Sun News - September 26, 2012

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2460

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IBB buys Shiroro plant

... As Transcorp takes Ughelli for $300m

Robber dies inside ceiling Suspected thief found dead in Abakaliki roof

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MURDER OF NEWLY-WED GROOM:

My last moment with Ugo – Widow ... Insists police have case to answer Page 6

Bakassi: Impeach Jonathan, if... – Elechi Amadi

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MURDER OF NEWLY-WED GROOM:

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2460

My last moment with Ugo – Widow ... Heartbroken bride insists police have case to answer

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Robbers: Why we shook Lagos Masterminds of Rambo-style operation finally confess ‘After each robbery, we travel abroad to spend our money, then come back to replenish’

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One man, one dagger...

Some of the knives seized by the JTF during a house-to-house search in Mubi, Adamawa State, Monday.

Photo: NAN

Transcorp to pay $300m for Ughelli power plant as...

IBB group buys Shiroro plant Page 47

•To pay $111.7m in 15 days

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Oteh in fresh trouble

Ajimobi is a traitor N150

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 VOL. 7 NO. 2460

Pandemonium in Ekiti ... As civil defence, vigilance group clash

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–Tokyo

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... He’s ignorant – Oyo Govt

RAMBO-STYLE ROBBERY

Why we shook Lagos – Suspect ‘After each operation, we travel abroad to spend our money then come back to replenish’

Kogi flood: Abuja/Lokoja road still impassable

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Ogun bizman kidnapped •Abductors demand N100m Page 6

Osun State Gov. Rauf Aregbesola flanked by his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) and his wife, Sherifat, at a two-day meeting of environment stakeholders from the South-West states in Osogbo, yesterday

Ebonyi: Robber dies inside ceiling Page 10

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012, DAILY SUN

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No data base on national honour awardees, says FG From ADETUTU FOLASADE-KOYI, Abuja

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SUNG GIRL

midst criticism trailing the award of national honours, the Presidency told the Senate yesterday that it does not have the full list of beneficiaries since inception.

The Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) at the Presidency, Henry Akpan, told the Senate Committee on Special Duties that Aso Rock has no data base on the national honours award.

Akpan told the Senator Clever Ikisikpo-led committee that since inception of the national award, “there is no record of the full list of recipients so far.”

He said this while defending the N80 million budget of the department,, adding that the money is meant for the e-library and is the only capital project for 2012.

Giving a breakdown, Akpan said of the N80 million, N44.6 million was appropriated but of the amount, only N18.10 million was released till date.

Recall that Prof. Chinua Achebe had twice rejected the national award. President Goodluck Jonathan, had in reacting to the critisms trailing the award, on September 17 during this year presentation, promised to withdraw the honour from past recipients found wanting in character and or those convicted of any crime. No fewer than 155 people were honoured this year.

Cynthia’s murder: Reasons FG must regulate internet use –Minister From IKENNA EMEWU, Abuja

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Phone: 08061282874 E-mail: packyworld@yahoo.com

igeria has been bit by the internet bug much more than any other country in Africa, experts said yesterday.

According to the data rolled out at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)-organized internet governance forum in Abuja, the nation uses almost the same volume of internet the rest of other African countries put together utilized. While Africa uses about 6.5 per cent of the world internet volume, Nigeria contributes over 45 per cent of the Africa quota.

In a paper presented by the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, she said that between 2000 and last year, Nigeria’s internet use and access rose from 200,000 to over 45 million, at a growth rate of more than 3,000 per cent.

Because of the currency of the internet rave in the country like in other parts of the world, the minister noted that there is the need for louder calls “for international agreement on why and how it should be managed and governed.”

While stressing the negative aspects of internet awareness, the minister paid tributes to 24-year-old Cynthia Osokogu, the recent victim of the bad side of internet use who was murdered by her social media friends in Lagos two months ago.

Johnson said: “Recent unfortunate events in our country in which the internet had been used as a medium to perpetuate heinous crimes and distribute falsehood should not diminish the broad scope and impact of the internet.

“Indeed, we mourn and commiserate with the family and real friends of Cynthia Osokogu and all those that have suffered in the hands of people that use the internet, much as they use any other medium or tool for criminal activities. Yet, we should also remember that the successful and continual protection of our society require that we have a better way of ensuring that internet is put into better use.”

She noted that management of the internet to check abuses through government agencies, service providers, private sector organisations and the public is important to enable Nigeria reap the positive dividends of the internet awareness in the nation.

Mrs. Johnson said that more internet access will be achieved by users as the government provides favourable conditions that would enable Nigeria benefit from the limitless gains of the internet and also check abuses.

She urged the forum which is the Nigerian version of the international platform on internet governance, to articulate views and expert positions on the matter, while promising that her ministry would present to the meeting of the world body on the same issue that would gather at the world internet governance forum in December this year.

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 DAILY SUN 5 L-R: Chairman of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Prof Pius Obanya and Minister of State for Education, Chief Ezenwo Wike, at the launch of online results verification portal in Lagos, Tuesday.

Photo: GABRIEL DIKE

L-R: Vice President Namadi Sambo, presenting the Torch of Unity to Gov. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos during the launch of the 18th National Sports Festival relay at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tuesday.

Photo: NAN

R-L: Cross River State Gov. Liyel Imoke, welcoming chairman, Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Joe Makoju to the Government House, Calabar, Tuesday.

COVER Excess crude suit: Again, FG opts for out of court settlement From GODWIN TSA Abuja

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n its bid to settle out of court, the protracted suit of the 36 states challenging the legality of the Excess Crude Account and the decision to transfer $1 billion from the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), the Federal Government has proposed to transfer all the sums standing accruing to the former.

The money will be shared to state and local governments within 10 working days from the execution of the agreement.

The Presidency acknowledged that the establishment and operation of the account and its unilateral deductions from the Excess Crude Account from 2004-2007 were inconsistent with the provisions of section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

In addition, the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke [SAN], has further proposed to pay all interests earned on any sums it previously held to be paid into the Federation Account and shared among the beneficiaries of

•Offers new sharing formula as states issue fresh demands the account as terms of its settlement.

This came as the 36 state governors have raised fresh terms of settlement which the Federal Government said it was still studying.

When the matter came up yesterday for adjudication by the Supreme Court, Federal Government’s lawyer, Austine Alegeh [SAN], said that the plaintiffs have submitted fresh terms of settlement and his client was willing and desirous to settle the matter amicably out of court.

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, leading six other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) for the plaintiffs, said he was happy that the Federal Government has agreed to settle the matter out of court, adding that his client was ready to embrace amicable settlement of the matter.

Following this development, the matter was adjourned to November 22, 2012 to allow the parties time to reach an amicable resolution of the matter and report back to court.

A copy of the terms of settlement proposed by the Federal Government and obtained by

Daily Sun revealed that government is willing to cause all the assets [including contracts] for the Railway Modernization Project [RMP] which has gulped US$250million to be clearly identified, inventoried and valued by a competent and reputable Nigerian accounting firm.

On the Ibom Power Plant Project [IPPP] where $880million was deducted from the Federation Account to pay for the shares or equity stakes, the Federal Government has proposed to transfer to each state government and each local government council, such part of its shares or equity stake in the project as is equivalent to respective shares of each state government.

The Federal Government has also agreed to pay all legal fees arising from the litigation within seven days upon execution of the agreement.

However, on proceeds of sale of government properties, the Federal Government said negotiation was on-going on the matter between the parties but the matter would return to court for

N’Assembly to delay debate on 2013 budget From ADETUTU FOLASADE-KOYI, Abuja

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enate President David Mark yesterday read a letter from the Presidency asking for permission to present the 2013 budget to the National Assembly at 12noon on October 4.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s letter read in parts: “I write to crave your kind indulgence to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 4 to enable me formally address a joint session of the National Assembly on the 2013 budget.”

However, the lawmakers have resolved to receive the budget from the President but would suspend legislative business for one week.

This is to enable the National Assembly embark on oversight tours of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the level of implementation of the 2012 budget.

…As Jonathan writes lawmakers on presentation Sources in the Appropriation Committee told Daily Sun that the lawmakers had abandoned their initial resolve to reject the new budget from the executive.

A mid-level agreement between the Presidency and the National Assembly was to “allow President Jonathan present the budget but that lawmakers would still go on oversight hours of the MDAs to ascertain the level of implementation of the 2012 budget.

“At the meeting held last Thursday, chairmen of the 56 committees told the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that heads of MDAs are insistent that the level of budget implementation is not at the same level she presented to us.

“They told us that the figures presented by the minister are simply not true. To buttress the point, they brought out their figures and asked us to compare them with those given to us earlier by

the minister.

“To give the minister the benefit of the doubt, we came back to tell her what the MDAs said but she stuck to her guns that the figures she presented to us are the correct figures of the level of implementation of the 2012 budget.

“Again, we called the Accountant-General of the Federation who also presented implementation figures and funds released, different from those presented to us by the Finance Minister.

“Based on all these conflicting figures we got from stakeholders in the budgeting process, we decided at the closed door session last Thursday that we should collect the budget from the President, keep it and for one week, go on oversight of all the MDAs before any work can continue on the new budget.”

adjudication if after six months of the terms of settlement, a deal had not been reached by the parties.

The Supreme Court had earlier granted a request by the parties to settle the matter out of court and to explore an amicable resolution of the disagreement.

Governors of the 36 states had gone to court to among others, seek an order compelling the Federal Government to pay into the Federation Account N5.51 trillion being the balance of the money that accrued to the central purse between 2004 and 2007 from the proceeds of crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax and oil royalties.

The government had classified such earnings as “excess crude proceeds” and “excess PPT and royalties” which were paid into an account termed the “Excess Crude Account”.

The governors also asked the court to order the Federal Government to transfer to the Federation Account all sums accruing to the Excess Crude Account.

However, in a counter-affidavit filed last week on behalf of the Federal Government by the law firm of Alegeh and Co., it said efforts to find a common ground did not succeed.

The Federal Government also accused the states of mischief because they took part in the deliberation of the National Economic Council where the decision to transfer the $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF was taken.

It added that the states had also been receiving their shares from the money and accused them of insincerity.

In response, the states insisted that they had shared only the legitimate funds deposited in the Federation Account and not from the funds illegally deposited in the Excess Crude Account.

While asking the Supreme Court to refuse the application by the states to stop the Federal Government from transferring $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF, the federal government’s counsel said his client would run into problem if the application was granted.

He said the day-to-day running of the economy would be put in danger if the application is granted.

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NEWS

My last moment with Ugo, by widow •No word from police yet –Family

By WOLE BALOGUN

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he was still in tears and getting her to talk was a very difficult task. Her eyes were in red and her mood very low. She was yet to come to terms with the cruel fate that befell her husband five days after their wedding.

Joan, widow of Ugochukwu Ozuah, the man that was shot dead by men in police uniform, was still in shock. She looked pale as family members and sympathizers surrounded her, offering her consolation. She only looked into nothingness, unable to understand the tragic turn of event just five days after the couple’s union.

“Police killed my husband five days after our wedding,” she managed to say if she was just breaking the news.

“They robbed me of marital bliss that every young couple yearns for. The President and Inspector general of Police must fish out my husband’s killers among the police,” she added in an emotion-laden voice as she laid on her mother-in-law, obviously for some emotional support.

Controversy has trailed the murder Ozuah last Thursday at UPS Junction in Gbagada area of Lagos as his friend and family members claimed that he was killed by the police. But police authorities in the state denied the allega-

tion, saying the deceased was actually killed by armed robbers.

Ozuah, according to his bereaved family, had seen off a friend, who came to visit him at home. He was said to have been accosted by men in police uniform, who shot him while dropping off his friend at the bus stop.

His bereaved mother, Deaconess Chinwe Ozuah, also insisted that police shot dead his son and demanded for justice.

Yesterday, in an exclusive chat with Daily Sun, the deceased’s widow also reiterated the family’s position while recalling her last moment with her late husband.

Amid tears, she recalled: “My last moment with my dear was when he came home and told me that he would come back in a moment and went out to drop his friend.”

Apparently downcast, Joan was lost again in thought making the younger sister to the deceased. Mrs. Uzor Nwogu queried the insensitivity of the police to the plight of the family “The police are being callous because we expect that they would have at least visited the grieving young widow and the aged mother. We are not expecting anything much more than for them to say ‘don’t worry, we are there for you. We are investigating the matter. We will get back to

you.’

“But not even a phone call was made to us since Ugo was killed. We want justice on Ugo’s case. The police can’t just shoot a Nigerian and dump him on the road side like a chicken. We must resist such evil practice.

Nigerians must rise up to resist that.”

Her position was corroborated by the elder sister to late Ugo, saying the time has come for authorities of the Nigerian Police to attach value to lives of victims of their excesses.

“There is no reason why they (police) should not take action on this issue. It is high time the leaders and officers of the police force started attaching value to human lives in this country. Police are supposed to protect us and give us that sense of value to human lives but they are the one killing us.

“My brother could have been the president of this country. He was doing his Masters programme at the University of Lagos and the students of his department were here yesterday (Monday) to inform us that they had declared a lecturefree day for Ugo. “It has never happened in the history of the department but in Ugo’s case it happened.

That is to tell you how valuable he was to the department even as a student. He was a mechanical engineer and also a computer engineer. He was running a full time masters

programme but was also doing a private business.

“We are so disappointed in the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) because she just sat in her office and was

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Gunmen kidnap bizman in Ogun, demand N400m ransom From ADE ADEYEMI, Ijebu Ode

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businessman and hotelier in Ogun State, Chief Segun

Deputy Director of speeding might have caused a result of speeding; I believe Operations, Road Traffic the accident. he was moving at more than Services in the FCT, said that “He must have skidded as 100 km per hour,” he added.

Education minister declines comment on NUT strike …Tasks WAEC to use ICT to conduct hitch-free exams

By GABRIEL DIKE and COSMAS OMEGOH

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espite the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in 18 states of the federation, resulting in over eight million pupils being sent home, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Ezenwo Wike yesterday declined to comment on the crisis.

The minister, who was in Lagos to launch the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) online results verification portal, refused to respond to question on the industrial action when approached by newsmen after the event, which attracted the chairman of the council, Professor Pius Obanya, outgoing Registrar, Alhaja Mulikat Bello and key WAEC stakeholders.

His words: “That is not what (strike) I am here for. I came here for the launch of WAEC online results verification portal.”

NUT members in 18 states

on Monday began an indefinite strike to protest the non implementation of 27.5 per cent Teachers Peculiar Allowance (TPA) by the state governors approved four years ago.

The outgoing Head of National Office (HNO), Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, said with the launch of the WAEC online results verification portal, the council

has moved a step further in the business of conducting public examinations.

Speaking earlier, Ezenwo, described the launch, a significant development for WAEC and good news for thousands of Nigerians that patronizes its services and that, “it is increasingly becoming unimaginable to live in a modern society without ICT.”

Kogi floods: Lokoja-Abuja highway still impassable From EMMANUEL ADEYEMI, Lokoja

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the bottom of this matter.’ It is so insensitive for her to just sit there in her office and make callous statement on this matter.”

√•Deaconess Chinwe Ozuah, the late Ozuah’s mother with the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Joan Ozuah yesterday.

Policeman killed, as car falls off bridge black Honda saloon car with registration number CY 691 LND yesterday fell off a bridge near Wuse Market, Abuja, killing the driver.

The driver, a police corporal, died on the spot.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the scene, reports that the car knocked off the concrete embankment on the bridge before crashing into the ravine below.

The impact tore the car into pieces with the engine separated from the body.

Mr. Kassim Yusuf, the Divisional Traffic Officer at Wuse Police Station, confirmed the death of the driver who, he said, was a police corporal at the FCT command.

“His name is Isah Obadiah, a corporal with the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the FCT Command.

“He closed from duty and was heading home when the accident occurred,” he said.

The body, he said, had been deposited at the Wuse General Hospital mortuary.

Yusuf, who said the cause of the accident had yet to be ascertained, noted that the body of the driver was flung out of the car.

Mr. Yusuf Clark, the

making callous statement on the issue. We expected her to say ‘we send our condolences to the grieving family and we shall thoroughly investigate the matter and we will get to

ridlock still pervaded the Lokoja-Abuja highway yesterday as the floods, which took over the road and several communities in Kogi State have not receded.

It was observed that while some motorists heeded the warning of the FRSC not to ply the Abuja highway, others continued to troop into the road, thereby causing more complications.

Ibaji Local Government Area where some oil wells were recently discovered has completely been submerged by the ravaging floods, the state Governor, Idris Wada said.

The local government area, comprising over 100 towns and villages had been rendered desolate as residents had fled to neighbouring Idah town to take refuge.

The governor who said he could not gain access to the area said hundreds of houses worth millions of naira as well as farmlands and livestock had been swept away.

Oyebolu was on Monday evening kidnapped in front of his office in Ijebu-Ode Area of the state.

Oyebolu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Naija Travels Limited and an Information Communication Technology, (ICT) expert, was about leaving for home when his abductors ordered him to enter their vehicle at gun point.

The kidnappers who later in the night established contact with members of his family demanded the sum of N400 million.

Sources at the EriniluIjebu Area of the town revealed that Oyebolu attempted to call his local security man when he noticed some movement around his office, but the move was too late.

According to one of the neighbours, Yemi Adekoya: “It was unfortunate that such kidnapping is happening in our area here.”

Adekoya added that the man was kidnapped when he had already closed for the day and was about to open the door of his vehicle.

When Daily Sun visited the scene of the incident yesterday, many sympathizers were seen wearing long faces, discussing the incident.

A visibly shaken father of the kidnapped man, Pa Oyebolu said the matter had been taken over by the police.

He added that the family would make pronouncement

in due course, praying that his son be released on time.

According to Pa Oyebolu: “We will operate a low profile case till everything is settled.”

A close friend of the kidnapped ICT guru simply identified as Wale described the incident as pathetic.

He said friends had already started raising fund “to at least pay something out of the demanded ransom to save the man. We are working with the family to raise some money to assist them.”

In his reaction, Chairman Ijebu Ode Local Government, Mr. Rasaq Daddah also described the kidnap as strange in the local government.

According to him, such development calls for synergy between members of the public and the various security agencies operating within the local government area.

Daddah added that to curb increase in crime, a bye law that would regulate the activities of okada riders would soon become operational.

Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the kidnap and the N400 million ransom.

Adejobi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police said the police were working tirelessly to secure the release of the man.

The PPRO advised members of the man’s family to cooperate with the police to secure his release on time.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 7

NEWS Flood sacks Asaba NIS office, Makurdi Air Force base, communities …Reps seek prompt action to end disasters From PAUL OSUYI, Asaba, ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi, IHEANACHO NWOSU and CHUKS AKUNNA, Abuja

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fficers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Delta State Command, yesterday recounted their losses as water from the overflowing River Niger submerged the head office of the complex in Asaba.

Over 200 officers of the service were stranded outside the office complex as they helplessly watched the flood gradually take over the building, which was very close to the BeninOnitsha expressway.

They, however, made frantic efforts to salvage what was left of the service’s property with the aid of a canoe, which was deployed from River Niger.

Comptroller of the NIS in the state, Ishiaka Hamad described the damage as “colossal” both in materials and in equipment, adding that the “extent of damage is too bad, you can see that half of the offices are submerged.”

Property of the NIS including fridges, air-conditioners, files, cameras, television sets, computers, printers, fans, furnitures, photocopiers, electronic gadgets, booklets and others were being moved to a safe place.

“The properties we can lay our hands on, we pick out, the ones we are not able to salvage, we leave it because life is more important than the property and I cannot risk the lives of my officers. Snakes have taken over the place, even in my own office, there are snakes everywhere,” Hamad said.

He said the directive to evacuate the properties was handed down by the Comptroller-General, adding that the property were being moved into his apartment.

“Temporarily, I am removing almost everything to my house. All the important equipment. I live across the road; I need to secure the equipment first of all. I informed the Comptroller-General yesterday and in fact, he directed that we should relocate.”

Meanwhile, buildings have started collapsing in Elenchere Camp (a farm settlement along the bank of the River Niger) in Asaba as a result of the flood. Fishponds, farm produce have also been consumed by the flood.

More than 5,000 residents in the area have been displaced.

“We do not know if the government will allow us to die, all our food is damaged, nothing to eat, no place to lay our head.

In fact we are hopeless. Government should come to our rescue.”

In a related development, vehicular movement along Makurdi and Otukpo routes is hampered as a result of diversion of vehicles coming from the north through Makurdi to the eastern and western parts of the country.

When Daily Sun visited the Wurukum roundabout yesterday, there was traffic gridlock along Makurdi, Otukpo Road while a motorist who spoke to newsmen but failed to give his name, stated that they had to take the longer route to their destinations as the only option.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called for prompt action to check flood disasters in the country.

Consequently, it mandated the House Committee on National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to look into the devastating impact of the flood in some communities across the country.

Debating on motions sponsored under matters of urgent public importance on the sufferings of their constituents, who are under the ravaging effects of flood that submerged their farmlands and houses and in some cases caused deaths of persons in the affected communities, the lawmakers called for a swift action to end the disaster.

Maku recants on NASS resolutions, apologises to Senate From ADETUTU FOLASADE-KOYI, Abuja

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nformation Minister, Labaran Maku yesterday appeared before the Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs “First, let me appreciate the opportunity you have given me to defend my comments. At the personal level, I have no reason to denigrate the Nigerian legislative body.

“I was appointed a minister by the screening and confirmation of this National Assembly. The Senate has played a very important role at critical stages of this country.

“I could not have said that the Federal Government would not respect the resolutions of the National Assembly.”

Asked if he was quoted out of context, he replied: “I have no reason personally or individually to disparage the Senate. If that comment has been misinterpreted to mean that the Federal Government does not respect resolutions of the Senate, I tender my apology.

“I know that there are circumstances that the resolutions of the National Assembly carry force of law. There are resolutions that are meant as guidelines but in any case, it does not mean that the President would not obey them. It was never intended to disrespect the Senate...”

•Arms and ammunition seized from the Rambo-style robbers who held Lagos hostage recently, killing several residents, including policemen and maiming others.

Rambo-style robbery: Why we shook Lagos –Suspect

By CHRISTOPHER OjI

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ne of the 10-member armed robbery gang that shook Lagos three Sundays ago has told why they were ruthless.

During the attack, three policemen and three civilians were killed.

Members of the gang were paraded yesterday at the state police headquarters, Ikeja by the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko.

The suspects are Uche Okeagbu, Emmanuel Ezeani and Chinonso Nwaugwu, all aged 23.

Recovered from the suspects were two buses which had specially fitted compartment for arms and ammunition storage.

Found on the buses were two rocket propellers, grenade launchers, five dynamites with a detonator, two general purpose machine guns, nine AK 47 riffles, 225 AK 47 magazines fully loaded, 260 rounds of GPMG live ammunition and 10,000 rounds of live AK 47 ammunition.

Okeagbu who confessed that he fully participated in the bloody Sunday robbery said; “We usually target 10 robbery operations at a stretch. We don’t just strike but after our operations, we normally travel out of the country for sometime until the dust settles.

He said “on that fateful Sunday, we had the people we targeted for the operation but we misfired.”

Continuing, he said those killed had tried to disturb their operations. “We became ruthless when some people tried to block our ways but the policemen we killed were on their own. But we hate seeing the police because they are our enemies.”

He advised members of the public to always run away when they sight armed robbers

during operations.”

“Whenever people see armed robbers, they should not try to stop them because anything can happen. Learn lesson from those that we killed that Sunday. They tried to stop us but we stopped them first.

You know our business is between life and death, so we don’t joke with those who want to stop us.”

Okeagbu revealed that after the Lagos robbery, they ran to Kwara State. “We robbed some banks, that was four days after the Lagos attack.

We also attacked a police station. We took over the police station before we robbed the banks.”

“When we got to the police station, we fired sporadically into the station and all the policemen on duty took to their heels and we moved to the Divisional Police Officer’s (DPO) office, we met him in the office, and he was confused on what was going on, so we told him that we were armed robbers and that our

members were robbing in the bank. We warned him to cooperate with us and he said no problem. He offered us seats and we stayed with him until one of our members came and told us that they were through.

We left him panting.”

He refuted the report making round that one of their members was a woman. “No, no, no, he is a man but he has big breasts like that of a woman. He is very fat. He is a man.”

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Umar Manko who paraded the suspects said on September 23, operatives of the State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by its commander, Mr. Abba Kyari, acting on a tip-off, stormed Kemba-Hausa area of Ajangbadi where the suspects were arrested.

Manko said during interrogation, Okeagbu led the police to their armoury, two buses where the arms and ammunition were concealed.

He noted that whenever the gang was operating, they would drive the buses to the location, park in front of their target places and after operations, they would buy bags of garri or any other goods and use them to cover the mask where their evil weapons were hidden.

He revealed that one of the gang’s operational vehicles also has a sensor, which the robbers used in monitoring their back while escaping from the robbery scene.

Manko who was elated by the big catch said, “When the robbers struck, I vowed to fish them out. Efforts are still high to making sure that we arrest other members of the gang who are on the run.”

One of the suspects Nwua Ugwu who was shouting on top of his voice said, “I did not follow them that Sunday. I am not denying being a member but that Sunday, I swear, I did not go with them. They only sent me money for recharge card.”

Jonathan decries denigration of religious beliefs, urges tolerance Jonathan made this known licence to incitement.

From JULIANA TAIWOwhile addressing the 67th “The freedom that we all OBALONYE, New York

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resident Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday in New York, condemned in strong terms, the deliberate denigration of the religious beliefs of others, warning that freedom of expression should never be construed as a licence for actions that might lead to violence and disorder.

This was coming as the President of the United States Barack Obama, had earlier in his address called on world leaders to condemn in strong terms, the recent attacks on US diplomatic missions, insisting: “it is the obligation of all leaders in all countries to speak out forcefully against violence and extremism.”

General Assembly of the United Nations against the background of recent protests in Nigeria and other parts of the world over the publication on the internet of a video which denigrates Prophet Mohammed.

President Jonathan stressed that freedom of expression and religious tolerance should be complimentary to each other for the peaceful coexistence of people of varying faiths and religious beliefs.

“Events of recent weeks have demonstrated how interconnected our world is and the extent to which one incident can spark off general mayhem and conflagration. Freedom of expression should not be a

hold dear and true should be exercised wisely and cautiously. Freedom of expression and religious tolerance must not be mutually exclusive but should be complimentary to each other.

“Much as we eschew violence and deplore the needless losses of lives and destruction of property, we also condemn the deliberate denigration of religious beliefs and sensitivities which in turn lead to counter-reactions,” Jonathan said.

The President informed the global assembly that his administration had adopted a multi-faceted strategy in dealing with terrorism and militancy.

8 DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

NEWS Nigeria is stagnant –Diya From AIDOGHIE PAULINUS, Abuja

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ormer chief of general staff, General Oladipo Diya, yesterday submitted that Nigeria is stagnant. In an interview with Daily Sun, Diya who bared his mind on the state of the nation, said “to be frank with you, Nigeria is stagnant. We are not moving forward.”

He also took a look at the state of insecurity and the call for the creation of state police, praying for the nation, while also calling for a careful and detailed analysis of the latter.

On the issue of state police, which had received a nod from former head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Diya called on the Federal Government to assemble together, patriotic Nigerians to come out with recommendation on the way forward.

Recognising the fear of the opposition that the ruling class might use state police as a tool for oppression, Diya said the issue needed a careful analysis to arrive at a balanced decision on the creation of state police.

On the Boko Haram insurgency, Diya said it was part of a history Nigerians would have to live with.

While noting that the state of insecurity was dying away gradually, Diya further said, “that is why it is amazing to hear of new incidence.”

He prayed for Nigeria to emerge stronger out of the present state of insecurity.

Diya’s comment and prayer of hope came yesterday following a bomb blast at the Saint John’s Catholic Cathedral, Bauchi. Scores of Christian worshippers were said to have been killed during the explosion.

Women group supports Fashola’s new traffic law

By OYE OGUNWALE

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women organisation, Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), has kicked against pregnant women and babies riding on motorcycles.

WILAT also frowns at those riding motorbikes without helmets or crossing the high ways and not using the pedestrian bridges where available.

The chairperson of the group, Mrs. Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, declared the position of the group, while addressing market women at Anjorin Market, Apapa, at the weekend, as part of its awareness programmes on gender issues in movement of people and goods.

Applauding Fashola’s new traffic laws, which she explained, agreed with the group’s safety programme, Mrs. Ali-Ibrahim emphasised that WILAT Nigeria had chosen to be agent of change.

WILAT is a group of international women professionals from maritime, air, rail, road transport, training institutions, transport ministries and logistics and an arm of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria.

Mrs. Ali-Ibrahim told the market women that, “what we are discussing with you here today may seem so simple but are life threatening, which is why we must be very careful. As female professionals, we are moved by your hard work in trying to support your homes by making contributions through trading which involves much movement of people and goods.

“It is important to note the dangers involved in your movement to and from the market carrying of your babies and your goods.” The group urged the women in carrying out their duties, to move only at daytime when they could see clearly and when other people would be on the road for their security, avoid dark lonely areas, always use pedestrian bridges when crossing the highways, where applicable, for their safety.

Magistrate orders lawyer to pay rent arrears to journalist’s wife

By FAITH OMORUYI

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Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered a Lagos-based lawyer, Moses Olatunji, to pay to a journalist’s wife N583,340 arrears of rent he owed.

His landlady and wife of veteran journalist, Dapo Aderinola, Olufunsho Aderinola had filed a suit in April 2010 over rent arrears and possession from Olatunji of a four-bedroom bungalow with a two-bedroom boys quarters and an orchard situated at No 10 (Plot 688), Redemption Close, Omole Estate, Phase Two, Ikeja, Lagos.

In the judgment dated May 10, 2012, the trial magistrate, Chief Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe also ordered Olatunji to pay the mean profits on the house at the rate of N41,670 from March 1, 2010 to when he vacated the house to his landlady.

The court also awarded N2,500 as cost against the defendant.

Delivering its judgment, the court noted that the defendant failed to appear in court to defend his arrears after vacating the house without paying his rent arrears to the plaintiff sequel to an out-of-court settlement between the parties.

• Editor, Sunday Sun, Mrs Funke Egbemode, presenting a copy of Daily Sun to the Area Commander, Area B Command, Apapa, ACP Ali Mohammed during his courtesy visit to the Corporate headquarters of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Kirikiri, Apapa yesterday. With them are ASP Cyril Nwobu, Admin Offier of the Command (left) and ASP Chudi Onyeanusi, Station Officer.

Photo: WALE OLUFADE

441 Lagos drivers test positive to cocaine, marijuana • State govt reads riot act

By OLUWOLE FAROTIMI were screened for visual impairment and 13 percent & ONYEKACHI JET had to be given special glassagos State Government es,” he added. Idris noted that has said it would prose- as a result of the far-reaching cute and jail any motorist consequences of driving found to be driving under the under such influences, the influence of drugs or alcohol state government had no option than to invoke Section in the state.

The state Commissioner 21, Sub-section 1 of the state for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who traffic law which prescribed a disclosed this at a news brief- conviction fine of N100,000 ing yesterday said 441 drivers tested positive to marijuana and cocaine in the screening recently conducted by the state government. he Action Congress of He explained that the state Nigeria (ACN) has government was not relenting described President in educating drivers on dangers associated with con- Goodluck Jonathan as a sumption of alcohol while trainee president.

In a statement issued in driving.

“So far we have screened Ilorin yesterday by its 2002 drivers with the follow- National Publicity Secretary, ing results obtained. 781 were Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the found to be driving under the party wondered how else one influence of alcohol. 601 could describe the adminiswere found to be hyperten- tration’s lack of capacity to be sive. 441 were positive to proactive or respond in a psychotropic drugs, especial- timely and robust manner to ly cocaine and marijuana. 940 the recent catalogue of woes

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or two years imprisonment or both on the offenders.

The commissioner who pointed out that road accidents had become a major cause of deaths in the country, lamented that the state government could not achieve the desired health indices if it ignored the menace of deaths by road accidents.

He said, “alcohol and substance abuse have been documented as a cause of road

traffic accidents and several studies have shown that an intoxicated driver is a danger to himself, his passengers and other road users.”

Idirs said a major breakthrough was recently recorded in the sensitisation campaigns in the motor parks against irresponsible driving with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Guinness Nigeria Plc.

Jonathan is a president in training –ACN

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and national calamities.

In the opinion of the party, the continued bungling of the Boko Haram insurgency which is harvesting more deaths almost on a daily basis, the unstoppable carnage on our roads, the executive somersaults of the administration on policy issues and in general, the slow, unfocused and uncertain responses of government to issues depict a government on internship.

According to the ACN, the

ACP visits The Sun, promises criminals hell

By SAM OTTI

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he Area Commander, Area B Command, Apapa, Lagos State, ACP Ali Mohammed, has expressed the determination of the police to safeguard lives and property in the state.

He said the police would keep eagle-eye surveillance around notorious spots in Apapa to flush out criminals that prey on unsuspecting victims.

Mohammed gave the assurance yesterday when he led officers of his command on a courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of

The Sun Publishing, Ltd, Kirikiri, Lagos.

The commander, who was accompanied by the Admin Officer of the command, ASP Cyril Nwobu and the Station Officer, ASP Chudi Onyeanusi, were received by the Deputy Managing Director, Femi Adesina, the Editor, Daily Sun, Steve Nwosu and the Editor, Sunday Sun, Funke Egbemode.

The commander recounted the appreciable success recorded by the command in policing Apapa area and promised to gear up action through round-the-clock patrol of the Liverpool to Coconut areas, which were

regarded as flashpoint for criminal activities .

“I am aware that the place used to be a notorious flashpoint but it has gone down now. And we are not going to relent in sending men there, particularly when it rains.

Anytime it rains, the traffic is always heavy. But I want to assure you that strategy would remain in place,” he said.

Speaking on the return of heavy traffic on the busy Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Mohammed said trucks conveying petroleum products increased rapidly in past weeks but noted that the situation had been brought under control.

closure of the Lokoja-Abuja Highway, which had cut off Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, due to flooding of roads and bridges along the highway signposted the extent of the nation’s decayed infrastructure and exposed the incapable hands entrusted to salvage them. However, it said even worse was the fact that the president had not deemed it fit to comment on this disaster, neither had there been any visit by a federal minister or any coordinated response to the disaster from the central government.

“On a weekend of multiple disasters such as the Lokoja flooding, the bomb blast in Bauchi and the two weeks of non stop flooding all around the country, the president’s handlers showed more concern in informing Nigerians about his trip to the United Nations General Assembly summit than explaining or proposing a coordinated response to these calamities,” the party said.

“The disposition of President Jonathan’s administration to the welfare of Nigerians confirms the widely held belief that the welfare or wellbeing of Nigerians is definitely not a priority to his government.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 9

SOUTH SOUTH Bayelsa lawyers, judges seek financial autonomy for state judiciary From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa

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embers of the Bench and the Bar in Bayelsa State have decried the lack financial autonomy for the state judiciary, blaming the development on the executive arm.

Consequently they advocated the compliance of the executive with the relevant sections of the nation’s constitution, which guarantee financial independence for the judiciary.

Speaking at the opening of the 2012/ 2013 legal year, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri who lamented the lack of adequate infrastructure for the judiciary expressed concern over the non release of funds meant for capital projects in the judiciary since 2010.

She pleaded with Governor Henry Serikae Dickson to implement Section 121 of the constitution which would arrest the ugly trend.

According to her, the implementation of the section of the constitution would demonstrate that Bayelsa was ready to join the states that have respect for the constitution.

Her words: “Before I conclude, I am burdened to now plead with His Excellency to implement Section 121 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. That section is saying that all monies accruing to the judiciary be paid to the Heads of Court. This will stem the ugly incidence of non-release of capital funds to the judiciary which is now getting to three years. We cannot build the needed infrastructure and move at the required pace for a

Edo sets up Public Defender’s Office to fight rights abuses

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do State Government is to set up a Public Defender Unit to provide free legal aid to victims of human rights abuses.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole who stated this yesterday at the unveiling of Edo State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, said too many people were being victimised and intimidated but unable to fight for their rights.

According to the governor “just recently, the police in the state arrested an innocent man and charged him for murder without convincing evidence. I have now decided to set up a public defender unit that will provide free legal aid to all those who are victims of police abuse of power or by any functionary of the state.

“Government may not be able to deliver food to all the citizens but government must not tamper with the citizens’ right. I have directed the Ministry of Justice not to assist the police to detain innocent citizens. My task in Edo State is not only to build roads, hospitals and other physical infrastructure, but also have the responsibility to ensure that the freedom and rights of citizens are not trampled upon.”

He noted that “everybody is equal before God and everybody is special in the eyes of God. That one is richer than the other cannot be a yardstick to think that one is more special than the other. The attitude of the court should be that before the law, all men are equal.

“In the past, many Nigerians used to believe that those who are powerful are above the law.”

He lamented that a man was convicted and sent to prison for years for stealing a rabbit while those who embezzle public funds running into billions of naira are left off the hook.

Delta moves to mitigate effects of flood

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elta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has taken concrete measures aimed at alleviating the sufferings and pains of persons affected by the flood, ravaged communities along the bank of the River Niger.

Uduaghan has consequently raised a high-powered committee chaired by his deputy, Professor Amos Utuama and comprising other relevant government ministries and agencies to visit the affected parts of the state and provide necessary measures to mitigate the effect of the flood on the victims.

The committee which immediately swung into action yesterday visited Anwai, Cable Point, Nigeria Immigration Service Office and other areas affected by the flood with Utuama, assuring the victims that the state government was touched by their plight, hence his committee was set up.

He explained that the terms of reference of the committee were to provide immediate, medium and long-term measures and solutions to the flood that has displaced communities in different parts of the country.

The deputy governor informed that the flood was occasioned by the opening up of the Kanji Dam but assured them that they would not walk alone, stating that the state government was committed to providing them the needed relief.

Utuama assured the persons displaced that they would be relocated to schools and provided with food items, mattresses, water and other basic necessities that they would need for the period of their temporary displacement.

• Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi (middle) with the Resident Coordinator, United Nations System in Nigeria, Mr Daouda Toure (right) and UN Area Security Coordinator, Dr Larry Boms, while commissioning the United Nations House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Bakassi Peninsula: Elechi Amadi wants Jonathan impeached

From CHRIS ANUCHA, tect and defend its innocent defend Nigeria and its people.

Port Harcourt He has no option. Whether he citizens.

Advanced countries fight succeeds in the appeal is foremost writer, to the bitter end over the another thing, but his refusal Captain Elechi Amadi rights of even a single citi- to take action is what is (retd), has called on zen.” incredible. His name is Ebele the National Assembly, to The engineer-turned (Compassion), he has shown impeach President Goodluck Novelist and author of the no compassion on the Jonathan, if he fails to appeal Popular Novel, The Bakassi people. against the World Court judg- Concubine, said as the ancesWe still have fifteen days ment on Bakassi Peninsula. tral home of thousands of to go, if he refuses, he has The president, through the Nigerians, if the judgment is failed to act as CommanderInformation Minister, not appealed against, it would in-Chief. It calls for his Labaran Maku, had said the only reduce the indigenes to impeachment. It is dereliction Federal Government was modern day slaves. of duty. This is a fundamental okay with the World Court “The President should rise issue,” he fumed. judgment.

He said the President to the challenges, he has no Addressing newsmen in option, he is under oath to would be wrong to think that his country-home, Aluu, defend citizens of the coun- other countries would regard Rivers State, yesterday, try. He should come out as him as a gentleman and man Elechi Amadi said he was the Commander-in-Chief and of honour, if he failed to shocked by President Jonathan’s stance, in spite of the resolutions passed in the Senate and House of Representatives, and historical facts recently unearthed … NUPENG, IPMAN back JTF by historians.

From TONY JOHN, Port vandalism in the region.

The objectives of the meetElechi said: “I cringe with Harcourt ing as highlighted by the sheer horror at the fact that the Federal Government can ecurity agencies in Commander, 2 Brigade, Port abandon without qualms, a Rivers State have Harcourt, Brigadier-General group of Nigerians large vowed to go after those Tukur Burutai, who moderatenough to make up a Local involved in illegal bunkering ed the meeting, were how to Government Area which is and pipeline vandalism in the create harmonious relationrecognized in the constitu- state and the Niger Delta ship between security agencies and stakeholders in the tion, that it can ignore the region.

National Assembly set up by Service commanders in the petroleum industry, steady Nigerians on the excuse that state, comprising Air Force, supply of petroleum products their resolutions have no Army, Navy, Police, State in the Niger Delta region and force of law; and that it could Security Service (SSS) and the entire country.

Others were how to break treat a weighty matter of this Nigerian Security and Civil nature with such reprehensi- Defence Corps (NSCDC), the chain of adulteration of ble levity.” made the declaration, on products to the barest miniThe writer continued: Monday, in a meeting with mum; have collective check “What if the President had stakeholders in the petroleum on illegal bunkering and curb come from Bakassi? Would sector at the headquarters of 2 the threat to industrial and he be so nonchalant about Brigade, Bori Camp, Port economic activities.

At the end of the meeting, ceding of Bakassi to the Harcourt.

Cameroun? Are the people of Meanwhile, the National which lasted for about six Bakassi second class citi- Union of Petroleum and hours, the parties agreed, zens? Are they not covered by Natural Gas (NUPENG), among other issues, to work the UN Charter on Independent Petroleum harmoniously in order to Fundamental Human Rights? Marketers Association of achieve the objectives; proseWhose interest is the Nigeria (IPMAN) and other cute anyone involved in illePresident serving anyway? affiliate bodies, have assured gal refining of petroleum Nigeria’s or his? The greatest the Joint Military Tasks Force products and transportation, duty of any government any- (JTF) of their support in com- and to interact with each other where in the world is to pro- bating illegal bunkering and for steady supply in the

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appeal against the judgment. “… Then, he is grossly mistaken. The contrary will be the case. They will think he is spineless and irresponsible,” he said. He said the Federal Government appeared to have mortgaged its conscience by mere promise of helping to resettle displaced persons, adding that evidence so far showed that its effort in this regard was feeble and without real interest, attention or feelings.

He said: “But financial or material assistance is not the issue. Bakassi is the ancestral home of thousands of Nigerians.

Security agencies declare war on illegal oil bunkerers

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region and the country in general.

The marketers, in particular, were charged to be committed to regular supply and shun purchasing adulterated products.

Also, they agreed to demonstrate sincerity of purpose in carrying out their jobs and commitment, in fighting bunkering to the barest minimum.

They resolved that the use of drums in conveying petroleum products from jetties and around tank farms should be banned. Tank farm and depot owners were charged, henceforth, to provide details of trucks, drivers and contents of products.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and petroleum products marketers were told to inform JTF of flashpoints for adequate surveillance.

Authorities responsible for surveillance of pipelines were tasked on prompt payment of contractors in-charge of the areas to avoid connivance with vandals.

10, DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

SOUTH EAST 500 S’East subscribers to win buses, taxis in Glo ‘Made4Life’ From PETRUS OBI, Enugu

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s part of efforts to give subscribers in the South-East more value for their money, the Globacom telecommunications has formally launched its customers reward scheme called “Made4Life”promotion in Enugu.

The new”Made4Life” promotion is expected to offer over 500 Glo subscribers the opportunity to own a fleet of 52seater luxury and mini-buses, taxis as well as cash prizes.

Speaking at the media launch in Enugu on Monday, Glo Divisional Director, East, Mike Ehumadu said the first prize winners would go home with two 52-seater luxury buses, while the second prize would be won by three subscribers who would smile home with three 16-seater mini-buses each.

He said the “Made4Life Glo promotion was open to both new and old customers on both prepaid and postpaid platforms, adding that it was the first of its kind in the nation’s telecommunication industry.

Ehumadu further disclosed that nine lucky subscribers would win the third prize which is a fleet of 27 luxury taxis, stressing that each of the winners would be presented with three taxis. “The promotion is also offering a cash prize of N1000, 000 for 1,500 winners as fourth prize”, he added.

He explained that the ‘Made4Life” promotion would run for three months, beginning from September 24 to December 24, this year, while the winners would emerge through an electronic draw.

“The unique promo was conceived to reward subscribers in a unique way and empower them to be their own bosses by floating a transportation company. We have since inception been at the forefront of rewarding customer loyalty.”

•R-L: Representative of Enugu State Governor, Mr John Egbo, Conference Co-ordinator, Mr Gabriel Agunwa and the Economic Adviser to Enugu State Governor, Prince Ogbogu Asogwa (behind), during the opening ceremony of a two-day Non-Oil Sector International Trade Conference, at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu yesterday.

Thief found dead in ceiling in Abakaliki

Chime restates commitment to Enugu culture, tourism revival

From GODDY Abakaliki

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overnor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has restated the determination of his administration to make the state culture and tourists’ destination in the country.

Chime gave the assurance through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo during the unveiling of the 2012 Cultural and Tourism Fiesta secretariat the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.

The governor added that the Fiesta which had become an annual event was intended to showcase the rich cultural heritage and tourism potentials of the state.

The state chief executive regretted that Western way of life had eaten deep into the fabrics of our people, our culture, and called on Nigerians, especially the Igbos to resist all negative influence of foreign culture in their lives.

Chime called on the people of the state at home and in the Diaspora to endeavour to witness this year’s cultural activities which he said, would be extraordinary and eventful. The governor commended those working tirelessly to make the event a success especially some corporate bodies that assist government to make this year’s fiesta a huge success.

Earlier in an address, the state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Joe Mammel announced that this year’s Fiesta, will last for 10 days, beginning from the 13th to 22ndof December 2012. The Commissioner enumerated some activities that would feature during the fiesta to include, symposium, award night, Christmas carol and cultural Day. Other events are: cultural food fare to showcase our peoples cultural menu, children beauty peagent, visits to some tourist centres, family jamborees and carnival street route movement in Enugu, among others.

Seven Imo philanthropists to bag service awards

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even Imo philanthropists will be conferred with honours award for Outstanding Performance in Community Service and Development.

Disclosing this in a press statement, Dr. Chuks Osuji, Special Event Coordinator, noted that the event being organized by two Owerri-based Public Relations and Communication Outfits, Opinion Research and Communications and Imo Network Professionals, will take place at Sam Mbakwe Hall, Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri on Friday 28th September, 2012.

Those slated for recognition at the ceremony include: Chief Philip Chukwu, former Group executive director, Petroleum & Refining, NNPC, Abuja (Okigwe); CP Julie Okoro Iruoha (Rtd. Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State (Okigwe); Ichie Uche Best Mbanaso, former Mayor of Orlu, currently, Hon. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Imo State (Orlu); Chief Dr. Patrick Esomonu an Umuahiabased industrialist and business tycoon (Orlu); Barr. Henry Chidi Ojinere, a Port Harcourt/Abuja business mogul (Owerri); Chief Charles Amadi, Chevron Nigeria Limited – Warri based business man (Owerri) and Chief Engr. Ignatius Okeahialam, Port Harcourt-based oil services engineer and industrialist (Owerri).

OSUJI son. When the policemen who accompanied him to the store were searching for a n unidentified middle clue that could reveal the aged man suspected to identity of the person that be a thief met his broke into the store, they saw waterloo in the wee hours of a motionless body in the ceilyesterday as he was found ing of the store and when they dead in the ceiling of one of moved further, they discovthe shops located along Ezza ered that the man was Road, Abakaliki. motionless. We are believing The shop owner told the that by the time he came into police that when he arrived that place, there was no light. his shop early in the morning, While he was there, electo his surprise, he found the tricity was restored light door to the shop which was came and he was electrocutlocked the previous night, ed. The problem confronting flung open. Feeling uncom- the police is that nobody fortable with the situation, he could identify the victim. But reported the matter to the we believe that as we conduct police. He said the policemen entered the shop, and in search of a clue, found a motionless body in the ceiling.

By SAM OTTI According to the PPRO, Sylvester Igbo, they discovhree people were feared ered a middle-aged man stone dead yesterday in a bloody dead and suspected that he clash involving rival cult might have been electrocuted groups in Oko community, as he could have gained entry Anambra State. when the shop was in darkOne of the victims, a female ness. student, whose identity could The PPRO narrated, “A not be ascertained as at press man reported that when he time, was reportedly stabbed to came to work this morning, death by her estranged boy he met the door to his shop friend. opened by an unknown perHer alleged killer belonged

our investigation, his identity will be known. His body has been deposited at the Teaching Hospital Abakaliki mortuary for autopsy. The shop owner, Mrs Chukwu Virtue in her story said, ““It has been a long time that robbers have been visiting my shop. This is the 18th time.

So, it was this morning that my younger brother came to open the shop and discovered that the padlock to the shop has been cut down but the inner one did not allow them to penetrate. So, they decided to go through the roof of my neighbour’s shop who is a tai-

lor into my own shop.”

“My brother said that as they entered the roof to gain access to my shop to start robbing but one of them was electrocuted there. We alerted the police. They came and confirmed him dead. It has been a long time they have been doing this. That was why I put a protector in the roof; because many times without it, they had robbed me at will”. “This is the third time this year; they came in February, April and now September. They come anytime there is rain and if you observe very well, it rained last night.”

3 feared dead, as cult groups clash in Oko community

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to a notorious cult group identified as the Vikings, which had been terrorising the community in the past weeks.

Daily Sun gathered that violent confrontations also erupted between the Vikings and members of the Black Axe, which led to the death of two unidentified victims. One of the victims was identified as an exmember of the Vikings group.

In a swift reaction to the incident, the Public Relations

Imo health workers begin strike OKARA, services while the strike lasted and advised the relations of those on admission to reloorkers at the Imo cate them to other hospitals.

He explained that apart State Specialist Hospital , from the salary arrears owed Umuguma, Owerri, yester- them by the state governday embarked on indefinite ment, the strike became necindustrial action over alleged essary following the sacking refusal to pay their three of eight out of 11 doctors of months salary arrears and the hospital by the state govregularization of the employ- ernment and her refusal to recall them after series of ment of casual workers.

Addressing the workers of overtures to government by the hospital, the chairman of the leadership of the union.

According to him, the state the Joint Health Sector’s Union and Association, Dr. government is enslaving the Darlington Akukwu said that staffers by engaging 52 of there would be no skeletal them as causal workers and refusing to regularize their From VAL Owerri

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appointments.

“We have done our best to ascertain the reason for the non payment of salaries for months now and we have done this through dialogue and consultation with the government, yet, no response and many families are suffering, we can’t continue to tolerate this”.

He accused the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Sylvester Amaechi of being responsible for their woes. He further alleged that Special Adviser administered the hospital on concessional arrangement with the state government.

Officer, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Obini Onuchukwu, denied the death of the three students, saying only one person was killed in the clash. He said the cult groups were not from OKOPOLY as reported, adding that the victim killed was not a student of the school.

“We have checked our records and I can assure you that the victim was not a student of our school. There are so many higher institutions around here and many students reside in Oko community.

Moreover the incident happened several meters away from our school. Let anyone that claims the victim was from OKOPOLY tell us his department,” he said.

Onuchukwu said the polytechnic had maintained zerotolerance for cult activities, with the establishment of anticult security outfit by the Rector, Professor Godwin Onu. According to him, 51 students of the school had earlier last year, voluntarily renounced their membership of various cult groups and the management of the institution had sustained its efforts to ensure that they did not re-group.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 11

SOUTH WEST Owena Oil appoints new VC, GM

By HENRY UTSALO

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he Owena Oil and Gas Limited (OOGL) has appointed Mr. Samuel Kolajo as the new executive vice chairman and Prince Claudius Olateru-Olagbegi as the general manager in charge of operations of the company.

A statement by the Company Secretary, Mr. Olukayode Enitan, said the appointment came after a recent annual general meeting of the oil firm held in Lagos. The duo, he disclosed, would work with Chairman of the company, Mr. Bankole Oluwajana.

Enitan explained that the decision was taken to allow people with fresh ideas to work closely with Oluwajana to move the company to enviable heights.

“The oil firm is now poised to realise its full potentials with the new appointment and the setting up of proper office in Ikoyi, Lagos,” he said. “With the setting up of a proper office in Ikoyi, Lagos and strategic appointment of credible and professional personnel to operate and manage its affairs, it is undeniable that the corporate and financial success of the company in the oil and gas industry is guaranteed.”

Besides, Enitan explained that a firm of mineral development consultants and investors, the Integrated Mineral Development Company Limited (IMDC) still held 70 percent shares in the OOGL, including 40 percent equity participation it held in trust for technical partners.

The shareholding of the company, according to him, reflected the true shareholders as Ondo State and IMDC with 30 percent and 70 percent holdings respectively. He stated that 40 percent holdings were held in trust for incoming technical partners by the IMDC.

Oyo govt insures workers, property

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n an unprecedented move in the history of Oyo State, the state government has commenced the process of insuring its entire workforce and property at no cost to the workers.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the end of the weekly executive council meeting held in Ibadan yesterday.

The insurance policy, according to a press briefing jointly addressed by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Bosun Oladele, Special Advisers on Media, Information and Orientation and Education, Messrs Festus Adedayo, Gbolagade Busari and Taiwo Otegbeye respectively, would cover all the civil servants, including judiciary workers.

Others to be covered by the compulsory insurance policy include all political appointees and YES-O cadets, while government property including vehicles, structures as well as their contents would also be insured.

Apart from ensuring the welfare of the workers, they said the policy, which would commence immediately, would also ensure that government properties were well insured.

The policy, according to them, would cover life insurance in case of death; personal accident insurance in case of temporary or total disability of any of the beneficiaries, while the payment of liabilities would also be included.

They explained that no deductions would be made from the salaries of the workers, adding that the policy was aimed at ensuring their wellbeing and making the job more comfortable for them.

OOU varsity recalls sacked professor

By SAM OTTI

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he management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has reinstated a senior lecturer in the Department of Economics, Prof.

Sheriffdeen Tella, who was sacked two years ago for criticising the policies of the state government.

Tella, who was also the former vice chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, lost his job both as Crescent vice chancellor and later his teaching appointment in OOU, for criticising the proposal for N50 billion bond presented to the Ogun State House of Assembly by the former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was then the visitor to the university.

Although the embattled lecturer had the option of apologising to the former governor to save his job, he stood his ground, as he argued that the loan could sink the state into serious financial crisis. Rather than eat the humble pie, he took up another teaching appointment in a private institution, Babcock University, Ilishan, Remo, from where he continued his academic work.

However, reprieve came his way on Monday when the management of the university reinstated him. Part of the letter read: “Council at its 171st meeting held on Thursday September 13, considered the recommendations of the Ad hoc Committee on guidelines for the selection of principal officers and issue of disengaged staff.

• From left: Director, Administration and Human Resources, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Gusau Aminu; Managing Director, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade and Commissioner of Police, Mr Moses Saba, at a news conference on the need for passengers to desist from riding on coach roof in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Pandemonium in Ekiti as NSCDC, vigilance group clash …One hospitalised, several others injured From CHARLES ADEGBITE, Commander, Mr. Akin Olorunloni to its office along Ado-Ekiti Afao Ekiti Road about three ell was let loose yester- months ago and ordered him day in Ado-Ekiti, the (commander) to stop his men Ekiti State capital, as from guarding some strategic men of Nigerian Security and places in Ado Ekiti.

Yusuf added that the Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and members of the NSCDC commandant told the Vigilante Group of Nigeria vigilance group commander to engaged themselves in a inform his men to stop paradbloody clash, leaving many ing themselves in uniform wounded, with one hospi- unless they paid a sum of N10 million registration fee into the talised.

Federal Government coffers.

The violent attack caused “This morning, some of our pandemonium in Adebayo men who were stationed at area of the state capital, as Pathfinder Hotel along security men were said to have Iworoko Ekiti were arrested openly used dangerous by men of the NSCDC over weapons. An eyewitness told the offence that they were journalists that they bran- operating illegally. They did dished dangerous weapons not only arrest and detain like broken bottles, teargas them, they also beat them mercanisters, cutlasses, charms cilessly. and guns during the attacks, “We immediately phoned and several men were reported the government house and to have sustained injuries. reported the issue and efforts It was also confirmed that made by top security men at two top security personnel, that level to ensure the release who attempted to broker peace between the two organisations were assaulted .

The attack occurred at the office of the Vigilante Group He’s ignorant –Govt of Nigeria located within the premises of Christ’s School From TOYESE OLADEJO, Alumni Hall along Fajuyi- Ibadan Adebayo area in the state capeinstated Chairman of the ital.

Oyo State National While speaking with jourUnion of Road Transport nalists, the Vigilante Group Director of Operations, Mr. Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Yusuf Wasiu, blamed the inci- Lateef Akinsola Tokyo has dent on NSCDC, alleging that descended heavily on the state the coros personnel stormed Governor, Senator Ishaq VGN office at about 10a.m. Abiola Ajimobi, describing yesterday in a convoy of four him as “a betrayer.”

Tokyo, who spoke during a buses loaded with heavily armed men and attacked them programme in a local radio with dangerous weapons over station in Ibadan pointed out the allegation that they were that he aided the election of Ajimobi during the last operating illegally.

Tracing the origin of the fra- govenorship election by cas, he explained that the mobilising members of the NSCDC had summoned the union and the electorate in his Vigilante Group’s state community to vote for the Action Congress of Nigeria

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of our men did not yield fruitful results and this forced us to arrest two of their men and detain them as a vengeance.”

Yusuf disclosed that authorities of the NSCDC had earlier displayed its enmity when it allegedly worked against the group during a public hearing at the Ekiti State House of Assembly on a bill meant to convert the Vigilante Group into a state peace corps.

The bill, according to our source, was supposed to be finally passed at the State Assembly yesterday. But the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mr. Ojo Lawanson, who debunked the allegation, said it was the Vigilante Group that attacked their men and that one of them was still being hospitalised as at the time of filing this report.

The NSCDC spokesman said the organisation was only carrying out its statutory duty of registering all private security companies in Nigeria by ordering the Vigilante Group

to pay its registration fee and not an attempt to victimise the group.

Lawanson, who explained that it had always been the stand of the NSCDC that more security organisations should be registered to reinforce the level of security in Nigeria, however, described the Vigilance Group as an illegal body, having failed to register as prescribed by the constitution.

“This is not an act of victimisation. We have not asked them to pay any money to NSCDC but to the Federal Government. Part of our duties is to register private security companies, train them and ensure that they conform to the practice but Vigilante Group has not passed through any of these.”

He advised the men of the Vigilante Group to eschew violence and apply common sense by complying with the rules guiding security agencies in Nigeria.

Ajimobi is a traitor –Tokyo

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(ACN) during the election.

He revealed that after the election he approached Ajimobi on his promise to reinstate him but he failed to do so. “During the electioneering campaign and while soliciting for my support, he promised to reinstate me. Now, he has reneged on his promise and betrayed me,” he lamented.

Tokyo remarked that to persuade Ajimobi to have a change of heart, he approached the former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina and the ACN national leader, Bola Tinubu, but regretted that the state governor did not change his mind.

The union chief contended that his rival, Mukaila Lamidi a.k.a. Auxilliary, was not a

leader of the union and described him as a criminal, saying, “he is never my boy.

He worked as the union scribe and acquired lots of property and cars in 2008. He is a tout.”

However, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, has described Tokyo’s statement as the product of an ignorant mind who was not only self-centred but highly mischievous.

Adedayo said the fact that Tokyo consulted Adesina and Tinubu clearly exposed ulterior motive, adding that the fact that the governor insisted on fairness showed him as a principled leader who would not compromise facts for fiction.

12 DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

ONDO GUBER POLL COUNTDOWN Group donates 100 motorcycles to Ondo ACN

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he Independent Campaign Network (ICN), an arm of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) complementing the gubernatorial efforts of Mr. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has distributed 100 new motorcycles to all the 18 ACN local government chapters in Ondo State.

While giving out the motorcycles and over 500 megaphones at its headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Mr. Dele Ogunsakin, an ACN chieftain, said the motorcycles would help to improve the performance of those in charge of the campaign in mobilization, logistics, security and publicity.

Ogunsakin also reminded the official heads of the committees in the three senatorial district of the state, of the need to ensure proper use of the motorcycles and megaphones to complement the materials and vehicles already in use for the campaign teams.

One of the Senatorial District Committee heads, Mr. Foluso Aminu, who is representing the Ondo North Senatorial District, thanked the party leadership for the gesture which, according to him, would fast-track their duties.

Bosun Oladimeji, the Director, Strategy & Communications Bureau of ICN, noted that on many occasions, ACN campaign trains had been unable to gain access to many communities due to the bad state of the roads – a result of the monumental neglect by the Mimiko administration. ACN leaders were therefore left with no options than to devise a means of reaching out to people in the hinterland and the only means to do this was to go on motorbikes.

I’m for LP, not PDP -Enikuomehin

By RAZAQ BAMIDELE

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lawyer and former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), in Ondo State, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin has refuted the report that he has pledged his support for the PDP candidate, Olusola Oke for the October 20 governorship election.

Enikuomehin, who was a former Ondo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), told Daily Sun that: “I have dumped the PDP for the Labour Party more than three months ago. I had been working for Governor Olusegun Mimiko, even before I joined the Labour Party.”

According to him, his cross over to the LP was borne out of Mimiko’s outstanding performance in office, wondering: “While should I shun a performing actor to pitch my tent with an unknown political elements in the polity.

“Even when we were together in the PDP, I never supported Olusola Oke for anything let alone when I am no more in the same party with him. Every lover of development and good governance should vote for Mimiko for more dividends of democracy.”

The lawyer cum politician, who said he jettisoned his governorship ambition to support Mimiko asserted that: “Mimiko deserves a second term in office to complete the laudable work he has started. A known angel is far better than an unknown devil.”

I’ll focus on economic rebirth -Oke

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he governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Olusola Oke has said that his policy programme would encourage much-expected economic rebirth in Ondo state if elected.

Oke said this at an interactive forum organised by the Chairmen of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University chapter and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) Rufus Giwa Polytechnic chapter under the auspices of Intellectual Platform at the NUJ press centre, Akure on Sunday.

Oke, while unveiling his programme said, what the state needs most now was economic rebirth. He said the state desire a deliberate economic agenda that would create opportunities, generate employment and secure for it, a future that could insure the state against any unexpected external financial crisis.

Speaking at the forum, the Chairman of ASUU, Adekunle Ajasin University, Dr. Busuyi Mekusi and that of ASUP, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo said it was important that members of academics begin to participate in a process that would lead to the emergence of quality leadership.

Mekusi warned that it was dangerous for any civil servant or public officer to be partisan. He said the unions decided to finance the programme from the money of the union without seeking assistance from any politician because; it was a platform devoid of any partisan politics.

“We provide fund deliberately for the programme because we believe this is our contribution to the society. We are out to give opportunities to the members of the public to have interaction with all the candidates of the political parties who will be participating in the October 20th election, to bring to the public glare, their programmes.

•L–R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., Mr. Folaranmi Babatunde Odunayo, Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko and Company Secretary, Mrs. Oluyemisi Busari at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos yesterday. Photo: MOSHOOD RAJI.

LP planning to rig poll, PDP alleges Stories from TAIWO AMODU, Abuja

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head of the Ondo State Governorship Election scheduled for October 20, former national legal adviser of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s governorship candidate for the election, Olusola Oke has alleged that the ruling party in the state, Labour Party was planning to rig the election.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing, Oke declared that he was very concerned by what he claimed to be subterranean move by the ruling party to manipulate the election.

“What may be of concern is the attitude of the public to the orchestration of the incumbent Labour Party to manipulate the election processes in Ondo State.

“As I speak with you, the Labour Party poses greater threat to free and fair election in Ondo State more than the ACN, even though both of them are involved, but the level of orchestration of antics and strategies for manipulating electoral process by Labour is

unprecedented, it is alarming, and it is worrisome.”

He further alleged that the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies were in league with Labour Party to rig the election.

“At the moment, the Labour Party even before now has tried everything to interfere with INEC processes in terms of compilation of voters’register and we are yet to get satisfied that that process wasn’t infiltrated, despite restated assurances by the INEC.

“I am aware today that there is a grand plan by the LP to arrest prominent members of the PDP, detain them and not to be released until after elections.”

On his mission to develop the state, the PDP governorship candidate noted that the state was deficient in road networking, particularly the rural roads, which he submitted must be put in good shape for the state to achieve economic development.

“The roads I saw in those villages are only roads, either started by PDP or completed

ACN chieftain, supporters defect to PDP

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ormer senator representing Ondo South senatorial district, Senator Omololu Meroyi and his political supporters yesterday defected from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Meroyi, a chieftain of ACN while addressing newsmen faulted the selection process that led to the emergence of Rotimi Akeredolu as the ACN

governorship candidate, saying the process did not respect democratic views of some of the party members.

He said since the selection of Akeredolu by the party’s political gladiators, series of crisis had been rocking the party in the state, adding that it was obvious that the crisis ridden party would not find its feet, not to talk of wining any election.

“In view of the foregoing, it

Akeredolu promises to appoint physically-challenged as commissioner

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he Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) gubernatorial candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu has promised the physically challenged people of special recognition if elected as the next governor of the state in the forthcoming election in Ondo State.

Akeredolu promised to pick a commissioner among them.

He said disability should not be inability, he urged them not to see their challenges as inability to meet up with the able-bodied people intellectually.

The ACN governorship candidate made the assertion

by PDP. The revelation I saw is that, in the past forty, fifty years, the rural areas of Ondo State have been neglected, except a few roads opened by the last administration. “The agricultural villages are suffering from deficiencies of road network.

This, in my view, poses a great challenge for the incoming administration, because in Ondo state, until we open up the coastal resources, until we open up the forest resources, the state isn’t likely to take its potentials in terms of economic development.”

yesterday in Akure when the youths in the state organised rally in support of his candidature.

Akeredolu also promised that his government would reduce tuition fees in all tertiary institutions in the state, saying the gesture would encourage more youths to pursue their education as well as serves as a relieve measures for both students and their parents.

He reiterated his commitments to providing 30, 000 jobs for unemployed youths within the first one hundred days in office.

The politician also said that

his government would establish cottage industries in all the 18 local government areas with a view to further solving employments among the youths.

Akeredolu also assured the people in the rural areas that his administration, if elected would open all the roads linking rural areas to allow the rural dwellers to have access to the towns.

According to him, the development would boost the state economy, saying the rural people would be able to bring their agricultural products to the major towns.

is therefore imperative for all serious minded political actors who desire to partake in a process that will foster a new initiative, direction and action, to begin to overreach themselves, put on their thinking cap to determine how best they will be of essence in this respect.”

“You all know that till this moment, I am a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria, and of course there is no gain saying the fact that my membership of that party alongside some compatriots, friends and supporters suddenly shot the profile of ACN up and quickly acquired the status of a contender for power in the state, but all that has changed, as the curious leadership style of that party has dimmed not only its prospect, but completely pegged its profile and arrested its development in this state.”

“The manner in which Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu was selected invoked a monumental crisis that had earlier before now instructed the abandonment of the Party by politicians of note, whose direct relevance in the politics of this state is not in doubt.”

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 13

AREWA Committee passes damning verdict on proposed varsity From DESMOND MGBOH, Kano

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he planned establishment of a University of Medicine and Sciences in Bichi, Kano State by the Kano State Government has dashed into troubled waters following a damning report by a government committee set up to review the project implementation.

Daily Sun gathered that the incumbent administration had set up a technical committee headed by Prof. Muhammad Yahya to look into the practicability or otherwise of the project which was started in 2009 by the Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau administration.

Beside its chairman, the seven-member committee comprised the Surveyor General, Adamu Usman Abubakar, Dr. Mansur Mohammed, Dr. Kabir Masokano and Hajia Amina Musa as members while Alhaji Balarabe Sani served as the secretary to the committee.

The report presented recently to the state government through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Rabiu Suleiman, faulted the implementation of the university, adding that most of the contractual agreements and commitments entered between the state and the promoters of the university were done verbally.

According to the report, highlights of which were read out during the presentation ceremony, the proposed university project was capital intensive and would be best served through a public-private partnership arrangement as against the present set up.

The committee also held that based on its findings, it was evident that the promoters of the university (Association for African Welfare and Development) lacked the capacity to finance the project within the agreed timeframe, a result of which they had failed to make an appreciable impact since

Leprosy victims, pregnant women barred from hajj From FRED ITUA, Abuja

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he FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board yesterday announced that intending pilgrims with cases of leprosy and pregnancy have been barred from participating in the 2012 hajj operations.

Speaking to correspondents yesterday at the permanent camp of the board in Abuja, the Acting Director, Alhaji Surajo Ado Faskari said, “we’ve stepped down five cases of pregnant women and they’ve been replaced. The only case of leprosy has also been stepped down and the pilgrim has been replaced.”

On the preparation of the board to ensure a hitch-free operation, Suraju added: “Our medical teams are on ground to ensure the safety of our pilgrims when they’re in the holy land. We don’t envisage any problem with pilgrims from FCT regarding the case of Nigerians currently being held by Saudi authorities.

“The essential things required are on ground at the departure camp for the hajj operation. Security is still a challenge at the camp. FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board has challenges with the issue of accommodation. We secured our hotel in Mecca while the holyland is in Jedda. Max Air and Kabo Airlines will airlift the pilgrims.

“Our first flight was scheduled for September 27 but there were changes and we were asked to provide 530 passengers in good time to take advantage of the opportunity. We got this message just few days ago.”

Interior minister condemns Bauchi Church bombing

From ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi

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inister of Interior, Abba Moro, has berated the perpetrators of last Sunday’s suicide bombing at St John’s Catholic Church Bauchi State describing the act as cowardly, morally reprehensible and atrocious.

Moro condemned the attack on defenseless Christians on Sunday of all days, when Christians went to worship their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the name of religious promotion by the Boko Haram group.

He maintained that the action amounted to a major threat to peaceful co-existence of people of different religions in Nigeria which must be condemned by all peace loving people who value human life and civilised conduct.

“It is an act of savagery of the most unfathomable nature to maim and kill worshipers on a day which is globally recognised as one in which neighbours should extend their hands of fellowship to believers and non-believers in their faith.”

In a statement by His Special Assistant on Media, George Udoh, the minister stated that, “such an act is unacceptable on any day, anywhere, in any civilised society the world over.”

• Wreckage of a car which plunged from the bridge at Wuse 2 in Abuja yesterday, killing the driver.

More bomb factories discovered in Adamawa From DAVID MOLOMO, the possession of the suspects.

Yola Nwaoga said the JTF was he Joint Task Force poised to discover more (JTF), saddled with the bomb factories following a responsibility of unrav- tip off that the dawn to dusk eling the mystery of the oper- curfew in the state would ation of the suspected Boko elicit the expected discovery Haram Islamist gang has dis- of where IEDs were manuclosed that it has discovered factured but that these could more bomb factories in dif- only be achieved if stakeferent locations of Mubi in holders in the state cooperate Adamawa State and recov- with the task force.

Investigations by Daily ered more sophisticated weapons including, 96 Sun revealed that following Improvised Explosive the onslaught on the Boko Devices (IEDs), two drums Haram enclave in Borno and of bombs and 469 different Yobe states, the Islamist sect shifted its base in the Northammunition.

The Brigade Commander east region to Mubi. of the 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola, BrigadierGeneral John Nwaoga, who disclosed this to newsmen in a telephone interview, also said nine compressors, six NOAH EBIJE, weapon training manuals From were among items recovered Kaduna in the course of the house to ising from its National house search embarked upon Executive Council by the task force yesterday.

(NEC) meeting yesterAccording to him, the JTF has as well found seven day in Kaduna, the Christian preaching manuals, seven Association of Nigeria copies of the Holy Qurans, (CAN) in the 19 northern one magazine, seven Qlink states and Abuja has lamentmotorcycle batteries, one sta- ed poor representation of its biliser and three SIM cards in members in the Northern

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With the uncovering of their enclaves in Mubi, the strength of the Boko Haram operations and networking would diminish in the Northeast region of the country.

Following the success recorded by the task force, Adamawa State Government yesterday said the dusk-todawn curfew would now be indefinite to allow for the unveiling of more factories in Mubi and the operational bases of the Boko Haram group in Mubi metropolis.

The Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Mr. Aris Kobis Thimnu, who made the announcement in

the media appealed to the royal fathers to assist in providing more information to enable the task force to track down those responsible for the security breaches in the state.

He said the Adamawa State Government would on its part cooperate with the task force toward proper execution of its assignment in Mubi and Adamawa State in general and appealed to residents of Mubi metropolis to do same as peace was paramount to the socio-economic development of the state and the nation at large.

CAN laments poor representation in northern security committee

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States Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security (NSCRHS).

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Public Relations Officer of CAN, Sunday Oibe, it noted that only 11 Christians were appointed into the 41-man committee.

The communiqué therefore

Kwara clamps down on 14 illegal schools From LAYI OLANREWAJU, ment’s approval.

According to him, the minIlorin istry was poised to rid the wara State Government state of mushroom schools has closed down 14 that posed threat to the future illegal schools across of innocent children.

He said, “I want to tell you the state within the last one that the ministry has closed week.

The state Commissioner down about 14 schools withfor Education and Human in the last one week across the Capital Development, Alhaji three senatorial districts of the Saka Onimago told Daily state.

“The exercise is going to Sun yesterday in Ilorin that the clampdown would be a be a continuous one. I want to believe that by the time we continuous exercise.

He added that the clamp- swoop on Ilorin completely, down would see the ministry we should be closing close to swooping on about 100 a 100 illegal schools.

“What I mean by illegal is mushroom schools operating in Ilorin without govern- schools that are not duly reg-

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istered by the ministry and related to that is the case of mushroom schools. We also have some mushroom schools that you can never imagine that education will be taking place in such facilities,” he added.

According to the commissioner, the ministry had put in place measures to revitalise the educational sector and strengthen the ongoing reform but said this would require the cooperation of the public.

“One of such is the reorganisation that is taking place at the tertiary level, colleges of education.

argued that without equitable representation, the committee’s findings and recommendations might not be acceptable to all the stakeholders.

The northern CAN also reviewed the activities of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram and commended the national leadership of CAN for efforts made so far to stem the activities of the sect, even as it urged Christians to remain firm in their places of residence and worship in the region despite intimidating and deadly posture of Boko Haram.

The communiqué read in part: “The meeting noted with displeasure the lopsided composition of the NSCRHS, in which Christians are only 11 out of the 41-man committee. We therefore call that if the committee is meant for the purpose, which we are being made to believe, then there should be an equitable representation so that its findings and recommendations will be accepted to all concerned.

“We commend the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, for all personal and corporate steps taken.”

14,

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Foreign Affairs Odd World

Dying cancer man compiles charitable acts …He plans to fulfil before death

less act, insisting that he had only one simple wish himself terminally ill Good latest games consoles. Today, “to live”.

“I want to be able to buy Samaritan has com- the former public relations piled a reverse “buck- officer played down his self- myself enough time for more et list” of charitable acts he plans to fulfil before he dies.

When Simon Mitchell was told he had two years to live, he, like others before him, decided to draw up a “bucket list” of things he wanted to do before he died.

But his is a list with a difference, as it is more concerned with helping other people in need than fulfilling his own wishes. Mr Mitchell, 41, was told by doctors last summer that he had a life expectancy of two years after he was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the blood.

The news prompted his “reverse bucket list”, which comprises a number of charitable acts to help sick children and raise money for others in •Simon Mitchell with Katie Price. Photo: SWNS need. Mr Mitchell, from Blackpool, United Kingdom has already raised £60,000 for several charities since his initial diagnosis two years ago. Last year he decided to …On day of emergency transplant raise a further £100,000 for miraculous thing hap- cent. charity and help dozens of “If he had come to us any pened the day Michael injured soldiers to take free Crowe was set to later, his heart would have just holidays. receive a potentially life-sav- stopped,” Dr. John Um, His heroics don’t stop ing heart transplant. Doctors Surgical Director of Heart there. Astonishingly, just a had determined the surgery Transplantation at Nebraska few months after his diagno- would be ineffective but his Medical Center told ABC sis, he has also helped capture heart suddenly started beating News.

Doctors hooked Crowe up a knife-wielding robber, in an again. to a heart-lung machine that act that earned him praise Crowe, a 23-year-old pharfrom Prime Minister David macy student from Omaha, would essentially act as his Cameron. Mr Mitchell, who had been diagnosed with heart for him, pumping blood has had half of his right lung acute myocarditis, or inflam- throughout his body.

“When the heart stops, removed, plans to raise mation of the heart muscle, money through expeditions likely caused by a viral infec- that’s defined as clinical such as a sponsored climb of tion. When his mother death,” Dr. Um said. “In this Europe’s highest mountain, brought him to the emergency case, his body only stayed Mont Blanc and driving to the room at his local hospital on alive because the machine was pumping his blood for North Pole.

August 14, doctors found his He has already granted heart was only functioning at him.” Crowe was immediatewishes for children include about 25 percent efficiency. ly placed on a list for an emerarranging meetings with The The hospital referred him to gency heart transplant, and Stig, the BBC Top Gear char- the Nebraska Medical Center, remained on the heart-lung acter, and Katie Price, the and by the time he was admit- machine in a medically glamour model known as ted to the intensive care unit induced coma until an approJordan, organising family there, his heart’s efficiency priate donor heart became holidays and purchasing the had dropped below 10 per- available.

After nearly three weeks, a

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research into the treatment of my illness,” he said. “If I were to survive it I’d start a charitable foundation of my own. If I manage this list and

I die with a smile on my face, with people remembering me and with my wife proud of me, then it will all have been worth it.”

He added: “It might all make my condition worse but it’s a chance I’m willing to take. I’ll only stop when my body tells me to stop. “How many people have climbed Mont Blanc with half of their right lung removed? I’m sure I have the strength in me to do it.”

After being diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2010, his illness later forced him to quit his job working Orange, the phone company.

But using his contacts and PR expertise, he now scours local newspapers and websites for stories about injured soldiers or sick children and then tracks them down.

He then arranges contact with different charities that can help them or convinces

Miraculous healing: Man’s failing heart starts beating again

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heart was found. The good news was followed by bad, though: tests revealed he had contracted a blood infection.

Doctors said he probably would not survive the transplant surgery. About an hour later, one of his doctors noticed something strange his blood pressure was going up, something that would be impossible if his body was only receiving blood through the machine.

“His heart started working

World’s tallest dog measures 44 inches from paw to shoulder

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orld’s tallest dog, three-year-old Zeus measures 44 inches from paw to shoulder and drinks straight from the tap.

When he stands on his back legs, Zeus the Dane is an incredible 7ft 4in high.

Undertaker steals purse from dead body

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former funeral worker a purse from a woman’s in England has admit- corpse less than an hour after ted in court to stealing she died.

Grahame Lawler, 37, took the purse off the body of Muriel Swift, 78, when he went to her home on July 6 to transport her body to the funeral parlor, the Mirror reports. The bag contained £200 in cash, credit cards, and Swift’s PIN numbers written on pieces of paper.

A police officer at the scene of the death became suspicious of Lawler, and a bodily search found the purse hidden in his sleeve. He told Cambridge magistrates that he saw stealing the purse as • Grahame Lawler

again on its own,” Dr. Um told ABC. “The left side of his heart was pumping blood again. The right side was still weak, so we slowly eased him off the machine. At this point, he was in pretty good shape.”

Dr. Um said this was the first time one of his patients has been on an external heart-lung machine for this long before his heart started beating again.

“He’s home now, doing great,” Dr. Um said. “He’s really, really lucky.”

companies to help with his campaigning. “I call up companies and pull on their heart strings with pictures and news articles about deserving people,” he said. “Once they’ve helped, I’ll send them a certificate with a picture of the person that’s benefited so they can remember what a brilliant thing they’ve done.”

Tonight his 28 year-old wife Kerrie said it was “really hard” when she discovered her husband had cancer but she vowed “to stand by him through thick and thin”. She said: “My husband has shown stubborn resilience to his disease and poured his heart and soul into helping others. I am proud of him however long I have him for.

He has given happiness to others and I love him for just being him.”

He already has started helping the Lancashire-based charity, A Ray of Sunshine, which has a villa near Cadiz, Spain, available free of charge for deserving people.

David Lee, the charity’s owner, last night paid tribute to Mr Mitchell for his “special” actions. He said: “We are very grateful. He’s giving something back at a time when most people want to help themselves.”

In August 2010, Mr Mitchell won praise from David Cameron after he helped capture bandit after bravely pursuing the knifeman who he had seen threatening a woman and help police capture him.

“the way out” of an unpleasant job. “[I] have seen some very vile, nasty and horrible things,” he said.

“Decomposed bodies, people that have been run over, things like that.

Lawler was employed by Co-operative Funeralcare, which, the Sun reports, is the largest funeral firm in Britain.

Jane Carpenter, a close friend of Swift, was appalled by the theft. I don’t know what was worse,” Carpenter told Cambridge News, “being told she was dead or that she’d been stolen from.” Lawler is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

•Denise gives Zeus his food

There’s no need to fill up this dog’s water bowl… he just strolls up to the sink and drinks straight from the tap.

He weighs 11 stone, munches his way through 15lb of food a week and when he’s lying on the sofa

watching TV, owners Denise and Kevin Doorlag, and their son Nicholas have to sit elsewhere. Denise, of Otsego, Michigan, said: “It’s fun to see people’s reactions, especially kids… they think that he really is a horse.”

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012,

15

Foreign Affairs Flood sacks 200 homes, disrupt train services in UK

O

ver 200 homes have been flooded and train services disrupted as heavy rain continues across parts of the United Kingdom.

About 80 areas in England and Wales are being warned to expect flooding, with northern England the worst affected. Some areas could see 50mm (2in) of rain, an average fortnight’s worth by the day’s end, the Met Office said. Elsewhere, flooding has closed sections of major roads, with more than 100 vehicles trapped on a 30-mile stretch of the A1 in North Yorkshire.

The road is expected to stay shut in both directions between junction 49 (Dishforth) and junction 60 (Bradbury) for most of Tuesday. A search of the River Swale near Catterick following reports of a person in the water has been completed. North Yorkshire Police say the object spotted in the water by a member of the public was probably a yellow flotation device.

In Morpeth, Northumberland, homes were evacuated and 37 residents rescued by fire services because of flooding on the River Wansbeck and there are reports of travel disruption. In the West Yorkshire town of Hebden Bridge, which flooded twice in the summer, the river levels are rising, prompting fears of fresh flooding. Homes have not been evacuated but the Environment Agency said it had teams and pumps on standby to tackle flooding.

•Police officers arrest Semujju Nganda (C), an opposition member of parliament, in Kireka Trading Centre, a suburb of Kampala yesterday.

Police arrested Nganda after he tried to hold a rally in the surbubs of Kampala, to address the residents on the increase of insecurity in the area. The opposition and the Ugandan government have been at loggerheads since the 2011 presidential elections, citing government’s negligence to its citizens. Photo:AFP

UN: Obama calls on leaders to condemn extremism • Vows to stop Iran nuclear weapons

U

nited States President Barack Obama has urged global leaders to rally against extremism in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mr Obama said it was the obligation of all leaders to speak out forcefully against violence and extremism, as he framed his speech with references to the US ambassador murdered in Libya.

Unrest across the Middle East

Ghana to assist Ivory Coast investigate raids

G

hana has promised to help investigate attacks in Ivory Coast that Ivorian officials say were launched by supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo exiled in the neighbouring state.

Ivory Coast closed its border with Ghana on Friday following deadly armed raids on police and army installations in a border town and in its commercial capital Abidjan, further worsening relations between the world’s two biggest cocoa growers. “The government of Ghana remains determined and resolute that the two countries jointly investigate these occurrences to our mutual benefit,” Ghana’s foreign ministry said in a statement late on Monday.

“Ghana will not allow the hospitality we offer to refugees ... to be construed as providing an opportunity for planning and executing any actions to undermine the sovereignty, peace and reconciliation effort,” it said. Eight

people, including six attackers, were killed during what were the first such raids since August, when gunmen launched near-daily attacks on security forces.

Ivory Coast has blamed Gbagbo’s supporters, both in Ivory Coast and abroad, of planning the attacks, raising fears of renewed instability a year after a brief civil war killed more than 3,000 people after Gbagbo refused to recognise the victory of rival Alassane Ouattara in a presidential election.

Gbagbo was captured during fighting in Abidjan last year and is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Many of his top allies are living in exile, including in Ghana.

Ivory Coast’s Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko told Reuters on Friday that last week’s raid was “organised, ordered, and executed” from within Ghana .

Gbagbo’s political allies have denied any role in the attacks.

Prophet Muhammad. The US president condemned the violence that erupted over the “disgusting” anti-Islam video as “an attack on UN ideals”.

Referring to the US envoy who was killed in Benghazi on 11 September during protests sparked by the video, Mr Obama challenged the UN to affirm that “our future will be determined by people like Christopher Stevens, and

is set to dominate discussion at the summit.

Mr Obama also again stressed the US would not allow Iran nuclear weapons.

He said the US would “do what we must” to stop Tehran acquiring nuclear arms. Six weeks before the US election, the president said a nucleararmed Iran was “not a challenge that can be contained”.

Iran’s nuclear programme and the 18-month conflict in Syria have featured strongly ivilians are being “terin Tuesday’s speeches at the rorised” 24 hours a day Assembly, as have the recent

by CIA drone attacks protests across the Muslim world in response to a US- that target mainly low-level made video mocking the militants in north-west Pakistan, a United States report says.

Rescuers treating the casualties are also being killed and wounded by follow-up strikes, says the report by Stanford and New York Universities. Drone attacks are thought to have killed hundreds of militants in Yemen and Afghanistan as well as Pakistan.

• Obama

not by his killers”.

“It is time to marginalise those who even when not resorting to violence use hatred of America, or the West, or Israel as a central principle of politics,” said Mr Obama. The brand of politics that pits East against West, South against North, Muslim against Christian, Hindu and Jew, could not deliver the promise of freedom, he

added.

“That brand of politics only makes it harder to achieve what we must do together: educating our children and creating the opportunities they deserve; protecting human rights and extending democracy’s promise.

“Today, we must declare that this violence and intolerance has no place among our United Nations.”

Pakistan: CIA drone attacks traumatise civilians –Report

C

US President Obama has said the targets are “on a list of active terrorists”. Senior alQaeda and Taliban leaders have been killed in drone strikes in Pakistan. But the scale of civilian casualties has been difficult to assess because independent media and researchers are denied access by the authorities to the tribal areas near the Afghan border.

Hours before the report was released, another drone strike hit the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan. The

Ex-Libyan fighters exchange fire outside national congress

F

ormer Libyan rebel fighters calling for more recognition from the country’s new rulers briefly exchanged fire outside the national congress in Tripoli yesterday, members of the national assembly said.

The incident comes two days after Libya’s head of congress vowed to dissolve rogues militias who have refused to lay down their arms since the war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi last year.

Underlining Libya’s precari-

ous security, an argument during the demonstration escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

“They started fighting among each other, first just hitting each other and then exchanging fire,” congress member Nizar Kawan said, adding that some protesters were carrying banners saying “do not sideline the revolutionaries”. “Some of them were saying they should end the protest, others did want to and it escalated.”

A second congress mem-

ber, who declined to be named, said that politicians were evacuated to a nearby hotel. “Security forces asked congress members to leave the building,” he said.

“Security forces closed off the area and started shooting in the air to stop the protesters.” Libya’s army on Sunday ordered rogue armed groups in and around Tripoli to leave state and military premises or be ejected by force, apparently seeking to capitalise on the withdrawal of militias from Benghazi and Derna.

Pakistani Taliban said nine fighters were killed. In one of the most notorious attacks of recent years, tribal elders and local traders were among more than 40 people killed when two drones attacked a car carrying at least four militants at Datta Khel in North Waziristan in March 2011.

This report does not provide a confirmed death toll for civilian victims of drone strikes. No-one could. Firsthand reporting from the scene of a strike is all but impossible. Foreign reporters cannot enter Pakistan’s tribal belt without permission from the army. The areas targeted by drones are often under militant control, making access difficult even for local journalists. Civilians killed by drones can be the forgotten invisible dead.

Tariq Khan might have been invisible too, had he not attended a tribal assembly on drones in Islamabad last October. The shy, footballmad teenager was photographed in the audience.

Four days later he was dead.

His family say he was hit by two missiles as he was riding his motorbike. Tariq who was petrified of drones was decapitated in the strike.

16

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

NewsPlus Day Kalu diagnosed Nigeria’s leadership problem

By TOPE ADEBOBOYE

T

he topic was fittingly picked, just as the guest lecturer couldn’t have been more appositely selected.

On Thursday, September 20, Ogunbanjo Hall, opposite the popular Conference Centre at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, played host to an array of law students, law teachers, legal practitioners, journalists and sundry professionals from different fields. The occasion was this year’s edition of the Professor U. A. Ijalaye Annual Lecture, organised by the Equity Chambers, Faculty of Law, at the prestigious academic citadel.

The guest lecturer was Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, a former member of the House of Representatives and governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007. Kalu spoke on the topic: Leadership: Key factor to a better Nigeria.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adedotun Adegoke, who was the Royal Father of the Day, Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Olu Adediran, Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Femi Adesina, Chairman, Editorial Board, The Sun, Dr. Amanze Obi, Editor, Magazines, The Sun, Mr. Shola Oshunkeye, Head, Department of Business Law at the institution, Dr. S. B. Odunsi, Head, Department of International Law, Dr. O.S. Oyelade, and many others. The students were also there in their numbers, led by the president of Equity Chambers, Mr. Sogo Akintola.

The event commenced with a rendition of the National Anthem and the OAU anthem. Former president of Equity Chambers, Barrister Kennedy Amos, who stood in as chairman while

•Kalu

Professor Adediran was being awaited, introduced the guest lecturer and other guests on the high table.

When the esteemed law Professor arrived minutes into the programme, he personally expressed the gratitude of the faculty - and the institution’s - to Kalu for honouring the invitation. He said everyone was eagerly waiting to savour the rich intellectual dish to be served by the guest lecturer.

A long citation of the guest lecturer, highlighting his business and leadership skills, among others, was read by two of the students – Ijiola Stephen, a part three law student, and Nifemi Ibikunle, who is in his fourth year.

After the citation, Kalu was invited to read his lecture.

The lecturer expressed satisfaction that the Ivory Tower, represented by OAU, was playing its part well as a

“veritable profiler and analyser of our national situation.”

Quoting profusely from the speeches of several national and global leaders, Kalu traced the leadership crisis that has bedevilled Nigeria right from independence, and agreed with foremost novelist, Chinua Achebe, that the trouble with Nigeria is the failure of leadership.

Kalu insisted that Achebe was right when he noted in his seminal work, The Trouble with Nigeria, that the problem with our country “is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example, which is the hallmark of true leadership.” According to him, Nigeria is being bedevilled with bad leadership, and “until we extricate ourselves from that evil grip, we will not make much progress.”

He recalled also what Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, said 47 years ago in his fifth independence speech to the nation.

The Great Zik had noted: “The leaders of our various communities are servants of the people of Nigeria. They were selected to strengthen the bonds of national unity. Their main task is to promote understanding among the various tribes of Nigeria. So long as they faithfully do this, so long shall they have proved themselves capable of enduring the complicated problems of leadership in Nigeria.”

But, in Kalu’s words, many of Nigeria’s leaders have failed to abide by the words of these sages, doing the exact opposite of what Nigeria’s past heroes preached. And the result? The death of leadership in a country blessed with immense human and material resources. Little wonder that Dr. Dozie Ikedife, a former president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo had declared when his opinion was sought on leadership in Nigeria a few years back: “Please don’t make me cry. Nigeria has no leader.”

And Kalu asked on Thursday: “Don’t you feel like crying too at such comment? A country of about 160 million people, blessed with great natural and human resources, yet we have no leader. Sad. Quite sad.”

Mr. Herman Cohen, a former US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, had also bemoaned leadership in Nigeria, Kalu noted. Indeed, Cohen had asserted that “Nigerian leadership since 1999 has been disappointing.”

The former presidential aspirant said, however, that Nigerians could not afford to remain in the valley of sorrow and despondency, continually ruing the country’s fate in the hands of its ‘leaders’. He said it was apt that some OAU law students organised such a forum where Nigeria’s leadership problem could be dissected.

While defining who a leader is, Kalu went into the

works of some scholars, juxtaposing their thoughts on leadership with what has obtained in Nigeria over the decades.

He said: “Robert K. Greendeaf said in his book, The servant as a leader, that the lead that provides guidance for the leader is foresight. Once he loses this lead and events start to force his hand, he is a leader in name only.

He is not leading, he is reacting to immediate events and he probably will not remain for long as the leader.

“James Autry also said in another book, ‘The Servant Leader: ‘Leadership is not about controlling people. It is about caring for people and being a useful resource for people...

Leadership is not about being the boss, it is about being present for people and building a community at work... Leadership requires love. It is a calling; not just a job but a calling.’ ” Kalu noted that the late President Umaru Yar’Adua would have performed well as a good leader. He regretted that ill health and his eventual death hindered the late president from realising his dreams for Nigerians.

And for those who say even the led have also contributed immensely to the devastation of the Nigerian dream, the former governor quoted General John J. Pershing of the U.S Army: “A competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary, an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops.”

To Kalu, everything boils down to leadership. His words: “Even if the ‘followership’ has problems, is weak, reluctant or uncooperative, a good leader can marshal them out of stupor and lethargy. Sadly, we have not seen much of this in Nigeria.”

Kalu noted that leadership, according to Achebe, “is a sacred trust like the priesthood in civilized humane religions. No one gets into it lightly or unadvisedly, because it demands qualities of mind and discipline of body. Anyone who offers himself or herself or is offered to society for leadership must be aware of the unusually high demands of the role, and should, if in any doubt whatsoever, firmly refuse the promptings.”

So if leadership is a trust held at the behest of the people, why then do Nigerians leaders unleash anti-people policies on the led, even in a democracy, he wondered. He then asserted: “Leaders must listen to the people, engage with them, and formulate policies that will promote their wellbeing. Otherwise, such leaders betray the sacred trust of their offices and position.”

Kalu regretted that most people that had found themselves in positions of leadership in the country never prepared for such positions.

He lamented that leaders are not being groomed by anyone. But then, is the younger generation willing to be groomed?

“Leadership is something you plan for, you get groomed for, and consciously go into,” he noted. “But in Nigeria, we see that such is not largely the case. Even when some of us tried to groom successors, we discovered that we were grooming monsters that were willing to kick us out of office before they learnt the qualities of leadership.”

Running through a list of past and present presidents and heads of state in Nigeria, Kalu said most never prepared for leadership before fate – or those that needed them for scarcely

•Continued on page 17

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DAILY SUN

17

NewsPlus

•Kalu (3rd left) and other guests cutting the anniversary cake •Continued from page 16

‘In leadership, you can’t always run faster than the people you are leading...

altruistic purposes- thrust them on Nigerians.

And to be fair to the former governor, indeed, Nigeria has been so inopportune to be saddled with a generation of reluctant leaders.

For instance, in 1966, Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and some other young military officers planned a coup that didn’t fetch them power. It was Major-General J.T.U. Aguiyilronsi that later became head of state. But he never prepared for that office.

When Lt. Col. Buka Sukar Dimka led a coup in which then head of state, General mia, please help look into this, and tell us Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in what the problem is.”

1976, the coup failed. Murtala’s deputy, Gen. Kalu also noted what the great Nelson Olusegun Obasanjo grudgingly became head of state. He was obviously not ready when he Mandela said of leadership: “Lead from the front - but don’t leave your base behind.” was forced on Nigerians.

And the iconic man also stated: “Quitting is Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s wish was to be a leading too.” senator before he found himself on the presiKalu insisted that Mandela enjoys the revdent’s chair. Little wonder the nation fared the erence and adoration that he commands all way it did under his watch.

Until he was drafted into office as leader of over the world today because he quit just after the interim government, Shonekan showed lit- one term in office. He said it was unfortunate that in Nigeria, leaders hardly ever want to tle interest in politics. Of course, the country quit. Instead, they fight to supplant the constiremained absolutely rudderless while tution and keep themselves in office for life.

Shonekan ran his 83-day Interim National He said his determination to stop Obasanjo Government before that contraption was from circumventing the constitution and go sacked by General Sani Abacha. for a third term in office led to the withdrawal In his second coming, Olusegun Obasanjo of the operating licences of many of his busivariously inquired from those calling on him nesses, including the SLOK Airlines, to run for president: “How many ‘P’s do you Hallmark Bank, and a host of others, want to make out of me? I have been despatching thousands of Nigerians into the President, I have been Prisoner, yet you want me to be President again.” He was clearly not labour market. He wondered why other sittight rulers in Africa - Gnassingbe Eyadema interested in being president. But the powers of Togo, Ahamdu Ahidjo and Paul Biya of that wanted him had their way.

Cameroun, Omar Bongo of Gabon, Mobutu After being governor for eight years, Yar’Adua was set to return to the classroom to Sese Seko of Zaire, and the late Muamar Gadafi of Libya – never learnt from the teach Chemistry. But he was drafted to be president, even when he never prepared for that position.

And the present president? Goodluck Jonathan never prepared for leadership.

He became governor when his principal was impeached. Then he was drafted to be Yar’Adua’s vice president. Yar’Adua died, unfortunately, and Jonathan inherited the office.

“Why does Nigeria get reluctant leaders,” asked Kalu. “Is this country cursed or jinxed? Why do those who scrupulously prepare for leadership never get it? We know of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “the best president we never had.” We know of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, the man who wanted us to bid farewell to poverty. We know of many others who had prepared and groomed themselves for leadership. They never got it. But the reluctant ones get shoved into office and power. What is the matter with Nigeria? Researchers in our acade- •Kalu (right) and Prof.

While a good leader should not be led by the people, he also must not ignore the people. There must always be a meeting point...’

Mandela example.

“Quitting is leading too,” Kalu declared, quoting Mandela. “If you find yourself incapable of discharging the duties and responsibilities of your office, then quit. If the entire country is complaining about your tenure in office, quit. Throw in the towel. If the country is about to break into pieces under you, bow out gracefully. We must learn to quit when we are unable to discharge the trust which leadership is. Quitting is leading too, according to Mandela.”

Kalu also quoted some experts on leadership, extracting from the works of Peter Drucker, John C Maxwell, Warren Bennis and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester to define to his guests what a good leader should and should not do. He also recalled what he said in the book: Orji Kalu: Leadership Lessons From A Master Strategist: “In leadership, you can’t always run faster than the people you are leading... While a good leader should not be led by the people, he also must not ignore the people. There must always be a meeting point... I see leadership as both inborn and acquired through some form of tutelage or through experience. You can be

born a leader. You can also be groomed as a leader.”

The lecturer told his audience that it was regrettable that in Nigeria, leaders are not groomed. Making references to the Bible, Kalu noted that Moses groomed Joshua, Paul groomed Timothy while Jesus also groomed the apostles. “But sadly, many of our leaders in Nigeria are never groomed. They just suddenly find themselves in power, and begin to grope in the dark. That is the problem with Nigeria,” he asserted.

According to the former governor, “leadership is making a difference. It is treating people right. It is recreating yourself, accepting responsibility, matching your words with action. Leadership involves having a clear direction, being a Chief Strategist, the ability to inspire hope, and being the Chief Servant.”

He wasn’t done. “Leadership is integrity. It is creating a positive image. It is having the right positive attitude. It is also about grooming people, and developing your successor. As it is said, there is no success without a successor. Nigeria currently has problem with many of these requirements on leadership. But we should not lose hope. Better days will come.

We will get out of the wilderness; we will get to our Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. When we get leadership right, we will also get Nigeria right. The day will come. And we hope it will be soon.”

All hope isn’t lost, he contended. Nigeria could still have good leaders, he affirmed.

“The truth about the life we live today is what Jimmy Cliff sang in one of his songs: “You can make it if you really want, but you must try, try and try. You will succeed at last.”

He ended his presentation by affirming that true leaders must know when to quit. “In Nigeria, leaders never want to quit. Today, my dear students, you too have started leading.

But remember, quitting is also leading.”

Hon. Kennedy Amos, while confirming Kalu’s words, said the former governor endured considerable persecution under former President Obasanjo because he dared to ask questions from some of Nigerian leaders.

“They took his licence at a time his SLOK Air had just taken delivery of some brand new aircraft. They persecuted him, but he never wavered. This is the kind of leader we need in this country. We are proud of him.”

Responding to questions from some of the students, Kalu urged them to be humble and imbibe the right lessons and take the right mentoring from the appropriate leaders. He also enjoined the women folks to come together, do the necessary networking, enter into the right alliances and take their rightful positions in Nigeria’s political space.

He also made a great case for an Igbo presidency in 2015, insisting that an Igbo man or woman must be the chief occupant of Aso Rock Villa from May 29, 2015. According to him, any Igbo man that speaks against the project is an enemy of the people. He enjoined Nigerians to help in making democracy work in the country.

Oba Adegoke said he was proud of Kalu’s achievements and urged him not to abandon the ship of the Nigerian state at these critical times.

Speaking later at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse11, where the former governor paid a courtesy call on the revered monarch, Kalu urged traditional rulers in the country to find a way of assisting the federal government in curbing the menace of insecurity in the country. Responding, Oba Sijuwade said Nigeria needed a man like Kalu.

He urged him to forgive his persecutors and continue to provide leadership.

While interacting with reporters at the event, Kalu said a leader must make his words his bond.

“We need a leader who will match his words with action. We need a leader who will say ‘I will eradicate Boko Haram today’ and will do it. A leader who will do things right without minding stepping on toes. No good leader is called a good name. Even Jesus Christ was betrayed.”

18

DAILY SUN Wednesday September 26, 2012

Proliferation of illegal firearms

R

ecent discoveries of illegal firearms in different parts of the country prior to the 2015 general elections are worrisome. Such arms build-up portends great danger to the nation’s democracy and internal security. In Anambra State alone, the police discovered two private armouries in Oraifite and Uli, in Ekwusigo and Ihiala Local Government Areas respectively. The consignments of dangerous arms and ammunition were found in the homes of two robbery kingpins. Arms recovered from the two arms depots by the operatives of the State’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the InspectorGeneral of Police Special Task Force on Heinous Crimes include numerous AK47 rifles and magazines, rockets and rocket launchers, grenades and assorted rounds of high calibre live ammunition.

Similar arms hauls have been made in Lagos, Benue, Kogi, Kaduna and Delta States. For instance, in March this year, officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, discovered 11 cartons of lethal explosives reportedly flown into the country from South Africa by an unnamed Nigerian importer.

The NCS also made similar discoveries at Apapa ports.

The Benue State Police Command recovered consignments of small arms and ammunition and other dangerous weapons between March and July this year. The police in Kogi, Kaduna and Delta States also recovered sundry arms and ammunition from unauthorised individuals.

Also, in Ondo State, the Police recently raised an alarm over the influx of firearms into the hands of politicians and their hired hoodlums preparatory to the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. Undoubtedly, other states in the federation are not free from these stockpiling of illegal arms, either for political thuggery or armed banditry.

The increasing number of private illegal armouries in different parts of the country should be of great concern to those in charge of the nation’s security. Possession of fire-arms by unauthorized persons is dangerous. It is capable

of compromising public safety in addition to the nation’s internal security. Although this development is not entirely new, what we find troubling is that the arms depots are now filled with sophisticated weapons like rocket launchers and other weapons of mass destruction.

The arms build-up is particularly dangerous now that talks about the 2015 election are starting to heat up the polity. It is public knowledge that politicians deploy such arms to illegal use during elections to scare away their opponents and thwart the electoral process. And after the elections, such arms end up in the hands of robbers and other hoodlums.

The proliferation of arms depots in the country is an indication of future danger if nothing is done now to stop the trend now. The fact that these arms come into the country unhindered underscores the porous nature of our borders. It also shows that those in charge of our border security are not doing enough to safeguard them. If they had been more diligent in their work, the country will not be witnessing frequent infiltration of illegal weapons as we have it now.

Let those importing these arms with the aim of obstructing the electoral process desist. They should understand that with availability of social media, rigging of election is now more difficult.

Our politicians should also understand that winning election is now beyond the decision of one powerful chieftain. The 2015 election will be entirely different as voters have become wiser and can go to any length to defend their votes.

However, security agencies should wake up, track these illegal armouries and mop up the arms and ammunition that are already in wrong hands. All those behind this heinous act should be apprehended and brought to justice. Arms proliferate in the country because past gun runners have not been apprehended, tried and convicted.

We call for a departure from the seeming lethargy in apprehending and prosecuting illegal arms dealers and importers in the country. If some of those bringing in these dangerous weapons are tried and convicted, it will deter others from doing the same thing.

COMMENT

LETTER

Create Ogoja State now

OGOJA area is one of the last provinces in Nigeria that has not become a state. Whatever,the reasons, no one is sure. Most underdeveloped areas of the country that have become states have seen fast and significant infrastructural, economic and political development overnight. For example, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi states of Nigeria.

This must be remedied to bring psychological, educational, economic and political development to this part of the country that hasn't seen any significant development since colonial rule. This area has not seen economic or political participation in the democratic process of the country.

The creation of then South Eastern or current Cross River State has left this region still largely untouched by any meaningful economic or political progress. The vast human and natural resources of Ogoja are not being harnessed to benefit the people of the area or Nigeria for that matter. The human and natural resources are wasting away. For years, this area was neglected by the federal government because the area is occupied by mostly minority tribes. The area continues to suffer from huge economic, health and education-

al problems. No part of the country should be left to suffer such deprivation, especially when the country has the economic resources and the political wherewithal to address the issue.

The economic, educational, and political gains made by the sons and daughters of this area are not significant enough to benefit the citizens so they continue to suffer in silence and without a voice in their own country. This imbalance must change so that the Ogoja people can engage and participate fully in our new democratic process. With the ongoing constitutional review, the National Assembly and the federal government should embark on the immediate task of creating an Ogoja State during this legislative session. This bold step will remove the pains the Ogoja people have suffered in educational, social, emotional, political, and economic opportunities over time.

Any visible development in the area is credited to the early Roman Catholic missionary that came to the area to serve the spiritual needs of the people.

They built schools, churches, orphanages, and hospitals, most of all they gave the people some hope for a better future. The current Cross River

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State is too large to undertake any meaningful economic development to benefit the Ogoja people.

For Ogoja people, progress is standing still.

Ogoja State should be created in this administration because of the political and economic benefits to the region as well as the nation as a whole. Ogoja state would become the agricultural home of the nation. The region is noted for fertile soil and agricultural produce such as yams, rice, cassava and cocoa are grown in the area. State creation will bring immediate wealth, education, health, economic, and political resources to this neglected region. The area will see steady flow of goods, people and capital for economic development and growth. Better roads for commerce will be developed and maintained by the federal government and Ogoja State. Ultimately, this will alleviate poverty and the suffering of the Ogoja people.

Educationally, the new state will create more primary, secondary and higher education systems to benefit the citizens of this area. The area lacks health care facilities to serve the people. This will change because Ogoja state will be able to build more health care facilities and increase access to healthcare resources for families and children. For small scale industries to develop there must be electricity. Ogoja state will embark on rural electrification project to allow businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in small scale industries and to create jobs in the area. Most importantly, it will focus attention on the areas of human develop-

ment that have been neglected for generations.

Participatory democracy requires that all citizens must be allowed to participate and contribute to the economic and political affairs of the nation, and share in the benefits and burdens of the country. The creation of Ogoja state would give its citizens some participation and voice in the political process of the country. It would also promote the regional development of the economic activities of the region, promote interstate commerce, as well as cooperation and sharing of natural and human resources. In addition, it would create favorable business environment and spur economic development.

The voice of the people would be fully represented. The current political landscape leaves most of this area underrepresented and unappreciated. If the nation is to keep its promise to the minority people of the country and to live up to the true spirit and aspirations of the constitution, then Ogoja State must be created now.

The ruling Party in Cross River State should welcome the creation of Ogoja State because the regional economy will benefit all.

Finally, this would encourage sound economic and political development in the region and ultimately give the people of Ogoja a voice they never had because equity, fairness, and justice demand this change.

Barrister Thomas Ogar CT, USA. CMYK

DAILY SUN Wednesday September 26 2012

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Boko Haram: Is it carrots or guns approach?

B Wale Sokunbi CURRENTS lood and tears flowed in Bauchi again last Sunday. At a time that the government is busy trying to convince Nigerians that it is engaged in a dialogue, albeit, via “backdoor channels” with Boko Haram insurgents, sounds of bombs ripped through St. John’s Catholic Church in the Wunti Area of the Bauchi State capital.

At the end of it all, a suicide bomber and three other persons, including a four-year old boy, were confirmed dead. Forty-six persons sustained varying degrees of injuries. The suicide-bombing incident followed a similar pattern used in the bombing of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, on Christmas Day, last year, that left 43 people dead.

The latest Bauchi bombing incident came shortly after the announcement of the killing of two leaders of the insurgent set by security forces last week. It also followed the declaration of war on terrorists by the Nigeria military last Friday.

The continuing bombing and killing of innocent Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect, with the government finding it difficult to do anything concrete to stop it, has become a major headache for Nigerians. It has become a serious threat to the stability of the country. Leaders from both sides of the religious divide have openly condemned the Boko Haram insurgency.

Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross in Bauchi, Mr. Adamu Abubakar, who confirmed the number of the dead in the latest incident, lamented the fact that government is not protecting Christians against the vicious attacks. He reportedly asked the president: “Are Christians being forced to abandon the worship of their God? What have Christians done to warrant these unprovoked attacks?”

These, indeed, are the questions on the lips of all Nigerians. The best that has come from this incident from the authorities, so far, is that the government is doing everything possible to forestall a recurrence by intensifying security in the state.

The president, expectedly, will condole with the victims and the injured and prom-

08056180228 walesokunbi2003@yahoo.co.uk ise that the perpetrators will be brought to book. Thereafter, Nigerians will wait for the next attack.

Although the authorities have imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the area, and homes are probably being searched to ferret out the perpetrators of the latest bombing, it has become glaring that the present approach to this insurgency is not working at all.

For one, there appears to be a disconnection between the conciliatory tone of the Federal Government’s “back door channel dialogue” approach and the stance of the security agencies.

The impression that has been created is that while the government wants to dialogue with the insurgents and resolve this matter, the Army and other security agencies prefer to take the insurgents on headlong.

The headline of the last Saturday Sun screamed: “Military declares war on terrorists. We must defeat them.” The report quoted the Air Chief Marshall Oluseyi Petirin, Chief of Defence Staff, warning that persons plotting aggression against Nigeria would not be spared by the Armed Forces.

He said the military would never allow insurgents to take over Nigeria, and advised “anybody or group that wants to rule Nigeria to form a political party, contest and win election. He went on to vow that it would never happen that a set of people that has not won an election would impose a type of rule on the country. He, thereafter, urged the military to defeat terrorism against the people of the country.

These ordinarily are words that should inspire confidence in the people and

encourage the military to end the Boko Haram insurgency. However, they are diametrically opposed to the presidency’s avowed dialogue option.

So, what option is the government really pursuing? Is it to dialogue with the insurgents with a view to an amicable resolution to the insurgency so that Nigerians can sleep with two eyes closed or is it to defeat the sect members in military fashion by haunting them into oblivion?

It is the responsibility of the government to choose which of the options it wants to pursue. That is one decision that cannot be made for the authorities by anybody. The government, also, cannot choose both options. But, it is doubtful if the government can dialogue with Boko Haram and be killing the leaders of the sect at the same time.

If the military option is the way the government has decided to go, it must be swift and decisive. It must unequivocally demonstrate its military superiority over the sect.

This option, however, will not be without massive casualties. This is because a guerrilla warfare such as the sect has declared on the nation is not easy to fight.

This type of warfare is all the more difficult when it is being waged by persons who are ready to die at the drop of a hat, such as the suicide bombers of Boko Haram. As noted in an earlier column, it is not easy for a man who wants to live to win a war against an opponent who is ready to die.

For me, the occasional news of killings of one or two leaders of Boko Haram regularly released by the security operatives bring no cheer at all. This is because as long as the

Boko Haram machine lives, ten, if not a hundred innocent lives, will be wasted for every Boko Haram insurgent killed by the agencies. So, what exactly are the security agencies celebrating with the occasional killings of the sect leaders? These killings will not take the country anywhere or secure peace. While not discouraging the security agencies, what the nation needs is a fundamental solution to the terrorism problem.

As the President Goodluck Jonathan has said, the campaign against Boko Haram is difficult because the insurgents are also Nigerians. The government, therefore, cannot launch an all out war against the sect. If security agents continue to kill insurgents, they will, as the Yoruba say, continue to use every small abara (blow) they give Boko Haram receive devastating ones. There is no arguing the fact that government can never be as ruthless and unconscionable as the sect members.

The solution, then, rests in finding an amicable way to stop the insurgency. This can only be done through genuine dialogue with the sect through the leadership class in Northern Nigeria. This may sound bitter, but it is the simple truth. Any other option will only lead to more and more bloodshed.

Nigeria may win the war eventually, but what benefit will that offer to the thousands of innocent Nigerians who would have lost their lives in the process? How would that benefit the bereaved widows, widowers and children of the dead?

But then, this is not to say that those found to have killed innocent Nigerians should go scot-free. Terms of settlement of this insurgency will provide for appropriate punishment for those found to have unleashed violence and killed innocent people.

That punishment cannot be summary execution as there is no provision for such in the nation’s law books. This insurgency should not turn our security agencies to summary executioners because this will not solve the problem. Let the authorities use the best of their abilities to pursue peace first, then justice. In the end, the law should take its course.

Media trial of Iheanacho

BY EMMANUEL ONWUBIKO igerians are daily inundated with media drama by security operatives. Oftentimes, this involves high profile arrests of suspects allegedly involved in a number of offences ranging from terrorism, which is a present and potentially destabilizing danger to the existence of Nigeria, to other serious cases such as crude oil theft and diversion and/or theft of subsidy funds.

The Police Force are also known to have announced and celebrated in the local media, several high profile arrests of alleged kidnapping kingpins, but none of these alleged kidnappers has been convicted for this serious crime against humanity.

What makes these intermittent 'breakthroughs,' by the security agents that are flamboyantly celebrated in the Nigerian media strange is that these announcements and the attendant sensational news coverage are just the only thing the Nigerian public would be privileged to know because often, these same high profile suspects already paraded in the media by the security operatives are never really charged before the competent courts of law. Even when they are brought to these courts and further disgraced in the media, the suspects end up walking out freely from the court rooms either because the security operatives are ill-prepared with quality proof of evidence to nail these suspects or the prosecution may have compromised with these high profile suspects to undermine the determination of these cases before the courts. The larger public is, then,the worse for it because public fund allegedly stolen are never recovered fully and these alleged offenders are left to walk right back into public reckoning as members of the untouchable political and economic cabals.

September 14, 2012, therefore came just

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like any other politically charged day in Nigeria when security operatives attached to a private security firm in Lagos linked to a former militant from the Niger Delta, the birthplace of President Jonathan, announced that it had caught a 'big fish' in the person of the former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, for alleged conspiracy in the case of alleged storage by his farm tank of allegedly stolen crude oil. Most discerning Nigerians took the sensational media story with a pinch of salt and most people murmured that the authorities have started with another phase of 'Government magic'.

The former Interior Minister was quoted in the media few weeks before his socalled arrest to have said that the reported award of a multi-billion naira security contract to a private security firm linked to one of the former leaders of the then armed militants in the Niger Delta was wrong since the Nigerian Navy is the statutory arm of the Nigerian security forces charged with the duty of safeguarding Nigeria's waterways.

President Jonathan is known to have publicly complained that he is the most criticized President in the world and his body language in recent times shows him as a political leader that is now prepared to deal decisively with his so-called critics.

Many other people, including this writer, also criticized the award of security contract to this private security firm belonging to the ex-militant as the height of nepotism and, therefore, illegal and unconstitutional.

But the Presidency defended the security contract handed to the former militant leader in the Niger Delta.

The arrest of the former Minister and the media celebration of his alleged involvement in the said alleged theft of crude oil is linked with his avowed opposition to the security contract awarded to a private

Nigerian citizen to protect the waterways even when the Navy is heavily under funded and deliberately undermined by the same system.

When the arrest of the former Interior Minister came to our notice, our group – Human Rights Writers' Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)–immediately addressed a media conference and totally condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of the former minister by Nigerian Maritime And Safety Agency (NIMASA) over alleged storage of “stolen crude oil” (AGO CARGO) in a tank farm associated with him.

The manner of the arrest of the former minister, to us, is a total violation of the Fundamental Human Rights of a Nigerian citizen. We are aware of the widely circulated defence put up by the former minister in which he cleared himself and the company of involvement in the storage of the allegedly stolen petroleum products.

The firm run by the former minister had claimed thus: “On Thursday September 13, 2012, our management was surprised by the incidence of the vicious invasion of our Tank Farm facility at Ibafon by a group of uniformed armed men, numbering about thirty and purporting themselves to be acting on the orders and instructions of the D.G. NIMASA and allegedly of Mr. Tompolo, MD, of a private company GVWSL.” The immediate past Interior Minister had also, contrary to the allegation that his company was in breach of the law in storing the said petroleum products claimed thus; “In the course of the invasion, the intruders ransacked the entire tank farm complex, arresting and violently manhandling the workers at the complex, laying them flat on the floor, seizing their hand sets. At the end of the day, five members of staff of the company were allegedly abducted and taken to

NIMASA for interrogation and have since been transferred to the SSS at Shangisha where they were held incommunicado.”

As a human rights organization, we recognize the sanctity of fundamental human rights as enshrined in section 36 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

A citizen alleged to be in breach of the law is innocent in the eye of the law until proven guilty by a competent court of law and must not be subjected to undue harassment or physical/psychological torture through the instrumentality of governmentcontrolled power of coercion.

We are also against the media trial that was carried out against the former minister who, we believe, served this country creditably. If government believes that his firm has, indeed, breached, any extant law, it is obliged to follow the due process of the law and not to use crude means that is akin to abduction of a citizen.

I am of the conviction that Nigeria must not return to the dark days of military brute force or crude application of the law.

This allegation is serious and must be investigated by President Jonathan.

These serious allegations must be probed, more so when reports indicated that the said petroleum products were validly cleared by all relevant authorities with the necessary inwards clearance documentation, issued by the Nigerian Navy, the Department of Petroleum Resources DPR, the Nigerian Port Authority and surprisingly, NIMASA. Now that NIMASA has claimed that the clearance certificate paraded by the former Interior Minister is fake, it behoves the Federal Government to set up an independent panel to uncover the truth about the entire scenario.

Onwubiko writes from Lagos. www.huriwa.blogspot.com.

CMYK

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday September 26, 2012

Dickson justifies Jonathan's confidence

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Y vacation after years of slavishness in the banking sector took me to Bayelsa State, the glory of all lands, where nature exemplifies its glorious mystique. Without a trip to the countryside, one may be ensconced in the realities of our past. The allure and lore of Nigeria's major cities give a very wrong impression of the state of our nation.

How can anybody explain that prior to May 29, 1999, only one filling station with just two pumps functioned in an oil-harboring place like Yenegoa, the capital of Bayelsa State? It is unimaginable and goes to confirm that the military were merely interested in plundering and pillaging whatever they could lay their hands on without any qualms. How I wish that all of them and their civilian successors who toed their thievish line could be administered the Milosevic treatment for their banditry.

With the advent of Governor Serikae Dickson after a rancorous legal battle and his government's entrepreneurial enablement, filling stations now dot the entire landscape. Bayelsa of the past seven months indicates and manifestly signposts the benefits of regime change inevitably spearheaded by President Goodluck Jonathan. It is difficult to believe the transformation that has taken place here in the last seven months encompassing local, state and federal government initiatives, with occasional lofty conjunctions among the tiers.

As most Nigerians lose sleep over the inefficiency of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), more than 50 per cent of Bayelsa residents savour uninterrupted energy supply provided by the state government through the use of gas, a menacingly flaring by-product. Of course, the vastly-improving PHCN has no input.

The greatest setback to structural development in Bayelsa is the swampy and mangrove topography of the entire area, which makes facility location a tedious and capital-intensive exercise. As I observed in all the places visited, mere bush-clearing gulps as much as the same amount of money that could be used elsewhere to put up a magnificent building or even a complex. A 500-bed project, for instance, would require a staggering sum of N1 billion for bush-clearing alone!

From the things in place in Bayelsa established by the current administration, it is quite clear Dickson's immediate predecessor never laid any foundation or had any roadmap, a pointer to the lack of vision.

Some of the completed and ongoing projects are the Bayelsa State multi-indoor sports complex, a mini-stadium with Olympic-size swimming pool, public housing edifices, a newspaper corporation

Ebere

Wabara 08055001948 ewabara@yahoo.com with full installed machinery, a multipurpose 49room hotel complex rehabilitated by the state and administered by the management of Hotel Presidential, and a civil servants' housing estate recently unveiled by President Jonathan.

Early this year, the Bayelsa State Broadcasting Service (Radio Bayelsa), legislative quarters, 260 phase one low-cost owner-occupier units, an oil mill equipped with latest technology for the cultivation and management of a 30,000-hectare plantation out of which 20,000 hectares have already been put in place, a college of arts and science, an integrated TV and radio station, a 40-megawatts gas turbine rehabilitated to last at least another 15 years from now with a reminder that Light is life have all come on stream.

Federal highway landmarks in the state include Yenagoa primary roads I and II constructed by the firm of Messrs Julius Barger PLC, at a contract sum of N5,356,754,056.63. This particular project was initially awarded by the state on March 18, 1999, and later taken over by the Federal Government on December 16, 1999. The job, covering 6.5km asphalt concrete dual carriageway (road one), 8.90km asphalt concrete single carriageway (road two) and 1.70km asphalt concrete dual carriageway (road three), was completed in 2003.

Another federal presence here is the Tombia Bridge on Amasoma-Tombia-Okutukutu Road constructed at a cost of N2,470,387,581.70.

Contract for this vital access route was awarded on September 15, 2000, with re-commencement on October 15, 2002. The scope of work spanned construction of 12 span post-tensioned hollow box girder bridge with a total length of 592.20m. Width of the bridge is 11m with 8m travel way, while approach roads of 1km length were built at each end. Also included is the removal and replacement

of damaged 30m Bailey bridge at N30 million charged to the main contract. What is significant here is the quality of work done and the relevance of the facility to the socio-economic transformation of Bayelsa State as the two structures have opened up the creek community. With Governor Dickson being the 'son' in whom President Jonathan is well pleased, there is no doubt that the Federal Government will soon locate more facilities in the state.

Indeed, there is no denying the fact that the Bayelsa State government is quite in a hurry to develop hence Governor Dickson's unflinching commitment to several roads and housing projects and other transformative facilities. It will be foolhardy of course to ascribe the achievements and successes recorded by this government so far to any single individual. Without the prayers and support of most Bayelsans, Governor Dickson would not have recorded so much within his short tenure so far. As the governor once noted, “if not for the good, faithful and hardworking people of the state, there is little we could have accomplished.”

Governor Dickson further enthuses: “As we continue with our foresighted administration, I invite you to donate your ideas to sustain our promise of growth. Indeed I urge you to intensify your support for the programmes and policies that we have initiated so that, collectively, we can pursue them with the vigour required to lift Bayelsa State onto higher pedestals. Your unalloyed loyalty will strengthen us. And your contributions, given freely and with goodwill, will serve to propel us into prosperity.”

It is impossible not to see and feel the rewards of Dickson's leadership in Bayelsa State. One could breathe it. Within two seven months or thereabouts, he has erected so many structures and other public

projects that some of his colleagues cannot do throughout their tenure! All these are going on without media hype. I crave your permission to repeat that only non-performers make so much fuss over the little things they do wretchedly.

How would anybody not commend an initiative that provides two-bedroom low-cost housing schemes in all the local governments of the state?

The allocation pattern further makes it more laudatory: 20 percent of the units as staff quarters for civil servants, 20 per cent for owner-occupiers who are to pay in an installment arrangement spread over 10 years, 10 per cent to the community where the structures are sited and the rest for general acquisition at affordable rates.

Perhaps the most attractive health facility in Bayelsa State as at today is the emergency medical service which provides first 24-hour medical attention without pay for victims of all sorts of emergencies, free medicare for children and citizens above 60 years old. Not until the emergence of Governor Dickson, there was no public potable water supply in the state! The situation has changed.

An apostle of utmost frugality and maximum utility of public funds, the governor not long ago attributed the growing vehicular traffic situation in Yenegoa to his government's empowerment of the people and rapidity in the pace of socio-economic transactions.

I know full well that in the years ahead, more transformations would be recorded going by what is on ground at this moment. It is now understandable why President Jonthan stuck out his neck for Dickson. With the changes going on in the state, the President could not have made a better choice between the residual preceding darkness and the currency of light in the governorship of his state.

It was good that the old order in the state was halted in February. Otherwise, we would not have had the privilege of Dickson's glorious intervention that has resulted in the soaring uplift of this community and home of our president. Most times, it is enduring to experience meaningful change and jettisoning of the status quo, which is what Governor Dickson divinely represents.

From a summative point, Dickson has clearly and undoubtedly justified the confidence reposed in him by President Jonathan. It would be imbecilic for anyone on account of this unique relationship to say that Hon. Dickson is a stooge of President Jonathan! The approximately two million Bayelsans-excluding the Supreme Court losers!can confirm the absence of any such relational unpleasantness or dishonesty in the running of the states.

Waiting for Abuja light rail

BY IBRAHIM SARKIN YAKI buja, the Federal Capital City, in recent years has witnessed an upsurge in population. This is also evident from the overwhelming increase in vehicles on most highways in the FCC which has made commuting a rather harrowing experience based on the high level of traffic gridlock.

It is based on this disturbing development that the current FCT Administration has purposely decided to unbridle the much needed multi-modal form of transportation; an unhindered Abuja Light Rail that is sure to handle the issue of traffic gridlock and will also be effective, fast and provide a cheaper/affordable means of transportation.

The Abuja Light Rail project has reached its final implementation take-off stage; Senator Bala Mohammed made this assertion in Beijing, China where he went to represent the Administration at the signing ceremony of the agreement for the $500M loan that is needed to bring the light rail project to conclusion; he further expressed absolute delight when he stated that "today marks a major milestone in the history of the provision of infrastructure in the FCT". And certainly the ability to finally access the loan will symbolize the transformation of the FCT. The Minister added that "the Abuja light rail is of major significance to us due to the manner it will be used to effectively move residents from the outskirts to the center of the Federal Capital City and vice versa; invariably, augmenting the socio-economic

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standing for the residents of the FCT by increasing their financial power and decreasing the city's population upsurge.

Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala signed the MoU agreement of the $500M loan that will be provided by the Chinese Exim Bank. The signing of the agreement between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Chinese Exim bank has set in motion an unimpeded protraction of the Abuja Light Rail project; she also averred that it is in interest of both countries to cooperate with each other.

China is the largest country in the world and 2nd biggest economy in the world, while Nigeria is the largest in Africa and 2nd biggest economy on the continent. It is more evident than ever as stated by Dr Okonjo-Iweala during their trip to China earlier in the year when it was made clear that the Abuja Light Rail Project is exceedingly needed by not just the FCT but by Nigeria as a whole; the project remains a priority that is topmost to the President, FCTAdministration and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Vice president of the Exim bank Mr. Sun Ping while welcoming the Nigerian delegationsaid that“China and Nigeria have had a protracted upended relationship and they have always treated each other like brothers”. He further explained that the Exim bank is owned by the government of China which intends to further strengthen economic cooperation with Nigeria.

Obviously, Senator Bala Mohammed has reaffirmed his administration's willingness to do everything necessary to ensure that the Abuja Light Rail projected is completed within the transformation period of President Goodluck Jonathan. This is predicated on the fact that all impediments that had militated against the Multi-Billion-Naira Rail project were shoved aside.

The recent trip to China by the Nigerian delegation to consolidate and sign the final loan agreement with the Chinese NEXIM Bank is coming on the heels of the formal signing of the amended variation of the scope of agreement between the current FCT Administration and the Chinese Firm (CCECC) handling the project; the Abuja Light Rail project began in 2006 with plans to finance it through a $500 Million loan from Chinese Nexim Bank in addition to funding from the Federal Government and the FCT Administration. The Project really commenced in 2009 as a result of paucity of funds.

Basically, the lack of securing the $500 Million as ideated has had a rather adverse effect which has made the former completion date of 2013 unrealistic, but the FCT Administration and the Federal Government had to kick start the project and have so far spent over N22 Billion with a 20 per cent completion. The Abuja Light Rail has been revised and thus having a variation of scope; Senator Bala's administration has been able to hasten the process by ensuring that it got a certificate of no objection from the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPE) as

well as the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The phasing of the project is a welcome idea, so that each individual phase can be monitored towards ensuring that it meets the set date of completion and to also ensure that the current FCT Administration conveniently place the train and couches on the rail tracks in Abuja before may 2015.

The Abuja Rail Project must, without doubt, be exceptionally prioritized by the FCTAdministration in such a manner that regular emphasis must be given to it, regular visits must be paid to the sites to ascertain the level of work done at every point in time until the project is completed; it is essential to know what has been done, the current stage of the project and where the project is meant to be at specific periods of time. This is one project that remains very dear to the Federal Government, and efforts must be geared towards ensuring that it is delivered at the expiration of the contractual timeline. As it is now we have 2015 as the date of completion and handing over and that date must be sacrosanct, ensuring that nothing delays that date.

FCT residents must see the Abuja light rail project as theirs specifically bearing in mind the massive employment and commercial opportunities it will bring, and continue to support Senator Bala Mohammed's developmental strategies and projects with a vision of enhancing their living standards.

Sarkin-Yaki writes from Lagos.

NEMA: Redefining disaster mitigation and response

BY AHMED MAIYAKI

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s floods continue to submerge communities, displacing thousands and destroying millions; as water banks and river continue to surge against the boundaries and barriers; as erosions continue to yawn, as bombs continue to explode all over the place, killing hundreds of innocent souls; Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, remains proactive and responsive in its task of coordinating disaster mitigation, reduction and management.

Globally, 27.5 million people are displaced annually by disasters and emergencies. Africa alone accounts for 11.1 of this figure, and though Nigeria may not be one of the countries with a huge number of displaced persons but NEMA has got cause to be concerned. The last two years have seen the agency live up to its mandate as provided in Act 12, as amended by Act 50 0f 1999 to manage disasters in Nigeria through the establishment of concrete structures and measures.

Since its establishment, NEMA has never been under so much pressure as it has seen since 2010.

This is, incidentally, the period in which Muhammed Sani Sidi was appointed to be at the helm of its affairs. Accustomed to dealing with floods, large-scale erosion, communal conflicts, desertification and fire, the agency found itself confronted by a new evil, this time, man-made – bomb blasts.

The increase in disasters, both natural and manmade, has served as a call to duty to the agency.

Pressured from all sides, the agency has found it quite difficult to fail in the execution of its duties.

The agency has been able to cope, not because of some never-before-seen stratagem, but because attention was paid to a couple of factors which were, hitherto, overlooked.

Though NEMA is widely known for distribution of relief materials to victims of disaster, it has continued to deemphasise reactionary approaches to emergency.The agency has made it a duty to ensure continuos capacity building for its staff and other stakeholders through local and

international seminars and workshops on basic rudiments and actions to be taken in emergency situations.

To achieve its desire of monitoring state of preparedness of agencies which may contribute to disaster management in Nigeria, the agency regularly organises simulation exercises with the participation of the stakeholders. Such exercises test the capabilities of the first response agencies in the event of an unexpected incidence. With the support and leadership of Sani Sidi, the agency’s PR unit have given rise to an appreciable public knowledge on the activities and operations of the agency through timely information dissemination, enlightenment programmes as well as effective engagement of the media. This has greatly contributed to the increase in level of success of the agency.

In media campaigns, the agency has carefully deployed strategic communication approaches with specific call to action messages set a stage for change in behaviour of the public on disaster prevention and control measures. Currently,

experts have been engaged to carryout behaviour change campaign on flood disaster in both radio and Television stations networks nationwide.

Realising that most disasters can be prevented through adequate education and effective coordination of voluntary organisations engaged in emergency relief operations, NEMA launched and promoted the establishment of volunteerism for disaster management in the countryThe agency has taken a huge step up, going down to the levels where it matters most – the National Youth Service Corps and the primary and secondary schools – ensuring that its campaign takes root in the right minds, and recruiting most of them as volunteers.

It is instructive to note that the modest achievements of the Sani Sidi-led leadership in the last two years were as a result of team work and commitment of all; staff and all stakeholders. Efforts must be made by all and sundry to sustain the success attained.

Maiyaki writes from Abuja ahmedmaiyaki@gmail.com

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Memories

Philip Nwosu 08176449110

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Today in History

Nigeria returns 116 trafficked children to Benin On September 26, 2003 true to its promise of maintaining cordial relationship with its neighbours, Nigerian Government handed over 112 persons, including six suspected human and child traffickers, to the government of the Republic of Benin.

No fewer than 116 persons were said to be victims of child traffickers allegedly used for child labour in various quarries in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

The 116 children and six suspects were handed over to the representative of Benin’s Minister for Welfare and Family Affairs, Mrs. Hounkpe Lea, by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Tafa Balogun, at the baggage area of Seme Border near Badagry town at about 2.12pm.

Receiving the victims and suspected child traffickers from the IGP the representative of the minister thanked the government of Nigeria, particularly the police authorities, for rescuing the children from the hands of their captors.

According to her, Nigeria, has thrrough her actions demonstrated once again that they are actually the big brother as far as Africa is concern.

“I want to convey a heart warming thanks of President Matthew Kerekou to the good people of Nigeria, especially President Olusegun Obasanjo who had deemed it fit to put back smile on the faces of the children,” she said.

2003

• Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto and the premier of Northern Nigeria) being interviewed on TV prior to his departure on pilgrimage to Mecca in the 60s.

FG bans calendars, diary contracts President Olusegun Obasanjo, on this day in September 2003, directed all ministries and government agencies not to produce calendars, almanacs, diaries, greeting cards and other forms of printed gift items henceforth.

The order, which was contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Ufot Ekaette, and made available to the media in Abuja, also affected both offices of the president and

2003

vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

Others are the Army, Navy, air Force, Police, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Assembly, the Judiciary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Federal Civil Service Commission, National Population Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, and others.

According to the SGF, the directive which took immediate effect would remain in force until countermanded by an express order from the Presidency. The directive, he

explained, is in continuation of government’s efforts at eliminating waste.

The full text of the circular marked No. SGF/OP/1/S3/V/242 reads: “It has come to the notice of the President that a colossal amount of money is expended yearly by government ministries and establishments, the armed forces and the police, paramilitary organizations, parastatals, academic institutions, etc on printing of calendars, diaries and greeting cards of various makes and categories.”

“In continuation of the federal government’s efforts at eliminating wasteful expenditure in government, Mr. President has directed that production of calendars, almanacs, diaries and greeting cards in government ministries/establishments/agencies, etc should stop forthwith. This order will remain in force until countermanded by an express directive emanating from the Presidency.” “You are to ensure immediate compliance with the above order”.

NAF C-130 crashes in Ejigbo 1992

On this day in September 1992, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Charlie-130 Hercules, marked as NAF 911, crashed in the swamp of Ejigbo, killing 158 military officers and civilians, including eight foreign nationals.

Witnesses said the Nigerian Air Force military transport plane, a Lockheed C-130H-LM HERCULES (L-82), production number 4624, registration number NAF 911 was piloted by Wing Commanders J.P. Alabesunu and A.S. Mamadi. It got the okay to fly at 17.30hrs from the control tower– en route to Kaduna and Jos in the Northern part of the country.

It was reported that from the Kaduna airport its unique passengers planned to make their way by road back to the Command and Staff College in Jaji. Consisting predominantly of middle ranking officers drawn from the 19th, 20th, and 21st regular courses of the Nigerian Defence Academy, accompanied by a few from the 18th course along with some foreign students, they had been in Lagos on a Naval tour as part of the senior division course. The return trip had been postponed twice - once the day before, and the second time earlier that Saturday on account of word that the aircraft – piloted by Squadron Leader John Aparenkume - had some engine problems during return flights back from Kaduna, Port-Harcourt and Enugu on unrelated business. After a long wait at the airport, over 150 persons crammed into the plane when the final word came. Most had no seat belts and some items of luggage were not secured. All routine checks

22 DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

By PETER ANOSIKE

T

he National Coordinator of Rights’ Monitoring Group (RMG), Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, has said Nigeria remains one of the safest countries to invest in the world despite security challenges, confronting the nation.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Sun, he said the reason it seemed as if hell had been unchecked in the country was because what is happening now is alien to us.

According to him, in other countries, what is currently happening in Nigeria is seen as part of their everyday security challenges and as such is not a front page news.

He said that though South Africa remained the most developed economy in Africa, the security challenges in Nigeria were a child’s play when compared with the situation there on a daily basis.

Aduwo believes the the situation will not stop foreign investors from trooping in their numbers to the country.

He said among all the nations of the world, Nigeria offered the best return on investment opportunity since it had human and natural resources in abundance.

Aduwo also spoke on the conduct of the members of the National Assembly, the problems in the Peoples Democratic Party, the governorship election in Ondo State and on other issues Excepts

National Assembly members are like Rambo on the loose –Aduwo World Bank/IMF annual meeting Well, every year, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meet to look at the world and then fashion out monetary policies for the coming year. It is a platform for all the Ministers of Finance the world over and Governors of Central Banks worldwide to meet to formulate policies that would shape the programme of the two bodies for the coming year.

This year, they would be meeting in Tokyo, Japan and over the years they always invite credible Non Governmental Organisations to put heads together with them. This year, my organisation, that is the Rights Monitoring Group, is the only one that was invited from Nigeria to attend the meeting and I am going there to see the area these two bodies could assist Nigeria. I would like to see how they would help Nigerian government to address its pressing needs.

You know there has been this belief that World Bank and IMF are anti-developing nations. Some people even believe that they are the modern colonial masters or neocolonists but I believe that the taste of the pudding is in the eating. African Finance

Ministers and Governors of Central Banks as well as the Non-Governmental Organisations that are going there, I am sure, are not going on sight seeing. We have a burden which we are going to press for solution and I strongly believe that with worldacclaimed personalities like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, it is not going to be a jamboree.

Conducts of the members of the National Assembly To be sincere with you, there is no word in the dictionary that can be used to describe what is happening in the National Assembly. They are all behaving like Rambo on the loose. At times you wonder which political party is controlling the House of Representatives. I am not saying that they should be rubber stamp for the executive but the truth is that any where in the world where the party in power controls the House, the members go with the policies of the party but what do you

see in the Nigerian House of Representatives? You hear nothing but oversight function, probe panels, investigation panels, controversies and counter controversies, year in year out All this is geared towards feathering their nests.

Whenever they need money from government or government officials, they would come up with one panel or the other.

This is certainly not the way to go. Now, ask yourself how many life-impacting bills have they passed into law since the dawn of democracy in 1999? The major problem facing the country today is structural, that is lack of enabling laws. Even when you look at the area of attracting foreign investors, there are structural issues.

The land Use Act has been gathering dusts over the years on the floor of the National Assembly. They don’t want to pass it into law because they feel that it does affect them directly. But ask yourself how

can an investor come when he knows that the premises where he is doing his business, he has no legal title over it. The state governor can wake up one morning and decide to revoke it and nothing would happen. This and many more are what Nigerians want them to address and not every day blackmailing and criticising one government official or another. Today, it is Petroleum Minister. Tomorrow the Finance Minister. Next tomorrow, Central Bank Governor. But I want to tell you that without the calibre of people like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who have the courage to be themselves, these lawmakers would have wrecked the economy.

Crisis in PDP I have heard that the Peoples Democratic Party would implode or crumble very soon. But my position is that if it does, it would endanger our democracy. Mind you it is the largest political party in Nigeria and is controlling over 90 per cent of the states in the federation.

So, against that backdrop, I am appealing to the members to try to put their house in order because if the party crumbles today, it would endanger our democracy. It is a fact that there is a very high level of indiscipline in the party, both at the national and state levels. That is the bane of the party because if the members are not disciplined they cannot move forward.

I still give them kudos because as at today, PDP is the only political party that conducts genuine primary. The other political parties hardly think of internal democracy.

The leader or Financier of the party selects who he wants to run, which is not good for democracy. I am, therefore, calling on the leaders of the party to shelve their individual differences and come together to save the party and saving the party simply means saving the country.

Ondo governorship elec-

tion There are fears in some quarters that there would be fiasco in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election but being a stakeholder in election observation and a native of Ondo State I know that Ondo people are very discerning when it comes to politics. Since Jega became the Chairman of INEC, there has not been interference in the election process or outcome by the electoral body. But I am not saying that the rest of the INEC staff cannot be manipulated or they cannot compromise but the leader of an institution has a way of influencing the behaviour of the rest and I know that Jega’s attitude has done that.

The fact is that to have a credible election goes beyond an individual. If the Election Commissioners conduct themselves very well, the presiding officers could be manipulated and the election would be flawed.

The Ondo election will be very peaceful and the vote of the people will count. INEC are very careful about Ondo State because it has a history of resisting impostion.They know that anything that affects Ondo election adversely affects the entire nation.

You remember the Operation Wetie; how the people of Ondo rose against Omoboriowo when they felt that their mandate was stolen by the National Party of Nigeria. In the last election too, they voted massively for a party that was not even known in the State. So, Ondo people don’t follow the crowd. They follow their minds. They are politically mature. That is why we appealing to the powers that be to be very serious about the election. They should not allow those who want to expand their colony to interfere in the election. If you look at Ondo politics, there are no godfathers. Ondo people don’t worship human beings.

Surviving the military is God’s Mercy –Vanokah By

A

VERA WISDOM-BASSEY

retired Nigerian Naval Officer, Raymond Vanokah, has said surviving in the military profession takes the grace of God. He made this known at a recent retirement ceremony held in Lagos.

Vanokah, who enlisted the Nigerian Navy at 18 years old and served for 32 years, celebrated his retirement in pomp and Ceremony.

His words: “I participated in Liberia, Bakassi, and also participated in the Niger Delta agitation where I was at the heat of the action, but God saw me through, not because I was so smart or I know the job; but God’s mercies because many died in that process.”

As a result of this, Vanokah said he would remain ever grateful to God, as many military men, who entered the Nigerian Navy with him, passed on while serving their father land.

As he celebrated, he advised serving members of the

Nigerian Navy to serve with the fear of God. “The military job needs dedication, discipline, focus, and above all the fear of God in all of one’s endeavours,” he maintained.

Vanokah said combating in the water was not easy but while he carried out such tasking operation, he saw that most of his colleagues died. “So, these are parts of my reasons for appreciating God, for his mercies upon my life,” the retired officer said.

According to him, taking up the military job requires sacrifice and “Before going into the military, you sign what is known and called an attestation. That means you agree that what comes out of it you bear it without complain. And that you will serve your father’s land be it dead or alive. We are fighting for peace and unity of our father’s land, and as loyal Nigerians we abide by the law of the day,” said Vanoka Every military man holds an allegiance to the government of the day, whatever the policies of the government in power is what officers will do.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

PABULUM -Food for Thought Well done! President Jonathan A

s I did on occasions when a national development of importance cropped up, I am suspending the now 55 week-long series advising President Goodluck Jonathan to avoid Abiola and IBB’s mistakes with God, to write on the rewards he gave last week to members of the country’s team to the 2012 Paralympics Games in London and the squad to the Under-20 Female World Soccer Championship in Japan. But before going into this I have to apologize to the readers who have been religiously following my write-ups and sending reactions on each publication since June last year and ninety per cent of which were the appreciation of what I had been reporting.

Like Matthew Peter in Kano (080-79348136) who sent this text message in reaction to the 38th script published on May 9, which reads: “Dear sir, I must confess the fact that your series on Jonathan avoid Abiola and IBB’s mistakes with God is a rare classic write-up that should be packaged in a hard cover book. It will benefit our society.

I am also happy with the reactions to last week’s column on the Jonathan series as they show that people have taken seriously to my warming that from the terrifying manner the Heavenly Father chided three of us in 2007 for impatience over a promise He made in 1994 that unimaginable punishment await those He would find guilty on Judgment Day for failing to obey His laws and teachings in the Holy Bible and Koran. Take this message from the user of GSM Number 080-5316-4323 a very religious grandfather in his 60s: “Your article today scared me more than anything in my entire life. I hope all those who read it will seek

forgiveness for their sins and begin to live uprightly immediately since no one knows the day he or she will die.”

Since President Jonathan assumed office in May 2010 after his boss, President Umaru Yar’Adua passed on, he had not done anything to inspire me to commend any of his actions.

But when last week he did positive things that no Nigerian head of state had ever done for the physically challenged athletes to the London Paralympics and the U-20 female soccer tournament in Japan I have no give him kudos.

First, he blazes the trail in rewarding disabled

sports persons handsomely giving N5 million, N3 million and N2 million to each gold, silver and bronze medalists respectively. He is also the first to give national honours to handicapped athletes who won gold medals and like the able-bodied athletes who accomplished the same thing in the last 32 years he awarded them with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). He did not give them an inferior title.

President Jonathan is also the first Nigerian leader to reward athletes whether physically challenged or able-bodied who did not win any medal in a world or continental competition.

I

am also today suspending the series on Their Royal Majesties Adebiyi Adesida, the Deji of Akure Kingdom and Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egba Kingdom and those on the families of judges and lawyers and the renaming of the University of Lagos because of a text message I received some days ago. Which came from someone who promised to reward me with whatever I asked for that was within the reach of his family if I included a High Court judge and his children who are lawyers in my write-ups on members of the Bench and Bar. For this reason it has become necessary for me to let people know that I do not write articles to make money. In my 43 years in the practice of journalism I have never asked for nor received bribe or any gift from anyone I had interviewed or written about. Lawyer Tunji Braithwaite and Senator Ben Obi who was his aide at the time and was around that day, can confirm that when I interviewed him in 1982 or

so at his residence in Victoria Island in Lagos when he was preparing to contest the 1983 presidential election as the candidate of the Nigerian Advance Party that I declined the money he offered me to fuel my car back to my office in Ikeja. I told him it was ethically wrong for a journalist to receive money from the person he or she had interviewed even for a news or feature story.

I did the same when Senator Arthur Nzeribe in 1987 sent someone to drop an envelope containing money after I published a story he sent to me when I was the Editor of Sunday Concord. When I phoned him and he declined to send someone to collect his money, I took it to the Motherless Babies Home in Isolo, Lagos as a donation from him to the children there and published the story with the photograph taken during the occasion.

I am not showcasing Oba Adesida and Oba Gbadebo for monetary purposes or to be honoured by them with a chieftaincy title. Oba

Attack in the realm of the spirit (2)

T

adesina_adedipe@yahoo.com 08055958583

And the one million he gave each member of the Under-20 female football team to the World Cup tournament in Japan who came fourth one million naira was substantial enough. Ditto the half a million naira he gave to each handicapped athlete who won no medal during the Paralympics in London, though it would have been better if he had given them one million naira like the female footballers.

Of course, the money given to all the physically fit and handicapped athletes will help them to further their studies, go into business or enhance the ones they have and to take care of members of their families. The reward will also encourage other youth to work hard to represent the country so that they too can receive monetary awards and national honours.

Adesida is my maternal cousin through both his father and mother’s families. While Oba Gbadebo and I were classmates during our Higher School Certificate course at Ibadan Grammar School in 1963 & 64 and our undergraduate years at the University of Ibadan from 1965-68. Of course, I will not have written about them if they were not performing creditably as monarchs over their people.

My writing about the families of judges and lawyers was the idea of Mr. Damola Makanju (080-5335-5158) when I wrote about Justice Ayotunde Phillips when she was appointed the Chief Judge of Lagos State three months ago.

And most of the stories sent to me on the families of judges and lawyers came from their relatives, friends or schoolmates and not directly from those featured themselves. And nobody can say that I demanded or received money over what I had published about any of the families and it will never happen over any story that I will write until the end of my life.

Philosophical Reflection

profnathanuzomah@yahoo.com 08138731416

hose wishing to understand the nature of man should come to the true knowledge of spiritual reality. Now, I have decided to look into serious aspects of life- psychic attack.

So many people do not know how to deal with this. Psychic attack is the act of inflicting injury or death by one person on another without having any contact.

It is of note however that majority of people make use of demonic but elemental forces is dealing with their fellow men. Elemental force is an invisible power (that can function as a demon) which operates in or moves nature or man to activity. In science, the Elemental forces form the foundation physics and Chemistry.

There are two types of an Elemental forces namely, the elemental force from the great depth of the Elemental Kingdom and the artificial Element: the former is God-made-nature, while the later is man- made.

An artificial Elemental is created when a person or group of persons engage in continual visualization and concentration on an object on which a strong emotion is felt. Such concentration or intensification of thought produces what is known as thought form. Once it is successfully built, the thought form becomes ìensouledî by an Elemental ìessenceî which is capable of independent existence outside the consciousness of its creator or creators. Let it be

The Sina Adedipe Column

I do not take money to write about people

Prof. Nathan Uzorma Protus Those wishing to join Prof .Nathan Uzorma Protus in a two day power packed programme should come to Christ Resuration Ministry, No 36, Babs Animashaun off Bode Thomas Surulere Street, Lagos on 28 and 29 Sept 2012

DAILY SUN 23

emphasized here the moment such thought is ensouled by an elemental essense, any psychic entity can use it to function in various ways.

The original elemental forces have their abodes in four quarters at the earth in accordance with higher esotenic tradition. Again every elemental ìbeingî is† blind. This blindness should not be understood in the light of the physical lost of sight; no! The blindness here simply shows that they are like robot and zombie, they are always asleep. The only language they can understand (if language is the right word) is that of symbols or early morning words. Early morning words can stimulate and propel them into action.

For the good purpose of clearity, these elementals, all come under the supervision of Angels of light or that of darkness. Some people consciously or unconsciously come in contact with these blind forces through their mind as a result bring upon themselves untold hardship, fear, and other related evils which they later complain.

Any demonic entity cannot take over a body unless an individual gives way for it, by abandoning the body through involvement in addictive, obsessive, or compulsive patterns. Suicide attempts also open the body to possession by some entities. The demonic entity has the right to take over anybodyís body and use same as play ground for demonic activities. If the entity that has taken over the body that likes drinking or fornication, the moment he takes over the body, the person starts drinking or fornicating.

Demonic possession does not operate from the area of love, the psychic entities use people to their (own) masters advantage. The demon is

not at the moment punished for doing this, rather the person he has possessed shares the responsibility of whatever the demon does. The duty of any demon in any personís life, depends on the evolution of the entity. The entity can live on any levelí, conscious, sub-concious, obsessive, compulsive or possessive.

These levels are in each of us and the entity comes in on the level that is accessible.

These psychic entities could come from the astral causal, mental or etheric realm. Some fortune-tellers or mediums or native doctors would say that their guides ñmessengers come from either of the realms and may call them masters. Sometimes also these demons are very smart they may take over familiar forms and misrepresent themselves to be your uncle or late father in order to consolidate their manipulation upon your life. Demons can use information you release in the physical unite of existence to manipulate and delay your success. An entity may also be a personality from the astral level coming to hangout with some people in order to enslave and dominate them too.

The reader should know that there is a body in man which is always seen in the dream world which is also called the entheric body in the mystical parlance. This is like the soul body, which is the inner core of the physical body.

This body is the internal ìshellî that holds the physical body together. For us to exist as beings on earth the etheric body must be intact. This body is the middleman between the physical body and the two other bodies (soul and spirit) of man. If anything affects it adversely, (as it can happen) it lets loose its grip on the physical

body and this allows the mental and spiritual bodies to begin their inward journey back home-Death occurs.

This is the body we see in the dream world from time to time. If you have ever heard of the ìoutî of the body experience ìit is the etheric body that is functioning to allow anybody involved have such experience. This body operates very well when all the physical senses are closed down either by deliberate action, sleep or unconsciously. As a Christian, I mean a born again, spirit filled child of God, if you abide in Christ righteousness, your etheric body will be impenetrable as a result no attack of the enemy can tear you into pieces. If the etheric body of any person that is not rooted in Christ is tampered with when he/she is asleep, it could result to death.

So many people have been attacked in the realm of the spirit during sleep. When we sleep our astral or etheric (soul body) more into higher realm of the spirit world, if enemies (agents of darkness) succeed to poison anybody in the spirit, it must manifest in the physical due to the relationship between the realm. If the poison is not removed through serious prayers, the personís body will begin to disintegrate and it may result to physical death. The Bible says, ìthe wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay himî ps. 37:32.

Recently a young lady called me and said that she was attacked on the dream; consequently she was forced by some men to drink a particular substance. She drank it and †when she woke up she started having serious stomach problem that finally snowballed into serious swollen stomach. She has gone to many hospitals yet the problem resisted every medical treatment hence it is a serious psychic attack.

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

South-East Report Pension: Septuagenarian retired police officer, wife resort to weeping From: OKEY SAMPSON, Aba

W

hen Essien Thomas from Ndiwo, Itumbuzo in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State joined the Nigeria Police 48 years ago, he had in mind two things. First was to make a career for himself from the organisation and secondly, retire well to enjoy the fruit of his long years of labour.

True to his wish, Thomas, now 75, made sacrifices as he laboured to serve the Force from 1964 and rose to the rank of inspector, serving for 35 years and at the end beat his chest in agreement that he had a fulfilled carrier.

But it was not yet Uhuru for Thomas as unfolding events were later to prove. His dream of retiring well to enjoy his long years of labour is far from being fulfilled.

Thomas, with service Number AP0860, having approached his statutory retirement by length of service in a letter dated April 21, 1999, notified the then Inspector General of Police of his intention to retire after 35 years of service.

“I will be 35 years in the service come October 1, 1999. I am grateful to the Inspector General of Police for allowing me to serve the nation for a long time,” he told the IGP. And on June 8, 1999, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, approved the retirement of Inspector Thomas from the service in line with the established norms.

In a letter signed by Mrs. Ivy U. Okoronkwo, then deputy commissioner of police, the AIG stated: “I refer to your application for retirement from the service of the Nigeria Police Force dated April 21, 1999 and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State letter AP: 0860/ABS/VOL.1/39 dated May 18, 1999. The AIG, Zone 6, Calabar, has approved your retirement from the Force with effect from October 1, 1999.”

“May I, on behalf of the IGP, thank you for your long service to the nation and wish you a happy retirement life.”

The IGP’s wish, which was equally that of Thomas’, is by the day becoming a tall dream.

The septuagenarian himself attested to this when he told Daily Sun that “after my retirement in 1999, I joined the Association of Retirement Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), Abia State chapter.”

“With this move, I received my gratuity shortly after my retirement and was getting my pension until October last year when suddenly they stopped paying me.”

Since he depended on his monthly pension for survival, Thomas did not take this seemingly new development lightly.

“When this happened, I reported the matter to the Abia State chairper-

son of ARPON, Mrs. Adibua, a retired deputy commissioner of police, and she communicated Abuja immediately,” he said.

As nothing came forth from the moves Adibua made to get authorities in Abuja to pay Thomas his pension arrears, he decided to pursue the matter himself and equally headed for Abuja.

“It got to a point that after much trying, she (Abia State ARPON Chairperson) advised me to go to Abuja and sort out the problem myself. The thing that pained me most was that among my group, I was the only one whose pension was withheld.

“Based on the advice and having been bitten by hunger all this period, I travelled to Abuja on August 1, 2012 and went to the ARPON office.”

Thomas said at the ARPON office he met three men (names withheld) and another man he referred to as secretary general, who he said attended to him.

“The secretary general, who I could not obtain his name, asked me my mission and when I told him that I was being owed 10 months pension arrears after I had passed through various verification exercises, he felt very sorry and said they were going to do something about it,” he said.

But Thomas’ joy at the man’s assurance died immediately he was

further told the office was going to pay him one month pension that was July, 2012, leaving the rest nine months.

“I promptly told him that would not be acceptable to me. I went a step further to bring out my hospital bills, the compilation of the people I am owing and showed him to see if he could change his mind. With this, he again told me, sorry, that they were going to look into my case with a view to righting the wrongs done to me.

“I was filled with joy again with that soothing assurance and I came back to Abia State with the hope that I was going to receive the whole of my nine months pension arrears.”

The septuagenarian’s expectations were for the second time cut short, as, according to him, “but to my greatest surprise, when I came back, after three days, I received alert from my bank, indicating that I was paid only one month pension (July), leaving the rest nine months and I was not happy. Immediately I got the alert, my poor health got worse and it is like these people want me to die before my time.”

Thomas said immediately he received the money, he called the man in Abuja to register his protest.

He stated that the man did not give him any assurance as to if and when the remaining months would be paid; he was only told it was better to have little than none.

From IFEBUCHE IBE, Enugu

…Says ‘We’re community in darkness’

•Thomas “I have accumulated hospital bills and other debts, including house rent, amounting to over N250, 000 and I don’t know how to pay them.

“I want the authorities concerned to pay me my pension arrears so that I could use it to look after myself since at 75, I am not going to look for another job unless they want me to die,” the retired cop lamented.

Consequently, Thomas and his wife, who is also in her early 70s, have been crying all day as he could no longer raise money to take proper care of her.

He said it was a pity that after serving the force and the nation meritoriously for 35 years, he could be so treated.

Lack of infrastructure: Enugu community begs Chime

F

or a long time, the Ugwueme community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State has been left in darkness. For the people, their experience could only be described as a “community in blindness and stagnation.”

According to them, they are suffering from absence of infrastructure needed for the community to develop.

Therefore, the people have sent a passionate appeal to Governor Sullivan Chime to help them in the construction of their community road which traversed Awgu Boys Secondary School to their boundary with Achalla Isuochi in Abia State.

They would want Chime also to help them install electricity in the community, saying their town was mapped out as one of the communities that was badly in need of good road network, which ought to have been constructed in 2007 when he became governor.

The promise by Chime, they said, was widely reported in the media and they wondered why the electricity project was stopped after some poles were erected.

They lamented that since the existence of Ugwueme as a community, its road has not been tarred just as they have never experienced any

•Okereke form of electric light unlike other communities in the state.

Its traditional ruler, Igwe G.O Okereke, said the major challenges they are facing are bad road, deteriorating school system, electricity and lack of potable water.

The Agudo I disclosed that they are suffering not minding the fact that “Ugwueme project is always on the budget of the government every year after which nothing good would come out of it.

“We have received series of promises concerning the road which is our

main priority, but at the end of the day nothing will be done concerning it. Even the installation of electricity was along the line put to a stop and the contractor is nowhere to be found.”

The traditional ruler, therefore, appealed to Chime to see their plight as critical, saying that he would be glad if the government would remember his people henceforth.

Not left out are women who are from the community who spoke to Daily Sun, saying that the bad road network of the community has really affected them negatively, especially on market days when they pay high fares to transport their farm produce to the Orie market.

One of them, Mrs Bembela Nwankwo said: “If I carry N1,000 worth of produce to the market and spend N400 transport fare, what will I use to feed and pay my children’s school fees since my husband is late? The Enugu State Government is treating us as if we are not part of them.”

For the men, they are tired of suffering as some of them trek over five kilometers so as to save money to get their other needs.

According to Mr Okorie Arinze, the situation is very alarming as he

argued that it is the cause of underdevelopment and setback in Ugwueme: “Can you imagine; before I could get to my village from Awgu town, I have to pay as if I am travelling to Port Harcourt.”

Secondary school students in the area were equally at pains as those who spoke to Daily Sun said the poor road network and the total blackout had affected their studies as some of their teachers who are not living within the community find it difficult to come to school, especially during the rainy season because of bad road even as they do not read at night as the kerosene lantern would affect their vision.

However, one of the cabinet members of the community, Chief Edwin Okorie, said the Ugwueme people on their own have been trying to put the road in order though their effort has not yielded much result.

Okorie disclosed that the community had to grade the road after they waited for the government promises to no avail.

He lamented that since Ugwueme came into existence as a community, they have never had electric light like other communities in the state.

He noted that no visitor would wish to visit them again after a first experience on the total blackout at night and bad road network.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DAILY SUN

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South-East Report

By ORI MARTINS

T

he Secretary of All Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo State chapter, Onuegbu Ogbonna, has submitted that the Supreme Court would certainly return the sacked elected council bosses. He insisted that Governor Rochas Okorocha had no option but to work with the dissolved chairmen as the constitution makes it clear that no government has any right to sack any democratically elected LGA helmsman.

Genesis of the matter The truth is that it is an unnecessary problem. It is not a problem that should have been there in the first place, if the governor has been interested in obeying the constitution of the country. We were elected into office and sworn into office on August 10, 2010. We were in office until the governorship election of 2011. The governor wanted us to support him. Then, he was the APGA candidate. During his campaigns, he made a pledge that he would not sack the elected council chairmen because it would amount to illegality and constitutional violation. And so, when the election was held, of course, there was no way we would have stayed in the office and support him. No way! He is of APGA and we told him we would support and work for our party – the PDP. Though, there are some councilors who are also APGA. We have 27 Local Government Areas, 305 Council Wards. The chairmen are all PDP but there are councilors who are either APGA, ACN, JP, or PPA. Fortunately for him he won the election. After he was sworn –in, we went to congratulate him. We paid him homage and you know it means.

He was sworn – in on May 29 2011 and on June 6, just few days after, while we were still in Abuja for the inauguration of the National Assembly, there was a radio broadcast dissolving elected local government administrators; dissolving traditional rulers council; dissolving the appointed coordinators of the Local Government Development Areas there were 35 of them roads.

Why we went to court We got wind of a likely dissolution and we wrote the governor a let-

We’re willing to work with Okorocha -–Council bosses

•Okorocha ter before that time. He ignored it.

We sued him, he ignored it. He rather went ahead and made the dissolution. Therefore, we went to court, the chief judge had our case at Court One and said in his judgment that the governor did not have power to dissolve the elected council chairmen but submitted that we did not prove that he dissolved it because it was a radio broadcast, adding that the evidence of it we brought, the newspaper report was not certified.

Well, we went on appeal and the Appeal Court . The Appeal Court maintained that we did not need to prove it because the man who dissolved us had admitted that he had dissolved us. So, what else are we proving? Therefore, the Court of Appeal in Abuja restored us. When the court restored us, we tried to go back to our offices but the governor started resisting us using the local police. We petitioned to our party.

The party petitioned to the Inspector

General of Police and then to the Attorney General of the Federation who then issued a statement directing all federal agencies and advising the government of Imo State to obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal and allow us to go back to our work.

The governor did not obey these directives, he rather started attacking the Attorney General of the Federation but the IG carried out the AG’s instruction and it came down to the DPOs who now escorted us to our offices.

Okorocha’s Antics When we got to this position, instead of allowing us do our work, the government issued a directive that all senior officers of the local governments should proceed on a seminar. That so called seminar is still going on. The simple reason for this was to keep the principal officers away from us so that we cannot function at all. The director of administration is the head of the civil

servants, the treasurer is in-charge of finance – if these two people are out of the way, the administrator can hardly achieve any meaningful goal.

We started using our personal funds to run the councils yet he refused to change. Surprisingly, he invited us to two meetings and they were all inclusive. In the meetings, he told us he wanted to dissolve us again because he had discovered a law which was signed under the former governor Ikedi Ohakim which gave us a two- year tenure. He subsequently told us that he would allow us to stay for another one year, in the next minute six months, in the next minute three months in the same meeting. He was unsteady because when he came up with the idea of conducting a Local Government election I let him know that he cannot do so because, for a council election to be conducted you must give notice of election which will last for three months or 90m days and after the 90 days, you now start the process and these processes cannot just take place all at the same time. It was at that point he came up with the idea that we should be Transitional Council bosses. Of course, we informed him right away that we cannot abdicate our Olympus height as elected chairmen to the gutter level of TC and how about our deputies, the councilors and our appointees, the secretaries to the councils? He suddenly realized that he was confused. He now told us he would speak to the house let them do a law to give us an extension but that would be only when he returned from his overseas journey. At that point, he implored us to accompany him to his wife’s church service and we did. By the time we arrived at the place, he acknowledged before all that we had returned as the elected council chairmen, promising that he was going to work with us, that there was no problem and all that. But we

never knew that at the time he was saying it, he was telling the house to pass a law to give us a three month extension. Really, it was one of those tricks because he halted the House from giving us any extension but was only waiting for August 8 when he would tell us that our ‘tenure has expired’.

Judicial Drama So, we now went to court, again.

And that is the case that has just been dismissed. And unfortunately for us, the High Courts are on recess. When High Courts are on recess, only one court will be sitting as a vocation court. Deliberately, only one judge was brought to Owerri because they knew we would certainly go there.

This was how Justice Ngozi Opara came to Owerri to hear our case. The day the case was called, we told him that the Imo State Government was about dissolving us again on the strength of the purported two year law, give an interim order restraining the government from dissolving us, and he granted the order on the sixth and fixed the case on the ninth for the hearing motion on notice. On the day we came, instead of hearing the motion on notice, the judge rather heard the government’s objection that the court should throw out the interim order restraining it from dissolving us. Surprisingly, he lifted the order that day. Immediately we left the court for our various offices, the government announced on air that it had dissolved us because our tenure had expired.

Monthly Allocations And no matter how you look at it, Okorocha will have no option than to work with us because we shall be victorious at the court. You see, it is the money not because we are members of PDP. Of course, he has PDP people in the house and he is working with them; he has PDP people he has made commissioners. It is not because of party, it is because of the monthly federal allocation, it is because of this money. After Okorocha dissolved us, the Court of Appeal nullified it but his Transitional Council chairmen who were sacked by the Appeal Court are still operating, signing cheques, driving official cars against the ruling of the Court of Appeal.

Climate change: Abia communities appraise situation From CHUKS Umuahia

ONUOHA, areas in the state benefitted from the projects embarked upon by the organisations whose aim was to hen recently officials of cushion the effects of climate Climate Change change on the people.

The urban communities are Adaptation for Africa and Nigerian Environmental Umuode in Osisioma LGA, Ogbor Study/Action Team (NEST) Hill Community in Aba North and stormed Abia State, they came to Eziukwu in Aba South while the gauge the impact of the climate rural communities are Akwete in change on six local government Ukwa East, Owerrinta in Isialangwa areas of the state and how the effect South and Abiriba in Ohafia LG. The projects were were dependent could be mitigated.

So, when they organised a work- on the needs of the communities.

For instance, in Abiriba communishop on “Triggering Rural-Urban Interaction to Cope with Climate ty, their major challenges were pureChange,” their target was to awaken ly environmental and livelihood the spirit of the rural and urban occasioned by heavy rain falls, dwellers towards self-reliance and which occur unpredictably. As a contentment to what they can do for result, erosion destroyed most of the themselves in the face of the chang- landscapes, threatened houses and caused poor land and agricultural ing climate in Africa.

The project, which started in 2009 yields.

A spokesman of the community, was based on creating awareness on the menace of climate change, as Elder Kalu Anya said that before well as help the rural and urban the intervention of the NGOs, housdwellers on how to adapt to the es, roads, markets and schools in the impact of climate change in terms of community were under threat of being eroded by flood. living.

“Many households lost farm lands Three rural and three urban communities in six local government and income generating food trees

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and crops to erosion and landslides.

Agricultural yields declined drastically as farmers paid higher fares to convey their products as vehicles used alternative and long routes to avoid gullies on some roads. When the NGOs came, they took up controlling erosion as an adaptation project objective, mobilized and obtained expert feasibility data with which they constructed drainages on the sites there by reclaiming the lost portions of the land.”

In Umuode community, their problem was flooding which brought about increase in water borne diseases.

Community spokesman, Uche Maduka, said that the flood left pools of surface stagnant water everywhere.

“The community agreed to build a health center where care is being given to sick members. At the project inception, the government rehabilitated major roads. We are grateful to NEST and their associates because today even patients from other areas are coming to our community for health care problems.n Our community members no longer travel long distances to access qual-

ity health services on account of transportation and genuine drugs are provided some members of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to exchange goods and make household income. We are very happy with NEST.” One of the major breakthroughs made by the NEST was in Akwete rural community where agriculture and fishing are the major occupations of the people. These occupations were becoming unprofitable because of the declining soil productivity and fish catch.

Spokesman of the people, Madam Ngozi said that heavier rains were causing erosion which in turn was washing off top soils in the rural communities, as well as causing siltation in local streams.

This situation brought in poverty and made economic growth in Akwete unattainable. The intervention of NEST through empowering women who are among the vulnerable community members and engaging them in alternative livelihood has made living easier for them.

“Akwete community livelihood

now centers around agricultural productivity and patronage of Akwete cloth which are driven by rural urban inter-dependence. Promotion of various exchanges between Akwete and neighbouring urban co Chairman at the occasion, Solomon Ogunji, who is the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, said it would do Africans a lot of good to be self-reliant.

He said that deforestation, indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels, abrupt termination of drainage constructed during road construction, excessive use of generating sets and inability to control erosion and flood, overgrazing,, among others, clearly depict arrant show of ignorance by the populace on how to respond to the effects of climate change.

He said that the emergence of NEST in their pilot project to teach people how to adapt in the face of this menace has brought succour to some sections of Abia and requested that the scope be extended to more communities as they enter into new phases of the project.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DAILY SUN

POLITICS...&Polity Anambra 2014:

The gladiators from the North

By MADUKA NWEKE

A

s the clock ticks in the direction of Anambra State gubernatorial election in 2014, many hidden interests are coming up. However, interest is like the economic phrase of needs and wants where one chooses what he wants before considering the ones he needs.

At the last count, not less than 15 aspirants have given indications that they would love to occupy the exalted seat in Anambra State Government House in 2014. However, if wishes were horses, beggars wiould ride.

It is obvious that the fact that the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has thrown his weight behind the Anambra North Senatorial zone to produce the next governor of the state. He has informed every Dick, Tom and Harry to start moves to get there. The argument put forward by various groups outside Anambra North, including Coalition for Equitable Distribution of Political and Appointive Offices in Anambra State (CEDPAAS) that it is only logical and fair to produce the next governor from the North has given pretenders the opportunity to declare interest.

As it is today, the list of contenders and pretenders to the post is endless. But as the saying goes, it is the means that will determines the end and not vice versa. Some of the names, featuring in the list are there preferably to spoil the show for the credible candidates.

There is Mr. Pat Obianwu from Onitsha, who is indicating interest under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Alex Obiogbolu also from Onitsha seeking his ambition on the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) platform, Willie Obianyo who has not pitched his tent in any party, Paul Odenigbo (Former SSG Anambra) from Omasi in Ayamelum who is seeking his mandate under APGA, Dubem Obaze from Ogbaru, APGA (Immediate past Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development in Anambra State), Oseloka Obaze (Current SSG Anambra State) from Ogbaru under APGA, Paul Obidigwe (Former Attorney General, Anambra State) from Omor in Ayamelum.

Also mention is being made of Mike Udah (Current Chief Press Secretary CPS to Governor Peter Obi) from Umueri who due to his closeness with Governor Peter Obi is steady on the list, Beneth Emeka is also indicating interest, although he has not decided on any platform.

Although the pendulum is swinging in the direction of Anambra North, habitual contenders abound in other zones waiting for a slip from the North to cash in and contest, whichever way the pendulum swings, the ulti-

•Obiogbolu

•Obiano

•Odenigbo

mate is to get the person who has really understudied the incumbent, governor, so that the good work he started that has put the state among the most stable states in Nigeria will be sustained. It is a popular statement that power is not given but taken. In this wise, it behoves on the people of Anambra North to guard the support given them by Obi jealously, otherwise posterity will judge them.

The speculation making the round that every political party interested in contesting the gubernatorial election in the state come 2014 must get their candidate from the North is good, but the threat that any party that fails to get their candidate from the area should not campaign in the area should be relaxed.

Prosecution of any election is by alliance and bridge building across zones.

On the other side, it is only logical that the people of Anambra North be allowed to have the slot this time, bearing in mind that since the creation of the state in 1991 Governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chris Ngige, Virginia Etiaba, Peter Obi who had governed the state at various times were all from either Anambra South or Anambra Central and none from Anambra North.

In this wise, politicians from Anambra North have agreed to work together regardless of party affiliations to achieve this objective.

It is unthinkable that since the creation of the state, nobody from the zone had occupied the exalted position and the other zones do not see anything wrong in it.

Apart from APGA that said in 2010 that it had zoned the 2014 governorship position to Anambra North, the zone also advised other political parties to choose their candidates from the zone.

It will be recalled that the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh while speaking at Otuocha in Anambra East during the flag-off of Governor Obi’s second term campaign urged the people of the zone to support Gov. Obi because the party has zoned the 2014 governorship to Anambra North.

He emphasized that it was imperative for the zone to support Obi, not only because of APGA’s commitment to power shift, but also because of what APGA’s government has done in the zone. To this, there is no doubt the government of Obi favours the people, but what they are saying is that the administration of any of the sons from the zone will also favour everybody.

They have the belief that if their argument is not genuine, then the clamour for Igbo presidency after the North and the West have had enough of it is also not genuine. A certain adage says that it is eyes that elders use to share the ingredients of the soup. The zone has got a abundant professionals in any sphere who can give the state what it needs.

The aspirants Chike Obidigbo is a leading PDP aspirant from Umunya in Oyi LGA of the state. He owns chains of fledging industries in Anambra and Enugu States, and has continued to build more at a time some industries are

closing shops. He is currently the Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in his zone. Well educated, Dr. Obidigbo has identified wealth creation, growth in the real economy, building solid and enduring infrastructure, and tackling unemployment as areas that will enjoy serious attention if he emerges governor in 2014. He enjoys support and goodwill of very eminent personalities –traditional rulers inclusive- within and without the Anambra North zone where he comes from. He is believed to have the financial muzzle to prosecute a successful election.

Paul Odenigbo An aristocrat of repute, whose humility and steadfastness has got him virtually every comfort. Odenigbo has tasted it all starting from the financial to administrative positions and of course, the longest serving Secretary to the State Government of Anambra state. After his initial education in the early 1960’s, he joined the then Barclays Bank of Nigeria Limited. He made career progress in the banking sector through courses and seminars offered by the bank.

A co-founder of PECU International Limited, he studied for, and earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from ESUT Business School, Enugu and at the instance of the former Anambra state government, he joined the Board of Directors of then African Continental Bank Plc in 1989. He also served on the Board of former Anambra Finance and

•Continued on page 29

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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POLITICS...&Polity Why Imo House Co-operates with Okorocha

By DICKSON OKAFOR Different interpretations have been given to the 4th tier government in Imo State. In this interview with the Daily Sun, the Member representing Ehime Mbano State constituency in the Imo House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Dimaku, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), highlights the role of the state House of Assembly in the 4th tier government recently inaugurated by Governor Rochas Okorocha. He said there is nothing like 4th tier of government in Imo. According to him, People misconstrue Community Governing Council (CGC) as 4th tier of government.

He said the aim is to bring governance closer to the rural areas. Hon. Dimaku, noted that the Assembly is not toling party lines in the discharge of it’s legislative functions.

He also throws more light on the dispute between the state government and the former council chairmen.

Excerpt Fourth tier government in Imo hen Okorocha came on board, he scrapped the development centres.

He said he wants development to start from the grassroots. “He wants bottom to the top and not top to the bottom” approach.

He designed it in such a way that funds will reach the grassroots, that is autonomous communities.

We members of the House realized that the constitution does not recognize fourth tier government. So we told him that we could have what we call community governing councils (CGC) which is equivalent to development centres but now at the autonomous community level.

However, every community will have it’s own CGC made up of the traditional rulers, president generals, community associations who will serve as secretary, youth leader, woman leader and community liaison officer.

The aim is to bring governance closer to the people.

The dispute between the state govt and the former council chairmen?

The dispute between the state government and former council chairmen over their tenure before the state government threw them out of office has been a subject of litigation from one court to another. At present, they approached the Federal High Court and the court granted a stay of execution. The matter is still in court.

At a time, the House inaugurated a committee to mediate between the state government and the council chairmen. The House was served an order restraining us from mediating in a matter still in court.

We don’t have any problem. Local government is not functioning effectively. This might affect development, but we are working effectively with our constituencies.

Road Construction: Before the rainy season, we have 72.5km of road construction in Ehime Mbano LGA. For the first time in the history of local government areas, a road is being constructed to link Dioka Nzerem. There has never been a road to that place, which is the food basket of Imo State.

The road is from Orie Ikpa, Umuelemai to Dioka Nzerem. So, many of such roads are being constructed, but work is slow because of rain. Just last week, the governor asked us to get between 15km road that will be done between now and December. The road I put in is the Dioka Umuelemai. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks when the governor releases money, the contractors will go back to site.

Rice Farm The importance of the road to Nzerem can also be attributed to the Rice farm. There are other rice farmers in the area, hence there are

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a lot of farmers in Nzerem and that is why NDDC is constructing a road from Isiweke criss – crossing this road from Umuelemai to Dioka Nzerem.

The position is that we are still sourcing for funds. What is holding us is fund.

Governance is a difficult thing but the people of Imo are enjoying democracy dividends.

There are ups and downs, but there is not enough to judge the Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s administration on.

Permanent site for Imo State University Initially, the governor made pronouncements that the permanent site for Imo University was at Ogboko and construction started. But later, in his wisdom, he asked Owerri zone to provide a permanent site for the institution.

The previous administrations in the state did a study and sited two areas: Ogbaku and Ngor Okpala. Governance is a continuous thing. Though I’m not from Owerri. The governor in his wisdom has constituted a committee, comprising people from Owerri zone to provide permanent site for the University. My advice to the committee is to look at the two sites and make recommendation so that the governor can start construction immediately, because he is eager to start work on the permanent site of the state university.

Youth Empowerment and Football Academy My promise to empower youths in my constituency is on course as over 44 youths have been empowered through soap making. At the

•Dimaku completion of training, they will be given financial assistance to start small businesses.

We have given a lot of youths jobs in various government establishments.

We have completed payment for the students we gave scholarship this year. Also, 22 widows were empowered recently to start small businesses. The football academy is about to take off. The expatriates that will build and run the academy will arrive soon.

Land has been made available for the academy as the expatriates will be coming with their fund to finance the project.

Nsu Tile Factory I was part of the team that negotiated with the Italian company that took over the factory and construction has commenced.

Bills and motions I moved the bill establishing Imo Cooperative College in Umunakanu and the bill was passed, but the governor decided to elevate the College to a campus of the Imo State Polytechnic. So I am prepared to get an amendment to that bill to make the college a campus of Imo State Polytechnic. Social Science courses have been allotted to the school and of course it will attract development and employment to the area.

Co-operation with the governor In the House, we don’t tow party lines. Our slogan is (PGDA) that is APGA and PDP fused together. When we came on board, we saw that the governor had a vision to develop the state and the only people that can give him the frame work to do so is the House of Assembly. So, we decided that there is no need towing party lines except when we see him act outside the constitution. During the election of Hon. Dibia Agwu of Uguta State Constituency, I supported him because he contested on the platform of PDP and I am a member of PDP. APGA legislations also supported their candidate.

At the end Agwu won.

So, in that area, we did party job, but when we are in the House, we provide the necessary frame work to enable the governor develop the state. That is the essence of my election by my people.

If I cannot provide the frame work for the governor to develop the state, the people of Ehime Mbano will ask me after four years, “What did you do for Ehime Mbano?”

The line up from Anambra North •Continued from page 28 Investment Company in 1993.

Chairman, Transition Committee of the former Oyi Local Government Area from 1994-1996, he was elected ‘foundation’ Executive Chairman of Ayamelum Local Government Area in 1997 and subsequently the State Secretary, PDP in 1998. Odenigbo served as the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eleme Petrochemicals Company (a subsidiary of NNPC) where he served from 2000 until 2004.

Obi brought him into his cabinet to advise him on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in 2006, and elevated him to the position of the Secretary to the State Government in March 2007. His humility which bonded him with virtually every one that comes across him seems to still keep him in contention for the top job especially among his people (Anambra North).

An awardee of many distinguished institutions and titled chief in many communities.

Most people believe he may be positioned to succeed Obi. A quiet character that discharges his duty with a calmness that chides any urgency, Odenigbo in Obi’s cabinet played the role of a father.

Going by the quest of most state executives to replace themselves with their allies when leaving office, he may secure the support of the governor to clinch the ticket of APGA, having walked his way into the heart of the governor.

Also going for him is the fact that all the ‘who is who’ in Anambra North look up to him, having served the governor with loyalty throughout the two terms in office. So far, nothing has been heard of him with regards to the exalted seat.

Pat Obianwu is a big shot in the Estate management sector. He is currently based in Lagos. He hails from Onitsha, has good educational background and widely travelled. He hopes to contest on the platform of APGA. He is rumoured to enjoy the backing of the most powerful traditional ruler, east of the

Niger, Igwe Obi Achebe (Agbogidi), the Obi of Onitsha, even though he has very little political antecedent. He formally declared for APGA only recently and is believed to be financially stable.

Alex Obiogbolu is a fairly successful medical doctor from Onitsha with an established political antecedent, having severally contested in previous governorship elections in the state. He enjoys followership of youth elements within the PDP which he belongs to.

He is known to abhor political godfatherism.

The only thing people are not sure of is his ability to bankroll something as enormous and financially tasking as a governorship contest.

Oseloka Obaze is another man being speculated for the exalted office. He hails from Ogbaru and currently serves as Secretary to the Anambra State Government.

He is believed to have been persuaded to leave his duty post at the United Nations Organization (UNO) to come and serve the

state as a stepping stone to contesting the 2014 governorship election in the state. He enjoys unblemished reputation, and good standing in the consideration of the incumbent Governor. He would likely contest on APGA’s platform regardless of the current face-off between his principal and the party’s national chairman. His edge lies in the quantum of international connections and goodwill garnered while he worked with the UNO – a factor not a few Anambrarians believe will be most essential to sustain the tempo ignited by the incumbent when he finally exits.

Willy Obiano hails from Aguleri and serves as Executive Director at Fidelity Bank.

He has the ear of the incumbent governor. He is not known to have experience in politics, having spent a lot of his active working days in the banking sector. He is quite popular in the private sector and can boast of reasonable foreign contacts. He is believed to be eyeing the exalted stool on APGA’s platform.

•Obidigbo

•Oseloka

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DAILY SUN

S

enator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, representing Kebbi Central district of Kebbi State, has given insight into why people are clamouring for more states. Bagudu who chairs the Senate Committee on Interior, says it is a clear reflection of failure of the Nigeriannation to achieve the aspiration of the citizenry.

Senator Bagudu also speaks on the controversy currency restructuring, Boko Haram and prison congestion. Excerpts: N5000 note About five years ago, we had a major currency restructuring which saw the introduction of different currency notes. Ever since, we have seen an increased in the use of electronic means of transactions by Nigerians. Many Nigerians are using cards- debit and credit cards- than you had five years ago. Many Nigerian businesses are using point of sales machine which are alternative to cash. The Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced on a pilot basis, cashless initiatives in Lagos which is to be extended to other parts of the country. So, one would have thought that these are very well thought out projects.

Therefore, the introduction of high denomination currency like the N5000 note does not appear to be in tandem with that initial well thought policy.

I think the reasoning behind the introduction of the N5000 note is not well articulated. Certainly, there was no enough consultation. If you want to introduce anything, just as CBN has done before, they have to engage the stakeholders- the Nigerian public- because once confidence in the currency is not there, it will endanger its acceptance.

State police This issue is not region based. There are three strands of issues being debated. There are some people who believe that state police is good but the current reality of the Nigerian federation is that if you have a state police, there is no assurance that it would not lead to fragmentation of the country. There are some people who believe if the Nigerian police has failed, what we need to do is fix it rather than embark on state police. If it has failed because it does not have enough personnel and equipment, then that is what we should be addressing. There are some people

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 31

Reason agitation for state creation is rife –Sen Bagudu

Sen. Bagudu who are of the view that some states won’t have the resources to fund and manage a state police.

Some of us have expressed the view that arguments being bandied in favour of state police are good but we are certainly not ripe now. I believe that given the security challenges we face and the reality of the Nigerian federation, we’re not ready for state police.

Congestion in the Nigerian prisons and dilapidated physical structure.

The committee and indeed the entire senate have been concerned about the state of the Nigerian prisons and we have started the process.

We are in the third reading of the Bill to reform the Nigerian prisons. Those elements of the reform include ensuring that whoever, unfortunately, goes to a prison in Nigeria should come out a better person. That means such a person is rehabilitated and trained so that he can be a better citizen. The second element is that we have considered a number of motions in tandem with

the prisons reform bill about what to do with awaiting trial problems. It is the main problems of the Nigerian prisons because a little under 50,000 which is the total population of the Nigerian prisons, about 36,000 are awaiting trial.

When I was at Oko prison, I met a young man of 17 who was detained since 1997 on the orders of a military administrator then. The last time he was in court was in 2004. There is no excuse for this kind of a thing. It is either you try him and convict him; let him serve a sentence or somebody should have the courage of saying he should not be there. Nobody should be in the prisons without being convicted forever. So, the awaiting trial issue is of paramount importance to us. We have examined the various problems ranging from difficulties and the long time it takes for police officers to complete their investigation. Another element of the bill is the infrastructure constraints that the Nigerian prisons face. Sometimes, they don’t have vehicles. Very often, you find an accused who misses a court date because that same morning that he was expected to honour the date, the vehicle of the prisons authority broke down, or they may even have many people going to different courts at the same time and the vehicles are not enough to convey them all. The security of the Nigerian prison is another issue which relate to their age.

The senate is looking into it with a view to enhance funding of the prisons.

The Boko-Haram menace To say the Federal Government has not been doing enough isn’t correct. May be the best of the government isn’t enough because Nigerians just want this thing to go away. We all know that when problems start, it is usually long and difficult for it to disappear. So much money has been spent. A lot of intense activities are being under-

taken by our security service. That to me is quite commendable. Again, this problem has been on the decline, because we are seeing more activism by religious leaders and civil society groups to complement what the government is doing.

Because security issues involve the community, there is need for more community vigilance.

People should cooperate and support each other.

Certainly, the conduct of our religious leaders has been quite commendable in terms of how they condemn any attack on places of worship or people of other religions. The Federal Government and ministry of internal affairs have all been up and doing engaging all stakeholders including the traditional institution. We are seeing results from such consultations. The new security adviser, immediately he assumed office, visited Borno and Yobe states and so many other places including Jos in a bid to see that the tension is brought down. But more than that, the issue of unemployment is a major contributing factor in arresting this violence. If there are jobs, if the perpetrators are busy all day, if there is something they do that brings food on their table and money into their pockets, I think this will go a long way in reducing the tension.

Agitations for more states I am a member of the constitutional review committee, so in answering this question, I am talking as an individual and a senator. My view here is doesn’t represent that of the committee.

Having said that, I want to say that state creation is a reflection of failure of the Nigerian-nation to achieve the aspiration of so many people.

Development has been left for so long because if it had been addressed there is no way we would still be talking about states creation now. What we have seen around the world is the tendency for countries to cooperate and even coalesce into one. We have seen the European Union trying to become one nation. The whole objective of the World Trade Organization is that we should be one global world.

Unfortunately in Nigeria, there is mutual distrust amongst members of the society- some communities think the others are exploiting them and out of desperation, they follow a similar pattern. So, I think emphasis should be on how we can move the country forward by ensuring people’s aspirations are met rather than subdividing the country further such that no development is achieved.

Era of mushrooms schools over in Katsina –Dikko, SUBEB chairman From ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina

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hairman, Katsina State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Suleiman Dikko, has said that the era of mushrooms schools is over in the state as school owners have been given one year to develop their permanent sites or be closed: “If you think education is an enterprise where you are going to make money, then you must put in your money to justify the money you are making.”

He spoke more with Daily Sun. Excerpts: Can you throw light on the SUUBEB monitoring and supervisory policy?

In any organization, supervision, inspection and monitoring are of paramount importance because if people are allowed to do what they want and how they want it, they would not do what they are expected to do. So, when I came to office a year ago, the first thing I observed was that the ethics of work was not within our staff; the staff were not doing their best anyway or putting in their best.

I sat down and realized that being a classroom teacher and being a head of higher institution before this appointment, when I studied the situation here I discovered that there were so many lapses in supervision, inspection and monitoring of the system as a whole. So, I decided to take it upon myself because you need to show people the way before they start doing what you expect them to do. So, I go round different schools everyday without notice, before I come to office.

Around 6.30 am, I will leave for a primary school; I will wait in the school until the staff and pupils begin to come in. I will be monitoring them to see the time of their arrival because punctuality is the sole of business. If teachers are not coming to school when they should, it will definitely hamper their performance.

The second thing I do is to look at the psychological and emotional state of the teachers.

Thirdly, I will look at administrative skills and abilities of the head teachers. Four, I will assess the qualification and competence of teachers and observe how they deliver their goods to the children, that is the method of delivery of their teaching and then monitor the response of their children to the lessons. These are what I observe in every school. After that I will come to my office and compose my findings and what will

be the solution in that particular school and I will give instructions; if it involves transferring the teachers or the headmaster or re-training the staff and the head master, I will do that immediately. Then, in the next school, the following day, I will do the same thing and it is a continuous exercise. Everyday, I visit a different school to observe those five aspects.

So, I discovered that the fear of my presence in a headmaster’s school stimulate the staff to come on time. And the promptness of the teachers is what motivates the promptness of the children in coming to school on time because as teachers are not coming on time, the children will not come on time too. Either unconsciously or automatically, the fear that the chairman is coming to their school without notice, and he will come around 6.30am and wait until when the teachers and headmaster come to the school, prompted the teachers to go to school in time and even start their lessons in time.

Sometimes, I will observe their assemblies and how they even lead their children back to classrooms and observe the general environment of the school; I used to observe many things. I have discovered that if you want to bring back the glory of education, then definitely supervision must be given priority. It is not the curriculum, it is not the teachers but if the teachers are not stimulated to do the work, no matter how knowledgeable they are, no matter what induction or re-fresher course you give them, they will not give their best.

This is my observation and what encouraged me to continue doing it tirelessly, even now I am eager for the schools to resume, is that I used to get commendations from parents of the children that the system has improved. They would even ask me to go to a particular primary school and see their problem. I go there at time they never expected. When I made it a daily routine to go to school by 6.30, teachers thought that by 12 noon I would not come to their schools, and then I will take them by surprise. There was a school I visited by 11.15 and they were preparing to close the school and they had sent away their children.

They were all terrified to see me at that particular time in the rural area where, without Jeep (a Sport Utility Vehicle) the area is inaccessible.

So, when the news reached other schools they realized that they could not predict my visit. This policy and system helped a lot in improving the

input and the output of the educational system in the state. This is my observation as far as supervision is concerned and I think it is the most important tool in moving our educational system forward.

Could your recall how many teachers and head teachers had been sanctioned sequel to your routine supervision?

A lot of them have been sanctioned. Like in Jibia, I went to two primary schools and I redeployed all the teachers and even their head masters, who I demoted to classroom teachers. I went to Batsari and I demoted a head master to classroom teacher, I went to Safana, in one of the villages there, the same thing happened. And I went to Daura – Muhammad Buhari Primary School, and I re-deployed all the teachers there and I went to Madugu Primary School, the same thing happened.

I was at Baradayi Primary School in Bakori Local Government where I met only an Arabic Language teacher. I asked that the remaining teachers should be transferred to the remotest area. In fact, even in Katsina metropolis, I transferred many teachers and headmasters that were not doing well. What I used to is that if a school is found wanting within the metropolis, I will ask all the teachers to be transferred to the most rural area. If any of them don’t like it, he can resign; many are waiting (to be recruited). When these teachers are re-deployed, I will ask the education secretary to give me the list of the teachers and where they were transferred to and the following day I would visit the area and make sure they have reported.

What is the level of pupil enrolment in the state?

With globalization, now parents have realized the significance of educating their children. Gone are the days you go into the villages calling on parents to enroll their children, particularly the female children. For example, since I came in, our enrolment has gone up by 50 per cent for girls and 70 per cent for boys. In fact, it is up to the extent that there are some schools we had to reduce their enrolment and transfer some of

their pupils to other schools. There is remarkable improvement in enrolment and this I can only attribute to the awareness of parents that education is a necessity for life that should be given to children.

What are you doing in the area of training and re-training of staff?

Training is part of our annual exercise; every year we have to train our staff professionally to get additional qualifications; if they are NCE holders, they go for degree and if they are NCE failures, they go for their certificates. However, we have given ultimatum to those with Grade Two to make up, if not we will flush them out by the year 2015. If any cannot bring his NCE certificate, he should consider himself retired.

And there are re-fresher courses which we normally organize in order to improve their teaching skills; this is normally done annually in conjunction with UBEC, there is money that is set aside for that purpose. There is also our inhouse training but one lamentable thing is that teachers are just anxious about the allowances they will get during the training, not the content of the training. So, we are trying to see that this mentality is removed from the minds of our teachers – let them value the training rather than the allowances and we are making it gradually.

• Dikko

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012 DAILY SUN

A night of Caribean and Latino Groove dance at MTN PFWA Season 5

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ow! The contestants dazzled the whole of West Africa with their own personally composed songs and hit songs of Caribbean and Latino Groove origin.

Opening the floor with his debut song was Oyinkansade, singing a Yoruba love song titled: Je Ka Sere.

Up next was Ayo, singing Time his own song. Ella again proved that she was here with her piece. At the end of her love song, she was tagged every song writer’s dream voice and whatever Mummy J meant by consummate drama.

Next was Liberian Diva, Musulyn also doing her song with so much smoothness and Marvellous again marvelled everyone with her song. Also Christian singing B-AB-Y. Adetoun rounded off the session with her own original fuji cum waka track. They all did well and are now really very impressive.

Going to the next phase of the evening’s groove was Caribbean and Latino hits. First on the show was Ayo singing Hot, hot, hot

by Buster Boindexter...Musulyn was a pret-

SHOWBIZ

ty sight to behold as she did ‘Whenever, wherever,’by Shakira, Oyinkansade did Bailamos by Enrique Inglesias. Ella did Conga by Gloria Estafan. It was Marvelous’ turn to thrill us and he did it marvellously with Mighty Sparrow’s Sugar

Bum, next was Christian singing Carlos Santana’s Maria, Maria and finally was Adetoun doing Eddy Grant’s Johanna.

It was a beautiful blend of their own compositions plus Caribbean and Latino groove.

Former Mo’Hits manager signs Ashley Stephanie, J Royalty

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Chidinma unveils clothing outfit

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irst ladies, governors’wives and celebrities are those that patronise Chidinma Obairi, clothing brand. Finest of linens, silks to Ankara adorned with crystals, diamonds, pearls, finest of sequins are just what this African produced fashion brand is known for in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

Ms. Obairi, Creative Director of C.O, is a Nigerian, who holds a first degree in computer science. The young designer’s exquisite style, use of luxury detailing on her designs, eyes for details and her love for beautiful clothes had won her praises, approval and fashion patrons within a very short time of her debut in the industry.

Chidinma Obairi’s collections is known for sophisticated drama, feminine detailing, timeless creations classic and contemporary approach to dress design. In 2012, her enthusiasm for ageless, contemporary fashion and record-breaking painstaking activities resulted in the launch of her highly acclaimed readyto-wear collections. This was greeted with accolades, love, support and countless clientele base.

Music fiesta in Edo and Delta

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risosa Multi Concepts is set to organise the Edo/Delta cultural music fiesta in Lagos, Abuja, Asaba and Benin next month.

Organiser of the event, Christian David Ikponwuosa, said Nigeria’s indigenous music had come of age and that is why the concert will celebrate and create a socio-cultural consciousness of the Edo/Delta people.

Highlife music maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo and other indigenous artistes from the two states are expected to perform at the event.

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ormer Mo’Hits Records artistes’ Manager and CEO of List Entertainment, Sunday Are, has signed two new acts, Ashley Stephanie and J Royalty, under his label.

Having waited for the right time and with lots of hard work, Mr. Are has released fresh materials from the newly signed-acts.

While J Royalty can do different genres of music and blessed with 17 voices, Ashley Stephanie has rebranded her music from hip hop to Soukous (also known as Lingala and Congo ), a dance music genre.

She is ready to capture the African market.

J Royalty’s new singles, 17 Voices, introduces his music concept to the world while the melodious hit, Eko Ile expresses the beauty of the city of Lagos . Ashley’s Oupe Decale and Ale Ale are club bangers that will stay on the chart for a long time.

Delta State-born J.Royalty, whose real names are Ojakere Samuel is a unique artiste who spends most of his time in the studio working on different types of music genre. The Isoko indigene studied Religion and Philosophy at Delta State University Abraka. He is also a producer and a music video director.

Ashley is a musical phenomenon that needs no introduction. A distinguished singer, songwriter, actress, model and full-

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Braide

damiete_braide@yahoo.com 07030059588

Movie producer, Best Okoduwa, fights cyber crime with Bad Brilliance

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•Stephanie

time entertainer, Ashley was born in Bouae in Cameroon of a Nigerian/ Cameroon parentage, but grew up in Spain .

For 10 years, Big Mammy, as she is fondly called, had been representing Africa overseas with her captivating lead role in a group known as “The Spanish Girls”.

Lagos agog as the Green family wins MDA Season 6 ll through the competition, The Green Family showed their creativity and ingenuity.

They defeated four other families at the grand finale to win the Maltina Dance Hall (MDA) Season 6 competition.

The Efiokwu and Eghove families emerged first and second runners-up while the Zibe and Boyle families came fourth and fifth respectively.

BITS Damiete

The Green Family went home with N6 million and a Toyota Avensis car while the Efiokwu and Eghove families won N1 million and N500,000 respectively.

In their dance to fortune, the Greens held the large crowd that witnessed the show spellbound and in the end, they earned a standing ovation.

Also, Mrs. Telema Green, the mother, expressed her joy and gratitude for being winners. She sang praises to God for making her family champions. She stated that the money would be used to further the education of her children.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nicolaas Verlvede, Managing Director, Nigeria (NB) Breweries Plc, said: “It was a fantastic event.

All five families really did an outstanding job. They gave great performances and great entertainment”.

he increasing wave of cyber crime in the country is a strong threat to Nigeria’s e-commerce growth and the nation has bad image overseas, which has consequently denied some innocent Nigerians certain opportunities abroad.

Perhaps, this vice cannot be totally eradicated but it can be reduced to its barest minimum if other patriotic Nigerian youths, aged, private sectors, and the government can incisively pay attention to it.

This is just what Best Okoduwa, prominent film producer cum publicist, has done with the television series: Bad Brilliance, a youth empowerment project aimed at eradicating Internet fraud (YahooYahoo) in Nigeria.

Bad Brilliance, shot in Lagos State, tells the story of four witty, intelligent, and skilful young men who seem to have the perfect excuse for crime. Their roller coaster lifestyle from grass to grace and back to grass, con victims, scam approach and ultimately the inevitable price for such lifestyle in 26 episodes, is an interesting and engaging drama with some humour.

The soap opera written, produced and directed by Best Okoduwa, features fast-rising actors such as Ceaser, Dayo Davies and Jesmine Sylver.

Bad Brilliance will air in prominent television stations nationwide from next month.

MI thrills fans at Legend award celebration

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ast Friday, at the Niteshift Coliseum, Ikeja, Lagos, Hip-hop crooner, Jude Abaga (a.k.a MI), was at his best as he thrilled the audience with his songs when Nigerian Breweries (NB) celebrated the Gold Quality Award, which it won at the 51st Monde Award ceremony in Athens, Greece.

Marketing Director of NB, Mr. Walter Drenth, said every time Legend calls, it does so to share and celebrate good news. “You are all living witnesses to the tremendous strides the Legend brand has made over the years. It has established itself as a real stout on many counts and refreshing in its outlook.

Over the past 20 years, the Legend brand has continued to position itself as a credible choice of stout, full brewed the way an original stout should, giving Legend the credibility to be called the Real Deal, a sincere proposition that has sustained the brand s’ growth since the re-launch and acceptance in 2009.”

He reminded the consumers that the campaigns at the re-launch further rides on the brands’real brewed positioning with emphasis on the production processes considered desirable for a real stout. This innovation, according to him, has had a tremendous positive impact on the brand’s volume, market share and overall equity.

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DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

City SUN When Oyo went agog for Alaafin Oranyan

By KEHINDE ADEREMI

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aturday, September 15, 2012, will for long remain indelible in the minds of Oyo indigenes. That was the day indigenes of the city, both home and abroad, came together to celebrate the grand finale of the Oranyan Festival 2012.

Alaafin Oranyan was the first Alaafin of Oyo. The event, according to the chairman of the central committee, who was also the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola, was the first in the history of the ancient town.

It was a week-long programme that started on Saturday, September 8, 2012 and ended on Saturday, September 15, 2012.

“What we are doing here today mainly is to celebrate the great progenitor, Alaafin Oranyan, who was the first Alaafin of Oyo, and to showcase the rich culture of the Yoruba race,” he said, adding that the event was a meeting point for all Yorubas in the world to promote unity and peace.

Among the guests at the event were Oyo State governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, Chief Segun Runsewe, former governor of Oyo State, Chief Omololu Olunloyo, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, Chief of Staff to the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. He stood in for his principal.

All the three Senators representing the constituencies in the state, commissioners, renowned scholar, Professor Wande Abimbola, Founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun and the National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams were also there. Five monarchs came from Lagos, just as all the traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun in Oyo State were at the event.

Royal fathers also came from Osun, Kwara as well as the Republic of Benin and Togo.

They were all there to celebrate with the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. Welcoming guests to the programme, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, deputy chairman of the Central Committee, told the mammoth crowd present at the Aremo Palace ground, venue of the event: “The essence of this celebration is to promote unity among the Yorubas and to revive our lost cultural and traditional values as the

Gov. Ajimobi and Oba Adeyemi most unique race in the world.

His imperial majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, being the leader of all the Yoruba monarchs, had made his intention known to the world through the Oranyan festival that it was to bring unity among the Yoruba nation and revive our lost glory. Hence, the Oranyan festival has come to stay as an annual festival.”

In his speech, Governor Ajimobi praised the Oyo monarch for initiating a move to unite the whole Yoruba nation through the Oranyan festival. According to the governor, “Oyo remains the Pacesetter State.

Therefore, the Oyo State government will always play its role in promoting unity among the Yorubas. As such, it is ready to provide the necessary support towards the achievement of this aim and objective.”

Speaking on the life of Alaafin Oranyan, Professor Wande Abimbola said: “The

story of Oranyan remained that of courage, valour and adventure, and this is exactly what the Alaafin has done today by convening all the eminent Yoruba sons and daughters to celebrate the life of the great progenitor.” He urged the organizers of the festival to ensure that it really becomes a meeting point for all Yorubas from all over the world.

In his remarks, former governor of Oyo State, Chief Omololu Olunloyo told the guests the significance of reviving old culture, values and tradition inherent in the ancient city of Oyo. Said he: “Oyo has remained the meeting point in Yoruba history. There’s no way you can talk about Yoruba history without making adequate reference to Oyo, and Alaafin has, since a very long time, remained a force to reckon with.”

Various speakers at the event hailed Oranyan as a brave warrior and leader.

DHL marks Global Volunteer Day, upgrades home for the elderly

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hey are the world’s leading mail and logistics group. And now, Deutsche Post DHL is encouraging its employees, customers and business partners to take part in the company’s Global Volunteer Day for the second year in a row.

This year’s programme was actually scheduled for between September 6 and 16. But according to the organisation, employees can continue to volunteer beyond the 10-day period, providing assistance to the elderly, helping the disadvantaged and cleaning up the environment, among other areas.

In Nigeria, the focal point of this year’s Global Volunteer Day is centered on the renovation of the Old People’s Home in Yaba, a Lagos suburb. In a joint collaboration with

Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding, this will include the renovation of the building, provision of toilets and showers; cooking gas and utensils; foodstuffs among others. The appearance of the premises will take on a new look and beautification when this is completed in time for the launching ceremony.

The activities organized as part of Global Volunteer Day are coordinated group wide in order to create a joint platform for all projects.

They are also aligned with the Group’s three Corporate Responsibility programmes – GoGreen (environment), GoHelp (disaster management) and GoTeach (education).

Global Volunteer Day focuses on activities that meet local needs and leverages the good working relationships that country teams have with local organizations.

Last year, the first year that the Global Volunteer Day was held, employees in 130 countries and territories worked on approximately 600 projects.

“With our workforce of 470,000 people in more than 220 countries and territories, we have a tremendous reservoir of knowledge and energy. We also want to use this energy on behalf of society as a whole and make a positive contribution to the communities where we do business,” says Christof Ehrhart, head of Corporate Communications and Responsibility at Deutsche Post DHL. “The volunteer work that our employees do throughout the year is quite impressive in itself.

With the annual Global Volunteer Day we can also develop a strong feeling of oneness and create additional motivation.”

They call on all Yorubas to join Oba Adeyemi III in his quest to ensure unity among the Yorubas and bring back the values and cultural heritage of the race.

The festival started with a carnival after some royal blessing from the Alaafin to all the participants. About 10, 000 persons participated in the rally, moving from the palace to all the major towns and communities in the area, including Ilora, Fiditi and Jobele, among others.

The carnival train then returned to the palace where the Alaafin addressed the crowd. “I’m delighted to know that the carnival today was successful and I’m sure that the spirit of Oranyan will be happy with us all.” The monarch urged the people to follow the daily schedule of events.

On the following day was a live radio programme entitled Eyi-ara where Ladigbolu told the whole world about the significance of the Oranyan festival. The cleric responded to a series of questions on the event and urged the Yorubas to preserve their cultural heritage and values. The third day saw Oyo indigenes trooping to the palace for the Art and Craft Exhibition.

The exhibition showcased the natural ingenuity of the new generation artists.

Besides, experts from the Old Oyo National Park played host to guests as they enlightened participants on the historical and archeological sites and world of wild animals.

The following day, Tuesday, September 11, there was a film show on the life of the Alaafin Oranyan and Alaafin Sango. And on Wednesday, Dr. Ayo Elebute from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan lectured on the topic: Art and Craft: Veritable Sources of Economic Empowerment. The grand finale of the Miss Oranyan Beauty Pageant, anchored by Princess Arewa Afolashade Adeyemi, daughter of Oba Adeyemi brought glamour to the event.

The Oyo princess told the reporter that the Oranyan festival had availed the entire world the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Yoruba race. “I’m pleased to be identified as Omo Yoruba, with decent culture and tradition and that was exactly what we did by organizing the Oranyan Beauty Pageant,” she told the reporter.

On Thursday, September 13, the final football competition was held between the Ambassador and Arsenal football clubs, with the Arsenal FC winning the maiden edition of the football competition. And speaking at the event, Oba Adeyemi III urged the spectators never to hide their talents, but to utilize such talents in the right direction.

Friday, September 14 was the Gbegiri Day, when Oyo indigenes, both home and in the Diaspora came home to eat the special delicacy of amala and gbegiri. Juju music singer, Allen Adetoye thrilled guests with his music as they savoured the occasion.

Speaking to the reporter, OPC leader, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun said the maiden edition of the Oranyan festival had testified to the richness of the Yoruba culture and tradition, adding that such events provide a veritable opportunity of promoting one’s culture.

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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City SUN

By SEYE OJO

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s it possible for a 76-year-old woman to celebrate 60 years in the teaching profession? Did she start teaching at 16? Why has she not retired? What is she still doing in the classroom?

These were some of the questions that agitated the mind of this reporter when he learnt that Mrs. Grace Ajoke Aladesanmi would, in October, float a non-governmental organisation to mark her diamond jubilee in the teaching profession.

So, the reporter set out to have an interview with the septuagenarian at the Daylight Star Nursery/Primary School in Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos. Aladesanmi, who is the proprietress of the school, was at the school gate where she received the reporter. She later led him to her office.

The woman, who was born on April 1, 1936, started her primary education in 1943, after which she proceeded to a Modern School. “I was one of the first set of students that attended Modern School in the country,” she said proudly.

She continued: “When I was at the Anglican Girls School, Ondo, my head teacher said I was too young to go to the Teachers Training College. She asked me to take an entrance examination to Queens School, Ede, because I was a brilliant student. I took the exams and passed. I was admitted as one of the first set of students in Queens School.

“But I could not attend the school because of financial constraints. So, the supervisor was approached on my behalf if he could fix me in a school to teach. He obliged and that was how I started teaching at the age of 16 in 1952.”

On preparation for her diamond jubilee as a teacher, Aladesanmi, who hails from Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State, said she has written a book on her 60 years experience. The book would be launched during the celebrations on Saturday, October 6, this year.

“Sixty years is a landmark,” she noted. “We want to show our gratitude to the Almighty God. We want to use this 60 years anniversary to establish a non-governmental organisation, Daylight Star Foundation that will outlive me.

It is an organisation that will promote the values I stand for.

“Daylight Star Foundation is to promote integrity, morals, discipline and excellence in basic education. We will do these goals through seminars, write-ups and counselling.

We will enlighten parents and guardians on the need to adequately carry out their responsibilities to their wards and children. We will make them understand the impact on the children’s academic performance.

“The foundation will sponsor indigent students through primary school. If the child is exceptional, the foundation will sponsor such pupil through secondary school. The foundation will bridge the gap between the haves and haves-not in the society by ensuring that those who have and can share partner with us towards reducing the cost of education in the country.”

The elderly teacher explained how she rose from being an ordinary teacher to become a head teacher that served in many schools before her retirement on September 1, 1989.

•Mrs Aladesanmi

A teacher for 60 years •Now, she launches foundation to care for indigent students When she was 17 years old, she gained admission to the famous United Missionary College, Ibadan, where teachers were trained in those days. She was at the school jointly owned by the Methodist and Anglican Missions for three years. On graduation, she taught for another three years before she got married at 23 to a native of Akoko in Ondo State, Mr. Joseph Adeboro Aladesanmi.

She continued: “Few months after my marriage, my husband got a scholarship to study Leather Technology in the United Kingdom. I later got admission to the University of London, Institute of Education in 1961/62. So, I had to travel to London to meet my husband for the course.

“My husband finished before me and came to Nigeria. When I finished too, I came back to Nigeria. At that time, no one wanted to stay abroad. Then, Nigerians were noted to be very

•Mrs Aladesanmi (right) with Chief Modupe Adeagbo, one of her students in 1952

responsible and brilliant. We comported ourselves with integrity.”

On getting back to Nigeria, her husband was already working in the North. She was also transferred to the Anglican Primary School, Vom, Plateau State in 1965. The mantle of head teacher fell on her in 1966 when the headmaster of the school was killed during the mass massacre of the Igbos in the North.

“Initially, I was afraid but I prayed and God did marvellous things through me such that when my husband was transferred to Lagos, the school did not want me to go.

“My husband had an accident on his wrist; a glass cut the artery. He applied to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi. That was why they transferred us from the North to Lagos in 1967. The civil war had started before we came back.

“In Lagos, I taught in several places before I was made a head teacher. After some time, we were drafted to teach in the secondary school.

Later, the then military governor of Lagos State, Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru (rtd), said he wanted those of us who were trained for the primary school to go back because he wanted solid educational foundation for children from the elementary school,” the woman recalled.

The septuagenarian then resumed as head teacher at the Estate Primary School Isolo, in 1984, where she won a state honours award as the Best Teacher in Lagos State.

After retirement, she opened a centre in Isolo where she did coaching for children. Dozens of parents sent their children to the centre before she travelled to the United States when news came that her first grandchild was born.

When she came back to Nigeria, she transformed the centre to the Daylight Star Nursery/Primary School. She has developed the school to the extent that the head teacher, whom she employed about eight years ago, now manages the school very well whenever the ageless teacher travels abroad. The school, she said, has been producing brilliant pupils.

Aladesanmi was the chairperson of Ire Akari Women Association, Isolo, for many years.

She enjoined the government to invest more in training and retraining of teachers so as to ensure a solid foundation for children in the public primary schools.

But Madam Aladesanmi, who was in the public service for 37 years, is not happy with the Federal Government over non-harmonisation of her pension. She is angry that 23 years after her retirement, she still collects N8, 200 monthly. She retired on Grade Level 12, Step Three. Her Lagos State Government Staff Pension Board Identity Card is marked: PRB/T/ F/0076.

“In 2002, there was separation of payment of salary between Lagos State and the Federal Government. I travelled abroad then, but took the necessary permission as I always did. It was approved and my son whom I appointed to collect my pension was being paid until the verification exercise took place that year.

When I returned to the country, I was asked to go to Abuja with the necessary documents, unfortunately, the trip was an absolutely futile one as nothing was done or promised.”

Aladesanmi said the federal government that ought to have harmonised her pension before passing her to Lagos State government for payment did not do so. She said the 180 per cent increase on pension has not been implemented for her in the past 10 years.

“The local pension board in Lagos advised that I should write to the Director of Pensions in Abuja, which I’ve been doing for the past 10 years. Inside sources told me that names of people removed from the voucher are substituted with other names and their money collected every month.”

“It is very sad that someone like me who served my country meritoriously is being deprived of my dues for such a long time. Each time we go for federal verification, we would be given a form to write our complaints in, if any. I have written this complaint several times without any action taken. I know that God will restore my dues to me in Jesus name,” Aladesanmi said.

•Aladesanmi and her first set of students at the Ekiti Anglican Girls’ School, Ado-Ekiti in 1952.

38

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26 , 2012

CHURCH World with

Theresa Onwughalu theresaonwughalu@yahoo.com 08056361634

‘Stop your evil activities or face God’s wrath’ C

ommissioned to reach souls for Christ, Rev. Grace Funmi Paul, a counselor of over two decades, has called on the nation’s detractors to stop their evil activities or face God’s wrath.

Mrs. Paul, who holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Zoology (1983) and a Masters Degree in Parasitology (1985) from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, maintained that Nigeria is a blessed country. The author of Teens’ Gist and Before You Say I do and Afterwards, said evil doers cannot go unpunished. Paul, who works as part-time volunteer at the Association for Reproductive and Family Health, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Ibadan, is blessed with two children, Temiloluwa and Oluwadayomi. She speaks on insecurity and the messages she got from God. Insecurity I believe God has raised me up at a time like this for the church and for the nation. This time is what the Bible calls the end-time where several activities are going on in the world but my primary concern is Nigeria for now. I have a commission to speak concerning Nigeria and the church to address the issues that are going on. One of the issues traumatizing everybody in the nation is insecurity. This is not the first time a crash like that of June is happening and if we don’t do something about it, it might not be the last time. That reminds me of the event of September 11, where a plane was crashed into a building. Well, everybody is giving impression that it is not that kind of incidence but it looked to me exactly like that.

Messages I get The crash incident and bombings send a signal to me as a prophet that someone is telling us that he has dominion and control over the air, land and the sea. The message I am getting is that people are telling us in Nigeria that they can terrorize us at any level they choose to. We are wait-

•Rev. Paul ing for the level of the marine but what my God is telling me is that they would not go any further.

We are getting a message by the virtue of all that is happening that there is no God over this nation and that is a lie. We are also getting a message that God has no place for this country. That again is a lie for it is written, I know the plans that I have towards you.

They are thoughts of good and not evil, to give you a future and hope. It is also written, touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm.

Nigeria Nigeria is not a lawless nation. It is not a Godless nation. There is God over Nigeria. Nigeria is anointed of the Most High God. It is a country that is vital for the plans of God for the end time. As many that

have taken up the role to torment, subjugate, relegate and abuse Nigeria should not boast as he that taketh it up.

Because they have chosen to touch Nigeria, they have put their hands in God’s eye. Nigeria is not like any other country in the world. It has all the mineral resources in abundant.

Message for the wicked This is a message for those who have decided that Nigeria is a plundering ground for them. It has become a bases for loss in every realm of their lives. All the blood they have poured, the blood of Nigerians both young and old, the blood of prophets, pastors, Muslims, pagan, atheists and all kind of religion that is operating in the country begin to speak against them henceforth. It is written that while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest shall not cease. They have sown pain.

They have sown blood and they will reap blood, full measure, shaken

together and running over and at the end, the judgment of God. We are dealing with an intelligent group of people but as intelligent as they are, there are people who can read their hand writing; and I have a hand writing on the wall for them that has been written from the foundation of the world and was made manifest for the King of Babylon when he insisted on drinking from holy cups, which were dedicated to God. The hand writing came and wrote on the wall, Mene Mene Tekel. So, I say the same to those people.

It is written that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and that any tongue that rises against us in judgment, we shall condemn. Therefore, I am forbidding in the name of Jesus Christ the activities of anti-Christ, the activities of people masquerading themselves, people who are saying that they would continue to operate the mystery of iniquity in this nation.

Youths urged to fear God

I

t was a season of praise for the Trinity Tabernacle International (Celestial Church of Christ) as it celebrated its youths.

This was the 7th Juvenile Harvest Thanksgiving, which held at Ajegunle Bus stop, Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway recently.

The Shepherd-in-Charge of Prophet Samuel Owatunde Marshal, urged the youths to refrain from nefarious actions that could mar their future.

At the celebration, which lasted for a whole day, the Prophet called on the congregation and Nigerians to encourage the youths in their respective endeavours for optimum goal.

He enjoined youths to have the fear of the Lord wherever they are residing either here or abroad. “If they believe in themselves and in God, they would have no limitation. Let us instill in the minds of our children that they can be

whatever they want to be. We should give them quality education and stir up their potentials to achieve their desired goal in life,” he said.

According to him, “Life is not all about duration but what you can do.

Let us believe in what we can do to make our society okay. Let’s think about how we can be a blessing to the country and make it a better place to be. Let us not depend on government or any community or whatsoever.

Every youth wants to get out of this country but with hope in the Lord, they can become whatever they want.”

On the essence of the event, the cleric said: “We want to reshape our children, put them back in the way of the Lord according to Jeremiah 6: 16. To shape their lives, give them focus, vision and a positive attitude in their community. When the community is okay, the state would be okay and when the state is okay, the nation in general would be okay.”

He called on President Goodluck Jonathan to have focus and fear of the

Lord. “Let him be careful and not listen to everything people say. A leader must be visionary. When you are a visionary leader, you would be led by God and not by what people are saying around you. Whoever is listening to an opposition, would loose his or her position. So, let him look at where he is heading to. Let him envision Nigeria as a better place to be.

“Let him create more jobs for our children and encourage industrialization. In the country, employment in the banking sector is getting diminished, therefore, the need to create more industries. The country is churning out graduates yearly, so let him create jobs. He should also provide steady power supply and water for the people,” the Prophet stated.

A member, Sister Mabel Abisagbo described Celestial Church as: “the last ark of salvation. The first ark (Noah’s ark) was made by man and was limited in size and was for few people while the last art is made by God and his only son, Jesus, the cap-

•Prophet Marshal tain and it is open and available to all who are willing and qualified to be passengers through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.”

Crawford University appreciates God for accreditation success Nigeria will be greater –Pastor Dara Almighty God for the excellent result.

Prof. Ayanlaja

T

he management of Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, has expressed gratitude to God for excellent result recorded at the accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samson Ayanlaja, said the result represents the concerted efforts of the management, which is aimed at providing the teeming students and staff the needed impetus to excel in their chosen careers.

His words: “ We thank the

It is indeed gratifying to note that our concerted efforts have started yielding the desired dividends. With the result, we are confident and prepared. God being on our side, to give superlative education consistent with world best practices. Suffice it to say, we at Crawford University are poised to see that our burning aspirations and heartfelt desire to produce well-rounded graduates, who are molded in the fear of God are achieved.”

According the Ayanlaja, Crawford University, which has earned 100% accreditation status of its programmes, is based on Christian ethos with guiding motto of knowledge with godliness.

He further said: “Our school is free from staff unionism, and the teachers are well motivated. Consequently, strike actions, sexual harassment and cultism are totally absent. We intend, God helping us to produce skillful graduates who would kick start industrial revolution in Nigeria and with their godliness and integrity, bring about a paradigm shift in attitudinal behaviour of Nigeria workforce.”

The Vice Chancellor thanked the proprietor, the board of trustees, the governing council, senate of the insitution and everyone who contributed to the success of the accreditation programme.

onal Pastor, Christ Embassy Church, Warri Zone, Delta State, Sidi Dara, has enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the good of the nation, especially in the forthcoming independence celebration.

Pastor Dara stated this while addressing participants at the recent grand launch of the programme, Reachout Nigeria, in Warri. He maintained that Nigeria is a great country and that no wicked plans can divide it.

“Nigeria is full of great potentials with abundant human and natural resources as well as sporting activities,” industrial prowess and so on,” remarked the zonal pastor.

According to Dara, who spoke through Pastor Yomi Morakinyo, “our government has pivotal role to play

Z

Pastor Chris just as individuals also have in ensuring that the country moves forward.”

He used the occasion to correct insinuations in some quarters that Nigeria will disintegrate before 2015, maintaining that the country is more vibrant and strongly united now.

Pastor Morakinyo said that Nigeria

RCCG holds 7-day healing crusade in Lagos

T

he Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Sunshine Parish LP10, has commenced a 7-day healing crusade with the theme: I Will Heal Thee.

The crusade, which started on September 25, will run through Sunday, September 30 at 2, Somoye Street, Mulero Bus-Stop, Iyana Ipaja

in Lagos. The grand finale will hold on Monday, October 1, 2012.

Ministering are Pastor J.O. Olagbadegun (PICP LP10), Pastor Robinson Bowale (Regional Evangelist), Pastor Victor Kayode (APICP LP1, Ebute Meta), Pastor Lucky E. Onyeemeosi (PIC Sunshine Zone) and Evangelist Dipo Alabi (Benin).

is one of the oil producing countries in the world, adding that the country will continue to be a leading nation.

On Reachout Nigeria, which began in 2007, the cleric noted that this year’s programme with the theme, Celebrating Our Possibilities, is meant to usher in the nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary.”

Pastor Morakinyo then ruled out the possibility of enemies to over-run Nigeria, adding that the country will not yield to the plans of the wicked people.

Thoughts for the week

Know ye not?

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hat, he that feareth the Lord shall be blessed.

Friends, Psalm 128:1-2, 5 says, “Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord; that walketh in His ways.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hand; happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. The Lord shall blessed thee out of zion and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

Until next Wednesday, remain blessed.

DAILY SUN

Wedneday, September 26, 2012 39

The police and the Nigerian hope

By BEN OKEZIE

N

igeria, to many is like a dry fish that cannot be bent for corrective purposes while to others, the country called Nigeria is a time bomb that is waiting to explode. These perceptions are signs of fallacies and unpatriotic opinions created sequel to government unpopular policies.

Nigerians are daily fed with negative information that are laced with complete falsehood and they swallow these lies hook, line and sinker without any verification of what the actual position of the situation is all about. It is such public perceptions that have continued to trail every of government actions and by extension public opinion about the Nigeria police force. As a keen observer and stake holder in the police for over thirty years, I have always had a strong believe that a time would come when the right square peg would be located and fixed rightly after the exit of Mike Okiro as the inspector general of police.

The hope came to pass with the appointment of an officer, called Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar. Many became more convinced that with him on board, the police would regain its lost glory while cynics trumped up unsubstantiated politically motivated charges against him. In all of these, the policemen themselves believe that police would once again see a new wave of transformation because it is he who wears the shoe that knows where it pinches.

No sooner was he sworn in than he began to embark on his transformation programe that is tied to stopping corruption and introducing a transformation code of conduct for all police men and officers. Some of these moves have always been associated with him. His appointment defied many critics and opponents but he mounted the seat with a focused belief in setting a record and leaving a legacy that can be emulated.

Since his assumption of office, Abubakar has faulted critics with the complete transformation of the force headquarters, known as Louis Edet building. Today, the entire seven-floor- storey building of the force headquarters has completely been transformed, wearing a tasteful look that is not only attractive but oozing beauty and modernity in ecstatic grandeur. Visitors’ impression has futher attested to the leadership

qualities of MD Abubaker, many describing him as a visionary leader. With his appointment observers now have a different opinion that, indeed, hope is not lost both for the Nigeria police but with Nigeria as a country.

Leaders are not easy to come by but when such a leader is located and appointed or elected, then hope is not lost. MD has vigorously been over active in his belief that a new police can be produced for the people of Nigeria. Leaders inspiresand motivate and true to the saying, more leaders in the police are being discovered by the Abubakar administration.

A visit to many police posts, commands and zones, speak of unbelievable transformations that have kept many critics’mouth ajar. His humility, sincerity of pur- • Abubakar pose coupled with his exemplary leadership and dedication are some of his leadership traits that have infected many officers, who are already towing his reformatory agenda. No wonder the Federal Government was not oblivious of Abubakar’s selfless service to his fatherland and included his name as one of those that should be honoured with a national award. While one congratulates him and the entire members of the Nigeria police for their excellent professionalism that has in recent times been the very opposite of negative behavioural attitude that pervaded the institution, one is indeed happy. It is on this premise that one believes that Nigeria still has hope for a better tomorrow, a hope that would propel us to greater heights; the hope parents expect to see in their children. It is such a hope that every Nigerian craves for in all aspects of our nationhood.

Leaders abound in Nigeria; it only takes a clear eyes and better instinct to reveal them for the good of the society. See what the governors of Lagos, Akwa Ibom and other known states are executing in their states by ensuring that their people enjoy the dividends of democracy

From NGOZI UWUJARE

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and building confidence in the youths. These are the kind of leaders people yearn for, to change the tide of their hopelessness.

Truly the police has always been in the for front of raising the hope of Nigeria in many ways. In the sixties, it was the police that brought laurels to the country through its peace-keeping force in the Congo Republic. A feat it has continued over the years to maintain all over the world. Again, It was the police that gave the country its first Olympic gold medal.

When Nigerian youths got involved in the fraudulent activities, known as advanced fee fraud, popularly known as “419”, apart being the security agency that detected it earlier and coined the appellation 419, it went ahead to strategise on how to fight it and today the menace has drastically reduced.

No doubt many still have negative perception of the police, but with recent indices in their operational and human rights relationships, many ardent critics of the police are now quick to give them thumbs up for the new image the institution is creating for itself through the relentless efforts of the Inspector general of police.

Police contractors debt: Its dangers to Nigerian economy

By JOHNSON EZE

P

olice is a body of civil officers charged with maintaining public order and safety and enforcing the law, including preventing and detecting crime. In addition to the above responsibilities, it is usually entrusted with various inspectional, licensing and regulatory activities.

The Nigeria Police shouldered the above duties perfectly well in pre and post independent days before the emergence of the ubiquitous uniform organisations that took away some of the duties that hitherto were the exclusive reserve of the Nigeria Police. Among the uniform-men are the Vehicle Inspection Officers, (VIO), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), State Security Services (SSS), etc.

Presently, with the reduced responsibility of the police occasioned by the creation of these security outfits, one expected the police to increase its efficiency in the fewer duties now under its schedule. That never really happened; understandably due to poor funding when viewed from the duties, size and geographical spread of the organization. Of the 774 local governments in the country, nearly all have average of 2 to 3 police formations, requiring armed personnel, operation vehicles, office equipment, maintenance cost etc. How can police cope with quarterly allocation less than three billion naira? This clearly, infers that the police budgetary allocation is stupendously inadequate.

Consequently, service providers to the Nigeria Police, are no longer being paid several years after delivering services in variance

with public procurement codes, leading to backlog of debts amounting over 7.4billion naira.

Recently, a group of service providers to the Nigeria police under the auspices of Police Contractors Association, came together to explore ways of approaching resolutions to the agonising debt burden owed to them by the Nigeria Police. This came after several failed efforts on individual capacities to convince the various high ranking functionaries to see reason and pay the contractors. The contractors lamented the excruciating pains and discomfort the many years the police contract debt has subjected them. The most emotional is that over 15 of the contractors have died of stroke, heart attack or other shock related ailments linked to the harrowing trauma of losing huge property to banks that financed the police contracts in question.

While the police authority needs to exercise thorough diagnosis on the causes of tiding lawlessness and high debt profile, the Federal Government as a matter of urgency should take meaningful steps to correct the issue of perennial debt to police contractors. The implications are quite enormous and far reaching to Nigeria as part of globalising world of business. A situation where the chief law enforcement agency is seen as not obeying the public procurement law portrays the country as an environment that is unsafe for investment.

This is quite a wrong signpost obscuring the successes expected from the tremendous energy and resources been expended to attract foreign investment in various sectors of Nigeria economy like the recently concluded road show in London by the Ministry of Aviation.

140 police officers sent to Somalia

In addition, the image of the police has been badly battered by the bad eggs in the force. It would amount to making a bad situation worse by allowing the general public to perceive the police as a perennial debtor organisation that should not be related with in business. Not long ago the commercial banks operating in the country overtly or covertly issued a statement to discontinue funding any police contract. Such is the level of degeneration. The police bureaucracy should wake up from slumber and take meaningful actions to offset all debts owed to these contractors and maintain the integrity in the world of business.

Police as law enforcement agent should lead the way in keeping the law not breaking it otherwise it would lose the moral justification in doing the job assigned to it by the constitution thereby creating the ugly situation which Aristotle described as “policing to destroy policing”.

Furthermore, the Executive and the Legislative arms of government are enjoined to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of the police. The current budgetary provision is miserably inadequate for the enormous responsibilities expected to be shouldered by the force, especially with the emerging contemporary security challenges. The Minister of finance who also coordinates the economy should see the police financial predicament as an emergency and come up with innovative approach to put it to rest. Increase in budgetary allocation, timely releases of monies and establishment of intervention fund can help the situation handsomely.

Johnson Eze writes from Abuja.

he Director of Peace-Keeping at the Police Headquarters, Abuja, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Cornelius Aderanti, has said that over 140 Nigeria Police officers have been deployed to African Mission in Somalia.

He said at its inception in 1960, the Nigeria Police deployed its first contingent to the United Nations Mission in Congo with 60 officers.

In 2004, Nigeria Police became the first African Police Force to deploy 120 officers to the United Nations Missions in Liberia, followed by the deployment of another unit of 140 officers to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, in 2005.

Aderanti explained that under the current Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, the ECOWAS Commission requested for the Nigeria Police in its strategic peacekeeping operation with the deployment of 140 officers to the ECOWAS Mission in Bissau on May 24, 2012: “Also, the confidence which the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has in Nigeria Police and IGP Abubakar prompted him to approve the deployment of the Nigeria police unit to Somalia with full complement of Contingent owned equipment with six armoured personnel carriers, 12 military patterned patrol vehicles, level one hospital fully-equipped, with two Jeep Ambulance, four bowsers ( both fuel and water of not less than 10,0000 litres each).

Sewage suction truck mobile Mechanical and Communication workshop, Bomb Disposal Equipment and water purification plant.”

He stated that 21 sea containers comprising all camp sustainment items among other items in line with the United Nations’ standard were also sent with the contingent: “The Nigeria Police with enviable records of being the best in Africa based on the policing strategy at home and to ensure policing of the Nigerian populace in line with the acceptable standard of policing has made it one of the best in the world.”

Aderanti explained that in 2008, the UN judging by the excellent performance of the Nigeria Police in peacekeeping operation requested the Nigeria Police to deploy two police units of 140 police officers each to the troubled Darfur Region under the auspices of the UN and Africa Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

The officer in charge of operation in peacekeeping in Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Akande Sikiru (CSP) added that the repositioning of the Nigeria Police by the IGP has woken them up from their slumber.

C.K Aderanti

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 DAILY SUN 40

Mid-week Magazine CRIME CAPITAL

Gradually, I Festac Town earns itself a name as abode of undesirable elements

By SEYE OJO n the beginning, Festac Town was a muchcoveted community. Originally designed to house the participants of the Second World Festival of Black Arts and Culture held in Lagos in 1977, Festac is one of the most famous estates in Nigeria.

Well, that was then. These days, Festac now wears a totally different costume. To many, Festac Town is now the headquarters of crime and criminals in this part of Nigeria.

The town was designed to accommodate the over 45,000 visitors and the Nigerian employees and officers, working at the festival. After the event, the Federal Government allocated housing and landed property to eventual winners, following a ballot.

Some 35 years ago, Festac was a beautiful place. It housed state-of-the-art electrical generators, police and fire stations, access to public transportation, supermarkets, banks, health centres, public restrooms and postal services.

But as weeks morphed into months and months turned to years, the town became a shadow of itself. Right now, it is believed that over a million people reside in Festac.

Apart from infrastructural decadence that is gradually turning the estate into a slum, a lot of criminal activities have become rampant in the town.

Many Nigerians would remember the report that affirmed that computer scams originated from Festac. Another menace, the Advanced Fee Fraud, popularly known as 419, soon replaced the computer scam. It is believed that scores of those that indulge in the crime live in that community.

Now, fresh reports show that dangerous criminals, including armed robbers, ritual killers and others also inhabit the once-loved estate. The recent discovery of two brothers, who allegedly killed their sibling and sold his body parts and the murder of Cynthia Osokogu have added another dimension to the atrocities in the town.

Investigations by this reporter indicate that hundreds of unemployed young persons in the

•The two suspected killers of Akinbusuyi and the decomposing body of their brother

estate have gone into crime. The smart ones have become emergency musicians or comedians.

This sad turn has made many Nigerians conclude that Festac Town is now the headquarters of crime in the country. Yet it has remained a mystery to many that the community has become a shadow of itself.

Festac and its felonies An incident that further catapulted Festac into global infamy occurred recently. Cynthia Osokogu, a 24-year-old daughter of a retired Major-General, was murdered by two young men in a Festac hotel. She was allegedly murdered by Echezona Nwabufor, 33, and Ezekiel Nnechuwu Eloka, 23. The suspects, who had met the deceased on Facebook and eventually became contacts on Blackberry Messenger, told the police they drugged and strangled the deceased in order to steal her money.

In their confessional statement, the suspects said: “We met her on the Facebook on our Blackberry. We invited her to come to Lagos to buy goods at cheap prices. When she got to Lagos, we took her to a hotel in Festac.

We thought she had a lot of money but she said she didn’t have any money.”

“We put some drugs in her Ribena drink.

After this, we slept with her for 12 hours in that hotel. We discovered that the tablet did not work quickly on her. We then attacked her, tied her up and used cellotape to cover her mouth.

“After that, we beat her to tell us where she kept the money. When we didn’t get any money from her, we tied her mouth and strangled her and then we abandoned her in the hotel and fled.”

About six weeks ago, Festac was thrown into pandemonium when the decomposing body of a man was discovered inside a duplex on B Close, House 6, 3rd Avenue. The corpse was identified as that of Akinbuyi Ajayi, 39, who shared an apartment with Toye and Omotola, his brothers.

After killing him, the two brothers kept Akinbuyi’s mutilated body in a room inside the flat. It was learnt that Toye and Omotola sold some parts of Akinbuyi’s body.

The two were allegedly caught with some human parts, which eventually led to a search on their apartment by law enforcement agents.

The accused persons allegedly chopped off the head, hands, private part and parts of the two legs of Akinbuyi and sold them to some suspected ritualists. The police also recovered some charms, amulets, a pot filled with human blood and two large dummies of human beings from the duplex. Some of the charms and amulets were concealed inside a carton with the inscription: Lord Krishna Agabarthi 999.

On July 25, Mr. Steve Nwosu, Editor of Daily Sun, was miraculously saved from instant death when he was shot in the head by a member of a gang of hoodlums who trailed him from a commercial bank in Festac.

As soon as he left the bank, some hoodlums had hopped on a motorcycle and followed him. They eventually corned his car and shot him in the head before they made away with the money.

The incident was described as a robbery, but indeed, why would a robber elect to shoot his victim

•Continued on page 41

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Mid-week Magazine •Continued from page 40 straight in the head at close range before demanding for money?

At about 3:00a.m on June 2, this year, a gang of armed robbers, numbering over 20, stormed a new generation bank on the First Avenue in Festac, close to the Area E Command and the Festac Divisional Police Headquarters. Though the robbery was unsuccessful, a policeman was killed while another was shot in the leg during an exchange of fire between the robbers and the police. Four of the suspected armed robbers were also arrested.

The robbers stormed the place with welding equipment with which they dismantled the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). But they couldn’t take the money because of the timely intervention by the police.

We’re baffled by recent events - PCRC Chairman In a telephone chat with Daily Sun, Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), FESTAC Town, Apostle Albert Omisore, described the criminal activities in the estate as unfortunate. He dispelled speculations that Festac Town has become an abode of crime and criminals. To him, criminality is a general phenomenon in the country.

He explained that what plagued the town initially was the advanced free fraud (419), adding that the criminality reduced with effective policing. According to him, the town later became notorious for cyber crime.

“But these new developments took us by surprise. The incident at the Third Avenue for instance, where certain brothers killed one of their brothers, took everybody by surprise.

“Then, cyber crime took over. But these high-wired ones, using the facebook and all the rest of it, is a crime arising from technology. If we work in tandem with the police, we can bring down the crime rate. It is not possible to wipe it out, but we can reduce its intensity.

“We don’t want our town which we consider a bright light of Nigeria to be a haven for criminals. Festac Town is a relic, which all Nigerians should be proud of. It is painful that the name, Festac, is being dragged in the mud now. This is a source of concern for those of us who live in Festac and are not criminals.

“This is one of the reasons the PCRC is effective in Festac Town. We use the connectivity of individual members from different sections of Festac to identify black spots within the estate and do something about it.

“The PCRC also set up a security outfit and we have representatives from various sections of the estate and they meet every month. We do have a meeting that we call crime watch, which members of the PCRC and the police do attend. We work in tandem with the police and our relationship has been very effective,” he said.

Omisore disclosed that the PCRC has perfected plans to organise a series of seminars in conjunction with the police to stem the tide of criminality in the estate. The seminar will enable the PCRC to look at the aspect of unemployed youths living in the community and find ways to assist them.

He also noted that members of the committee as well as the chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government area, Mr. Ayodele Adewale, had discussed how to assist jobless residents of the estate.

He spoke further: “It is a national problem.

If not because of the peculiar event in Festac Town, the youth restlessness and youth unemployment is a national matter that the federal government itself should take a step about.

“Indeed, one of our plans is to visit schools.

Majority of the children constituting nuisance in Festac Town are either school drop-outs or are graduates who have nothing to do whatsoever. We can catch them young in schools. It will even be effective.”

FESTAC 77 Celebration

Festac Town of crime Residents Association (FTRA), told Daily Sun during a telephone chat that it was not true that Cynthia was killed in the community. He said the crime was actually committed in a hotel in Lakeview Estate, Amuwo Odofin, a community near Festac Town.

“But people are now using the name of Festac in some communities near Festac Town. If you go to Amuwo Odofin, you will see many buildings bearing Festac. Instead of putting Amuwo Odofin, they would put FESTAC.” He described as unfortunate the killing of Cynthia and commended the neighbours who noticed the strange movement of the two brothers and made reports, which led to their arrest and the discovery of the crime.

“Today in our meetings, we have been telling the residents to be vigilant and report

•The late Cynthia

We’ll restore sanity in Festac, says Ogunlusi, Chairman, FTRA Mr. Jola Ogunlusi, chairman, Festac Town •Suspected killers of Cynthia

strange faces so that we can curb all these things,” he said.

Ogunlusi lamented that the degradation in Festac was caused by what he described as the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to the development and sanitation of the Festival Town.

He explained that the representatives of the FTRA and the FHA used to meet every quarter on the progress of the town, noting that the meeting stopped as soon as the former Managing Director of the FHA, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim, was replaced in 2006.

According to him, residents of the estate noticed the degradation since 2004 and took proactive measures to check the menace.

Following the discovery, more than 2, 286 containers were removed from the town.

“Since 2006, no attention was given to the removal of kiosks. Rather, more kiosks are being built. Even the old ones are being expanded. We have cried to the FHA but it did not take any step on the issue.

“As residents, we don’t have the power to eject anybody. This is an estate. It has a rule.

The rule needs to be implemented and those who are to implement the rule are the officials of the FHA. If there is crime in Festac, the FHA should be held responsible,” he stated.

Ogunlusi further said that the FTRA and the Amuwo Odofin Local Government have held several meetings on how to address the security challenges in FESTAC. This, according to him, will lead to the registration of all commercial motorcyclists operating in the estate.

Biometric details of the operators would be taken and anybody not resident in the estate would be barred from operating in Festac. He said accredited operators must wear uniforms when the order comes into effect. He disclosed

that a taskforce would be set up to monitor the operators so that anybody involved in crime would be identified immediately.

While saying that measures have been put in place to know the population of Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in the town, he averred that the FTRA has set up a youth wing that is expected to organise the youths for profitable ventures.

Ogunlusi is certainly not happy with the many illegal hotels and guest houses in Festac.

“I don’t understand why hotels and guest houses would be approved for a close. The authority that has the power to say no is the FHA. If the FHA is not proactive in this area, there is no how we can stop the people that are doing it.

“Most of the people perpetrating crimes in Festac don’t live in Festac. They are people coming from outside to transact one business or the other. We have called the FHA for urban renewal. If the authority had carried out the urban renewal, the places they are using will not be available to them. In fact, the town would be better arranged.”

Ogunlusi recalled that when he relocated to Festac in 1978, the type of fence and gate approved by the management of the estate was such that anybody standing outside would see the compound of his house, adding that the type of fence and gates in the two these days are like those at prison yards.

Another issue bothering him is the fact that the estate is fast becoming a sales point for fairly used cars. He said: “It is an attraction of crime. Those who are bringing in these cars, we don’t know them and they park on every street in the estate. Even the buffer zone is fast becoming a car mart and a mechanic village.

“We residents are meeting and taking steps.

The FHA must complement the steps by taking the necessary actions that they ought to take,” he said.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the police have put necessary measures in place to ensure a high visibility policing of Festac Town and the other areas of the state.

“Right now, there is intensive motorised patrol and undercover agents have also been deployed to the Area ‘E’ Command to minimize crime.

“We just received some vehicles from the Lagos State government and some of these vehicles have been given to the Area ‘E’ to enhance the motorised patrol of Festac and its environs. The new strategy has been giving us good results,” she stated.

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Mid-week Magazine

DIVINE INTER VENTION with

Festac, now a playground for ‘big boys’ and ‘hot babes’ By CHRISTINE ONWUACHUMBA Dateline: Friday, August 31, 2012. t’s a few minutes past five, and Festac Town wears a rambunctious mien. Men and women, old and young, move here and there, going about their various businesses in this headquarters of AmuwoOdofin Local Government area of Lagos State. Many people insist it’s also the current capital of crime and criminals in Nigeria’s commercial capital Across the ever-busy 22/23 Road Junction, assorted cars glide past. Many young men drive leisurely in sleek automobiles, evidently taking a pleasurable, evening cruise to nowhere.

And then, apparently from one of the side streets, she suddenly materialises.

Shapely legs and a beautiful skin made distinct by a mini dress that barely covers her bum. The dress is striped like her footwear, which stands at five inches above the ground.

She struts through the street for about five minutes, like one unsure of what she seeks. Then she turns around as if she suddenly remembers what she’s looking for.

Or has someone just called her? She pauses a bit and turns her head again, swinging both head and hips sideways. She says nothing, but you can’t miss the message on her face. “Look at me.

Am I not hot and irresistible?

I’m very available.”

Naturally, heads turn and many eyes stare at the young, fair-skinned lady. Suddenly, a car hoots quietly, followed by a screech of tyres. A black Range Rover SUV stops right there in the middle of the road. Then the driver pulls over, just beside the lady. From her face, a little

I

smile emerges. Then the window glass goes down, quietly. A dialogue in low tones and the front door opens. The girl slowly climbs into the front seat, lifting each leg with undisguised affectation. The door closes. And the SUV takes off.

Well, the above real life experience witnessed by the reporter exemplifies what Festac Town has become.

Mummy Victor, a popular beautician, who has lived in Festac Town for over two decades, couldn’t hide her anger. She was livid that some strange people had transformed Festac from a serene community into an abode of criminals and call girls.

“Festac has not been the same since these so-called moneybags came into our peaceful neighbourhood, especially, with their big cars and flashy lifestyle,” she told our correspondent. “Our young girls now act like prostitutes, always dressed in skimpy wears with half of their bodies nude and painted. You can tell that money is talking. It seems as if it is so fashionable for them to walk naked while having big cars, picking and dropping them off. I definitely blame these 419 guys and drug barons.

They have polluted Festac.”

Indeed, Festac Town has for long discarded the image of a tranquil, civil servant town. Right now, Festac has become a boisterous community where young men with free money cavort with fun-loving women on a daily basis.

The average Festac girl considers herself hot. She’s fun loving, pricey and loves partying hard. Many of them live false lives, lives that hardly reflect their actual selves. A typical Festac girl dresses like one on her way

to an evening party.

“There are so many people categorised as Festac girls, but many of them don’t live in Festac. To these girls, being associated with Festac means so much,” Janet Jimoh, a civil servant, who has lived in Festac with her husband and children for over 10 years, explained.

There is another group, comprising married women, living pampered lives. Many of such women have been spoilt silly by their wealthy husbands. They drive round the community in exotic automobiles, even though many can’t boast of any job.

Those who are employed are mostly in the fashion business. Many of them own boutiques and all they do is move about in cliques. There is always some competition among these women over who hosts the bigger parties, wears the largest jewellery or lives in the bigger house.

For those familiar with the reality programmes on DSTV, E channel, The real housewives of Beverly Hills might give a better picture. A deeper look at these women reveals rich, boring housewives that are always in the pursuit of pleasure. An innocent child’s birthday party could turn into a full-fledged partying and clubbing for these women.

What is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander, goes the English saying. Many of these beautiful women, who also dress provocatively like their single counterparts, engage in private parties with their toy boys for pleasure.

Lesbianism is also a common practice in parts of the community.

The influx of rich traders, drug barons and fraudsters into Festac in the early 2000s drastically changed the civilservant lifestyle and its

effects were immediate. The streets of Festac turned much busier. There came more boutiques, beauty parlours, hotels and fun spots. Hotel lounges and premises are filled with girls, loitering about, seeking fun and cash.

Investigations reveal, however, that most of these girls and part-time prostitutes do not actually live in Festac but because of the promise of quick cash, Festac has become a fertile land for them to ply their trade.

The same applies to most of the supposed ‘big boys’ that cruise about on the streets of Festac. The larger chunk of them, it has been discovered, come to Festac from places like Apapa, Okota and other areas. To them, Festac is just a playground where the girls are game for whatever play you have in mind.

In Festac, many parents have lost control over their daughters. You would hear girls, boasting openly about their latest catch. There’s always rivalry over who wears the longest and most expensive hair; who uses the latest Blackberry and whose boyfriend goes about in the flashiest cars.

This perspective of Festac has shot up prices of items in the area. What you could get elsewhere at N5,000 will probably be sold at double the price in Festac. Foodstuff is particularly expensive.

Indeed, Festac isn’t the only place where such things happen in Lagos. But the Festival Town has put a trademark on such habits.

The promise of what Festac holds is what attracts outsiders on a daily basis.

And that promise can be measured in flesh, personality and cash. Whichever one you choose simply reinforces the other.

New yam ceremony unites Igbo in Lagos

O

n Saturday, September 8, 2012, Ndigbo from all walks of life converged on Golden Destiny Hotel, Ajao Estate, for this year’s New Yam ceremony organised

by Friends Fitness Club, Lagos.

The annual event which attracted prominent Igbo sons and daughters was chaired by Chief Tobenna Anumaka, Chairman CEO Sky-Drop Group of Companies and president, Friends Fitness Club.

Guests who dressed in different Igbo traditional attires beamed with smiles as, comedians and traditional dancers were on hand to entertain them during cultural display.

In his address of welcome, Chief Anumaka reminded Ndigbo to promote Igbo language, culture and tradition among their children. According to him, that is the only way Igbo culture and tradition could be preserved.

On why Igbo celebrate new yam fes-

•Marked with pomp tival outside Igboland, Chief Anumaka stated that Friends Fitness Club decided to create awareness in any part of the country that Igbo culture is very rich.

He said the event affords those not resident in Igboland the opportunity to partake in the ceremony.

Chief Anumaka declared that there are so many children of Igbo origin outside their states who do not know their villages and their parents are not perturbed about the situation hence the need to showcase Igbo cultural values and tradition to the younger generation no matter where they reside.

“The essence of the event is to promote the speaking of Igbo language by the young generation of Ndigbo anywhere in the world and to showcase our culture passed on to us by our fathers.

English language is not our language, our children must be encouraged to

speak their mother tongue.”

He wondered why someone who bears Chukwuma cannot answer question in Igbo.

He called on parents to teach their children Igbo language and identify with the new yam ceremony.

Patron of the club, Sir Godson Onuabuchi, highlighted the importance of new yam celebration which, he said, is in recognition of Igbo culture which this generation inherited and expected to sustain.

He noted that the new yam festival can be used to recount years and thank God for giving them a bumper harvest.

“We are thanking God because we reaped our planted.”

In his view, Chief Godbless Abazie affirmed that culture is part of man and cannot be overlooked hence the importance Ndigbo attach to new yam festival.

REV PAUL TIOLUWANI 08056344719 e-mail: tcpf@skannet.com

Confession to Yahoo plus or security reasons, l will like to have my identity hidden.

I am resident in lbadan around New Garage area. I used to be a student of applied mathematics in one of the universities in the south west before l was rusticated by the school, based on my involvement in cultism. When l got back home l rented my own apartment for l could no longer live with my parents because of my high class taste and antisocial behaviours. A friend then introduced me to yahoo and internet fraud. People generally believe that those involved with internet scam are only using their brain to outsmart and swindle their victims. But that was then, this days it has gone beyond that.

The game of yahoo has snowballed into yahoo plus. By this, l mean we now use voodoo and magical powers to command our victims to move their money into our account. In my own case l went for occlutic initiation into the group for money making ritual. What we do is to make sure we get the names of our Internet friends father and mother tactically during our chatting. Later we will converge at 1am in the night evoking incantations on these names and by the next day any amount we ask our friends to send into our account will be sent. Most young boys you see around town without any tangible source of income are into these kinds of deals. These was my first contact with these fraudulent business but what l could get was in the neighbourhood of N400,000 to N500,000.

But there are others with other magical charms that can make victims transfer 5million Naira and above at a go. So l decided to move out for a greater power to get this done. Lest l forget in all these deals, we must give 10% of the proceeds back to the devil.

So l launched out and l discovered another more magical power in which l was given a life tortoise coupled with a magical objet.

Whenever l chat l must put the mouse of my computer on top of the tortoise and the magical object must be on my neck. What the tortoise does is to affect the reasoning of my chatting friend to the speed of a tortoise, such that he will not be able to reason correctly, and when l command him to transfer money to me, he does so without any question what so ever.

I meet the Lord at Lesekese(Instanta) family church, when l went there to play an instrument for the church, and on this day, the whole church use a stone each to pray, stoning the devil. I mistakenly took the stone to the house dropping it on my window, where the tortoise usually stays to catch the sun, to my surprise when the tortise crawled and her body touched the stone, he burst into pieces and when l ran to the other magical object in my wardrobe the same happened to it. This was what forced me to submit my life to the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

Praise God.

F

45 years sicle cell crumbled My name is Mrs Tokunbo Fullney. I am a Nigerian married to a white Canadian and l am resident in Canada. I have been a sickle cell patient for the past 45years with genotype and medical records to prove it. My eyes are yellowish, my bones are hurting.

I move in and out of hospitals in Canada and one of my legs was 3inches shorter than the other. I am also on life support gadget.

Even when l came to Nigeria l came with my oxygen box.

A woman whose daughter was healed of goitre at Lesekese(lnstanta) programme in Nigeria told me about the church and encouraged me to come down to Nigeria taking place in Lagos. Though my trip was expensive as l flew from Calvary, Canada. But it paid off on the long run. I arrived Nigeria a day before the programme with my oxygen box and a care-giver who gives me assistance anywhere l go. I was responsible for her ticket also. During the ministration session, the man of God prayed for me and my oxygen box was removed, a lump disappeared from my stomach and my short leg grew out. By the time l check my eyes the yellowish coloration was gone. I was advised to go for a test of my genotype by the Pastor , which l did at Victoria Island, Lagos, and the result showed that my genotype change from SS to AS. What a mighty God we serve. Praise Him for ever. Amen.

Healed of insanity My name is Tolulope Oyinbo. I lived around Lodge Street of lbadan. I’ve been having mild insanity for over five years now.

And these attack was what led to a stoppage in my tertiary education as I was placed on some very heavy drugs and l needed to visiting the hospital every week. This affected my school and l had to drop out. The drugs were helping me to manage this ailment for some time until about two months ago when l was told l went violent, tore off my clothing and was saying nonsensical and unprintable words which l just could not remember. I was told they took me around to different medical places until l eventually landed at Lesekese(lnstanta) family church. I was prayed for, (according to eyewitnesses) and I slept off, by the time l woke up Jesus restored my memory. If you watch the way l speak you will agree with me that the Lord has healed me indeed.

Praise the Lord.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 DAILY SUN

43

Dame Dorothy Ihedioha @ 80

What many do not know about Emeka Ihedioha and his mom

By ETHELBERT OKERE

A

mong the people where Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, his mom, Dame (Chief Mrs) Dorothy Ihedioha, and I belong, a coinage was made about ten years ago and which is known in our native dialect as Bia Rie Na Ndu (come, let’s celebrate while alive). It is a ceremony actually put together by off springs of an aged man or woman to thank God for his or her life: I mean while the fellow (mother or father) is still alive.

I really loved the idea and I was looking forward to staging one for my own parents when my father passed on seven years ago. But I didn’t miss the opportunity of my mother’s 75th birthday anniversary in 2009 and we, my siblings and I, really celebrated our mom to that extent that we brought a sitting governor to be part of it. My old woman is still lying ill but the photograph she took with the governor is the first thing she points at for any body she feels was not part of that event.

That is one major way I know that my mother, who has a speech impairment following a stroke, actually appreciated what my siblings and I did for her. When I got wind of Hon. Ihedioha’s plans to stage an elaborate 80th birthday anniversary ceremony for his mother, Ezinne Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, I told myself that I would do my own bit to encourage the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to make the event worthwhile. Two major things have particularly encouraged me to do so. One, I discovered that Mama Dorothy Ihedioha has a similar profile with my own mother. Apart from belonging to the same age bracket (my mom will be 78 next December) both were school teachers. Both reared many children.

Like my mother, Madam Ihedioha had up to ten (10) children: which means that, like my mother, she might have marked the Igbu Ewu Ukwu, a ceremony performed for a woman upon bearing the tenth child, whether or not all the children survived. Although the practice is no longer in vogue due to so-called modernity, Igbu Ewu Ukwu (literally meaning, slaughtering of a goat for the waist) was the greatest thing that would happen to any woman in those days.

It is usually the husband of the woman that organises the ceremony (as the children were usually in their

formative years) and failure to do so was frowned at by the relations of the woman. There was also the belief that celebrating Ewu Ukwu would bring fortune to the children and would make the family see more happy moments in the future.

It ought to be emphasized that this had nothing superstition. In fact, Igbu Ewu Ukwu ceremony is usually accompanied by elaborate church outing during which the family present thanksgivings to show appreciation for what God had done for it In fact, bearing ten children was believed to be a special blessing from God and that children of women who had up to ten children or more usually prospered more than those from families of smaller sizes. Mythical though it sounds, there can be no doubt that for reason that might be found outside it, Mama Dorothy got a special blessing from God and that her children are doing well. As a matter of fact, not many people know that Hon. Ihedioha, who is today the arrow head of the late Nze, B.M. G Ihedioha’s family, (Mama Dorothy’s husband) is preceded by five sisters including a “Chief Mrs” ( no mean achievement in our area) and two JPs (Jerusalem Pilgrims), equally no mean achievement in Christendom. In all, Mama Dorothy has seven sons in-law. And any Igbo man or woman knows what it means to have seven sons in-law. It means that anywhere she goes, she is backed by ‘soldiers’ who dare anybody to…

It is from among these men, that Madam Dorothy Ihedioha got a chunk of her twenty-five grand children. Yes, Emeka Ihedioha is Nigeria’s Number Six citizen but even outside that, Mama Dorothy Ihedioha is a woman worthy of celebrating.

The other reason I personally chose to be part of this celebration is that it offers my people (Ngor-

Okpala) an opportunity to showcase the virtues of the typical Mgboto (Daughter) Ngor-Okpala.

Truth be told, women from NgorOkpala are generally sought after by suitors. Like their men, Mgboto Ngor Okpala are contended, docile but hard working. They are honest and as the rest of Imo state would attest to, they have the same characteristics like their men: stead fast and would be ready to swim and sink with you once they believe in your cause.

Mgboto Ngor Okpala, like their men are not carried away by money or material things and are ready to give everything they have to support a cause they believe in even for free; the very reason politicians find the area attractive: Ngor-Okpala in perhaps the only place in Imo state were outsiders come to get political loyalty without consideration. But that is not the issue today.

The issue today is that another daughter (Mgboto) of Ngor Okpala has done her people proud by as usual being so submissive to her matrimonial family that she was able to bear thirteen (13) children in all; from which he raised a person of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s calibre.

It is not only in the family of the Ihedioha’s in Mbutu, Aboh Mbasie that this story is told. It is the same story every where an Ngor Okpala daughter is married. They are usually exemplary and their children always those to watch.

Dame Ezinne Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha (JP) was born on 28 August 1932 to the famous Okereke family of Okpala in Ngor Okpala local government area. Her parents were the late Eze Johnson Nwaobasi Okereke and Lolo Mercy Nwanyinma Okereke (nee Nzemechi). She attended Central School, Okpala from 1943 to 1949 where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate. The following year, she got admission into Elelenwa Girls College, Port

•Madam Dorothy Ihedioha Harcourt but was not allowed to enrol for fear of her getting harmed, being the only child of her mother and her father’s favourite. Mama Dorothy was however to attend the famous Bishop Shanahan Teachers Training College where she obtained her Teachers’ Grade II Certificate.

In 1951, she got married to the late Nze B.M.G. Iheioha of Amanku Aronta Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo state. The marriage was blessed with thirteen children in all though she lost three. Among the ten living are Chief (Mrs) Onyekachi Njoku, Mrs. Chinyere Nwaimo (JP), Ms Nkeiru Ihedioha, Rt. Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkem Ihedioha (KSC, CON), Mrs. Eberechi Chinasa Owunnamanam, Aturuchi Kelechi Nwankwo, Mrs. Natachi Ben Chukwuma and Mr. Obinna Iheanacho Ihedioha.

Mama Dorothy’s exemplary Christian life began in 1948 when she was baptised. Five years later in 1953, she was confirmed. She continued to play a leading role as a Christian woman leader until 1992 when she was licensed as a Lay Reader by the late Bishop Benjamin

‘Mama Dorothy Ihedioha was not just a Christian leader. She was also a great community leader that saw her bag the Chieftaincy title of Aku Chinyere I of Mbutu by His Royal Highness, Eze M.I. Opara of Mbutu Nweorie in 2005. Earlier this year 2012, she was honoured with the title of Mother of Excellence by Mbutu Nweorie Women.’

Nwankitti. In 2002, she was confferred with the titled of Ada Zion by her people, The Zion Anglican Church, Okpala in recognition of her services and contributions to the development of the church. The same year, 2002, she was conferred with the Ezinne title by the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Mbutu.

Two years later in 2004, she was conferred with the Mother Of Faith title by Bishop B.J.E. Ogu. In 2007, she got an investiture into the Order of the Knight of St. Mary Magdalene also by Bishop B.J.E. Ogu. And in 2009, she was conferred with Mother of Virtue title by Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild of St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.

Mama Dorothy Ihedioha was not just a Christian leader. She was also a great community leader that saw her bag the Chieftaincy title of Aku Chinyere I of Mbutu by His Royal Highness, Eze M.I. Opara of Mbutu Nweorie in 2005. Earlier this year 2012, she was honoured with the title of Mother of Excellence by Mbutu Nweorie Women.

Her career in the teaching professor spanned several years during which she taught in Port Harcourt Rivers state, Town School Mbutu and Central School Mbutu after which she meritoriously retired in 1993. Madam Dorothy Ihedioha has travelled to various parts of the world including Israel, the United Kingdom, France and Scotland. I join millions of Nigerians, Imolites and indeed Ngor Okpala indigenes to celebrate this great woman and wish her may more years of fruitful earthly sojourn.

•Okere writes from Owerri

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DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

GTBank, Stanbic IBTC, Zenith, Etisalat partner on Easywallet mobile money services I n line with its focus on providing innovative products and services for its customers, Etisalat Nigeria last week announced the launch of Easywallet, a secure and user-friendly SIM application for mobile money payments and transfers.

Easywallet, which is offered in partnership with leading Nigerian banks, including First Bank, GTBank, Stanbic IBTC Bank and Zenith Bank, is a more convenient and secure platform, which allows Etisalat customers easy access to their preferred mobile money scheme for conducting secure money transfers and payments. With Easywallet, Etisalat aims to bring mobile money closer to the customer and drive the CBN’s Cashless policy by growing the use of mobile payments and making it easy to use.

The launch of Easywallet is a landmark in Nigeria and progress towards mobile money adoption, as it is the first fully secure Mobile Money SIM Application offered to customers with the Easywallet application installed on their SIM cards.

This unique application supports multiple languages - English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba - and works across all makes and models of phones, Smartphones and even tablet devices. Easywallet is compliant with all industry standards such as ISO-1 and guarantees adequate protection of customer information while carrying out mobile financial transactions across multiple mobile money schemes.

Speaking at the media launch held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, stated that the company’s strategy was to be a leader in providing its customers with cutting edge and secure channels for mobile financial services. This involves being a major enabler and innovator in the Nigerian Ecosystem and working with all key stakeholders to create a value proposition to meet the needs of the customers.

“Research has shown that mobilebanking and mobile-payments can help lower the transaction costs of money transfer, increase the flow of money by making it easier to send smaller amounts and introduce those without bank accounts to a means of secure financial management. By enabling people to use their mobile phones as mobile wallets, we hope to deliver lasting benefits not just for our customers but also for the Nigerian economy. We believe the benefits of Etisalat Easywallet to our customers will be immense and also has the potential to transform the way we handle and manage money in Nigeria. Mobile phones have already improved the African way of life in so many ways and it is exciting to think it now has the potential

L-R : Mr. Bolaji Lawal, General Manager, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB); , Mr. Wael Ammar, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria; Mrs. Folashade Femi – Lawal, representative of First Bank, and Mr. Steven Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, at the launch of Etisalat EasyWallet, held recently at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

to replace notes and coins and give all of our customer’s access to worldclass banking services.”

Explaining the features of Easywallet, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar, said: “Easywallet allows users an easy and secure way to perform financial services, using their mobile phones from any part of the country. This service works on all Etisalat SIM cards and customers are

only required to register with any of the schemes in order to start using Easywallet. Customers are not charged from their airtime for any transactions from the mobile money SIM menu.”

Etisalat customers, using the Easywallet service, are able to pay bills, pay for goods and services, receive and send money to friends and family, send and receive money to bank accounts, withdraw cash, top up their own airtime account or top

up someone else’s and manage their bank accounts.

Etisalat currently maintains a partnership with Pagatech, e-tranzact, Ecobank, Paycom and Eartholeum on the USSD and SMS platform to make a wide range of mobile financial services available to Etisalat customers. It is also working with other financial institutions in Nigeria to become part of this transformational service.

PRCAN lauds Fayemi on strategic communication bureau

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ublic relations and communication consultants in Nigeria have commended the establishment of a Bureau for Strategic Communication by the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The bureau is to manage branding and perception of the state by internal as well as external stakeholders.

According to the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, ( P R C A N ) , “Establishment of the Ekiti State Bureau of S t r a t e g i c Communication underscores a deep appreciation of the centrality of communication to the effective management of organisations and institutions as well as governments.”

PRCAN in a message to Governor Fayemi signed by Vice President Mr. Chido B Nwakanma and General Secretary Mr. John Ehiguese

asserted that, “With the Bureau of Strategic Communication, the Ekiti State Government has indicated a resolve to deploy communication strategically as an effective tool of statecraft in line with best practice.”

They hoped that “The bureau would go beyond the current fixation with

•Fayemi

press agentry to pursue and implement modern business communication strategies and practices deploying public relations, research, advertising, events management, and all of the tools of modern integrated communication.”

PRCAN commended the Governor for the right choice of a pioneer Director General for the Bureau in Mr. Kayode Fayemi, an experienced communication professional and member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Mr. Akinyemi was lately head of corporate communication at Skye Bank plc as well as representative of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

PRCAN pledged the support and cooperation of its member agencies to the realisation of the objectives of the Ekiti State Bureau of Strategic Communication.

Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria is the sectoral body for all registered public relations agencies in Nigeria. It is a creation of a bye-law of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. It regulates the growing area of public relations and business communication practice in Nigeria and currently groups in its fold 40 agencies.

Nokia out with new Asha Smartphones

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lobal phone manufacturer, Nokia, has launched a new range of Asha smartphones to further expand its successful Asha family in Nigeria. Today, there are 10 Asha devices available in more than 130 markets, providing young, social consumers with a choice of phones to match their lifestyles.

Speaking at the launch of the new range, Mr. Kesiena Ogbemi, Campaign Marketing Manager said the two new phones; Nokia Asha 305 and 311 are full-touch devices designed to provide an incredibly rich, smartphone-like experience to consumers who want to be set free from excessive data consumption costs and short battery life.

While the Nokia Asha 305 is a fun and affordable phone, featuring the exclusive Easy Swap dual SIM, Nokia Asha 311 is a fast and fluid 3.5G capacitive touchscreen device, powered by a 1GHz processor to provide a great internet experience.

Both devices offer a new, fully redesigned touch user interface, combining the proven ease-of-use from Nokia’s heritage with digital design innovations specifically fit for the purpose.

“By introducing the Nokia Asha 305 and 311 Touch phones to the Nigerian market, we’re accelerating our commitment to connect the next billion consumers. These phones deliver on what young, urban people value most — a great-looking device; and an intuitive and affordable experience for connecting through the internet, to their friends and to a world of entertainment, web apps and content.” said Olajide Adeyemi, Retail Marketing Manager, Nokia West- Africa.

Adeyemi said buyers of Nokia Asha 305 and 311 will be qualified for an amazing 30-day promo, starting from yesterday, 18 September, 2012. Every day of the promo, consumers who send the IMEI numbers on the pack of their purchased phones to 20050 will stand the chance of winning any of these; a trip to Dubai, Children’s school fees support, Lagos Business School short course, a sofa set, Airtime for 6 months, movie pass for two people for a year, a shopping voucher at Shoprite or Twice as Nice, a Nokia Lumia 9000, a Nokia 808 PureView, six months weekly voucher, a 6kva generator, a luxury watch, a DSTV PVR and one year subscription, an inverter, a High definition TV, a 5 burner gas cooker, a refridgerator, a weekend stay at an Upscale hotel, a laptop, a Home theatre system, a microwave oven or luxury Swarovski earrings amongst others.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DAILY SUN

45

Polo Nigeria, Piaget seal partnership deal P

olo Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost luxury item collection firms, has entered into a business partnership with Piaget International, a renowned global leader in luxury items and accessories, on the merchandising of its product range, like wristwatches as well as brand promotion in Nigeria.

Speaking during a recent visit to the Polo Head Office in Lagos, Piaget International’s Area Manager, Mr. Mathieu Delmas, commended Polo Nigeria for promoting the Piaget brand in the country. In his words: “We had to take our time to arrive at Polo Nigeria being our representative because we needed the best partner that could understand and deliver the story of our brand in Nigeria. The Nigerian market and indeed Africa is strategic to Piaget as a brand. Nigeria is the centre of economic growth in the African continent, a country with huge potential that cannot be ignored by any brand.”

In order to achieve its business goal, Piaget International, in collabo-

ration with Polo Nigeria, is reinventing the rules to showcase its global strength in promoting superior service delivery to its high end customers. Mr. Delmas disclosed that the Piaget brand comes with product and offerings that would enhance customers’ experience. He added that some of the measures being put in place to support Polo in meeting customers’ expectation included provision of training materials and knowledge transfer on watch making, communication and merchandising support.

Responding, the Managing Director of Polo Limited, Mr. John Obayuwana, stated that the Piaget brand is targeted at the dynamic and upwardly mobile individuals with preference for wristwatches that fit their lifestyle. According to John, ‘’what the Piaget proposition brings is not merely telling the time but more of prestige, status and style. It is here to find ways of using its partnership with us to enhance and deepen consumers experience through superior customer service delivery and also ensure that they are educated on the gains of acquiring authen-

L-R : Area Manager, Piaget branch of Richmont International, Switzerland, Mr. Mathieu Delmas; Executive Director, Polo Limited, Ms. Jennifer Obayuwana; Managing Director Polo Limited, Mr. John Obayuwana; and National Sales Manager , Polo Limited, Mr. Mike Eze, during the Piaget team’s business visit to Polo Head office in Lagos recently.

tic products’’.

Also, the Executive Director of Polo Limited, Ms Jennifer Obayuwana, noted that ‘’with its reputation for creativity and attention to details, the Piaget brand offers great value. Piaget possesses a fully integrated watch making expertise enhanced by the finest craftsmen in the world’’. She also stated that Piaget items can be found in Lagos and Abuja offices of Polo Limited.

Guinness Nigeria reinforces responsible drinking

O

ne of Nigeria’s leading brewing companies, Guinness Nigeria Plc., has organised the second series of the DrinkIQ Media Workshop to reinstate the need for consumers to make informed decisions on alcohol consumption.

Speaking at the workshop, which held at the corporate head office in Lagos, Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, stated that the reason for organising the second series of the DrinkIQ Workshop was to further promote responsible drinking and create awareness on the proper consumption of alcohol. He added that it was part of the company’s ‘Plan Ahead Responsible Drinking’ campaign.

“Guinness Nigeria Plc. makes an effort to promote responsible drinking and works with other stakeholders to combat alcohol misuse. There are three principles to our approach: combating alcohol misuse, setting standards for responsible marketing and innovation and promoting a shared understanding of what responsible drinking means in order to reduce alcohol-related harm,” Sobowale said.

The DrinkIQ Media Workshop, which had in attendance journalists from various national newspapers, covering business, brands and industry were organised by Ngozi Ife Anene, Corporate Communications Manager, Guinness Nigeria.

She stated that the company believed that by training journalists on responsible drinking, it would further equip them to ensure the public receive the right information on the proper consumption of alcohol.

“Whilst a vast majority of consumers choose to drink responsibly, many others do not. As a responsible corporate citizen, we will continue to use our marketing and communications expertise to help raise aware-

•Holds DrinkIQ workshop ness around responsible drinking to make a significant and sustainable impact in society”.

Guinness Nigeria will continue to drive initiatives in its marketing campaigns and information programmes to ensure that alcohol abuse is greatly reduced.

Ella-Marcelle Olamiju, Brands reporter with National Mirror Newspapers who attended the programme expressed her satisfaction and said “The Guinness Nigeria DrinkIQ workshop is a brilliant initiative and very enlightening. I am more informed and recommend this programme to other stakeholders”.

In 2005, Guinness Nigeria and parent company Diageo voluntarily launched a global consumer information policy setting out commitments to provide clear and factual informa-

tion for consumers on the nutrition, allergen, and alcohol content of its brands In October 2011, the maiden edition of the DrinkIQ media workshop was organised for the Editors and journalists of national newspapers in Lagos while another session was held for the print and electronic media in Benin, Edo State. Also in 2011, Guinness Nigeria with support from the FRSC launched its ‘Plan Ahead’ campaign, which aimed to provide the general public with useful information and tips on alternative ways to return home after an outing where there was drinking of alcohol.

Guinness Nigeria is also working with the alcohol beverage industry to have a common front in the quest towards tackling alcohol misuse.

L-R: Mr. George Bamikole, Regional Manager, North, Unilever Nigeria Plc.; Miss Aurora Monyei, Assistant Category Manager, Savoury; and Mr. Ojeabuo Akhiojemi, a member of the brand team at unveiling the new Royco Seasoning Powders in Abuja recently.

DStv Mobile launches the new iDrifta, Walka 7

B

uilding on the ongoing success of the Drifta, Drifta USB and Walka, DStv Mobile, Africa’s foremost Mobile TV company, has unveiled the iDrifta and Walka 7, adding to its range of pioneering devices.

“The iDrifta is a plug and play mobile DVB-H receiver specifically designed for Apple m o b i l e devices,” says Mayo Okunola, G e n e r a l Manager of DStv Mobile Nigeria.

“It is portable and lightweight and will allow users with Apple devices to enjoy all of the great entertainment they’ve come to expect from DStv Mobile.”

Compatible with the iPod 4th generation, iPhone 4/4S and iPad 1/2/3, the iDrifta is simple and intuitive to use.

“After plugging it into your iOS device, the iDrifta device redirects the user directly to the DStv Mobile application on the apple store and the user only needs to download it for free to start watching their favourite programmes.” explains Okunola. “This means that viewers with Apple mobile devices can now access our full range of channels anywhere, anytime – from Sound City all the way through to SuperSport 3N.” With DStv Mobile committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation, the iDrifta is a natural progression in the company’s strategy: “In order to continue to inspire, entertain and delight our subscribers, it is critical that we offer them the very latest world-class devices,” says Okunola.

“The fact that Apple’s mobile devices are so popular, and that subscribers using these platforms will now be able to access our offering, makes this launch even more exciting for our brand.”

The iDrifta will retail at the recommended price of N9, 500 (Nine Thousand Five Hundred Naira).

“We will also continue using our learnings across Africa to enhance local subscribers’ experiences from both a content and technology per-

spective. This is a strategy that we’ve built on since first launching mobile TV in Nigeria in 2008,” adds Okunola.

In addition to the iDrifta, DStv Mobile revealed the Walka 7, launching first in Nigeria. The Walka 7 is a complete portable television with enhanced visual quality and no other device is required to view.

“The move to launch in Nigeria first was to satisfy the growing appetite for mobile TV in the Nigerian market” commented Okunola.

The device boasts a 7inch viewing screen that can be customized through 4 aspect ratio settings to optimize the viewing experience. In addition the Walka 7 has a battery life of 6 hours and audio is delivered via 2, 1.5 watt speakers.

The Walka 7 recommended retail price is N18, 900 (Eighteen Thousand Nine Hundred Naira) The same great channels in the genres of sport, music, general entertainment and children’s programming are available across all DStv Mobile devices and DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact and Family subscribers can access DStv Mobile at no extra subscription cost.

Both the iDrifta and Walka will be available from MultiChoice service centres and select retail outlets stores in September. The iDrifta is available from 12 September while the Walka 7 device will be available from 20 September in the following 10 cities: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan, Kaduna, Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Benin and Asaba in Nigeria.

DStv Mobile is the first company in Nigeria to offer world class digital channels on mobile devices to subscribers in the country. DStv Mobile’s range of channels includes sports, general entertainment, indigenous and international movies, kiddies and news. The company is also in the forefront of providing high quality mobile services such as DVB-H enabled mobile phones, Walka, Drifta and now the iDrifta which is designed for Apple products and Walka 7. Apple is one of the world’s most innovative brands which has witnessed significant consumer product uptake in Nigeria.

46

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS Daily Domestic Flight Schedule

ARIK AIR Lag-Abj: 07.15, 09.15, 10.20, 15.20, 16.20, 16.50, 18.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun).

Abj-Lag: 07:15, 09.40,10.20, 12.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17:10, (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun); 12.15, 15.15, 16.15 (Sun) Lag-PH: 07:15, 11.40, 14.00, 16.10, 17.15 (Mon-Fri) 07.30, 11.40, 15.50 (Sat) 11.50, 3.50, 17.05 (Sun) Abj-PH: 07.15, 11.20, 15.30 (Mon-Fri) 07.15, 16.00 (Sat) 13.10, 16.00 (Sun) PH-Abj: 08.45, 12.50, 17.00 (Mon-Fri) 08.45, 17.30 (Sat) 14.40, 17.30 (Sun) Abv-Beni:08.00, 12.10 (Mon-Fri/Sat) 08.56, 12.10(Sun) Benin-Abj:09.55,13.30, (Mon-Fri/Sat) 10.50, 13.30(Sun)

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (PMA) TENOR

AMOUNT

RATES% ISSUE DATE

91 Day

30,647.81

14.00

23 Aug. 2012

182 Day 20,000.00

15.08

23 Aug. 2012

1 Year

15.38

08 Aug. 2012

90,000.00

MAJOR EXCHANGE RATES – PARALLEL MKT (AIRPORT AS AT 05/09/12) CURRENCY

BUYING (N)

USD 158 POUND ST. 250 EURO 206 Source: FMDA

SELLING(N) 161 259 212

Los-Abv: 09.55, 13.30(Mon-Fri/Sat) 10.50, 13.30(Sun)

AMCON debtors risk confidence crisies over publication …We did not authorize publication – Chike-Obi – Experts

By CHIMA TITUS NWOKOJI

D

ebt recovery experts and captains of industry have expressed concerns over the publication of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) list of debtors whose accounts have been assigned to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). This is even as the AMCON Managing Director, Mustafa Chike-Obi, hinted that the publication of the list by newspapers was not authorized by the corporation as it was intended for the information and use of the banks only.

The fear being expressed by experts is that exposing debtors’names to their clients will affect confidence and patronage of the companies concerned.

Mr. Muda Yusuf, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said though official position of the chamber will be made public when the board meets; the publica-

tion has the potential ofnegatively affecting business dealings of companies and individuals.

“Yes, there are confidence issues, credibility issues and direct effect on businesses whose sources of funding have been stopped in an environment where cost of doing business is already high,” Yusuf said.

In an interview with Daily Sun, Alhaji Fatai Oluwanisola Busari, the President /Chief Executive Officer of Fabus and Sons Nig. Limited, a government licensed Auctioneer, Estate and Credit Management Consultant said the publication of debtors’ names in the dailies is not the best.

“It is a way of spoiling the image of the debtors who could have accepted any payment terms you would propose instead of publication. We can only publish properties that we want to sell. The law requires that we publish and wait for seven days before selling any property that was used as collateral.

Lag-Enugu: 07.10, 13.45, 18.30(Mon-Fri) 07.10, 14.00(Sat) 10.20, 13.45, 18.30(Sun) Enugu-Lag: 08.30, 12.00, 18.25 (Mon-Fri) 08.30, 12.00, 15.40(Sat) 12,00, 18.25(Sun) Abj-Enugu: 08.30, 12.00, 18.25, (Mon-Fri) 08.30, 12.00, 15.40 (Sat)12.00, 18.25 (Sun) Abj-Enugu: 10.30, 17.05(Mon-Fri) 10.30(Sat) 17.05(Sun) Enugu-Abj: 08.50, 15.25 (Mon-Fri) 08.50 (Sat) 15.25(Sun) AERO CONTRACTORS Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (MonFri/Sat/Sun), 12.30(Sun) 16.45(Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/-Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (MonFri/Sat/Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (MonFri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun) CHANCHANGI AIRLINES Los-Abj: 7.15, 10.00, 13.30, 15.30, 17.30

L_R: Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, Vice President, Flight Operations, Capt. Ado Sanusi and Associate Vice President, Mr. Ralph Henschen during a press conference in Lagos on the resumption of domestic operations suspended last week.

Photo: WALE OLUFADE

Fuel scarcity bites harder in Lagos

Abj-Lag: 08.00, 11.45, 13.40, 15.30, 17.30

… Additional 4m Litres to be supplied says NNPC

Lag-Kad: 10.45 (on Fri), 17.00 (MonFri/Sat/Sun)

By LOUIS IBA and DENNIS MERNYI, Abuja

Kad-Lag: 7.30 (Mon-Fri), 08.00 (Sat/Sun IRS AIRLINES Lag-Abj: 9.45, 11.45, 2.45 (Mon-Fri), 9.30, 12.45 (Sat & Sun) Lag-Kano: 6.15 (Mon-Fri), 16.30 Sat&Sun Kano-Lag: 07.30 (Mon-Fri), 10.30 (Sat & Sun) OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS LOS - ILR Mon - Fri 0715hrs LOS - MNA Mon, Wed & Fri 0715hrs LOS - IBA Mon - Fri 0715hrs

IBADAN IBA - ABV Mon - Fri IBA - LOS Mon - Fri

0800hrs 1700hrs

ILORIN ILR - ABV Mon - Fri 0900hrs ILR - LOS Mon - Fri 1630hrs ILR - MNA Mon, Wed & Fri 0900hrs MINNA MNA - ABV Mon, Wed & Fri MNA - ILR Mon, Wed & Fri MNA - LOS Mon, Wed & Fri ABUJA ABV - ILR Mon - Fri ABV - IBA Mon - Fri

0920hrs 1520hrs 1520hrs

1500hrs 1500hrs

T

he lingering fuel crisis rocking Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, worsened on Tuesday as the product became so scarce that most marketers who had stock were selling it above N105 per litre.

It was gathered the latest scarcity was as a result of the refusal of most importers and marketers to bring in the products since the Federal Government was yet to settle the outstanding debts of about N200 billion owed them.

"We don't have petrol in our tank farms and so we can't sell what we don't have," a top official of one of the importing firms told Daily Sun. "It has never been as bad as this in recent times. Most of us have stopped importing and the NNPC is not making the

products available," said the official who preferred to remain anonymous.

He also disclosed that one of the vessels brought in by the NNPC 'Ocean Pearl' with a capacity of about 15,000 metric tonnes of fuel could not discharge due to disagreements over breach of regulatory processes with key government agencies, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

"Those who are selling above the recommended N97 per litre are doing so because they are also paying more to land the product in the filling stations," he explained.

At a Forte Oil filling station in Mubarak Bust stop in Akute where Daily Sun visited the fuel attendant said they "got directives from the company manager to sell at N105 per litre."

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that additional four million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has been released to marketers from the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).

Its Group Managing Director, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, made this known Tuesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream at the National Assembly.

Represented by the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Peter Nmadu, the GMD said the Corporation in its bid to keep the nation wet with petrol after the rupturing of the System 2B Pipeline at Arepo by vandals, made alternative arrangements for products distribution by diverting petroleum products to some private depots in Lagos for onward trucking to petrol stations.

Banks get guidelines for agriculture lending, banking priciples

By CHIMA TITUS NWOKOJI

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released the final draft guidelines for sustainable banking principles as it concerns direct lending to the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy.

This guidelines according to the apex bank are intended to set minimum standards for banks to ensure that financial products and services provided to the sector are both environmentally and socially sustainable.

The objectives of the guidelines according to information obtained in the apex bank’s website yesterday are, “to assist banks in the identification and management difficult environment and social (E&S) risks associated with the provision

of financial products to the Nigerian agriculture sector ; provide additional sector-specific guidance to supplement the Nigerian sustainable banking principles guidance note; ensure that banks adopt relevant international standards and best practices in the management of E&S risk; and strategically position agriculture as an attractive, rewarding and sustainable business opportunity.”

CBN has also approved the adoption of sustainable banking principles by banks, discount houses and Development Finance Institutions (DFI) in the country.

The CBN in a circular with reference number, FPR/DIR/GEN/01/030 to all banks, discount houses and DFIs, said the agreement to adopt the principles was reached at the

bankers’ committee retreat held two months ago, while directing all financial institutions to ensure full implementation of the principles and guidelines.

Mr. Chris Chukwu, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, who signed the document, said that approval to adopt the principles was in furtherance of the bankers committee’s commitment to deliver positive development impacts to the society while protecting the communities and environments in which financial institutions and their clients operate.

In order to enable effective implementation of the principles, Chukwu explained that the apex bank would issue five different documents to the financial institutions.

47 Monday, BUSINESS August 1, 2011 49 NEWS

DAILY SUN Wednesday September 26, 2012 DAILY SUN NAME OF CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL US DOLLAR 154.84 155.3 POUNDS STERLING 245.6986 246.4922 EURO 194.2121 194.8394 SWISS FRANC 161.7217 162.244 YEN 1.9682 1.9746 CFA 0.2748 0.2848 WAUA 233.7636 234.5186 YUAN/RENMINBI 24.3609 24.4401 RIYAL 41.2778 41.4111 DANISH KRONER 26.0698 26.154 SDR 235.4663 236.2268 Official exchange rates as at 23/08/2012

SELLING 155.8 247.2858 195.4667 162.7664 1.9809 0.2948 235.2737 24.5192 41.5445 26.2382 236.9874

NIBOR TENOR RATE Call 11.2500 7 Day 12.3333 30 Day 15.2500 60 Day 15.8333 90 Day 216.5000 Source: FMDA

CHANGE -0.33 0.04 2.38 2.54 2.88

DATE 24 Aug, 2012 24 Aug, 2012 24 Aug, 2012 24 Aug, 2012 24 Aug, 2012

Entrepreneurial group vows to make 500,000 youths millionaires From CHIDI NNADI, Enugu

A

n entrepreneurial youth group has vowed to empower over 500,000 Nigerians and make them millionaires within the first five years of its operations in the country.

The group, the 101 Young Heroes Inspirational Tour team, with offices in Enugu, Nigeria, Nairobi, and Kenya, disclosing this in Enugu, while presenting its 2012 strategic action plan to the media, said that it is determined to make youths in the country to imbibe the culture of wealth creation.

The team leader, Mr. Stanley Ezeabasirim, explained that the main objective of the group was to educate and inspire the young generation, rekindle their hope through entrepreneurship, boost the activity in their mind, groom and equip them with abundant leadership skills.

He disclosed that they have concluded arrangements to visit 100 rural communities in 20 states and Abuja to persuade young Nigerians to engage in entrepreneurial ventures and positive economic activity instead of wasting their energy on negative life styles.

Ezeabasirim pointed out that the pet project with the theme, “Building an entrepreneurial community,” is an International World Youth Forum, IWYF, programme in collaboration with Environmental Global Research Initiative with support from Withworth Entrepreneurship Education Centre, London.

According to him, “during the tour to 20 states and Abuja scheduled to take off on November 18 in Imo State, we intend to deliver a community-fueled exploration of discovery that will probe the depth of entrepreneurial challenges facing villages in Nigeria and come up with very creative solutions to get young people working together to overcome them.

International Flight Schedule

CROSS RATES

Ethiopian Airlines Lagos-Addis Ababa (daily) Departure time: 12:15 pm, Arrival time: 1:15 pm Contact no: 014611869/029

AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS Lagos-Tripoli Tue, Wed, Thur and Sat Departure time: 01:30am, Arrival time: 22:25 pm Contact no: 012711506 BRITISH AIRWAYS Lagos-London Heathrow (daily) Departure time: 11 pm, Arrival time: 5: 50 pm Contact no: 012792690 0r 014615870-5 TURKISH AIRLINES Lagos-Istanbul Mon, Tue, Thur Sat Departure time: 10: 10 pm, Arrival time: 8: 10 pm Customer care no: Not available DELTA AIR Lagos-Atlanta (daily) Departure time: Btw 3pm and 5pm, Arrival time: 10:30 am Contact no: 014483111 EMIRATES Lagos-Dubai Daily (2 flights) Departure time: 3pm, 8.50pm, Arrival time:1pm, 6pm Contact no :01-2717600 LUFTHANSA Lagos-Frankfurt (daily) Departure time: 10:05 pm, Arrival time: 19:08 Contact no: 014612222, 0414480963 AIR FRANCE Lagos-Paris (daily) Departure time: 11 pm, Arrival time: 14:14 pm Customer care no: 01-4610777, 012617959 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS Lagos-Johannesburg (daily) Departure time: 10:30 pm, Arrival time: 8 or 9 am Customer care no: 2702681-5

R-L: Snr. Vice President, Operations, Arik Air, Mr. Rob Thomas presenting bonus prize (LCD TV032) to Chinwe Ifezue, Clara Paul-Odionhin, Suliat Adeyemi and Susan Petters winners of Duty Free Highest Sellers held at Arik Headquarters, Murtala Muahammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos recently. Photo: WALE OLUFADE

Transcorp buys Ugheli power plant for $300m Arbitrators of Nigeria won the bid for the purchase of 100 per cent shares in Sapele Power plc with a price of $201 million, while JBN- Nestoil Services Limited, comprising Nestoil Plc Nigeria, Julius Berger Investment Limited, Babcock Borsig Steinmuller of Germany, Steag Energy Services of Germany, Quantum Power of Israel and Harith Fund of South Africa emerged the reserved bidder with $106 million which is the reserved bid for the enterprise.

In the case of Geregu Power plc, Amperion Power Distribution Limited, emerged the preferred bidder with a bid price of $128.5 million for 51 per cent of the company shares.

Kainji Power plc (which has a 15 years concession) was won by Mainstream Energy Solutions, with a bid price of $50.76 million .

Mainstream is a consortium of RusHydro International and RusHydro JSC of Russia, Col.Sani Bello , a Nigerian businessman , Amni International Petroleunm Development Company

... As North South Mainstream win Shiroro,Kanji From ISAAC ANUMIHE, Abuja

T

ranscorp yesterday won the bid for the sale of 100 per cent share of Thermal Generation Company at Ugheli with a bid price of $300 million, while Amperion Power Distribution Company emerged the reserved bidder with a bid price of $252 million.

Transcorp and Wood Rock is a consortium of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Symbion Power Plc of USA , Medea Development S.A of Luxemburg, PSL Engineering and Control of Nigeria and Thomassen Services and Contracting Company of Oman .

Also, CMEC/EURAFRIC Energy which is equally a consortium of China Machine Engineering Corporation, Eurafic Energy Limited of Nigeria. British Power International, First Bank Nigeria Plc and Aetex Solicitors and

of Nigeria, NIGELEC of Niger, Pqcqua Energy Limited, Confluence Cable Netwotk Limited, Crust Energy, TAK and Anchorage Holdings (all from Nigeria).

However, North- South Power which has XS Energy Limited of Nigeria, BP Investment Limited, Urban Shelter Limited of Nigeria, Transatlantic Development and Investment Company of USA, China International Water Electric, China Three Gorges Corporation, Niger State Government and Roads Nigeria Plc in the consortium emerged the sole winner for fifteen years concession of Shiroro Power plc with a bid price of $111.7 million.

In his opening remarks on the occasion, Chairman of the Technical Committee of ncp, Mr Atedo Peterside, said that in December 2010, the NCP advertised for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective core investors interested in acquiring successor thermal generation companies (“Thermal Gencos”) and concessionaires interested in managing the hydro generation companies (“Hydro Gencos”.)

SEC boils again as DG, workers engage in face-off From ISAAC ANUMIHE, Abuja

T

he Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, and her workers have, for the third time since her second coming as the chief executive, gone for each others jugular.

The workers yesterday, in Abuja , embarked on street protest against the alleged deployment of contract staff to head various departments in the organisation.

Angered by this, the workers had, as early as 8.30 am, trooped out of their offices with placards of various inscriptions such as ``No to redeployment of Managing Director of Training School against board’s decision”; ``No to undue delay of

application files for months; No to sole administration, among others.

Chief among the union’s plea was the call for the removal of the DG; and removal of contract staff deployed to head various departments in the organisation.

Speaking to newsmen, the chairman of the workers’ union, Muhammed Salihu, explained that contract staff had been deployed by Ms Oteh to head the Internal Audit Department and SEC Training School, among others.

“We have 21 contract staffers, all of them placed in certain positions that are unbearable and against public service policy. It is unheard of that you make such a person a senior manager. You have somebody who graduated in 1994 and you make him a deputy director. We have 21 of

them,’’ he said.

He said the union had written to seek audience with the Director General but received queries instead.

Salihu said that the union would give the management two weeks to work things out to ensure peace and harmony in the commission.

“It is unfortunate that the Director General has decided to adopt sole administration pattern to run the place. This is against service policy. Government should intervene in the situation to help develop the capital market in the country.’’ he said.

The Secretary of the union, John Biggs, said if the management did not redeploy the contract staffers after the two-week ultimatum, the union would embark on an industrial action. All we are asking for is the right thing to be done. SEC is not a different place.

QATAR AIRWAYS Lagos-Doha Daily Departure time: 9:45 am, Arrival time: 7:55am Contact: 012798888/014633333 KENYA AIRWAYS Lagos-Nairobi (daily) Departure time: 11:05 am, Arrival time: 10:42am Contact: 012719433 CHINA SOUTHERN Lagos-Beijing via Dubai Tuesdays, Thursdays Departure time: 12:15pm, Arrival time: 10:30 am Tuesdays, Thursdays.

Contact: 01-4610777 or 01-2617959 EGYPT AIR Lagos-Cairo Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri & Sun Departure time: 2pm, Arrival time: 1pm KLM Lagos-Amsterdam (daily) Departure time: 11pm, Arrival time: 8:30pm Contact: 01-4610777, 01-2617959 VIRGIN ATLANTIC Lagos-London Heathrow (daily) Departure time: 10:20 am daily, Arrival time: 5:30 am Contact: 01-4612750, 01-4612747 ARIK AIR Lagos-London Heathrow (daily) Departure time: 10:05pm Arrival 7.00pm Lagos-New York Tuesdays and Thursdays Departure time: 11:20pm Arrival 6pm Lagos-Johannesburg (daily) Departure 11.15pm Arrival 4.15pm Lagos-West Coast (Freetown, Banjul & Dakar) Mon, Wed & Fri Departure 8:00am Arrival 6.45pm Lagos-Accra (daily) Departure 8.00am, 5pm 8.45pm, 5.45pm Contact: 01-2799999.

48

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS CSR: Total boosts health facilities in Enugu, Anambra

By LOUIS IBA

O

il multinational, Total Oil has invested in the acquisition and installation of state-of-the-art health facilities in selected hospitals in Enugu and Anambra states. The investments the firm said formed part of its corporate social responsibilities and is geared towards boosting the health sector of the two states particularly in the combat against HIV/AIDS. Donating the facilities and equipment recently, the Managing Director of Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Guy Maurice, said the initiative was part of Total’s commitment to positively impact and enrich the lives of its customers and the host communities.

“Our fight against HIV/AIDS is a fight to protect our great nation Nigeria, our host communities, employees, families, organisations and society from HIV. This fight has been adopted by the Total Group worldwide as an essential component of our group’s sustainable development policy, and such is fully integrated into our global strategy,” said Maurice.

The facilities were donat-

ed to Good Shepherd Hospital, Uwani, Enugu State and Mission Hospital, Iyienu in Ogidi, Awka, Anabra State. The same gesture was earlier extended to Akwa Ibom and Kaduna States last year.

The Total chief said the company believes in prevention which is obviously far less expensive and less complicated than cure.

The health campaign, operated in partnership with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCAA), has been spread to 15 states of the federation through Total service stations, targeting 21,000 Nigerians.

The oil firm explained that the modalities adopted in the deployment of the initiative are in full compliance with the United Nations recommended standard which involves interaction with the communities, addressing specific issues of concern and capacity building for peer educations.

The Executive Secretary, NIBUCAA, Olusina Olulana, applauded the oil multinational for the health initiative, urging the indigenes of the states to take the advantage by going for the screening.

L-R: Executive Director, Market Operations Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Adeolu Bajomo; Managing Direcotr/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu and Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema at Guinness Nigeria Plc Bell Ringing Ceremony at the exchange on Monday, in Lagos.

AfDB to raise $22bn for investment in infrastructure

By STEVE AGBOTA

T

he African Development Bank (AfDB) has proposed plans to float Africa’s first infrastructure bonds to member-nations with expected yield of up to $22 billion for investments in the much needed infrastructure such as ports, railways, roads and energy, across the African continent.

This brings to reality an initiative first raised at the March 2009 conference on Growth Corridors, hosted by Made In Africa Foundation’s (MIAF), Ozwald Boateng and UK Foreign Minister, David Miliband. MIAF was founded he formal launch of the global body, the Entrepreneurs’ by Mr. Boateng, Africa’s foreOrganization, EO, Nigeria chapter, will hold on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at the Sheraton Lagos Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos .

The event which will be attended by governors, ministers, captains of industry, and entrepreneurs will also draw partici- From THERESA EGBA, Abuja pants from outside the country, especially from the global he Minister of Agriculture headquarters of the body in Virginia, the United States of and Rural Development, America. It will be rounded off with a dinner later in the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, evening at the same venue. has assured Nigerians that Founded in 1987 in Virginia, USA by a group of 22 young entrepreneurs, the EO has grown in the last 25 years to include the Federal Government is more than 8,700 business owners scattered in 121 chapters and determined to ban importation of food into the country.

41 countries across the globe.

According to Adesina, who The 121st Chapter was launched last week in Istanbul, made this known while speakTurkey on September 19, 2012. The launch of the Lagos chapter brings the global spread of the organisation to 122 chapters ing at the National Presidential Initiative on Youth in 42 countries.

Employment in Agriculture Prior to this, only two chapters-Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa-had existed in the whole of the African Programme (YEAP) in Abuja " continent. Nigeria will be the first country to host the global our taste for imported food items has also contributed to assembly in the West African sub-region.

As a global business owner network and association, EO high levels of unemployment helps to educate, transform, inspire and offer invaluable for our youths because for resources in the form of events, leadership development pro- every grain of rice we import, grammes, an online entrepreneur forum and business owner we export jobs to youths of the education opportunities, among other resources designed for country we are importing from.” business growth.

He explained that the numEO enables small and large business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched ber of youths that entered the workforce between 1991-2000, people.

Membership of the organisation is strictly by invitation. was 15 million, but from 2001However, one of the biggest perks of membership of the EO is 2010, the number grew by 50 exclusive access to some of the best businesses and business per cent to 22 million.

The minister maintained opportunities in the world as emphasis is laid on helping leadthat, “No sector has greater ing entrepreneurs to save on both time and money.

The organisation also sponsors the Global Student capacity to create jobs as quickEntrepreneur Awards (GSEA), the premier award programme ly and sustainably as the agrifor undergraduate students that own and run businesses while culture sector.”

Adesina said that the Federal attending a college or university. The other is called the Accelerator, a series of quarterly, high-impact learning events Government was engaging in designed to provide top business owners with the tools, knowl- youth employment programme edge and skills they need to grow their businesses. in order to create one million This year, EO is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with young agriculturalentrepreevents around the world, which will highlight the growth of neurs in Nigeria by 2015. the entrepreneurial network and its role in the lives of its memHe explained that the bers everywhere.

Entrepreneurs’ organization for launch October 4

T

most designer, together with prominent Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko and the independent Nigerian oil company, Atlantic Energy to support first-stage funding of infrastructure projects in Africa.

A statement from the oil firm said that, MIAF urged the AfDB to offer the opportunity to invest in the infrastructure bonds to all. Adding that it would be in addition to funds committed by member-governments.

“By opening up the bond offering to everyone – private institutions such as global banks and pension funds, individuals and corporations – there would be increased

transparency, and hopefully better governance, not to mention increased flows of money to fund projects. The $22 billion would take advantage of the AfDB’s AAA rating which would make its African bonds a more secure investment than those issued by a number of European states potentially, making it one of the more attractive opportunities in the global debt capital markets,” MIAF said.

The foundation adds that “investment of $22bn in infrastructure projects across Africa would, if implemented properly, have a positive effect on the continent’s GDP, raising it by an estimated 2 per

FG to ban importation of food

T

Federal Government was working hard to make the country’s Agriculture competitive in today’s global markets, and for this, "we must rapidly mechanize our agriculture.”

He said this would attract youths into agriculture, as he lamented that the nation has less than 20,000 functional tractors, which he described as the lowest tractorization rates in the world.

He maintained that there was need to design a comprehensive system that facilitates a strong relationship between financial institutions, tractor manufacturers, tractor vendors and all other relevant bodies.

Dr. Adesina called on Nigerians to adopt the farm approach used 50 years ago by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying, ‘This would help grow the sector faster.

cent. This would lift millions out of poverty and dramatically decrease regional disparity.

Its effect on Africa could be similar to the Marshall Plan, which was a huge stimulus for growth on the European continent in the post war period.”

Presently, the AfDB envisages that this $22 billion investment will only be offered to member states.

AfDB President, Donald Kaberuka, is expected to ask African governments at the IMF summit in Tokyo this October to commit 5 per cent of their foreign currency reserves to take up the opportunity.

MIAF hinted: “If combined with favourable tax treatment, it would be a chance for many to repatriate the “missing billions” that have dissipated from Africa’s shores to low interest tax havens over the past decades. Let Africans have the chance to show their belief in their own continent.

The founder of MIAF, Ozwald Boateng said: “The global African diaspora is a trillion dollar economy already investing $30 billion in remittances to the continent every year.

Common External Tariff can lead to dumping, don warns

By ADEWALE SANYAOLU

A

don at the Center for Trade and Development Initiative, Mr. Ademola Odejide, has alerted the nation of the danger of adopting the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff, saying it may lead to dumping and deindustrialization.

Odejide made the assertion in his presentation, titled: ‘Impact of the ECOWAS CET on the Real Sector: A Case Study of the Manufacturing Sector’, at a stakeholders conference on the review of the CET (2008–2012) organized by the Ministry of Finance.

Despite the shortcomings, Odejide urged members of the Economic Community of West

Africa States (ECOWAS), especially those in business, to consider both the benefits and demerits of the Common External Tariff (CET) as a means developing regional integration in Africa.

He explained that the low level of tariff for products and commodities under the CET scheme makes goods produced

by ECOWAS member- countries face the threat of dumping, which, he said, may eventually lead to de-industrialization.

The Common External Tariff is one of the instruments of harmonizing ECOWAS member -states and strengthening its Common Market.

Article 3 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty defines the aims of the community as promoting co-operation and integration, leading to the establishment of

an economic union in West Africa. In order to achieve this, the community is to ensure, in stages, among other means, the establishment of a common market through the adoption of a common external tariff and a common trade policy vis-à-vis third countries. To this end, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government established an ECOWAS Customs’ Union.

Odejide listed other demerits of CET to include loss of trade policy sovereignty of members due to institution arrangements, explaining that once an ECOWAS member- country is a signatory to CET, it would be difficult to make other trade policy laws, hence, dumping is inevitable, which, would in turn, lead to de-industrialization.

49

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS

Local investors return to NSE as stocks resume gains

By KELECHI MGBOJI

F

leeing local investors may have commenced gradual return to the Nigerian equities market after biting their fingers in the market crash of 2008. The drought had lingered till middle of this year when stocks, largely driven by activities of foreign investors, started a sustained recovery process culminating in 24.62 percent growth year-to-date.

Speaking at the maiden integrity award of the Nigerian Capital Market Committee in Lagos yesterday, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma

Oteh stated that the local investors at the market had begun a gradual return as the ratio of foreign to local investor participation in the market which used to be 80 to 20 percent currently stands at 70 to 30 percent, signifying a 10 percent improvement.

In reviewing driving factors of the market recovery, the SEC boss said that global and domestic factors combined in favour of emerging Nigerian equities market as choice destination for equities investments ahead of peers in America and Europe, adding that market outlook is brighter due to unfolding power reforms and increasing scope for Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs) to do more at the market.

According to her, the fact that 70 percent of inflows in the market is foreign investments suggests that there is high and attractive value at the market presently, stressing that with the rebound of the market several valuable companies are now warming up for dual listing on the NSE and foreign stock exchanges.

She stated that market recovery initiatives of SEC and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have continued to impact positively on transactions on the Exchange and urged other local investors to return now that they can buy low and sell at appreciable capital gains in near future.

Also fielding questions on the activities of several capital market committees instituted to

drive market recovery, the SEC boss said that reports of the various committees are working hard to ensure that its vision of a world class market is realized, adding that capital market community is going beyond the call of duty to ensure that things are done properly.

Meanwhile, positive transactions resumed on the Exchange yesterday after two sessions of negative close as a result of brief interlude of profit-taking last Friday and Monday.

At the close of trading session, the NSE AllShare Index inched up by 0.42 percent to close at 25,947.60 as against a decline by 0.13 percent recorded in the previous session to close at 25,839.00.

THE DAILY STOCK SUMMARY AS AT 25/09/2012 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector Company name

No of Deals

Main Board AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. 14 PRESCO PLC 22 Sub Sector Totals 36 Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. 15 Sub Sector Totals 15 Sector Totals 51 CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. 3 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PL C 108 U A C N PLC. 48 Sub Sector Totals 159 Sector Totals 159 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. 12 Sub Sector Totals 12 Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED 39 Sub Sector Totals 39 Sector Totals 51 CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. 2 GUINNESS NIG PLC 98 INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. 33 NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 123 Sub Sector Totals 256 Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. 14 Sub Sector Totals 14 Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC 50 DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC 65 FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 70 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC 51 N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. 2 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC 44 U T C NIG. PLC. 19 Sub Sector Totals 301 Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. 92 NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 44 Main Board CONSUMER GOODS Sub Sector Totals 136 Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. 35 Sub Sector Totals 35 Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. 87 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. 45 Sub Sector Totals 132 Sector Totals 874 FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. 251 DIAMOND BANK PLC 184 ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED 41 FIDELITY BANK PLC 109 FIRST BANK OF NIG. PLC 603 FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC. 124 GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. 402 SKYE BANK PLC 84 STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC 42 STERLING BANK PLC. 153 U B A PLC 248 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 127 UNITY BANK PLC 4 WEMA BANK PLC. 6 ZENITH BANK PLC 268 Sub Sector Totals 2,646 Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 36 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC 1 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 36 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 93 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 1 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 16 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC 13 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. 100 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 41 OASIS INSURANCE PLC 2 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. 21 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 1 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. 2 Sub Sector Totals 363 Other Financial Institutions DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC 1 ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. 4 Sub Sector Totals 5 Sector Totals 3,014

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded Value of Shares(N)

37.01 15.44

349,892 497,392 847,284

12,849,592.50 7,655,034.70 20,505,000

1.40

776,150 776,150 1,623,434

1,086,610.00 1,087,000 21,591,237.20

1.40 1.00 43.80

68,000 18,923,758 653,922 19,645,680 19,645,680

95,200.00 18,824,339.40 27,919,605.74 46,839,000 46,839,145.14

28.80

45,293 45,293

1,333,369.45 1,333,000

12.09

554,625 554,625 599,918

6,969,356.00 6,969,000 8,302,725.45

3.28 260.00 13.41 135.95

550,000 559,684 262,430 1,861,811 3,233,925

1,814,000.00 145,478,405.98 3,449,197.66 255,953,167.68 406,695,000

39.00

29,392 29,392

1,116,745.00 1,117,000

8.48 4.82 69.00 2.20 21.48 6.04 0.73

3,834,605 1,427,160 1,218,162 2,686,899 2,500 1,563,523 4,466,250 15,199,099

32,517,450.40 6,908,088.79 84,127,067.02 5,910,677.80 51,025.00 9,380,998.77 3,259,272.50 142,155,000

23.80 580.00

2,978,097 65,661

71,459,030.35 36,843,820.44

3,043,758

108,303,000

3.35

,244,455 2,244,455

7,163,816.79 7,164,000

25.70 38.00

1,794,127 778,719 2,572,846 26,323,475

45,960,483.50 29,657,520.48 75,618,000 741,050,768.16

9.18 3.50 11.35 1.72 14.55 3.11 19.00 3.20 7.12 1.66 4.59 8.74 0.50 0.50 16.30

22,820,632 56,288,276 225,382 5,449,147 18,349,956 12,013,348 15,797,340 8,162,690 2,076,619 27,260,204 10,999,012 5,677,579 38,480 238,700 85,430,042 270,827,407

211,499,763.90 198,756,258.72 2,553,273.11 9,517,838.24 266,923,946.09 37,319,013.50 301,566,466.65 26,258,145.00 14,997,804.46 44,499,203.84 50,056,964.16 50,272,997.49 19,240.00 119,350.00 1,375,642,650.94 2,590,003,000

0.66 0.50 0.75 1.43 0.50 0.67 2.06 0.52 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

4,049,600 10,000 3,529,758 7,151,219 1,440 851,817 1,857,700 24,360,304 1,258,048 250,000 6,073,997 2,366 30,000 49,426,249

2,672,736.00 5,000.00 2,673,957.16 10,129,578.22 748.80 540,795.39 3,675,923.55 13,152,253.60 661,683.20 125,000.00 3,089,639.40 1,183.00 15,000.00 36,743,000

5,000 165,429 170,429 320,424,085

10,100.00 99,257.40 109,000 2,626,855,771.82

2.02 0.60

Sector Company name

No of Deals Quotation(N) Quantity Traded

HEALTHCARE Main Board HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. 1 Sub Sector Totals 1 Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. 6 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 42 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. 11 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 22 NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PL C 11 Sub Sector Totals 92 Sector Totals 93 ICT IT Services NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. 2 Sub Sector Totals 2 Processing Systems CHAMS PLC 1 Sub Sector Totals 1 Telecommunications Services IHS PLC 11 Sub Sector Totals 11 Sector Totals 14 INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC 29 BERGER PAINTS PLC 5 CAP PLC 10 CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC 41 DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 26 DN MEYER PLC. 2 LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. 75 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC 9 Sub Sector Totals 197 Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. 5 Sub Sector Totals 5 Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. 1 NIGERIAN BAGS MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC 56 Sub Sector Totals 57 Sector Totals 259 NATURAL RESOURCES Non-Metallic Mineral Mining MULTIVERSE PLC 1 Sub Sector Totals 1 Sector Totals 1 OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services Main Board OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC 79 Sub Sector Totals 79 Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC 131 Sub Sector Totals 131 Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC 27 ETERNA PLC. 19 FORTE OIL PLC. 21 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. 16 MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. 2 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. 4 Sub Sector Totals 89 Sector Totals 299 SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. 10 Sub Sector Totals 10 Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC 36 Sub Sector Totals 36 Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. 23 Sub Sector Totals 23 Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC 25 Sub Sector Totals 25 Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC 4 Sub Sector Totals 4 Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. 4 LEARN AFRICA PLC 4 UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. 1 Sub Sector Totals 9 Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC 13 NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC 42 Sub Sector Totals 55 Sector Totals 162 Type Totals 4,977 Grand Totals 4,977

Value of Shares(N)

5.05

328 328

1,574.40 2,000

1.15 1.48 36.00 1.70 1.00

429,076 1,618,970 42,298 491,614 852,520 3,434,478 3,434,806

493,146.64 2,419,735.60 1,513,522.00 815,960.40 852,520.00 6,095,000 6,096,459.04

13.77

1,514 1,514

21,877.30 22,000

0.50

300,000 300,000

150,000.00 150,000

2.33

24,921,635 24,921,635 25,223,149

59,427,924.00 59,428,000 59,599,801.30

14.46 8.01 28.90 5.31 119.98 0.89 56.00 3.46

711,323 43,603 39,526 1,087,420 248,320 250,000 2,236,755 270,000 4,886,947

10,285,730.58 366,701.23 1,104,412.68 5,724,536.07 29,747,967.02 222,500.00 123,652,735.81 934,200.00 172,039,000

2.08

267,778 267,778

556,978.24 557,000

9.53 1.98

1,000 54,858,096 54,859,096 60,013,821

9,060.00 108,593,997.15 108,603,000 281,198,818.78

0.50

5,000 5,000 5,000

2,500.00 3,000 2,500.00

0.61

5,384,700 5,384,700

3,234,764.00 3,235,000

13.52

2,092,979 2,092,979

28,381,310.99 28,381,000

20.70 2.58 10.50 115.00 32.29 130.00

165,855 258,977 207,183 13,273 949 2,449 648,686 8,126,365

3,431,412.77 654,717.13 2,194,585.80 1,536,533.62 29,419.00 326,491.50 8,173,000 39,789,234.81

1.82

45,222 45,222

81,791.08 82,000

3.40

1,977,658 1,977,658

6,806,160.04 6,806,000

0.50

2,039,000 2,039,000

1,019,500.00 1,020,000

1.08

1,724,040 1,724,040

1,850,955.17 1,851,000

0.50

10,000 10,000

5,000.00 5,000

1.57 2.11 4.33

14,012 15,200 50,000 79,212

21,018.00 31,072.00 216,500.00 269,000

2.07 5.80

253,753 460,378 714,131 6,589,263 472,008,996 472,008,996

516,862.66 2,676,471.64 3,193,000 13,225,330.59 3,844,551,792.29 3,844,551,792.29

50

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Keshi must go for big boys if he doesn’t want to go Siasia’s way –Osusu

51 Egbuchunam waves magic wand

By MONICA IHEAKAM

T

he era of using the exalted courts at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, founded in 1895 as party venues for society wedding receptions and entertainment of guests after burial of loved ones is now a thing of the past.

Just three months in the saddle as the President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Barrister Sam Egbuchunam, has cleaned up, transformed and restored the elite Club to its premier status of old.

Conducting Daily Sunsports round the refurbished four courts at the west wing, Egbuchunam disclosed that Lagos Lawn Tennis club is gold mine that can bring the needed funds to run itself, a trait his predecessors fail to harness.

Having hit the ground running, Egbuchunam and his executives who are running a transparent administration has become the beautiful bride as multinational companies are now clamouring to brand the interiors of the club.

According to Egbuchunam, he is celebrating what he has achieved within 90 days in office and vowed that the era of using the facility as melting pot for Owambe parties has been abolished.

“On assumption of office as the President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club on June 21st 2012, I pledged to restore this club to it’s former glory and I am happy that we have been able to achieve this just within 90 days in office.

Paralympians declare:

Jonathan’s MONey, D best ever

SPDC governors Cup

Obio-Akpor vows to retain title

By JOE APU

P

hysically challenged persons before their inclusion in sports were once rejected by society but over the years they have gradually integrated themselves well into several sports including power lifting, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, table tennis and athletics.

Some of them travel long distances to train at different parts of the country and do not find it easy to go along in the society like is the case with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

However, this year’s London 2012 Games for the Paralympics has proved to be a different one as they returned with a total of 6 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals in a year that able bodied athletes failed woefully to perform at the Games.

The effects of the paralympians were not swept under the carpet like was the case in the past.

President Goodluck Jonathan shocked the athletes to their mar-

rows when he held a reception for them and awarded the national award of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON and added cash rewards of N5m for gold medalists, N3m for Silver medalists, N2m for bronze medalists and N500, 000 for other participants that were at the Games while the officials got the sum of N2.5m.

That singular gesture has left an indelible smile on the faces of the athletes so much so that they are still in cloud nine and want to remain there for eternity. Head coach of the power lifting team to the London 2012, Prince Feyisetan Aree captures the feelings of the athletes in these words. “This is the best ever treatment that paralympic athletes have received.”

He notes that what the President did took them all by surprise and that it meant the world to them. He stressed that President Jonathan made their day by not only giving his wards national award but capping it with naira rain thus making the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) they got to come with the mouth watering EY. As far as Aree is concerned, MON plus naira

rain translates to MON(with)EY. “President Jonathan has given physically challenged persons a reason to live and this means that those who work hard, get rewarded. I never expected that the President would extend his appreciation with cash rewards and the award of MON. Some of my athletes are not sure how to celebrate their awards and say if this is a dream, they sure want to remain in the euphoria of it.”

Though, he admits that the gesture of the President has put pressure on the athletes to work even harder, they are ready to make Nigeria proud.

“With what the President has done, we’re challenged to do better and as it is presently, there are more physically challenged persons now interested in sports and that makes me happy because people would stop treating us as outcasts. We’re part of the society and should be treated as such. The time has come for government to consider us when constructing roads, houses, hospitals and more. In fact, we even need our own gymnasium.”

efending champion of the last year's Governor's Cup, Obio-akpor, came out smoking as it served notice of its intention to defend the Rivers State Governor's Cup with an emphatic 6-2 defeat of the hapless Andoni at Matchday one at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Hostilities resume today as Cup holder, Obio- Akpor, will attempt advancing to the knockout stage when they tackle Ogubolo in what looks like a mustwin for the Ogu-bolo side.

Omuma will go for consolidation against Onelga, while Abuaodual and Oyigbo will be seeking their first victory in this encounter.

The encounter between Ahoada East and Okrika is evenly matched as both sides won their first game the same as the tie involving Opobo-nkoro and Bonny.

Etche and Ahoada West must salvage a win to hope to progress in the tournament as defeat for Eleme against Akuku-toru will kill off their title dream while Asari-toro needs another win against Degema to firm its foot in the knock-out stage.

51

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Interview/Gordon Osusu

By GEORGE ALUO

C

ote D’Ivoire based football scout, Gordon Osusu has warned that Super Eagles handler Stephen Okechukwu Keshi would disappoint Nigerians and fail to meet the mandate handed him by his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if he continues his romance with home based players, ahead of the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup. Keshi it would be noted has been handed the mandate of not just qualifying Nigeria for the Nations Cup but winning it, just as he is expected to take the nation to the Brazil 2014 mundial.

The Nigeria Football Federation has made it clear that anything short of this would see Keshi being shown the exit door.

Osusu in a chat with Daily Sunsports said those running the game in the country don’t appear to know what they want insisting that there is no way the country can be talking about

rookies but men. When we won it in Tunisia we played with men the same thing applied when we won it on home soil in 1980. Those making case for home based have forgotten that you cant compare our league now and our league of yester years. We all know what the league looked like when the likes of Uche Ejimofor ran Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Taiwo Ogunjobi was with 3SC. Our league is dead. The players are not well paid just like the coaches. We must do something about the league before we think about relying on home based players. When we had a strong league our players were moving to big clubs in Europe but today the European clubs are no longer interested in our players.

They now prefer to go for Ivorian players. Some people will argue that Egypt won the Nations Cup with home based players. Again can you compare the Egyptian league and that of Nigeria. Egypt has a very strong league. The case of Zambia was a peculiar one. Zambia used a good number of home based in Gabon but

We cant be blowing hot and cold the same time.

The Westerhof era people talk about, how many home based players did Westerhof go to Tunisia with when we won the Nations Cup. Most of them were playing for top clubs in Europe. It is not as if I am against Keshi using the home boys but they should be in Team C. We should have Team A which is for those playing for top clubs, Team B to be made up of up and coming players playing for clubs in the lower league in Europe a n d Team C for the homers.

Keshi must go for big boys if he doesn’t want to go Siasia’s way –Osusu rebuilding and at the same time telling Keshi to go and win the Nations Cup in South Africa and qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. He said Keshi must go for the big boys if he wants to win in South Africa, even as he warned that Keshi must avoid making the mistakes that saw Samson Siasia not qualifying the country for the 2012 Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea/Gabon.

SCALING LIBERIA HURDLE: Osusu said Nigerians must pray for the Eagles to scale the Liberian hurdle come October 13 in Calabar before talking about winning the Nations Cup. “Let us pray that we scale the Liberian hurdle.

You can see that the whole thing is still open with the 2-2 draw we played out in Monrovia.

Last year everybody thought we were going to over run Guinea at home in Abuja, but the Syli Stars left Abuja with a draw and the mistake Siasia made was not using our best legs. He put Dele Aiyenugba in post and he messed up the game for Nigeria. This time Keshi appears to be going it the Siasia way. My advise is for him to go for our best legs and pick the ticket without gambling. If he gambles and fails Nigerians will call for his sack simple and period. He should go for the big boys in Europe and win well in Calabar. Don’t forget Liberia defeated Ghana in a friendly after drawing with Nigeria. If we take them for granted they can do to us what Guinea did in Abuja. Keshi must be careful and prosecute that game with our best players.”

NATIONS CUP PROPER “If we qualify, then we must do the right thing to win it. You don’t win the Nations Cup with

don’t forget God was literally a Zambian during the 2012 Nations Cup. It was like they were divinely ordained to win the cup. Even outside Africa, England cant win anything because they rely on the home boys. Back to Africa, South Africa use 90 percent of home boys and this is why they too cant win anything. Look at the Spainish national team, what they parade is men. So, Keshi must recall the big boys, the likes of John Utaka, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Dickson Etuhu, Obafemi Martins, Mikel Obi and Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke. Let him also take a look at the Italian league. There are some Nigerian players doing well in Italy. Let him go for the very best legs that are playing top flight football in Europe. But if what we want is to start from the scratch then we can go to South Africa with the home lads, with some up and coming players that are not playing for big clubs in Europe and gradually build a new team.

•Osusu

That way we would be planning. Nigeria had a good team from 1994 to 1998. Since after that era we have not been able to build a strong team.

In the 90s our league was still good, but now we are not just playing football at home. ”

PROBLEM OF NIGERIAN FOOTBALL Osusu who had a stint with the Super Eagles under coach James Peters noted that the biggest problem facing Nigerian football today is the fact that there are no real professional soccer outfits in the country.

“In the days of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Abiola Babes and Nigerdock where I started my football career before moving over to Concord and 3SC the clubs were better run. Today what we have as premier league sides are no clubs. Those running the clubs make the movement of players outside difficult. The players are not well paid yet the clubs make it difficult for them to move. As a scout I know what I am talking about. Clubs in Cote D’Ivoire that invest more on their players are ready to let their players hit Europe for say 50,000 dollars, but when you want the International Transfer Certificate of a player from Nigeria both the club and the FA will be asking for an amount that is out of this world and this is why European clubs now prefer to go for players from other West African countries. The last time I showed interest in one of the players with one of the so called premier league sides in Nigeria, the club

demanded for 750,000 dollars. We need to do something about the clubs, the league board and even coaching. A whole lot has to change for Nigerian football to bounce back.”

GOOD SIDE OF OUR FOOTBALL Osusu who in his heyday wore his trademark dreadlock said one thing going for Nigerian football is the talents that abound.

“Since I stopped playing I have been to several countries, the truth is that there is no other country that you can find the kind of talents that are in Nigeria. We have players that are immensely talented. All we need to do to bounce back is better administration. Those running the game need to do a better job.”

52

NEWS

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 DAILY SUN

SUN SPORTS NFF queries Keshi over Anichebe

N

igeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Sub-committee has disclosed that it had queried the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, over the exclusion of in-form England-based Everton’s striker, Victor Anichebe, among the 15 foreign-based players to prosecute the crucial Nations Cup qualifier encounter against the Lone Star of Liberia billed for Calabar next month.

Member of the committee, Paul Bassey, who made the disclosure while unveiling the team list to the media at the Glass House yesterday, said that surprise as every other Nigerian over Anichebe’s exclusion, the committee took up Keshi on it, inquiring why the player could not make the list despite his current form.

He added that the committee was, however, satisfied when the Eagles’ gaffer revealed that the Everton attacker was still part of his team, stressing that he would certainly invite him when the team starts the Nations Cup pretournament preparation.

“Let me, of course, pre-empt you over the exclusion of Victor Anichebe in the list. We certainly queried Keshi why he could not make the list despite his current form, scoring three goals in two matches, though one disallowed.

We told him that Anichebe was expected to be there, but Keshi told us that he did not want to rush Anichebe back.”

Jonathan lights up Eko 2012 Torch of Unity

P

resident Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated the resolve of the present administration to continue to further the cause of sports development in Nigeria.

Jonathan, who is the grand patron of the National Sports Festival, stated this yesterday at the Presidential Villa during the formal flag-off ceremony of the movement of the Festival Torch of Unity for the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Eko 2012” to be hosted by Lagos.

Represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, while receiving the festival torch from the governor of Rivers State, the immediate past host, Chubuike Amaechi, represented by his Deputy, Tele Ekuru, the president expressed delight that the National Sports Festival, which is Nigeria’s version of the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, had come of age.

He further noted that the festival had served as a unifying platform for all and a rallying point for the Nigerian youth through competitive sports, just as he also congratulated Rivers State on the successful hosting of the 17th edition of the Games, noting that the standards had been raised after the KADA 2009 event.

In his own remarks while receiving the festival torch after it had been lit, signaling the formal commencement of the events of the 18th National Sports Festival, Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola of Lagos, expressed optimism that “Eko 2012” would meet up with the expectations of Nigerians, assuring that the state was poised to host a befitting festival in November, 2012.

NEWS

Liberia tie

Why I invited Mikel –Keshi

By ROMANUS UGWU, Abuja

E

mbattled Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, Italianbased Joel Obi, and Israel’s Nigerian goalkeeper, Austin Ejide, were the three returnees among the 15 foreign-based players Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, invited for the important Nations Cup qualifier game against the Lone Star of Liberia in Cababar.

However, dismissing insinuations that he was arm-twisted to recall the Stamford Bridge playmaker, following the collapse of his midfield in the first leg in Monrovia, Keshi told the media after defending his list that he would claim full responsibility on those invited.

Keshi, while stressing that picking the ticket is a Nigerian project, insisted that though Mikel had been in constant touch with him, he recalled him when he deemed it ready for

…As Joel, Ejide, 13 pros, 23 home-based make Eagles’ list

him return, reiterating that he holds nothing against the Chelsea’s midfielder.

“It is not true that I was arm-twisted to recall Mikel. Nobody ever told me to invite any player. I have never been given any instruction or mandate to pick a player. The truth is that Mikel and I talk often and the last time we spoke was about two or three days ago. We talk all the time, so all these reports flying around about Mikel and Osaze were not true. Mikel is ready to play for his country and we hope he will bring his best to the nation.

“It is not true to attribute Mikel’s invitation to the collapse in my midfield. As I always say, every Nigerian player has chances of playing for Super Eagles as long as he has the patience and if we deem it right to bring the player. I spoke with

T

he current Chinese Super League season has been highlighted by the quantity of imported players, with no fewer than 80 foreigners plying their trade among the nation’s 16 top-flight clubs. Few of them, however, have proved more successful t h a n

Nigerian forward, Peter Utaka, who has taken no time in making every post a winner in his adopted country.

•Utaka

Since joining newly-promoted Dalian Aerbin at the start of this year, Utaka has racked up 16 goals in 23 appearances which leaves him second in the league’s goalscoring chart. Indeed, Utaka has adapted so successfully that he plans to move his mother to China and also encourage older brother, John, who is currently playing with Montpellier, to join Dalian next season.

“Everything here is enjoy-

a certain Chibuike in Rosenberg and told him to be patient until his time comes,” he noted.

Unveiling the team list, technical committee member, Paul Bassey, said that apart from SS Lazio youngster, Ogenyi Onazi, who got his first call-up, following an impressive month in the colours of his Italian club, 11 other pros who were involved in prosecuting the first leg in Monrovia made the list.

While goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama keeps his place in the squad despite his blunder in the draw in the first leg in Monrovia, regulars such as Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Uche Kalu, Emmanuel Emenike and Brown Ideye equally made the list.

Also on the list sent to the federation are: skipper Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Nosa Igiebor, Obiorah Nwankwo with the 23 home-based regulars.

able in China,” he told FIFA.com in a recent exclusive interview. “I feel comfortable about the life here and I appreciate the help from everyone around me - my coach, team-mates, supporters etc. I hope my mum will come here to join me next season.

As for John, we’ve chatted much about the Chinese league via phone and, so it is also possible for him to move here.”

“I care only about how we can win matches,” says Utaka. “It would be ideal if my team wins and I score. We are now sitting in sixth and I hope we can finish with a better position. As for me, I hope I can prove my worth with Dalian and hopefully, my

The letter addressed to the General Secretary of the federation, reads: “Please find the list of invited home-based players who are expected to report in camp on Sunday September 30 at the Bolton White Apartment, Abuja, while the foreign-based players are expected to join the team on Monday October 8 in Calabar unfailingly.”

The List Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide Vincent Enyeama

Defenders:

Joseph Yobo Elderson Echiejile Efe Ambrose

Midfielders:

Joel Obi Nosa Igiebor Obiorah Nwankwo John Mikel Obi

Forwards:

Victor Moses Ahmed Musa Uche Kalu, Emmanuel Emenike Brown Ideye Ogenyi Onazi

Utaka banks on club form to r c l u b form can earn me a return to the Nigerian national team.”

The notion of the Utaka siblings forming one of C-League’s most formidable attacking line-ups with Aerbin resonates strongly with the younger Utaka. “That would be fantastic,” he says. “It is not about the family reunion but goalscoring work. John is a good player and he can prove that with any team.”

Like most of the kids in footballmad Nigeria, the two brothers started playing football in the streets of Enugu, a city in the nation’s Southeast. “John is two years older than so he started a bit earlier,” he recalled. “Even then he showed he is very talented in the game but when I started playing I quickly caught up with him.”

Eye for goal?The two brothers made a smooth transition to Europe, where they soon made a name for themselves. John spent four seasons with Portsmouth before mov-

DAILY SUN

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

SUN SPORTS

NEWS

By GBOLAHAN DADA

D

aniel Igali, Nigerian Wrestling Technical Director, is worried that Nigeria has not mapped out fresh plans to swim out of the turbulent waters a few weeks after recording the worst outing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The former national wrestler, who was among ex-athletes inducted by Canadian Sports Hall of Fame last weekend, said Nigeria was yet to wake up from her slumber after the better forgotten experience in London.

In a Facebook chat with the Daily Sunsports from Canada, Igali said he was shocked that the country that was yearning for success could complain of lack of resources to take wrestlers out of the country on international assignments after the Games.

Worried over the future of sports in the country without proper development, Igali said he was surprised that Nigerian sports authorities had not learnt anything after the London fiasco. “I am not sure Nigeria ever learnt anything. After the disgraceful outing in London, I thought we would learn, but we have not. The World Championships in wrestling starts next week in Canada. Nigeria does not have funds to attend. No funds

and we are talking about fouryear preparations for Rio 2016 Olympic Games . Nonsense!”

Igali has paid his dues in wrestling as captain of the Nigerian wrestling team he went to Canada to compete in the 1994 Commonwealth Games. He remained in the country, while seeking refugee status, owing to political unrest in Nigeria. He acquired citizenship in 1998.

In Canada, Igali won 116 consecutive matches wrestling at Simon Fraser University from 1997 to 1999. He placed fourth at the 1998 World Championships. He finished second at the 1998 World Cup and won a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan American Games.

At the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, Igali won a gold medal in the Men's 69 kg freestyle wrestling. He represented Canada at the world stage.

At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Igali won a gold medal in the Men's 74 kg freestyle wrestling.

Igali and other Olympic champi-

ons were inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame's Class of 2012 last Friday.

The gala event at the Air Canada Centre posthumously honoured freestyle ski pioneer, Sarah Burke.

It was the greatest honour e v e r bestowed on the Bayelsab o r n wrestler by Canada.

"It's very encouraging and really deeply touching, Of course, good deeds never die.

Especially when you remain relevant,” he said.

•Igali

Olympic poor outing: Nigeria learnt nothing - Igali

FIFA Female U-17 World Cup

Preparation for Olympics starts after NSF –NSC

Flamingoes on rampage N

F •Mikel

return to Eagles ing to France’s Ligue 1 last year, while Peter made waves in the Danish league with OB Odense, managing an impressive return of 52 goals in 108 appearances.

His goalscoring form didn’t go unnoticed by Aerbin’s Serbian coach, Aleksandar Stanojevic, who secured his move to Dalian.

Shouldering the goalscoring responsibility for his ambitious new side, though, provided some early difficulties and Utaka failed to find the back of the net in his first six matches.

53

lamingoes of Nigeria registered a demoralising 11-0 victory over FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup host, Azerbiajan, thus eliminating them in the process, with Chinwendu Ihezuo playing a part in eight of the goals.

Right from the blast of the whistle, the game was almost exclusively played in the host’s half, so it was a little surprise when the first goal came. Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalising on Madel Effiom’s cross cannoned fortuitously off the bar to tap in from a yard out.

Three minutes later, it was 2-0, Oluchi Ofoebu squaring from inside the box to see Halimatu Ayinde squeezed her first under Aytaj Sharifova.

It was clear the host couldn’t handle Nigerians’ pace or physicality, and a third came when Effiom once again crossed for Ihezuo, who laid the ball off for Tessy Biahwo to fire from the edge of the box.

Ayinde then made one and scored her second, lay the first on for Aminat Yakubu before a ready Ihezuo.

She then doubled own tally, Yakubu crossing for her to put in at the far post. Ayinde missed the chance to complete her hat-trick when she missed an untended goal, but her pass on 37 minutes saw Ihezuo complete hers.

Nigar Jalilli had two chances to score for the host, one drawing a fan-

… Demolish host by 11 goals

•Flamingoes celebrate tastic save from an otherwise unworked Gift Andy.

The tune didn’t change after halftime, Ihezuo netting her fourth after Ebere Okoye’s neat through-ball.

Substitute Joy Bokiri then got in on

the act, converting Ayinde’s cross.

Ihezuo got her fifth, rising to head Biahwo’s deep free-kick, before roles were reversed as the midfielder curled an effort into the bottom corner for the final goal.

2012 Governor’s Cup: Indians top entry list

By CHIMAOBI UCHENDU

T

he 12th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, which serves off October 13, will feature a record numbers of participating foreign players across the world.

Secretary of the NTF, Mrs. Nkana Mbora, disclosed that Indian players had sent a large number of requests for letters of invitation.

The tournament is geared

towards attracting future champions across the world to Lagos State-the emerging Third (3rd) Mega City of the World, in showcasing the heavy infrastructural development from 1999 and the tourism potentialities of the state. The organisers have put in place some structures to make the tournament metamorphose into ‘Lagos Open’.

At least, players from 35 countries of the world participated in last

year’s edition. The 2012 edition has already generated more interests as players from many countries have indicated interest to the secretariat of Nigeria Tennis Federation, NTF, to give them letters of invitation to enable them process their visas to Nigeria to feature in the International Tennis Federation, ITF approved tourney, which will be played at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.

ational Sports Commission (NSC) has mapped out plans to commence preparation for the next Olympics immediately after the forthcoming National Sports Festival (Eko 2012) holding in Lagos from November 29th to December 9th.

A statement from the Office of The Media and Publicity Committee of the MOC 18th National Sports Festival, says that The National Sports Commission will select experts to monitor and scout for promising and outstanding athletes during the sports festival who would be recruited to form the nucleus of a new Team Nigeria. Eko 2012, the statement says, is expected to provide exceptional athletes who would be groomed on a periodic basis every year from 2013 till the next Olympics.

The athletes would form the core of the country’s contingent to future international sporting competitions holding from next year.

The competitions are, among others; 1. The All Africa Games and, 2.

The Commonwealth Games.

In the statement, the Chairman of National Sports Commission and Minister for Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullah, was reported to have directed that henceforth only athletes who have shown enough will and zeal to compete in our national colours will be given consideration in the formation of a new look Team Nigeria.

The minister has also directed that the various sporting associations must henceforth endeavour to participate in all national and international competitions available.

This situation is expected to make our teams highly competitive and enable them gain experience which was largely lacking in our build up to the last Olympics. Similarly, Mallam Bolaji Abdullah also directed that the various sporting zones created by the National Sports Commission will also be empowered to scout for and develop talents in their various zones.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

DAILY SUN

54

BASKETBALL

Tributes pour in for Sandra German

T

he spate of deaths in Nigeria basketball grew in number as the death of First Bank Elephant Girls shooting guard, Sandra German, joined her ancestors on Saturday, September 15th after childbirth.

According to reports reaching

Michael Eric

Cavalier’s new signing needs time to mature – Ahmedu T

he Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that they had signed undrafted free agent centre, Michael Eric, just out of Temple University following in the steps of former Dodan Warriors alumnus, Olumide Oyedeji (Orlando Magic and Seattle Super Sonics) and Chukwudi Maduabum of the Denver Nuggets.

Though, both Oyedeji and Maduabum were drafted, the signing of Michael is unique because the Cavaliers signed him during the Summer league. For Col. Sam Ahmedu (retd) President of the Dodan Warriors Programme, the news of Michael’s signing has come as a pleasant surprise given the hard work of the young lad while he was in Nigeria before heading out to Temple University.

“Eric has shown that he has learnt well while with the Warriors Academy. His humility is such that even when he returns to Nigeria on holiday, he still goes to the Academy court at Ilupeju to train with his colleagues and that says a lot about his background. His father, Joe Erico was a former international goalkeeper for Nigeria as well as coached the senior national team, the Super Eagles alongside coaches Shaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi. He has followed in his father’s footsteps as an athlete and the move to Cavaliers is a big one.

The big question according to Col. Ahmedu is how many great players make it to the NBA? “The Warriors are glad with his exploits because he did not at anytime forget his academics and we’re indeed happy for him and his father, Joe Erico, who is also

one of the Sports Managers of Aspire Football Dreams, Nigeria,” he stated.

Eric is a 24-year-old rookie out of Temple University. Last season, he averaged nine points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, while shooting 52.1 per cent from the field. He did miss 13 games last year due to a fractured right patella.

He is widely considered to have an NBA build at 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds. He participated in the Cavaliers Summer League in July,

where he averaged 4.0 points and 3.8 rebounds, while shooting 66.7 per cent from the field.

While Eric saw very little action during Summer League, Coach Byron Scott was very impressed with his performance comparing him to Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If that proves to be true, the Cavaliers may have found quite the diamond in the rough once he develops.

WNBA’s Ogwumike wants recognition

A

n unknown Nigerian girl could well be the next female star player to hug the headlines as well as get to play for Team USA just like Hakeem Olajuwon did years back.

Her name is Nnemkadi Ogwumike, a 1.88m rookie forward with Los Angeles averaging almost 14 points and more than seven rebounds, lit up the Chicago Sky with a careerhigh 30 points in last Thursday night game that ended in an 86-77 Sparks victory.

Having only turned 22 in July, Ogwumike went into the WNBA as the No.1 pick overall out of S t a n f o r d University making a strong start to the season.

She has established herself as a key player for the playoff-bound Sparks (21-10) and continued to

show why she is such a valuable member of every side she turns out for.

“She’s a tremendous player,” Chicago Coach, Pokey Chatman said.

“She has those volleyball hops. She runs the floor. She gets 10 from the (free-throw) line.

“She gets six on the put-backs. She gets four because she gets up over somebody.

“She’s not a rookie anymore.”

The United States have more options for their squads than any other national team in the world.

Ogwumike is a player that can contend for a spot in the squad that will go for a second world title in a row in Turkey in 2014.

The Texas native was in the American side that won all five of its games and captured the gold medal at the 2008 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, a result that qualified the U.S. for the FIBA Under-19 World Championship the following year.

Freethrow, German, who started her basketball with Wale Aboderin’s Dolphins Basketball Club died from excessive loss of blood but the baby survived.

Her Coach, Adewunmi Aderemi, who is still trying to come to terms with the fact that his girls did not qualify for this year’s African Women Club Championship holding in Cote d’ Ivoire next month, says her death is double tragedy for him and the club.

“Sandra, was one of my best players and was also the best defensive player that Nigeria has produced, but see what death has done by taking her away from us all. I’m still in shock over her death and I tell you, it has left every member of the team in total disarray.

We can only pray now for the repose of her soul.”

On plans for her burial, Coach Aderemi says that he is waiting for the outcome of the meeting of the family for him and his girls to know the next step.

Sandra German’s former teammate, Ezinne James Briggs could not help but break down in tears on learning of the incident and says that it still remains a dream she wants to wake up from to learn that she is truly not dead.

Franca Uyigue Nkwoji in her tribute wrote: “RIP Sandra!! But why did you live us so soon? When you called to chat with me a few days ago, I did not know that was going to be the last time we would ever chat. Oh death, where is thy sting. Sandra may you rest in the bosom of the Lord, sleep on. We love you but God loves you more.”

Deenah Leu Igben wrote thus; “I woke up with a painful text message that our beloved friend, sister, and player passed on to heavenly glory. I pray that the Lord will grant your soul a perfect and peaceful rest because we know that God is perfect in all His ways. But what were the doctors or medical staff doing? Sandra we love you but God loves you more, and He knows it all.

You will always be in our hearts, and you will never be forgotten.

For Ande Victor Gambo, he says; Goodbye German rose, may you ever grow in our hearts. You were the grace that placed itself, where leaves were torn apart. You called out to our heart and you whispered to those in pain, but now you belong to heaven and the stars spell out your name. It seems to me you lived your life like a candle in the wind Never fading with the sunset when the rain set in And your footsteps will always fall here along German’s greenest hills 4 hours ago.

African Women Club Championship

Erinfolami sure of First Deepwater in CDV

H

ead Coach of Nigeria’s women basketball league champions, Coach Lateef Erinfolami of First Deepwater Basketball team says the qualification of his girls for the continental battle is a confirmation that the team would give a good account of themselves when the championship begins

in Cote d’ Ivoire from October 19 – 28, 2012.

Erinfolami insists that his girls will go for the top prize as they are ready to take their chances.

“We’re grateful to have qualified and we know it won’t be easy against other contenders. I think my girls are set and ready to give a good account of themselves to further boost our profile.”

Lagos City League stakes N1.6m for grabs

T

he Lagos State Basketball Association (LSBBA) has concluded plans to reactivate the Lagos City League, which was rested for awhile and as it is, the Babs Ogunade led board says the winner of the league would get the sum of

N750, 000 as top prize money.

The second and third place prizes are pegged at N500,000 and N350, 000 respectively. This amount according to Ogunade is to engender quality competition among the eight teams that would be participating in the championship meant to prepare the State’s festival team ahead of the 18th National Sports Festival, which Lagos is hosting November.

To further give room for young and upcoming talents, the LSBBA has pegged the number of Premier Basketball League players to six, while the other nine players would be

made up of players not in the flagship championship of the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

However, to be a part of the City League, teams must pay their affiliation fees of N5,000 to the state and register for the competition with the sum of N5,000, obtain players licences with N500 and players registration with N500 each.

Already, the Police have indicated interest in the league with two teams in mind, just as Union Bank, Lagos Islanders and Dodan Warriors have also done same. The league is billed to commence on September 28, 2012.

DAILY SUN Wednesday, September 26, 2012

55

N150 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 *VOL.7 NO. 2460

T. Y. Danjuma: Time to change direction T Guest Columnist here were two events of note in Nigeria’s media world last week. One was a virtual National Conference called by Leadership Newspapers at Abuja last Tuesday while the other was the Public Presentation of Blueprint at Abuja on Thursday. It is heart warming that in spite of the declining fortune of newspaper publishing globally, a number of them in Nigeria are not only surviving but also creating platforms for interrogating Nigeria. At this rate, the world of newspaper publishing may have a lot to learn from Nigerian publishers on survival of newspapers in time of acute competition from television and the more instantaneous and interactive social media, terrible decline in readership in favour of viewership, dearth of journalists with the interpretative depth and narrative elegance capable of attracting and retaining readers and, in Africa, the high cost of the technological infrastructure underpinning modern printing.

Common to both occasions is the irony of the leadership of military intellectuals in the interrogation of Nigeria. While General Theophilus Danjuma stole the show at the Leadership Newspapers’ ‘National Conference” with his coup against the governors whom he declared to be too powerful for the health of democracy, General Babangida did so with his postulations on ‘Development and Economic Growth in a Multicultural Society’ at the Public Presentation of Blueprint. It is interesting that military intellectuals are soaring at a time there is virtually nothing like intellectualism in the civil society, particularly among politicians and even the academia. Thank God, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Tinubu diluted the military takeover with their surprising interventions in favour of return to regions as a way of reducing over concentration of powers in the president and scrapping of the Senate respectively. Surprising is a mild word to use when a former Vice-President of the Federal Republic and perhaps a future president suddenly seeks miniaturization of the office.

Still, it is difficult to disagree with people like Atiku, Tinubu or Danjuma because they have seen it all. Danjuma, in particular, is a man who does his homework, who still reads and whose warnings rarely fail to come true.

He warned Nigeria in 1978 against falling into the religious conflict trap. Today, Nigeria is facing a security challenge of a religious face.

So, given his consistent concern with instability from a self evidently philanthropic concern of a statesman, it is time to enjoin him to change the direction of his intervention. Now, what do I mean by that? Let us take his analysis that part of the problem is the over lordship of governors. I am not a governor, I have no plans to be a governor and I don’t have a contract from any governor or governors to open a defence for him or them. But I know that the problem is not the over lordship of the governors but the quality of materials who make it into governorship in Nigeria.

A society cannot allow a smuggler, ex-

ADAGBO ONOJA

Babangida convicts, practiced swingers or desperadoes into office as governors or senators or LGC Chairmen and expect anything better from such collection. This is a simple in-put/output analysis. In this context, there are good and bad people and the society must do something to stop the bad people in favour of the good people. It is not democracy or equal opportunity to allow bad people to contest elections because democracy is not madness.

It is not democracy or equal opportunity to fail to inhibit the bad guy from getting that office because that is like saying that two drivers, one of them drunk, should all be allowed to drive simply because they all have driving licenses. How can you say a bad guy should be given equal opportunity with a good guy when we can determine who is good and who is bad by a simple background check?

Checking and stopping the bad guy is the task people like Danjuma and his ilks can help the society because the society cannot help itself again. This would be more helpful than trying to dismantle existing structures or reconfiguring the country into regions, something which the incumbent governors and senators will certainly block because they won’t sit by and watch themselves being decreed out of existence. Atiku or Danjuma would be shocked by the instability that rendering so many governors and potential governors redundant, particularly those who have tasted powers, will generate.

Nigeria’s level of development today is such that we need even more powerful governors provided we get the right materials with the value orientation which can energize and supervise a developmental leap, the core of which would be the lifting of the human resources support base of the states. Truth is that most states in Nigeria do not have the human resources to run any of the democrat-

Danjuma ic institutions like the state Houses of assembly or the local government councils if left without a profoundly democratic guardian like a quality governor. Most of those who vie for election into these two institutions have no elementary ideas of democracy in any sense of it, not to talk of operationalising them.

Even a determined governor in Nigeria today would have problem with his bureaucracy because that institution has degenerated to where writing memo is a problem in many states.

Getting this type of governors may sound like a dream only because of the Nigerian society of today. Otherwise, we had them in the 1979 -1983 set of governors. Anyone you mentioned among them had a track record whether it is Solomon Lar aka emancipator in Plateau then, Bola Ige aka Cicero of Agodi in Ibadan, Lateef Jakande in Lagos whose municipal rail project would have been truly transformative, Balarabe Musa and his yet to be matched agricultural and rural industrialization plans in Kaduna, Rimi and ‘cangi dole’ in Kano, Garba Nadama in Sokoto with a PhD in History before he joined politics and so on. If Danjuma and people like him change their direction of intervention and get more forcefully involved, Nigeria can still replicate 1979 EITHER from those who have all but advanced to be recognized for 2015 such as Atiku Abubakar, Babangida Aliyu, General Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, Sule Lamido, David Mark, Namadi Sambo, Isa Yuguda, Murtala Nyako OR those who have been speculated like General Gusau, OkonjoIweala, CBN Governor OR others who have not been speculated but exist.

Even at my small level, I can think of two of such immediately. Former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi certainly made a statement in the systematic management of diversity in Nigeria. When we consider the

unproductive so-called ethnic violence across the country now, Makarfi’s is comparable to a British ambassador to the defunct USSR penetrating the Kremlin. It automatically entitles him to be considered the next Prime Minister. But here, we are a society always leaving the saints in favour of the devils.

Similarly, Jerry Gana made a statement on democratisation in Nigeria by beating a more entrenched opponent when he entered politics as a poor Professor of Geography in 1983. A year earlier, he had also asked in Kano: The critical question that arises, especially within the context of the Nigerian state is whether capitalist democracy would respect its own legal order in case of an electoral triumph for socialism. In other words, if the progressives in Nigeria were to win a decisive victory at the polls against the reactionary forces, would such forces not revert to illegal and unconstitutional means to defend their interest? He got the answer subsequently. He won a decisive victory at the polls in August 1983 but the Buhari coup sent him packing from the Senate in December 1983. In 1993, Abiola won free and square, according to party mandarin, Adamu Ciroma but was incinerated in junta politics. So, to date, Jerry Gana posed the most profound question for democratisation in Nigeria: the right and left wing divide and the rascality of the right wing in Nigeria.

I don’t know Jerry Gana well and cannot say anything about his capacity for decisiveness. Although he has track record, public spiritedness, oratory, ability and integrity, (in so far as he is not a billionaire by now although he has been close to many powerful individuals like IBB, General Abdulsalami, OBJ and Danjuma himself), I think he is too gentle. But if he could identify and pose the most fundamental question in our democratisation, he could equally pose a question such as why has the Chinese power elite, for example, been able to feed China’s population of nearly a billion and half while we have not been able to feed ours of less than 200 million Nigerians, which is still less than the population of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh? Rather, in the year 2012, our greatest achievement in Agriculture is cassava bread.

General Danjuma must know many more quality people around than I can ever do and whom, with the collaboration of other democratic stakeholders, he can ‘impose’ on Nigeria democratically so that a re-naissance can replace lamentation. In the absence of practiced revolutionary parties and organisations that can manage popular uprising in Nigeria today from being hijacked by separatist forces, anarchists and free lance radicals, we need some members of the wasteful and wasted generation like General Danjuma to come together and save the Blackman from the catastrophe of Nigeria imploding from injuries inflicted on it by a historically clueless state. Otherwise, we would remain global second class citizens in an age of research, reverse engineering, cultural and information warfare. This is the point about change of direction by the Danjumas of Nigeria today.

ONOJA lives in Ibadan

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