were not affect-

for compensation continues to linger.

Yesterday, the Federal High Court in Enugu again adjourned ruling in the matter, which had pitched the Enugu State Government on war path with the former land owners at the Airport Hillview and Layout.

Trial judge, Justice D. V Agishi, adjourned the matter to November 19, 2012 when counsel to the state government failed to appear in court.

The move to upgrade the Enugu Airport to international standard led to the acquisition of the land by the government in 2009, through the state Ministry of Lands, with a promise to compensate the landowners.

Chairman of the Airport Hillview and Layout Landlords Association, Mr. Emmanuel Onoh, told journalists after the adjournment that some of them who started the fight had lost their lives.

Said he: “We have since agreed to give the land to government. It belongs to government, but we are saying that we must be compensated and quickly. Already six people have died waiting for

government’s compensation.

Two others are very sick due to the shock they received from government’s acquisition of our land.

“Most of us are still very worried and our health is fast deteriorating because we have not had money to buy another land equivalent to what we bought the land at Airport Hillview and Layout to build the houses some years ago.

The landowners, under the auspices of Airport Hillview and Layout Neighbourhood Watch, dragged the state government to court in 2010 when it failed to redeem its promise to pay them compensation.

Counsel to the landowners, Mr. Nwabueze Ugwu, said it was not the first time the matter was being adjourned, adding that the essence was to see if the case would be settled out of court amicably.

“Due to the nitty-gritty of the case, we didn’t ask for judgment today. If we had done, we would have been given. Between now and November 19, we would still wait and see if the government would be positive about it.”

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 11

SOUTH WEST NAFDAC to introduce scratch cards to identify fake drugs From GBENGA ADESUYI, Ibadan

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ational Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) would from 2013 introduce scratch cards that would reveal the personal identification number (PIN) of drugs in the country in its bid to check the spread of fake drugs.

The number, according to the agency, would give users, information on the authenticity or otherwise of such drugs.

The South West Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Agency, Mr. Adegboyega Osiyemi who disclosed this during the flag-off campaign against the use and sale of fake drugs in Oyo State said the campaign was organized in conjunction with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the agency.

He added that already the agency had taken the campaign to Erunmu, Saki, Agbeni and other parts of the state.

The Youth Corps members, Osiyemi said would act as foot soldiers that would spread the campaign to all the local governments in the state.

The State Director of NAFDAC, Reverend Benjamin Haruna while speaking at the flag-off of the Agbeni sensitization programme yesterday disclosed that some traders in the market had advised their colleagues to avoid patronising sellers of fake drugs that were not registered by NAFDAC. He said the Corps members would watch out for expiry and

Bury me beside my husband -Sheila Solarin From MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta

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he remains of the widow of the late social crusader and critic, Mrs. Sheila Solarin, would be committed to the mother earth on Saturday November 9, 2012 during a private family funeral at the Solarins’ plot within the Mayflower school premises.

She would be buried beside her husband, Dr. Tai Solarin who died on June 27, 1994 at a portion of the Mayflower School land, which had been designed as family plot.

As at yesterday, the portion of the land had been dug along the Chukwumemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu Road, with masons and other artisans working on it.

As part of the burial, family members and old students of the great school co-founded by her late husband had agreed to wear an Ankara ‘Aso Ebi’which was put at N1, 800 during the burial.

The choice of the burial of Sheila besides her husband was informed by her directivegiven, when he died 18 years ago.

One of the workers working on the site told Daily Sun that: “Mama has instructed that she should be buried beside her husband for whom she bore two children, Corin and Tunde.

“We are respecting the wishes of mama that she should be buried here, beside her husband and that’s exactly what we are doing here. I can tell you that the tomb will be a befitting one before the burial day.”

As at yesterday, many sympathisers, including ex-students of the school continued to pay their condolences.

Among the old students of the school founded in 1956, Mr. Alake Oronti who began his education at the age of six in the school described the death of ‘mama’ as a big loss.

Amosun highlights benefits for investors in Ogun

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oreign and local investors can take full benefits of the human, economic, geographical and natural assets of Ogun by establishing their businesses in the state.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos during the first EU-Nigeria Business Forum, which had as its theme: “The European Business Community meets Africa’s Economic Power House.”

Amosun stated that beside having the richest manpower in the country, the proximity of Ogun to Lagos, its longest border with neighbouring Benin Republic and its deepest sea port offered any investment in Ogun boundless opportunities in terms of market and returns on investment.

Besides its vast land mass and fertile soil conducive to agriculture, the state helmsman listed other natural resources in Ogun State to include limestone, granite, phosphate, gypsum, bauxite, bitumen, feldspar, clay, glass-sand, kaolin, quartz, tarsand and gem-stones.

Amosun informed investors that the interface of the public with government functionaries was without bottlenecks, citing the developments in Bureau of Lands and Survey as an example.

“Our newly re-organized Bureau of Lands and Survey becomes a one-stop shop for all land related issues. Very soon, it will be possible for someone in Abuja, London, Frankfurt, Paris or New York to purchase land in Ogun State completely online,” he said.

•L-R: Moderator, Fubara Anga, Head of EU delegation and ECOWAS Ambassador, Dr. David MacRae, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chairman of the Panel, Mr. Foluso Phillips, and DG Trade EU Commission, Mrs. Marta Middlebro, at the first European-Nigerian Business Forum held in Lagos, yesterday.

Alaafin accuses police of aiding, abetting crime in Oyo From GBENGA ADESUYI, Ibadan

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laafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 has accused the state Police Command of what he described as aiding and abetting of criminality in Oyo Town.

Oba Adeyemi alleged that the state police command has been providing security cover for an Oyo Chief, Alhaji Ganiyu Ajiboye, who had earlier been charged to court for an alleged criminal offence and granted bail.

Ajiboye, who was installed as Baale of Ago Oja in Oyo town by the immediate past administration of Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, and whose title, a High Court had declared as non-existent in Oyo State Chiefs Law, was recently charged in an Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court for violating a perpetual High Court order, which had restrained him from further parading himself as an oba.

While addressing the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace yesterday, Oba Adeyemi said the police in Oyo town had been providing security cover for Chief Ajiboye, thereby encouraging him to further commit the offence for which he was arraigned, charged and later granted bail.

He described the police action as a manifestation of ineptitude and gross violation of what they stand for, as well as an act that was capable of undermining the sincerity of the force in the enforcement of law and

order, adding that indulging an accused person by the police in such an instant was a breach of the constitution.

According to him, the Baale of Ago Oja ought to have been re-arrested for committing the same offence he was charged with, but instead, the police gave him cover.

He said: “How would somebody who has been charged to court for an offence and was granted bail, could now be provided police escort to commit the same offence for which he was on bail.

“If the police are aiding and abetting criminality, people will not respect them. Such an action could lead to break down of law and order. We are ever ready in Oyo to give support and cooperation to the

police. We maintain law and order, the reason the old Oyo Empire had existed uninterruptedly for 600 years.

“Until we begin to take care of our security, and enforce the law as it should be, the nation will continue to grapple with its adversity,” Alaafin said.

Having acknowledged that he and his people constitutionally appreciated the roles and challenges being encountered by the police, Alaafin used the occasion to sympathize with the Nigeria Police for the loss of some of his men, who were felled by armed robbers’ bullets in Ogun State on Monday, stressing that “Your men are doing their best in this area.”

The Police Commissioner who was accompanied by the Oyo

Area Commander, Mr. Dabo (Assistant Commissioner of Police) and some other principal officers of the state police command expressed delight for the opportunity he had to visit the palace and the Oyo Empire: “Which I had read about when I was in the Secondary School, there was no way the police could work without the palace.”

Mbu solicited the support and cooperation of Alaafin in the area of information supply, adding that: “We are your children. Whenever we make mistakes, as our father, endeavour to call your son, the Area Commander, to intimate him. If he cannot handle the situation, I will intervene, and if any of my aides misbehave, I will sanction them,” he assured

Court remands man, 45, over kidnap of 55-year-old man From BAMIGBOLA GBO- torture on four others identi- ted an offence contrary to secfied as Alobi Kamorudeen, tions 517 (d), 249 (d), 252 LAGUNTE, Osogbo

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45-year-old man, Adeolu Ojetade was yesterday remanded in prison custody by a Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo for allegedly kidnapping a 55-year-old man, Samuel Fatokun and also assaulting four others in a village in Osun State.

According to the police prosecutor, Fagboyinbo Abiodun, a Police Inspector, the accused and others now at large bundled Fatokun into a vehicle and whisked him away to an unknown destination, where he was assaulted.

Abiodun further stressed that Ojetade and others at large while trying to carry out their nefarious act, unleashed

Adeosun Babatunde, Oladapo Fabunmi and Dairo Morakinyo by beating them black and blue.

The charge sheet reads in part: “That you Adeolu Ojetade and others at large on 3rd of October, 2012 at about 1pm at Akala village in Modakeke did conspire among yourselves to kidnap and assault one Samuel Fatokun, a.k.a. Ferebiekun and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under sections 516 and 364 (2) of the criminal code cap 34, vol. II, Laws of Osun state of Nigeria, 2003.”

Fagboyinbo noted that Ojetade caused breached of public peace while perpetrating the crime and so commit-

and punishable under section 351 of the criminal code cap 34, vol. II, Laws of Osun state of Nigeria, 2003.

Ojetade who was facing an eight count-charge bothering on conspiracy, assault and kidnapping pleaded not guilty.

The defence counsel, Mr. Odunayo Henry made efforts to make an oral bail application for the accused, but the presiding Magistrate, Olusola Aluko prevented him and ordered him to provide the court, a formal bail application.

Aluko therefore ordered that Ojelade be remanded in Ile-Ife prison custody and adjourned the case till November 27 for hearing.

12 DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

ONDO GUBER POLL

FIEO notes irregularities in Ondo election From TUNDE RAHEEM Akure

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he Forum of Independent Election Observers [FIEO] in Nigeria yesterday claimed that the last Saturday governorship election in Ondo State was impaired by irregularities.

Dr. Gabriel Nwambu of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) at a press briefing said in Orimolade Grammar School, Okelisa Okeduke, Ogbodu in Ondo West, unit 012 and area code 11, the presiding officer, a youth corps member an assistant presiding officer were allegedly seen thumb printing for Labour Party (LP) with a cash reward of N50, 000 each.

He said: “The question is, where did a youth corps member and his ally get N50, 000 at a polling unit?

“In Owo, two LP chieftains, Niran Sule, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Mr. Tunji Ojomo Chairman, Caretaker Committee in Owo Local Government were caught and arrested for illegal possession of six AK 47 rifles used to cause mayhem and terrorize innocent voters.

“This explains the low turnout and subsequent winning of LP in Owo, as thousands of voters were disenfranchised.

Nwambu said at Okitipupa and Idanre, thugs were snatching ballot boxes, harassing voters and opposition parties.

“In Ilaje, a stronghold of the PDP, INEC did not conduct election in two wards and the ad-hoc staff of INEC never showed up.”

The election observers also noted that on Thursday ‘15 youths working for LP were arrested in Akure for thumb printing and stuffing of ballot boxes in an LP chieftain’s house.

It noted that report by election observers must be taken seriously to save the young democracy from imminent collapse.

Ekwunife hails Jonathan over guber poll success From EMMANUEL UZOR, Onitsha

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he member, representing Anaocha/Dunukofia/Njikoka federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife has congratulated the governorelect of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

Mrs. Ekwunife further disclosed that the election was credible because of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, which she said was rooted in enthroning free and credible elections.

“I want to congratulate the people of Ondo State for holding tenaciously to what they believe; I also want to congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan in whose administration, we are witnessing a new dawn in our democratic life and also the INEC Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega for conducting free and credible election in the state.

“I had no doubt in my mind that the re-election of Chief Mimiko was as a result of massive development, his administration had embarked upon since he assumed office and the Ondo electorate expressed their belief in the ballot papers by re-electing him for the second term,” she said.

The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Environment further described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate in the last governorship election in the state, Chief Olusola Oke as a gentle and wise politician for accepting defeat.

Mrs. Ekwunife said: “I want to also thank PDP candidate, Chief Olusola Oke for being magnanimous in defeat and throwing his weight behind Mimiko.”

•L–R: Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, Lagos State , Chief Henry Ajomale, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, presenting cheque to a beneficiary, Mr. Tunde Akilo during the presentation of empowerment programme organise by Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon in Lagos yesterday.

Mimiko confirmed ...Re-elected Ondo gov gets certificate of return •Recommends staggered elections From TUNDE RAHEEM Akure

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ndo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko yesterday advocated a continuous voters registration exerise in Nigeria as away of preventing disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

The re-elected governor also advocated the application of staggered elections system by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a panacea to electoral malpractice in the country.

Mimiko made the suggestions while receiving his Certificate of Return (CoR) from INEC National Commissioner in charge of South West, Professor Lai Olurode in Akure.

“One critical element of success is these staggered elections. I am sure we did not deliberately craft it, but this has been crafted for us. It appeared God has decided to intervene in our electoral affairs through this.

“I believe that our elec-

toral umpire, INEC should now go to that and create a regimen of staggered elections for Nigeria.

“From my experience in the elections that took place in Edo and Ondo states on these staggered elections option, it will probably be one credible solution to the challenges of electoral malpractices in Nigeria.”

Mimiko said INEC should work on ensuring that logos of political parties that were similar were not close to

each other in the ballot papers in order to avoid having thousands of voided votes.

While commending INEC for its increased level of commitment to having a credible electoral system, the governor expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for delivering on his promise to provide security to secure our votes.

In his address Olurode said: “Though INEC is claiming to be perfect as

Ondo PDP berates national leaders for congratulating Mimiko From TUNDE RAHEEM, Akure

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday berated some of its national leaders for congratulating Governor Olusegun Mimiko over his re-election victory.

The PDP said it took serious exception to the obvious lack of camaraderie in the attitudes

of the national leaders of party and the indecent haste of certain functionaries to fall on each other in congratulating Governor Mimiko.

In a press statement signed by the state Director of Media and Publicity of the party, Ayo Fadaka, he described the attitude of the national leaders as not only being ridiculous but undermining the integrity of the party in the state.

“Our attention has been

Jonathan’s reaction excites NLC Oyo AP, PDP chieftains salute Mimiko From the country.

“We congratulate the NOAH EBIJE,

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hieftain of the Accord Party (AP), Oyo State, Chief Bisi Ilaka, has saluted Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko on his re-election, describing it as the right thing to happen to the state.

He said the victory signaled the end of imperialism in Yorubaland, adding that: “The election is a pointer to the fact that modern day slave traders should appreciate that the people have the right to choose their leaders.”

Chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Egbeda Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Kabir Oladele Adesokan, also praised the people of Ondo State for voting en masse for Mimiko.

He said by voting Mimiko, the people have decided to take their destiny in their own hands.

He urged Mimiko to continue his good works that had endeared him to the people. Oladele advised the electorate in Oyo State to kick the ACN out of the 33 council areas in the coming local government election.

Kaduna

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igeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday expressed excitement over prompt congratulatory message by President Goodluck Jonathan to Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko for emerging winner in last Saturday’s governorship election.

In a statement issued by the Vice President of NLC, Issa Aremu, the congress noted that such democratic tolerance

by Jonathan showed that he was committed to entrenching bigger picture of democracy in

there are bound to be challenges, the most important thing is to remove what remains of electoral malfeasance.

He said INEC has zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline among its staffers, saying “only God knows the number of INEC officials that have been axed since 2011.

Olurode who praised the over 40 per cent voters turnout as the highest so far, described the jubilation that greeted the declaration of the results as an evidence of transparent conduct of the poll.

The NLC also congratulated Governor Mimiko, and urged him to carry everybody along irrespective of political differences for the development of the state, just as it commended all stakeholders for making the election a success.

“Special commendation goes to President Goodluck Jonathan for knowing where partisanship ends and statesmanship begins. His congratulatory message to Governor Mimiko of Labour Party showed his commitment to the bigger picture of entrenching democracy.

Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the good people of Ondo State for the successful conduct of the governorship election on Saturday October 20. It is a victory for democracy. Ondo State just like Edo State had shown that Nigeria is becoming a democracy destination where votes can really count.

“Opposition parties in the state have put up spirited struggle which is commendable. We call on the Governor Olusegun Mimiko to deepen and sustain all-inclusive development politics in the state,” the statement read.

drawn to various comments and congratulatory messages sent by the National Publicity Secretary of the party and even some leaders of the party to Dr. Olusegun Mimiko over his victory in the last election that is fraught with irregularities. This flurry of messages, particularly by our kith and kin in the PDP without due consultation with us at the state level to discover what actually went wrong has the potent tendency to misconstrue our position and the actions we intend to take on this matter.

“We take serious exception to the obvious lack of camaraderie in our party and the indecent haste of certain functionaries to fall on each other in congratulating a man who essentially is a beneficiary of a compromised election. It is important to place on record that the avalanche of the security provided for the election was lethargic and absolutely in contrast to what obtained in Edo State. The posted security men were only visible and present in the urban areas and the rural areas and villages unpoliced, thereby allowing Mimiko and his goons to compromise the election.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012,13

AREWA

Borno gov warns engineers over projects From TIMOTHY OLA, Maiduguri

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ngineers in the services of Borno State Government will henceforth be held accountable anytime contractors hand over poorly executed project to government, Governor Kashim Shettima has warned.

Shettima, who inspected the site of the proposed state university yesterday in Maiduguri said engineers who were expected to certify government projects as supervisors ought to ensure that such projects met required standard before certification and payment by government.

The governor noted that engineers under the Ministry of Works were usually assigned as supervisors of projects carried out by the state government, adding that they had the responsibility to reject poorly executed projects so as to stop payment by government to contractors.

Shettima observed that an administrative block at the proposed university had deficient structure even as he asked the contractor to do thorough work on the structure. He said the supervising engineers ought to have rejected the structure even before he arrived the site for supervision.

The governor directed the commissioner for higher education to expedite action in completing processes for the award of contracts for massive infrastructure on the proposed site.

Speaking earlier, Chairman, Technical Committee on the establishment of the university, Prof. Nur Alkali, disclosed that the committee would invite officials from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to inspect the site by the end of November.

Yuguda’s son’s wedding: Man, 30, arraigned for accusing gov of misappropriation From PAUL ORUDE, Bauchi

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30-year-old civil servant, Abbas Ahmed, has been arraigned in a Bauchi State Chief Magistrate Court over allegations on the funding of Governor Isa Yuguda’s son’s wedding last month in Azare.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Rufai Ahmed, told the court that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) received a request from the office of the state attorney-general endorsed by the state Commissioner of Justice, Almustapha Suleiman requesting the SCID to investigate case of injurious falsehood and defamation of public servant contrary to Section 393, 394 of the penal code.

He said, “on September 4, 2012, the defendant, Abbas Ahmed, used his etisalat GSM number 08098262437 on facebook with email address AAA Albash@yahoo.com and made some allegations on the funding of the wedding of the state governor’s son in Azare in Bauchi State on September 8, 2012.

“The accused, on facebook, accused his Excellency’s administration of financial misappropriation. In the course of investigation, the said Abbas A. Ahmed denied the allegation contrary to Section 393, 394 of the penal code.”

He appealed to the court to remand the suspect in police custody to enable police complete their investigation.

The Presiding Chief Magistrate Abubakar Mohammed Kafin Madaki granted the application and remanded the suspect in police custody and adjourned the suit to tomorrow for further mention.

Gov Ahmed committed to people oriented programme –CPS From LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin

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he Kwara State Government has again reiterated its determination to be more focused on the welfare of the people through the initiation and execution of projects that would add value to their lives.

Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, stated this yesterday while receiving the Best Chief Press Secretary Award 2012 presented to him by the Publisher of NIMMA Magazine, Mr. Abdul-Hameed Alli at the Government House, Ilorin.

Oba said the present administration, under Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed was determined to consolidate the achievements of its predecessor in the areas of human capital development, infrastructural facilities and other sectors to make the state a model for other states.

According to him, even though the state received very low allocation from the federation account, the government was still committed to improving on its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to aid its transformation agenda involving all sectors of the state economy.

The CPS, who expressed appreciation for the honour done him, urged the publisher of NIMMA magazine to continue to project the mission and vision of the magazine to ensure an egalitarian society.

•L–R: Alhaji Muhammed Goni Abubakar, Government and Community Relations Officer, MTN and Alhaji Jinjiri Dutse, chairman, Jigawa State Relief Committee and Commissioner for Rural Infrastructure and Community Development during the presentation of relief materials to flood victims by MTN in Dutse, Jigawa State, recently.

50 villages to be connected to electricity supply in Plateau From MARIAM ALESHIN- including Lafia and Zaria, while the Federal LOYE-AGBOOLA, Jos Government was also waitver 50 villages in ing for the gas power plant to Plateau State will be completed for the country soon begin to get sta- to begin to enjoy stable elecble electricity supply with tricity supply.

He said government wantthe completion of the Makeri 50 mega watts substation in ed to ensure there was Jos, even as the Minister of enough infrastructure on Information, Labaran Maku, ground for transmission in assured Nigerians that as order not to have power from next year the country waste once it began full genwill begin to enjoy stable eration of electricity, assuring Nigerians that there electricity supply.

Addressing the National would be no retardation in Good Governance Tour team led by the minister who visited the new substation, the Principal Manager of the Zaria Road Transmission Station, Mr. Thomas From AKEEB ALARAPE, Duniya, revealed that once Jeddah the two by 60 MDE substaice-Chairman, Senate tion was commissioned and Committee on other modalities completed, Foreign Affairs, villages mostly located around the Jos South Local Senator Muhammed Sani Government Area would Saleh has called for a begin to enjoy electricity review of orientation given to intending Nigerian pilsupply.

He revealed that another grims, saying hajj is a spirisubstation of two by 40 tual exercise and not a jamMDA had also been com- boree.

Saleh, a chieftain of the pleted in Pankshin, which Congress for Progressive would hook up with the Change (CPC), representing Zaria substation, explaining that PHCN was waiting for Kaduna Central Senatorial the state government to hook District, stated this while up with the rural areas speaking with newsmen at sovthat they could take more Jeddah yesterday preparatoload from the newly con- ry to the commencement of structed substation to supply hajj rites.

While commending manthe southern part of the state. agement of National Hajj He said the Pankshin subCommission of Nigeria station would supply the (NAHCON) and states pilsouthern part of the state grims’ welfare boards for including Shendam.

The information minister various improvements in pointed out that as part of hajj operation, he called for President Goodluck a review of the content of Jonathan’s economic recov- hajj education.

“What we need to do ery programme, similar submuch more is pilgrims’ edustations were being put up in different parts of the country cation. We need to educate our pilgrims well at home

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supply but improvement from now on.

The minister who also led the team to Nigeria’s Technology Incubation Center in Jos urged Nigerians who went for imported products to now have preference for local products because Nigerians were producing high quality goods.

The minister who inspected leather products including shoes and bags, fabricated metal works, solid mineral

processed products, certified that security agencies no longer needed to import shoes from abroad because Nigerians were producing good quality ones.

“Most of the entrepreneurs at the center who have benefitted from the ‘You Win’ programme of the Federal Ministry of Finance are presently employing at least 10 workers to carry out their manufacturing, most of which are being sold locally for now.”

Hajj not a jamboree –Sen Saleh

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before coming here. If we can educate our pilgrims more, I think most of the problems we are having here will reduced.

“It is the content of the education that has to be expanded to include hygiene or sanitation, activities in the aircraft, modern amenities intending pilgrims will meet in Saudi and how to interact and conduct themselves with Arabs, especially some element of Arab’s culture.

“I think we have concentrated the pilgrims’ education mostly to Islamic rites and how to do the hajj well,” he said.

The lawmaker took exception to those calling for an upward review of the 32kg main luggage for each pilgrim, saying, “hajj exercise is not for shopping spree.”

According to him, the issue of excess luggage is a pointer to the fact that some pilgrims came with money above the approved basic transport allowance.

“What are they complain-

ing about? We are here on pilgrimage and not on shopping. I know it is a tradition for us to buy a few things but how much are the pilgrims entitled to? What can it buy for us after eating if we are not going to starve ourselves? Unless somebody came in with illegal money, but if it is the BTA I know and that the government approved, then one cannot eat and have enough money to buy things worth more than the 32kg approved.

“We are not here for a shopping spree; we are to serve our God and to obey one of the Islamic injunctions. So that should be the primary responsibility of the reason we came here.

We are not coming here as traders,” he said.

On the issue of male guide to intending female pilgrims, the lawmaker said it was a non-issue as hajj was a fulfillment of a spiritual injunction with rules and regulations that must be strictly adhered to.

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Foreign Affairs Middle East peace vanishing –Carter

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• Republican presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney (left) in a debate with President Barack Obama, Democrat presidential candidate in the US election scheduled for next month. Photo: BBC

ormer U.S. President Jimmy Carter said Monday during a visit to Jerusalem that the prospect of an Israel-Palestinian peace accord is “vanishing,” blaming Israeli settlement of the West Bank.

Carter, a longtime critic of Israeli policies, called the current situation “catastrophic” and blamed Israel for the growing isolation of east Jerusalem from the West Bank. He said a Palestinian state has become “unviable.”

“We’ve reached a crisis stage,” said Carter, 88. “The two-state solution is the only realistic path to peace and security for Israel and the Palestinians.”

Carter is currently on a two-day visit leading a delegation known as the “The Elders,” which includes the former prime minister of Norway and the former president of Ireland. The group met with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

champion, Ezekiel Kemboi’s Former minister charged with plotting Kenyan assault charge dropped against Boni Yayi A

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hree people plotted to kill Benin’s President Thomas Boni Yayi by substituting poison for his medicine, prosecutors say.

The president’s doctor, one of his nieces and an ex-minister of commerce have been charged with conspiracy and attempted murder, officials said.

Prosecutors said the president’s niece and his doctor were offered 1bn CFA francs (£1.2m; $2m) to poison him.

The three have been remanded in custody, officials say.

Prosecutors yesterday named them as Dr Ibrahim Mama Cisse, the president’s niece Zouberath Kora-Seke and former minister of commerce Moudjaidou Soumanou.

Authorities said they also intended to issue an arrest warrant for businessman Patrice Talon, a former ally of Mr Yayi who fell out with the leader.

Chief prosecutor Justin Gbenameto told reporters that the alleged plot started on 17 October while the head of state was on an official visit to Brussels.

He said the president’s niece, who accompanied him on that trip, was approached

by Mr Talon who offered her money to administer drugs to the president, provided by his personal doctor.

Two days later the poison

arrived on a flight from Brussels, he said. The prosecutor said that medicine which the president usually took was then replaced with the poison.

It is alleged that Mr Soumanou acted as an inter-

mediary in the affair.

But Mr Gbenameto said the plot failed because the president’s niece informed her sister and others who then alerted the president.

The three defendants were arrested on Sunday.

Mr Gbenameto stated that the judiciary remained independent and he urged people to remain calm.

Mr Yayi, 60, was first elected president in 2006 and re-elected last year. He is currently chair of the African

Obama hammers Romney after debate

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n Tuesday after a showdown, the third and final between the candidates President Barack Obama spent sometime at a post-debate rally accusing Mitt Romney of switching positions on foreign policy and called his ideas “wrong and reckless.”

He said: “Last night Gov. Romney was all over the map.

Did you notice that?” Obama asked the crowd. “During the debate, he said he didn’t want more troops in Iraq. But he was caught on video saying it was unthinkable not to leave 20,000 troops in Iraq.”

Obama delivered his speech in a packed tennis stadium where he was introduced by West Palm Beach pizza shop owner Scott Van Duzer, who famously wrapped his arms around the president and lifted him off his feet in a bear hug last month. When Obama walked on stage, he and Van Duzer high-fived with both hands and briefly embraced, although the president’s feet never left the ground.

Obama said that over the course of the campaign, Romney had switched his positions on keeping troops in Afghanistan, America’s relationship with Israel, and the decision to kill Osama bin Laden. Obama reiterated the word he coined last week— ”Romnesia—which he has been using repeatedly when accusing the GOP challenger of switching positions.

Launching into a Jeff Foxworthy-style routine that replaced the word “redneck” with “Romnesia,” Obama said: “If you say that you love American cars during a debate, but you wrote an article entitled ‘Let Detroit Go Bankrupt,’ you might have Romnesia!

“If you talk about how much you love teachers during a debate, but said just a few weeks ago that we shouldn’t hire any more because it won’t grow the economy, what do you have?”

The president also took time to promote a new campaign booklet, “The New Economic Patriotism,” which

outlines an economic plan that increases federal government spending and raises taxes on the wealthy. Obama held up the magazine-style pamphlet and told the audience to read it to find out more about what he would do in a second term.

ssault charges against Kenya’s Olympic and world 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi have been dropped.

Anne Njeri Otieno had alleged that the athlete attacked her when she declined his sexual advances in June.

But before the case was due to open, Ms Njeri Otieno told the court in the western town of Eldoret that she had decided to withdraw the charges.

Mr Kemboi, who is a serving police officer, has always denied the accusations.

A magistrate had granted the 30-year-old athlete bail in June and allowed him to travel to compete in the London 2012 Games, where he won his second Olympic gold medal.

Ms Njeri Otieno told journalists on Tuesday that she had decided not to continue with the case as she wanted to focus on her career.

Anne Njeri Otieno outside Eldoret court on 23 October 2012 In June, Ms Njeri Otieno said she had been attacked with a knife “I want to go back to university to pursue journalism and I have forgiven Kemboi out of my own free will,” Reuters news agency quotes her as saying outside court.

“I have not been compensated whatsoever but I’ve just decided to forgive him.”

South African gold mine sacks 8,500

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ore than 8,000 striking South African gold miners have been sacked after refusing to return to work, mine owners say.

Gold Fields said workers at the KDC East mine had ignored a final deadline set for 16:00 (14:00 GMT).

Last week, some 11,000 miners at Gold Fields’ KDC West mine heeded a company ultimatum and returned to work.

South Africa’s mining sector has been hit by a wave of recent unrest which has left almost 50 people dead.

Most strikes have been over pay, although the stop-

page at KDC East - at Carletonville west of Johannesburg - relates to a local trade union dispute not wages.

“All 8,500 people who were on strike did not come back,” spokesman Sven Lunsche told AFP news agency.

“They did not return to work, so we have issued dismissal letters to all of them.”

He said the miners had 24 hours to appeal against their dismissal.

“We have now reached a stage where we can’t hold off any more. Our hands were forced and we have now done it,” Mr Lunsche said.

“We are monitoring the situation very closely and have police on standby but it has been very quiet.

Gold Fields had issued a final ultimatum to employees to present themselves for work starting with the night shift on Monday 22 October and the morning and afternoon shifts on Tuesday, or face immediate dismissal.

It had secured a court order ruling the strike illegal.

The unrest in South Africa’s mining sector - one of the world’s biggest - has badly hit the country’s economy, with the rand losing value and its credit rating downgraded.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012,

15

Foreign Affairs IPU: Nigeria, Uganda protest exclusion of Africa

From ADETUTU FOLASADEKOYI, Quebec-Canada

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igeria’s Senate President David Mark yesterday led a delegation of African countries to formally protest exclusion of some member nations from the ongoing InterParliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Quebec, Canada.

The Senate President and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, noted that the Canadian government breached an earlier agreement on the issuance of visas to member countries.

Some African countries, including Mali and Uganda and Syria were not only denied visas but in some cases, the Canadian government outrightly refused to issue visas to some African parliamentarians.

Speaking immediately after the first plenary session, the Senate President said that Canada was granted hosting rights over London with the understanding that all member countries would be treated fairly after the United Kingdom has said it would not issue visas to Zimbabwe parliamentarians.

“Well, we were very disturbed about the exclusion of some of our members from the IPU. You see, one of the reasons why Canada won over London was on the understanding that all the IPU member countries would be issued visas to come but even within Nigeria and from Nigeria, we had a lot of delays in obtaining our visas.

“Syria, for instance was not given visas, Uganda also complained that all their delegates were not issued visas. “We had the same problem with Mali and that was why we got a delegate from Nigeria to work with the Malian delegation so that we can put their item on the agenda.

• Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, right, and Gaza’s Hamas Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, left, arrive for the cornerstone laying ceremony for Hamad, a new residential neighbourhood in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip yesterday. Photo: AP

Taiwan hospital fire kills 12 A

n early morning fire at a hospital in southern Taiwan has killed 12 patients and injured at least 60 more.

The fire swept through a nursing home inside the hospital in Tainan City that housed elderly and mostly bed-ridden patients.

A hospital official said the victims died of smoke inhalation. Injured residents were being treated at several different hospitals.

Police say they have arrested a man on suspicion of starting the fire.

Local reports say the man is a patient at the nursing

Netanyahu vows to build in Jerusalem

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srael’s prime minister vowed Tuesday to continue building in a contested Jerusalem district, just days after European Union criticism of Jewish housing there.

Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking during a visit to Gilo after Israeli approval for the construction of 800 Jewish homes there sparked a sharp condemnation from EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton. She is set to visit Israel on Wednesday.

Israel captured Gilo in the 1967 Mideast war from Jordan.

Then it annexed the area to Jerusalem in a move that has not been recognized internationally. The Gilo district is close to Bethlehem in the West Bank.

Netanyahu said Jerusalem is “Israel’s eternal capital” during the visit to Gilo and said Israel has every right to build there.

“We have built in Jerusalem, we are building in Jerusalem and we will continue to build in Jerusalem, this is our policy, and I will continue to support building in Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said.

During the visit, Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat thanked Netanyahu for the resources to allow development and growth. “We will continue to build tens of thousands of apartments throughout the city,” he said.

The fate of Jerusalem is one of the most emotional issues in long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, because of key sites there that are sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

home.

The nursing home housed more than 100 people, many of whom were on respirators and unable to move on their own.

“It was pitch black and the heavy smoke was unbearable, it’s really horrifying,” a person who escaped the fire told Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

One 94-year-old woman had to use her wheelchair to escape the blaze, hiding on the second floor until rescuers found her, local media reported.

Thirty fire engines were sent to the blaze, which was extinguished by 04:16 local time (20:16 GMT), just over 45 minutes after it was reported, officials said.

Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te said the hospital’s remote location and the fact that most of the patients were unable to move on their own made the situation worse.

Firefighters arrived at the scene 10 minutes after the fire broke out, but because of the large number of patients nearby residents had to pitch in to help transport some of them

to other hospitals, says the BBC’s Cindy Sui in Taipei.

The fire is believed to be one of deadliest at a Taiwanese hospital and one of the most serious on the island in recent years, says our correspondent.

Premier Sean Chen said in a statement that he had sent condolences to the victims’ families.

World’s oldest survivor of Auschwitz dies

T

he oldest known survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp — a teacher who gave lessons in defiance of his native Poland’s Nazi occupiers — has died at the age of 108, an official said Monday.

Antoni Dobrowolski died Sunday in the northwestern Polish town of Debno, according to Jaroslaw Mensfelt, a spokesman at the AuschwitzBirkenau state museum.

After invading Poland in 1939, sparking World War II, the Germans banned anything beyond four years of elementary education in a bid to crush Polish culture and the country’s intelligentsia. The Germans considered the Poles inferior beings, and the education policy was part of a plan to use Poles as a “slave race.”

An underground effort by Poles to continue to teach children immediately emerged, with those caught punished by being sent to concentration camps or prisons.

Dobrowolski was among the Poles engaged in the under-

ground effort, and he was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Auschwitz in June 1942.

“Auschwitz was worse than Dante’s hell,” he recalled in a video made when he was 103.

Dobrowolski, who was born Oct. 8, 1904 in Wolborz, Poland, was later moved to the

concentration camps of GrossRosen and Sachsenhausen, according to the Auschwitz memorial museum in southern Poland.

After the war, he moved to Debno, where he worked as a Polish-language teacher and as principal at an elementary school and later at a high

school for many years.

He will be buried in Debno on Wednesday.

At least 1.1 million people were killed by the Germans at the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. Most of the victims were Jews, but many nonJewish Poles, Roma and others were also killed there.

Qatari emir urges Palestinians to reconcile

T

he emir of Qatar received a hero’s welcome during a landmark visit to Gaza on Tuesday, becoming the first head of state to visit the Palestinian territory since the Islamist militant Hamas seized control of the coastal strip five years ago.

The landmark visit by Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani handed the ruling Hamas — branded terrorists by the West and isolated by an Israeli blockade — its biggest diplomatic victory since taking power. It was also a strong sign of the rising power of oilrich Qatar, and the mounting

influence of Hamas’ parent movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, since last year’s Arab Spring uprisings.

While Gazans celebrated the emir’s arrival, the rival Palestinian government of Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank was less enthusiastic.

Israel condemned the visit as undermining peace.

Hamas wrested control of Gaza from Abbas’ Fatah forces in 2007, and West Bank officials fear the emir’s visit will give the Iranian-backed Hamas a lift in their feud and make the split between the two territories more permanent.

In a speech at Gaza’s Islamic University, the emir urged the warring Palestinian factions to reconcile.

“Why are you staying divided?” he said. “There are no peace negotiations, and there is no clear strategy of resistance and liberation. Why shouldn’t brothers sit together and reconcile?”

While Abbas has welcomed Qatar’s plans to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to impoverished Gaza, he also stressed in a phone call with the Qatari leader this week that he is the internationally recognized leader of the Palestinians.

16

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NewsPlus

By YUSHAU SHUAIB

M

r. Muhammad Tahir Zakari is an incorruptible civil servant and in a country where everybody is perceived as corrupt, especially in the public service, that says a lot.

Zakari was among the 148 individuals that were conferred with Nigeria’s national honours by President Goodluck Jonathan on September 17.

Recently, the online economic journal, The Economic Confidential, in an investigation revealed that of those that got the National Awards for 2012, Zakari was the only person nominated on the basis of honesty. He had returned the sum of N6.2 million, which was overpaid into his salary account into the treasury.

The report also indicates that about 75 per cent of the 148 recipients actually occupied public offices, either as appointed or elected figures in the executive, judicial and legislative arms of government. Some categories of the awards seem to be reserved for particular groups of officers. For instance, Supreme Court judges are beneficiaries of CFR; CON are conferred on governors, ministers and senators; OFR are bestowed on members of House of Representatives, deputy governors, diplomats and legal practitioners; OON are given to top management staffs in the public and the private sectors; while MFR is meant for security personnel, civil servants, local traditional rulers, community and religious leaders. Most of the nominations or final recommendations are done by the powers-that-be. In fact, one of the listed beneficiaries, a deputy governor was removed from the list by the order of the boss.

In the face of all these, there are also allegations that, in Nigeria, some individuals and groups could pay anything to get any kind of awards, even for doing nothing.

Muhammad Zakari, who is recognized for his incorruptibility, got decoration in one of the least categories as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). He is a Grade Level 10 officer with the Federal Ministry of Information, on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

The story of Zakari’s emergence as most deserving of the national award started in November 2011 when he received a credit alert on his mobile phone of the sum of N6,241,469 instead of his usual monthly pay of N62,000. He thought he was having a sweet dream, certainly not a nightmare.

At the time he got the alert, he actually had N400 as his credit balance.

A dazed Tahir immediately rushed to the bank where it was indeed confirmed that he had the millions deposited in his account.

Back home, he narrated his discovery to both his mother and his wife about what could be considered as manna from heaven. A deeply religious family, the two women in his life all encouraged him to report

Day Jonathan honoured a virtuous civil servant

Zakari

the incident and return the millions.

They said he should not spend what did not belong to him.

He admitted that as a human being, something was telling him that God had many ways of blessing and enriching individuals, and that this could be one of such ways.

“I initially thought, probably that was the way God wanted to intervene in my life by mysteriously depositing money in my bank account. But long years of religious and moral education reinforced by admonishment from the females in my life prompted me to immediately report and return the money which was N6.5 million.”

When friends learnt about the refund of the whopping amount of money, some withdrew their friendship while others taunted him as typical of the remaining few

Nigerian mumus (fools) that could get free money and return it even when he earns a meagre salary.

“I could feel others jeering at my resolve. As a human being, the temptation was high, considering the kind of environment we live in but sometimes, you just need to take a most dignifying action and take joy in that, which I did sincerely,” the man said.

Blessed with eight children comprising seven boys and a girl, Tahir further admitted: “I was also afraid to tarnish my family name if I spent the money and the error was later discovered by the authorities. That could be very shameful too.”

His action was reported to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Head of Service and the

Office of the Secretary General of the Federation.

Subsequently, he received a letter from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation commending him for his “show of honesty by returning an error payment to the tune of N6.2 million.” It was on August 27, 2012 that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim sent him a letter to inform him that the Federal Government had approved the conferment of the National Honours in the rank of MFR on him.

In honouring him, President Goodluck Jonathan said the award was in recognition of Zakari’s outstanding virtues and in appreciation of his service to the country, Nigeria, a nation where many are presumed to be corrupt.

‘I could feel others jeering at my resolve. As a human being, the temptation was high, considering the kind of environment we live in but sometimes, you just need to take a most dignifying action and take joy in that, which I did sincerely.’

A graduate of Mass Communication from the Bayero University Kano, Zakari was born on March 20, 1971 in GarunMallam, Kano State. He did his National Youth Service in Enugu before he was offered appointment into the Federal Civil Service as Information Officer. He was then seconded variously to the National Films and Video Censors Board, Ministry of Water Resources and currently serves in the Ministry of Agriculture, Abuja.

A commentator, while praising Zakari, said: “While we celebrate a young civil servant as incorruptible, we only hope some of our leaders who are mostly disdained for their excessive wealth from sophisticated corruption would not be laughing at poor Zakari, who believes an honour in the face of his unrealistic wages is adequate compensations for incorruptibility.

“As we are encouraged by the exemplary conduct of Zakari, which should be emulated, it is doubtful if many poor Nigerians would accept the typical Nigeria’s National Honours if they have the option of a million naira gift. I believe there are many Nigerians out there setting records and good examples but would never ever make it to the seeming National Honours list for top public figures and title holders.”

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 DAILY SUN

17

NewsPlus Kidnapped school kids regain freedom • We prayed, fasted for their release, say fellow pupils From JUDEX OKORO, CALABAR

R

ight now in Calabar, tears of joy and relief are coursing down the cheeks of Mr. and Mrs. Eko James. Two of their children that were kidnapped by gunmen recently have been released unharmed. It was learnt that the children regained their freedom after the parents had paid a good ransom to their kidnappers.

Our correspondent could not confirm from the parents, however, whether any ransom was actually paid before the children were released.

The children - Emmanuel, 10, and Agbo, 4 - were abducted at gunpoint in the early hours of Tuesday penultimate week at Esuk Otu Street, off Murtala Mohammed Highway in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The incident occurred just as their mother, Mrs. Juliet Eko James, was taking them to school.

The gunmen were said to be four in number with three of them wearing masks except the driver whose face wasn’t covered.

Their release came about four days after their abduction, following a fruitful negotiation between the parents and the kidnappers.

Investigations revealed that the parents, fearing that they might lose their children, had parted with N1 million ransom.

Before the boy’s release, it was learnt that the kidnappers had been in contact with the children’s father through their mother’s phone, which they had seized. They had allegedly demanded for N30m as ransom initially. A family source confided in our correspondent that after much pleading, the ransom was reduced to N5 million. But the kid’s parents allegedly pleaded with the abductors, claiming they could only afford N200, 000.

However, it was learnt that the little girl fell ill, and fearing that she might give up, the gunmen collected N1m.

When Daily Sun visited Hill Crest Schools at Ekorium, Calabar Municipal, where the children attend, no school official was willing to comment for fear of being eventually attacked by the kidnappers.

But some senior students, who didn’t want their names in print, confided in our correspondent that the students were shocked at the news of the kidnapping of their schoolmates and prayed God to bring them back since the little kids had committed no crime.

One of the students, a girl in SS1, said: “We couldn’t believe that things like these are happening in Calabar. What did these children do now that they should be kidnapped and be taken away from their parents? Very bad! We have been praying for them to be released for they

are innocent.”

According to the girl: “The school has been in a mournful state since the news of the kidnapping got to us. We were all sad and worried about their survival and were hopeful that they would join us soon.”

Also speaking, one of the head boys in the school said: “We are grateful that they have been released at last but it is unfortunate that they were made to pass through such torture for what they don’t know about.”

Condemning the children’s abduction which he described as child abuse, he said: “It is time for the government to do something about this issue of kidnapping.

Children are going through pains in this country. No protection, no good education and even health care. We are suffering in the hands of adults.

Now is the time for government to take security very seriously. All the same, we thank God that they are back to their parents. God has answered our prayers because we fasted for their release.”

While speaking to journalists, Emmanuel Eko said: “I feel nice to be back home to my parents. I felt scared. They gave us food. They did not beat us. They gave us food like boiled yam and egg. Rice and stew; Beans and meat.”

“They were not talking to us.

They were just keeping quiet. We were just lying down on the bed.

They closed our eyes but they did

Emmanuel (left) and Agbo (r) not beat us.”

Confirming the release, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Osita Ezechukwu, said in a statement that after receiving the complaint from Mrs. Juliet Eko, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other co-opted specialized units, swung into action and investigation mounted.

Ezechukwu said due to the intensive and vigorous combined search for the kids and kidnappers, the abductors were forced to abandon the children at Women and Children

Hospital, Army Junction, Calabar from where they escaped.

“I am, therefore, pleased to inform you that the kids have been recovered and reunited with their parents in good health. Meanwhile, the manhunt for the perpetrators of the crime has intensified.

“By this, the command is grateful to the state government for its support, the good people of the state, other security agencies, the press and the family of the children for their patience while the manhunt lasted,” he stated.

Nigerians renew identities

By SEGUN AJAYI

‘E

nrol once and be identified for life,’ so goes the slogan. This slogan might not have struck a chord in many Nigerians but for several nationals, who were denied the erstwhile National Identity Card Scheme, midwifed by the defunct Department for National Civic Registration (DNCR), the message has started sinking. Not only is the Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), poised to register Nigerian nationals and legal residents in the country, the scheme is aimed at improving on the last exercise. Meanwhile, all roads lead to Alausa Secretariat, Lagos, where the commission has opened 25 registration points to kick-start the programme, which has as its major selling point, the inimitable National Identification Number (NIN).

Ostensibly, the missing link in the former national identity card, NIN, according to the commission’s Lagos State Coordinator, J.A. Durojaiye, captures the scheme’s slogan, Register Once, Identified for Life. Hear him: “This time, government is more concerned about identity management.

When you get registered, you will be given a pin number immediately. That

...As NIMC flags off civic registration in Lagos

Aregbe during the programme is your National Identification Number (NIN), which is not transferable. The card will come later. The number and other identities, pertaining to you will be fed into a data base. As soon as you attain 16 years, you are eligible to register.”

According to him, with NIN, information pertaining to an individual can be accessed anytime it is required. He explained further that even in death, the number would not be transferred to another person. He urged Nigerians to

avail themselves of the exercise and enjoy the accruable benefits.

Granted that the programme has kicked off in Lagos, the commission was not oblivious of the probable challenge of public apathy to the exercise.

It would be recalled that many Nigerians were shut out of the previous exercise by no choice of theirs. It is also not an understatement that many eligible Nigerians who failed to obtain the card are yet to overcome the denial.

Inasmuch as the current exercise has

guarded against such slips, the commission is not resting on its oars. Only recently, NIMC campaign team stormed Iyana Ejigbo in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Lagos State to sensitise the residents, comprising traders, artisans, commercial bus drivers, okada riders, and other categories of workers about the project.

To underscore the readiness of their host, the officials were given a rousing welcome despite the fact that they arrived the venue at the peak of trading, With the Iyaloja, (Market leader), Chief (Mrs) Medinat Samsudeen and the Vice Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ejigbo-Isolo chapter, Mr Hakeem Aregbe as mobilisers, the market women and their male counterparts left their stalls to receive the ‘good news’.

They gave varying accounts of their experiences during the previous exercise. For instance, Mrs Janet Toriola, a food seller, reminisced on the pains she went through in her effort to get the ID card.

“I left Ejigbo and went as far as

Ahmadiya when I learnt that people were getting registered there. At the end of the day, I didn’t get the card.”

Toriola’s plight was not different from that of the Head of the Provisions unit of the market, Chike Nwokedi, who also recounted instances when the old national identity card would have come in handy when asked to produce a means of identification. Many times, he had been left stranded because of that.

To allay their fears, NIMC State Coordinator assured them that nobody would be shut out of the ongoing registration since the National Identity Management System is not going to be a one-off thing unlike the previous one.

“It is not going to be an ad hoc thing any longer where you would give deadline for registration. Everyday, people turns 16 which is the benchmark. That is why our slogan is ‘enrol once and be identified for life.’We also have a plan to go to the hinterlands very soon.”

Represented at the awareness campaign venue were representative of the Elejigbo of Ejigbo, Chief Adekunle Adenuga, representatives of the okada riders union, market associations, among others. They all pledged their cooperation and promised to sensitise their members about NIMS.

18

DAILY SUN Wednesday October 24, 2012

NCC’s axe on illegal car-trackers T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to more than 175 firms carrying out illegal car-tracking business in the country. By law, only the NCC is charged with the responsibility of regulating any such service provision or allied offerings.

It is surprising, to say the least, noting the impunity with which some business promoters breach statutory regulations without any qualms about the implications and consequences when apprehended. This is despite the fact that in this particular circumstance the offenders had been given a soft-landing platform to apply for regularisation and recognition of their trade. Yet, most of them ignored the opportunity typically like economic saboteurs which they are.

According to the commission’s director in charge of legal and regulatory services, Ms Josephine Amuwa, most of the lawbreakers have been advertising provision of vehicular-tracking services that depend either on satellite or terrestrial networks or both without the mandatory requisite permission from the NCC, in contravention of the act that set up the commission.

With the expiration of the ultimatum issued on October 5, only 14 out of the identified cartracking firms have duly registered with the NCC. The defaulters are still continuing with their untoward and unpatriotic business transaction. We have no doubt that with the aid of modern technology the NCC should be able to track the non-compliant companies and make them to face the wrath of the law and also serve as a deterrent to other economic saboteurs who want to reap where they did not sow. We suspect that there may be more illegal car-tracking operators than the 175 already fingered. The NCC should carry out comprehensive and painstaking surveillance nationwide as there may indeed be other yetto-be-identified illegal operators offering this same service.

It is also imperative for the NCC to leverage their relationship with the GSM companies in

monitoring any deleterious activities of these firms even after being granted requisite permits. This is critical because of the integrated communication networking involved in the tracking business. If not monitored, it has the capacity that could undermine the country’s security which could even threaten our sovereignty in extreme deployments. In other words, beyond licensing these outfits, their operations must be seriously monitored.

As for the firms still flouting the basic operational requirement by the NCC, we cannot fathom the basis of their entrepreneurial obduracy. In other countries, these are fundamental pre-commencement fulfilments before any such initiative takes off in the first place.

It is only in Nigeria, perhaps, that organizations break the law from the outset and later come back to the nitty-gritty by belatedly addressing statutory issues that could not have been swept under the carpet no matter the strategy employed.

The NCC should not break its head over those establishments that are bent on flouting basic guidelines for car-tracking business. Such culprits should be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their overt and covert manipulation of the country’s fiscal and enterprise regime. We call on all those involved in this thriving illegality to discontinue and follow the due process in their own long-term benefit. It does not make sense to cut your nose to spite your face through avoidable acts of economic brigandage and belligerence.

Without condoning sharp practices, the NCC may consider extending the deadline for the rectification of car-tracking procedure by another week to ensure that as many as possible out of the 175 firms come on board instead of wholly blacklisting a majority of them and in the process creating bottlenecks for the public who perforce need their services. We make this appeal on the grounds that the 14 firms approved so far will not have the capacity to meet increasing patronage, especially now that more and more Nigerians are acquiring all manner of automobiles.

COMMENT

LETTER Ondo election and Jonathan’s commitment to democracy

AS Nigerians continue to celebrate the success of the just-concluded governorship election in Ondo State, it is important to note that although the president would naturally have wanted his party, the PDP, to win the governorship election in the State, the fact that he has never abused the enormous powers of the presidency to influence the outcome of elections shows that he is a man of his words, a committed democrat and a president who believes in the rule of law and the supremacy of the will of the people.

Ahead of the Ondo State 2012 Gubernatorial elections, here is what the President said at the Democracy Park in Akure, Ondo State on October 13, 2012: “What we can guarantee the people of Ondo state is that the commitment of this present administration to ensure that

Nigeria continues to remain high in the comity of nations in terms of how we select our leaders remains constant. It is going to be one man, one vote, one woman, one vote, one youth, one vote.”

While reacting to the news that some political parties were mobilizing thugs for the election, President Jonathan added: “I was told that some people are mobilizing thugs from everywhere, if they like they can go to anywhere to bring thugs, the Federal Government will not allow any thug to come out that day, and if you know you are a thug or your child is to be used as a thug, carry them away from Ondo state, because government will never tolerate any rubbish. It will be free and fair election and nobody will frustrate the commitment of government to project Nigeria truly and nobody will allow thug-

THE DIRECTORATE TONY ONYIMA Managing Director /Editor-in-Chief FEMI ADESINA Deputy MD/Deputy Editor-in-Chief ETHEL NMEZI Executive Director, Finance/Admin ALAN JONES Executive Director, Technical PAUL ONYIA Executive Director Marketing ERIC OSAGIE Executive Director, Special Services EDITORIAL STEVE NWOSU Editor, Daily ONUOHA UKEH Editor, Saturday FUNKE EGBEMODE Editor, Sunday SHOLA OSHUNKEYE, Editor, Magazines ABDULFATAH OLADEINDE Deputy Editor, Daily FEMI ADEOTI Deputy Editor, Daily IKENNA EMEWU Deputy Editor, Nation’s Capital BRUCE MALOGO, Deputy Editor, Saturday BEIFOH OSEWELE, Deputy Editor, Magazines EMEKA OKOROANYANWU Group Business Editor CHIDI OBINECHE Political Editor CHRIS ANUCHA Acting Bureau Chief, ( South-South) CHIDI NNADI Bureau Chief, (South-East) YINKA FABOWALE Bureau Chief (South-West) ISMAIL OMIPIDAN Bureau Chief (North-west) EDITORIAL BOARD AMANZE OBI Chairman, Editorial Board CORPORATE SERVICES NETA NWOSU A.G.M. Corporate Services ADVERTISING/MARKETING DEMOLA ABIOYE Business Development Manager NNENA SHUAIB Asst. Manager Business Dev. (Abuja) SALES & OPERATIONS DAMOLA LAJUMOKE AGM, Sales & Operations NWOKOCHA OBI Sales & Distribution Manager REMI QUADRI Manager, Copy Sales FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION OBIOMA OGUKWE Accountant JOHNSON OGWUMIKE Internal Audit Manager PATRICK ENILAMA Principal Human Resource Manager IFY ANYALECHI Procurement & General Services Manager

MISSION ‘To practise journalism in the classical newspaper tradition of presenting the news and features in an exciting style, with impact, objectivity and appeathat generate returns to all stakeholders: the society, the investors and the practitioners’

gery.”

The president made a similar promise, most recently in Edo state. And he kept his words. He has kept his words again.

Discerning Nigerians will readily admit that Nigeria’s electoral process has been truly transformed under President Jonathan’s watch. Apart from ensuring free and fair elections in Edo and Ondo as in every other part of the country, President Jonathan was also the first person to congratulate Governor Mimiko. A man of his words! A true sportsman!

President Jonathan also commended the dutiful, patriotic and law-abiding electorate of Ondo State as well as the INEC personnel and security agencies which ensured that the elections were peacefully and successfully conducted in keeping with his administration’s commitment to making elections in Nigeria progressively better organised and more credible.

As Governor Mimiko prepares for his second term in office, the president has urged him to rededicate himself to work even harder to justify the trust and confidence reposed in him by the people of Ondo State who voted overwhelmingly for his re-election.

President Jonathan has assured Dr. Mimiko that the Federal Government will continue to engage constructively and positively with the Ondo State Government in collaborative efforts to achieve faster socio-economic development and better living conditions for people in the state and all other parts of Nigeria.

Ondo gubernatorial election is another bright moment for Nigeria! President Jonathan's transformation agenda remains sure and steady.

Reuben Abati, State House, Abuja CMYK

DAILY SUN Wednesday October 24 2012

19

The Abuja demolitions

D

reams, as they say, die first. For 500 intending house owners who had been dreaming of receiving keys to houses they subscribed to at the Minanuel Estate, in Goza, Lugbe Extension 1 area of Abuja, their dreams of becoming landlords in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, recently collapsed like a pack of badly stacked cards.

Officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) pulled down 500 almost completed houses in the estate that were expected to be delivered to subscribers next month by its developers, Minanuel Investment Limited.

Since then, subscribers to the estate have engaged in protests at the National Assembly where Senate President, David Mark, speaking through Senator Abu Ibrahim, assured them that the issue of demolition of their houses would be investigated with a view to resolving the problem.

Incidentally, a Senator had reportedly confirmed on a radio programme a day before the demolition that the Goza District, where the demolished estate is located, is officially designated as Kyami District and allocated for accommodation of senators and members of the House of Representatives.

The problem of subscribers to the Minanuel estate can be traced to 2005 when the estate developers began its development following what they believed to be proper land documentation and obtaining of necessary building approvals from FCDA and other relevant government agencies.

The planned houses were sold to interested persons who began paying in installments for the 500 houses according to their house types.

Truly, the construction of the houses went on as planned and the subscribers were looking forward to taking possession of the houses in November, this year, when the about-to-becompleted structures that have been valued at above N3 billion were pulled down by the FCTA. That demolition has, again, brought into sharp focus the insincerity of the government on the housing problems of the people. It is very bad that houses into which billions of naira had been committed were pulled down without any recourse to due process by the FCDA. It is unacceptable that the authorities of the FCT

Wale Sokunbi CURRENTS 08056180228 walesokunbi2003@yahoo.co.uk allowed such massive construction to take place only to step in when the estate is almost completed to pull the houses down.

This is unfortunate in a country that reportedly has about 18 million housing shortage. Also, in a country that has no serious plan or programme for provision of houses for citizens. The demolition of the houses is another demonstration of resort to jungle justice in the country.

The FCDA ought to have been able to secure land under its control and prevent it from being encroached upon, if, indeed, this is what the developers did. But, since the developers of the estate have said that they got the land through the official process for acquisition of land in Abuja, it has become necessary for the authorities to investigate the claim to determine its veracity.

It is likely that the estate developers were deceived into purchase of the land in question with the connivance of FCDA officials.

Whatever may be the case, let the truth be unveiled. This is necessary because the FCDA should not have taken a unilateral decision to demolish the almost fully constructed buildings.

It, instead, ought to have followed due process by going to court to retrieve the property.

Government agencies should not be involved in actions such as destruction of houses. They must set example for the people on the need to subject whatever disputes they have to adjudication by the courts. There is no arguing the fact there is serious housing shortage in Abuja. Cost of accommodation in the capital city is outrageous.

For the subscribers to the demolished buildings, and with the high value of accommodation in Abuja, those buildings must have taken a large chunk of their earnings over the past few years.

The demolition will, therefore, be a shock that

will imperil the wellbeing of many of the subscribers.

Already, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has deplored the demolition. The body hinged its position on the gross inadequacy of houses in the country. It echoed the stance of many Nigerians that the demolition was uncalled for, as what is expected of government is to provide enabling environment for professionals to assist in the provision of housing.

With all the anger and recriminations that this demolition has generated, it is necessary that government speed up investigation of the matter with a view to ensuring justice for the victims.

Beyond that, the authorities should support the private sector to bridge the housing deficit in the country.

In many countries, government is very active in establishment of different housing schemes from which the people benefit. In some of these countries, housing is a constitutional right that government is committed to delivering to the people. Houses are made available to the citizens according to their status, whether single, married, with or without children. This is not so in Nigeria. Here, citizens are left to their own devices. Nobody cares about the welfare of the people. The homeless are left to live under the bridges.

This is not right. The government, under the democracy that we operate, ought to be caring.

In the case of the Minannuel Estate and 37 others reportedly scheduled for demolition in Abuja, it is good that the Senate has decided to intervene. Let Senators intervene on the side of the people. Legislators already have accommodation. They can do without the Minanuel

Estate.

The FCDAshould also be more serious about protecting Abuja lands from encroachment. It is improper for the agency to go about demolishing houses on the excuse that the lands on which they were built were earmarked for other purposes in the Abuja master plan. Let FCDA exercise its powers to restrain encroachment on Abuja lands. Where its officials are found to be involved in the selling of such lands with fake documents, they should be brought to justice.

Government should also be committed to making land more accessible and affordable for the ordinary citizens in Abuja. This category of Nigerians also deserves roofs over their heads.

The FCT should not be politicians and the moneyed class alone.

This incident should also teach estate developers to be careful with their acquisition of land to ensure that they do not buy land with improper documents to avoid this type of controversy.

The Mimiko victory Ondo State, last Saturday, gave Nigerians a cause for cheer. The people confirmed their appreciation of incumbent governor, Dr. Segun Mimiko’s service to the state by awarding him a resounding victory in the governorship election in the state.

By Mimiko’s re-election, the state put paid to the influence of “godfatherism” in its politics.

The Action Party of Nigeria (ACN), in spite of its desperation to win Ondo State election to put the entire South-west under its umbrella, was roundly trounced and relegated to third place in the contest, leaving the godfather of South-west politics, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, licking his wounds.

The Ondo election is a plus to democracy. It shows that we can hold free and fair elections in Nigeria. It also shows that the people appreciate good service and will stand with any leader who delivers democracy dividends against the onslaught of ravaging godfathers.

Mimiko must, however, not relent in his good works for Ondo people. Let him continue with his progressive programmes for the state. He should not go to sleep now as is common with public office holders when they are given a second term in office. Congratulations Mimiko. Ma mi kan!

Minanuel Estate demolition: Matters arising

BY WALTER UKAEGBU t is common knowledge that after food, shelter is the next most essential need of man. In Nigeria, some places experience high cost of foodstuff while the cost of housing could be moderate and at times, very reasonable. But residents know too well that, while foodstuff could be said to be relatively affordable, the cost of securing accommodation in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs (whether such abode is decent and comfortable, or not) is one headache everyone wants to cure permanently. wonder therefore the world seems to come to an end for any Abuja resident if and when his or her accommodation is tampered with.

In recent times, some residents of Abuja have been sleeping with only one of their eye closed. Some have had to sleep standing, and holding their well-packed personal effects in their hands, because of the activities of the bulldozers from FCTA’s Development Control.

While the Mpape section of the City are trying to recover from the shock of demolition threats and eventual commencement of demolition in some parts of the satellite town before the Court Order stopped the bulldozers, residents of Lugbe Area are now groaning in excruciating pains of monumental losses, as no fewer than 500 housing units at the Minanuel Estate were demolished between September 28 and 29.

As if to show dissatisfaction for the

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short reprieve or temporary relief being enjoyed by Abuja residents the FCTA’s Development Control Department jumped into another round of demolition threats to over 23 Estates in Lugbe Area.

In a circular titled, “Lugbe Estates marked for demolition” with File No: FCDA/DC/BP/CID/PHSI/4330, and signed by Yahaya A. Yusuf; Director, Development Control, Redeemed Christian Church Estates (Sites A,B,C,D); Goshen Estates 1 and 2; Trademore Estates (Sabon Lugbe and Von Sites) and Minanuel Estates have all been marked for demolition. Others earmarked for the bulldozers include, Pent House, Doctor’s Court, Good Heart Group and Weather Field Estates – all in Sabon Lugbe Area. Others on the long list of hard-built (and scarce) houses awaiting the hangs-man in the Development Controlled bulldozer are Greenland, Isvin, Ejima, Redwood Estates.

A resident of one of the Estates said that she’s baffled that the same Development Control that issued approval papers for the Estates to be built is the same Development Control that turned around to demolish houses they had approved. “If they are really Development Control Department, where were they when these houses were built? Why didn’t they stop the builders at the foundation stage of construction?” she asked amidst tears.

Another victim of the demolition threat, Emeka Alphonsus on his part said, “We don’t know if there are two or more Development Controls in Abuja.

Or is one Development Control and

another Demolition Control? They need to tell us so that Estate Developers can consult the two of them before building anything; but it’s sad to see this kind of evil in Nigeria, in a democracy. This is arrant nonsense, and God will reward them and generations for this evil against humanity”, he said The shocking aspect of this unsavoury development, however, is the fact that despite the insistence of the affected estate developers that they actually applied for, paid prescribed fees and got approvals for the structures to be erected, the Department of Development Control still says the estates are ‘illegal’.

Who, then, is lying and who is saying the truth? What is actually the procedure for getting Estate development approval in the FCT? Many are constrained to ask why government agencies like the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMB) will grant loans to Estate Developers (as most of the affected Estate Owners claim they got loans from FMB to build the marked structures) without ensuring the security of such funds by seeing to the legality of the landed properties on which the loans are to be sunk in. Another disturbing issue of the whole imbroglio is why government seem to take joy in the sufferings of their citizens (or else why are they just watching) when the hardearned resources of their development partners (Estate Developers) keep going down the drain as a result of incessant demolitions by one disgruntled arm of government, when they (government) can’t provide housing for her teeming population.

Other questions begging for answers are, ‘Who gave approval for the construction of the about-to-be-demolished structures in the first place?’ Does it mean that people can just wake up, get into Abuja and start constructing estates (not just a house) without the zealous Development Control knowing or giving their approval to such endeavors?

Why is government and her agencies always interested in cure rather than prevention – if the marked estates had no legal approval? Or is it true that there are more to this demolitions and demolition threats than meets the eyes?

As it has always been in the Nigerian setting, time alone will tell the answers, but the harrowing experience of Nigerians as far as housing is concerned in Abuja is one that beats human imagination. And the fact that this reign of terror is being meted to them by the same government officials who are paid with citizens’taxes is one that sane minds cannot explain.

Right thinking people are yet to understand the rationale behind government’s continued demolition of houses built by citizens’ hard-earned money when they (government) have not only failed to provide but can’t even build for their citizens to buy. Nigerians are sick and tired of Mr. President’s allowance of few office holders in his government to continue to paint him in very bad light .

Not a few Nigerians have had enough of the senseless and endless demolitions in the FCT. Ukaegbu writes from abuja CMYK

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday October 24, 2012

Eko ti baje lo!.. Lagos is worsening!

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hen multiple award-winning Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) took over from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor of Lagos State, expectations were high that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and student of the national leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) would better the record of his predecessor and current magisterial principal. Alas, it appears that the hope was hasty and concomitantly about to be dashed—if not already squandered!

Most residents will rambunctiously tell you that Fashola spent his first term in office planting flowers and ornamental trees on major streets of Lagos.

It was even alleged that billions of naira went into the floral-based urban renewal decoy in a state where most indigenes and a few non-indigenes are culturally and by association steeped in filthiness without commensurate reorientation by the state on the costly environmental re-engineering! It is indeed true that the novel ambience was pursued unobtrusively to the detriment of social infrastructural development. Dirtiness is the second nature of a majority of residents here. The poorly-maintained beautification sham has become another white elephant.

Virtually all the roads are in a state of disrepair.

Whether Trunk ‘A’ or Trunk ‘B’ (state) roads, almost all of them are like pre-historic pathways used by imperialists and slave merchants. There is nothing to indicate that they are modern routes. The few roads that have been rehabilitated are the highly visible and strategic ones, essentially for public deceit. And the worrisome aspect of the degeneracy of the abandoned arterial roads is that they get worse with each succeeding year. Surulere is the worst hit!

I know that work is abjectly going in some parts of the state, but the point remains that a majority of the adjoining roads, bridges and even highways are in a terribly bad shape and there is no indication that there are plans to fix them. Early this year, the governor declared that most of the roads numbering about 780 would soon be rehabilitated. As you read this, I can, with all sense of responsibility and relying on top insider sources, authoritatively inform you that, as at today, not up to 50 roads are undergoing any serious transformation. Numerous slums, shanties and wretched habitats dot the entire landscape with government looking agape while foresighted cities strive after addressing millennial development goals. Retrogressively, the state is still grappling with mundane issues like fountains, botanical parks and lawns, motorbike riders and lovers’ impregnation through promulgation of ridiculous spousal laws instead of tackling critical human developmental challenges that confront

Ebere

Wabara 08055001948 ewabara@yahoo.com dwellers.

My disenchantment with BRF is that he functioned as Chief of Staff for years to Asiwaju and must have learnt the rudiments of governance and the dynamics in the state. BRF’s scholastic attainments and professionalism have not made any impact on his tenure so far. There seems to be no difference between him and some of his marginally-literate and vacuous counterparts! Rather, what we routinely get are obnoxious and anti-people laws that are expectedly rubber-stamped by the spineless state legislature. Leadership is about distinction, rewriting history and leaving wholesome legacies such that when the call to service is over, your name will keep reverberating endlessly. A good name is better than riches.

The last downpour that almost sacked the state could have been mitigated if there were drainages, refuse-free canals and proper environmental guidelines and stipulations. During Fashola’s first term, the canals were haphazardly cleared and consequently flooding assumed unimaginable dimensions such that whenever it rains, the residents near the waterways are marooned for days! What I do not understand is why the government should allow people to live by these canals, which are turned into lavatories, refuse dumps and dens of hemp-smoking criminals and whores. So, with such deleterious occupation of the canal peripheries and blockage of drainages where they miserably exist amid amphibious pollution by adire cloth makers from The Gambia, why will flooding not occur? Why can’t these unscrupulous elements be dislodged so that the canals can flow freely devoid of human encumbrances? Recently, metal barriers were erected proximal to the entire stretch of the canals across the city to foreclose dumping of refuse (cellophanes particularly) into the canal! Today, that purpose has been defeated as some of the barriers have fallen

while the ones still standing are now for hanging filthy rags, toxic adire cloths and repulsive clothing!

I do not know who came up with such a lousy idea.

Is this how to tackle environmental degradation?

This is scratching the resolution of the state’s global negative human development index.

Apapa, with all its economic vibrancy and substantial generation of revenue for the state, is a nogo area. At any speed, the whole axis is almost impassable. All the roads are inaccessible. And this crap replicates in all parts of the city!

Lagos is like a militarised enclave with all manner of para-military apparati: LASTMA, VIO, KAI, LAWMA, LASAA, Civil Defence Corps and a legion nondescript outfits all invidiously enforcing one predatory enactment or another while thievishly and briskly making money for themselves. All these state ragamuffins in their ubiquity viciously clamp on their victims and extort money or intimidate them with threats of taking them to Alausa where they would pay through the nose or cowardly accept the shameless agents’ Hobson’s choice proposal!

Now the 59 traffic offences and penalties: some of the provisions of the Lagos State Traffic Law 2012 are simply ludicrous. The law is an additional channel for official banditry! There is no doubt that the intention was good but it was not well articulated. Some aspects of it smack of absurdity, thoughtlessness and inconsiderateness.

On the issue of motorbike (okada) riders, the state should have regulated their operations instead of outright ban from most roads. They constitute a menace on the roads—no doubt—and even have a special ward in Lagos Orthopaedic Hospital. Most hospitals, too, have wards for victims of vehicular mishaps. Banning them is illogical and demonstrates vacuity. Let us also ban vehicles (and convoys) because of fatalities every day and use bicy-

cles! Vehicles are used more than motorbikes for banditry. With this draconian policy, what becomes of the motorbike folk whose source of livelihood has been truncated without any expiation or palliatives? We should expect more criminalities!

Whatever its shortcomings, motorbike transport is inevitable in a place like Lagos because of its peculiarities: population (urban drift), compactness, traffic gridlock, predominance of suburban areas that commercial vehicles abhor, poor driving habit, deficient public mass transit, a dilapidated road network that compounds vehicular and pedestrian movement, and roguish traffic controllers that are manifestly interested only in ill-gotten wealth by laying siege to unsuspecting and ignorant road users. The okada extensive ban should be reviewed, vexatious government hirelings’ rationalisations notwithstanding. Restricting motorbike riders to arterial roads is begging the question. What are the alternatives? When you come out from the suburb on a motorbike to the ‘local highway’, you now trek miles to the major highway to motorise! Is this plausible? The attendant hardship is disastrously unprecedented.

It is min-boggling that Lagos has no answer to the nuisance constituted by social miscreants known as area boys. These combative touts carry on as if they were above the law! The urchins manhandle commercial vehicle operators, okada riders, all mobile artisans/unskilled workers (cart pushers, Agege bread sellers, water drawers and sundry hawkers) who are all trying to eke out a living instead of resorting to criminalities and, presently, passersby if the societal misfits used as thugs during electioneering are not called to order now!

Recently, the Itire-Ikate council started ambushing and towing vehicles parked on roads and victims were made to cough out outrageous amounts that went into private pockets for impounded vehicles to be disentangled!

Nothing is working here apart from irrational multiple taxation and other forms of official thievery like ‘Alpha Beta’! The Lagos tragedy becomes deeply pathetic in the absence of party supremacy complicated by Asiwaju’s domineering role. This explains the non-allegiance, indifference and irresponsibility of elected public functionaries to the electorate. In the undemocratic circumstance, all aggrieved citizens become hapless, docile and despondent! This is hoping that BRF will not allow what is happening in Abia State—where people are increasingly getting nostalgic about the former governor Chief Orji Uzor Kalu—to happen here. Is this another second-term non-performance affliction?

God, cast it out from our own BRF! Amen.

Eko ti baje lo…!

Rethinking ‘Lagos is working’ slogan

BY UGOCHUKWU RAYMOND OGUBUARIRI

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traditional African adage states that “the time a dead man’s funeral arrangements are being discussed is also the best time to discuss who is to inherit the dead man’s widow.” The gubernatorial contest in Ondo State may have come and gone but the ripples will continue to reverberate within political circles across Nigeria. The election was remarkable in so many respects: First, it was an electoral contest that involved the two dominant political parties - the PDP and the ACN - deploying every ammunition in their weaponry to snatch power from a relatively miniature opponent - the Labour Party.

Second, the election became a litmus-test for ACN’s acclaimed invincibility and its quest for total political control of the South-Western region. In specific terms, the election offered one last chance for the ACN’s benefactor - Bola Ahmed Tinubu - to annex the only renegade enclave (Ondo state) to become part of his towering political empire. For Mimiko’s Labour Party, the election was not just a contest for the re-election of an incumbent, but a battle for the propagation of multiparty democratic politics in a region notorious for monolithic, single-party dominance.

One interesting experience born out by the Ondo election is the single-minded resolve of the voters in the state to assert their sovereignty by choosing a leader whose emergence would not be predetermined by the

tyrannous dictates of a distant godfather. It is in this respect that many commentators have hailed the outcome of that election as “a victory for democracy.”

Importantly, some have described it as “a big nail in the coffin of political godfatherism.”

That brings me to the travesty that has been playing out in Lagos for quite some years since the return of democracy in 1999 and the emergence of ACN as the ruling political party in the state. Democratic elections in the state have always turned out as a huge caricature.

In the name of democracy and party primaries, one man would sit at Bourdillon and determine the selection of coucillors, council chairmen, House of Assembly members, commissioners, federal legislators and even the governor of the state. In the name of democracy, thugs are massively mobilized and incentivized to truncate the voting process and perpetrate electoral robbery. The sense of variety, ideological competition and principle of separation of powers (which are cherished democratic ideals) are completely sacrificed at the altar of patronclient relationships which define the mode of one’s selection into any political office in the state.

In the midst of these blazing contradictions and anachronisms, Lagosians (especially, those who claim to be activists) have become, rather mystically, hypnotized and brainwashed into the dogmatic belief that “Lagos is working.” In their craze to project the superiority of the state in relation to other states in the federation, they eagerly condone and overlook every manner of arbitrariness being unleashed by the state government against Lagos residents. In their desire to sub-

scribe to the hollow creed of “Eko o ni baje,” they accept every unjust policy of the government as normal but prefer, rather hypocritically, to lambast and attack President Jonathan and to criticize everybody and every policy associated with the president.

Let’s take a more critical look at the fallacy that “Lagos is working.” Since 1999 when democracy came into force in Nigeria, I challenge anybody to compare statistically the standard of living in Lagos State then, and what currently obtains now. I also challenge Lagosians to compare the level of commitment to infrastructural turnaround during Fashola’s first tenure as against what is happening presently. When we engage these posers with some modicum of sincerity, it becomes easy to see the idea that “Lagos is working” as a red rag to a bull!

One of the hallmarks of a true leader with unflinching commitment to democracy is his readiness to be attentive to the critical interests of the people he is leading when designing and implementing policies that will have direct impact on their lives. On this score, the Lagos State Government, especially at the outset of Fashola’s second tenure, has shown crass indifference to the harsh and deleterious impact of some of its intended policies on the lives of citizens resident in the state. The controversial Lekki - Epe multiple toll plazas, the exponential hike in tuition fees for LASU students, the ban on the use of motorbikes or “Okada” in the midst of an appallingly chaotic traffic situation in the state, the discriminatory policy on vehicle plate-numbers are all very fresh in our memories.

Oftentimes, we latch on to our perception regarding the impressive beauty of places like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Ikeja. We then proceed to equate such impression as being representative of the entire Lagos.

This tendency is tragically misleading and grossly reductionist. If democracy is rightly conceived to mean a system of governance in which the interest and wellbeing of the people are taken seriously, then one only needs to visit any of the suburban towns and villages situated outside the Lagos metropolis. In most of these areas, the condition of human existence is still largely primitive, squalid, tortuous and bereft of any infrastructural succour. For majority of these suffering Lagosians, the only experience that reminds them that they are part of Lagos is when they encounter uniformed touts recruited to extort all manner of phony levies from them even as they struggle to eke out a living in their stalls, kiosks and even by the roadside.

If there is anything the Ondo election has achieved, it is to puncture the inflated and over-rated glorification of Tinubu and his talismanic ACN. Whereas the Lagos voter had always chosen to vote with his two eyes closed, the more enlightened Ondo voter has done so by “shining his eyes.” Now, the challenge for the former is on how best to domesticate the heroic success of the Ondo experience. Their critical concern should centre on how to deepen the roots of genuine democracy in the state by initiating a process that will guarantee their politico-electoral liberation come 2015.

Ogubuariri writes via Ugoray2010@yahoo.co.uk

not a new challenge to our nation, we must show understanding at a time like this and through collective efforts, support all relevant agencies working to provide succour and rehabilitate the victims, rather than sheer criticisms.

Many have criticised President Goodluck Jonathan over the incidence of floods in the country. Some said he was too relaxed while others opined that he was unconcerned about the plight of victims of the natural disaster.

To demonstrate dovernment’s genuine concerns, President Goodluck Jonathan in a broadcast to the nation, announced the release of billions of naira to government ministries and agencies to tackle the effect of the environmental crisis, ravaging large parts of the country.

The president also enumerated the allocation of funds to floodravaged states categorically: Category A-N500m, Category B- N400, Category C-N300m and Category D-N250m. And most of the states had already received the flood interven-

tion funds from the Federal Government.

A multi-lateral approach has been evolved by the federal government to give succour to victims of perennial flooding while several measures will be taken to mitigate the disaster in the future.

NEMAhad, before then, come to the rescue of victims and continues to do more despite large number of casualties arising from the incident, which has overstreched it. In addition, the president also announced the formation of a National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation charged with the responsibility of raising funds to assuage the suffering of flood victims in the country.

The 34-member committee, headed by business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chief Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) will, among others, raise funds to augment government efforts at cushioning the effects of the flood.

Within the 12 months which the committee has to accomplish its assignment, it will conduct visits and researches based on future risk reduction, mit-

igation of casualties, search-and-rescue operations, as well as relief and rehabilitation efforts. Already, the committee has swung into action immediately, when Dangote announced a cash reprieve of N430m for victims of the flood in Kogi State and women empowerment in the state.

Credit must be given to the Federal Government for reacting decisively and on point, cutting off every further criticism and proving that, beyond reasonable doubt, the presidency really does care. President Goodluck Jonathan had visited some of the states affected by the floods These are not the actions of a government at a loss on what to do, or in need of ideas. These are, indeed, the moves of a government that takes decisive, careful, concise steps in its approach towards tackling the flood disaster. His intervention is not a campaign gimmick.to win supporters in these unsettling times.

Floods: Jonathan’s rescue package

BY AHMED MAIYAKI hough we are yet to have the exact number of displaced persons or value of properties lost and farmland washed away as a result of floods that ravaged many parts of the country, nevertheless we have never witnessed this level of damage caused by flooding in the history of Nigeria. f a fact, the magnititude of floods that have so far ravaged almost all the parts of the country was beyond the predictions made by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, (NIMET).

The large-scale destruction caused by this disaster and the overall consequences on the nation were never envisaged by government and response agencies to be at this level. The impact of the flooding in some parts of the country is evident in food inflation which rose from 9.9% in August to 10.2% in September. An indication that we have a serious issue at hand which calls for concerted efforts far beyond politicking. Though flooding is

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Maiyaki writes from Abuja.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Memories

Philip Nwosu 08176449110

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R YOU S U SEND HOTOS P OLD wosu@yahoo.co.uk phillipn e-mail:

Today in History

End of an era for Concorde The legendary supersonic aircraft, Concorde, on this day in October 2003 landed at the end of its last commercial passenger flight, amid emotional scenes at Heathrow airport.

The final transatlantic flight, ending 27 years of supersonic history, carried 100 celebrities from New York and touched down at 1605 BST. As it did so, a huge cheer went up from the thousands of people gathered by the runway on a specially-built grandstand.

Two other Concorde flights had already landed a few minutes earlier, one carrying competition winners on a flight from Edinburgh, and the other completing a trip for invited guests around the Bay of Biscay.

All three aircraft taxied to the BA engineering base, the crews hanging out of the cockpit windows and waving Union Jacks to the crowds.

Actress Joan Collins, who has flown Concorde about 10 times and was on board the flight from New York, said the end of the era was “tragic”.

“The first time I ever flew Concorde was a bit of a white knuckle ride.

“I am more used to it now, it’s so wonderful to make the journey in three and a half hours,” she said.

British Airways has decided to retire the famous aircraft because it is no longer profitable.

2003

Little Fela Anikulapo Kuti sitting on the floor in front of his mother and father with other members of Omo Egbe Yoruba in Calabar in 1948

Nigeria’s expression of rejection of the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on this day in October 2003 met opposition from unlikely quarters: Britain, the nation’s former colonial master.

Speaking in Abuja, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Philip Thomas, said the verdict was binding on Nigeria since the country had pledged to honour the outcome of the court process before the ruling.

At another forum, however, the nation’s foreign affairs minister, Alhaji Sule Lamido, said that President Olusegun Obasanjo never made any commitment, insisting that deliberations at the purported meeting were based on trust.

The ICJ had in a majority ruling on October 10 awarded the ownership of the disputed oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

In a formal reaction Wednesday, the

2003

Nigeria must handover Bakassi -Britain Federal Government had described the verdict as unaceptable, citing bias on the part of the French president of the court, Mr. Gilbert Guillaume.

But fielding questions from reporters in Abuja, Thomas said Obasanjo had already committed the nation at a meeting he reportedly had with President Paul Biya of Cameroon and United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, in Paris.

Said the British convoy: “I had the chance to hear from the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Mr. Sule Lamido, on the Nigerian government’s view-point.

“If you read carefully the Nigerian government issued, at least from our own point of view, the starting point is

President Obasanjo’s commitment when he met President Paul Biya of Cameroon in the good office of the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Kofi Annan in Paris on September 5, and said that Nigeria will implement the ruling of the International Court of Justice.”

UN formally established On October 24, 1945, less than two months after the end of World War II, the United Nations is formally established with the ratification of the United Nations Charter by the five permanent members of the Security Council and a majority of other signatories.

Despite the failure of the League of Nations in arbitrating the conflicts that led up to World War II, the Allies as early as 1941 proposed establishing a new international body to maintain peace in the postwar world. The idea of the United Nations began to be articulated in August 1941, when U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill signed the Atlantic Charter, which proposed a set of principles for international collaboration in maintaining peace and security. Later that year, Roosevelt coined “United Nations” to describe the nations allied against the Axis powers—Germany, Italy, and Japan. The term was first officially used on January 1, 1942, when representatives of 26 Allied nations met in Washington, D.C., and signed the Declaration by the United Nations, which endorsed the Atlantic Charter and presented the united war aims of the Allies.

In October 1943, the major Allied powers—Great Britain, the United States, the USSR, and China—met in Moscow and issued the Moscow Declaration, which officially stated the need for an international organization to replace the League of Nations. That goal was reaffirmed at the Allied conference in Tehran in December 1943, and in August 1944 Great Britain, the United States, the USSR, and China met at the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D.C., to lay the groundwork for the United Nations.

1945

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Vodacom grants students tour of facility

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Executive Head, Network Operations, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Vernon Van Rooyen addressing the students at a one day industrial visit organized by Vodacom Business Nigeria for the ICT Club members of Grace High School in Lagos.

Photo: ZIKA BOBBY Questions relating to this were on how Vodacom provides and manages its customers’ software and hardware without being physically present at customer locations.

The ICT Coordinator of Grace High School, Mrs. Funmilola Omojola thanked the management of Vodacom Business Nigeria for the opportunity given to the students to gain more ICT knowledge from the organization.

NIM partners Nigeria Police

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he Nigerian Institute of Management has entered talks with the Nigerian Police Force to partner with it in the areas of capacity building and human capital development with the sole aim of improving on the performance of the officers and men of the Force.

This arrangement was kick-started when a

By PETER ANOSIKE

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By ZIKA BOBBY s part of its commitment to youth empowerment and development through ICT, Vodacom Business Nigeria recently played host the ICT Club members of Grace High school on a one day ICT tour at its Lagos office.

The tour, which included a visit to the company’s data centre, was aimed at giving these tech-savvy students exposure to the technology behind the gadgets and applications they use on a daily basis.

“For these youngsters, devices like the iPad, Smartphones and video games are fast becoming a way of life. Children are fascinated by pressing buttons and making things work. By taking them behind the scenes we’re giving them a better understanding of the industry, how it works and showing them where they can one day make a difference,” said Vernon Van Rooyen, Executive Head, Network Operations Vodacom Business Nigeria.

While the tour touched on a number of areas from the development of the Nigerian ICT industry to back up and security solutions, the students were particularly interested in Vodacom’s Cloud Services.

Traditional rulers commend Damian Azubuike Foundation

delegation from the Institute led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, at Nigerian Police headquarters, Abuja, recently.

In his welcome remark, the Inspector General

who commended the institute for the visible contributions it has been making to national development in the areas of human capital development, capacity building and youth development, promised that the Force will partner with the Institute in certain identified need areas to improve the management professionalism of its officers and men. Abubakar further revealed that his administration places high premium on improving the Force because the officers and men of the Force like the workforce of any other organisation need regular but relevant training and retraining not only to perform better on their jobs but to also be in tandem with latest development in their field of calling in line with world best practices.

The Inspector General of Police charged the Institute, other professional bodies and institutions of higher training to ensure that the right type of knowledge is impacted on individuals who pass through them as appropriate and relevant training are fundamental to attitudinal outlook and general performance of any workforce. He also used the opportunity to call on the Nigerians to help the Police by making available to it relevant and useful information which will help the Force in resolving crime and other security challenges at all times.

raditional rulers have commended Damian Azubuike Foundation for its positive impacts on human lives and contribution to good governance in the country.

Speaking on the occasion of the award by World Genius Records as the most royal support organization in Lagos, the royal fathers said that the foundation has through it seminars brought about harmonious relationship between the people and their leaders.

According to Oba Aderibigbe, the Alayandelu of Odo Ayandelu Kingdom, Agbowa, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Damian Azubuike Foundation is the first foundation in Nigerian and the international community that embrace the royal fathers, carrying them along in their daily activities.

The royal father said that the foundation believed that the royal fathers are the closest to the grass root and that they should be the medium by which vital information should get to the people.

His words,” The Damian Azubuike Foundation does not limit its work on health alone .It also encourages the people around them to support their leaders in order to enhance government development in their areas since most of the challenges that the traditional rulers encounter in bringing development to their domain is as a result of the rigid resistance of the people in relinquishing their land for government work. With this medium of educating people it has brought about a change to the people as they now embrace the government projects whose motives is for the strategic, innovation and sustainable development of the community.

Contributing, Eze Remigius Nnanna Ekere of Nweafor Autonomous Community in Imo State described Damian Azubuike Foundation as an international project that serves as a platform for positive discussion in the promotion of strategic change, innovation research and sustainable development by providing solutions on contemporary issues challenging the world...

“Today, we all will be remembered for honouring, celebrating and equally witnessing that the traditional ruler institution is important and pivotal to the sustainable development of any nation. The foundation was wise to have traditional rulers in the foundation board of trustee which invariably invited other traditional rulers in their annual summit that resulted to World Genius Record to recognize the foundation setting a new Nigerius Record of Achievement as Most Royal Support In his goodwill message, Chief Gregory Ebomuche said that the foundation has done well in the service of humanity, mostly on the health related summit, lectures and presentation which has enabled it to carve a niche for itself He commended the members of the board of trustee who were drawn from different strata of the society for their efforts at transforming the society “You can agree with me that the two health related summits and lectures they organized were educative, enlightening and advicing, mostly on the challenges affecting us as a people Other traditional rulers that graced the occasion include,His Royal Highness Igwe Anthony Okoli,,His Royal Highness,ObaAjibade Bakare-Agoro, Randu of Imota,,His Royal Highness Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede,Olusin of IsanluIsin among others.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

PABULUM -Food for Thought

23

The Sina Adedipe Column

adesina_adedipe@yahoo.com 08055958583

Jonathan avoid Abiola and IBB’s mistakes with God (59)

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had two objectives for writing this longdrawn (- out) sixteen-month running series advising President Goodluck Jonathan to seek Almighty God’s forgiveness for coming out last year for re-election. An action which was against the zoning policy in the constitution of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a document to which he was one of the signatories on Monday, December 2, 2002. And which enjoins him to have allowed the North to have the presidency for eight years (2007 – 15) as was the case with General Olusegun Obasanjo who used the Southern opportunity and was allowed to seek re-election in 2003 and who served two terms and left office on May 28, 2007.

My first reason for the series was that I wanted President Jonathan to know, if he was not aware, that because of the zoning policy of his party he had by seeking re-election last year (instead of 2015) gone against the order of the Lord in the Bible Book of Numbers 13:1-16 that people should honour their vows and promises to Him and the agreements and pledges with fellow human beings. Something the Heavenly Father Himself upheld keeping to the vows He made to Abraham in Genesis Chapters 12 & 15, Jacob in Genesis 32 and King David in 2 Samuel 7:1-17.

And which Prophet Joshua who led the Israelites to the Promised Land (Canaan) after the death of Prophet Moses spoke about in Joshua 9:1-21 and Nehemiah, the Governor of Judah in the 6th century B. C. in Nehemiah 5:1-13.

I also chose to write for President Jonathan to realize that by seeking re-election last year he also

violated the injunction in the Bible that people should be fair and just in all they do which among other places is in Psalms 98:9 and 99:4. Thus he was unfair and unkind to Northerners by depriving them the opportunity of having the presidency for eight years like the Southerners did. Indeed, as I revealed in the book the Lord in 2001 instructed me to write: Nigeria set aside by God for greatness and the untold story of June 12 annulment, which I published in 2004, seven years before President Jonathan sought re-election, the Heavenly Father wanted the South to have the presidency for only four years (1999 – 2003). To this end, He had in July 2001 sent me to General Ibrahim Babangida, the military head of state who ruled the country from August 1985 – August 1993, to contest the presidential election of 2003.

With the unpopularity of President Obasanjo

who escaped being impeached late in 2002 through the intervention of General Babangida, there was no doubt that the North would have produced the president in 2003 if they had decided not to honour the PDP zoning policy of December 2002. So, President Jonathan and his supporters can see that his seeking re-election last year cannot be justified by the fact that nobody from his South-South zone had ever been head of state in the country’s 51 years of independence (since 1960), whereas the North had produced the nation’s First Citizen for about 35 years. Did the Lord not know this when He sent a message to Babangida, a Northerner to contest the 2003 presidential poll?

•For continuation next week Wednesday

Birthday greetings to kings of Akure and Egbaland (6)

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part from deciding to build a mosque along with a chapel in the palace when a Muslim monarch is not likely to emerge in Akure in the foreseeable future which I wrote about last week, Oba Adebiyi Adesida in the two years he has been on the throne has also taken other steps to promote peace and unity in all the towns and villages under his authority. One of such innovative policies is the appointment of head chiefs called Olus and Baales to oversee the affairs of the villages assigned to them for prompt settlement of disputes, referring only difficult

Prof. Nathan Uzorma Protus

to solve ones to the Deji and his Council of High Chiefs.

Another new policy of Oba Adesida is the establishment of a committee to be in charge of the building, allocation and maintenance of markets in Akure metropolis. And another committee to handle land matters to prevent the situation in which his deposed immediate predecessor was arbitrarily taking over people’s lands. An action that caused problem and one of the public fights the dethroned monarch engaged in during his reign between 1999 and 2005.

•More to come next week

Nigeria’s families of judges and lawyers (13)

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advertised at the end of last week’s column that I was going to write about the families with three and four lawyers today because I could not get the names of the five children of late Dr. Ahmed Kusamotu, a one-time National Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention, who like him are barristers.

And I did not receive the text sent to me about three or four weeks ago that the late Dr. Nwakamma Okoro (SAN), a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (1976 – 78) has four children who are also attorneys. I received the one sent three days ago, hence I have to postpone the families with three and four lawyers.

From the information made available to me two days ago, Dr. Kusamotu’s family actually has seven lawyers and not six as I had it in the promotion I did two weeks ago. So his family is at par with those of Justice Aderoju Aderemi of blessed memory and late Chief Christian Onoh, a former Governor of Old Anambra State. But I only have the name of Dr. Kusamotu’s son who is a lawyer. He is Olaseni but I could not get those of his five daughters who are lawyers before going to press.

The four children of Dr. Okoro who are legal practitioners are Ms. Ijeoma NwakammaOkoro; Mrs. Nnenna Adeyemi-Bero; Mrs. Ebere Sogbola and Mr. Chima NwakammaOkoro.

•Next week the families with three and four lawyers

Philosophical Reflection

profnathanuzomah@yahoo.com 08138731416

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rof. this is two miracles in one. I blessed God for your life and ministry; I am one of those who enjoyed the blessings of your oil before others. I thought that my case was beyond God, because I have undergone several deliverances in many churches.

For 24 years of marriage, we have patiently waited on God for a baby, but it was as if God left us without any help. About 8 years ago, my wife missed her period that led to a pregnancy that she carried for 5 years. After using your anointing oil, she was delivered of that baby and the oil helped in flushing her system from demonic contamination which in turn enabled her to see her menses regularly. She took in early this year and had a baby boy last week.I am very grateful to God my brother for your life Mr. Anayo. Email ayopaercel1@yahoo.com By virtue of illicit sex, one exposes his secrets to the demons whose interest it is to steal, kill or destroy in accordance with Christ teachings in John 10;10. Do remember that the secret of your success is the target of the enemy. Now if they access your hidden information which you have enabled them to do by virtue of illicit sex, they will prevent the blessing from materializing. If they abort it, you will be disappointed. This is the major cause of near success syndrome.

The etheric line through which this information is accessed could be manipulated by demons. This is why someone’s name could be shortlisted for political appointment and he or she because of his closeness or affinity with the political powers that be, will end up indulging in illicit sex and after that he or she will be greeted with disappointment.

This is applicable to every aspect of human life.

Disappointments do not just come, the forces of darkness usually take advantage of one’s ignorance in this aspect to defer one’s blessing or steal same and channel it to anyone who comes to receive solution from them, let it be known here that the devil does not have anything to offer to his agents and slaves what he does is to steal. He only

Attack in the realm of the spirit (6) steals and gives what he has stolen to those who consult him for solution. This is the basis by which Satan is said to be giving blessings to people.

There are various machineries used by the prince of darkness and his cohorts to monitor people and cause them to live in abject poverty.

Some people have made enough efforts in life to succeed yet they are usually greeted with disappointment. I am saying this because the devil and his evil workers are on daily increase enjoying the perpetration of evils against humanity.

A young boy recently informed me of how he was expecting a payment of a job he did and in his dream he saw the manager of the company who gave him the cheque of 4.8 million(being the money owed him by the company) Naira. At the same point an old woman appeared from an undisclosed direction and speedily took the cheque from him and tore it before him and said to him, ìas long as I live you will never make this money in the whole of your life.

The young Christian later confessed to me that the manager of the company who had agreed with him to pay him the money later called him the following morning to inform him that the payment will not be effected as planned.

The young boy called me three weeks ago and told me all that I have so far written here and wept bitterly. I introduced him to my miracle anointing oil and asked him to endeavor to procure it, when he did two weeks ago, I instructed him on how to do the prayers and the mid-night prayer that follows. He did as was instructed and two weeks to the prayers (which was suppose to take him three weeks) the manager of the company called him and apologized to him saying that he could not imagine that his company has been owing him for a job he did for three to four years.

According to the brother, he stopped the prayer mid-way as a result of the answer that I

received from God. The money was paid the same day the manager invited him for the same purpose.

There are some delays that are not ordinary at all. When your expectations are delayed and maybe denied I urge you to get closer to God in prayers, you may be amazed to discover that an agent of darkness may be responsible. I handled a case that I traced to a particular man. My friend that has related with me for over four years has a wife that has always experienced evil dreams that usually lead to miscarriages. His wife has had about fifteen miscarriages. At a point, I decided to investigate what was responsible. It is amazing what I discovered.

The woman had a boyfriend that both of them agreed to marry before the lady later disappointed him. The boy decided to deal with the lady.

He pretended to be happy with her after pleading with her to wait him for one more year in order to settle down with her. She refused and was consequently in a hurry to settle down with the later young man (who later became my friend) because of his financial muscles. Thereafter the boyfriend pretended to be happy with her, not knowing that he had consulted a witch doctor that prepared a charm that was aimed at tying her womb.

She was still having illicit love affair with the young man until it was revealed to me. Like I said, when I took the issue of her miscarriages very seriously, I investigated it only to discover that the womb of my friend’s wife was tied and that the woman was still relating with the boy who pretended to be friendly. Some women can be strange! When I got the revelation I decided to confront the woman, she was shocked that God could expose her secrets to the extent of knowing that what she was hiding was responsible for her physical sorrow. She wept and vowed never to repeat same. I administered deliverance

on her though that was done after a long time discussion with the lover boy too I am sharing this testimony with all my readers because the woman had a baby boy two months ago after fifteen years of miscarriage. It took the grace of God to separate the tie between the boy and the woman because the woman was in love while the young man was on a mission to ruin her home without her knowledge. Let me at this point warn those women who still keep secret or open relationship with their former boyfriends with an intension of making themselves happy, this is very wrong and is another way through which the spirit of lust and fornication and adultery is nourished and sustained. The Bible says ìif a man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things have become newî II cor 5:17.

The above biblical assertion to all extent authenticates the fact that the moment one is in Christ he is a new person and any old life becomes a history. In the same vein, if any woman is married, everything about her old relationship becomes a thing of the past. Keeping any secret relationship to the extent of sleeping together is an abomination. Such can delay the progress of a Christian family in many ways.

The devil can do anything so long as he derives joy in doing it. Some women have killed their husbands without their conscious intention in this connection. This is no joke. I am presently handling an issue where a young lady who wanted to own her husband not by good character but with charms, went and prepared love portion to enable her husband love her beyond measure.

She did and upon giving the man the love portion, her husband ate it and died few days later.

Now she has become a widow with four children to take care of. This is very serious and should be spoken against.

24 Wednesday, October 24, 2012

DAILY SUN

South-East Report Ekwueme @ 80: S’East stands still for Ide Ndigbo

From CHIDI NNADI, Enugu

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he 80th birthday celebration of former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, which began on October 14 with a commencement church service in Abuja, peaked last Saturday with a cultural carnival held at the late Dr. Michael Okpara Square, Enugu. The activities lined up to mark the birthday will end on November with a concluding church service scheduled to hold at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

Though it was to be a day for masquerades and other cultural dances from the South-East region to honour the celebrant, the Ide Aguata, now pronounced Ide Ndigbo by the Chairman, SouthEast Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; the Igbo used the occasion to solidify their clamour for the presidency in 2015 and call for an additional state.

But not losing sight of the main menu for the Enugu gathering for Dr Ekwueme, when the popular Igede Dance by the Ngwo people in Enugu State rent the air, former Peoples Democratic Party Chairman and ex-Enugu State governor, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, stepped out first to try his legs on the dance only meant for titled men in Igbo land.

Nwodo was later joined by the Imo Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha; former Anambra State governors, Dr. Jim Nwobodo and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife and former Senate President, Dr. Ken Nnamani, to the admiration of the legion of prominent Igbo leaders, who thronged the Okpara Square.

When the Igbo leaders started to give their goodwill messages, it was encomium upon encomium on Dr Ekwueme who all of them unanimously said had done well for the Igbo nation and Nigeria in general.

Indeed, Senator Joy Emordi, special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan spoke the mind of all that gathered for the carnival when she pointed out that anybody who performed excellently well in public office would earn the respect of his or her people.

She said that the antecedents of the former vice president were the major attraction of the large

…As leaders demand additional state, Igbo president Dr. Alex Ekwueme and wife and other VIPs cutting the 8 0 t h birthday cake of D r .

Ekwueme

Senator Anyim P. Anyim, SGF (left), representative of P re s i d e n t Jonathan and Dr. Alex Ekwueme (right) exchanging views. turn-out of Ndigbo and other Nigerians to salute Ekwueme on his 60th birthday, saying that they saw him as a role model.

Mrs Emordi also said that the Igbo politicians based in Abuja are not relenting in their push to get an additional state for the South-East in order to put it at par with other geo-political zones, adding that “when we now have this we will begin to think of how every zone will get seven states each.”

Also, the Imo governor, Okorocha in his characteristic manner of exhibiting high oratory

power insisted that the best birthday present for Ekwueme would be an additional state for the South-East zone.

“What have we done wrong that we still have five states when the other zones have six or seven? One more state for the South-East will give us a sense of belonging,” the governor said.

He lamented a situation where the Igbo of the South-East zone have only 15 senators representing them in the Senate while the other zones have up to 21 representatives, saying that the Ekwueme birthday should serve as a new begin-

ning for the race, urging those who pull down their brothers and sisters from the outside to stop the act forthwith.

He said that the much-touted lack of unity among the Igbo was actually not the problem of the Igbo as the said disunity does not represent practical realities on ground.

Okorocha said that Igbo were created great by God and that the people are just waiting for the appropriate time, urging Ndigbo to hasten up as “Nigeria is waiting for us.”

The president who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said that celebrating Ekwueme at 80 marked a new beginning for the Igbo even as he urged other politicians to emulate the good examples of the former vice president.

For former governor of Anambra State, Dr Ezeife, it is only the Igbo that can repair Nigeria.

He said: “We (Ndigbo) will rule to repair Nigeria.”

From former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Nwobodo came a flashback in history as he remembered his old days with the former Imo governor, late Chief Sam Mbakwe when they had two states in the South-East, advising Ndigbo not to quarrel when eventually they get the additional state that would put them on equal pedestal with other zones.

Also, the Chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum and Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi, who said he was speaking on behalf of the Enugu State acting governor, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi, said there was no doubt that the Igbo wanted an additional state and the president in 2015.

But he said that the Igbo must be united in the pursuit, adding that it was only in doing that they would be respected by the other regions.

“If we are doing things together, if we are working together, the Igbo president, additional state will be for granted,” he said.

Obi pointed out that the Igbo represents Nigeria as the tribe has its people scattered everywhere in the country, saying that he would like a time when the Igbo would remain anywhere they are to contest elections.

Maiden Aba International Trade Fair coming

By PETER AGBA KALU

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hilip Ekempu, a legal practitioner and a business development lawyer, is heading a consortium, which is organising the first international trade fair in Aba in conjunction with Aba Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines & Agriculture (ACCIMA). He gives a rundown of the benefit of the fair, what to expect and the economic benefit.

How come about the idea of the coming trade fair and what kind of trade fair is it?

The coming trade fair will be the first International Trade Fair to be held in Aba. Before now, Aba has held several made in Nigeria trade fairs and until recently N A S I M A, which is the umbrella organization of the chamber of commerce granted Aba chamber license to organize international trade fair covering leather and leather products. My relationship with that is that I joined the chamber of commerce on 1993, representing LeeNobic Group as a council and eventually reached the position of vice president, administration in the Chamber of Commerce. So I have been a chamber man. I have been involved in various trade fair organizations by the chamber. Recently, I joined hands whit two other of my colleagues to set up what is called High –Tech-concept a business development vehicle What makes you think that an investor or a participant will come to Aba? Aba has the potential to make Nigeria great in the sense that in Aba, you can find every conceivable business thriving. Over time now, peo-

ple do not really know what is going on in Aba. But they feel the impact of Aba Leather but they don’t know that it is coming from Aba. But those of us in Aba know the potentials of Aba. If you go to Ariaria International Market, you can find almost everything you want and 80% of these things are made in Aba, even though we have imported products here. Aba is the center of commerce, east of Niger. Take textiles for instance, people come from Lagos to buy textiles materials imported to Nigeria from Aba because the bulk of the textiles importers in Nigeria live in Aba. The bulk of fashion ware dealers also live in Aba and also produce in Aba. I was of the opinion that some of these you are mentioning have closed shop because of lack of infrastructure. Can you confirm what you are saying by giving examples?

This is one of the reasons we want to do this trade fair. I am aware that there are a lot of people outside Nigeria who want to invest in this country and we want to show-case what Aba is made of. I know that there are many factories finding it difficult to continue production in Aba because of poor infrastructures but also mainly because of lack of funds. I believe that if we are able to attract foreign investors, many of these factories will pick up again. There are many of them that are lying idle because of lack of funds and poor facilities..

You are therefore saying that Aba is like a sleeping giant with a lot of investment potentials?

Yes, Aba is a sleeping Economic Giant.

And this is the best time to tap into it?

Exactly.

What are your plans for security?

First some years back, Aba received bad publicity about security. But I am glad to say now that all that has changed. Aba today is one of the safest state cities in Nigeria. Thanks to the state and the federal governments who made this possible. The criminals who made Aba and Abia State ungovernable in the past have now been totally eliminated from the entire state. Aba is now manned by a solid Nigeria police force. No more harassment of the citizens by the police.

Which areas of investment will you advice an investor, coming to Aba to invest in?

Aba has two main likes of businesses, where you have both labour and skill readily available.

These are on the areas of leather and textiles that is foreign textiles. In finished textiles products, you don’t lack skilled tailors in Aba. You can not also lack skilled cobblers and shoe makers in the town. I am aware that in the past, the World Bank has shown a lot of interest in what goes on in Aba shoe industry. The bank wants to assist in the area of providing basic machines and arrangements that will help give good finishing and uniform standard to quality. That system was almost put into effect. Investment in that area will certainly boost good employment, good production and good income. Same goes for the textile industry Apart from the chamber of commerce which other organization, groups or governments parastatals are you working with in order to achieve some of these things you have mentioned?

We are working with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Abia State; we are also working with NACIMA; which is the parent body of the chambers. We will work with all

Ekempu the brother city chambers to achieve this trade fair. We are also in touch with the various commercial attaches of the diplomatic members in Nigeria. We are encouraging them to help us reach their nationals who are doing business in Nigeria to attend the fair.

In rounding up, which date is the trade fair coming up?

The trade fair will start on the 12th of November 2012 and will last till 22nd November this year; that is 10 days. It could be extended; depending on how successful it is and if there is popular demand for its extension. We may ask for an extension of the fair for may be another week. But principally it is going to run from 12th to 22nd November this year. The team for the fair is “boosting Nigeria economy through local production for export.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012 25

South-East Report Day Ihediohas celebrated mum @ 80

Weep over poor roads in the region

By TESSY IGOMU

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n a clime where the average lifespan hovers in the neighbourhood of 40 and 50, turning 80 is a big deal. And to be as fit as fiddle and basking in good health at such an age is a big deal. Indeed, more than anything, it calls for a huge celebration. And that, precisely, was how it was for Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, mother of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

And her joy knew no bounds on September 29, 2012 when her children threw a talk-of-the-town party that turned out to be more of a political jamboree. The high and mighty in Nigeria stormed Mbutu, the rustic community of the Ihediohas in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State to pay homage to the Ihedioha matriarch.

Apart from the political class, business moguls and economic giants also came just as traditional rulers and the everyday folks of the community had a field enjoying the hospitality of the occasion.

Senate President David Mark; Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Chief Mike Ogiadhome, Chief of Staff in the presidency, representing President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Stella Oduah and Nyesom Wike, Ministers of Finance, Aviation and Education (State) respectively. Others included Senators Chris Anyanwu, Abdul Ningi, Nkechi Nwogu, Margery Okadigbo, Chris Ngige, Ita Enang, and Andy Uba, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, Hon. Leo Ogor, Hon. Sulaiman Kawu, Hon. Alphonsus Irona, Hon. John Enoh, Hon. Samson Osagie, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Hon. Abike Dabiri, Hon. Nnena Ukeje, Hon. Isiaka Bawa, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, Hon. Jones Onyereri, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Hon. Ibrahim Gusau, Hon. Bashir Adamu, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, and Hon. Warman Ogoriba, among over 200 other members of the House of Reps were conspicuous in attendance. There were also Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, former deputy senate president, Rt. Honourable Usman Nafada, former deputy speaker and Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, erstwhile deputy speaker.

State governors were not left out as Peter Obi of Anambra; Theodore Orji of Abia; Rochas Okorocha of Imo; Liyel Imoke of Cross River, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta and representatives of other state governors showed up. Other high profile political personalities present were Chief Victor Umeh of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Sam Jaja, PDP deputy national chairman, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP national publicity secretary Chief Kema Chikwe, PDP national women leader, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former national chairman of the PDP, immediate past governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Col. Austin Akunbundu (rtd), PDP Nat. Vice Chairman (South-east), Chief Chris Uba, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Walter Ofonagoro, former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyilu, Chief Eustace Eke, Sen. Arthur Nzeribe, Chief Onyeama

IBy HEANACHO NWOSU, Abuja

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Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, A Bishop, Rt Hon Emeka ihedioha, Senate President David Mark, Imo State Governor Owelle Rocharles Okorocha, Primate of All Anglican, ArchBishop Nicholas Okoh and Anglican Bishop of Ideato Diocese, Caleb Maduoma during the St Peter’s Mbutu Church dedication and 80th Birthday of Dame Dorothy Ihedioha at Abo Mbaise, Imo State Ugochukwu, among others.

God for the life of Dame Ihedioha whom he Top on the list of the business and economic noted still looked strong and graceful at the age of class were Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Ifeanyi 80.

Uba, Jite Okoloko, Uju Ifejika, and Oscar In his remarks, President of the Senate, David Onyeama while top judicial officers present Mark commended the deputy speaker for faciliincluded Justice Binta Murtala Nyarko, Hon. tating the building of the Church without calling Justice Ijeoma Agugua and Justice Ben for donations from invited guests, noting that it Njemanze. His Grace, Revd. Nicholas Okoh, the was an example worth emulating by other politiprimate of Nigeria and Bishop Chukwuma of cians. He thanked God for the life of the celebrant Enugu Diocese led over 20 other Bishops. whom he noted did not look as old as her age and Traditional rulers came in their numbers notably, prayed God to grant her good health and many Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of South-east tradi- years ahead. Governor Rochas Okorocha who tional rulers council, Eze Obi Nwokocha and was obviously impressed with the large turnout of HRH Eze Reginald Amadi. Other notable per- high profile political personages used the occasonalities at the occasion were Chief Elvis sion to call for constitutional changes that would Agukwe, Chief Marcel Nlemigbo, former Imo cater for the interest of the South-east geo-politiPDP Chairman, Sen. Lee Maeba, Sen. Joy cal zone of the country like creation of an addiEmordi, and Engr. & Mrs. Peter Nwachukwu. tional state. He described the deputy speaker as a Though some analysts have been quick to link worthy son of Imo State and praised God for sparthe event with 2015 politics of Imo State but what ing Dame Ihedioha’s life to enjoy the fruits of her played out clearly on that day is the fact that Hon. labour.

Ihedioha has proved to the world that he has got In his vote of thanks, Ihedioha expressed thanks the clout, contact and network that can be to the array of guests that ignored other pressing deployed for the benefit of future political items on their schedule to honour the family on endeavours. The import of the crowd-pulling the occasion. On her own part, the celebrant who event indeed has not been lost on political watch- beamed with smiles all through the service exuders in the country as many alliances and new ed such joy and was short of words to express her understanding must have been built through the gladness. “I am so full of joy I don’t know what instrumentality of Dame Ihedioha’s 80th birthday. else to say,” she told reporters.

The day’s event began with a thanksgiving The church service was followed by a reception service at St. Peters Anglican Church, Mbutu. It at the country home of the deputy speaker, which was a combined service as the new building for had become a beehive of activities and a Mecca the Church, a project facilitated by Hon. Emeka of some sort for politicians and community leadIhedioha, was also dedicated to the glory of God. ers who wanted to be allowed to play one role or During the service, the officiating priest and the other to make the occasion a success since Primate of Nigeria, the Most Revd. Nicholas mid-week. A beautiful birthday cake was Okoh charged the congregation to see the new unveiled for the celebrant to cut and she was temple as a consecrated place of worship that assisted in the task by her children and dignitaries should not be used for anything less. He praised like Sen. Mark and others.

Imo community begs Okorocha to fix bad roads, erosion menace

By KELECHI MGBOJI

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hreatened by perennial gully erosion, cutoff from the rest of Imo State by bad and inaccessible roads, the community government innovation of the Imo State Governor, Owele Rochas Okorocha, may be the last hope for the Eziawa Community in Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State.

Hemmed in from all sides by the twin problems of erosion and bad roads, life has become unbearable for indigenes of the communities where vehicles and motorcycles have since ceased to ply for fear of being trapped and marooned.

Some well-meaning indigenes of the community that came home for the New Yam Festival celebration lost every sense of mirth. They were sad over the situation they ran into at home and the mirth of the festivity gave way to gloom all through the period.

When Daily Sun visited the area on invitation

Reps slam S’East road contractors

to have first hand information on the life-threatening circumstance the community has been thrown into, it turned into journey the valley of death.

At Nkwo Awo Idemili junction, every motorcyclist is quick to tell the visitor that it was a nogo area no matter the amount of money he was offered. One that accepted to risk the trip did so for a sum of money three times higher than normal, from N150.00 under normal situation to N500.00.

Due to extreme difficulty in accessing the schools, teachers no longer accept posting to both St. Anthony’s Primary School and Eziawa Comprehensive Secondary School, Eziawa. The schools look deserted as students and pupils have since found their way to other schools.

According to Lagos-based Chairman of Uruala Brothers Association (UBA), Mr. James Odumegwu, alleged that representative in the House of Representatives, who hailed from Ihittenansa community and their representative in Imo State House of Assembly, who hails from

Amazu community, were aware of the problems but had been making only promises to no avail.

He called on Governor Okorocha to use his community government initiative to rescue the area, saying the only hope for them is the community government innovation. He complained that neighboring communities had deserted their roads, which have turned into death traps.?

“Sometimes, I wondered if we are from Imo State at all. Is government waiting until we are all wiped out by erosion and bad roads?”

Odumegwu wondered.

He wants government to pay attention to two major roads, Ekpekere Uzo Road that leads to Ihittenansa, and Uruala Road, adding that both roads would enable them have access and link with other communities from which he presently said they had been cut-off.

Also speaking, Ichie John Onyekaozula Odumegwu said they had decided to call the press to help covey the message of their lifethreatening situation to government so that they might intervene for assistance.

ember of the House of Representatives have tongue lashed contractors handling roads in the South East describing most of them as unfit to handle the jobs they were given.

Inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects in Enugu-9th mile, EnuguOntisha road members of the House Committee on particularly lashed out at CCC firm for what they called lackdaiscal attitude to the project.

Leader of the House team in the South East Hon Toby Okechukwu said that it was inexplicable that a compay that was awarded in 2009 was yet to be executed to 40 percent.

He said “this is a clear case of unseriousness, I don’t know why it is only in the south east that we see all this type of nonsense”. He threatened that the committee will recommend a review of the contract if there was no improvement in the execution of the project.

Another lawmaker Hon Bimbo Daramola lamented that whereas CCC has collected more than 80 percent of the contract it is yet to do any meaningful thing with the money.

He said “ tell us what u have been doing with all the money you have been collecting, nothing here justifies the money and it is wicked, it is a shame”. At Achi-Oji road the lawmakers almost broke down in tears as the road was cut into two.

Hon Okechukwu asked the contractor SETRACO to immediately fix the road so as to reconnect the three local governments that have been severed by collapsed road.

“This is unthinkable, something has to be done fast. Right now people from the three councils cannot access communities within their towns”.

At Lokpanta, Enugu Port Harcourt road where motorists spent hours before crossing the dilapedated spot the lawmakers described the situation as hopeless. Daramola said “ I will come here with my camera to do a documentary on this road. This is really hopeless.”

Mrs. Celina Osonwa Emeri for burial

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he remains of Mrs. Celina Osonwa Emeri will be interred on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at her country home, Ekeluogo, Akanu-Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Council, Abia State, after a commendation funeral church services at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Akanu Parish.

According to funeral programme released by her sons - Prince Udo and Sam (Mkpa), all resident in Ghana, a service of song/vigil holds on Friday, October 26, 2012 at Onu-Ogo Ekeluogu Square, Akanu-Ohafia from 8.00pm till dawn.

By 10.00am on Saturday, October 27, 2012, corpse leaves Mben Mortuary Services, Ebem Ohafia for her funeral church service at Presbyterian Church, Akanu, after a brief stopover at Ndi Uma, her paternal compound and thereafter interment.

Ma Celina, 60 years old, was a strong and amiable christian woman, women guilds member of her local church and a good member of Egwuena Age Grade, died on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at her daughter’s resident on a school graduation visit at Aba. She is survived by five children and many other relations.

Mrs. Osonwa

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

•Juliet and her husband during chemotherapy

By KATE HALIM

J

uliet Uzoma-Aguwa has discovered what it means to really live life.

Having gone through the ordeal of breast cancer, and emerged victorious, the experience taught her to focus only on things that really matter in life.

In a recent chat with Daily Sun, the founder of Courage to Dare Foundation revealed that her desire is to inspire African women who seem to have lost hope that there can be life after breast cancer.

Excerpts: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How much of a factor do you think early detection played in your defeating breast cancer?

I was a stage 3, which means it was not an early stage but I started treatment right away. I guess that played a huge role in making me cancer-free today.

You had to make some tough decisions regarding the care you received.

How did you did you go about it?

As a mother of two and a wife, I had no choice due to the stage of my diagnosis. I knew I had to start treatment right away. I had 6 months of chemotherapy and 6 months of radiation before I was given a clean bill of health.

How did you react when you heard you had breast cancer?

When we got in to see the doctor, I watched her. She seemed nervous, like she didn’t want to tell me what they had found.

Even before she said the words, I knew I had breast cancer. I was only 34. I was diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive breast cancer in September 2008 within 2 months of my routine medical check. I can’t tell you the shock and the disbelief of how my world spiraled out of control. The moment I heard the word- cancer, everything went blank.

The only thing I remembered saying to my doctor was ‘I want to raise my kids because nobody can love them like I do.

And she responded, ‘Oh, yes! You are going to.’ But that was all she could tell me at that point.

I thought and acted like it was a death sentence, thoughts of my daughters and husband of five years flooded my mind. I almost drowned in my tears. I ran a few more tests to confirm the extent of damage and was advised that the best treatment was to have a surgery. It was the hardest decision of my life at such a young age, when I had so much plans for the future which included getting back into the movie world eventually, a passion that I had long left behind due to marriage and family but was constantly taunted by it.

How then did you get past the initial shock, disbelief and perhaps the denial stage of your diagnosis?

I got through the shock with the help of my family and friends who were passionate about helping me overcome my ordeal. Telling my older daughter who was three and half years old at the time was hard because she did not understand. We told her that the bad guys attacked mummy’s boobs, and we are trying to fight them. I braced up and broke the news to my family. My mother was in Nigeria at the time and she came to the States to take care of me during my treatment.

How were you able to sustain your strength during treatment mentally, emotionally and spiritually?

Through the help of a psychologist and my family, I was strengthened. My twin sister, Julia and other members of my family were pillars of strength and support.

Can you share your special moments during this period whether happy, sad or funny?

After surg e r y ,

•Uzoma-Aguwa

Breast cancer gave me a new life chemotherapy and radiation was over, my body doesn’t quite feel like it’s mine sometimes due to the healing process. What kept me positive and strong was the fact that life holds so much more after breast cancer. It was a mixed feeling when I heard those words, ‘cancer free’. Tears rolled down my eyes knowing that I was given another chance at life. I have been given another opportunity to walk through life with my kids. I am proud to be standing today.

After your were cleared medically, what happened next?

After I got better, I started ‘Courage to Dare Foundation’. Having gone through all the stages of cancer treatment and emerging a survivor, I knew I had to do something for people all over the world who can’t access information and treatment like I did.

I came to Lagos, Nigeria to do research on cancer patients. I spoke with an oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos and she said that a lot of cancer patients come in after the disease has reached an advanced stage. I tried talking with cancer patients there and many didn’t want to talk to me. It seemed that they were embarrassed about the fact that they had cancer.

Some of them said their families didn’t know, and they didn’t want them to know. My organization plans to go all over West Africa empowering women to speak up about their condition and to seek help. Our lives are stories we must tell to inspire the world and leave a legacy.

How has this experience changed you as a person?

The experience gave me a second chance at life. Now, my mission is to give back through creating awareness

and educating women on early detection.

In your opinion, how best can couples deal emotionally, financially and mentally with the strain of combating breast cancer?

Couples can help each other go through this difficult period through educational awareness. Understanding the diagnosis of breast cancer, gives one more insight about the disease. It is hard enough to cope with the news of being diagnosed with breast cancer, but couples have to fight it together.

Every man who has been affected by breast cancer through their wives, sisters, daughters, should learn to stand by them as they battle this monster. He should learn to hear them out, learn to show humility and patience regarding all that they are processing within. It is a lot to handle alone.

Do you feel incomplete having survived breast cancer?

As a breast cancer survivor, I feel breast cancer gave me a new life. Before I had breast cancer, I worked hard on being a mother and a wife, and I think one of the things I neglected most, was me. So, after cancer, I decided that you only have one time to live your life. This is because when you are given a second chance, you live it to the full by helping humanity, showing love to everyone and helping those that need it the most.

How does the threat of re-occurrence affect your life?

We can’t help but be human and that means once in a while thoughts of re-occurrence flashes through your mind but the truth is that we can’t always live in fear or constantly dwell on negative thoughts.

With regular check-ups, healthy eating, learning all about the chances and signs of re-occurrence, and steps that can be taken towards prevention, goes a long way towards alleviating your sense of vulnerability. In all of these, I have learnt that life is too short and beautiful for one to worry about how it will end.

What will you say to women suffering from breast cancer now?

My desire is to inspire African women who seem to have lost hope that there can be life after the diagnosis of cancer, and women in general, who like me, will change their death sentences to a life worth living. People have to know that being diagnosed with the disease doesn’t mean that they are going to die. They should be aware that with early detection and quick action, they can survive breast cancer.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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Wednesday, Ocotober 24, 2012

DAILY SUN

POLITICS...&Polity The much talked about governorship election in Ondo State has come and gone.

RAZAQ BAMIDELE reports how the incumbent governor, Olusegun Mimiko, got his second term mandate.

In the beginning uring the party primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), towards the 2007 election, AbdurRahman Olusegun Mimiko entered the race along with his former party man, ex-governor Olusegun Agagu.

However, because of the unwritten party constitution that favoured the incumbent, Agagu became the party’s anointed candidate. Assured of his popularity among his people, Mimiko moved out of the PDP to revive the unknown Labour Party. Not a few political observers had a hearty laugh, thinking that the medical doctor-turned politician was trying to commit political suicide.

The rest is now history. He contested on the platform of the party he brought from nowhere and won. But when he was not declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mimiko shouted blue murder, saying he was robbed of victory. Expectedly, the battle shifted to the Election Petition Tribunal where he reclaimed his mandate over a year after.

Assumption of office When Mimiko assumed office in February 2010 and put together his team, he settled down to work knowing fully well that he dare not disappoint the people that reposed confidence in him by voting him into office.

And with his performance in the last three and a half years, political analysts had even given Mimiko the Certificate of Return six clear months to the election.

According to the pundits, Mimiko has touched the lives of his people positively in all spheres of human endeavours. And going by the level of intelligence and enlightenment of the people of the state, it would be difficult to convince them that Mimiko is a failure.

No wonder Governor Mimiko exuded confidence recently while rendering accounts of his stewardship for the last three years at a Stakeholders Forum in Akure, the state capital.

Mimiko, who said he could not afford to let the state down disclosed that one thing that has been propelling his administration was the way the people of the state received him at his inauguration on February 24, 2009, stressing that he has fulfilled his campaign promises to the people.

He told the gathering of foremorest politicians, administrators, traditional and religious leaders, students’ body and youths that he has bridged the gap between the people and government by pursuing masses-oriented programmes in all the sectors.

His words: “When we assumed office, I

D

•Mimiko

•Oke

•Akeredolu

Ondo guber:

How Mimiko retained his seat said that I would work for the people. Then, there was a disconnect between government and people. I can say confidently now that, not only are people participating in governance, they feel that they are also part of government”.

He maintained that he was bold to tell the people that his administration made its presence felt in virtually all towns and villages in the state and in all spheres of human life, stressing that the people of the state could testify to this achievement.

This, coupled with the power and factor of incumbency, no doubt worked well for Mimiko last Saturday as the people overwhelmingly gave him their mandate to continue for another for years.

Party primary In accordance with the disposition of almost all the political parties that if the incumbent has signified his intention to go for a constitutionally allowed second term that he should be allowed, the Labour Party in Ondo State endorsed Governor Olusegun Mimiko to have another shot at the guber-

“The signal that Mimiko would carry the day manifested directly at the polling booth where the ACN candidate, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, and his wife, Betty, voted.

Mimiko overran him at home. Akeredolu lost his polling booth to Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party.

Mimiko polled 144 votes against Akeredolu’s 139 votes while Oke of the PDP polled 35 votes.”

natorial crown.

Other parties Initially, it was believed that it would be a walk over in favour of the man his people admiringly call ‘Iroko.’ But when even the PDP that has been in comatose for sometime found its voice and started making attempts at roaring, Mimiko and his party men realized that, the election would not be a tea party.

The need to double his efforts became more imperative when the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N), rolled out its campaign armour tank for operation take over Ondo State with Regional Integration as its mantra.

The campaigns were fierce from the three major political parties in contention namely, ACN, PDP and LP. Election proper After the fierce campaign, all the contenders and their people relocated to their base 48 hours to the D-Day. While Olusola Oke was expected to move to his riverine abode, Mimiko moved to his ancient city of Ondo, and the ACN candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), moved down to his Owo country home to get ready for the battle ahead.

Last Friday, 24 hours to the Saturday election, security agents had taken over the state, restricting movement with a view to curtailing possible outbreak of violent crisis.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), in charge of operation, Phileman Leha described the security arrangement in Ondo State election as an improvement on

the recent Edo’s election. Speaking with journalists in Owo, he disclosed that “apart from the efforts of other security agents in the country, the police posted two policemen to every polling booths,” saying “with this arrangement, anybody who plans to misbehave would just be making fool of himself. “He however expressed delight that “politicians themselves have learnt that any attempt to behave funny would be an exercise in futility.”

Results The signal that Mimiko would carry the day manifested directly at the polling booth where the ACN candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his wife, Betty, voted.

Mimiko overran him at home. Akeredolu lost his polling booth to Mimiko of the Labour Party. Mimiko polled 144 votes against Akeredolu’s 139 votes while Oke of the PDP polled 35 votes. 20 votes were voided.

Akeredolu along with his wife, Betty, voted at Ijebu 2, Ward 5 of Unit 6 in his Owo home town at about 12.55pm having been accredited earlier at about 10.08am.

The total number of voters on the register was 958, while only 378 turned up for accreditation. The voting that started around 12 noon ended by 3.20 and sorting and counting followed immediately in the presence of the party agents, security agents, journalists and a handful of the residents that cared to stay back. The parties agents present were Segun Ogunbadeniyi (LP), Joseph Enemona (ACN), and Felix Ikeolu (PDP).

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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POLITICS...&Polity A lawyer, activist and Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), Ayo Opadokun has asserted that only implementation of the Justice Muhammed Uwais-led Panel’s recommendations can guarantee free, fair and credible election in 2015.

The former scribe of Afenifere and National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) also expressed doubt over ability of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to conduct a free and fair election in the country, observing that Jega’s attitude in recent times gives cause for concern.

Opadokun spoke with RAZAQ BAMIDELE in Lagos. Excerpts: Expected qualities of next President

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igerians would get whatever they deserve in 2015. It is the Nigerian people that would say “this is our choice.”

How? If the ordinary style of the Nigerians matters, it won’t be of any significant characterisation of whoever comes into that office. But for me, if things were to be done rightly, I would imagine that Nigerian people would need to think out of the box for the first time.

And I mean to say that, it is not just for fun that a country that is the sixth largest exporter of crude oil has over 85 per cent of its citizens in utter poverty. It is not for fun that inspite of these huge resources that this country earns on daily basis from petroleum dollars, we have one of the worst per capital income globally. It is not also for fun that the country of a

2015: I can’t trust Jega for credible polls –Opadokun “I have my doubt as to the ability of Attahiru Jega to preside over a credible electoral process in the country.”

God-given human and material resources, what they call poverty index assessment, we are part of the worst ten in the world.

Something must be wrong with us.

And I dare say without mincing word, with the campaign that has been on for more than 25 years, that not until we do the right thing first, we are facing an undesirable state of national jinx that had corroded our national fortune. I mean to say that, if Nigerians want a radical departure, a change from this terrible state of socio-economic and political atmosphere, they should be interested in people, who have provided sufficient indications of their positive profiles in the past. They should look for people who are not real power mongers but who believe that public office is to serve the interest of the largest majority. They should discard the regular recourse to taking pittance from wrongly headed system by political jobbers and look for those who can programme credible candidates and platforms to change the fortune of the Nigerian people as a whole.

That would be the kind of persons that would be imagined, Nigerian people would vote for in the next election.

Are we on course towards achieving

that?

Certainly not. In fact, I am as confounded as I was in 2008. As I am now, I am in an awkward feeling that, if care is not taken, this country will go through avoidable national crisis that can put it asunder. What am I talking about? Election of 2007 that brought Umaru Yar’Adua into office was only a great disappointment, great deception, very poor advertorial on Nigeria’s government, state and profile that cannot organize free and fair elections. That fellow, Yar’Adua, because of that, went ahead to inaugurate a Committee for its reform. That report that was turned in has been totally sidelined in various respects.

That is why I have my doubt now and much more confounded as to the possibility of Nigerians organizing a free and fair elections in 2015.

Even with Attahiru Jega in charge of INEC? I have my doubt as to the ability of Attahiru Jega to preside over a credible electoral process in the country. You would remember that when he was nominated against all expectations there were halleluiah songs, by quite a number of establishments and their

Constitution amendment is cosmetic –Ubani Even though hundreds of memoranda have been received by the Constitution Amendment Committee on the proposed amendment of the Constitution, the chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, Barrister Onyekachi Ubani, in this interview with NKIRU EVONGWA, sees it as cosmetic. He opined that singling out the Boko Haram for dialogue spelt trouble, noting that it only proves that only people with guns get attention of the government. He speaks more.

Excerpt: Constitution amendment consider it cosmetic because it boils down to the issue of this talk. If you keep on patching a house and the house keeps leaking, one day, it will disgrace you openly. We are patching this thing, it is not fundamental. They do not address the fundamental issues in Nigeria, people are still clamouring for states, and they are even saying that before they end up with the so called constitution amendment, they are going to have more states but we are saying, they should reduce the structure and free the money we are supposed to use for development of infrastructure rather than using it to run government. 36 states, and you are asking for more.

I

At the end of the day, every kobo of our money goes into paying allowances, salaries and nothing is left for capital projects and infrastructure and Nigeria is not making progress and that is why the president’s wife will go abroad for hospital treatment, all the rich men have their children schooling abroad, and that is why Ghana is today garnering all the money we are supposed to use to develop our educational system because our children are trooping to Ghana for education. If you run a country this way, that is what you get; the educational system has collapsed, almost every infrastructure has collapsed because we are running a system that is corrupt, that does not make room for efficiency. If we don’t sit down and talk, in twenty years time, we will still be talking about Nigerian problems because we have not done what ought to be done.

Should the Federal Government dialogue with Boko Haram Yes, my line of argument has always been that it is not only discussing with Boko Haram, there is need for us to talk. Engage any other person that is disenchanted and are aggrieved with the Nigerian government. There is so much injustice in the system, a situation where few people corner the treasury of a nation and are enjoying it at the expense of majority who are living in penury and poverty needs a situation where all of us will sit down and talk. You heard Asari Dokubo saying that if President Jonathan is not given the mandate in 2015, he was not saying if he is not allowed to contest, he meant if he is not allowed to be the president, they will go back to the creeks. The

“I consider it cosmetic because it boils down to the issue of this talk. If you keep on patching a house and the house keeps leaking, one day, it will disgrace you openly.

•Ubani

We are patching this thing, it is not fundamental.”

Hausas are also threatening that if they are not given the presidency, in 2015, Nigeria will boil.

So doesn’t it need us to get worried? The only way out of this is to sit down and talk so that we can save this nation. The way Nigeria is going, if care is not taken; this president may be the last. But, people tell you that the issue of unity is a done deal, we can’t talk about it.

Unity at whose cost, people are losing their lives on a daily basis. Look at what happened in Mubi, these guys are not stopping, so it is better we sit and talk as a nation not engaging only Boko Haram because if we do that, we are giving an impression that it is only when you carry arms that these guys can listen and talk with you. The militants did the same and today, they are being paid in hard currencies and the Boko Haram people are agitating for dialogue, there are other aggrieved individuals who need for us to sit down as a group and begin to discuss the basis of our unity. So it is not only selecting Boko Haram and talking with them, I think Nigerians are angling for talk that is encompassing so that we will know how to chart the nation. The country is not being run efficiently; 36 state and people are clamouring for more, you have the governors, commissioners, you have the special aides and you use 70% of your budget for recurrent expenditure, 30% for capital, and you still steal from it, so nothing to develop infrastructure. Where in the world do you run a state like that, and you think you can make progress? So, we need to sit down and talk about everything about this nation, even the cost of governance.

State Police I am in total support of it because the present arrangement has failed. The policemen are guiding more of the rich men, there is none guiding you and I. in my village, there is no single policeman. So let’s change this system, let there be state police. Create a legal framework that will not allow abuse, have a strong judiciary that would call them to order and then if there is any conflict between the Federal and the State law, the federal law will supersede.

•Opadokun collaborators I was on a different slate then. I told Nigerians that Attahiru Jega, as far as I was concerned, couldn’t be trusted, and should not be held as the Messiah that would organize a free and fair election in the country. Now, I can say that my observation and my reading of him was borne out of what had been happening, even in that body. What am I talking about? If he was a member, an important member of Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, that said no sitting executive-President or governor- should appoint the electoral umpire to supervise elections in which he, as executive along with his party will participate. If I was part of the Committee that made such a recommendation, then, what we said was wrong should not be the ideal thing that would help to secure a free and fair election in Nigeria, I didn’t expect and I would not be willing to accept, even if I were offered to take the appointment through the wrong method and through the wrong procedure. And that was what Attahiru Jega has done. He was a member of the Uwais Panel. He was given this job through the back door which we have all condemned.

And he has accepted it. That detracts substantially from the gentlemanliness and his claim to any principled stand.

The second is that since that man got into office, he has taken some steps that are extra ordinarily suspicious. Because of the international focus on Nigeria’s electoral misfortunes, European Union, United States of America, and a number of other development partners pumped a huge sum of money, they provided resources. They did a lot of wonderful things in capacity building for the electoral umpire. But what was the result? N80bn for computerized voters register. Do we have such register now that is fool proof? Do we have it now? And that is what the Oga patapata imagines to mean that they have organized a credible election all through. He cannot deceive some of us.

The last election in Edo, if it were not for the quick, bold intervention of a number of us non-governmental organizations and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the governor himself there, if we have not openly castigated Jega and his INEC, the results we would have had in Edo would have been a different story entirely. Because as at between 11am and noon, electoral materials were not available in many areas of Edo State where it was known through several channels would be voting for ACN. But when he went on air, live broadcast on both State television and Radio, directly accusing Jega of betraying Nigerians, eventually they tried to make amends. And that was just in one state. If that was a nation-

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

City SUN

Elder Ajayi From CHARLES ADEGBITE, ADO-EKITI The Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, came into office about two years ago after a hard-fought political and legal battle. As he clocked two in office, the people put him on a scale and rated him differently.

Elder Owolabi Paul (electrical engineer) e don’t need to talk too much.

Seeing is believing. Even if a stranger comes to Ado-Ekiti and sees what is going on here, he will be able to make good comments. There are lots of roads under construction here in Ado-Ekiti.

I want to advise the governor that he should not overlook the artisans in Ekiti State in the next two years. If you observe very well, you will realise that many youths don’t have interest in being apprentices or in learning a trade.

Others believe only in getting certificates.

Government must do something to encourage the youths to have interest in learning trades.

His government needs to make farming more interesting for youths. Ayouth who sees his colleague working in a ministry or an office where such a colleague easily gets a car and other good things of life, will want to opt for an office job. That is why so many youths are reluctant to go into farming. If facilities that could make life better are provided and a graduate is asked to go into the village for farming, he will easily get encouraged.

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Adedayo Adeniyi-Ojo (university student) Looking at the area of roads, I think Gov Fayemi is trying his best. But I want him to look at the area of giving our youths the opportunity to get jobs; he should create more job opportunities. He should listen to what people are saying, because that is why he is a governor.

Whatever the people are yearning for, he should do it for them. My advice to this government is that it should hear what people are saying and listen to them.

Mrs. Idowu Olaleye (food vendor) Our governor is really trying his best. In the area of roads, he is okay. Concerning health, he is also okay. On water, that is potable water, we still need the assistance of the government.

Concerning the next two years of his administration, let him look into other areas that he has not touched and those areas where work has not reached advanced stage. People in the rural areas still need the attention of the governor.

I’m not a politician but I want to say that the people need to support the governor for him to deliver more of the dividends of democracy.

Mr. John Olajide Ajidahun (traffic management official) Looking at what he is doing in the area of roads, we know he is trying. In education,

Ayodele

Davies

Ojo

Kayode Fayemi at two

What Ekiti people say health, other sectors, it is glaring that he is really making relentless efforts to bring great transformation. What he is doing on our roads show that he really means business.

In the area of employment, we want him to do more in getting the youths gainfully employed. By so doing, government can better the lot of the youths.

Mr. Kehinde Davies (businessman) In fact, these two years of Fayemi, people were expecting him to perform more than what he has done. He said by 2014 he would have given all students in Ekiti laptops. If you look at Ikere-Ekiti, for instance, only two schools have benefited from his laptop for all students project. And in those two schools, not all the students have benefited. He would go to Gbonyin Local Government and give about two schools. He would give few of the students there and go to Omuo and do same thing. Even for the teachers, the computer he is giving them, he is collecting almost N97,000 from each teacher and they are complaining seriously. The teachers are just taking it because there is nothing they could do but they are not happy with him.

Ibukun Ayodele (businessman) Fayemi is trying in the area of roads. But the contractors are not the real people that he should employ. Majority of them are from either Lagos or Benin. He should involve a lot of Ekiti indigenes in the road projects. His priority should be how to improve the life of the average Ekiti man. When he awarded the contract for the renovation of schools, he awarded the contracts to just two or three people who are foreign contractors. An average Ekiti man was not involved in the project. Even in the area of appointment, he needs to involve Ekiti indigenes at home rather than all these Ekiti indigenes abroad. Using Ekiti abroad will not satisfy us because a lot of them don’t know the feelings of our people as such. There are still a lot of things for him to still do. When he was coming in, the average Ekiti man believed a messiah was coming and he must prove himself now.

Samuel (accounting student) If I’m to talk about two years of Governor Fayemi in office, I will say that he has tried a lot. But there are some sectors where a lot of things need to be done, like the education sector. There are schools that have no adequate

Majority of the roads done since the creation were shoddy, with a lot of patching here and there. But now we can see that Fayemi has been giving Ado-Ekiti a facelift. He is making AdoEkiti a worthy capital, like any other capital in Nigeria.

I’m talking personally because Ekiti people are not patient. My own expectation is that Kayode Fayemi is going to surprise everyone of us in Ekiti in terms of development, in term of uplifting the state. Look at the renovation of those schools. It was not given to shoddy contractors. The contractors are doing very good jobs. In the next two years of Governor Fayemi, I can see a well transformed Ekiti State.

My advice to people of Ekiti is that they should be patient. We are always in a hurry. We have to be patient with Kayode Fayemi because he has a lot of vision for Ekiti State. He doesn’t listen to any hearsay. He is a very straightforward person.

Gov. Fayemi teachers to teach English Language and Mathematics. He needs to look into all these so that the students will not continue to fail in their examinations. Let the government send people from the Ministry of Education to monitor the way these teachers are teaching the students, whether they are using the right techniques or not. There are schools where one teacher will teach so many students and take so many classes, thereby making it difficult for such teacher to be effective.

On my expectation from the governor in the remaining two years of his administration, he should see how he can alleviate the suffering of the people in the area of electricity supply, which is giving a lot of people headache now.

The road from Akure to Ikere-Ekiti is like a death trap. It is too bad. Both Ondo and Ekiti governors need to do something about it. They need to come together and do the road. Human lives are too precious and should not continue to be wasted on that road.

Philip Ogunjimi (businessman) Since the creation of Ekiti State, I have never seen anybody that has taken care of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, like Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Gabriel Ajayi (daily savings collector) Governor Fayemi has tried. Anyone who wants to govern Ekiti State must be up to the task because it is a state where you can hardly satisfy the citizenry. This is partly because majority of us are very poor in this state.

Fayemi is doing a lot of gigantic projects now.

Whatever he says is authentic. All these roads he is reconstructing here and there are good testimonies. All I know is that he has really tried a lot. But we are like a child who is very thin; it will take time and a lot of feeding before he will become fat.

My advice to him is that in the area of agriculture, it is a pity that our people are very wasteful. They don’t make agric projects work.

Those who should release money to assist farmers would not release it until the planting season is over. And then the money would not achieve the purpose it is meant for. They will release just a fraction of the money and embezzle the remaining.

The governor should listen to public opinion a lot in the remaining two years of his administration, because public opinion is very important. Segun Oni, for instance, worked during his tenure, but he allowed personal hatred to manifest in his administration. That is why people don’t praise him. If you are governing people, you need to be tough and compassionate at the same time. If you are always tough and you will not bend whenever there is a need for it, you will meet your waterloo one day.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

35

City SUN

Day Knights of Saint Mulumba visited Kirikiri

By WOLE BALOGUN

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midst pomp and ceremony, the Knights of Saint Mulumba (KSM) Lagos Metropolitan Council, recently celebrated the first anniversary of the St. Augutine Catholic Chapel built inside the Kirikiri Medium Security Prisons by the KSM. Excited prison inmates joined members of the KSM, led by its Metropolitan Grand Knight, Sir Patrick Ikemefuna, to express gratitude to God. The event was celebrated with a mass, presided over by Reverend Father Evaristus Akabueze, who advised the prison inmates to ensure that efforts of the knights to draw them closer to their maker by erecting a worship centre for them, was not in vain.

“The mission of the church for rendering all these humanitarian services to you all is to ensure that when any of you gains your freedom from here, you don’t come back. The church expects that as you worship in the chapel it has built for you, you draw closer to God and become a changed person for good. Please ensure that you work towards realizing this mission and the good Lord shall bless you.”

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, a human rights lawyer and counsel to the prison inmates, Barrister Chris Aghaonu, lauded members of the KSM for their selfless service to the inmates.

He enjoined the inmates to show gratitude for KSM’s benevolence, saying: “You have become the envy of neighbouring prisons in Lagos because of this chapel the KSM built and other gifts they have been giving you. In some other prisons, inmates do not enjoy the luxury that the KSM provide for you. So you should appreciate them for this.”

Aghaonu also informed the KSM of some other pressing needs of the inmates: “We want to implore you to assist in maintaining the chapel so that it would last long. We also appeal that you support some of the prison inmates who need to pay some fines before they could be freed. Some of them also need financial aid to obtain GCE forms and further their education. We pray that God will continue to bless you as you help.”

•A cross-section of the knights with Ikemefuna and Okonofua on the front row Also thanking the KSM for their support to the prison, Deputy Controller of the Prison, (DCP), Mr. Tunde Oladipo, said: “I like the Catholic Church because they have a unity of purpose and give their best to humanity.”

Oladipo disclosed that he has facilitated the freedom of 190 prisons inmates in barely two months of his resumption as DCP of the prison and promised that more will be freed before the end of the year. He said he had been making arrangements with the state Commissioner for Justice to that effect. The DCP thanked the KSM for building the chapel inside the prison and described it as the best among all prison churches in Africa.

Responding to the views of Aghaonu and Oladipo, Grand Knight of the Lagos Metropolitan Council, Sir Patrick Ikemefuna

plegded that the KSM would continue to support the prision. Noting that the KSM has been equally extending same support to other prisons in the state, Ikemefuna said: “We are just tools in God’s hands because He is the one who empowers us to do this. We will see to the maintenance of the chapel and ensure that as usual, prison inmates who have not been convicted and who have been awaiting trial for too long have their cases settled. We are more concerned about this set of inmates. We will also, as a matter of urgency, attend to the needs of those who have to obtain GCE forms to further their education because education is very crucial to the effort being made to rehabilitate the inmates.”

The excited prison inmates gave a deafening applause in appreciation to the KSM who also brought gifts for them.

•Ikemefuna

In Lagos, AMORC teaches Nigerians how to understand God

By EMMA EMEOZOR

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rom increasing poverty to a rise in moral decadence, corruption and violence, Nigerians have remained resilient. They understand the import of the motto: “Trust in God.” Organised prayers have become the norm in markets, work places, homes and commuter buses as the people look up to God to wipe away their tears. But how many truly understand God? This was the thought-provoking question the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC), Lagos Island Chapter, addressed during a public lecture it organised recently. It was attended by both mem-

•Some of the participants during the lecture

bers and non-members.

Entitled Understanding God, the event examined man and his relationship with God. The Grand Councillor of the Lagos zone of the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC), Johnson Ikube in his opening address told participants to continue or restart their personal transformation processes, they must “become aware that the potential to advance ourselves, families, businesses, our country and our civilization to greater heights is real and genuine.”

Master of the Chapter, Mrs Margaret Ovonlen explained the importance of the lecture. She first made participants to fall back in a relaxing mood before provoking deep thoughts on where man

was coming from and where he was headed.

“An unexamined life is not worth living,” she said. “Today, the big question is, who is God? How do we know him? And how do we understand him? And then, another question is who am I? Why am I here and what is my purpose in life?

For you to understand God, you must first of all seek to know God, for you cannot understand who you do not know.”

According to her, “God is a personal experience that man has in his own quiet and solemn moment of meditation/reflection.” Describing the connection between man and God, she said, “man is a multi-dimensional being, depending on your situation in life and your level of evolution, you can experience God in different dimensions and can perceive God in his various forms.”

But is there a particular period or occasion man can experience God? Ovonlen said no. Rather, she listed a catalogue of occasions during which man could experience God. “They include when in danger, when in lack, when in battle, in one’s inner solitude, when in bondage, when personal growth is achieved, when innovation and creativity abound, when spiritual vision is nurtured and when man experience a World of infinite possibilities.

“We must strive to understand God, because God is love, God is energy, God is man and man is God. “He is the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient God. He’s the beginning and the end of all there is in life. But for man to understand God, he must first of all seek to know Him,

because you cannot understand who you do not know.”

Ikube also told the gathering that it would be a fruitless exercise to strive to understand God except we live a life of unity for better humanity.

“It is important and obviously inevitable for man to understand God so he/she can find fulfilling answers at his/her level, to the ultimate questions of life and consequently, living. By so doing, man puts his foot on the path of Unity.”

Ikube, Chief Executive Officer of JI Global Solutions Limited, noted that people turn to various sources to find solutions to their problems and wondered if they really found answers to their problems or questions.

In his words, “the science of how man came to be must have the answers.” He listed some of the problems facing the society to include “wars, terrorism, armed robberies, loss of hope for life evidenced by suicides, disrespect for human life evidenced by wilful killings, judicial or extra-judicial, hunger, oppression and fundamental failings of the expression of character.”

But problems facing man should not give rise to disillusionment, Ikube admonished. He noted: “Man must work with and for unity, for only in unity will sustainable peace be assured. The drive for this unity demands that we work with some fundamental attitudes and orientations that include the following: Responsibility which breeds duty and accountability; attitude of gratitude; understanding and deploying the distinction between good and evil, and following the right and wrong dichotomy without sacrificing good and evil.”

36

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 DAILY SUN

City SUN

By TESSY IGOMU

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or10-year-old Angel Obroku, life in her Ajegunle neighborhood was synonymous with filth. In her own world, disposal of refuse in drains and littering of the environment was a normal way of life. But recently, students of Heir of Success Fountain School, Ajegunle, vowed to help change all these habits by embracing attitudes that promote a cleaner environment.

Angel was among the pupils that thronged the Ijora headquarters of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for its Open Day programme to tour the facility, guided by teachers and parents. Their enthusiasm was palpable. They excitedly inspected the equipment on ground and asked intelligent questions from officials on ground.

Members of the public and various organisations were also at the event.

The event was an opportunity for the agency to gauge public opinion on its performance in the last one year as well as sensitise individuals, groups and organisations on the need to ensure a good healthy environment through proper waste management.

The Open Day was observed simultaneously in four major centres across the state, including the Marini Oshodi Transfer Loading Station, Olusosun landfill, bio-gas facility in Ikosi and the Earthcare waste-towealth plant, Odongunyan, Ikorodu.

The participants visited LAWMA workshop, where they were conducted round and intimated with the day-to-day activities. They were also taken to the LAWMA clinic, crèche and canteen.

At the Transfer Loading Stations, they were taken through the process of compressing and reducing wastes. They also witnessed the process of medical waste management and use of the Hydoclave equipment, which reduces the volume of waste generated by 80 per cent. A visit to the Olusosun landfill site gave the participants a first-hand experience of waste conversion to methane gas for electricity generation, and the recycling of disused plastics and nylons into useful materials.

According to the Managing Director, LAWMA, Mr. Ola Oresanya, the forum was

School kids, others invade LAWMA premises … As agency holds Open Day

LAWMA officials with the pupils an opportunity for the agency to review its operations and present a roadmap to the future to members of the public.

He noted that the major objective of the open day programme was to shed light on the activities of the organisation. The event, he said, was also meant to clear some misconceived notions about its various operations, adding that it was for everybody who wanted to know about LAWMA operations.

Oresanya also explained that the initiative was to allow members of the public to visit LAWMA facility, see the equipment and processes in place and experience the production processes. The LAWMA boss noted that the yearly programme was initiated to also inculcate in the younger ones sanitary ideals

for a better future.

“We believe in catching them young and we see them as the major agent of change in our society. The ideas and assessment of those that have visited our facility today could form the bedrock of our programmes in the incoming years,” he said.

Oresanya explained that the ‘Waste to Food Programme’ initiated for children during the holiday by the agency does not in any way expose them to scavenging, but rather teaches them to be environmentally friendly by protecting the ecology through proper waste disposal.

“Through this, pupils are offered opportunity to buy into our waste removal, recycling and reuse advocacy early in life by exchang-

ing waste collected for food. It’s about allowing children to appreciate the value change in waste management practice. It’s about taming the idea of waste in itself. Scavenging is abnormal and unauthorized and no sane person would want anybody to scavenge. But at your doorstep, you need to learn to give value to waste by separating them.

“In our time, I remember we belonged to the Boys’ Scout or Boys’ Brigade. And instead of being mischievous as children during the long holiday, we go out to clean cars and are given a penny which we put into our piggy bank. In that same way, our programme was meant at ensuring that the energy in children is not wasted, but converted into something useful. It’s a way of engaging the children and youths during the holiday to ensure that they are environmentally conscious,” he stated.

Speaking on how children can be effective agents of change, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State governor on Schools Advocacy, Mrs. Adetokunbo Agbesanwa noted that children are mostly influenced by adult actions, and urged parents to always leave good example in terms of waste management.

“When you change children, you have changed a whole generation. This would lead to a greater tomorrow. Most of the flooding experienced today is caused by actions taken at home. We pollute the environment by our actions and create problems that would affect our children. The country is facing lots of challenges because environmental education is not part of the school curriculum.

Explaining the major processes involved in the waste recycling drive of the agency, Mrs. Maimuna Maibe of the Recycling Department, encouraged the school children to embrace the idea of a cleaner environment by taking seriously the issue of recycling because it is the next level in waste management.

Boys’ Brigade garlands patrons in Lagos

By SEYE OJO

Mainland Company, Lagos State, in recognition of her passion for youth developt was a day of honour for the immediate ment.

People from all walks of life converged on past chairman of International Inner Wheel, District 911, Nigeria, Mrs. Julie the Royal Hall, Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo, to Shekoni. She recently became a grand honour Shekoni, who retired from patroness of the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, 4th ExxonMobil as Manager, General Services, in 2005.

Dignitaries, who graced the ceremony, included president of the Boys’ Brigade, Lagos State Council, Sir Sunny Nwosu; Captain of the company, Mr. ’Ibukun Adenibuyan; Vicar of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Igbobi, Lagos, Ven. Francis Akunne; Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Professor (Mrs.) Mopelola Omoegun, and a businesswoman, Mrs. Funmilayo Adeniyi.

The occasion was the 40th Award/Gala Night of the company. Shekoni was one of the five persons installed as grand patrons and patronesses of the organisation. Ten other persons were installed as life patrons and patronesses of the company.

The four other grand patrons and patronesses are Chief Harry Ladapo, Shekoni, being decorated as Grand Patroness by Sir Nwosu Mr. Mavuaye Orife, Mrs

I

Comfort Asilokun and Mrs. Adeteju Akinpelu. Omo-oba Babatunde Onalaja, Omo-oba Adeyemi Mabadeje, High Chief Ebun Olawoye, Chief Babatunde Oke (OON) and Venerable Oladotun Ojelabi were installed as life patrons.The life patronesses are Chief Felicia Ilaka, Chief Olatokunbo Alabi, Chaplain Bosede Awobokun, Revd (Dr.) Irene Taylor and Omo-oba Florence Olalekan.

Special awards were presented to Right Revd. Oluranti Odunbogun, former captain of the company, Mr. Dapo Lagunju, Mrs. Wuraola Akintobi, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe and Sir Sunny Nwosu in recognition of their contributions to the development of Nigerian youths.

Adenibuyan, in his welcome address, said the ceremony was organised to show appreciation to people who had contributed immensely to the development of the company from inception in 1972.

He said the 4th Mainland Company sought to employ the twin pillar of religion and discipline to give Nigerian youths a real life.

This, according to him, was imperative as the contemporary youths are the future leaders.

Adenibuyan lamented that the country had toyed with the lives of the youths for so long, arguing that the menace of armed robbery, political thuggery, terrorism and suicide bombing had begun threatening the unity of the country.

Shekoni, who retired from ExxonMobil as Manager, General Services, in 2005 told Daily Sun: “I feel humbled, I feel elated and I am grateful to God. Before I became grand patron, I was patron for about 15 years.”

She stated that the honour came as a result of her passion for the growth and develop-

ment of the young ones who are the leaders of tomorrow, adding that if the young ones were properly mentored, Nigeria would be a better place for all.

Shekoni explained that the grand patrons and patronesses were to guide and monitor the children in the company to know what they are cut out for in life and what they need.

She enjoined elderly people to be available for the children whenever they need their guidance in life so that peer pressure would not have negative impact on them.

On her vision for the Boys’ Brigade, Shekoni averred: “By the grace of God, I will do my best to uplift the company and members of the company. I have a vision to give scholarship awards to at least two members of the Boys’Brigade. In my family, we have five that we sent to school. They are in different grades; one is about to graduate and we have two left in the university. I will, by the grace of God, include two boys from this company into my scholarship scheme.”

The criterion to enjoy the scholarship, she said, is STEADSURE, which was carved out of steadfastness and sure. She explained that anyone who desires the scholarship must be sure he wants to read and be steadfast in his academics, adding that the applicants could enjoy 100 per cent, 75 per cent or 50 per cent scholarship, depending on the capacity of his parents.

Skekoni stated that the Boys’ Brigade was in dire need of a bus and promised to with other stakeholders to buy the bus for the company as soon as possible.

In his closing remarks, chairman of the ceremony, Sir Sunny Nwosu, who is the National President, Shareholders Association of Nigeria, was hopeful that the bus would be available for the use of the Boys’Brigade dur-

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

37

38 DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Winners emerge at MTN sponsored Headies awards

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t was a night of fun at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Land, on Saturday as artistes won various awards at the MTN sponsored Hip-Hop world Headies competition.

The Headies, awards are given yearly to artistes and music producers whose songs have a wider appeal and have contributed to the finesse that the Nigerian Hip Hop community is known for.

In different categories, the award brings the young, the established and the aspiring artistes into focus as they are recognized and rewarded for their efforts.

The audience were thrilled with performances from Chidinma, Project Fame Season 5 winner; Brymo, Chuddy K, Timi Dakolo, while Jude Abaga (a.k.a MI) and Omawunmi, anchored the event.

A day earlier, at the same venue, organizer of the award, and MTN hosted veterans in the music industry such as Onyeka Onwenu,

•Tuface, Frank Idoho, Dolapo Bamgbose and Daddy Showkey Orlando Julius, Salawa Abeni, Stella Monye, Fatai Rolling Dollars, Shina Peters, Mike Okri, Daddy Showkey among others.

The names and winners in the various categories include Best Pop Single – Iyayan (Kukere), Best R n B Singer – May D, Best Rap Single – Vector ft 9ice (Angeli), Best R n B/ Pop Album - P Square, Best Street Hop – Chuddy K, Best R n B Pop Album: Ice Prince, Best Vocal Performance (Male) – Wande Coal (Private Trips), Best Vocal Performance (Female)- Tiwa Savage (Love Me), Best Collaboration – Sound Sultan ft Excel and Flavour (Orobo), Revelation of the Year –

WizKid, Recording of the Year – Brymo (Ara), Best Label Head – Banky W Others are Producer of the Year – TyMix (Super C, Naeto C), Lyricist on the Roll – Vector (Angeli), Next Rated – Davido, African Artist of the year – Sakordie, Ghana (Azonto) Album of the Year – P Square (Invasion), Best Music Video Director – Jude Okoye (Chop My Money), Song of the Year – D’Banj (Oliver Twist), Headies Hall of Fame – Femi Kuti The Headies is an example of MTN and Hip Hop World’s commitment to finesse, can-do spirit and general delight.

sb

SHOWBIZ

BITS Damiete Braide

damiete_braide@yahoo.com 07030059588

Eldee, Goldie, Ruggedman, others for Lock Down Series 3

St. Lauren Nollywood Buzz hits the airwaves

E •Bimbo

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new 30-minute programme on Nollywood artistes, St. Lauren •The Limbo dance Nollywood Buzz, has hit the Nigerian airwaves and will be anchored by the popular On Air Personality (OAP) Bukky Babalola. enjoyed when it is chilled and it is easy The programme is recorded in English lanast Saturday at the 360 Bar, to store as it has a shelf life of nine guage and aired weekly on various radio staEleguishi Private Beach, Lekki, months when it has not been opened. tions in the country, as sponsored by Grand Lagos, guests were entertained Once it is open, it should be refrigerated Oak Limited, Lagos. with music, dance and beach soccer and consumed within four days.”

Some of the stations include; Metro FM, during the launch of a new fruit Tropika is made from real dairy Ikoyi, Lagos, (8.05pm to 8.35pm) and Cool drink, Tropika. skimmed milk and fruit juice and is FM, Port Harcourt: (8pm-8.30pm.) On Upcoming artistes thrilled the audiavailable in orange, pineapple, mango Fridays, it runs on Adaba FM, Akure between ence with their songs while participants peach, coco pine and apple variants. It 7pm and 7.30pm; Cool FM, Kano:5.30pmlearnt and danced to The Lambo from also has the unique smooth taste to 6pm; Peace FM, Jos: 5.30pm-6pm and the Carribeans. refresh and relax consumers.

Splash FM, Ibadan between 8.30pm and The General Manager, Clover West Voigt added that the drink comes in 9pm; while on Saturdays on Love FM, it runs Africa, Johan Voigt, said Tropika was Abuja between 8am and 8.30am just as on different sizes of 1 litre, 500ml, 250ml introduced into the Nigerian beverage Raypower FM, Enugu it runs between and 125ml respectively. market to share the unique taste of the 6.30pm and 7pm. Also, interactive sessions This new entrant into the Nigerian drink with the people. will hold with the cream of Nollywood, fruit drink market, promisess the teemAccording to him, Tropika will including wave making actor, Joseph ing fruit drink loving Nigerians, to be become part of life for a consumer, who Benjamin; award-winning actress, Bimbo there for them at all times, churning out is looking for a smooth tasty healthy Akintola; acclaimed movie director, Teco the already tested and proven, unique drink to relax and celebrate life every Benson, among others. recipe. day, anywhere. The new drink is best According to Mr. Jide Akinsomiro, Group Head, First Marketing Services Limited, Lagos, marketing consultants to Grand Oak Limited, the programme was developed to he ever-growing Nigerian music indus- trio are signed by O’nix Records Studio and inform, educate and entertain the try is about to get a boost, as the trio of they are making impact in churches and social audience, by engaging the wave making Nollywood artistes in Chinwendu, Chidindu and Kelechi gatherings with their hit tracks, Super Man, Some Have Food, etc. very interesting topical discus- Awurum, (a.k.a The The talented trio sions, while celebrating their life Young Pioneers) is set of K Dawg,Yong experiences, with a view to giving to take the music Chizzy and Wendu the listeners quality time on radio. industry to higher levaffirmed that they St. Lauren Nollywood Buzz, els. are ready to make named after St. Lauren, is a nonAmazingly, their a difference in the alcoholic fruit drink produced by foray into the music highly competitive the sponsor. industry is already givindustry. Their parAkinsomiro explained that ing critics and music ents are their backaudience participation is encour- pundits the vapours as bone giving the aged through text messages, e- one of the most exciting new kids, the love, mails and FaceBook. The audi- young groups-cumsupport and inspience also has the opportunity to songwriters on the ration needed to suggest names of the artistes they scene. tour the world with like to be featured on the proAlthough, they are yet their music. gramme. to debut their album, the •The Young Pioneers

Day of fun with Tropika at the beach

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The Young Pioneers out with ‘Superman1”

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ldee, Ruggedman, Orezi LKT and Samklef have been confirmed for the third edition of the monthly Saturday night celebrity party dubbed: Lock Down Nite with Naija Celebs.

Scheduled to take place on October 27, at the Place Nite club, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, popular comedian, Omo Baba and On Air Personality, Yaw of Wazobia FM will be the hosts. Other artistes lined up for the event are Kzeek, Goldie, Jesse King, Zee, Cocoice, Terry D Rapman and Sammie among others.

An initiative of a new entertainment company, Been There Entertainment (BT Ent), Lock Down Nite With Naija Celebs, is aimed at celebrating celebrities who have made a mark in their career.

With different themes each month, Lock Down Nite aims at celebrating music, comedy and movie stars.

Also, models, fashion designers and soccer stars will be celebrated in the future as there are plans for events with the theme, Lock Down Nite with Najia Soccer stars, Lock Down Fashion Nite , Lock Down “Comedy” Nite, Lock Down Nollywood Nite, among others.

Speaking on event the project manager of BT ENT, Mr Tosin Clegg, says, “We have done two successful events and what we got from the events was quite beyond our expectation. The response has been great and we hope to keep the flag flying. It is a monthly affair and the third edition is almost here. We have received a lot of support from artistes and the media.

Without the media we wouldn’t have been able to go this far and to make Lock Down bigger, we have signed a partnership deal with Goldymine entertainment, one of the biggest TV content providers in Nigeria and a Local Social Network site IYANS”.

12 finalists vie for art awards

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igeria Breweries Plc. (NB) in conjunction with African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) has shortlisted 12 artists for this year’s National Art Completion Exhibition with the theme Consequences.

The first three winners will go home with N2 million, N1.5 million and N1 million respectively.

The competition is an avenue for Nigerian artists seek a platform and exposure in the arts community.

The competition is aimed at supporting artists whose works reflect on the political, socio-economic, environmental and personal consequences of our actions.

NB Plc has partnered with African Artists Foundation to hold the competition for five years, as part of its effort to encourage and promote the development of creativity, arts and artists in Nigeria.

CMYK

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

39

Theresa Onwughalu

CHURCH World with

tessybest2003@yahoo.com 08056361634

JDPC tackles security challenges in the country

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s its contribution to the national security of the country, a group, The Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ikeja Deanery, recently organised a seminar on security challenges in Nigeria and possible solutions.

The seminar, in conjunction with the JDPC, St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Mafoluku, Lagos, held at the Nursery/Primary School Hall of the church. It has as its theme: Building a sustainable communal security Surveillance as a formidable architecture for averting emergencies around us.

Speaking on Security, Trends and Prevention Mechanism, Mr. Frank Odita, Commissioner of Police (rtd.), said security was not the business of the police or soldiers but everybody’s business.

Odita said everyone must make conscious effort to keep himself/herself and environment safe. “It starts with you because you must plan your own security. It starts from home. No policeman lives in the police station and the police on the street are at security risk just like any other person. The fact that he is in uniform does not guarantee your safety.”

According to him, the family constitutes the safest place. “The smallest unit of government is the family. While the man is the president, the wife is the minister of women affairs and the children constitute the National Assembly.

You can’t make laws without them.

Charity begins at home. You must

…Security, not for police or soldiers but everybody’s business

Mr. Eric Esan; CSP C. C. Okezie, DPO Makinde, Police Station, representing Ikeja Area Command and Mr. Victor Osuji (CSP), DPO, Airport Station, representing the Commissioner of Police, MMIA Command.

know your children and they must know you. If you have a secured family, you have a secured town, nation and so on,” he stated.

He listed measures that if properly observed, insecurity would be a thing of the past. Some of them include: Your relationship with God; Your relationship with your neighbours and coworkers; Teach your children some emergency measures and avoid crowd.”

On his part, Mr. Uzoma Joe Nkamuke, Deputy Director, JDPC Archdiocese, Lagos, took a cursory look at the social teachings of the church with a view to situating the present parlous security situation of Nigeria

in line with what various Popes say about proper routes to democratic governance in different encyclicals.

Speaking on Perfecting Sustainable Community Based Surveillance/Alliance: The Role Of Police and the Communities, which he narrowed down to Connecting The Nexus Between Security and True Federalism In A Fragile State, Nkamuke blamed leaders for deprivation the citizens were going through.

His words: “Security, community surveillance and state police are not today’s headache. They are just avoidable distractions that are thrown up by the establishment to keep the folks busy. Nigerians should ordinarily have

nothing to do with deprivation, but for rudderless leaders, who from independence were frog-matched and decanted as leaders on all of us. They never were/ are ready to rule. Suddenly, somebody wakes up and finds that he/she has been nominated to occupy a position that he has no idea of the demands.”

He said, “The JDPC has been saying that the Presidency or governorship positions are not primary schools where people register to learn. Whoever is not ready should either shape –up or shipout. For 52 years, we have been reading the book of Lamentations. Time shall come when we shall speak like Israelis, ‘never again’.

Coordinator of JDPC, Ikeja Deanery (Zone), Lagos, Mr. Eric Asan (KSM), a lawyer, noted that, “security is a common challenge not only in our immediate environment but globally.”

“JDPC has always been ahead in this kind of initiative in ensuring that the civil society around us is well informed and well empowered and that coercive steps are taken to make people aware and take the necessary measure they can take to protect themselves.

We are having this as a continuous programme in different jurisdiction of JDPC,” he stated.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ahukanna, gave the opening prayer, while Rev. Fr. Gabriel Feyisetan OP, Spiritual Director JDPC, St. Jude’s Catholic Church, closed the event with a prayer. Others at the event were Mr. Tunde Adegunduro (DCP), Area Commander Area F Police Command, who gave the keynote address; Mr. J. B. Ekeh, moderator; Mr. Frank Ikuewan and Douglas Okojie read the communiqué and Mr. Tony Mbata, Chairman, Human Right and Government Watch, gave vote of thanks.

Pray for leaders, Okojere urges Nigerians

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enior Pastor, Soul Harvesters Mission International, Israel Okojere, has called on Nigerians to pray for their leaders for a better tomorrow.

Pastor Okojere made the call during the first Women of Evidence Convention at Rasaq Balogun St., Off Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos.

Okojere said the nation was passing through a phase. “I believe very soon we will overcome it. The church has been praying over it and I believe very soon everything will be abated. Killing, bombings is not the solution, you can’t give life and you are taking it. I mean, it is not the best way. I would rather suggest they should dialogue with those in authority, what even their grouse may be, dialogue is always a better option to settle issues.”

At the four-day convention themed, The Great and Awesome God, Okojere said: “Nigeria is a very complex nation.

Whoever is going to be there after Jonathan will encounter the same problem. What we have to do is to pray for our leaders. He is doing well as far as I am concerned. Anybody who says he is not doing well, who do you think is going to do better? When Obasanjo was there, people complained, when Yar’Adua was there, people also complained that he was very slow and now, Jonathan. I think we should all gather and pray for our leaders, and he will do better than what he has done. He needs prayer for him to do better. This nation is a great nation. Division is not the option.

When there is separation the problem will also be there. The awesome God we are serving will definitely see us through.”

Guest Minister, Pastor Kate Nwokoye prayed that the will and purpose of God for the women would be made manifest.

She also prayed that the Great and Awesome God would be faithful to them. “He is the God that delivers us from challenges, mishaps. He is the one

that created us in His image and likeness and His greatness is established over our lives. Women have been going through lots of challenges and that is why at a time like this, God has really brought out some people to identity with them especially those who have gone through problems in the past and had devised ways of jumping across,” she stated.

According to her, “The thing that is weighing women down is when they expect so much from the men or when they expect so much from themselves.

There is nothing in life. When you make it as simple as ABC, you will know that bitterness and unforgiveness will not linger in your heart. We must learn, as women, to throw away bitterness.”

Pastor’s wife, Mrs. Ijeoma Okojere said the aim of the programme is to glorify the name of God. God has been so great in our lives. It is a process through

which God has been blessing members through women.

On why the topic was chosen, she said it’s to address pressing needs of women. “We are celebrating the greatness of God. It is not just about a church programme, it is about Jesus Christ,” she said.

She advised women who are facing problems in their marriages to believe God for Him to see them through adding that, they should, “Fast, pray always, pray for their husbands, family and God will help them to fix things.”

Also, Mrs. Kehinde Bolaji noted that, “it was a successful event and we thank God women were taught several lessons. The event has taught us that the major role of the woman in the home is that she is the helpmate to her husband and without the woman the husband will not be where he is today.”

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he General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has declared a day of special prayer for members of the Nigeria Police Force. This is in view of the lingering security challenges in the country.

The prayer session, tagged, I Will Defend This Nation, will hold at the Headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, on November 4, 2012.

The spokesman, of the Headquarters Church, Pastor Goke Aniyeloye, said there was the need for spiritual intervention in solving the problem of the security challenges in the country, citing Psalms 127, which says: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

According to the clergyman, security is no doubt one of the country’s major challenges in Nigeria, noting that bomb-blasts, kidnapping, murder, armed robbery and so on are rife.

EPC holds Rhema Fiesta

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vangel Pentecostal Church (EPC) is set to hold a national conference from November 1 to 4.

Tagged, Rhema Fiesta, the power-packed event will hold at the church auditorium, 3-9 Chidi Okafor Street, Off Canal Avenue, Okota, Lagos.

Dominion Prayer Ministry for inauguration, launches book

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Pastor Okojere and wife, Ijeoma

Remember the old landmark -Cleric

Senior Minister, Assemblies of God Church Ikeja Branch, Rev. Abong Aginpuye; President Men Ministry , Mr. Charles Nwobodo; Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani; and Patron, Men Ministry, Mr. Tony Ewelike at the event. he gospel is not a man’s the Men’s Day of the Assemblies of agenda but a task of God God Church, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking on the topic, Igniting the who created heaven and Furnace of the Gospel In Our Time, earth. People should be emotional and be compassionate in whatever Brother Charles noted that, “to ignite they do. Brother Charles Nwobodo means to make something burn and a made this known at the celebration of furnace is an overwhelming fire. The

Adeboye prays for Nigeria Police

gospel came to us through much fire and made more impact in the world.”

He enjoined members to build the church on the foundation, which Jesus Christ built according to his pattern, adding that, people should be passionate about the gospel.

His words: “The annual event is to celebrate men and give out gifts to members of the church who are in need.

The church should not forget their responsibility of preaching the gospel to the nation so that social vices will be reduced. When people have Christ in them, they will not engage in doing evil.

People should be hardworking and prayerful.”

Members of the choir wore black attire and sang various songs to the delight of the faithful.

Some of the guests at the event include Rev Abong Aginpuye, Mr Onyekachi Ubani, Mr Tony Ewelike among others.

ovenant of Life Evangelical Ministry, aka Dominion Prayer Ministry, will hold its inauguration as well as book launch on October 27 at the Unity Liberation Baptist Church, Rasaq Tijani Close, Salem Bus Stop, Shasha, Lagos.

The event will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the ministry.

According to the author and chief host, Reverend Israel Agboola, the book, The Prayer Tonic, is meant to remind Christians of the importance of prayer and to teach them how to pray.

Agboola added that, “the ministry has a mission to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, the Head of the church, King of kings and Lord of lords and to teach, assist and join others to resist the devil.

Deacon Tunji Olugbodi is expected to chair the occasion, Pastor Teju Olakigbe would be Special Guest of Honour and Mr. Bosun Oladele, Chief Launcher. The Conference President, Lagos West Baptist Conference, Dr Julius Adeniji would be the Guest Speaker.

Thoughts for the week Know ye not?

That, the Lord is your keeper.

He is your immediate help.

Friends, Psalm 121: 4 and 5 say, “Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall not slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.”

Until next Wednesday, remain blessed.

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Emergency landlord

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y name Adeoba Sunday. I am a motorcycle rider popularly known as Okada and l live at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Wonders, they say, shall never end on this planet earth.

I live in a one room apartment with a general toilet and bathroom. I developed a problem with my landlord which borders on money and the man gave me a quit notice, and l needed to get another room for me and my family. Then l attended a church ßpro-

gramme where the man of God preached and said we didn’t need money to address our needs, all we need is God. I then began to pray for a room without money and then the unusual happened.

My mother died when l was very young and l grew up with my uncle. I never knew my father. My uncle happened to be a lawyer who did not tell me that my mother left a house for me. Because l was never told l go around trying to survive with Okada. After my prayers, God went and touched my uncle in a vision where an old man told him to return my building to me under two months else he would die. When he woke up after the third visitation from the old man, my uncle looked

DIVINE INTERVENTION with

REV PAUL TIOLUWANI 08056344719 e-mail: tcpf@skannet.com

for me with desperation and when he located me he gave me the documents and handed over the house to me. I asked God for a room, He gave me a house for free.

Unexpected miracle My names are Deaconess Obisesan Olayinka. I am a teacher and live in cocoa research area of Oluyole Local government, Ibadan. I went for a party in the year 2009 and at that party l lost my purse that contained money

and vital documents that might cost me a fortune to retrieve, so l tried all possible efforts to try and get my purse back but was of no effect.

Then l began to pray vigorously without ceasing until l just stumbled at a man who was sitting on the same table with me three years ago. When l saw him, somehow l was able to recognize him. I then stopped him, raising the issue of my purse, to my surprise the man remembered the event

that happened three years ago and went a step further to give me the greatest surprise of my life. The man said he found the purse that day and kept it. I could not believe my eyes when the man ran inside his house and gave me my purse with all the documents and money intact. Surely with God all things are possible.

Praise the Lord.

Paralyzed hand healed My name is Mr Olowere James. I am a building contractor and l live at Boluwaji area of Ibadan. I was very healthy until l felt something struck me, l thought l would die as life began to come out of me, then l discovered l could no longer talk and my two hands just got paralyzed a terrible disaster happened to me that day. All efforts to revive me failed, until we got through to the church and when l was prayed for, life returned back to me and l could lift my two hands again.

Healed of fibroid My name is Mrs Sanusi Deborah, l live in Ketu area of Lagos State. I’ve been having fibroid problem and l was expected to go for operation.

The Man of God, Rev Paul Tunde Tioluwani (Lesekese) came to our church to preach and by the word of knowledge, he mentioned my case and called me out. As l ran out towards the podium, a miracle happened to me. I just couldn’t see the fibroid again.

IACT charges clergymen on security

By BABS OYETORO

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he rector of Institute of Accredited Christian Theology (IACT), Apostle Cletus Ihebuzor, has called on ministers of the gospel to be more securityconscious in their respective ministerial environments.

Apostle Ihebuzor, who made this disclosure during the twoday seminar organised for the clergy in Lagos, stressed that the training of Christian workers and ministers should be all encompassing to make them more resourceful and efficient in the ministry.

“The clergy must be on top of prevailing situations in their respective environments and have assess to information flow to be able to help their subjects.

They should be able to invest in the training of their members to make them effective in the ministry,” he noted.

Pentecostal of Nigeria Provincial Chairman (Ojo Branch), Bishop Andy Ogbu, also reiterated that the clergy should teach their subjects the importance of security management.

Bishop Ogbu tasked the Christian leaders to be put their ears on ground in their respective areas ensuring that they reported any strange movement to the security agents.

The General Overseer of Dominion Life Centre also harped on the need for Christians to be in tune with the laws of the land and equally know their rights to be able to function effectively in their respective areas.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 41

Northern Christian president, yes but…

Continued from Back

are the sort of documents that every politician should be taken to NIPSS or NIIA and be schooled on before being allowed to contest election to any political office whatsoever.

In summary, Gowon is a critique of restructuring, unbundling and SNC, these being mere excuses, alibis and apologia for ruling class incompetence in taking the country from an agrarian to an industrial economy. The collective tribute future leaders can pay to Gowon is for all aspiring leaders who are not already corrupt to remain so while those who have already stolen the country blind should return their unexplained wealth and declare a commitment to a fresh start. Just like the late Murtala did.

Sharing melted leadership with Gowon in Nigerian History is Dr. Alex Ekwueme. It is an academic debate now whether Dr. Ekwueme would have stabilized democracy more than OBJ from 1999 – 2007 but it is the sort of debate we should conduct in Nigeria.

Such would enrich our democratic experiment. And it is not too late to do so.

The point about Dr. Iyorchia Ayu in this piece is that, irrespective of his personal agenda in his return to the PDP, it is an ideological coup with great social import for democracy in Nigeria. As one of the original nine who formed the PDP, he is rejoining his fellow founders who have remained in the party to strengthen the struggle for recovering the PDP and, by implication, Nigeria. It bears repeating that the PDP was formed as a social democratic party. Six out of the nine founders, representing approximately 67% are social democrats. The tragedy of the PDP is that the party was taken over by people who have none of the sentiments of the founders and have no qualms trampling on those sentiments, either as militarists or as privatisers.

With Alex Ekwueme, Adamu Ciroma, Solomon Lar, Sule Lamido and Jerry Gana on the ground and Ayu re-joining them, (Bola Ige, Abubakar Rimi and Francis Ella are late), the PDP stands a chance of re-invention in terms of the original vision.

That would be most welcome because Nigeria still needs the PDP even as they deride it, partly because those who successfully hijacked the party from its ideologues have used it to inflict great pains on Nigerians but also because PDP has been so badly narrated.

Onoja is reachable via adagboonoja@gmail.com

Quiz for lawmakers: Can you spell your name?

D o educational qualifications of National Assembly members accurately reflect their ability to engage in robust and informed debate? In fact, to what extent do academic qualifications of federal legislators serve as an accurate barometer of the quality of debate that takes place in the legislative house, including the nature of bills introduced in the Assembly? Does the possession of academic qualifications shape the moral character of the men and women elected into the National Assembly? Do academic degrees, diplomas and certificates tell us how legislators would approach the business of law-making? These are contentious questions, particularly in this age in which there exists a large number of dodgy institutions that manufacture and award degrees, diplomas and certificates to enthusiastic buyers.

Although the possession of a minimum or basic academic qualification should serve as a prerequisite for anyone to be elected into parliament (whether at federal or state level), I would argue that the debate should also extend to the moral character of the legislators, not just their academic qualifications.

The connection between possession of academic qualifications by National Assembly members and their performance was given priority status last week when Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, mocked his colleagues with the allegation that some of them couldn’t spell or scribble their names correctly. He acknowledged the lack of intellectual and academic sophistication among men and women elected to make laws for the country. He queried their ability to engage in informed debate and their capacity to subject to critical analysis issues of national significance that are brought before the National Assembly for deliberation.

Ekweremadu took a dim view of the educational attributes of members of the National Assembly, with particular reference to those from the Southeast.

He expressed surprise at the calibre of lawmakers elected to represent the Southeast zone of the country. He said he was astounded that despite the educational advancement of the Southeast, “we still send to the National Assembly some people who can barely write their names”.

That claim, in anyone’s language, was an open indictment of parliamentarians. It was a backhanded commentary and an adverse character assessment deliberately directed by the Deputy Senate President against his peers in the National Assembly.

Ekweremadu spoke as a special guest at the 2012 Zik Lecture series arranged by the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

For many years the question had persisted: Do academic qualifications help to mould the personality and ethical conduct of men and women, who make laws for the good governance of the nation? The question is relevant because the public tends to hold federal lawmakers in high esteem. By the parliamentary positions of privilege they hold, members of the National Assembly are viewed (even if wrong-

certificate forgery and perjury. On the day he vacated his seat in humiliation, Buhari told members of the House of Representatives in teary eyes: “I apologise to you. I apologise to the nation. I apologise to my family and friends for all the distress I have caused them. I was misled in error by zeal to serve the nation. I hope the nation will forgive me and give me the opportunity to serve again.”

Before he dismounted from his high horse, he had vigorously and pretentiously denied that he had done Ekweremadu anything wrong. ly) as symbols of ethical behaviour. Despite consistent media reports The society expects them to live as about his dodgy ways, he remained role models whose exemplary lives steadfast in his claim that he did not could easily be copied by everyone. intentionally serve the nation twisted It is difficult to argue that National and fanciful stories about his age and Assembly members who made head- his academic qualifications. He even line news because of their dishon- threatened to sue the newspaper that ourable conduct or slapstick perform- exposed his record of lies. His resigances were exclusively those with nation was sudden but it marked the lower or no academic qualifications. end of one man’s ambition to achieve As some people regularly argue, com- through deception what he could not mon sense is not determined by aca- achieve through hard work and perdemic qualification. sistence.

The lack of model political leaders By his conduct, Ibrahim Salisu has been one of the fundamental prob- Buhari brought the office of Speaker lems that Nigeria has had to contend to national and international disgrace. with over the 52 years of her history. He disparaged the character of memAlthough academic qualification of bers of the House of Representatives National Assembly members should and lowered the esteem of National be seen as a matter of national signifi- Assembly members in the judgment cance, it is also important that the of the public. nation should look beyond qualificaThe other day, the former Speaker tions and cast an eye on the moral of the House of Representatives, character of the people who make Dimeji Bankole, stood at the auditorilaws for the country. um of the University of Agriculture, The cultivated outlook and behav- Abeokuta, to address students on the iour of members of the National virtues of good leadership. Bankole Assembly, I would argue, is a reflec- showed no shame when he told the tion of the political and social struc- audience that lack of good leaders had tures through which they emerge. The jeopardised Nigeria’s journey to greatnation has been so unlucky. Since the ness. Without blinking, this man, who nation returned to democracy in 1999, is still wearing corruption allegations the image of the House of on his shirt sleeves, said: “In Nigeria, Representatives and the Senate has as in most parts of Africa, many leadbeen tarnished by high levels of cor- ers, especially at the political level, are ruption among members and by the preoccupied with succeeding themundistinguished conduct of their lead- selves that often, they leave a leaderers. Consider these instances. ship vacuum or confusion behind In 1999, the Speaker of the House them.” of Representatives, Alhaji Ibrahim His listeners cheered. But Bankole Salisu Buhari, was convicted by an had not finished his tales by moonAbuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for light. He continued: “I need to com-

“It is easy to understand considerable public resentment over the way elected parliamentarians have conducted themselves appallingly. How would academic qualifications have helped to shape the moral behaviour of these parliamentarians? This question is open to debate.”

ment on the modalities for choosing leaders, especially, those that occupy second-in-command positions.

Everyone will agree with me that the lack of planned succession is what results in accidental leadership in our national life.”

What a miserable remark by a man whose reputation has been shredded by numerous court cases founded on corruption allegations. Bankole represents human tragedy. He was once the Number four citizen of Nigeria. But he has since fallen from that position in a scandalous manner. Bankole is not fit to speak on leadership qualities in Nigeria because he is currently facing charges of corrupt enrichment and financial transgressions, which he allegedly committed when he was the leader of the House.

Against this background, it is inappropriate and disgusting that a university should invite a man whose reputation has been shredded by alleged corrupt practices to give a public address to staff and students on leadership qualities. Bankole did not leave behind him a desirable record as a good leader. He failed the basic test of leadership. He supervised his own spectacular fall from his noble position. He abused and misused the privileges that were accorded to him as the Speaker of the House.

Bankole, the man who was once regarded highly in Abuja, is facing numerous charges of financial impropriety, including allegations that he fraudulently raised contract money to the amount of N894 million. All these are separate from another alleged N10 billion loan scandal. Apart from Bankole, it is important to keep in mind that former Speaker Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, who preceded Bankole, was also toppled by corruption allegations. The case of Alhaji Farouk Lawan is most recent.

The Senate has also been infected by official misconduct committed by its leaders. Here is one case. Former senate president, Evan Enwerem, was derided publicly in 1999 by allegations that cast aspersions on his character and his academic qualifications.

Enwerem denied all allegations, even as charges of perjury and certificate forgery against him dominated public discussion on the floor of the Senate.

Following his dramatic downfall after five months in office, he told a press conference on Tuesday, November 23, 1999, that his removal was plotted by his unnamed enemies. He said: “Because my election was not accepted by some powerful elements, every possible machinery was put in place to jeopardise my tenure and give me no breathing space…All the sponsored false allegations against me, which were carefully orchestrated and recycled from day-to-day for all of the five months, have now achieved the desired effect of hounding me out of office as senate president.”

All these parliamentary leaders possessed academic qualifications of some sort. Still they behaved badly.

So, it is easy to understand considerable public resentment over the way elected parliamentarians have conducted themselves appallingly. How would academic qualifications have helped to shape the moral behaviour of these parliamentarians? This question is open to debate.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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n furtherance to Peak Milk current campaign, tagged ‘Drink Milk Everyday’, the flagship brand from FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria has named the Kwara State Governor’s wife; Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed, as the Milk Ambassador in the state during the flag off of the campaign in Ilorin.

Mrs. Ahmed’s preference as the first Milk Ambassador from the brand is as a result of the motherly role she demonstrates towards every indigene of Kwara State and this would further enhance and drive Peak’s effort to ensure that per capita milk consumption in the state is increased.

Speaking at the kickoff of the campaign in Kwara State, the Senior Brand Manager, Joshua Abuh stated that the campaign is as a result of research the company carried out in the country with respect to how Nigerians use milk.

He said, “What we discovered was that even though Nigerians appreciate the goodness of milk and know that it is nutritious, they do not take it regularly. On the average, people consume milk twice a week which is too low if they will get all the benefits that are there in milk.”

He however, appeal to the first lady to use her growing influence as an influencer in the state t encourage her people to imbibe regular intake of milk.

Responding to her appointment, Mrs. Ahmed thanked Peak for the honour and pledged to be a good ambassador of such a novel initiative.

DAILY SUN

Peak names Ahmed ‘Milk Ambassador’ She emphasised the need to drink milk, which she said was an essential necessity for daily growth. She therefore, urged the citizen of Kwara State to imbibe the habit of milk drinking adding that milk, which has been seen as an accomplishment is a drink meant for everyone no matter your class, religion and status.

Mrs. Ahmed used herself as proof of the fact that milk gives strength, enhances beauty, builds power and ensures one sleep well.

The campaign which had already engaged consumers in Edo, Benue and Oyo, moved to Kwara State and teach people of the state on the usefulness and benefits arising from regular intake of milk. Some of the touch points deployed to engage consumers include community forum, where governor’s wife presided over, campus activation to engage post primary/secondary audience, catch the young activation, which is meant to engage primary/secondary schools students.

Apart from encouraging people to drink milk regularly, Peak in the course of the campaign has been

Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed, Wife of the Governor of Kwara State (left), after being decorated as the Milk Ambassador by Mr. Joshua Abuh, Senior Brand Manager, Peak Milk, while Miss Lizzy Eires, Campaign Coordinator, looks on at the flag off of Peak ‘Drink Milk Everyday’ campaign in Kwara State recently. able to enlighten consumers on different ways of drinking milk and usage. Consumers, who experience

the activation have expressed their gratitude towards the promoters of the campaign hence urged others to

evolve people oriented programmes such as Peak Drink Milk Everyday campaign.

We’ll build the PRCAN house on four pillars of advocacy, professionalism, structure and administration and capacity building – New team

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new executive committee for the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria assumed office October 19, pledging to deliver “bigger and better PRCAN that articulates and serves the overall best interest of members in key areas of advocacy, professionalism and support for growth of PR business”.

Led by Mr Chido B. Nwakanma of Blueflower Limited as President, members of the new PRCAN 20122014 Executive Committee include Mr. John Ehiguese of Mediacraft Associates, Vice President; Mr Muyiwa Akintunde, Leap Communications, General Secretary; Mr Tola Odusote, CMC Connect, Assistant General Secretary; and Mr. Israel Jaiye Opayemi, Chain Reactions Limited, Publicity Secretary. The two past presidents, Mr. Emeka Maduegbuna and Dr. Phil Osagie are ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.

The executive emerged at the second Annual General Meeting of PRCAN held at Hotel 1960 Eagles Park in Ikeja. Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Registrar Dr. Steve Adebayo observed the elections.

Nwakanma articulated the vision of the team at a post-election presentation to members. He said the executive would build the PRCAN house on four pillars of advocacy, professionalism, structure and administration and capacity building.

According to the new PRCAN president, “deliberate policy actions

and legislation have underpinned growth of professions; Public Relations needs policy and legislative support to grow.” As such, PRCAN would adopt advocacy visits to key government officials at Federal, State and Local Government levels to raise awareness and the right policy environment that would create jobs for

member firms. The visits would also enable these key stakeholders realise as well as implement the law.

PRCAN is a creation of a bye law of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. It groups together agencies that render public relations consultancy services. By the NIPR Act, only persons registered with NIPR

L-R: Adetola Odusote, Assistant Secretary General; Israel Jaiye Opayemi, Publicity Secretary; Muyiwa Akintunde, Secretary General; Chido Nwakanma, President; John Ehiuese, Vice President; Dr. Phil Osagie, immediate past president and now ex officio member; and Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, ex officio member.

are eligible to practise public relations in Nigeria. For companies, only those registered with PRCAN, whose key executives must be members of NIPR, are eligible to offer public relations services and earn income for it.

Nwakanma spoke of job advocacy visits to institutions and bodies such as the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and similar bodies.

The new PRCAN executive committee pledged to build the training programme of the association into a strong Public Relations Masterclass brand. They would also introduce the Sterling Reputation Awards to recognise and reward best practise in public relations by companies, governments as well as PR firms, as well as increase awareness and relevance of public relations in organisational management and governance.

Participants at the well-attended PRCAN Annual General Meeting in key resolutions asked the new Executive Committee to empanel committees and take action to ensure standardization of public relations practise in Nigeria, map out size, structure and future of public relations practice in Nigeria.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

DAILY SUN

43

Nokia Partners Airtel on Nokia Lumia 900

L New Tropika drink debuts

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new uniquely smooth-tasting drink, Tropika®, has made its way into the nation’s ever dynamic and invigorating fruit drinks market. The juice market is one that enjoys a high number of brands that offers consumers nutritional values.

Tropika will offer consumers a superior taste in addition to nutrition and refreshment.

On 20th October 2012, Tropika was introduced at the Elegushi Private Beach, Lagos, in a truly unique launch event to selected members of the society. Guests were treated to an unforgettable and enchanting evening of entertainment and spectacular performances.

Tropika is made from real dairy skimmed milk and fruit juice and is available in orange, pine apple, mango peach, coco pine and apple variants. The uniquely smooth taste is sure to refresh and relax consumers.

The producer of this unique and refreshing drink has taken care of all shades of customers as they have their brands in different sizes. The following pack sizes are readily available for consumers in the Nigerian market; 1L, 500ml, 250ml and 125ml.

The General Manager, Clover West Africa ,Johan Voigt states at the launch “Clover Industries, has introduced Tropika into the

Nigeria beverage market to share this really unique drinking experience unlike any other in the market currently. Tropika will become a part of life for a consumer who is looking for a smooth tasting healthy drink to relax and celebrate life every day, anywhere”.

Tropika is best enjoyed when it is chilled. It is easy to store and has a shelf life of 9 months un-opened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 4 days.

This new entrant in to the Nigerian fruit drink market, is promising the teeming fruit drink loving Nigerians, to be there for them at all times, churning out the already tested and proven, unique recipe.

eading phone manufacturer, Nokia in partnership with leading telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria have embarked on a special consumer promotion for the new Nokia Lumia range of products now shipping in Nigeria. The promotion which will kick-off on the 22nd of October 2012 will deliver exciting benefits to consumers who purchase the Lumia 900, 710 & 610 over the period.

The General Manager, Nokia WestAfrica, Mr.Chris Brown, said that Nokia’s Lumia Windows Phone range are exciting devices offering an amazingly fast way to connect to the internet, keep up to date with Microsoft suite of services, connect to your world with Nokia Maps and City Lens and boasts a unique one-piece polycarbonate design, which has earned it several awards including the CES 2012.He further explained that the Lumia 900, Nokia’s flagship Windows phone features a large 4.3-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display, 8-megapixel Carl Zeiss Optics camera with HD video capture, front camera, XBox Live gaming, Zune music player, multi-touch s

Scanad Nigeria announces key appointments

S

canad Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Africa’s leading marketing services group, Scangroup Limited, has made key strategic appointments aimed at supporting the company’s growth and expansion strategy in Nigeria.

Scangroup is listed on the Nairobi Security Exchange and is the only listed marketing communication company in Africa.

Mr. Rufai Ladipo has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Abiodun Mesharck Fagbohun has been appointed Head of Media. The company has also appointed Mr. Sameer Ambegaonkar from Kenya the Managing Consultant.

Making the announcements, Scangroup Chief Executive Officer Bharat Thakrar said: “We are excited to bring experienced leaders to join Scanad Nigeria at this critical juncture. Ladipo, Fagbohun and Ambegaonkar have extensive experiences in their respective fields that we were seeking to help build this nascent company into one of the best marketing and communication companies in Nigeria.”

Ladipo

Confirming his new role, Ladipo said: “I am excited and honored to have been asked to lead Scanad Nigeria, and look forward to working with the company’s talented, dedicated employees to deliver leading solutions to our clients. We have an amazing opportunity in front of us and we will take full advantage of our position, products/services and our people to be successful. Innovation, quality and profitability will be the principles that will drive us going forward.”

Ladipo is the immediate past President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and a fellow of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

He joins Scanad Nigeria from STBMcCannLagos, where he served as Managing Director/CEO for 9 years after his historical appointment to the Agency’s Board at the turn of the century. While at STB-McCann, he played a key role at the McCannWorld Group level. Some of his achievements at STB-McCann included oversight responsibility for the McCann Healthcare corridor in key West African Markets; and the re-engineering of the Agency’s processes and structures towards profitability.

Fagbohun is a Chartered Advertising and Marketing Practitioner and Full Member of Nigeria Chartered Institute of Marketing (NCIM) and Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) with 22 years of post-graduation experience. He also served as Managing Director of CM3 Media Group, a Marketing Communication Group of Companies and as the Deputy Managing Director at Universal McCann.

Ambegaonkar joins Scanad Nigeria from Kenya where he was the Managing Director of the SCANAD Kenya for the last 10 years. He has over 30

years of experience in the advertising business, the last 18 of which have been in East Africa. He will be incharge of strategy development and direction, and people skill development. He is expected to help Scanad Nigeria attain respectable stature in Nigeria.

“Scanad Nigeria has the ambition of becoming the best agency in Nigeria, using local talent with global insight to processes; and develop creatives that will be global in look and feel but are local in content and relevance. We feel certain that the broad experience of Ladipo, Fagbohun and Ambegaonkar bring to their respective positions will help the company to effectively implement its business strategy, while continuing to provide our customers with

innovative marketing solutions that meet their evolving needs,” said Mr Thakrar.

Scanad Nigeria Limited is the newest subsidiary of Scangroup, Africa’s leading marketing services group which is partly owned by WPP, the world’s largest communications service group with 3,000 offices in 110 countries. Scangroup has offices in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana and buys media in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Gabon, DRC and Mauritius.

Scangroup is listed on the Nairobi Security Exchange.

Both Scangroup and WPP are made up of leading companies in

Advertising; Media Investment Management; Consumer Insight; Public Relations & Public Affairs; Branding & Identity; Healthcare Communications; Direct, Digital, Promotion & Relationship Marketing; Specialist Communications and and Experiential Marketing.

For the second year running, WPP was named Holding Company of the Year at the 2012 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

The Group was also named Most Effective Holding Company, Globally in the 2012 Effie Effectiveness Index.

WPP was ranked 41 out of 500 in Newsweek’s 2011 Green Rankings.

Similarly, Scangroup takes pride in being Africa’s true multinational in the communications business.

R-L: Executive Director, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Mr. Gbenga Ibikunle, 1st SSA to the Governor on Justice and Fairness, Ben Ezerioha Okemili, and Ezeoha of Akatta Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Dr. Eugene E. Okolie, at the official commissioning and handover of a 20,000-litre solar-powered water project built by BATNF for Akatta community, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State recently.

44

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS PTDF expends N360m on oil and gas research Form DENNIS MERNYI, Abuja

T

he Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) has disclosed that it spends N20 million to sponsor one researcher each to carry out intensive research on critical aspects in the oil and gas industry.

According to the the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Engineer Muttaqa Darma Rabe, about 18 researchers have benefited from the scheme whose cost is put at about N360 million.

Speaking in Abuja Tuesday at the final award of PTDF annual Oil and Gas research grant competition, its executive secretary, represented by the General Manager charge of Strategic Planning Research and Documentation of the Fund, Mr. Olajide Adebulehin, said that the Fund would publish a compendium of all the research results and works which would be forwarded to the International Oil Companies (OICs) operating in the country for use in the country’s oil and gas industry.

“The Fund has so far sponsored about 18 distinguished academicians to conduct several researches in critical areas of the oil and gas industry.

“We are sponsoring six researchers this year alone.

We spend N20 million on each. So far, we have sponsored 18 altogether including the current set.

“Our plan is to, at the end of the day, publish a compendium of all the research results and works which would be forwarded to International Oil Companies

operating in the country for use here for the benefit of the Nigerian government”, he stated.

Addressing the awardee before presenting them with the letters of engagements, Adebulehin charged them to work strictly on research topics that would be relevant to the country’s oil and gas sector.

He stated that, PTDF would raise the bar in research development with even higher sponsorship, promising that the Fund would equally fulfill its obligation to the researchers them to produce high quality work that can pass the test of time as far as the global standards in the industry are concerned.

In his remarks, Dr. Kehinde Ladipo, the acting chairman of the steering committee for the conduct of the award of the sponsorship for the PTDF stated that the Fund has great expectation from the researchers.

The six researchers includes, Professor Samuel O. Akande of the Department of Geology, University of Ilorin who is to conduct research on Hydro Carbon Source, Rock Evaluation in Cretaceous to Neocene Basins of Southern Nigeria and Implication for Niger Delta Basins Petroleum Resources.

Dr. G.O. Agiri, Department of Industrial safety and Environment at the Petroleum Training Institute, Efurun, is to work on the Immobilized Oil Degrading Micro-organisms in local cellulosic materials for rapid development in bio-remediation of petroleum contaminated soil.

N7.4 billion debt: Police contractors spoil for war From WALTER UKAEGBU Abuja

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ontractors under the aegis of Association of Police Contractors have threatened that theywould go to the streets in protest if the Nigerian Police Force fails to pay them the of N7.4 billion owed them since 2008/2009 for contracts executed.

To this end, it has given both the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Force a week ultimatum to act or face the wrath of its members.

As a way of the association has appealed to the National Assembly, the Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office, the Bureau for Public Procurement and other civil rights groups to prevail on the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Police Affairs to use their 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter allocations to offset the debt in order to alleviate the suffering of their members.

In a letter by its Chairman and Secretary, Chief Patrick Ojo and Chief Aloysius

Okonkwo, respectively the association noted that some of the contracts are ongoing projects under the five-year rolling plan while some have been completed.

The letter noted that, in spite of several appeals and meetings with the Minister of Police Affairs, Captain Caleb Olubolade as well as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubarkar, no concrete effort has been made to correct the unwholesome system of fund and project management in both the police force and the ministry.

According the letter dated August 28, 2012, the contractors had earlier submitted another letter dated May 17, 2012 to the Minister of Police Affairs detailing the alleged unwholesome happenings and irrespective of the minister’s order to stop award of new contracts until outstanding liabilities resulting from past contracts are settled, tthe IGP is still awarding new contracts, processing and collecting tender fees.

President Goodluck Jonathan (r) with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance Development, HRH Prencess Maxima of the Netherlands after a meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday.

Nigeria ranked 131 out of 185 in global doing business report …. Mauritius 19, Ghana 64, South Africa 39

By STEVE AGBOTA

T

he International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank yesterday released the 10th edition of Doing Business report series, ranking Nigeria 131 out of 185 countries surveyed.

Doing Business analyzes regulations that apply to an economy’s businesses during their life cycle, including startup and operations, trading across borders, paying taxes, and protecting investors.

The aggregate ease of doing business rankings are based on

10 indicators and cover 185 economies. Doing Business does not measure all aspects of the business environment that matter to firms and investors.

According to the report, Nigeria introduced a new compulsory labour contribution paid by the employer. It listed areas of business regulation reform recorded in Nigeria as paying taxes.

Some African countries rated ahead of Nigeria include Mauritius, 19, South Africa, 39, Rwanda, 52; Botswana, 59; Ghana, 64; Namibia, 87 and Zambia, 94.

African countries also occu-

pied the bottom of the ranking.

They are The Central African Republic 185, Chad 184 and The Republic of Congo 183.

However, the report acknowledged that African economies made consistent progress in improving business regulation in the reviewing year.

It reveals that of the 50 economies making the most improvement in business regulation for domestic firms since 2005, 17 are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This year’s report marks the 10th edition of the global

60% SMEDF to be devoted to women-owned firms, says Sanusi From ISAAC ANUMIHE, Abuja

G

overnor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday declared that 60 per cent of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (SMEDF) whose guidelines for implementation will soon be finalized, will be devoted to women.

Speaking at the launch of Nigeria’s National Finacial Inclusion Stratregy in Abuja, Sanusi said that this is part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s financial exclusion rate from 46.3 per cent in 2010 to 20 per cent in 2020.

“So far, over 60 countries have inintiated financial inclusion reforms in recent years.

Nigeria promises to reduce its financial exclusion rate from 46.3 per cent in 2020” he said.

He said that interest shown by the stakeholders in the programme is an indication of their resolve and commitment to deploy appropriate strategies for effective financial inclusion with the resultant outcome of reducing jobs and creating wealth.

“It is an indication of the stakeholders resolve and commitment to deploy appropriate strategies for effective financial inclusion with the resultant outcome of reduction, job

and wealth creation as well as overall growth and development of our nation’s economies” he added..

In his speech, Vice president Namadi Sambo noted that the government has provided assistance of more than N200 million special intervention fund.

He said that the reform programme has generated 16,432 new jobs since 2010, sustained the operations of

347 projects and resuscitated nine moribund projects.

“The initiative has generated 16,432 new jobs since 2010, sustained the operations of 347 projects and resuscitated nine moribund projects.

Let me put on record that we have made appreciable progress in addressing some of the major factors militating against our economic crops among which include our power sector.

Doing Business report series and over the life of the report, Africa has consistently recorded a high number of reforms.

Rwanda particularly stands out as having consistently improved since 2005. A case study in this year’s report features Rwanda, which since 2005 has implemented 26 regulatory reforms as recorded by Doing Business.

“The report, Doing Business 2013: Smarter Regulations for Small and Medium-Size Enterprises, finds that from June 2011 to June 2012, 28 of 46 governments in SubSaharan Africa implemented at least one regulatory reform making it easier to do business—a total of 44 reforms.

Burundi, with four reforms, ranks among the 10 economies worldwide that improved the most in the past year across three or more areas measured

by Doing Business—the only low-income economy on the list.

Yet despite those achievements, much more can be done to enable African economies to build a strong and competitive private sector.

NEXIM’s support to creative industry hits N1.236bn

By CHIMA TITUS NWOKOJI

T

he Nigerian Export and Import Bank (NEXIM), says its total funding support to the creative industry has reached N1.236 billion, comprising N700 million and N536 million disbursed amounts to six beneficiary clients.

A statement from the bank, made available to Daily Sun said that the Bank’s role in the creative arts and entertainment industry is two-fold, which are funding intervention to loan beneficiaries and developmental support/strategic alliances through capacity building and events sponsorships.

“In funding intervention, the Bank extends loans to eligible companies in all the value-chain within the cre-

ative arts and entertainment industry under the Nigerian Creative Arts & Entertainment Industry Facility Scheme,” the statement read in part.

The Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood is ranked third globally in revenue, with receipts over the years reported to ranged between $300million to $800million in the recent past.

On its developmental support role, the NEXIM’s contributions are essentially towards ensuring that the industry operates in a structured manner and within global best practices / standards.

Also, the Bank engaged in strategic partnerships / sponsorship supports of some creative and entertainment industry events for marketing, advocacy and capacity building programmes, which were

intended to create awareness, build capacities, facilitate monetization of intellectual property/proprietary assets as well as showcase Nigerian talents.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), world export of Creative goods and services grew at an annual average of 14 per cent between 2002 and 2008, reaching a peak of $592billion in 2008. This was in contrast to drop in international trade by 12 per cent in 2008, following the global financial and economic crisis.

During the recession, the creative economy continued to thrive as people continued to go to cinema and museums, listen to music, watch videos and TV shows and play video games.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, October 24, 2012

45

BUSINESS NEWS C’River to connect Obudu ranch to national grid … To link up 20 rural communities with electricity projects From JUDEX OKRO, Calabar

P

lans have reached an advanced stage for electrification project to link up Obudu Ranch Resort to the National Grid.

Besides, over 20 rural communities are to be across the 18 local government areas of the state will be provided with electricity.

The Director-General of State Electrification Agency (SEA), (Mrs) Rosemary Atsu- Arop, who disclosed this during the signing of an agreement between SEA and Lilleka Brothers Nig. Ltd in Calabar recently, said while seven local government areas of the southern senatorial districts are to be done by Lilleka Brothers Nig. Ltd, the News Engineering Nigeria will undertake Electrification of the 11 local government areas that make up the central and northern senatorial districts alongside the project for linking up the Obudu Ranch Resort to the national grid.

Mrs. Atsu-Arop, listed the benefiting communities to include Ekeng in Akpabuyo, Ayansa Ikot-Nkebre in C a l a b a r Municipality/Obutong and Akwa in Bakassi, Ehom/Ekpri Iko in Biase, Creek Town In Odukpani.

Others are Ekori in Yakurr, Ebom in Abi, Okurukpana/Ederegha in Obubra, Oterre/Okundi in Ikom, Nsofang in Etung Orimekpang in Boki and Anyikang/ obuba

Iye/Ibiarigidi, Bekwarra also to benefit include; Itega Okpudu/ Adem in Yala Ukuel Obudu in Ubudu Agiga/ Monaya Ogoja and Bebi 1-4 in Obanliku LGA. The SEA boss stated that “the signed agreement represents a major step in the desire of the Senator Liyel Imoke-led administration to offer services to the people as it accelerate economic development and wealth creation.”

Barr. Atsu-Arop noted that the decision to award the contract to the two companies was as a result of their track record and performance in previous jobs, warning that the government would no longer tolerate lapses of any form in the delivery of jobs.

While urging the contractors to stick to standards as nothing short of this would be accepted, the Director General said that the Agency’s engineer would be on a surveillance to inspect material.

The contract is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2013 and will cost about N3.5billion.

Responding on behalf the contractors, the Director of Lilleka Bro. Nig.Ltd, Mr. Stewart Thorpe, thanked Government for the confidence reposed in them and promised to uphold the standard for which they are known for.

Thorpe promised to meet the deadline for the project execution and also work according to specification.

Nigeria partners S.Korea to boost industrilization

By STEVE AGBOTA

N

igeria and South Korea have concluded plans on an industrial cooperation strategy to create Trade and Investment Council in order to strengthen the new partnership between the two countries.

According to a source familiar with the deal, the industrial cooperation strategy would promote the development of major industries, particularly the petrochemical and automotive industries, in both countries.

The agreement was concluded during a meeting between the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and his Korean counterpart, the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Hong Suk-woo, at the Korea-Africa Industry Cooperation Forum in Seoul.

The Korean government confirmed that it would provide all the necessary support to major Korean companies, that want to partner with Nigeria on the development of the petrochemical and automotive sectors of its economy.

The partnership on trade and investment between Nigeria and Korea was initiated at a dinner hosted by the president of Korea.

Aganga told newsmen on the sidelines of the conference that his meeting with Suk-woo would actualize some of the goals of the nation’s Industrial Revolution Plan, which the Ministry of Trade and Investment commenced recently.

The minister hinted that the government was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the transformation of the Nigerian economy in good time, saying that the nation would learn from the strategies of major industrialized countries in order to turn its vast resources into economic fortune.

However, the Korean minister pledged his government’s support for the initiatives of the Nigerian Ministry of Trade and Investment, adding that that the Korean government would strive to ensure that the collaboration initiated at the meeting resulted in a win-win situation for both countries.

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Contract Supervision and Evaluations; Prof Sylvester Monye, Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the meeting of the Economic Management Team at State House, Abuja. Photo: BAYO OBISESA

Electricity workers threaten to block … Say no severance pay no hand-over PHCN takeover

By BIMBOLA OYESOLA

T

he Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) yesterday warned the Federal Government not to jeopardise the current reform process in the power sector by its failure to pay the workers their entitlements before transferring Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to the new owners, threatening that such move will be resisted by the workers.

The union representing the electricity workers noted that the chances of the new investors taking over the company is

uncertain, if all pending labour issues are not settled.

SSAEAC, in a letter signed by its National President, Comrade Bede Opara and General Secretary, Comrade Abiodun Ogunsegha to the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Senator Pius Ayim, alerted the Government of the dangers of not completing the long drawn negotiations on labour issues within PHCN, stressing that as long as the three basic issues, severance, gratuity and pensions to employees of PHCN remained unresolved, no new investors can take over the company.

“We demand that the Federal

Government should without further delay conclude the discussion on severance paackage with the unions and pay the benefits of all employees of PHCN, direct our Corporate Headquarters to commence computation of each staff entitlements based on 2010 Condition of Service, including the severance payment as will be concluded”, the letter stated.

The union also demanded the immediate invitation of the leadership of the Union to be briefed about the processes used to arrive at the successful bidders of the five generating companies earlier announced, noting that such was necessary as they were

Coys of EO members net $17m yearly

By OMODELE ADIGUN

F

or the nation to achieve the goals of its Vision 20: 2020, Nigerian businessmen should be ready to join the global family of entrepreneurs with unlimited access to learning, mentoring and networking just as the average annual revenue of businesses of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) members has been put at over $17million.

According to the President of its Nigerian chapter, Mr Ayodeji Shittu, who disclosed this at the Launch of the Nigeria chapter of the organization recently in Lagos, the annual generated revenue of EO members globally stands at $1.7billion per annum, while workers at the employ of the members are one million, six hundred thousand annually.

“The average annual revenue of the 8,000 member businesses amounts to $17.5Million,” he stated.

Shittu explained that the catalyst for the development of small and medium businesses in the country is predicated on global business networking.

“Research states that by 2025, Nigeria will be one of the twentieth largest economies in the world. And for Nigeria to achieve this, small and medium businesses must strive productively. This can only be easily

achievable by joining the Entrepreneurs’ Organization as its members, will, in most cases, do business and share experiences only with fellow members, ”he added.

Giving the historical background of the organization, he said: “Entrepreneurs’ Organization, is a US- based global, non-profit organization, created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs only.

Membership in one of EO’s 120

chapters is strictly by invitation only. The organization’s 121st Chapter was launched in Istanbul, Turkey, on September 19, 2012, just few weeks back.

Today’s event brings the current EO chapters globally to 122.

This is a membership Organization designed to engage leading entrepreneurs who desires to learn and grow, with a vision to build the World’s most influential community of entrepreneurs.

entitled as Nigerians and as critical stakeholders in the sector to know how these companies became qualified as prospective owners of these facilities.

This the union harped further will be in line with the spirit of transparency as always chorused by government.

Part of the statement also read, “We hereby give two weeks ultimatum to Government to respond to our demands as Government’s inability to do so will fuel the uncertainty presently permeating the entire PHCN and we may not guarantee industrial peace.”

SSAEAC lamented that it was unfortunate that the formal negotiating team set up by the government to take critical look at the unions demands has wound up, but the issues largely remain difficult to resolve because of a perceived huge amount involved.

It equally added that subsequent intervention meeting with the Secretary to the Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has failed to provide any meaningful solution.

Medview Airlines to commence operations next month

By UCHE USIM

T

he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at the weekend issued Medview Airlines its Airline Operator’s Certificate (AOC) having met all the requirements of a schedule passenger and cargo company under the new civil aviation rules.

The Airlines, which has been a dominant player in the lesser and main Hajj airlifts to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, becomes the fifth carrier to successfully undergo the new stringent NCAA recertification exercise.

Consequently, the company says it will begin commercial operations in the first week on November, using its recently acquired B737-400

jets.

Announcing the receipt of the AOC at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, its Managing Director, Alhaji Muneer Bankole said domestic air travellers in Nigeria are in for better times as the company promised to treat them like kings and queens.

He said the bedrock of the company is safety, timely departure and excellent onboard service.

He added that the horrible and chaotic experience faced by passengers at the airports would soon be a thing of the past.

Speaking on the certificate, he said the management of the NCAA has put in very rigorous examinations to ensure that only the determined and serious-minded companies operate an airlines in the

country.

“We all have cause to celebrate. The journey has been challenging. We borrowed money to get some things done. We raised our share capital to N2 billion. We just had to scale all the hurdles.

We were to do 50 hours demonstration flights but we did 58 just to prove our mettle. It was really tough but the NCAA, in its wisdom, made it so for people to know that running an airline is a serious business. We’re happy but the journey has just begun”, he said.

Bankole added that the airline, for a start, will fly to Abuja, Port Harcourt Yola, Maiduguri and Kano before expanding to other destinations.

46

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS

By CHINENYE ANUFORO

NSE capitalisation sheds N17.6bn

T

rading activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday closed on a negative note as the market capitalisation of traded equities depreciated by N17.61 billion to close at N8.67 trillion.

This is in contrary to a drop of N7.58 billion recorded on Monday to close at N8.69 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index dipped by 0.20 per cent to close at 27,217.27 points after the day’s business as against a decline by 0.09 per cent recorded in the previous session to close at 27,272.56 points.

Also, four NSE sectoral indices closed negative

as NSE 30 which basically measures the performance of blue chips maintained downtrend by 0.21 per cent, NSE Food closed with 0.16 per cent gain while NSE Banking went down by 0.63 per cent, and NSE Insurance records 0.39 per cent loss while NSE Oil & Gas moved down by 0.72 per cent. The New NSE LII moved up by 0.19 per cent.

The Financial sector led on the activity chart with 196.87 million shares valued at N1.83 billion exchanged in 3,140 deals as against 238.84 mil-

lion shares valued at N2.24 billion exchanged by investors in 2,745 deals recorded in previous session.

The volume recorded in the sector was driven by transaction in the shares of Zenith Bank, First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Diamond Bank and Sterling Bank. The total volume of 114.85 million shares valued at 1.38 billion traded in the stocks accounted for 42.17 per cent of the entire market volume and their value represented 32.49 per cent of the market’s value.

After the trading session yesterday, market turnover moved down by 11.06 per cent to close at 247.91 million shares valued at N2.70 billion exchanged in 5,262 deals as against 278.74 million shares worth N2.70 billion exchanged by investors in 4,552 deals the previous session.

However, 50 stocks featured on the price movement table with 22 gainers and 28 losers. On top of the gainers table were Academy, DN Meyer, Fidson, UAC Properties.

THE DAILY STOCK SUMMARY AS AT 23/10/2012 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector Company name Main Board AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Sub Sector Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Sub Sector Totals Sector Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Sub Sector Totals Sector Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. Sub Sector Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Sub Sector Totals Sector Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Sub Sector Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Sub Sector Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC U T C NIG. PLC. Sub Sector Totals Food Products--Diversified Main Board CONSUMER GOODS Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Sub Sector Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Sub Sector Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Sub Sector Totals Sector Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIG. PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. U B A PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH BANK PLC Sub Sector Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. STACO INSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sub Sector Totals Micro-Finance Banks FORTIS MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Main Board FINANCIAL SERVICES Sub Sector Totals Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services ASO SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sub Sector Totals Other Financial Institutions ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC.

No of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded Value of Shares(N)

18 21 39

34.01 14.00

73,030 355,765 428,795

2,477,683.00 5,148,424.40 7,626,000

15 15 54

1.60

2,361,514 2,361,514 2,790,309

3,690,505.16 3,691,000 11,316,612.56

4 2 92 84 182 182

1.50 5.32 1.13 40.30

39,914 9,373 12,467,211 393,850 12,910,348 12,910,348

60,431.00 47,427.38 14,416,015.74 15,756,120.22 30,280,000 30,279,994.34

9 2 11

31.00 10.07

21,282 9,000 30,282

639,781.08 86,370.00 726,000

24 24 35

11.97

395,617 395,617 425,899

4,678,289.99 4,678,000 5,404,441.07

2 131 13 183 329

3.99 270.01 12.83 138.00

26,570 494,009 49,035 885,019 1,454,633

106,014.30 133,277,275.82 625,584.25 122,144,670.52 256,154,000

11 11

40.95

8,344 8,344

338,214.30 338,000

53 103 41 20 1 47 1 266

8.20 5.75 66.50 2.52 20.41 5.75 0.73

968,042 3,181,604 194,666 897,940 200 1,234,415 7,000 6,483,867

7,911,041.56 17,894,795.90 12,981,932.85 2,268,759.30 3,878.00 7,083,782.51 4,900.00 48,149,000

88 188 276

29.35 695.50

2,745,641 375,804 3,121,445

81,333,764.36 258,032,512.12 339,366,000

24 24

3.75

484,600 484,600

1,775,963.50 1,776,000

48 40 88 994

29.50 41.50

312,426 204,502 516,928 12,069,817

9,111,733.85 8,481,928.33 17,594,000 663,376,751.47

267 146 87 194 686 115 329 109 42 83 337 110 47 45 285 2,882

9.11 4.35 12.35 2.19 17.00 3.43 20.00 .10 7.35 1.75 5.02 7.65 0.62 0.61 18.10

10,079,573 13,648,019 5,151,446 10,849,956 29,268,705 5,815,381 9,504,087 6,479,944 1,717,138 12,888,669 20,726,406 1,410,166 4,510,448 3,949,549 38,325,789 174,325,276

92,240,094.90 59,696,298.30 60,890,252.90 23,312,682.73 497,535,334.31 19,854,364.85 190,289,240.37 27,328,419.89 12,616,948.38 23,171,846.65 104,805,637.04 10,764,122.13 2,788,866.91 2,409,224.89 696,792,741.12 1,824,496,000

145 4 17 1 4 2 8 6 1 45 5 10 4 3 255

0.60 0.83 1.40 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 1.77 0.50 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.50 0.54

9,421,118 100,220 489,600 1,000 1,009,418 20,000 1,900,044 270,000 2,000 4,753,837 3,271,598 145,653 1,000,000 158,284 22,542,772

5,760,497.64 83,178.20 697,845.78 500.00 524,719.00 10,000.00 950,022.00 474,700.00 1,000.00 2,424,520.67 1,700,841.36 76,689.56 500,000.00 85,473.36 13,290,000

1

5.75

200

1,150.00

200

1,000

1 1

0.50

1,000 1,000

500.00 1,000

1

0.50

2,299

1,149.50

1

Sector Company name

No of Deals Quotation(N) Quantity Traded

Sub Sector Totals 1 Sector Totals 3,140 HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 6 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 21 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. 10 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 15 NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PL C 10 Sub Sector Totals 62 Sector Totals 62 ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC 4 Sub Sector Totals 4 Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC 1 Sub Sector Totals 1 IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 4 Sub Sector Totals 4 Telecommunications Services IHS PLC 2 Sub Sector Totals 2 Sector Totals 11 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC 72 BERGER PAINTS PLC 13 CAP PLC 23 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 15 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 18 DN MEYER PLC. 15 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 35 PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC 1 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC 3 Sub Sector Totals 195 Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. 11 Sub Sector Totals 11 Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. 1 Main Board INDUSTRIAL GOODS Packaging/Containers 45 NIGERIAN BAGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sub Sector Totals 46 Sector Totals 252 NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. 2 Sub Sector Totals 2 Sector Totals 2 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC 68 Sub Sector Totals 68 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 224 Sub Sector Totals 224 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC 15 ETERNA PLC. 12 FORTE OIL PLC. 20 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 29 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 1 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 10 Sub Sector Totals 87 Sector Totals 379 SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 11 Sub Sector Totals 11 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 18 Sub Sector Totals 18 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 10 Sub Sector Totals 10 Hospitality TANTALIZERS PLC 2 Sub Sector Totals 2 Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC 2 IKEJA HOTEL PLC 15 TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. 2 Sub Sector Totals 19 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 1 Sub Sector Totals 1 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. 15 Main Board SERVICES Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC 4 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 19 Sub Sector Totals 38 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 4 48 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sub Sector Totals 52 Sector Totals 151 Type Totals 5,262 Grand Totals 5,262

Value of Shares(N)

2,299 196,871,547

1,000 1,837,788,862.44

1.32 1.23 39.00 1.68 1.18

426,650 1,245,158 16,151 318,929 418,050 2,424,938 2,424,938

550,591.15 1,492,053.92 634,787.51 533,682.19 493,744.00 3,705,000 3,704,858.77

0.50

114,851 114,851

57,425.50 57,000

0.50

500 500

250.00 0

13.77

7,061 7,061

97,229.97 97,000

2.25

2,562 2,562 124,974

5,482.68 5,000 160,388.15

17.78 8.01 31.52 6.30 120.00 3.54 56.50 1.98 3.80

928,192 42,334 402,986 238,155 58,291 106,050 300,391 2,200 45,600 2,124,199

16,113,379.91 347,527.26 12,702,118.72 1,453,980.00 6,995,502.91 364,637.50 16,899,445.77 4,158.00 181,823.00 55,063,000

1.48

1,070,740 1,070,740

1,560,695.20 1,561,000

10.00

39,520

414,960.00

1.75

2,700,504 2,740,024 5,934,963

4,640,969.79 5,056,000 61,679,198.06

5.69

37,000 37,000 37,000

220,630.00 221,000 220,630.00

0.60

4,411,191 4,411,191

2,588,780.31 2,589,000

11.00

6,332,623 6,332,623

70,524,129.39 70,524,000

20.79 2.10 10.00 115.00 30.68 125.00

32,134 454,065 118,237 33,065 1,000 8,216 646,717 11,390,531

635,399.84 970,737.24 1,182,410.00 3,847,269.30 29,150.00 1,021,773.66 7,687,000 80,799,649.74

1.85

43,399 43,399

79,472.13 79,000

3.02

626,300 626,300

1,891,250.00 1,891,000

0.50

159,897 159,897

79,948.50 80,000

0.50

37,000 37,000

18,500.00 19,000

6.60 1.11 4.53

100 693,800 965 694,865

627.00 769,180.00 4,246.00 774,000

0.50

1,000 1,000

500.00 1,000

3.75

269,224

865,277.68

2.01 4.83

43,408 558,573 871,205

87,640.08 2,624,010.07 3,577,000

2.46 5.72

39,600 462,319 501,919 2,935,585 247,915,911 247,915,911

96,916.00 2,700,686.35 2,798,000 9,218,253.81 2,703,949,640.41 2,703,949,640.41

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

47

48 DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

50

49

Indian magic can help Eagles – Okoye

Draw procedure for South Africa 2013

AFCON 2013 Nations Cup draw

Owolabi to Keshi...

Expect the worst

By JOE APU

E

xpectations are high as many are eager to see what the draw would look like today in Durban, South Africa. One of the stakeholders, who will have his heart in his mouth as the draws are made is Nigeria's Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

In what many football fans will consider a

timely warning, Dr. Felix Owolabi, a member of the glorious Green Eagles squad, that won the African Nations Cup for Nigeria in1980, has told the Eagles' tactician to prepare for the worst.

Dr. Owolabi, while congratulating the Super Eagles on their return to Africa's premier championship after missing out in the 2012 edition that saw Zambia emerge champion, Dr. Owolabi noted that given the seeding system,

Nigeria should not expect to have easy-to-beat opponents as the seeding would not favour her.

On this note, he said that Nigeria should be prepared for the stiffest of opposition.

Despite that Nigeria is back to the Nations Cup, he remarked that the seeding would only favour countries that have been consistent in the

Continued on page 50

1. In conformity with the regulations of the competition (i.e. if the seeding procedures have not changed), South Africa, the host country shall be the top seeded team of group A and Zambia, the trophy holder will be the top seeded team of group C. 2. South Africa and Zambia will respectively have letters A1 and C1 on the board 3. According to their ranking in the last three editions, Ghana and CĂ´te d'Ivoire are the top seeded teams of groups B and D. An integral draw will be then done to determine which of these two countries shall be awarded the letter B1 and which one will have the letter D1.

4. The other 12 countries will be categorized into three levels, depending on their results in the three editions of the ACN in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

5. The first step will be to proceed to the repartition of the teams of the third level (Togo, Cape Verde Islands, Congo DR; Ethiopia) in the four groups.

6. For this step, CAF Committee will seek assistance of football celebrities present at the drawing of lots ceremony.

The first celebrity shall draw from the first jar the name of one of the four teams of the third level (Togo, Cape Verde Islands, Congo DR; Ethiopia). The first country to be drawn shall belong to group A, the 2nd country to group B, 3rd Country to group C & 4th to group D. In case it is in group A, he will determine its exact place by drawing one of the balls remaining in group A (A2, A3 or A4). The same procedure shall be done for the three other third seeded teams.

7. The second stage shall be done in the same way for the second level teams (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Niger).

8. The third stage shall be done in the same way for the first level teams (Mali, Tunisia, Angola, Nigeria).

CAF ranking: Points obtained in the 2012 edition will have a coefficient of 3, those of the 2010 edition will have coefficient of 2, and finally those of the 2008 edition will have coefficient of 1. The winner of each edition scores 7 points, 5 points for the finalist, three points for semi-finalists, two points for quarter-finalists and one point for teams eliminated in the first round.

50

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Indian magic can help Eagles – Okoye K Owolabi

Owolabi speaks on Nations Cup draw Continued from page 49 previous championships and as such, the head coach should, as a matter of fact, be prepared to face any opposition irrespective of the pedigree of the teams that would fall into Nigeria's group.

The former star player of the Green Eagles, however, called on Keshi to put a stop to experimenting with too many players, warning that they may turn out to be distractions in the long run.

“There's no doubt that the draws may not provide a soft landing for Nigeria. This is why Keshi must raised the level of his preparation.

Thus, ensuring that a major part of the job has been done. In addition, I want to advise Keshi to reduce the number of players he is calling into the national team. The players who have qualified Nigeria have done a good job and as such he should concentrate on them, get them into the rhythm that would see them play as a team.”

Owolabi admits there might be one or two additions that Keshi would make. He, however, warned that a crowd would end up distracting him, adding that he should concentrate on the winning team that he has on ground as cohesion would need to be achieved before the Nations Cup in South Africa.

“The time for the Nations Cup is short and we should realise that most teams qualified through a dint of hard work. This means that the opposition

is going to be tough no matter how we look at it. For Nigeria to make the desired impact at the next Nations Cup, we must not rest on our oars.

Keshi needs friendly matches to help blend the players into a match winning team and a good camp that has the same altitude as South Africa, so as to help the boys acclimatize and be ready for a grand return of Nigeria to the Nations Cup fiesta.”

Owolabi called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to give Keshi and his technical crew all necessary support and logistics that would make the dream of Nigeria come true.

On Osaze Odemnwigie's return to the national team, Owolabi says the decision is that of Keshi to make, but warned that names no longer play football. “Any player that is worth his salt would be glad to represent his country at all levels. Osaze would need to convince Keshi that he deserves a return to the team.”

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games will be held from January 19 to February 10 in five cities: Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and Rustenburg.

The final line-up of teams was completed over the past weekend with defending champion, Zambia, joining Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde Island, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia, and South Africa at the main event.

South Africa: AFCON ’ll be a success – LOC

J

ohannesburg - The 2013 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be used as another aftermath that will be hailed by all as a huge success like the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Local Organising Committee chairman Chief Mwelo Nonkonyane.

"South Africans should expect a seamless and bigger event next year, if during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we've managed to get 9 out of 10 in terms of successfully hosting the event, during the Afcon, we cannot afford to get lower marks.

"As South Africans, let us not support this tournament less than what we did during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "As a country and a continent, we want to use our continental tournament to celebrate our success for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, so in this regard we want to urge South Africans to be fully behind this tour-

nament through buying match tickets," he said.

Nonkonyane was speaking at the flag-raising ceremony of the 16 teams that qualified for the 2013 Afcon tournament held at the South African Football Association (Safa) house, outside Johannesburg, on Friday.

South Africa will host the 2013 Afcon tournament which kicks off from 19 January until 10 February.

The flag ceremony kicked off with a tribute to the late Bafana assistant coach. Madigage, 41, who passed away in a car accident in the early hours of Friday morning after his car hit a donkey on the road.

Speaking at the event, Safa President, Kirsten Namatandani said they had decided to fly the South African flag at half-mast at Safa in honour of the fallen great footballer until his funeral - which is yet to be announced.

elechi Okoye is one player who has virtually seen it all on the home front before jetting out to India to play professional football.

Before moving over to India, where he played for Shillong Lajong FC and Arhima FC, Okoye, laced boots for Mighty Jets, Gombe United, Lobi Stars,Heartland and also had a stint with the Super Eagles.

Okoye who returned to the country last month after the expiration of his contract with his Indian club said playing in the Asian country was a worthwhile experience, even as he urged Super Eagles manager Stephen Okechukwu Keshi to look in the direction of India as he continues his re building process ahead of the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup and the 2014 mundial in Brazil.

Okoye spoke exclusively to Midweek sports, enjoy the excerpts as put together by GEORGE ALUO. How was it like playing in India?

Okoye : I must confess to you that it was a worthwhile experience.

I enjoyed my stay in India and the truth is that Indian football is developing fast and the presence of many Nigerian players is helping their league. There is virtually no big club in India that has no Nigerian player in its squad. The Indian league is quite strong and competitive.

Was playing in India financially rewarding?

Okoye : Well, one may not have smiled to the banks with millions of dollars like players plying their trade in Europe, but one good thing about India is that you get whatever the club promises to pay. You don't need to fight for your salary or sign on fees before it is paid as players do here at home. I never got to know the accountant of the club I played for in India. Your account is credited with your entitlements without delay while you concentrate on the game. But here at home players go on strike over sign on fees and all that. There are sponsors in the Indian league and the clubs are run like true professional outfits.

So, to a very large extent I was comfortable while playing in India.

The impression here in Nigeria is that the Indian League is not developed.

How would you react to that?

Okoye : That is a very erroneous impression. The league in India is very strong and competitive and there are so many immensely talented Nigerian players there. In fact some of our players that are in india are better than those in Europe. It's just a case of ones luck. It is not every Nigerian player that has the opportunity of playing in Europe.

And the fact that a player is playing in India does not mean he is not good enough for the national team.

You know because our clubs back home here are not paying well, players are desperate to leave the shores of our country to play anywhere. This is why some of us end up in Asia and other parts of the world. Some Nigerian players in

India are really, really good and I think Keshi would be making a big mistake if he focuses all his attention on Europe. He should spread his dragnet to India and give every Nigerian player the opportunity to play for the country. If you recall, Emeka Ezeugo was playing in Bangladesh when Westerhof gave him the chance to play. He ended up being one of our most reliable defender. Right now, we only talk about home based players and our stars in Europe forgetting that there are Nigerian players in other parts of the world. Keshi should throw the door open to our best legs irrespective of where they are based now that we are preparing for the Nations Cup next year and the 2014 World Cup. Let me tell you, in India there is always a sell out crowd during league games especially when it comes to local derbies.

While in India, were you tempted to marry from that country?

Okoye : Not at all. Before going to India I was happily married. I tried to stay out of trouble by ensuring that my wife visits me regularly and again, I never went clubbing there because that is where the girls can catch you. I avoided Indian women like a plaque because I didn't want anything that will affect my marriage. I went to India to play football and I never played outside the field of play.

Were you allowed to practise your Christian faith there?

Okoye : There was no religious challenge. In fact it was in India that I saw the biggest Church Cathedral.

There was no discrimination in my team. Hindus, budhists , Christians name it, we had religious freedom.

Before matches, we prayed together as a team despite the fact that we were all of different faiths.

Would you consider your career over now that you are back from India?

Okoye: My career is far from being over. I still want to play for a few more seasons before calling it quits. I hope to return to the domestic scene with one of the premier league sides

Okoye next season. In fact my desire is to play for one of the clubs flying the country's flag in the continent. I am not in any way tired.

Do you see any of these clubs coming for you?

Okoye: Why not, the managers know that they need experienced players to do well in the continent and I am ready to prove my mettle on the field.

Back to the Eagles, do you see Keshi succeeding with the national team?

Okoye: Keshi is on the road to success. I am happy he has succeeded in qualifying the Eagles for the 2013 Nations Cup. We have what it takes to win the cup in South Africa. But my fears is our preparation. Are we going to prepare well? Is Keshi going to shop for our best legs ahead of the tournament? These are issues we have to address. If we get things right, we can win the Nations Cup in South Africa. My advice is that Keshi should go for our best legs irrespective of where the players are based.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

51

BASKETBALL

ABUBF seeks N1m for ABU 50th anniversary tourney

T

he Ahmadu Bello University Basketball Foundation headed

by Coach Oliver Babatunde Johnson has called on alumni of northern Nigeria's premier university, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU to

•Ted Aukara’s Mctabene Amachree (3rd from right) with her Club mates in the Turkish League.

Ahead Malabo 2012

Kano Pillars resume camp Nov

N

igeria's second placed team for the 2011/ 2012 basketball season, Kano Pillars, are to hit camp early next month in preparations for the African Champions Cup for men if the plans of Head Coach Sani Ahmed, is anything to go by.

Coach Ahmed, who is fast recovering from a surgery that has kept him off the basketball court for two months, said that his team would regroup in November for it to plan on ways of preparing for the championship billed for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea later in November.

“At the moment, we're all scattered and not in one place doing our own thing, but I can assure you that my players are aware of what is ahead of them. In the first week of next month, we will be regrouping to fine tune our strategies for the championship because we want to have a greater impact this time round.”

Coach Ahmed, who was the assistant national team coach to Ayo Bakare at the London 2012 Olympics, noted that they no longer want to be participants but winners of the championship.

“Our target this time round is to go beyond the quarter-final stages of the championship and look towards winning the trophy for the first time.

The Kano State government has given us the necessary support we need and this is the time to give back by going all the way to winning the championship.”

Kano Pillars at the Zone 3 qualifiers held in Liberia in September had finished tops with 11 points ahead of Abidjan Basketball Club, ABC of Cote d' Ivoire, that finished with the same point margin. Pillars,

it would be recalled defeated ABC by 66-40 points in a reverse fixture of the Africa Champions Cup for Men. Other teams expected to give Kano Pillars a fight for the title are:

Zone 4 champions, Mazembe of Congo Democratic Republic and Manga of Gabon with 10 points and 8 points respectively. From Zone 5, Espoir of Rwanda and Urunani of Burundi will join the race.

First Deepwater must remain focused – Babalola

P

roprietor of the First Deepwater basketball team, Engr. Babatunde Babalola has been charged his girls to remain focused on winning the African women club champion currently holding in Abidjan, Cote d' Ivoire.

Speaking after his girls defeated Kenya Eagles wing in a game that ended 79 -45 points, he said that the players must hold fast to their dream of winning the championship as they face host team, Abidjan Basketball Club, ABC in the last Group B game even as they good for the quarter - finals.

FIBA Africa picks 2 Nigerian referees

T

he technical department of FIBA Africa secretariat last week released the list of referees, match commissioners and other officials for the final round of the 18th Africa Champions Cup for Women.

The list is made up of 16 referees and three match commissioners drawn from across the Africa continent.

The list is made up of 12 accompanying referees and four neutral referees, while the administrative seat of the Africa basketball ruling body is trying to sort out the two list from Angola.

The accompanying referees include Nigerian Babatunde Popoola and Yinka Famogbiyele, Cote d'Ivoire duo

of Nagede Zouzou and Youssouf Cisse, Leila Zid from Tunisia, Sandra Essia N'Zame from Gabon, Banza Kalume Tonton and Jean Claude Kabulo from Democratic Republic of Congo, Vitalis Gode from Kenya and Naftal Chongo from Mozambique, while the four neutral referees are: Abdelliah Chlif from Morocco, Chahinaz Bousseta from Morocco, and the duo of Senegalaise Aissatou Diagne and Mame Diagne.

The three match commissioners are Ines Engama from Cameroon, Florent Bah from Cote d'Ivoire and Gaye Atoumane from Senegal.

Four supervisors will oversee various departments during the competition.

He noted that his girls have played well so far and as such should endeavour to do their best to emerge the best team in Africa no matter the opposition they face. “The team is doing well but the biggest challenge you face is remaining focused because it gets tougher as you advance,” he said.

Coach of the team, Lateef Erinfolami, a former D' Tigers star said his girls have a target on the African continent and would do their best finish the championship among the top three.

Group A 1-CSA (Cote d'Ivoire) 2Liga Desportiva (Mozambique) 3-First Bank (Nigeria) 4- Radi (DRC) 5- Ndella (Gabon) 6- Primeiro de Agosto (Angola) Group B 1-Interclube (Angola) 2- First Deepwater (Nigeria) 3-Arc en ciel (DRC) 4- Eagles wings (Kenya) 5- ABC (Cote d'Ivoire) 6- SFAX (Tunisia).

support its planned basketball tourney slated for November 9 - 15, 2012.

According to Johnson, better known in basketball circles as OBJ, the event is expected to gulp N1m for the success of ABU at 50 Elite Basketball Week that would see her alumni on parade alongside four other teams drawn from the West African coast as well as within Nigeria.

The appeal to the alumni is to raise N1m for the Foundation to have funds to play host to them when they arrive Zaria on November 10 to catch a glimpse of old schoolmates as well as classmates. “ABU's 50th anniversary celebration is a once in a life time event that will draw many former students to the institution and we look forward to providing them with an atmosphere that would be cordial and inviting.”

Aside giving the alumni of ABU basketball a good avenue to catch up with old times, OBJ also revealed that a basketball tourney was being put together where the ABU will face the DStv Premier Basketball League third placed team in the just concluded 2011/ 2012 season Dodan Warriors Basketball of Lagos, the Nigerian Army team and ASPAC Basketball Club from Benin Republic.

Matches, he said would run from November 12 - 14, 2012, while departures would be November 15. Coach Johnson said that the event would afford the basketball family opportunity to put their thoughts together ahead of the new season and the Nations Cup 2013.

City League won't decide Union Bank's outlooks – Savage

R

otimi Savage, Team Manager of Union Bank Basketball Club of Lagos, has rubbished talks that the team's current participation in the on-going Lagos City league is a trial ground for its new players ahead of the new season.

Savage, while speaking ahead of the new season, said the bankers were not in the mood to toy with their chances for the new season especially against the back drop that they did not make it to the Final 8 last season.

“Union Bank is part of the City League not because we're using it to try out new players but because we need to keep our players busy. This is no trials, but when the time comes for trials, everyone would be informed.

The coming season is one we cannot afford to joke with, I must tell you,” he said.

FIBA Africa trains kinesitherapists

T

he first training of kinesitherapists for African national basketball teams under the auspices of FIBA Africa and the Federation of Basketball Fraçaise, has been held at the National Institute of Youth and Sports Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

The launching ceremony was chaired by Prof. Alain EKRA, President Emeritus of FIBAAfrica, in the presence of Boubakari Toure, President of the Ivorian basketball federation, Mr Pierre Dao (representing the French federation of basketball) and M. Aboubacar Gueye, president of the Medical Council of FIBA Africa.

This course which aims at strengthening the capacity of the technical staff of African national teams registered participants across Africa and was directed by Mr. Jean Michel Veaudor.

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

EURO LEAGUE ROUND UP

I joined Levante for their ambition – Martins LA LIGA

L

evante striker, Obafemi Martins, believes his decision to join the La Liga club was the right one after a tough spell at Rubin Kazan.

Since his transfer, the powerful Nigerian has netted two goals in three league games, including scoring the winner against Real Sociedad on his debut.

The former Newcastle man attracted interest from several clubs in the last transfer window.

But Martins was drawn to Levante after seeing Real Madrid star, Cristiano Ronaldo outsprinted by defender, Sergio Ballesteros.

“In a match against Real Madrid, I was amazed to see Cristiano Ronaldo beaten in a sprint by an old man,” Martins told Marca.

“I asked myself who is he, and how could he run that fast? It turned out it was •Martins Ballesteros, who I know well now and is an incredible player to still be playing.

“I was attracted to Levante because of their ambition. I’m the first to admit that things didn’t go well for me at Rubin Kazan, but I think I have made the right choice in coming here.”

F

ormer Chelsea forward, Salomon Kalou, has revealed Roman Abramovich is the only true boss at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivorian left Stamford Bridge for French side, Lille in the offseason after winning t h e Champions League in his last appearance for the club, and said the Russian billionaire had a positive influence on the team.

And Kalou suggests despite hiring and firing managers at will in a search for success, Abramovich left the players with no doubts as to who was truly in charge at Stamford Bridge.

“As a Chelsea player, you have to

Villas-Boas deserves time, says Neville

G

ary Neville says Andre Villas-Boas deserves another chance of success in the English Premier League at Tottenham.

The former Porto manager was sacked by Roman Abramovich following Chelsea’s poor form in the first half of the 2011/12 season, but has taken over at rivals, Tottenham after Harry Redknapp’s sacking in June this year.

England c o a c h , Neville believes that while Villas-Boas may be fortunate to have landed the Spurs job after a chastening time •Villas-Boas a t

EPL

Chelsea, he has improved as a manager since then.

“We shouldn’t be too quick to judge Andre Villas-Boas a failed manager. He has admitted that he made mistakes at Chelsea, but you can be sure he will have learned from them,” he wrote in the Daily Mail. “(Villas-Boas) might have been fortunate to be invited back into such a good job so quickly, but I don’t begrudge him that.

“In fact, I hope that more managers are given second and third chances to prove their worth rather than be written off too quickly.

“The knocks you take while you still have the L plates on as a manager might be the making of you.

“Too often we bury people on the basis of their early mistakes and

Kalou: I had my best time with Chelsea take responsibility, and it’s the role of the owner to remind everyone the only boss is him,” he told Mirror Sport.

“The owner used to remind us very well and it worked every time.

He came twice to tell us. Once in Carlo Ancelotti’s time and we won the double, and he came again after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked, and we won the Champions League.

“The Chelsea players are not scared of the owner. But he doesn’t talk a lot, so when he does, you listen.”

Kalou feels Abramovich was integral to the success of the club, saying the Russian was involved with the team and the players despite the constant rotation of managers, with some players enjoying a close bond with the owner.

“If you see the results, it is positive that the owner is involved. He has the idea ‘I want to run this club, I want things to work’. He wanted to win the Champions League and then he won it, so it was worth it.

brand them failures, or inept, or tactically naive.

“We’re very quick to trash reputations before people have even got going in their managerial careers.”

Neville believes the 35-year-old showed great strength leading his side to an unlikely win against Manchester United at Old Trafford last month, proving his doubters wrong.

“Leading Tottenham to a win at United helped ease some of the pressure on him from those who do expect – or even want – him to fail,” he said.

Tottenham, who suffered a 4–2 loss at home to Chelsea in the English Premier League last Saturday, sit fifth on the table – eight points behind Villas-Boas’ former club.

Arsenal not worried by injuries C

hampions League Group B is back as Arsenal host a tough Schalke 04 at the Emirates.

Both are unbeaten in the Champions League but with two wins from two, only Arsenal is perfect in Group B. Injuries are a problem for Arsene Wenger, but history favours the Gunners against German competition.

Arsenal’s domestic title hopes took a huge blow as the Gunners lost to a what looked like relegation-bound Norwich side. Arsene Wenger was unhappy with Arsenal’s lack of focus and lack of edge in attack that gave Norwich City their first win of the season. French international, Giroud has just not been the answer for Arsenal in attack. On the other hand, promising news for Arsenal is that Jack Wilshire is finally back in the

squad after 17 months of absence.

The holding midfielder was available but sat the bench at Carrow Road.

England forward, Alex OxladeChamberlain, however, is likely to miss out through an injured hip just minutes after coming on against Norwich. The list of injuries continues as Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Darren Gibbs, Theo Walcott, Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny are all missing.

Scoring four in the last three matches, Lucas Podolski has shown he is no stranger to the international scene. Cazorla, Arteta and Gervinho are in form and will feature against Schalke. Fun Fact: Since losing to Inter in 2003, Arsenal has not lost at home to non-English opposition in 45 games.

Schalke 04 is playing quality foot-

ball and find themselves in a healthy third position in the Bundesliga standings. Most recently, the Royal Blues beat the reigning German champions, Borussia Dortmund 2–1.

Competing in only their fifth Champions League, it seems that Schalke is only getting better.

•Wenger

“Maybe if the owner backed off it won’t work anymore, because when you invest in some ideas, you really want them to work. Sometimes you have to remind people ‘I’m the one in charge’.

“He was excited around the training ground and some of the players have a special relationship with him.

He always made sure whatever we needed we had it, and you cannot ask more from an owner than what he did for us.”

The 27-year-old forward said being at Chelsea was the best period of his career, and he regards Jose Mourinho as his best manager, although Roberto Di Matteo runs him close.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

53

EURO LEAGUE ROUND UP UCL

Ronaldo, threat for Dortmund

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anchester City FC will be without David Silva for its UEFA

Champions League Group D trip to AFC Ajax today after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty.

The influential midfielder, 26, limped off after 13 minutes of Spain’s 1–1 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw against France on Tuesday and is expected to be out for two to three weeks.

“We have a lot of injury problems after the international break,” said Manager Roberto Mancini, who is also sweating on the fitness of Jack Rodwell, while former SL Benfica man, Javi García remains sidelined with hamstring problem sustained in the 1–1 home draw with Borussia

D

ortmund has won none of its last four home games against Spanish opposition (D2 L2) with two draws against Real Madrid in that run.

The German side has won none of the last seven games against Spanish opposition including two defeats and two draws with Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Madrid has only ever won one of 23 European games away from home in Germany. It has lost 16 times in Germany, including its last four visits in a row.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in his last 11 •Ronaldo Champions League appearances.

Real Madrid has kept just one clean sheet in its last eight Champions League games.

Karim Benzema has scored 15 goals in his last 18 Champions League games.

Real Madrid has won 20 and lost just two of its last 27 Champions League games.

The Spanish Champion has fired in 24 shots on target so far, more than any other team in the competition.

Real Madrid has allowed its opponents just four shots on target against them, the joint-fewest, but conceded three goals.

Kaka has three goals and six assists in his last nine appearances for Real Madrid and erman two goals and five newspaper, Sport Bild, understands that Paris Saint-Germain is preparing a January bid for Bayern Munich star, Franck Ribery.

Despite spending almost €150 million on new players in the summer, the French giants are expected to add at least few more quality players in January.

Paris Saint-Germain has already agreed to sign Lucas Moura from Sao Paulo, while Sport Bild claims its is also weighing up move for Franck Ribery.

Club owner, Nasser Al-Khelaifi recently confirmed interest in the French winger, and the Saints could test Bayern’s resolve with an official bid in January.

Given that Ribery has three years left on his deal at Alianz Arena, it is

•Silval

Dortmund on 3 October.

Newcomers to the UEFA Champions League last term, the

Premier League champion has lost three of its four group stage away games to date, and travel to Amsterdam third in Group D. On a brighter note, Sweden striker, John Guidetti, has committed his future to the north-west outfit, penning a new three-year deal. The highly rated 20-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 23 Eredivisie appearances on loan at Feyenoord last term, said: “I’ve seen how the club has turned into one of the biggest in the world.

It’s great to be part of it, and to have a management and a club that believes in you is very important. City have shown that and I’m very happy.”

Milan sticks with Allegri SERIA A

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ilan chi efs have decided to stick by Coach Massimiliano Allegri despite his team’s defeat to Lazio.

The Rossoneri has had a very disappointing start to the Serie A campaign, taking just 7 points from first 8 games, but the tal-

ented coach is hardly the only one to blame as it was the club chiefs, who failed to sign proper replacements for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva.

Even if media reports are suggesting that Allegri could be sacked unless the results improve soon, Milan’s Vice-President, Adriano Galliani, has given the coach a vote of confidence.

“The coach will stay in his place

and must find a way for the team to pick up points and emerge from this moment. There is no desire at all to change the coach,” Milan chief told reporters after the 3–2 loss to Lazio.

Saturday’s defeat was team’s fifth in eight Serie A games, which marks Milan’s worst start to a league campaign in last 60 years.

The Rossoneri is, nevertheless, prepared to give Max Allegri some more time to turn things around as they still remember it was the former Cagliari boss, who led the team to the first league title after seven years in 2011.

Malaga seeks home consolidation

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alaga has only conceded one goal in its six home matches in Europe.

AC Milan has won just one of its last 11 Champions League matches

PSG ponders Ribery bid

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Silva suffers injury setback against Ajax

LEAGUE 1

national.

Since joining the club from believed PSG owners would have Olympique Marseille in July 2007, to delve deep into their pockets if the 29-year-old has scored 45 goals they want to sign the France inter- in 133 Bundesliga appearances for the Bavarians.

against Spanish opposition (W1 D5 L5).

Malaga has only ever lost one match in European competition, winning eight out of the 12 it has played.

Malaga has only conceded four goals in their 12 matches in Europe.

Malaga have allowed just four shots on target against it, the jointfewest with Real Madrid.

There have been six penalties scored in Milan’s last nine Champions League matches, five for the opposition.

Only Joao Moutinho and Mesut Özil (10 each), have created more scoring chances than Joaquin in this season’s Champions League (9).

...Set for Dinamo challenge

D

•Ribery

inamo has won just one and lost nine of its last 11 European home matches (excluding qualifiers).

Dinamo has won none and lost six of its last eight European games against French opposition, including defeats in its last three on home soil.

PSG has never played a team from Croatia in European competition.

Dinamo Zagreb has lost 10 and won none of their last 11 matches in the Champions League.

Dinamo Zagreb has failed to score in six of their last eight Champions League games.

Zagreb has actually failed to score in 10 of its last 13 matches in

UCL European competition.

Paris has won just one of its last 15 Champions League away games (W1 D5 L9).

Zagreb has posted the best shooting accuracy percentage with 67 per cent of it attempts finding the target, but it has fired in just six shots, fewer than any other team.

Zagreb has conceded the fewest fouls in the tournament to date (14).

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored five goals in his last six Champions League Group Stage games.

54

NEWS NEWS

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 DAILY SUN

SUN SPORTS Obudu 2012 to feature only pro-runners

Ex-Eagles to grace LBA

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he 2012 Obudu Mountain Race will feature only professional athletes and runners. This decision was taken at the last meeting of the Local Organizing Committee(LOC).

According to the Chairman of the LOC, William Archibong, the decision is based on the fact that a new course will be used this year, which will make the race more challenging than previous ones.

“This year, we are using a new course which is 90% on the bush track and only 10% on the asphalted road. This will make the race more challenging for the runners, so we've decided that there will be no more fun runners for this year.

The Obudu mountain race is now purely professional, as most mountain races in the world are” Archibong said.

The race is usually run on an asphalted road, over a distance of 11km uphill, climbing to an altitude of over 1500m above sea level. As Obudu has been granted hosting right of the 30th edition of the World Mountain Running Championship in 2014, a new running course has been developed, which will be put to use, with effect from this year in preparation for 2014. The Obudu Mountain Race is the highest paying mountain race in the world with star prize of $50,000 for both male and female winners .

Chelsea offers Mikel new 5-year deal

E

uropean champion, Chelsea, will reward the consistency of Mikel Obi with a new, improved five-year contract, his agent has announced.

“Mikel will soon sign a new five-year deal with Chelsea. He will sign a new five-year contract with obviously an improved salary,” said the player's agent, John Ola Shittu.

“We are just about finalising the details of the deal and it could be announced anytime soon by the club.

“He has a year left on his contract and Chelsea has decided to add four more (years) to it.”

However, Shittu refused to disclose the financial aspects of the new deal for his player, who is reportedly now on about 80,000 pounds a week.

In 2006, Mikel opted for Chelsea ahead of Manchester United in a long-drawn transfer saga.

Shittu said the player is now being rewarded for his consistency.

“He is one of the most consistent performers and the club management agrees with us that he deserves a new and improved contract,” he said in an interview published by daily sports paper.

The Nigerian international has won several major trophies with 'The Blues' including a historic UEFA Champions League last season as well as a league and cup double in 2010.

L-r: Uche Kalu, Ahmed Musa and Ike Uche celebrating recently

uper Eagles' former stars, Jonathan Akpoborie and Daniel Amokachi, have confirmed their presence at the 2012 League Bloggers Awards (LBA) in Lagos this Sunday.

Both Nigerian former internationals promised to grace the first edition of the end-of-season LBA. And Akpoborie says that the reward system put in place by the League Bloggers will boost the "confidence" of players in the Nigerian top flight.

He commended the LBA for coming up with such an event to recognise the actors, especially players, in the league.

"The players need something like this to boost their confidence and spur them on to do more. It's a good move by the organisers to recognise the players after all they've done in the league," said Akpoborie.

Twelve categories will be competed for in the 2012 LBA including the prestigious Player of the Season, which will round off the ceremony.

2013 Nations Cup draw

World Peace Cup Cote d'Ivoire, team to gets new dates

beat in South Africa

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tar-studded Ivory Coast is arguably the team the other 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will want to avoid when the first round draw is made in Durban today.

Only host, South Africa, title holder, Zambia, and four-time champion, Ghana, are sure of dodging the 'Elephants' during the initial 24-fixture phase as they are the other top seeds based on results from the past three tournaments.

Ivory Coast may have lifted the Cup of Nations only once - and that was 20 years ago - but the team won enormous respect this month by going to Dakar and leading Senegal 2-0 before crowd violence halted the qualifier. Then, there is the star factor with captain Didier Drogba, Kolo and Yaya Toure and Didier Zokora desperate to end years of frustration, including two final defeats after penalty shootouts in the last four tournaments.

Mali, Tunisia, Angola and Nigeria are the second seeds,

...Nigeria on comeback trail Algeria, Burkina Faso, Morocco and Niger the third seeds, and Togo, newcomers Cape Verde Islands, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia are the lowest seeds. When the late-night draw is complete in the Indian Ocean city there will be four pools consisting of a first, second, third and fourth seed, and, theoretically, the strongest sides should stay apart until the knockout rounds.

However, no draw would be done and dusted without a particularly strong mini-league -- and Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria or Morocco and DR Congo would certainly fit that bill.

Nigeria is on the comeback trail after failing to qualify for the tournament this year and the introduction of exciting young Chelsea’s midfielder, Victor Moses, has boosted the 'Super Eagles'. Algeria is annoyingly unpredictable, coming fourth in 2010 only to miss qualification in 2012, while Morocco is long overdue for a

good showing having won her lone title 36 years ago. Countries from the north of the continent can never be ignored as four of the last five winners came from that region with Egypt completing a title hat-trick after host, Tunisia, won the 2004 competition.

DR Congo returns to the African football showcase after missing the last three and wily French coach, Claude Le Roy, is blending a potent mix of local talent and Europe-based stars such as Anderlecht’s striker, Dieumerci Mbokani. Many coaches boast before draw that they do not care who emerges from the glass bowl to face their teams, but recently appointed South Africa’s handler, Gordon Igesund, has opted for a more honest approach. "I do not want Nigeria in our group -- I would prefer to avoid her," he said of a country that humiliated Bafana Bafana (The Boys) 4-0 in the 2004 Africa Cup.

Supporters club: Maintain status quo – Court

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on Justice Molokwu of the Federal High Court, Lagos has fixed November 26, 2012 for hearing on whether her court has jurisdiction to entertain a case brought by some members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club over its botched election even as she advised all the factions to maintain the status quo, pending the determination of the case.

Justice Molokwu, adjourning the matter which came up for trial yesterday, noted that the new date became necessary to enable counsel for the litigants file their claims and counter claims before the new date.

Meanwhile, the court has struck out the names of the President General of the club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, as well as those of the club's chairman, Otumba Bashorun, and the electoral committee chairman, Ademola Bankole, from the case, saying that they do not have any case to

answer. Ruling on the matter, Justice Molokwu upheld the argument of their lead counsel, Barrister Odumobi, that their names be struck out of the case as they were wrongly joined as defendants in the matter.

It would be recalled that some members of the Supporters Club took the association to court alleging bridge of electoral procedures which prompted the court to restrain the club from conducting its election, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

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aiden edition of the World Peace Cup earlier billed for November 2-16 , 2012 has been moved to December 3-20, 2012, owing to logistic reasons.

Organisers of the wrestling event, The Great Power Uti WorldWide Sports Incorporation, while announcing the new dates yesterday, said that the postponement became inevitable, owing to logistic reasons. They did not give details.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) secretary, Jide Salau, said in a statement that on December 3, 2012, there will be a world Press conference to herald the championship with all the wrestlers expected to participate in the wrestling extravaganza to be introduced to the people.

The wrestlers, according to him, will embark on media houses tour between December 4 and 6, 2012, with the walk for peace slated for December 7, 2012.

The first wrestling event will hold on December 7 in Lagos as other venues will stage their matches from December 8 to 18, 2012.

The World Peace seminar with a keynote address by a former head of state will hold December 19 in Lagos or Abuja with the final of the wrestling event taking place in Abuja on December 20.

Worldwide Sports Incorporated, which is the franchise owner, is organising the event in collaboration with Continental Wrestling Alliance (CWA) International.

Governor's Cup 2nd Leg

Tough matches for Nigerian players

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igerian players will face tough battles of the Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis Championship as they face top seeds in the second round matches today.

In the men's singles, Nigerian number one, Shehu Lawal, will have his hands full when he confronts tournament's number three seed, Japanese Kento Takeuchi, in one of the matches to be played at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan. Adamu Sanni will face sixth seed, Egyptian Sherif Sabry, while Clifford Enosoregbe will go to war with Number 2 seed, South African Ruan Roelofse.

In the Women's Singles, Fatimah Abinu, will settles score with top seed, Nina Bratchikova, from Russia, while Blessing Anuna will battle Chanels Simmonds from South African in another tough fixture.

Mobil: Akwa Ibom schools take to tracks For two days this week, starting today, all schools and colleges in Akwa Ibom will burn the tracks to be able to qualify for the grand finale of the 12th AKS/NNPC/MPN Schools Athletics Championships.

To be held in the eight sports zones of the state, plans have been concluded to ensure that this year's championship is the most keenly contested and best organised. Consultant to the project, Mr Paul Bassey, told the Press in Uyo that he has received information on all the venues that will be used for the zonals. “The zonal coordinators were in the field last

week to get information and inspect the venues they proposed to use for the competition and I am happy to inform you that the issue has been approved.”

He listed the venues: Eket Stadium for Eket Zone, Etinan Stadium for Etinan Zone, while the Uyo finals will be held at the Federal Science and Technical College Uyo. Other venues include Ibaka Community Secondary School, Ibaka Mbo LGA for Oron Zone, Comprehensive Secondary School, Ukpum, Okon, Ikot Abasi for Ikot Abasi Zone and Edienne Community Secondary

School Ikono for Ibiono Ibom Zone.

The competition in Abak will be held at Comprehensive Secondary School, Edienne Abak while State College Ikot Ekpene to complete the list as Ikot Ekpene Zonal venue. The first two winners in all the zones will qualify for the much sought after final in a competition that is unique and the only of such in the federation.

In another development, sponsors of the grassroots sports fiesta, NNPC/MPN Joint Venture, has sent out a call for the elimination of cheating and the fielding of mercenaries by schools.

Addressing the general coordinators yesterday in Uyo, Mrs Regina Udong, on behalf of the sponsors said that the coordinators were the back bone of the championship and they owe the youths of the state in particular of a duty to ensure that the proper procedure was followed in guaranteeing fair play and fielding of bona fide students.

He said that the sponsors of the championship, Mobil Producing Nigeria ( MPN ), being a global organisation that prides itself in international best practices, will not want to be identified with any event that smacks of dishonesty.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

55

N150 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012 VOL.7 NO. 2480

Quiz for lawmakers: Can you spell your name?

Northern Christian president, yes but…

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n 1978, the North argued for and was obliged the presidency. The unsaid basis for this could not but be the unfairness of the South, adding political control to its economic veto on the country. But it was still a sacrifice by the Southern leaders in the NPN because if they did not buy into the argument, the resultant stalemate could have delayed or even made the transfer of power from the military to the civilians in 1979 impossible. Though it was such a lousy party as far as building a disciplined liberal democracy was concerned, the NPN still came closest to the idea of a national party, what with the leaders of every regional fraction of the power elite in Nigeria therein.

As a way of coming to grips with the confusion created by the continuous manipulation of the IBB transition programme, the entire Nigeria accepted a Muslim-Muslim ticket from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1993 in the person of Chief MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe. Whoever thought a Muslim-Muslim ticket was possible in Nigeria after the Sharia crisis in the Constituent Assembly that manufactured the 1979 Constitution? Although Abiola and Kingibe ended up not ruling, that did not come from the ordinary Nigerians but from the contradictions of junta politics.

In 1998, several Northern leaders like Adamu Ciroma (who had won presidential nomination prior to that), Umaru Shinkafi and Bamanga Tukur, among others, gave up their presidential ambition in the interest of national reconciliation. That was how Obasanjo basically became the president before the rituals of elections and swearing-in were completed. If these gentlemen had insisted, the military would have had to remain in power beyond 1999 because they could not have left the country to anarchy consequent upon NADECO’s maximalist politics.

Against the background of the trajectory supported by the above examples, there is something unstrategic and apolitical in the campaign kicked off recently by the Northern States’ Christian Elders to the effect that that the next president of Nigeria must be a Christian.

Nothing can be as prejudicial to reconciliation, especially in the North, as putting religion in the front burner in the selection of the next president whose political personality should, in itself, be such a magnetic and healing balm for everyone, both Christians and Muslims, everywhere in Nigeria but particularly in the North.

Even those, who describe themselves as hardliners in matters of Christian-Muslim relationship, would not find this unacceptable.

As custodians of religious consciousness and praxis, the Christian elders are key players in the democratic process and they have the right to take any position and propagate it. But the point about the three examples which opened this piece is simply that even under the military, leadership selection in Nigeria has been fundamentally decided by reconciliation and this thesis is not challenged by one or two examples of individual power projects that succeeded.

In 1998 when the North contemplated ‘power shift’, reconciliation was central to the debate about which part of the South it should go. There were Northern leaders, who insisted that it should go to Dr. Alex Ekwueme because

Guest Columnist ADAGBO ONOJA

Oritsejafor the South-East was to have taken over from Shagari. Others said it was best if the South-West had it for historical reasons as well as reconciling it with the rest of the country after the June 12 disaster. This camp eventually had the upper hand partly because Obasanjo, as a person, satisfied more group sentiments, including those of our foreign friends, than Alex Ekwueme but mainly because the militicians overwhelmed the others. But even then, those for Ekwueme were still fighting up till they were conquered in Jos. So, in most cases, leadership selection is well discussed and reconciliation is always part of it.

Quite a good number of those who stood for Jonathan did so on the basis that it would be unfair to overstretch rotation principle to block him from succeeding Yar’Adua, both in 2010 and in 2011. And that has enabled the SouthSouth to have a taste of power at the highest level, although the approach to the realization of this ended in dividing the country more and more and deepening the crisis of managing the Nigerian nightmare. Still, by 2015, Goodluck Jonathan, a social and ethnic minority politician would have spent no less than five years and seven months as Executive President of Nigeria at a stretch. Nobody can discount the symbolism of this in Nigerian History.

The over all quality of leadership at all levels of power in Nigeria today, the moral and ideological bankruptcy that abound, the death of the party idea and how all these combine to make fairness the scarcest commodity in Nigerian politics might have frightened the Christian elders to make this an advocacy matter. But it is one thing to argue that the best form of reconciliation in the North is for a Northern Christian to mount the saddle in 2015 and another thing entirely to make this a formal item on the agenda of politics

because it could be counter productive.

For, while nobody would object to a situation where Northern political, cultural and business leaders sit down and consciously and deliberately decide that the interest of reconciliation, cohesion and integration in the North is best served by the next president of Nigeria being a Northern Christian, the same thing could become problematic if it were a religious demand. Meanwhile, the examples of Harold Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ which saved the British Empire the French ordeals in North Africa, Ian Smith in Zimbabwe or Frederick De Klerk in South Africa shows that the kind of political moves the Christian elders might be talking about have been the stuff of History.

Right now, therefore, the task for religious leaders in the North is to build on the example of Christians and Muslims guarding each other during prayers in times of conflict recently. If that is not inspiring enough, the message of the workability of productive religious co-existence signified by the recent nomination of Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad and Archbishop John Onaiyekan for the Nobel Prize in Peace should inspire us. This is precisely because those nominations send a message to Nigerians in general and the Northerners in particular. And this is no idealism but the way forward.

And this leads me to General Yakubu at 78, Dr. Alex Ekwueme at 80 and the return of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu to the PDP. Gowon is an important subject of intellectual speculation at a time when we must move the analysis of the Nigerian nightmare from the objective to the subjective factor. Nigeria has got a great population, good people, (as the slogan goes), great landmass, excellent climate and what have you. Yet, she is not a great country by any standards. Why has the subjective factor for greatness eluded Nigeria?

Looking at Gowon in Nigerian history in this context, we just can’t forget that his was not a case of inordinate ambition, greed and ill-tempered exercise of power; that he won the Biafran War with a big heart; had no house of his at the end of the day, whether in Zaria, Kaduna or Jos. Above all, he put Nigeria first, not only by winning the war but by giving Nigeria the unforgettable Second National Development Plan, 1970-1975. Since the basic test of leadership in all African countries is the question of the leader’s response to the problem of moving the society from primitivity to modernity, Gowon was a model.

The Second National Development Plan and Dr. Mahmud Tukur’s Minority Report on the Privatisation Committee to the Buhari regime

Continued on Page 41

Page 55

Reps raise alarm over 2013 sports budget Stories by ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

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he proposed plan to repackage Nigerian sports may after all be mere lip services, judging by the insufficient Federal Government 2013 budgetary allocation to sports.

Making the disclosure in a chat with the media in Abuja, the chairman House of Representative Committee on Sports, Honourable Godfrey Gaiya, lamented that the Federal Government only replicated last year budget's template, emphasising that despite the hue and cry over the deplorable state of the six national stadia, only an inadequate sum of N1 billion was earmarked for their maintenance.

The committee boss, commenting on the budget, argued that the interest of the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in sports did not reflect in the 2013 budgetary allocation to sports.

His words: “We were very excited that for the first time in the history of budget presentation that Mr. President can devote a whole paragraph to talk about sports. In his address to the National Assembly, the entirety of paragraph 48 was promises of how sports would be governed in the next 12 months.”

“We were excited when we listened to the presentation but when we look at the details of the allocation, I must confess that I was amazed. There was no difference between what we saw last year and we are seeing this year. The total allocation to the ministry or the commission is still the same figure of last year.

2013 AFCON will be tough for Eagles, Ejide warns

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igerian international, Austin Ejide, has said that though he prepared himself to wrestle the Super Eagles starting shirt from first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, he never rejoiced over the series of blunder Enyeama committed during the qualifier encounters.

Fielding questions from Daily Sunsports in Calabar recently, the Israeli-based safe hands also said he was battle ready to prove his competence if the opportunity had come, he did not, however, put pressure on Enyeama.

Asked if he planned to replace Enyeama after many blunders, Ejide responded: “We all know that having been together in the national team, we should not pray for anybody to make mistake. In the game of football, nobody is above mistake.”

“What I have always said is that I'm constantly ready to give my country the best. I don't want to rejoice over Enyeama's mistake because it could be me or anybody else. I'm ready to wait for my time and when it comes, I will maximise it,” he noted.

Was he implying that he did not mount pressure on Enyeama, the former Gabros International FC of Nnewi, replied: “It is not about coming to put pressure on Vincent, it is about competing for attention and starting shirt. I prepared myself very well because I don't want to disappoint Nigerians and my fans anytime I'm called upon to represent the country.”

“I put in extra preparations for the match to ensure that I did not come to sit on the bench. I wanted to bring my quality to bear, but I thank God that after everything, we have put smile on the faces of Nigerians with the victory,” he noted.

Published by THE SUN PUBLISHING LIMITED, 2, Coscharis Street, Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa, P.M.B. 21776, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone: 01-8980932, 6211239, Fax: 5895396 Advert Hotline: 01-7900632, 6211236, ABUJA OFFICE: 2nd Floor, Gouba Plaza, Utako District, Phone: 09-8700273-6. ISSN 0795-7475.

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Website: www.sunnewsonline.com •Printed simultaneously in Lagos, Aba & Abuja EDITOR: STEVE NWOSU

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