July 02, 2015 by The Nation

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•Ex-FUTA VC murder suspects remanded in prison P7 •N12b currency scam: Court adjourns motion for judge P10 •Presidency defends Acting INEC chair’s appointment P5 •Ebola in Liberia: Govt puts Nigerians on the alert P61 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 10, NO. 3263 THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

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Six teenagers missing in Lagos canoe accident

Bombers strike in Borno •Osinbajo: govt to support IDPs From Joel Duku, Maiduguri

UICIDE bombers struck yesterday in beleaguered Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The two suicide bombers blew themselves up near a hospital 10 kilometres away from the camp where Vice President Yemi Osinbajo sympathised with the over one million victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. He pledged the Federal Government’s support for them. Apart from the bombers who died, the explosions injured Continued on page 4

Tribunal affirms Ambode’s victory

•Prof. Osinbajo

IX teenagers have been declared missing after a canoe capsized on the Ojo waterways in Lagos. The canoe, carrying 14 teenagers, sank yesterday after a collision with a fibre boat around 8am at Irewe in Ojo Local Government Area.

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

It was learnt that the fibre boat, which was on high speed, rammed into the canoe, causing it to sink. Nine of the passengers, including the paddler of the canoe, were rescued by emer-

gency workers and public spirited individuals but six others could not be found. Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) General Manager Femi Oke-Osayintolu said five of the nine rescued Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: LAGOS GETS $200M WORLD BANK LOAN P11 CHINESE TO STAKE $54M IN KWARA P11

•TR OUBLE AT UI: Members of the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU); Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and National Association of Academics Technologists (NATT) protesting •TROUBLE PHOTO: NAN over non-payment of their allowances by the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State…yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 7

Okonjo-Iweala ‘must state how $2b oil cash was spent’

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

Oshiomhole accuses ex-minister of toying with figures From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole insists former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala must explain how the Excess Crude Account crashed to $2billion. She ran the economy aground, said the governor, who accused the former minister of toying with figures and being economical with the truth on the

The opening balance was $4.56b in 2011 and it reached a peak the following year at $8.7 b before declining to $2.3b in 2013. The balance as at May 2015 is $2.07b —Ex-Minister

The $2b is her last sum because in her last report, she said we had $4.1b...only for her to come around again at the last minute to say “X” figure is left —Governor

state of the economy inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari. Oshiomhole insists the Federal Gov-

ernment is broke and would have been in a worse shape than the states if it had not resorted to borrowing to pay

wages. He accused Dr. Okonjo-Iweala of granting multi-billion naira waivers to various organisations. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Governor said: “With all due respect to the former Minister, Okonjo-Iweala, she knows how to play around with statistics. I have made the point; she keeps opening part of the pages and not the entire book. The logic of transparency is that every minister must publish in Continued on page 4

•ENERGY P15 •SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P45 •N/HEALTH P47 •PROPERTY P49

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

Troubled A •From left: Managing Director, Credit Registry Services, Janeelah Ayedun, Managing Director, Charms Plc, Olufemi Williams, his deputy,Luqman Balogun and Project Manager,Bank Verification Number (BVN), Nigeria Inter Bank Systems Plc, Sodiq Abubakar at the launch of ConfirmMe by Charms in Lagos...yesterday.

•Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (second left) with the Country Representative, United Nation’s Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, Jean Gough exchanging the signed Memorandum of Understandind(MoU) between Airtel Nigeria and USAID in Lagos...yesterday. With them are: Airtel’s Legal Director, Gbenga Rotimi (left); Head, Public Relations, Femi Adeniran and another Legal Director, Gbemiga Owolabi.

•From left: Advisory Officer, KPMG, Mr. John Anyanwu; Head, Retail Directorate, Diamond Bank Plc, Aisha Ahmad; Winner of Diamond Special Mid-Year Draw, Mrs Jamaba Ideozu and Head, Mass Market Segment, Mr Osita Ede at the draw in Port Harcourt, Rivers State...yesterday.

•Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe (second left) and Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu at the formal handing over of the renovated section of NOUN cassrooms on McCarthy Street, Lagos Island…yesterday. With them are: NOUN Registrar, Mrs. Josephine Akinyemi and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Victor Adedipe (right).

The stage is set for tomorrow’s meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Party (APC), where leaders are expected to chart a new way forward for the ruling party, following the festering crises triggered by the controversial election of National Assembly’s principal officers, writes TONY AKOWE.

TTENTION will tomorrow shift to the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ruling party is scheduled to host its first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting since the general elections of March 28 and April 11. It is expected that the NEC will take far-reaching decisions on the constitution of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and the festering leadership crisis in the Red and Green Chambers of the National Assembly. Many had expected the party to have held the meeting to constitute the BoT before the May 29 inauguration of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The two bodies would have ironed out critical issues like zoning of offices, especially the leadership positions that plunged the National Assembly into crisis. According to the APC constitution, the NEC is composed of members of the national executive of the party, zonal leaders, and state chairmen. Other members of the NEC are: the President, Vice President, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, who are party members, Speaker, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who are members of the party, states’ governors, who are members of the party, Majority or Minority Leader, Chief Whips and Deputies in the Senate and House of Representatives, who are members of the party. They also include two serving senators - elected on the party’s platform - from each of the six geo-political zones. They are to be nominated by the Senators from their zones. Three House of Representatives members - elected on the party’s platform - from each of the six geo-political zones and to be nominated by members from such zone, six ex-Officio members - one each to be elected by the national convention from each of the six geo-political zones, as well as serving chairman, deputy chairman and secretary of the BoT. Bulk-passing has been the order of the day between the APC leadership and beneficiaries of the controversial elections in both chambers of the National Assembly, on who should be blamed for the crisis. The leadership is bitter that some APC members in the Senate and House of Representatives, who should be seen to be upholding party supremacy which they preached during electioneering campaigns, relegated the position of the party to the background. On their own part, the lawmakers felt the National Assembly should be allowed to choose its leaders. Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is being accused of refusing to read a letter written by National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun on APC’s preferences for principal offices, on the floor of the Senate, has explained that he got the memo after the zonal caucuses had filled the positions. But he was contradicted by Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, Deputy Leader of the Senate, who said only a letter written by the President could have been read on the floor of the National Assem-

bly and not a memo from a party chairman. Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who has not named the principal officers, blamed the delay on pending court cases. However, critics have been blaming the party leadership for the avoidable crisis. They argue that the initial insistence by the party not to zone the offices and President Buhari’s stance not to interfere in the selection process, were responsible for the crisis. The national caucus of the party was said to have jettisoned the initial zoning arrangement designed by a committee put in place by the National Working Committee (NWC). The committee had zoned the Senate Presidency to the Northcentral. But some party leaders, including senators from the Northcentral zone, held tenaciously to the arrangement. Those holding the leadership responsible for the crisis have called for the stepping down of the National Chairman, who they alleged, mismanaged the situation. To some others, Chief Oyegun and his team could not have done anything better than what they did, trying to uphold party supremacy? It is expected that the handling of the situation will feature prominently at tomorrow’s NEC meeting. In an attempt to address the problem created by the emergence of Saraki and Dogara as Senate President and Speaker and also placate its loyal members, the party had forwarded the letters to the National Assembly leadership, nominating principal officers for both houses. The party may have been pressured by some of its governors to take such a decision with a view to bringing the crisis to an end. There have been allegations that some governors, elected on the APC platform, decided to wade into the cisis, because of their concern and desire for intra-party peace. Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Abubuakar Badaru (Jigawa), were said to have moved to placate some powers-that-be in the party, who felt slighted by the emergence of Saraki and Dogara. They were said to have relocated after their meeting with President Buhari to the party’s national secretariat to inform the leadership of their resolve to intervene. But their intervention achieved little or nothing as the Senate President again defiled the party and went ahead to name his preferred candidates for the principal offices against the suggestion of the party An attempt by the Speaker to follow Saraki’s footpath was violently thwarted by members of the House of Representatives, who turned the hallowed chamber to a boxing/wrestling ring. Saraki insisted that the officers he announced were the choices of caucuses from the various zones. Speaker Dogara argued that the House must respect the principles of federal character as contained in the

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

APC-NEC in search of peace ‘

But that notwithstanding, we are doing everything we can to stop this civil war and bring the party back again so that we can focus on our essential agenda of delivering service to the people •Odigie-Oyegun constitution. The letter from the party may be in conflict with the constitution. In line with the Federal Character principles as enshrined in the constitution, the Northcentral ought not to produce any other principal officer in the Senate, having produced the president. But the party ceded the position of a Deputy Senate Leader to the zone by nominating Senator George Akume for the position, while leaving out the Southsouth in the sharing of positions in the senate. The party also gave the Chief Whip slot to Mohammed Mongunu, from the Northeast, which had produced the Speaker. The Northcentral was completely missing in the power sharing arrangement in the House. The letters preferred Senator Ahmed Lawal from Northeast as the Majority Leader, Senator Sola Adeyeye (Southwest) as the Chief Whip, Senator George Akume from

•Saraki

•Dogara

Northcentral as the Deputy Majority and Senator Abu Ibrahim as the Deputy Deputy Chief Whip. Similarly, in the House of Representatives, the party demanded the announcement of Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State in the Southwest Zone as House Leader; Alhassan Ado Doguwa from Northwest State as Deputy Leader; Mohammed Monguno from the Northeast as Chief Whip and Pally Iriase from Edo State in the Southsouth as Deputy Chief Whip. Since the crisis began, Chief Odigie Oyegun has consistently told the world that it was another phase in the development process of the party, adding that they will come of it stronger and more united. He believes that despite what has happened, the party will not allow the predictions of those who see nothing good in the ruling to come to pass and therefore would do everything possible to prevent the escalation of

the crisis. Odigie-Oyegun was quoted as saying that the crisis is “an unfortunate thing and I think it has arisen because of major interest groups within the party and that has given rise to gross disloyalty and an unacceptable level of indiscipline and disrespect to the party. “But that notwithstanding, we are doing everything we can to stop this civil war and bring the party back again so that we can focus on our essential agenda of delivering service to the people. What is happening now is very unacceptable and painting us in a bad light. “But thank God we have this period of recess in the National Assembly to bring things back together again. We are doing everything we can to ensure that by the time the national assembly reconvenes, all of these things would have been squarely behind us.” He has also been accused of being

‘

financially induced by some party leaders to conduct the mock elections that threw up Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila. Reacting to that, Oyegun said: “Gratification to do what and for whom? And what have I done to justify that gratification except to stand as neutral as possible in the circumstance and emphasise adherence to the supremacy of the party. “So, that is it. Gratification for what? Let anybody who says he brought come out and say that. It is a public thing. It is my integrity they are trying to smear. That comes only through blackmail from some forces that feel that I am standing in the way for whatever their intentions are. But that is neither here nor there. What’s important is that we must put our party back together again and focus on the promises we have made to the Nigerian people.” The national chairmen said he was unaware the calls for his resignation.

His words: “People are trying to push me in one direction or the other but one thing I have to my credit is my neutrality. I don’t belong to any of the contending power blocs in the party. And of course, that has its price. “And that is why you have heard a lot of it directed personally to smear me. I have built a reputation that has lasted for over 70 years. I don’t have to go and be taking peanuts from some political gladiators. So, whatever they try to do, they cannot smear my character. If anybody has given me gratification to do anything, let him come out and say so, state where, when and how much.” Some political watchers have traced the crisis the battle for the sole of the party ahead of the next general elections in 2019. This school of thought sees a clear fight for the control of the party among notable leaders of the party. Besides, they see Saraki as taking advantage of his position as the Senate President to create his own power bloc within the party and oil his presidential ambition in 2019. He reportedly defended the ‘coup’ that produced him as the Senate President when he described his backing out of the presidential race ahead of the party’s primary as a great sacrifice. Saraki, who, was edged out of the presidential race in 2011 by the decision of Northern elders to field one candidate from the region against former President Goodluck Jonathan, has since dismissed the 2019 ambition as a mere speculation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested with Jonathan for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket at the primary, has also denied trying to hijack the APC. Today’s NEC meeting is expected to be stormy and its outcome will no doubt dictate the shape of things to come for the party and by extension, the nation at large in the coming months.

Buhari urged to cancel offshore processing deal with Aiteo, Sahara Group •Bloomberg report says NNPC owes $3.5b in upstream cash calls

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to cancel 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) crude oil processing deal between the Federal Government and Aiteo Eastern E&P Co. Ltd. and Sahara Group. According to the party, the deal should be jettisoned within the first 100 days of the Buhari administration. But the APC recommended that the government should sign simpler swap agreements with “highly competent” trading companies through a tender process as a means to replace the complex offshore crude processing agreements operated by Aiteo and Sahara Group. These agreements became effective from January this year. The APC also claimed that its findings showed that in the oil and gas upstream, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) indebtedness to its Joint Venture Partners was $3.5 billion. It, however, asked the President to scrap the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and replace it with a new reform bill. According to Bloomberg, the APC’s recommendations are contained in a report which the leadership of the party handed over to President Buhari at closed-door meetings in Abuja on May 20 and 21. Bloomberg said: “The APC report recommends that all top oil executives, senior NNPC staff and government officials must declare their assets. “It also calls for the state oil company’s board to meet more regularly and legislation governing the NNPC to be amended to ensure that the petroleum minister is no longer chairman of the company. “The APC’s report also advised the govern-

ment to cancel in its first 100 days in office, two ‘ill-suited and costly offshore processing agreements’ that were signed in the fourth quarter with Aiteo Eastern E&P Co. Ltd. and Sahara Group of 90,000 barrels per day each. “The government should sign simpler swap agreements with “highly competent” trading companies through a tender process, according to the report.” But, the Sahara Group said it was not aware of the APC’s recommendation and Aiteo did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment. “The parties involved remain committed to the terms of the contract, which is being carried out in line with best practice and good governance,” Sahara Group said in a statement. On the PIB, Bloomberg said: “Nigeria’s ruling party recommended the government discard a long-delayed oil-industry bill, review fuel subsidies and sell off some units of the state petroleum company. “The Petroleum Industry Bill should be scrapped and replaced by a new reform bill that’s based on discussions with international oil companies to ‘ensure all perspectives are adequately considered,’ the APC said in a report obtained by Bloomberg on Monday. Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was the former policy director of the APC campaign, confirmed the authenticity of the document. The report “is not the final position of government,” Fayemi said by e-mail. The bill has been delayed in parliament for more than eight years due to political wrangling and opposition by international energy companies against proposed tax and royalty

terms, deterring investment into the oil and sector. “After 18 months, the government should seek to commercialise the NNPC, possibly partially listing the entity and selling off its fuel-retailing and refining business,” the APC said. President Buhari disbanded the NNPC’s board last week end in an attempt to fight graft in the industry. Two calls to the mobile phone of Ohi Alegbe, the NNPC spokesman, did not connect on Monday and he did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment. The APC report recommends that all top oil executives, senior NNPC staff and government officials must declare their assets. It also calls for the state oil company’s board to meet more regularly and legislation governing the NNPC to be amended to ensure that the petroleum minister is no longer chairman of the company. The government should review fuel subsidies to reduce costs of about 600 billion naira ($3 billion) spent annually on the payments, according to the report. The President said last week his government is facing severe financial strain from a treasury that’s “virtually empty” and billions of dollars in debt. NNPC Debts A lack of oil refining capacity has forced the country to subsidise gasoline imports and suffer frequent fuel shortages, despite producing about 1.9 million barrels a day. Nigeria’s crude production is hindered by the NNPC’s inability to pay its share in joint ventures with companies including Exxon Mobil Corp., Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Total

•President Buhari

SA, according to the report. On outstanding obligations, the APC said NNPC’s debts to its eight joint ventures, in which it owns majority stakes, have “ballooned over the years.” In 2012, NNPC paid $6.9 billion out of the $10.4 billion it owed. The difference of $3.5 billion was covered by loans from international oil companies, according to the report. “These debts are costly and opaque, and they erode the NNPC’s bargaining power with” the oil companies, the APC said in the report. It added: “Nigeria’s inability to fund its jointventure budgets is delaying projects, reducing production, and lowering revenue collection for the nation.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS Coalition of civil societies knock AI report on Boko Haram

•Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Donald Oji (right), addressing a news conference on the 2015 Nigerian Army Day celebration in Abuja…yesterday. With him are the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman (middle) and Chief of Staff, Directorate of Army Public Relations, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu.

Bombers strike as Osinbajo visits Borno Continued from page 1

two people. It happened at about 11.30 a.m. near the gates of the Molai Leprosy/General Hospital. Suicide bombers killed three people and injured 16 last Saturday. “The second blast occurred two minutes after the first one, killed the bomber and injured two other people nearby,” said Mohammed Haruna, who helped to evacuate people from the scene yesterday. Sources said the two bombers blew each other off before entering the hospital. The thunderous sounds of the blast threw residents, patients and hospital workers into confusion. Eye witnesses said the first suicide bomber detonated his explosives, injuring two passersby, The other, who was riding on a bicycle, accidentally detonated his explosives at the back of the hospital before

getting to the fence. He died without killing or injuring anybody. A security source said the suicide bombers were suspected to have sneaked into Maiduguri from the Sambisa forest. After visiting the IDPs, the Vice President said the Federal Government’s priority is to resettle the over one million displaced by the insurgency in Borno State. Osinbajo said: “I am particularly here to visit the IDPs, the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the hospitals, IDPs at the camps, access the situation they are into or on ground, particularly the condition of the IDPs and the role the state and federal government have played in the maintenance and security or safety of the displaced persons and other citizens of the state. “The next thing the Federal Government will do immediately is to resettle the over one million internally displaced

persons (IDPs) in Borno State.” Osinbajo praised the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) after his visit at the hospital and the IDPs camps. “The Borno State government has done well and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has excellently done a good job in providing welfare to the IDPs and security as well,” Osinbajo said. He said President Muhammadu Buhari would fulfill his promise to assist the IDPs to kick- start a new life, stressing that “what is uppermost before the Federal Government now is to see that the I DPs are returned to their various communities, but we have to ensure that in their communities, houses, schools, health centres and all the government functionaries or structures are rehabilitated, reconstructed, rebuilt, conducive and safe for

their return as security has to be also adequately provided.” At the palace of the Shehu of Borno, the vice president told His Royal Majesty Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar El Kanemi, that his visit would afford the Federal Government the opportunity to know what facilities and materials are required and how much it will cost to rebuild all the structures destroyed by the insurgent in the 22 local governments ravaged by the crisis. The Shehu urged Buhari to redeem his pledge to rebuild all the communities and provide jobs to the teeming youths, more especially into the military and para military outfits. He praised Buhari and Osinbajo for their concern for the IDPs. Osinbajo visited also IDPs at the Federal Training Centre, Dalori Camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

Buhari, Gbajabiamila discuss party supremacy

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari was last night meeting with a 30man delegation of the 174 All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the House of Representatives backing Hon. Femi

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila, who was the choice of the (APC) for the post of Speaker lost to Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

Dogara, who defied the party's directive to contest for the seat, also declined to announce Gbajabiamila as House Leader contrary to the party’s directive. The meeting started when Buhari and Vice President Yemi

Osinbajo arrived at the First Lady’s Conference Room venue around 9.45 p.m. Gbajabiamila told reporters after the meeting at about 11pm that they discussed party supremacy.

COALITION of civil society organisations under the aegis of Coalition of Nigerian Election Observers, yesterday slammed the Amnesty International’s report on alleged civil rights abuses by the military in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war. The over 100 civil society bodies spoke when they visited Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in Abuja. Coalition Convener of the groups, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, urged the Senate to also denounce what it described as Amnesty’s “blatant act of irresponsibility.” Gabriel said the National Assembly, especially the Senate, should begin to defend the military. He said: “We believe that the Amnesty report, in addition to be a distraction of the Armed Forces from its determination to eliminate the insurgents from Nigerian soil is equally an attempt to denigrate the efforts of our gallant officers and men daily who lay down their lives for our collective security. “We, therefore, call on you and your esteemed colleagues in the Senate to not only condemn this blatant act of irresponsibility but, also, rise up in defence of our gallant military. “Even the International Red Cross absolved the Nigerian military of any wrongdoing. But we were surprised that the Amnesty International that is

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

so respected could come up with such report. Ekweremadu saidthat since electioneering is over, it’s time to face governance. He also assured of Senate’s support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption fight and other programmes the President has for the country. He said:”Today, we have a president who is prepared to eradicating corruption, fight poverty, defeat terrorism and we in the National Assembly are prepared to support him in this respect. “As I said, from the beginning, we have finished with politics, we are now ready for governance...we must begin to show statesmanship to ensure that once election is over, whether you won election as governor, a local government chairman, or a legislator or President, what matters is for everybody to provide for his constituency. “What matters is that greater part of Nigerians voted for you but now that the election is over, you must be ready to carry along both those who voted for you and those who didn’t vote for you.” The Deputy Senate President also disclosed that Senate is still interested in electoral reforms, which is started since 2007 Ekweremadu added, “The sanctity of the ballot box must be respected in this country. Continued on page 60

Six teenagers missing in Lagos canoe accident Continued from page 1

were taken to the Igando General Hospital. Four others, including the paddler were discharged after first aid treatment was administered on them. He said the search for the remaining six would continue, adding that both local emergency responders and LASEMA personnel were working at getting them rescued. Asked if the boat was overloaded, the LASEMA boss

said no, although he added that the passengers were not putting on safety jackets. "It was the fibre boat that ran into the canoe. It happened around 8am. We have rescued nine persons including the boat driver. The driver and four of the children were discharged after first aid because they were okay. We took the other five to the General Hospital Igando for treatment, while the search for the remaining six continues," he said.

Okonjo-Iweala ‘must state how $2b oil cash was spent’

Continued from page 1

full what is accruing to the federation account month-tomonth and what is distributed to them. What she has been publishing is that this is what went to the Federal Government, this is what went to the state government and this is what goes to the local government. “What she never published simultaneously is what accrued during the period out of which this was distributed. So we can now know what was collected to what was distributed so we can know what is left in the excess crude account.

‘No unauthorised expenditure was made’

ORMER Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has responded to the allegation that she spent $2 billion from the ECA without authorisation. She said on Tuesday: “No unauthorised expenditure from the ECA was made under Okonjo-Iweala’s watch in the Finance Ministry. Decisions on such expenditure were discussed at meetings of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee

You can see her changing the goal post. On the authority to spend, Okonjo-Iweala was a member of the National Economic Council, I was a mem-

(FAAC) attended by Finance commissioners from the 36 states.” The ex-minister, in a May 25 the advertorial: “The figures show that they (states) received N966.6 billion in 2011, N816.3 billion in 2012, N859.4 billion in 2013 and N282.8 in 2014. The low figure for 2014 reflects the steep decline in revenues due to the impact of the crash in global oil prices which began in the middle of the year. “The summary of the inflows and out-

ber and I am on record of asking her, ‘don’t give us verbal reports on matters of federation account, give us written report’ and the power to spend is not vested on Commissioners. “Look at the constitution and tell me which section gives the Commissioner for Finance the power, all of them, they are unknown to ballot, they are not elected but the membership of NEC is clear - governors chaired by the Vice President representing the President, the CBN and other relevant ministries. How will she avoid this level of accountability? “The decision to take money

flows from the Account shows that the opening balance was $4.56billion in 2011 and reached a peak the following year at $8.7 billion before declining to $2.3billion in 2013. The balance as at May 2015 is $2.07 billion. “Subsidy and SURE-P payments are also made from the Excess Crude Account. “FG’s share from the ECA during the period was N3.29 trillion.”

from the Excess Crude Account, that power is vested in the National Economic Council. The NEC is an institution created in the constitution. What she is referring to is her own administrative arrangement. The $2 billion is her last sum because in her last report, she said we had $4.1 billion, she said so orally, but it was captured in the minutes, only for her to come around again at the last minute to say “X” figure is left. We asked her, what did you pay for?” On states which owe workers’ salary arrears, Oshiomhole said: “Every employer of labour has an obligation, a contractual obligation to pay those

who work. The Bible says a labourer is entitled to his wages. Once you have laboured, it has to be paid for and you don’t pay wages because you are rich and you are able to afford it, you pay wages because the people have worked for it. It is not a gift from a kindhearted employer; it is an obligation, it is a consequence for work. “I think what has happened is that at the peak of the oil boom, prices were high, people made projections about their expected expenditure and budget on the basis of those numbers. Along the line, there was a sharp drop and this sharp drop that people talk

about is not just about a drop in terms of price of crude oil because prices have dropped below this level before. “What is new is the level of so-called crude oil theft. A situation in which certain persons, powerful in the system, pretend not to know what was going on and simply excuse the huge lapses in terms of crude oil theft. So you have a double squeeze of drop in price and escalation in the volume of alleged theft of crude. The combined effect of these is that the total inflow into the federation account dropped sharply. “This is also compounded by the fact that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the two of them working together, simply refused to transfer to the federation account a lot of the money that ought to have accrued. For example, over the past four to five years, the Continued on page 60

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

Reps to be subjected to stricter ethical rules •Dogara inuagurates Code of Conduct, Media ad hoc panels

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has inuaguarated a panel to prepare a document to deter and sanction unethical behaviour by members . Dogara said the move became more expedient as the lawmakers were expected to contribute to wider efforts in promoting good governance and preventing corruption.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

The Speaker noted, that whether at plenary or Committees , lawmakers must be transparent and accountable to prevent distortion of facts. Dogara spoke yesterday while inaugurating two ad hoc committees on Code of Conduct and Media. Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yussuf, the

Speaker stressed that members of the Eighth House must subject themselves to a code of conduct. He explained that the decision to constitute the Code of conduct Ad Hoc Committee was hinged on the fact that by their nature, legislative activities, whether in plenary or in committee, should be accessible to the public.

The eight - member committee is chaired by Aminu Shagari, to be asssited by Nicholas Ossai and Abubakar Amuda-Kannike Garba. Former Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) President Sani Zoro chairs the nine member Ad Hoc Committee on Media. He said: “In a constitutional democracy, parlia-

•Governor Tanko Almakura of Nassarawa (middle), at the scene of an accident in Lafia, where a six month old baby, the mother and three other passengers were rescued from a commercial bus which summersaulted and crashed into the near bush ... yesterday. The victims were conveyed to the hospital in the governor's car. PHOTO: NAN

mentary activities are subject to the citizens’ scrutiny and assessment. “It is all the more necessary to adequately inform the public since parliament holds a central position in the functioning of a participatory government of the people. “In Nigeria today, the activities and the work of the National Assembly are often vague to citizens and sometimes completely misunderstood. When there is inadequate knowledge of parliamentary work, it often leads to cynicism, doubt, mistrust and general apathy which is not healthy in a democracy. “Furthermore, it leads to grave distortion of facts and sometimes outright falsehoods”. The terms of reference of the committee, among others, include ensuring that members demonstrate high standards of ethics •consistent with the important roles of law making, representation and oversight of the Executive branch of government. •Enhance the level of trust by the public in the political system, and in parliaments. •Implement Article 8 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which provides for the development of ‘Codes of Conduct for Public Officials. The Sani Zoro-led committee on Media is to speak on all official matters of the House.

PDP rejects Zakari as Acting INEC chair

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as the acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Zakari replaced Prof. Attahiru Jega, who retired at the expiration of his five-year tenure. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, alleged that the acting INEC chairman “is too close to the Presidency”. Metuh challenged Mrs. Zakari to state her alleged closeness to the Presidency and one of the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from one of the states in the Northwest. Mrs. Zakari was appointed a national commissioner by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Metuh said:“The PDP is particularly disturbed by the development in INEC where

Presidency: electoral body’s appointment in order

HE Presidency yesterday said the appointment of Mrs Amina Zakari as acting Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) followed due process. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, faulted the position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Mr Olisa Metuh on the appointment. The statement reads: “We have noted with regret the latest tirade against President Muhammadu Buhari issued by the PDP’s spokesman, Mr Olisa Metuh. “Other than boring reporters at his press conference with a rehash of baseless allegations of inaction against the President, Mr Metuh clearly had nothing new to say apart from his charge of nepotism and partisanship in the appointment of the Acting INEC From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

President Buhari, who knew that the immediate-past INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega would be leaving office by June 30, had to

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Chairman, which also lacks any factual foundation. “President Buhari certainly did not overrule Prof. Attahiru Jega in appointing Mrs Amina Zakari as the Acting INEC Chairman, as Mr Metuh alleged. “Prof. Jega’s purported handing over to another Commissioner cannot be construed as an ‘appointment’ because only the President has the constitutional authority, which he exercised to appoint Mrs Zakari as acting Chairman of INEC. “Mr Metuh’s spurious claims of her appointment having been influenced by ‘personal relationship with the Presidency’ and a governor in the Northwest’ to pave the way for the APC’ at election tribunals should be disregarded by the public.”

wait for him to handover to one of the national commissioners only to reverse it immediately, thereby injecting bad blood in the commission. “The situation in INEC since the PDP government

reformed and granted it operational autonomy has been peaceful, but Tuesday’s untidy overruling of Prof. Jega and the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as acting chairman.”

Relocation to Maiduguri on course, says Army From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

HE authorities of the Nigerian Army have said the directive given by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military’s relocation of its Command and Control Centre to Maiduguri was being strictly adhered to. At a briefing yesterday in Abuja, the Army said the grand finale of this year’s edition of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration would take place in Maiduguri. According to Brig.-Gen. Donald Oji, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minima, the celebration would be low-keyed. “The choice of Maiduguri as host of the closing activities of NADCEL 2015 was informed by the need to further raise the morale of our troops in the area of operation by showing solidarity to them ,” Gen. Oji said. The celebrations, which started yesterday, will also include a medical outreach programme to the Internally Displaced Persons camps in Maiduguri from July 4 to 5. The chief of Army staff is billed to lay a wreath at the military cemetery in Maiduguri and visit the 7 Division hospital where injured military personnel are being treated. He will also address troops and present medals to deserving gallant officers and men.

PDP zones National Assembly positions

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned the party’s leadership positions in the Senate and House of Representatives. In respect of the Senate, the position of Minority leader goes to the Southsouth while that of the Deputy Minority leader goes to the Northeast. The Northcentral clinches the position of Minority Whip while that of the deputy goes to the Southwest. For the House of Representatives, the position of Minority leader goes to the Southsouth while the deputy goes to the Southeast. The Northwest zone gets the Minority Whip while the deputy goes to the Northeast. Announcing the party’s position on the choices on Wednesday, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

Olisa Metuh, said the decision was taken at the party’s National Working Committee meeting. Metuh said it was in consonance with the Standing Rules, adding that the party expected its members to use their various zonal party caucuses to choose individuals for the positions. “The party will not choose leaders for our senators. We will zone the positions and expect the senators to fill in the positions. We have directed them to note that in accordance with the practice and convention of our party, the nomination process should take into consideration ranking, gender and religious sensitivities. “Furthermore, it is the wish of the NWC that this exercise be concluded within one week and communicated accordingly,”Metuh added.

Court jails 30-year-old man 10 years for illicit drug deal

HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday sentenced a 30year-old man, Adedeji Adeleye, to 10 years’ imprisonment for trafficking in 100 grammes of Indian hemp. There was drama as two other suspects, Kehinde Ogunmola (38) and Enitan Ibrahim (25), attempted to flee from being detained at the prison after their arraignment. But they were caught by prison officials as they fled to

By Joseph Jibueze

the lagoon opposite the court. Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia convicted Adeleye after he pleaded guilty to a one-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The judge sentenced him without an option of fine. Adeleye’s offence contravened Section 281 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

Prosecution counsel Mr Orji Kalu said Adeleye was arrested following a petition against him by some landlords. He said the convict was caught by some NDLEA operatives last November at his residence while unlawfully dealing in Indian hemp. He said the convict made a confessional statement during an investigation into the crime. He told the court that the

substance found on the convict proved to be Indian hemp when it was tested at an NDLEA forensic laboratory. Ogunmola and Ibrahim were arraigned before Justice Musa Kurya for drug offences. NDLEA said Ogunmola, on March 4, at Shita Street, Surulere, dealt in 26.1 grammes of heroin, a narcotic drug, without lawful authority. He was also alleged to have dealt in 4.5 grammes of co-

caine, an offence punishable under Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act 2004. Ibrahim was said to have dealt in 600 grammes of cannabis sativa without lawful authority on May 8 at Itupate area of Ikorodu, Lagos. After their arraignment, a prison official, Mr Gila Moses, went with them to the court’s registry to process their remand order. As he was speaking to an official, the suspects, who

were not hand-cuffed, fled. There was confusion as several court officials and a passersby chased after them. Ibrahim surrendered, but Ogunmola continued running, heading toward the lagoon just opposite the court. Unfortunately, he could not swim, and Moses, who chased after him, dived into the water after Ogunmola and arrested him. Their trial will begin on July 8.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS FRSC: new number plates for tankers soon From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) will soon begin the issuance of new number plates for certified and articulated vehicles as part of strategies to ensure safety on roads. The commission is focusing more on the regulation of tanker and truck operations following the loss of 56 lives and property last month. Corps Marshal Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi said this in Abuja during a meeting of stakeholders in haulage transportation to discuss permanent solutions to incessant crashes involving tankers. He said the unique number plates would only be issued to tankers that have passed all the verification process of the commission. The new number plates will be at no extra cost to vehicle owners, the corps marshal said. “We have started implementation of new number plates for tankers, trailers and trucks for effective monitoring of their compliance to road safety measures. “During various meetings with stakeholders, we all agreed on several measures to reduce crashes on our roads, which include enforcement of policies. “We will synchronise our data with that of Petroleum and Tanker Drivers (PTD) in the ongoing data collection of its members across the country,” he said. Oyeyemi said the commission would partner with Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIO) to ensure the success of the policy and called for capacity building of VIOs by state governments.

Credit card fraud: Court okays suspect's extradition to U.S. By Joseph Jibueze

USTICE Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an application by the Federal Government seeking to extradite Mr. Olugbemiga Adebisi to the United States (U.S.) to face credit card and other fraud charges. The office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) said three indictments were filed in the U.S. District Court, New Hampshire against Adebisi. On July 20, 2006, he was charged in the Hampshire court with "access device fraud, receipt of stolen mail matter, aggravated identity theft, and fraudulent use of social security number". The alleged offences were in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, sections 1029, 1708, 1028A and Title 42, U.S. Code, Section 408(a) 7(b). Adebisi was also said to have been charged on April 5, in the Trial Court of Massachusetts, Middlesex County, Concord District Court, U.S. He was accused of "larceny over $250, credit card fraud of over $250, forgery of a document, uttering false document and identify fraud." The offences were said to be a violation of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 266, Section 30(1), 37(c)(e) and Chapter 267, Section 1 and 5.

•Aviation workers protesting the sack of some Air France/KLM’s personnel at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos following alleged outsourcing of its passenger documentation service... yesterday.

Buhari seeks end to graft in Hajj operations

R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to end corruption in Hajj operations. He spoke yesterday during a closed door meeting with NAHCON Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Mukhtar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Mukhtar, who spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said Buhari granted all its requests made by the commission for this year’s pilgrimage. He said 76,000 pilgrims

•NAHCON to fly 76,000 pilgrims From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

would be airlifted during the 2015 Hajj, including 66,000 under the states and 10,000 under the private tour operations. The president, he added, also directed that the commission should comply with all regulations put in place by the Saudi Arabian government. He said: “I met Mr. President and I am pleased to tell Nigerians that he has

granted all the requests from the NAHCON with regards to the preparations for 2015 Hajj. “The President had also directed for inter-agency collaboration between the commission and all other relevant agencies to address the challenges and menace of corrupt-related practices that have to do with Hajj and Umrah. Thus, we will face the menace head on until we bring it to a standstill. “He has also approved the 2015 air carriers that are go-

ing to fly pilgrims. The list will be sent down to the states accordingly for them to select the airlines of their choice.” Asked to mention some of the corrupt activities the president talked about, he said the cases included people who pay for services that were not rendered. Mukhtar said: “Well, there are many of the corrupt practices. For instance, people pay for services, which are in some cases not rendered. In some cases, even they do

not have the chance to perform the Hajj or Umrah at all, their money is gone. “Illegal operators that are not licensed to carry out the activities of either Umrah or Hajj still play around and carry out the activities with impunity; so all these will be addressed,” he said. He said that the Federal Government takes responsibility for providing medicals, security services, and consular services of the Nigerian pilgrims. The president, Mukhtar said, also directed that the commission should release the fare immediately.

Court acquits Fani-Kayode of money laundering charge

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos yesterday discharged and acquitted a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi FaniKayode, of the money laundering charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia held that the prosecution did not prove beyond reasonable doubt that Fani-Kayode was guilty as charged. She described EFCC’s case as “feeble”, adding that the testimony of the fourth prosecution witness (PW4), Supo Agbaje, who testified that Fani-Kayode gave him cash to pay into his account, was not reliable. According to her, PW4’s testimony was contradictory, even as the prosecution did not show proof that FaniKayode received the money in cash. “Any doubt must be resolved in favour of the accused person,” the judge said. She added: “The solitary issue for determination is whether the prosecution has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt the elements of the offence committed. “The giver of the money to PW4 remains unclear. The oral testimony of PW4 before this court is at variance with his earlier voluntary submission before the EFCC. “I find unreliable the testimony of PW4 that it was the accused person that gave him the sums of money to pay into his account. “His testimony before this

•PDP chieftain changes name to Olukayode By Joseph Jibueze

court seems to be an afterthought by the fact that PW4 who was stated by the prosecution to be at large initially suddenly resurfaced to give testimony on behalf of the prosecution. “The law is trite that where there are two or more conflicting testimonies by a witness, such testimonies must be discarded by the court,” the judge said. One of Fani-Kayode’s witnesses had claimed that the amount were proceeds of rent paid by those living in the former minister’s estate. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia said even though the claim was also doubtful, the source and motive of receiving the money was irrelevant since the issue was about cash transactions exceeding N500,000 without going through a financial institution. “I do not agree with the prosecution that evidence of deposits in the bank account of the accused person without more is sufficient evidence to show that the latter received cash payments from unknown sources of sums above the statutory threshold of N500,000. “The fallacy in such argument lies in the fact that it would remain unclear as to whether the accused person received the alleged sums in tranches,” she said. She said it was necessary for sufficient and unequivocal evidence to be put before the court as to how and in what manner the monies were ac-

tually received, which she said EFCC failed to do. “By the fact that the giver and source of the money are hazy and unproven, it remains the law that where there are doubts or insufficient evidence linking the accused person with the elements and ingredients of the offence, a court must discharge him as a matter of law,” she held. In all, she found that the allegations against FaniKayode were not successfully proven, as the source of the money was unclear. “It is apparent that the prosecution’s case is feeble and has failed to establish that the accused person made or accepted cash deposits exceeding the authorised limits and did not do so through a financial institution. “The prosecution has, therefore, failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that an offence has been committed under Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004. “I am of the considered view that the accused person, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in the absence of copious evidence before the court, ought to be discharged and acquitted of the two surviving counts of the amended charge and I so hold,” the judge held. She praised prosecution counsel Festus Keyamo for his activism and dexterity in swiftly prosecuting the case, saying if other prosecutors were like him, several pending criminal cases would have been decided. Fani-Kayode, who was Di-

rector of Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign in this year’s general election, was accused of making a transaction exceeding N500,000 on September 20, 2006, which was not done through a financial institution. He was said to have accepted N2.1 million in cash, which was paid into his personal bank account by his aide, Supo Agbaje, while he served as Minister of Culture and Tourism. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia had, last November 17, directed Fani-Kayode to defend two of 40-count money laundering charges. The judge held that the commission did not prove the other counts sufficiently and partially upheld FaniKayode’s no-case submission. She discharged and acquitted him of the rest of the 38 counts on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove “elements” of the allegations. Fani-Kayode, therefore, defended counts 25 and 26. Fani-Kayode, in the course of his public service, was also accused of stealing N19.5 billion aviation intervention fund and another N6.5 billion. He was later accused of laundering N200 million. Keyamo indicated that EFCC might appeal the judgment, saying: “We’ll sit down at the corporate level and take a decision.” After the verdict, FaniKayode, in a statement, said: “I am delighted, humbled and relieved by this verdict. In the

•Fani-Kayode

last seven years, I have been subjected to the most malicious, vicious, sinister, wellorchestrated, insidious and devastating form of political persecution and wickedness. “The whole process almost destroyed my life, my family, my reputation, my health and my career. I thank God for his goodness, His mercy and for the fact that today, the whole nightmare has finally come to an end.” He said he would no longer be known as David Oluwafemi Fani-Kayode, “but instead, it shall be David Oluwafemi Olukayode. Olukayode means ‘the Lord has brought me joy’ and today he has done precisely that”. “From this day, in honour of Him and as a small tribute to my love for and total dependence on Him, that shall remain my family name.” He added that following the verdict, he would be travelling out for the first time in seven years for “a short holiday and a long overdue medical examination”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS Fayose swears in 10 commissioners

‘Killers’ of ex-FUTA VC remanded E

HE two suspected killers of the former ViceChancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Albert Ilemobade, were yesterday arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court at Oke-Eda. Daniel Ita and Olayemi Bamitale were arraigned for alleged murder and robbery. They allegedly strangled the late Ilemobade and dumped his body in a store at his Ijapo Estate home. Prof Ilemobade’s decomposing body was found seven

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

days later. Police Prosecutor Inspector Isah Atanegbe told the court that Ita and Bamitale conspired to commit murder by strangling the deceased in his home on June 21. The charges are: “That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on June 21 at 9pm at 1, Ikere Street, Ijapo Estate, committed felony to wit: murder. “That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place

in the aforementioned magisterial district did kill one Professor Albert Adeoye Ilemobade by jointly strangling him to death. “That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did conspire together to commit felony to wit: robbery. “That you Daniel Ita Effiom and Olayemi Bamitale on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned magisterial district did rob the late Prof Albert Adeoye

Ilemobade of Toyota Rav 4 2008 model with registration number Lagos GGE-589-CF valued yet unknown and N7,000 property of the late Prof Ilemobade.” The prosecutor urged the court to remand the accused in custody, pending the outcome of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Victoria Bob- Manuel, ordered that they be remanded in Olokuta Medium Prison, until the case resumes for further hearing on September 18.

OOU12: We’ll get truck driver, says Amosun

•Amosun flanked by Mrs. Onanuga and State Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC),Adegoke Adetunji, ...yesterday.

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said the government is making efforts to arrest the truck driver, who drove against traffic, and crashed into a bus, killing 12 students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

He called for the criminalisation of traffic offences to bring erring motorists to justice. Amosun spoke when he visited the scene of last Fri-

day’s accident on SagamuBenin highway. He said highway lawlessness, which has pervaded the nation, was more pronounced in Ogun because the expressways predominantly lie within its corridors. The governor said the

state would look into how the Federal Highway Code would criminalise traffic offences. Amosun, who also visited the only survivor of the accident, Laughter Akibo, at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan, was accom-

UI workers begin three-day strike

ORKERS under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the University of Ibadan (UI) yesterday began a three-day warning strike to demand the implementation of an agreement reached in 2009 by the Federal Government and the unions. The unions-Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) - had last month protested the nonpayment of their arrears from 2013 and implementation of the agreement from June. The workers, who gathered at the university’s main entrance as early as 8 am, sang solidarity songs; some went round to stop lectures. Students and visitors trekked as commercial drivers removed their cars from the road. Offices were locked. SSANU Chairman Wale Akinremi, who spoke on behalf of other unions, said the Federal Government paid for a year before asking the universities to take over. He said other universities had started honouring the agreement. “It is unfortunate that we have to gather here again.

Our lives are in danger, ASUU tells VC From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan(UI), has called on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole, to provide security for members to carry out their duties. In a memo by its Chairman and Secretary Prof Segun Ajiboye and Dr Deji Omole, ASUU condemned the harassment of academic staff by striking non-academic staff of the university during which lecturers were chased out of classrooms. The memo reads: “It has come to our notice that members of the three non-academic unions have embarked on an industrial action. “Consequently, many of our members were harassed and chased out of classrooms, thereby preventing them from discharging their duties as academic staff. “With this action, the safety of the lives of our members appears grossly threatened. In the light of this, our union will want the administration to take note and take necessary action to avert degeneration of the situation and assure our members a safe space to carry out their legitimate duties.” From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

We did our best to avoid this scenario but it has got to a stage that our best is not enough. “I will never be a slave. Have we asked for much? Have we asked for what does not belong to us? When we started a challenge like this, it is just like the rainfall: you know when it starts; you don’t know when it is going to stop. “You don’t know what is going to be the consequenc-

es of that rain. For what we know, this rain is not going to be unfortunate for us. This struggle belongs to all of us. “Our agitation is about a component of the 2009 Agreement reached with our unions. We have had meetings with the management presided over by the prochancellor. He ordered them to pay us. What we asked for was the implementation of the hazard allowance. Unfortunately, they are yet to agree, even after we told them that some state universities

had started honouring it.” The institution, through its Director of Public Communication, Olatunji Oladejo, confirmed the management’s meeting with the three unions on Tuesday night. He said at the meeting, the management drew the unions’ attention to an earlier meeting on June 17 where the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Umar Mustapha, met the unions and pleaded with the university management to find funds for the allowances. Oladejo added:”The management planned to pay last month. However, this plan could not be realised because at the time the regular salary and the promotion arrears were paid in June, only a balance of N79,573,036.42 remained, which was grossly inadequate to meet the needed amount of N146,580,000.” He quoted the university management as telling the unions that it was working for the improvement of the financial resources of the university to fulfill its financial obligation and implementation of the allowances. The director said the meeting was fruitful in every way, adding that “the management still pleads for the understanding and cooperation of workers on the matter.”

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has said local government elections will be conducted in December. The governor spoke yesterday when he swore in 10 commissioners. He promised to ensure that all court cases hindering the conduct of the polls are disposed of early. The commissioners are: Bisi Kolawole (Environment), Lanre Ogunsuyi (Information), Kehinde Odebunmi (Agriculture), Kolapo Kolade (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters) and Olurotimi Ojo (Health). panied by his Deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Head of Service Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, permanent secretaries and service chiefs. Lamenting that the problem primarily was not the law but its enforcement, he said the government would continue to empower traffic and security agencies for optimal performance. “We feel this lawlessness everyday. A sane mind does not need to be told to desist from driving against traffic. “We need the capacity to address this menace. We will look into the Federal Highway Code and domesticate it. We will even make it more potent and endeavour to criminalise traffic offences. “Besides, our problem is not the law but its enforcement. This is the reason we will not relent in supporting our traffic and security agencies for better performance,” he said. Commiserating with the families of the deceased and the university community, Amosun advised OOU students to avoid taking laws into their hands.

Church to build school

HE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dominion Chapel, 32, Pure Water Street, Arepo, Ogun State, will establish an ultra-modern school in commemoration of its fourth anniversary. The thanksgiving service was attended by Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Province, Bisi Olowoyo, Pastor-in-Charge of Area (PICA) Kunle Taiwo, their spouses, members of City of Refuge and House of David (Youth Church) parishes. In his message, “How God works”, Pastor Olowoyo identified faith, love and joy in knowing God as the three basic things that attract divine attention and blessings. He said the parish has lived up to its foundational prophecy as “the Church in Arepo”, when it was established four years ago. The Pastor-in-Charge, Victor Ayodele, appreciated God and the congregation for their support, which he noted, has helped the church’s growth. In his remark, “Our Beginning”, Ayodele said the love of God is visible in the modest landmarks recorded by the parish. He said there are more grounds to be covered. Ayodele spoke of the parish’s plan to build a school on a parcel of land donated by a family at Magboro.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

Others are: Deji Adesua (Public Utilities), Jide Egunjobi (Education), Mrs. Olayinka Ogundayomi (Women Affairs), Taelolu Otitoju (Lands) and Gbenga Olajide (Budget and Planning). They joined Owoseni Ajayi (Justice), Toyin Ojo (Finance) and Kayode Ojo (Works) who assumed office in November after being cleared in controversial circumstances by seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers in the last Assembly. Fayose warned the commissioners against disloyalty, saying he would not hesitate to fire them for “treachery and betrayal”. He advised those lobbying for political offices to stop begging for appointments. Fayose said pressure was being put on him by people at the grassroots, which he attributed to the absence of local government officials. “Between now and December, there must be local government election. We will ensure that those matters in court are disposed of to pave way for the local government election. “The pressure is too much on me and when local government election is conducted, you can hold on to your chairman and your councillor because they will be the nearest to our people in the grassroots,” Fayose said.

2,523 cooperatives in Lagos database By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

HE Lagos State government yesterday said only 2,523 cooperatives societies have been captured in its database. The government said the number was a far cry from about 16,000 cooperative societies operating in the state. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, said this at a briefing as part of events to commemorate the 2015 International Day of Cooperatives in Alausa, Ikeja. He said the validation began two years ago, with 90 days grace given to the various societies. “About 2,523 cooperatives societies have so far validated their operation. What we found out was that over the years, we only captured the data of those registered. “ Those who have refused to have their data captured are operating illegally. “All societies that are yet to be captured should go to any cooperative area office nearest to them for the validation,” he said. According to him, the implication of those not in the directory was that they will be operating illegally and would be sanctioned by the government. Activities lined up for the celebration include visitation to care homes today (Thursday), special Jumat prayers on Friday, Novelty Match, at Agidingbi Grammar School on Saturday; annual lecture/ raffle draws, inspection and exhibition, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

Tribunal dismisses Agbaje’s petition

Tension in Ekiti community From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

HERE is tension in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, following the quest of one of the quarters in the town, Odo Oye, to become an autonomous community. It was gathered that the lastminute stoppage of Iooye Descendants’ Day originally planned for last Saturday by security agencies is causing apprehension in the town. The quest for autonomy is being opposed by the Ajero of Ijero- Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, who see the move as an attempt to balkanise one of the largest kingdoms in Ekiti. The push for autonomy is being led by Chief Michael Omoniyi Obasa, the Elerebi (Family Head) of Odo Oye and Group Captain Ropo Ayegbusi (rtd). Ayegbusi and 10 others had sued Oba Adewole and the Olodooye of Ijero, Chief Abiodun Aboloyinjo. They pleaded that Odo Oye is an independent town, distinct and separate from IjeroEkiti. The case was later withdrawn. But Oba Adewole and Chief Aboloyinjo, in a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Etop James, through their lawyer, Taiwo Ogunmoroti, described the planned celebration as a “deliberate invitation to anarchy and breach of peace”. They urged the commissioner to intervene in the matter and put on hold the celebration. The defendants averred that the Iooye Descendants’ Day is “novel, strange and suspicious having not been celebrated before”. But Obasa dismissed the allegation saying the Iooye Descendants’ Day is usually celebrated in line with the quarters’ annual Igoke Olodooye Festival. He said the people won’t succumb to divide-and-rule tactics.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has lost his bid to unseat Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Election Petition Tribunal in Ikeja yesterday dismissed his petition. The three-man panel, led by Justice Muhammad Sirajo, unanimously held that the petition was incompetent. In his petition, Agbaje alleged irregularities in the April 11 election, which he said breached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) approved guidelines. But ruling on the preliminary application by Ambode’s lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, the panel said the petitioner did not ask for a fresh election, despite asking the court to nullify the April 11 election. Justice Sirajo said: “In the instant petition, besides seeking an order nullifying the election of the second respondent, the petitioner did not ask for an order of fresh election. “So, if for instance, the election is nullified, the people of Lagos State would be left in an anarchy situation as no order can validly be made for the conduct of fresh election, same having not been sought for. “A petition that is found on disqualification of a respon-

•Ambode, Speaker hail ruling By Adebisi Onanuga and Oziegbe Okoeki

dent and an order of nullification of the election must of necessity contain a prayer for an order of fresh election. “Where such a prayer is lacking, the petition will be incompetent and academic as even the resolution of such a petition in favour of the petitioner will not confer any utilitarian value on the petitioner(s) “Where no relief for fresh election is claimed in a petition, a ground of petition founded on Section 138(1)(b) of the Electoral Act and the entire petition itself are incompetent and liable to be struck out.” In striking out the petition, the Chairman, who read the verdict, said: “ It is for this reason that the grounds of the petition that survived up till this point can no longer be countenanced. “Paragraph 13(b) and 14 of the petition and reliefs 19(5) and 19(8) are hereby struck out in view of the want of the relief seeking for the conduct of fresh election. Having done so, the petition becomes bare and empty. “In the final analysis and in consideration of our foregoing decisions on all the issues raised in this application, we hold that the application has merit and is hereby granted as prayed. This petition is

struck out for being incompetent.” Moving a preliminary objection to the petition, Olanipekun argued that the petition should be struck out for being incompetent. According to him, there was no correlation between the reliefs being sought by the petitioner and the particulars of application on one hand and the grounds for questioning the election on the other. “The grounds and particulars in the petition are at opposites with the facts and reliefs being sought within the purview of Section 285(2) of the 1999 Constitution. “I urge my lordships to dismiss the petition,” Olanipekun said. He further submitted that there was nowhere in the pleadings where the petitioners attacked the victory of the respondents or questioned the conduct of the election. Olanipekun added: “I submit that there is no petition before your lordships known to law. “There are no grounds challenging the election of my client under Section 138(b)(c) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.” According to him, the court cannot act on sentiment and sympathy of parties. He emphasised that sym-

pathy does not override clear provisions of the law. APC’s counsel Muiz Banire aligned with Olanipekun’s submissions. “This is a groundless petition. There is no petition before Your lordships. I pray that the purported document before Your lordships be struck out,” Banire said. Agbaje’s counsel Clement Onwuenwunor opposed their submissions and maintained that the petition was competent. He had argued that the issues for determination by the tribunal had been carefully spelt out. Onwuenwunor urged the tribunal to dismiss the notices of preliminary objection with substantial costs in favour of the petitioner. However, ruling on the issue, the tribunal upheld the preliminary objection raised by Olanipekun and Banire. Reacting to the judgment, Olanipekun said: “We have come to the end of the proceeding. “The tribunal agreed that the petition is incompetent. The court also agreed that the petition did not meet the tribunal’s requirement. “The petition has to be based on the Electoral Act and the constitution.” Ambode described the confirmation of his victory as a welcome development. He said it was a reaffirmation of the mandate given to

King’s College PTA condemns protest By Jane Chijioke

‘PDP worst party ever’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government under the Goodluck Jonathan administration as “the worst in the history of Nigeria”. The party said the looting of government finances witnessed under Jonathan was unequalled in the history of corrupt governments in Africa. In a statement by its spokesperson, Kunle Oyatomi, the party said: “Yet, some of the beneficiaries of this looting spree across Nigeria, especially in Osun, still have the effrontery to mock the victims by shifting blames on a government that had done its best for the people. “The PDP leadership in Osun State benefitted from the looted funds which would have been available to pay salaries, if the PDP government of Goodluck Jonathan did not steal such humongous sums and wasted the nation’s resources. “From the NNPC alone, the PDP stole trillions of Naira. The ex-minister of Finance spent billions of dollars without authorisation not to talk of other government agencies, which joined in the looting spree.”

him by the people. The governor said: “I am elated at the ruling of the tribunal, which is an affirmation of my victory at the polls. “On April 11, the people spoke with their votes about continuity and that is what the tribunal has just reaffirmed. “The task ahead requires concerted efforts from everyone. I urge my opponents to put the election struggles behind them and in the spirit of sportsmanship join hands with me to take Lagos to the next level.” The governor added: “It was needless in the first place for the PDP to have petitioned the election, which was adjudged to be free, fair and credible. “Now that the right thing has been done, we should come together above partisanship and move the state forward” The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has said the verdict was a further confirmation that the people voted for Ambode and the APC. Obasa said: “We are happy with the verdict and it is a proof of the legality of our governor and APC’s victory during the election. “Lagosians have always aligned with the progressives hence the results of the last elections in the state should not have generated any contention.”

•Author of the book: Effects of terrorism on children, Miss Splendour Joe-King Abisoye (second right), presenting the book to the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade in Abuja...yesterday. With them are her parents, Mr and Mrs. PHOTO: NAN Joe-King Abisoye.

DPO’s murder : Five to face trial, 27 discharged

HE Oyo State Ministry of Justice has discharged 27 of the 32 suspects apprehended for “killing” the Agugu Divisional Police Officer in Ibadan, Ike Nworgu. The remaining five were recommended for trial. On April 1, Nworgu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was killed when he went to Adekile near Orita Aperin in Ibadan North East Local Government to appease some irate youths. The youth had alleged that there was an underground kidnappers’ den in a house and a boy, who entered it, was missing.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Nworgu mobilised his men to douse the tension and protect the owner of the house, Samuel Adebayo, from being lynched. But the irate boys shot him in the head with his service pistol. His killing sparked off a reprisal attack by the police and soldiers, who arrested 46 suspects. Having arraigned 32 of them before Magistrate A. A. Adebisi of the Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’ s Court 3, Ibadan, the Ministry of Justice issued a legal advice by Olatunde Mojoyinola, discharging 27 of them.

But the ministry found five of them culpable, having established a prima facie case against them. In the legal advice addressed to the commissioner of police, the ministry said:”Having carefully reviewed the duplicate case file, it is hereby advised that the following should be charged with conspiracy and murder. They are: Sakiru Rafiu (a.k.a. Lapanpa), Abdulahi Dabiri, Yemi Onifade (a.k.a. Olota), Ismail Alli (a.k.a. Etti), and Rilwan Muili (a.k.a. Soko). Those discharged are Adebayo Hammed, Rilwan Okiki-

ola, Rilwan Kazeem, Ogunniran Olalekan, Tiri Oladele, Lateef Sulaimon, Taofeek Ajibola, Ajibade Olayode, Jelili Rafiu, Adesina Sodiq, Opeyemi Rafiu, Adebayo Kudus, Kudus Dauda, Olusegun Onaolapo, and Dare Rasak. Others include: Abiodun Olanrewaju, Alimotu Oriyomi, Obisesan Tobi, Lanre Ajekiigbe, Ogundele Kazeem, Fatose Dele, Olajire Mutiu, Dayo Oriade, Yemi Morenikeji, and Taye Johnson. The legal advice requested that Rilwan Okikiola and Jelili Rafiu be preserved and protected to be used as prosecution witnesses.

HAIRMAN of the King’s College Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) Emmanuel Oriakhi has described a protest by some parents last Sunday as bad. Oriakhi, who addressed reporters in company of the Head Teacher, Otunba Dele Olapeju, and the School Based Management Committee Chairman, Samuel Olufemi, said the parents were overreacting to the cancellation of the visiting day by the management. Sunday’s protest was aired by some television stations, which showed parents complaining about lack of potable water, good toilets, electricity and hostel spaces. Oriakhi said rather than cause disturbance, the parents should have taken their grievances to the appropriate authorities. He said: “A group of parents, who have constituted themselves into a political party, has been attempting to distract the college and the Parent Teachers Association (PTA). “Pupils had just returned from a mid-term break. The college management felt that, having just resumed and with examination in sight, the visiting day was not really necessary. “But members of the group sent contrary messages to parents. They started sending SMS, calling on the parents to disregard the directive of the college. They even went as far as carrying placards which betrayed their intention.” Oladele described the protest as a coup d’état. He wondered why of the 6,000 parents in the school, only 30 members carried out the protest.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS Outgoing U.S. Consul General: I enjoyed Lagos

HE outgoing United States (US) Consul General in Nigeria, Jeffery Hawkins, has expressed satisfaction with the cooperation he enjoyed in Lagos State during his three years’ stay. Hawkins spoke yesterday during his farewell visit to the Olowo Eko of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, at his Iga Idunganran palace. The envoy assured Oba Akiolu that the U.S. would always partner Nigeria for its economic growth and development. He was conducted round the palace by the frontline monarch, who was accompanied by the white cap chiefs to show the palace’s rich traditional and cultural heritage. Hawkins noted that traditional institutions cannot be ignored because of the roles they play in their subjects’ peaceful co-existence. The U.S Consul General said his country played a key role in the return and maintenance of peace in Niger Delta. According to him, anyone who wants to understand how Nigeria works must understand the role of traditional rulers. Hawkins said he would miss the warm reception of Nigerians. He expressed gratitude that he met notable Nigerians, including Prof Wole Soyinka, leading politicians and some prominent religious leaders during his

Prosecutor’s absence stalls ex-NIMASA D-G’s trial By Joseph Jibueze

HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned the trial of suspended Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mr. Temisan Omatseye to October 21. The trial was stalled due to the absence of prosecution counsel Mr Godwin Obla (SAN), who was to continue his cross-examination of Omatseye. Obla had written Omatseye’s lawyer Olusina Sofola (SAN) stating that his wife was seriously sick in the United States of America (USA). The prosecutor, who started the cross-examination on June 1, had sought an adjournment to yesterday to enable him produce a NIMASA procedural manual, which would clarify whether the agency’s director-general has the power to sign or endorse every contract document brought to his table. Omatseye had alleged that he was being “persecuted” because he refused to do the bidding of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN). He said: “In December 2010, I was approached by a gentleman, who at that time was the Executive Director of the Cabotage Service of NIMASA, in the name of Ibrahim Zailani.

•Oba Akiolu (middle) presenting a souvenir to Hawkins (on the monarch’s left) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental PHOTO:MUYIWA HASSAN Relations, Mrs Funmilayo Balogun (on the Consul General’s left) during the visit in Lagos... yesterday

Fed Govt fails in bid to extradite Kashamu over alleged drug deals in U.S. P

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Senator Buruji Kashamu got a breather yesterday as a Federal High Court in Abuja declined to hear an extradition application brought against him by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). Justice Gabriel Kolawole, in a ruling yesterday, said he could not proceed to hear the application because of two subsisting decisions of Justices Ibrahim Buba and Okon Abang of the court’s Lagos division. Justices Buba and Abang nullified the extradition application filed during the pendency of an order prohibiting any move to arrest or extradite Kashamu. Justice Kolawole said he could not exercise jurisdiction over the extradition application when the June 8 decision by Justice Abang, nullifying the extradition application and the subsequent June 23 decision by Justice Buba, affirming Justice Abang’s decision were still pending and yet to be set aside by any appellate court. Kashamu, upon claim that there were plots by some individuals to abduct him and transfer him to the United States (U.S.) over his alleged involvement in illicit drugs deals, sued at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court. He sought, among others, orders restraining security agencies from arresting or

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

taking any steps to extradite him. While the case was pending, the former AGF, Mohhammed Adoke (SAN), claiming to have received an extradition request from the U.S. authorities, filed the extradition application in the court’s Abuja division. During proceedings in the case filed in Lagos, Justice Abang on June 8, nullified the extradition application, which had then been assigned to Justice Kolawole, on the ground that it was initiated in contravention of an earlier order made by the court in 2013. In a separate proceeding on June 23, Justice Buba , in a ruling, affirmed Abang’s orders nullifying the extradition application pending before Justice Kolawole. In his ruling yesterday, Justice Kolawole expressed discomfort over the decisions by his brother judges in Lagos, wondering whether the judges of courts of coordinate jurisdiction could validly nullify the proceedings before another judge of the same jurisdiction. “They (the orders made in Lagos) are, no doubt by my assessment, very wide, perhaps wild orders, with the greatest respect to their lordships, and they are seemingly audacious if not breath-tak-

ing,” the judge said. Justice Kolawole said the orders barring any move by the AGF to initiate extradition proceedings against Kashamu in relation to the indictment by the U.S. remained valid as long as they had not been set aside by any appellate court. “The applicant has not produced any material before me to show that these orders have been appealed against and or have been set aside by the appellate courts. “The said orders were not made against my court, but against the applicant and until they are set aside or reversed by the appellate courts, this court will be acting unconstitutionally to aid the applicant to persevere in its act of contempt to the said orders. “The constitutional duty and obligation this court has and must exercise is to ensure that the process of this court is not abused and the sanctity of its extant orders, regardless of whatever issues, are preserved and protected. “Based on these orders, this court will be acting perhaps unconstitutionally in aiding the applicant to flout and disobey extant orders of court of competent jurisdiction by appending my signature to the arrest warrant, which the applicant has prepared and applied for on the

proceedings of June 25. “In concluding, I am unable to exercise jurisdiction in accordance with sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Extradition Act to accede to the application for warrant to effect the arrest of the respondent because the orders of Abang and Buba J (Justices) of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos Judicial division have not been appealed against by the applicant or have they been set aside by any appellate court by the applicant or have they been set aside “Secondly, the application dated May 27, 2015 and filed on May 28, 2015 by the applicant was filed in contravention of the orders made by Abang J, and in any case, this suit has been nullified by the certain orders made by Abang J on June 28, 2015. “Based on the above analysis, having regard to the second orders made by Abang J, the extradition proceedings were initiated in violation of injunctive order granted by Abang J on May 27, 2015. “The extradition proceedings were initiated in flagrant disobedience of an extant order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The suit is hereby dismissed.” “The judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction remains valid and binding unless and until it is set aside by

N12b currency scam: Court adjourns hearing on to enable them have access FEDERAL High Court in judge’s disqualification esses to all facts about the cases. Ibadan, the Oyo State

capital, yesterday adjourned hearing of a motion by two of the accused persons in the N12 billion mutilated currency scam seeking disqualification of the judge and stay of execution of his earlier ruling to July 10. Justice Olayinka Faji had delivered a ruling on June 19, denying eight of the accused persons in a case bail. He ordered accelerated hearing. But two of the accused, Olaniran Muniru Adeola and Toogun Philip, through their counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, challenged the ruling on the ground that Justice Faji had already indicated that the accused were guilty by his choice of words in the ruling. Ojo filed a motion on Friday, seeking the judge’s disqualification and stay of execution of the ruling pending determination of

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

his application. He said Justice Faji indicated in the ruling that he was bias. Hearing of the application was adjourned to yesterday. When the case came up for hearing yesterday, the lead prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said Ojo was yet to serve him the written address meant to accompany the application. He said he could not respond to what he was yet to receive. But Ojo said he was unable to serve him because he did not have an Oyo State address. He added that he was in possession of the address. Consequently, the court stood down for 50 minutes to allow Ojo serve him.

When the court resumed, Ojo informed the court again that Jacobs had served him a counter-affidavit to which he wanted to respond after reading it. Counsel to the first defendant, Otunba Olayinka Bolanle, observed that counsel to all parties in the case should be served all processes because all the seven cases were related. Describing the cases as joint trial, he said: “Every accused person is entitled to be served.” The judge and counsel to other parties agreed with him. But Jacobs (SAN) laboured in vain to persuade the court to proceed with argument of the application, saying he was ready to make oral argument. The judge and all counsel agreed that it was necessary for all counsel to be served all proc-

Justice Faji thereafter adjourned hearing of the application to July 10, after which all processes are expected to have been served. “Service is a matter of jurisdiction. The prosecution counsel shall serve all parties in the cases,” Justice Faji ruled. He also issued a production warrant on all other accused persons in the remaining three cases to enable the court take arguments together since the ruling on the application will apply to the four cases. Both the prosecution counsel and the accused left the court disappointed when they discovered that judges would begin vacation on July 11. The implication is that ruling on the motion might not be delivered until judges return from their vacation.

the lower court itself where it acted without jurisdiction. “This is because to hold otherwise is to clothe the party against whom judgment is given with the discretion to decide in his wisdom that the judgment is invalid and not binding on him and this will amount to a state anarchy. “The applicant cannot while remaining in contempt or violation of these orders proceed to Federal High Court in Abuja and institute the instant proceedings. “I don’t have jurisdiction to ignore the said orders or treat it as if they are made in errors,” Justice Kolawole said.

Akande-Adeola’s petition dismissed From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

HE National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Oyo State yesterday dismissed the petition by the former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Mulikat Akande-Adeola. She was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 28 election in Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency. She lost to the candidate of Labour Party (LP), Ebenezer Ogunwuyi. She urged the Tribunal to nullify Ogunwuyi’s election, claiming he did not validly resign his membership of the PDP before contesting under the LP. But the three-man Tribunal headed by Justice James Abundaga held yesterday that the petition was filed out of time, and was, therefore, deemed abandoned. In the unanimous decision read by Justice Abundaga, the judges, in striking out the petition, explained further that time is of essence in an election petition. They affirmed that as judges, they were bound to interpret what the law is and not the way it should be. “We are also bound by what the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court decisions were in different cases such as the one at hand, especially recent court decision in Iyiola Omisore versus Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Egbin generates over 1000Mw By Emeka Ugwuanyi

OR the first time since inception, Nigeria’s largest generation plant, Egbin Power Plc has consistently generated above 1000 megawatts (MW) due to continued investment and upgrade activities on the plant by the Sahara Power Group and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). Eight years ago, the plant hit the 1000MW mark for about two hours and never attained it again until now. Prior to the privatisation of the plant in November 2013, the average generation was below 500MW as a result of poor state of its six turbines. At some point, only two of the six units were operational. The Chairman, Egbin Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adesina said the feat signposts the unfolding success of the privatisation process and power sector reform in Nigeria. He attributed the achievement partly to the direct intervention of the Federal Government in its determination to resolve the power crisis, which has resulted in recent improvement in gas supply. “This is driving the increase in power supply in the nation, boosting socio-economic development. Prior to this, we had invested heavily and had the plant ready to generate power at full capacity but there was no gas to do so. This is indeed a good development for the power sector in Nigeria,” he said. He commended the government for the recent intervention in the gas situation that has impacted power generation positively, and called for more dynamic policies and incentives for sustainable gas supply across the nation. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Dallas Peavey said the transformation in Egbin commenced following its acquisition by Kepco Energy Resource Limited (KERL), in collaboration with its technical partners, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). He said: “Through the injection of close to N50 billion in new capital into Egbin post-privatisation, the Sahara Power/KEPCO partnership has brought to the power plant an unprecedented level of innovativeness, professionalism, human capital development and continuing investment in new technology. The control room panels, installed at the plant’s inception have been removed and upgraded to state of the art digital panels. The highlight of the main plant rehabilitation occurred in the first quarter of 2015, when the company successfully rehabilitated steam turbine (ST) Unit 6 bringing an additional 220mw to the national grid and restoring the power plant to its installed capacity of 1320mw,” he said.

‘The main priority of any government today is to resolve the issue of corruption. The next one is security. There is no way people can survive and thrive in any environment without looking at security. Closely linked with security is rule of law. If you do business, there should be rules that should guide that business’ •Group Managig Director, Chams Plc, Sir ‘Demola Aladekomo

Protect environment, maximise profit, Emefiele urges agencies

HE Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, has appealed to its sister regulatory agencies in the financial service sector, to expand their areas of focus to cover environmental protection, as well as maximise profit and ensure Returns On Investments (ROI). Emefiele, made the appeal yesterday while declaring open a workshop on sustainable finance for the Financial Sector regulatory bodies in conjunction with the United Nations financial initiatives. The CBN helmsmam, who was represented by his Special Adviser on sustainable banking, Dr. A’isha Usman Mahmood, advised leaders of financial regulating agencies, comprising the Director –General of Securities and Exchange Commsion (SEC) Mounir Gwarzo, Managing Director,

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, Director-General PenCoM, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu and others to adopt sustainable financial practices that will lead to economic development without negative costs to the ecosystem and future generations. According to Emefiele, “Sustainable Development concepts pursue a balance between environmental protection, social equity and economic development (ESDN, 2012). As a result of the growing evidence on the positive nexus between Environmental and Social management and improved economic performance, an increasing number of financial institutions worldwide are adopting sustainable finance practices to ensure that economic develop-

ment is not achieved at a cost to our ecosystem and our future generations”. The Nigerian financial sector he said has “developed and adopted the Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles, which is an industry-led initiative needed to build a more resilient, robust, environmentally and socially responsible financial sector.” This development became necessary owing to the growing evidence that environmental and social issues present growing risks to economic growth. The CBN Governor re-echoed the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP, 2015) warning that “there is growing evidence that people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide. With the global human population projected to reach 9.6billion by 2050, we will need three

planets to sustain our way of life, if the current consumption and production patterns remain unchanged”. In her remarks, Deputy Head, UNEP finance initiative, Yuki Yusui lamented that “there is a huge funding gap. A lot of study by the United Nations and other agencies shows that we need trillions of dollars per year to invest in a green eco system and save the economy. We have a lot of people that should be out of poverty and the funding gap means that the financial sector needs to be involved to participate and channel the money from brown economy to green economy and regulators to play a bigger role.” She challenged financial regulatory agencies all over the world to “come out and stop just worrying about financial stability, hyper- inflation and now start working with other agencies on eco system development.”

•From left: Managing Director, Kajola Integrated Investment Plc., Mrs. Funmi Obisan; Chairman, Prof. Wale Omole; Company Secretary, Mr Chibuike Allison and Non-Executive Director, Mr Sunny Nwosu, during the sixth and seventh Annual General Meeting in Lagos ... on Friday.

Lagos secures $200m World Bank loan to improve public finance, investment climate

HE World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved $200 million credit to Lagos State to support a range of reforms pertaining to fiscal sustainability, budget planning, budget execution, and the investment climate in Lagos. A statement from the World Bank in Abuja yesterday, said the credit facility or ‘operation’ “will help sustain the state’s recent economic growth and poverty reduction, while continuing to deliver social services to the city’s expanding population.” The credit which would be sourced from the International Development Association (IDA), supports the Third Lagos State Development Policy Operation, is the last of a series of two development policy operations which aim to improve public finances and the investment climate in a

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

fiscally sustainable manner. The statement said: “In the past decade, Lagos State achieved significant economic growth, improved its infrastructure and services, significantly reduced crime, and brought millions of people out of poverty.” According to the World Bank’s Jariya Hoffman, Task Team Leader for this Project “the operation’s focus on furthering improvements in the transparency of the budget system, effectiveness of public expenditures, and the business climate will help sustain the pace of economic growth and thus the state’s positive momentum towards income equality and the delivery of public services. With enhanced budget transparency and efficiency, adequate funding can be shifted to programs to ben-

efit the state’s booming population, especially the poorest families.” The World Bank added that “the operation will enhance the

state government’s fiscal sustainability by anchoring the budget in a framework that accounts for key fiscal risks and improves revenue collection.

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Chinese investors to stake $54m in Kwara From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

GROUP of Chinese businessmen have planned to invest about $54m in the Kwara State industrial sector. The team led by Shi Zengchao, made this known yesterday at a meetingt with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in Ilorin, the state capital. In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, quoted Zengchao as saying that about $15 million would be invested in the next one year in order to ensure commencement of operations as early as possible. Zengcha said the group found Kwara state investment friendly due to the prevalence of peace in the state, as well as the investment drive of the state government. He added that when the efforts of the group finally take off, more Chinese investors will set up factories and other investments in all the sectors of the state’s economy. Responding, Ahmed said the policies of his administration were premised on human capital development and industrial growth in a peaceful environment across the state. Ahmed said the state’s International Vocational Centre in Ajasse-Ipo in Irepodun local government area of the state is designed to train qualified machinists who will fit perfectly into the developing industrial sector of the State. “We have a large army of employable youths; school leavers that require very little training and they will fit into the industry you are investing in. Your proposed investment is very attractive. There are a lot of idle hands that can be employed; indeed, if you want 50,000 people we can get you 50,000 people to work”, the governor said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS Stakeholders differ on proposed corporate governance code

HE issue of propriety or otherwise of the pro posed National Code of Corporate Governance was hotly debated yesterday with stakeholders picking it to pieces. The event was at the public hearing put together by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) for private and public sector entities in Lagos. The public forum had representatives of other regulatory agencies namely: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), shareholders’ associations, as well as some members of the private and public sector organisations, among others in attendance. Justifying the need for the new policy regime, the Chairman, FRC, Hajiya Maryam Ladi-Ibrahim, said the concept of corporate governance was an ideal aimed at protecting the overriding stakeholders in terms of investment and assets. She said: “As a matter of fact, the concept of good corporate governance is essential to the wellbeing of companies and their stakeholders. Until recently, corporate governance was not on the front burner in the public. Indeed, it was a phenomenally prominent in boardroom and academic environment. “However, recent events in some parts of the world including our country, have brought to the fore the need for sound

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

corporate governance in modern society. This is the reason for the insight into the public sector and not-for-profit organisations hitherto not in the public purview.” The FRC boss, who confirmed that the Council received comments from 45 institutions including professional and regulatory bodies as well as relevant professionals, said the public hearing was expected to enhance discussions and acceptability of the document. The Chairman, Steering Committee, NCCG, Mr. Victor Odiase, said there was the need to move the country forward through the best practices that had been embraced round the globe. However, speakers after speakers sought for a restructuring of some of the grey areas of the draft National Code of Corporate Governance. In her presentation, Osaretin Oyewumi, a representative of the CBN, observed that: “There are existing, enabling and legal frameworks around corporate governance already. Specifically, for the CBN, you know there is the CBN Act. When you read that and read the FRC Act, that sounds like it is exclusive to all of corporate governance. The CBN Act already prescribes how many members of the board, how many directors you should have. So, take the enabling Act into consideration.”

• From left: AD Capital Projects PWC, Kalu Balogun; Senior Advisor Access Bank, Bola Bamidele; Head Debt Solutions FBN Capital Limited, Patrick Mgbenwelu and John Delano LL.B at the recent ALP Seminar Series on Infrastructure and Project Finance

Customs chief urges Kano business community to embrace CET

HE Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Inde yesterday urged the business community in Kano to embrace the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (CET) in order to boost economic growth in the state. The Customs Comptroller General, who was represented by the Customs Comptroller of Kano/Jigawa Command, Mathias Abutu at the launch of the CET and sensitisation workshop for stakeholders in Kano, said the call was necessary in order to reduce the region’s de-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

pendence on customs revenue generation drive, as well as enhancing economic development among the member countries. In his words, ‘’this joint approach of setting tariffs leads to a more predictable and stable trade policy with less room for interference through special interest. ‘’A more predictable and stable trade policy will ultimately benefit the average ECOWAS citizen through better economic governance.” The Customs boss, who described the new policy as a working tool for NSC and stakeholders, said its impor-

tance to the business community in the North, particularly, could not be over-emphasized. In his remark, the Director, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Mr. Christian Wilmad urged stakeholders to be conversant with the new policy, adding that GIZ are supporting Nigeria in its effort to ensure full implementation of CET. Also speaking, the President of Kano Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Umar Farouk Dansuleka expressed hope that the new policy will bring about synergy among member countries. He also urged the NCS to ensure that the policy was implemented to the core to en-

sure its success, pointing out that ‘’we will call on our members to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the new policy.” “I believe that the current position of Kano State and the country will improve since the approval of the kick-off of the programme started on April 1,” but noted that, “I am not sure whether the programme has started here because the borders have been closing for business. So, I urge that even though it has not started from today, we will urge our members to start the follow up and see that they abide by the rules concerning the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET).” Dansuleka said.

Oando downstream explains new structure

ANDO Plc has said the ownership structure of the new Oando downstream businesses will be 49 per cent for Oando, 49 per cent for HV Investments and two per cent for Nigerian Helios affiliate. The Head, Corporate Communications, Oando Plc, Ainoije ‘Alex’ Irune said in a statement that it has become imperative to clarify the ownership structure of the strategic partnership between Oando, Vitol and Helios following varied reports on the ownership structure. He said: “Oando, an integrated oil and gas company headquartered in Nigeria, has entered into an agreement with

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

HV Investments II B.V., (HVI), a joint venture owned by a fund advised by Helios Investment Partners (Helios) and The Vitol Group (Vitol), for a cash investment of US$276.8 million in Oando’s downstream business. “The post-investment 100 per cent ownership structure is reflected in the voting rights below: Oando Plc will hold 49 per cent, HV Investments will hold 49 per cent, and a Nigerian Helios Affiliate will hold two per cent. “This unique partnership will allow for accelerated expansion and increased investment for Oando Downstream within the sector, whilst the

organisation’s management structure will remain unchanged, and directors instituted to the Board to represent Vitol and Helios. “Yomi Awobokun will continue as Chief Executive Officer, Oando Downstream, and Oando Plc Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu, will maintain his position as Chairman of the Board. “This transaction is testament to Oando’s indigenous commitment to building the downstream sector. Furthermore, this tri-partied alliance is poised to bring investment to the sector and further expand Oando Downstream’s operations whilst assuring business continuity.”

TVC to distribute 100,000 Consat satellite decoders

V Continental (TVC) has purchased 100,000 CONSAT Satellite decoders with the intension of distributing them nationwide. In the wake of Nigeria being one of 52 African countries that missed the International Telecommunication Unions mandated deadline of June 17th, 2015 to transition from analogue to digital, TV Continental, owners of TVC News and TVC Entertainment has decided to begin the process by empowering 100,000 Nigerian households in order to ensure they are not left without television at the time of switch off. As a consequence of digital migration, it is clear that the number of households that require decoders will grow considerably. Deputy CEO of TVC, Mr Lemi Olalemi, said, “While 100,000 might seem small

when compared to the nationwide need, every little bit that can be done at this stage matters. The actions of TVC in making this bold step brings to the forefront the critical need to keep consumers aware of the implications of digital migration and make them aware that they have a choice in their selection of a pay-tv provider”. He further said; “TVC is committed to transitioning Nigerians to digital TV with the distribution of CONSAT decoders.” CEO of CONSAT, Mayo Okunola, said; “we are excited about the opportunity to work with TVC to distribute our set top boxes throughout Nigeria. It forms part of our strategy to contribute to Nigeria’s digital migration process by the provision of affordable digital television for everyone”. Okunola

continued by saying, “it is important to note that the overall benefits of digital migration is equal access to information and entertainment which is key to the development of the average Nigerian household”. Launching on July 8th, all that is required is a simple online registration, while stocks last, participants will be given a unique registration number which they can use to pick up their decoder from designated pick up points. It is that simple to transition to the digital TV. Some of the channels that will be available to CONSAT subscribers include TVC news, Sky News, Fox Sports 1 &2, Fashion One, Colors and Fix and Foxi. The CONSAT channels were selected to ensure that subscribers get an exciting range of channels that cater for the whole family.

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Stakeholders in the global energy industry believe that natural gas is the fuel of the future. Unlike other fossil fuels, gas is environment-friendly and affordable. Nigeria is blessed with huge deposits of natural gas estimated at over 187 trillion cubic feet, yet it lacks adequate supply to fuel its thermal power plants. Gas is exported but the Federal Government has introduced the gas revolution policy to boost domestic supply. Seven Energy is leading other indigenous firms with over $1 billion investment in the gas sector, writes EMEKA UGWUANYI.

Towards adequate gas supply

HE pace of economic development in Nigeria continues to be constrained by lack of investment in the country’s power infrastructure. This is partly responsible for the unreliable electricity supply situation. Nigeria has power generating stations that have combined installed capacity of about 24,000 megawatts (Mw) but struggles to attain 4,000Mw output. The reason for this, according to generation companies (Gencos), is a shortfall in gas supply. To boost gas supply to power plants, industrial and commercial concerns, the Federal Government introduced the Gas Revolution programme aimed at encouraging oil firms, especially indigenous players, to step up gas supply for domestic use. The domestic supply drive has been boosted by the acquisition of Shell’s divested oil blocks by indigenous consortia and marginal fields’ owners. When the price of crude oil fell by over 50 per cent from an average of $100 per barrel mid-last year to less than $50 per barrel in the first quarter of of this year, the need to focus more attention on gas production became imperative. Some indigenous companies, such as Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc (NDEP) and Frontier Oil Limited, developed or resuscitated their assets and are making progress in gas production. However, what stands Seven Energy out is that while other companies produced associated gas from already developed assets divested by the multinational firms, the company financed and produced non-associated gas assets. Associated gas is gas found in the process of finding crude oil. It mixes with crude oil and is separated during the processing of crude oil. In the past, such gas is flared because there was no infrastructure to process, store and utilise it. But due to the global fight against environmental pollution, oil firms are compelled to find ways to utilise it but in non-associated gas, the asset or field’s reserve is wholly gas or sometimes with little oil as is the case of Frontier’s oil field. Besides, Seven Energy has interests in some of these oil assets owned by local firms. For instance, it has indirect interests in oil mining leases (OMLs) 4, 38 and 41 through a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which holds 55 per cent interests in the oil blocks. It is also a major financier and technical partner to Frontier Oil Limited, with regard to the Uquo Marginal Field in the OML 13 area. The field was awarded as an oil field, but it eventually turned out to be

a gas field. It produces 200 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d). Seven Energy has championed the exploration and production of natural gas, and more critically, its commercialisation through the provision of processing and distribution infrastructure. It has invested over $1 billion in gas production in the Southeast region of the Niger Delta in the last five years. The infrastructure provision enabled end-users to access gas in the eastern axis. It also helped to meet the growing energy needs of the industrial sector and also provide stability in the emerging electricity market. Its Chief Executive Officer , Phillip Ihenacho, told The Nation that delivering a cost-effective and reliable gas supply was critical to sustainable power supply to the national grid in order to meet the government’s reform objectives and facilitate industrial development. He said he was glad his company is contributing to the actualisation of these objectives. “I am delighted that our ability to deliver an indigenous gas solution from end to end is now being recognised by a broad range of industrial and power sector customers,” he said. He said last year, former President Goodluck Jonathan commissioned the Uquo Gas Processing facility owned by the firm. The facility has begun gas supply to the 190 Mw Ibom Power Plant in Akwa Ibom State. “Today, by deploying a combination of fixed-price gas sales and take-or-pay contracts, the facility supplies gas to five industrial customers, which includes three Independent Power Plants (IPPs) in Southsouth/Southeast Nigeria as well as industrial off-takers (such as ) Ibom Power since the start of 2014, Unicem late last year, Calabar NIPP, Alaoji Power and Notore Chemicals in early 2015. “By this feat, Seven Energy is supplying power stations and industrial customers gas that accounts for 1,700 Mw of electricity, about one third of Nigeria’s total power output. This accomplishment has been recognised across Africa as the company recently clinched indigenous firm of the year award in the gas category conferred by the Petroleum Africa magazine,” he said. He after leading the supply of gas to the domestic power market, its foray to industrial sector is quite instructive. He said the case of Notore Chemicals demonstrates its commitment to the development of the industrial sector. The commercial delivery of

•The Utorogu gas plant

gas to Notore, a leading fertiliser and agro-allied company in Onne, Rivers State is being executed through Accugas, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Seven Energy. Gas is being supplied at a rate of 25 mmcf/d as part of the feedstock to the fertiliser plant. By this supply arrangement, Seven Energy has enabled the fertiliser plant to improve its operational efficiency and enhance the plant’s output. Natural gas is the core input into the production of fertiliser. “Through the supply of our processed gas, we are providing a new source of feedstock to meet the company’s increasing requirements, whilst directly enabling the production of fertiliser that Nigeria’s agriculture sector desperately needs to grow,” Ihenacho said. The Managing Director, Accugas, Stephen Tierney, said it is a manifestation of the firm’s commitment to the industrial development of the nation that it was supplying gas to the fertiliser firm. He said: “This milestone represents another significant step for Accugas in our effort to increase domestic supply and utilisation of gas for the good of the Nigerian people and its economy. By providing a clean, dependable, quality source of gas supply to the Notore plant, and doing so via an integrated end-to-end solution, we are demonstrating our clear commitment and execution performance toward enhancing domestic gas consumption for broader industrialisation.” Last year, Seven Energy completed the acquisition and integration of the East Horizon Gas Com-

pany into its core group and also reached an agreement with Niger Delta Power Holding Company to construct, and take ownership of a further section of pipeline between Oron and Creek Town, thus expanding its geographic reach over this industrialised area of Nigeria. In addition, Seven Energy reached agreement with Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) to transport gas from Ikot Abasi through its pipelines to customers in the Port Harcourt region. By this, the company has the capacity to transport gas to customers covering from Port Harcourt to Calabar. Last year too, Seven Energy completed two wells, Uquo 7 and 8, which are producing gas at a combined rate of about 85 mmscf/d with estimated potential of some 140 mmscf/d. This year, the company drilled an exploration well, Uquo NE-1, which encountered gas and oil reservoirs, achieving results ahead of expectations. With limited competition, Seven Energy’s quest for expanding its gas processing and transportation infrastructure positions them to reach a larger distribution area and demand for their own and third party gas. Having demonstrated ability to deliver gas to high specifications with consistent reliability, the company is attracting new customers. Beyond its forays in gas, the company, through its subsidiary company Universal Energy Resources Limited, recently announced the commencement of crude oil production from the Stubb Creek Field, in Akwa Ibom State, following approval to embark on delivery of oil through ExxonMobil’s

‘Associated gas is gas found in the process of finding crude oil. It mixes with crude oil and is separated during the processing of crude oil. In the past, such gas is flared because there was no infrastructure to process, store and utilise it’

Qua Iboe Terminal. Its interest in the Stubb Creek field is held through a 62.5 per cent interest in the operator, Universal Energy Resources Limited. Stubb Creek’s development was conceived and led by the Seven Energy’s team, resulting in production start-up in February this year at an initial gross rate of 2,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) with plans to increase the processing capacity to 8,000 bpd. The company also constructed a 23-km oil pipeline from the field to the Qua Iboe Terminal to enable evacuation and export of the crude produced. The Stubb Creek Field lies in OML 14 located in Akwa Ibom State. It was classified as a marginal field in 2002, and subsequently transferred to Universal Energy, a subsidiary of Seven Energy, in 2004. The field has been developed in a joint venture with Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration & Production Company (Nigeria) Limited. “Production at Stubb Creek is also important because it marks the attainment of first oil at one of the marginal fields allocated to indigenous companies. This realises the original intention of the marginal field round to enable domestic companies to bring smaller, unutilised fields on stream, enhancing domestic ownership, national production, and also revenue,” Iheanacho said. To secure its operations and activities in the Niger Delta, it engaged specialist security consultants to examine and manage transport routes and any other identified hazards to mitigate potential risks and security issues. It also engaged host community representatives and affected persons along the right of way (RoW) of the Uquo to Oron gas pipeline to ensure compliance with community expectations and international best practices. The firm has interest in OPL 905 in Anambra Basin with gas processing facility and pipeline network of 260 km, which has distribution capacity of 600 mmscf/d.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

ENERGY

‘Indigenous refining solution to fuel scarcity’

O find lasting solution to the lingering fuel scarcity, the Federal Government has to ensure the refineries work at full capacity and new ones built to support them. The former Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the immediate past Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Dr. Oluwole Oluleye, told The Nation that ensuring the refineries work was key to self-sufficiency in petroleum products supply. He said the way out of the protracted fuel scarcity is ensuring minimal importation and making the refineries work. “One thing is that the Nigerian economy no matter what anyone says has been expanding. The refineries are at best with the current capacity that is on ground. I think it is approximately 18 million litres per day. ‘’During my time, it was 30 million litres per day that was required, which meant that about 12 million litres was imported. But it was more than that because the refineries were not working at full capacity. So what we had then was probably about 12 million litres and we were bringing in about 18 million litres. The key thing is to get the refineries working, get additional ones in, so that whatever we require within the economy is produced within the refineries in the country. “There must be minimal importation. It is only the deficit that can actually be imported. So, the refineries have to be given the latitude and capacity to function very well. From

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

what I read, I think with Mr. President’s body language even though he has not tinkered with anything, you will understand that the refineries will start working from this month. By the time, he brings out his policies I think we might just be at full production and whatever will be imported will be very minimal. I’m optimistic about that.” On how to reduce fuel subsidy, considering that during his tenure at the PPPRA, subsidy payment was about N200 billion until 2010, when it shot up to N280 billion, it has since gone up to about N2 trillion yearly. He said: “I wouldn’t speculate on what has happened, I can only speak for the period that I served. During the period that I served, marketers must give us notice of readiness; they must let us know when the vessels would come in and I would station staff at various jetties, depots and as these products come in, my staff are in and I also make sure that DPR and the auditors (Ithink Akintola Williams then) were around. They saw the product and while the products were coming in, they take the figures and send to the headquarters in real time. Having the aforementioned monitors present, quality and accuracy are ensured. We all worked in unison to ensure that things worked out well and we were able to keep subsidy figures down as much as possible. I understand some people don’t bring in products but get paid, I don’t

know how they get around that but that never happened during my time.” Oluleye frowned at the frequent changes of chief executives at the PPPRA after he left office in 2009. He was the Executive Secretary of PPPRA between 2003 and 2009 but between the time he left and end of 2013, the agency has had four chiefs. He said: “So far, I think I have been the longest serving. I don’t know what I did right or wrong but there has been greater turnover of Executive Secretaries in the agency. I may be wrong, but the Act establishing the agency says it reports to no one other than the President because of the sensitivity of petroleum products prices and I can only speak for my period. “While I was working there, I had the full backing of the Presidency and we just tried to do what was right. Mr. President never interfered, he just felt that we knew what we were doing as he kept a lead on the amount of subsidy that was to be given out, and that was why you saw the PPPRA coming out incessantly to adjust prices trying to make the template very plain and insisting that those who cannot stay in the industry should exit. “He was not pampering anybody to stay to import. It was free entry and free exit during the period. So he gave us that latitude but I don’t know what happened when I left but with the high turnover in executive secretaries, there must be either some differences in policy issues or directions. There was just some instability.”

•From left: Chairman, Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Ledum Mitee; and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr. Joseph T. Dawha, during a visit to the NNPC Towers Abuja by a delegation of NEITI and Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Ughelli power plant eyes 2,200Mw

RANSCORP Ughelli Power Limited, the core investors in Ughelli Power, says it plans to increase the generating capacity of the plant from 972 megawatts (Mw) to 2,200Mw in the next three years. Speaking during the visist of the post-privatisation monitoring team of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to the plant, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, an engineer said on takeover of the plant on November 1, 2013, the core investor inherited only four operational turbines generating only 160MW of power. Fadeyibi, who was represented by the Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Olukunle Fagbayi, noted that by last month, the core investor had rehabilitated and made 13 out of the 18 units fully operational and generating about 635MW of available capacity.

He said in the company’s generation forecast, by December, this year, the generation capacity would be raised to about 850Mw and in December 2017 to about 1,650Mw and 2,200Mw in 2018. He however lamented that due to the quality and quantity of gas available to the plant, only about 350Mw could be made available to the grid. He noted that another major challenge facing the company was the wheeling capacity of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). He urged the Federal Government on investment in the transmission segment of the value chain of the power infrastructure to strengthen the wheeling capacity of TCN. He said since takeover in November 2013, the company had engaged an additional 45 staff,

assuring that Transcorp was going to surpass all the key performance indicators (KPIs) covenanted in its Post Acquisition Plan (PAP). The Chief Executive Officer also said as part of its corporate social responsibility, the company runs a model school with about 1,000 student enrolment as well as skills acquisition schemes for the host communities. The BPE is charged with monitoring the performances of privatised enterprises to ensure adherence to the tenets of the Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Performance Agreements (PAs) and full implementation of investors’ Post Acquisition Plans (PAP). The BPE Post-Privatisation Monitoring team to Ughelli Power Plc was led by the Director, Post Privatisation Monitoring Department, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe.

Grand Petroleum honours customers Grand Petroleum and Chemicals Limited, a subsidiary of Nosak Group and producers of Hi-Speed lubricants, has hosted its distributors and customers across the country at an interactive forum in Lagos. The event provided the company an opportunity to address its customers and get first-hand information from them on the areas that needed improvement on timely delivery of products, seamless procurement from the company and plans for the company’s expansion. The Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor, said the company produces 75,000 litres of lubricants daily with a storage capacity of six million litres. He said the company plans to expand its production to meet up with the demand. He also said the company would strive to satisfy its customers in terms of price, packaging and delivery methods. He said despite stiff competition from multinational oil companies, Grand Petroleum plans to build on its own strength by carving a niche market for itself. In terms of quality, he said most of its raw materials are sourced from

China and as a result, its products can compete favourably with other major lubricants in the market. The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Joseph Oboko, said the company understands the customers’ challenges, especially on adulteration of products, which many companies face. He said the company plans to rebrand its lubricant products by ensuring that the seal on the crown cover cannot be imitated. When this is done, it will be extremely difficult for adulterators to imitate the products. The Group Executive Director, Operations and projects, Mr. Osaheni Ogunbor, said the quality of its products is of high quality and helps to prolong the life span of an engine, adding that Grand Petroleum products are ISO certified. The company has various lubricant products both for petrol engines and diesel engines. One of the major distributors, Mr. Tony Nsitem, said he was satisfied with the development of the company, enjoining other distributors to work hard to get more rewards. He also enjoined them to be observant in the market and report any adulteration.

Chevron’s Adebawo bags award

HE Communications Manager of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sola Adebawo, has won the Emerging African Leaders Pinnacle Award. Speaking at the presentation in Ikeja, Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Emerging African Leaders Academy, Stephanie Afolabi said the group honoured Adebawo for his “impeccable achievements towards the development of Africa as a people and continent”. She added that the award was aimed at inspiring and training African youths and emerging African leaders in programmes that promote the values of integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit. “This is a Pan-African initiative to discover and showcase some of our shining stars on the continent. Our emphasis is on leadership because we have realised that Africa can only fulfil its potentials if we are able to build effective leaders. We have come to understand that leadership can only be developed by strengthening the connection between, and alignment of the efforts of individual leaders and the systems through which they influence organisational and social operations. “He is a mentor and inspiration to many young people. We also monitored his activities on social media and identified him as someone many young people can learn from. It was for this

reason that he was also slated to be one of the guest speakers at the award ceremony, she said. Adebawo thanked the organisers for the recognition. He harped on Chevron’s commitment to the values of integrity, trust, partnership and high performance among others. On “Impact of oil and gas on livelihood in Africa,” he gave an insight into the contributions and impact of the oil and gas industry on the African Economy. He said listed the opportunities the industry have provided Africa, urging the youth to take advantage of these opportunities to develop themselves and the continent at large. He highlighted Chevron’s social investments in Nigeria in education, health and economic development. He noted the importance of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) process in promoting sustainable development communities around its areas of operation. The GMoU, he said, was designed to create participatory development processes to address needs of the communities. According to him, the GMoU has not only cultivated transparency and accountability into the governance of projects and programmes by encouraging stakeholders to operate within designed frameworks, it has also given community leaders the platform to enhance their visibility.

'Technical development key to oil, gas growth'

LAYERS in the oil and gas sector have been urged to make technical capacity development as a panacea for their growth. Acting Principal/Chief Executive, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun in Delta State, Mr. Jacob Avuakporeta Orukele, gave the advice at an oil/gas and allied companies learning managers workshop at the institute. In his welcome address on the occasion, he said allied companies should be preparing their organisations for the challenges ahead. At the event, he sought for collaboration in human capital development, staff exchange programme, students industrial attachment and the support of stakeholders. In a lecture on, Gas development: On-shore and off-shore, A level playing field of the future in the Industry, Dr. Olimma Ufuoma Allison harped on the essentials of gas formation, noting the natural processes in the evolution of a viable oil and gas wells and reservoirs. She listed the global distribution of gas resources and disclosed that Nigeria has the largest gas reservoir in Africa and the ninth in terms of resource availability in

By Joseph Eshanokpe

the world. She underscored the enormous cost of infrastructure for gas development and the government's effort in addressing such challenges. She stressed the success of the Joint Venture between NLNG and foreign companies in exploitation of gas in Nigeria. She reiterated that the investment potential in the industry was a consequence of the rising demand for gas both locally and globally and cited the various local and international companies involved in successful gas business. She noted the imperativeness of reduction of gas flaring to meet international regulations as regard to gas flaring actually gave rise to the investment opportunities to comply to national legislative requirement and international regulatory laws. She reiterated the strategies embarked upon by the government in the nation's Gas Master Plan to attract investments in gas sector of the economy. She recounted the issues of threat to security, inherent risk and low investment in gas infrastructure as the major challenges in gas development projects in the country.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Jega’s legacy of honour •He has done well; but we must continue to work towards strengthening INEC

HE nation was virtually on tenterhooks. The March 28 presidential election had successfully held nationwide despite logistical lapses in some areas. Yet, the unprecedented number of voters who participated in the exercise believed in the integrity of the process and the sanctity of their votes. As the vote collation entered the third day and concluding stages under the exhaustive coverage of national and global media, it was obvious that the incumbent, Dr Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was heading for defeat, with President Muhammadu Buhari of the then opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) having the upper hand. All of a sudden, an unanticipated drama erupted. The PDP polling agent, Elder Godswill Orubebe, a former Minister of the Federal Republic, seized the centre stage at the venue. He snatched the microphone, threw tantrums, accused the electoral umpire of being biased in favour of the opposition and disrupted proceedings for nearly half an hour. It appeared to be a carefully planned plot to abort the process. But the man in charge of proceedings, Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not fall for the bait. He remained calm and unruffled until an apparently exhausted Orubebe dropped the microphone and regained his composure. After cautioning Orubebe against such behaviour, especially given his status in society in an exhibition of deep intellect and maturity, Jega continued with his sensitive task. Ex-President Jonathan later that day called Buhari on phone to congratulate him on his victory shortly

before Jega announced the results of the historic election. Two weeks later, Jega’s INEC conducted substantially successful state governorship and House of Assembly elections, even though the latter were marred by brazen violence and rigging, especially in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states. On Tuesday, Professor Jega voluntarily bowed out of office at the expiration of his five-year tenure. He is no doubt leaving behind a legacy of honour. He conducted himself throughout his occupation of the hot seat with dignity and integrity. Most Nigerians applauded his nomination on June 8, 2010 as Chairman of INEC by President Jonathan because of his track record as an honest, principled, committed and patriotic academic, administrator and activist. Yet, some also felt that as a member of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral reforms Committee that recommended the appointment of the INEC Chairman by the National Judicial Council (NJC) rather than the President, he ought not to have accepted the offer. But the nation is certainly the better for his acceptance to serve. Jega has set a standard, which future occupants of the office will be under pressure to maintain, if not exceed. Despite Jega’s successes, there is still a long way to go towards achieving the credible and reliable electoral system that can guarantee democratic sustainability in Nigeria. True, the introduction of Electronic Card Readers and Permanent Voters Cards under Jega have enhanced the integrity and transparency of the process. However, it is still necessary to implement those aspects of the Justice Uwais panel, such as

involving the judiciary in the appointment of the INEC chairman to guarantee greater autonomy as well as taking more effective steps to apprehend and punish electoral offenders. Jega’s tenure also showed that it is not enough to have a man of integrity at the head of the commission while some Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and other lower to middle cadre officers remain vulnerable to partisan and corruptive influences. Professor Jega tried with a high degree of success to overcome this problem by appointing his trusted vice-chancellor colleagues as Returning Officers. Commendable as this innovation may be, there is no alternative to having an electoral process built on systemic credibility and integrity irrespective of the personality at its helm. We congratulate Professor Jega for his patriotic and courageous service to his nation and wish him success in his future endeavours.

‘Commendable as this innovation may be, there is no alternative to having an electoral process built on systemic credibility and integrity irrespective of the personality at its helm. We congratulate Professor Jega for his patriotic and courageous service to his nation and wish him success in his future endeavours’

Fight in the House •Members must resolve that never again would such recur

HE parliament is a constitutional hotbed for controversies and disagreements. This is because, it is a platform to superimpose ideas and contest for the appropriation of the resources of the state. But it is not a boxing ring or a wrestling corner. The fights in parliament are usually between ideas, not between parliamentarians. So, the brawl at the 8th House of Representatives over leadership positions was an aberration. Coming at the beginning of their tenure, it is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good, and the members must forestall a recurrence. We understand that emotions are part of human physiology, and when the stakes are high, it occasionally runs over.

‘With the national parliament embroiled in controversy, apparently from lack of party discipline, it is important to remind the members of their promises at the election that propelled them to power. So, the ruling party members in the National Assembly must wake up to their responsibilities’

But were the issues in contention high on parliamentary stakes? The answer is an emphatic No. It had nothing to do with the security and welfare of the people. The tussle was with regards to the selection of the principal officers of the House, with the Speaker and his clique accused of trying to impose their personal agenda on their party. We condemn such a brazen attempt by the House leadership, and urge the contending parties to reach an amicable resolution. Considering that political parties are a democratic vehicle, the leadership of the House who are members of the ruling party ought to engage the party leadership, to hammer out a consensus; instead of bringing their dirty laundry before Nigerians. Indeed, we are surprised that despite the provisions of the constitution and the House rules over the selection of the House Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Majority Whip and Deputy Majority Whip; the Speaker, his deputy and their supporters are seeking to supplant their party leaders over that issue. The manifest indiscipline exhibited by members of the House of Representatives, like virus, also mutated at the Benue State House of Assembly. There, a member of the majority party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in violation of extant laws, chose to break ranks with his colleagues, by crossing over to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The members, instead of arrest-

ing the aberration through the instruments of the court, chose to take matters into their hands, as they engaged in scuffles, in the same manners as mere touts would do. In the two instances, the Houses which just resumed after their inauguration beat a quick retreat into a forced recess. While they are at their un-earned holidays, members will no doubt continue to receive salaries and allowances for services that have not been rendered. We are also worried that in the House of Representatives, there was an attempt to forcefully take away the Mace, the symbol of authority of the parliament. As shown on television, the members aggregated around the Mace, with the contending parties each pulling for its control. What is unknown is who had the interest to forcefully take the Mace out of the chambers. With the national parliament embroiled in controversy, apparently from lack of party discipline, it is important to remind the members of their promises at the election that propelled them to power. So, the ruling party members in the National Assembly must wake up to their responsibilities, unless of course, they want to end their political career at their present altars. But even if that is the case, the long-suffering Nigerians already pushed to the wall by the past governments, may now choose to push back, at grave consequences for our dear nation.

Why Calabar Port must work

IR: There is no gain saying the fact that Calabar Port is very strategic to the economic development of Nigeria. When functional, it will increase the volume of vessel traffic and cargo throughput in the port, decongest Lagos ports and reduce cost of doing business for Calabar-based businessmen who spend additional transport cost to take delivery of their consignments in Lagos and Onne ports. It is for these reasons that former President Goodluck Jonathan, on November 17, 2014, flagged off the operations of Calabar Channel Management (CCM), a joint venture company between Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and a consortium of companies led by Messrs Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited, for the dredging of the Calabar Port. Recall that previous Federal Governments had made several investments to dredge the port to ensure safe navigation, but such efforts had proved abortive with billions of naira sunk. Despite the landmark achievements by CCM in the dredging as alluded to by all the stakeholders, including the NPA, it is learnt that CCM has not been paid by the NPA since inception of the project. Not even the usual mobilization fee, required in such contracts; a situation which gives room for concern. The action of the NPA management has raised concerns by maritime watchers who wondered why the management would allocate little funds to the Calabar Channel dredging project which has massive infrastructural outlay which includes the on-going capital dredging campaign. Though there seems to be a new dawn at the NPA with the recent appointment of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as the Managing Director, who wants to change things positively, there is said to be a cabal lobbying him to toe its line in order to frustrate the operation of these ports. Maritime watchers are of the opinion that the Calabar Port project must not be allowed to go the way of previous contracts. They want President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene urgently so that all encumbrances and those directly and remotely frustrating the project are removed for the full realization of the Calabar Port. They call on the president to put the issue on the front burner as he reels out his economic blue print for the country soon. • Princewill Umoh Calabar.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Apapa is very strategic to the economy of Nigeria, being a major gateway to the country’s sea ports. The major share of government’s revenue comes from both the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. More than 75 per cent of the goods imported into the country come through the ports in Lagos and the major ports in the country are based in Apapa. Apapa is undoubtedly vital to the prosperity of Nigeria. Unfortunately, in recent time, motorists, commuters as well as business men moving towards the axis have been subjected to untold hardship occasioned by perennial traffic gridlock that has become a recurring decimal along the everbusy Apapa-Oshodi expressway. The traffic which usually stretches several kilometers is often mostly chaotic at Mile 2 and Julius Berger yard with people spending close to four hours on a journey that should not be more than thirty minutes. The issues involved along the axis are multi-faceted. One, the Apapa-Oshodi road, a federal gov-

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Federal Govt, Lagos and Apapa ernment road, is in bad shape and in need of urgent rehabilitation. Second, the nuisance of trailer drivers on the road is a major concern. Not only that they drive recklessly, but they equally park their trailers indiscriminately along the road. The indiscriminate packing of trailers on either side of the road is a serious factor in the painful traffic gridlock that commuters regularly suffer on the road. Third, incessant cases of abandoned vehicles equally constitute a major hindrance to motorists on the highway. Also, the unprecedented upsurge of petrol tankers on the road is closely tied to the continuous importation of locally consumed fuel

New low from Osun judiciary

IR: The petition by a serving High Court Judge in Osun State, Justice Oloyede Folahanmi, is a new low for the judiciary in Nigeria. Justice Folahanmi wrote a petition to the Osun State House of Assembly, asking the legislature to impeach Governor Rauf Aregbesola on alleged mismanagement of the state’s economy, which led to the delay in the payment of salaries of workers in the state. It is unheard of that a sitting judge will make such bad call capable of putting the judiciary into disrepute. There is no precedent in the state or Nigeria and indeed in any part of the world. Because a judge is expected to be impartial and sober at all times, they do not have the luxury of canvassing a political opinion. The judge must wait for a case that is related to the matter and in passing judgement; he or she can then lace her judgement with a dose of her opinion. We

know such irrepressible judges like Kayode Esho and Chukwudifu Oputa received wide acclaims in their lifetimes for judicial activism, but they never took to street activism. By publicly making a political statement as a sitting judge, she no doubt has brought the judiciary into shame and is therefore not qualified to remain as a judge. The reasonable thing is to relieve her of judicial duties before she could do any irreversible damage. She has demonstrated incapacity for sobriety and need to be dispassionate. Secondly, her petition is inciting and can lead to anarchy. I am also calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look into this embarrassing matter that has brought the judiciary into disrepute. • Grace Adeyemi, Surulere, Lagos

in the country. There are more than 50 depots in Lagos, which means there are between 50 and 400 trucks that load in one day. Consequently, a minimum of 3,000 trucks travel to Lagos on daily basis to lift petroleum products. Over 80 per cent of fuel supplies in the country are from Lagos. Hence, tanker drivers come from all over the country to source the products. The fallout of the current situation on the country’s economy is indeed rather enormous. First, the difficulty in accessing the ports makes it very hard for agents to process their papers for the clear-

ance of goods. The delay in the clearance of goods from the ports, invariably, makes the nation’s ports one of the most expensive in the world. It takes about two to five days for empty containers to be returned back to the port and yet the importers and their agents are made to pay demurrage and levies for a fault that is not theirs. The situation might get worse unless government muster the will to effectively intervene. The traffic crisis has equally resulted to loss of business and enormous manhours. Indeed, most business inter-

ests in the Apapa axis have either folded up or relocated while the value of properties along the axis has seriously diminished. Evidently, the Apapa- Oshodi chaos is a reflection of the systemic failure in the country. There is a need to creatively look into the petroleum distributive system and bring out more acceptable system of distribution. Equally vital is the need to redevelop the ApapaOshodi Road into a modern and world class highway. The Lagos State Government is showing the way forward in this respect with its on-going effort to transform the Badagry Expressway into a world class six lanes highway with BRT and light rail facilities. The Federal Government needs to closely work with the Lagos State government to fully restore the lost glory of Apapa. • Tayo Ogunbiyi Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

Ganduje and environmental sanitation

IR: Immediately Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State was sworn in, his first official assignment was to flag-off his environmental sanitation programme under the tag ‘Keep Kano Clean’. The programme ran through the whole of June. During the operation, the governor promised to make Kano clean always to the delight of the Kano citizens and also to employ more environmental health workers, precisely women for more thorough sanitary inspection of residential premises. I will encourage the governor to go further as environmental health (the way many politicians, administrators and even many health workers look at it), is beyond just getting rid of waste and refuse off the environment; it is the major driving force of public health practice globally. Environmental health is basis of public health practice that is concerned with the technologies of promoting health, preventing disease,

and prolonging life through wellorganized integrated environmental interventions based on community participation, institutional efforts/support, and integrated research. It has components, like Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), epidemiological investigation and control, water resources management and sanitation, environmental health control of housing and sanitation, food hygiene and safety, environmental health impact assessment, among others. Considering the importance of Kano as a centre of commerce and politics, there is a need for the governor to look at all the components areas with vigour and determination. The government should domesticate some national policy guidelines like national policy on injection safety and healthcare waste management; policy guidelines on excreta and sewage management; policy guidelines on pest and vector control; policy guidelines on market and abattoir sanitation;

policy guidelines on school sanitation; policy guidelines on sanitary inspection of premises; policy guidelines on solid waste management; and policy guidelines on environmental sanitation. The fulcrum of these should be the amendment of Public Health Edict No 4, of 1985 to be in tune with the current trends as its affect Kano State for the smooth implementation of these activities. I dare say if the governor gives maximum attention to environmental health accordingly, which is the norm in the countries that value their health, and its practitioners reciprocate the gesture, 70% of disease burden in the state will be controlled and prevented, for our health problems are environmentally based. I wish the new governor the best as he leads Kano to greater height. • Mohammed Sani Garba , New Hospital Road, GyadiGyadi, Kano.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

COMMENTS

Terrorism: A historical perspective – 4

N order to put these movements in perspective, it will be clearer if one looks at religious movements in the Sudan broadly defined as a whole. In the modern history of the Western and Eastern Sudan stretching from the Senegal valley across to the upper valleys of the Nile, Islamic fundamentalism has played a very important role. The most well known of Islamic revolutions in the Western Sudan is that of Usman Dan Fodio, whose son Muhammad Bello and brother Abdullahi founded the Sokoto caliphate. Usman Dan Fodio was an itinerant preacher against syncretism, corruption and misrule among apparently Muslim rulers in Hausaland. Islam had been well planted in Hausaland since about the 8th century A.D particularly in Kano and Katsina with many clerics from North Africa visiting Kano and Katsina to lecture at mosques there. But over time, the Muslim rulers of these areas became more materialistic, corrupt and dictatorial in the conduct of state affairs. Taxes were arbitrarily levied on and collected from the peasants and the Nomads. It was these grievances that Usman Dan Fodio exploited to lead a rebellion against the Habe rulers between 1804 and 1808. This movement succeeded beyond his wildest dreams and drove away from their thrones Hausa, Nupe rulers and the Yoruba ruler of Ilorin. There is no doubt that Usman Dan Fodio was a pious man but one needs more than piety to found an empire. The political and military prowess of his son Muhammad Bello and Abdullahi his brother facilitated the emergence of the Sokoto caliphate. By the time the British overthrew the caliphate; almost all

‘The closest thing we have to Boko Haram therefore was the Maitasine uprising in Kano in 1980 and its blind fury and murderous campaign against the society generally did not conform to any reformist paradigm of Jihad. It did not appear to have had a programme of creating a state or replacing the then political status quo. It was also secretive and syncretist in nature’

HORTLY after former President Goodluck Jonathan stepped into office in 2010, following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, his most pressing challenge was appointing an electoral umpire. With the nation’s experience in the hands of Prof Maurice Iwu, Nigerians were praying that Jonathan should not make a wrong choice. They wanted an electoral umpire with integrity and sagacity. Riding on the crest of public goodwill, Jonathan, at every opportunity, promised to give us a man of honour; a man who will not sell his conscience for a mess of porridge. When he finally named Prof Attahiru Jega as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman in June 2010, many agreed that he made a right choice. But will Jega do the right thing? Or will he follow the footsteps of many of his predecessors, who saw their position as an opportunity to enrich themselves? These were some of the worries of the public, who reasoned that our electoral fortunes lie in the hands of the INEC chief. For a free and fair election, the INEC chief must, like Caesar’s wife, be above board. Where the umpire is of questionable character, the electoral process is at risk. He will destroy a process, which, by virtue of his position, he is expected to protect. In the discharge of his duty, the INEC chairman must be purpose driven; he must be ready to make sacrifices and to step on

444 DAYS AFTER

STILL WAITING FOR CHIBOK GIRLS’ RESCUE

the evils of the Habe rulers had resurfaced in the caliphate and had undermined the moral fabric of the state. This point was proved by the Satiru revolt of 1905/1906 led by the blind cleric Saybu Dan Makafo who was able to mobilise people against the corrupt practices of the caliphate leadership and its English and French successors both in Sokoto and Dosso. The example of the Fulani-led revolt and the creation of the Sokoto caliphate were followed by fellow Fulanis in Massina now part of Mali and led by Sheikh Amadu Bakr Lobbo El-amin in 1810 and between that time and 1845, an ascetic type of Islam was imposed on the community and the Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence were strictly followed. A much wider movement in the Western Sudan was led by Al-hajj Umar Tall. He was a Tukolor, a group closely linked with the Fulani who also established along the upper Nile valleys, a so-called Segu-Tukolor empire in which he imposed himself on the largely Malinke ethnic groups in those areas. Al-hajj Umar is well known in West African history as the man who was responsible for spreading the Tijanniya brotherhood, a revolutionary form of Islamic tariqa that preached equality of all peoples. These three Islamic revolutions by and large purified the society and brought new regimes based on the Sharia that were more favourable to the ordinary people. Although over time their decline and eventual fall became inevitable. These movements had positive impact on the Western and Central Sudan. Even though they involved some element of violence, it was violence with a positive purpose. A much bigger and militant movement employing modern methods of warfare as well as sophisticated arms took place in what was then known as the Egyptian Sudan in 1881. This has gone down into history as the Mahdia or the Mahdist state which lasted between 1881 and 1898. The Sudan was for several decades under Turko-Egyptian control and oppression in the form of arbitrary taxation, corruption and inept rule was characteristic of the regime. It was not too difficult for a millenarian movement led by Mohammed Ahmad who proclaimed himself Al mahdi in the tradition of Islamic thought prevailing in that area. This was based on a doctrine that in difficult times, an “Imam of the age” would come and take over rulership of the state, purify the society and bring the society nearer to God. Sheikh Mohammed Ahmad declared himself this “Imam of the age” and the Messiah ‘Mahdi’ the people were waiting for. He was able to found a state between

1881 and 1898 before the combined forces of the Egyptians and the British defeated him under a Bible-waving General Charles Gordon, whose death aroused national sentiment in England. The man who later became British Prime Minister and Second World War Jide hero, Winston Osuntokun Churchill took part in the fighting against the Mahdist leadership. The Mahdia has left an indelible imprint on Sudan even up till today and the Umma, a political party led by the grandson of the Mahdi, the Oxford educated Sadek el-Mhadi has been in and out of power several times. It is quite clear that any movement claiming to be an Islamic movement should aim at purifying society and since Islam generally does not separate politics from religion, such a movement must have a plan of creating a state in which the Sharia would be the law and some kind of theocracy would be the mode of governance. The closest thing we have to Boko Haram therefore was the Maitasine uprising in Kano in 1980 and its blind fury and murderous campaign against the society generally did not conform to any reformist paradigm of Jihad. It did not appear to have had a programme of creating a state or replacing the then political status quo. It was also secretive and syncretist in nature. It mixed Islam and traditional African religion. The Maitasine revolt however was on such a scale that a division of the Nigerian army had to be deployed against it. Muhammad Marwa its leader was apparently killed in the campaign against them. This Maitasine revolt later reared up its ugly head in 1982 in Yola, Adamawa state and Bulunkutu, Borno State at the outskirts of Maiduguri. It was also on the same level of violence as the one in Kano and thousands of people perished in Yola and Maiduguri. This latter offshoot of the Maitasine was apparently led by Musa Makaniki who after the violence in Yola escaped to Gombe and from there to the Cameroons before he was caught in 2004.

The sands of time toes. It goes without saying that he must be uncompromising. Herein lies the enormous responsibility thrust upon the INEC chief and this is why many are against the appointment of such a person by the sitting president. But no matter how we all feel about the issue, it is a constitutional duty, which only the president can discharge. They prefer that the INEC chief be appointed by persons that will not contest election to ensure transparency of the process. Their fear is that where the president, who is the appointing authority stands for election, the INEC chief may be favourably disposed to him. Simply put, he may rig for the president? Such fears are not unfounded. We run a system where he who pays the piper calls the tune. We have seen how in the past electoral umpires openly showed bias for the government in power because of the belief that they owe allegiance to the administration whose head appointed them and not the country. The way Iwu conducted the 2007 general elections remain a reference point. Those were no elections. Iwu did everything to ensure that the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) returned to power all because he was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo whose body language indicated that he wanted the late President Yar’Adua to succeed him. What Iwu did not know is that he did not have to kowtow to the government of the day in the discharge of his duty. The INEC chair is constitutionally protected as long as he does his job conscientiously. Where an electoral umpire is open and transparent the people will know; where he is corrupt and inept they will also know. The people are no fools; they can see what is

happening, no matter what the INEC chair or those in power may say. The INEC job is delicate; it is also a thankless job and a grave yard of reputations. Many have gone in there and come out with their reputations rubbished. This is why those lucky to get the job must do it honourably. Jega, Iwu’s successor, has shown that one can hold that delicate job and still come out with his head held high. We cannot call Jega a saint because saints do not walk the face of the earth, but he proved that you can be an electoral umpire without bringing opprobrium unto yourself. He acquitted himself well in the two elections he conducted in 2011 and a few months ago. S they sat inside the bus, their minds would have travelled far. They would have thought of the things they would do once they get home. After a tedious first semester, they needed time to cool off and prepare for the second semester. Their first semester examination would have occupied their minds and their discussions during the trip. In their subconscious minds, they would have reflected on how they answered some questions and attempted to award themselves marks. That is the way of students. After examinations, they sit back and assess their performance and play the examiner by grading themselves. You could imagine the fun the students were having as the 18-seater bus left the garage for Lagos. It is a journey usually done under one hour, if the traffic permits. But on this day, the trip ended even before it began. Inside the bus were nine students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. There were three other passengers with them, including the driver. The journey had started well until they got to Ilishan. Since the bus was Lagos bound, the driver never expected that any vehicle

His conduct of the last general elections is especially commendable. It was his calmness in the face of extreme provocation on March 31 that saved a smooth electoral process from being truncated by forces of darkness led by a so-called Elder Godsday Orubebe. Jega navigated the landmines planted by Orubebe and his comrade-in-arm Col Bello Fadile and ensured the successful conclusion of the March 28 presidential election. If those landmines had exploded, we would have had another June 12 on our hands and another long, dark night. Thank God for Jega and his superb handling of the situation. No good thing lasts forever. Last Tuesday, Jega bowed out after a

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

successful five-year tenure. He has left a worthy legacy, which his successor must not only build on, but also strive to surpass.

Black Friday going towards the Benin end of the expressway would share the same lane with him. So, before he knew what was happening a container-laden truck driving against traffic had run into him. The unlatched container fell on the bus, killing eight of the nine students and the remaining passengers. It was a monumental tragedy in which some promising young Nigerians were killed in their prime. How can we console the bereaved families? What do we say to the parents of these students? It is sad to have lost these students in such a way. My heart goes out to their parents. May the late students - Eunice Odubanjo Oluwadamilola (200-Level Political Science), Mariam Omolade

Ogunnoiki (100-Level Education), Yetunde Aribiola Elizabeth (100-Level Biochemistry), Suliat Adams Oluwatobi (100-Level Accounting), Funmilayo Pampam Latifat (100-Level Chemical Science), Christiana Asade Ibukun (200-Level Law), Ayoola Sheriff Gbolahan (100-Level Agricultural Engineering) and Olatunji Dairo Michael (400-Level Physics) rest in the bosom of the Lord. We wish the accident’s lone survivor, Akinbo Laughter Ibukunoluwa (300-Level Chemical Science), speedy recovery. May this ginger the government to move against these killer truck drivers. They have done enough havoc on our roads.

‘Jega’s calmness in the face of extreme provocation saved a smooth electoral process from being truncated by forces of darkness...he navigated the landmines planted by Orubebe and Fadile to conclude the March 28 presidential election’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

COMMENTS “

HAT Buhari, Tinubu and their colleagues are being called upon to do is not just an inauguration of a party to win an election. What these times call for are men with eyes on history; men who would emulate the federalists Hamilton and Adams, the Republicans Jefferson and Madison of USA of the 1790s, the British enlightened elite that established parties as modernizing agents after the Britain reforms of 1832, their French counterparts who did the same after French revolution of 1789 and the Japanese leaders after the Meiji Restoration of 1867”. The above was an unsolicited advice to APC, in a piece titled ‘What Nigerians expect of Buhari and Tinubu’ dated January 31, 2013 following its registration. It stemmed from a critical analysis of our 50 years in the wilderness starting with the destruction of the budding modernizing political parties that heralded in our independence in 1960 by the ill-informed military, the13 years experiment under Babangida and Abacha’s ‘army of anything is possible’ that arrogantly and fraudulently claimed it could decree political parties, and 16 years of PDP, described by John Campbell as ‘an elite cartel with no ideological or programmatic basis, but simply as essentially a club of elites for sharing of oil rents and political spoils’ . Besides state formation which gave the western world almost 400 year’s head start, modernizing political parties served as major instruments for their socio economic development and industrial revolution. We were also on course in the pre- and post independence years when with the instrumentality of NPC, as modernization agents, Ahmadu Bello ‘with an annual budget of N44m which is less than what a local government collects today, maintained law and order, built Ahmadu Bello Uni-

‘If only for the above baleful legacies of PDP leaders, APC oligarchy should entertain no fear of backlash from Nigerians if it wields the big stick. It will only hasten Saraki’s exit who will be compelled to rejoin the ‘like minds senators’ while APC is allowed to fulfil its historic role’

Why APC must wield the big stick versity, Ahmadu Bello Stadium and the NNDC conglomerate in addition to well paved roads’. This contrasts with today’s North where according Nuhu Ribadu, the erstwhile anti-corruption Czar, ‘the 19 northern state governors and the 414 local governments have nothing to show for the N8.3 trillion that accrued to them between 1999 and 2010’. And similarly, Awo through the instrumentality of AG as a modernizing agent was able to revolutionalise agriculture through farm settlement scheme, prosecuted free education, free health for children and built industrial estates and the first television in Africa. If APC is to fulfil its historic role of turning what it has painstakingly put together after personal sacrifices into a modernizing agent despite the June 9 Saraki coup described by professors Itse Sagay, the nation’s conscience as ‘a victory for impunity, a victory for fraud and a victory for political desperation and indiscipline’ and Anwalu Yadudu, former Dean of a Faculty of Law, BUK, as ‘lies in the face of democratic ideals’ since Saraki’s emergence stemmed from ‘a flawed election by a fraction of yet to be constituted senate’, it must today wield the big stick. Buhari and APC must be ready to work with those senators who are ready to be part of history. There have been too many marriages of convenience and betrayals .The First Republic was wrecked by haggling sharing of positions by NPC and NCNC coalition partners. NPN and NPP suffered the same fate. June 12 was traded off by self-serving political leaders. New PDP pulled down PDP over sharing of confiscated national patrimony. Now even before a template for change is set, Saraki who capital-

S state governors desperately look for ways to boost their internally generated revenue base, here’s a radical idea for them: Use whatever influence you have at the federal level to push for the removal of the Land Use Act from the constitution, then proactively support those working on getting that piece of legislation reformed, and allow their recommendations to be effectively implemented in your respective states. With the current system, it is estimated that less than five per cent of housing units have formal title registration. Reforming the land management system will open up the possibility of bringing the remaining 95 per cent of existing housing into the formal title registration loop. There is a shortage of affordable housing in Nigeria. Some estimates say we need 14 to 17 million more units than what we currently have. Others say the figure is closer to 40 million. Either way, reforming the land management system will release the choke-hold on private sector urban housing developers who have the ingenuity and the energy to tackle the multimillion housing deficit, which the states’ housing corporations, the states’ ministries of housing and their federal counterparts, are trying valiantly to satiate. Think of what the states would gain directly in increased transaction volume through stamp duties, fees, PAYE, and indirectly through reduced unemployment, increased civic satisfaction and so on. This can be achieved if the bureaucracy is trimmed down, the response times are faster, the process is transparent and the per unit processing cost is reduced. Prior to the Land Use Decree of 1978, a dichotomous system prevailed in country. In Northern Nigeria, the land was vested to the governor who then apportioned or utilised it as he deemed fit. One could say it was a form of controlled socialism, in comparison to the free market system adopted in the South. In Southern Nigeria, other than areas selected for public purposes, land was owned by individuals or clans and passed along from one generation to the next. Permission however had to be sought from the governor before land rights could be assigned to aliens. In the absence of a formal titling and registration mechanism, the system in the South threw up endemic problems of multiple sales of the same parcel of land to various buyers. The South also experienced land speculation, problems with acquiring land for public purposes, exorbitant pricing, and the social malaise resulting from the accumulation of land by those who had unjustly dispossessed others of their property. The Land Use Decree was created ostensibly to solve these problems and to install one codified land administration system across the country. As can be imagined, the decree was not popular in the South. People accustomed to owning land were effectively turned to tenants via the wholesale transfer of land ownership rights to the governor, and compensation was only paid for developed

ized on the absence of 51 of his elected APC colleagues, traded off the deputy senate seat which by convention belongs to the majority party and got adopted as Senate President by 49 PDP and eight APC ‘like minds senators’. He has gone ahead to consolidate his hold on power by relying on the opposition to deny his party the right to choose its majority leader in a house controlled by his party by 60 to 49. Saraki’s arrogance and disdain for APC leaders portend danger to the health of APC. It will amount to a betrayal of millions of Nigerians for whom ‘hope rises eternal’ if APC oligarchy fails to wield the big stick and allows history to repeat itself. Nigerians find Saraki’s action repulsive. But even more hideous was Ekweremadu’s sordid revelation about those behind the surreptitious PDP takeover of the two houses during his celebration of his pyrrhic victory two weeks back. Without restraint, he had disclosed to his enthusiastic supporters in the East how exPresident Jonathan was briefed about the immoral act and how his blessing was secured from far away New York. He told us Tony Anenih was the consultant and adviser to his group. The ‘wheeling and dealing’, he revealed took place inside David Mark’s sitting room (he probably meant his luxury hotel suite paid for by the taxpayers since Mark had no official house having earlier allegedly bought off the senate presidential mansion through PDP monetization policy.) Ekweremadu also spoke of contributions of other PDP leading light like Uche Secondus, the PDP acting National Chairman, who vigorously campaigned against the use of ‘card readers’ during the last election. Others whose name he did not mention like

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti and Atiku Abubakar, we all saw on national television as they moved around mobilizing nPDP or read their congratulatory messages to Saraki even after the party leadership had declared his action treacherous. By contrast, Nigerians who massively voted for Buhari and APC can make a clear distinction between APC leaders, Ekweremadu’s PDP sponsors who also doubled as Saraki’s trading partners. In spite of our celebrated collective amnesia, frustrated Nigerians could not have forgotten so soon that they only recently voted out Jonathan for presiding over monumental corruption, and five years of reign of impunity; that David Mark along with Ekweremadu for eight years jointly presided over the most expensive legislature in the world where half a million naira was cornered by each senator as dressing allowance in a nation where the minimum wage of N18,000, has been in arrears in payment for about eight months in at least 20 of the 36 states; what of the role of Anenih ‘the fixer’, in the suppressed ‘Heineken Lokpobiri Senate transport probe report which alleged that from 1999 to 2009, some N645 billion was spent on 4,752 kilometres of road; short-changing the government to the tune of N49 million on each kilometre of road purportedly constructed. It must still be fresh in their memories that Saraki himself was chased out of PDP that accused him of contributing to the collapse of the banking sector through alleged mishandling of depositors monies in his father’s defunct ‘Societe Generale’ and the defunct Intercontinental Bank where multi-billion naira loan was allegedly mysteriously written off; that Atiku Abubakar has never been loyal to anyone including ex-President Obasanjo who was alleged to have prostrated to stop him from derailing his second term; that Mimiko who joined PDP ‘governors without character’ who proclaimed 16 greater than 19, like Atiku cannot be loyal to anyone but himself and of course Nigerians know Fayose is the sole administrator of Ekiti who stood by while his thugs beat up a judge presiding over his case, deployed the services of the same thugs to chase out 19 of the state legislators out of town while he ran the state as sole administrator. And if only for the above baleful legacies of PDP leaders, APC oligarchy should entertain no fear of backlash from Nigerians if it wields the big stick. It will only hasten Saraki’s exit who will be compelled to rejoin the ‘like minds senators’ while APC is allowed to fulfil its historic role. For embattled APC oligarchy and irrepressible Saraki, it will be a win-win situation.

Imperatives of reforming the Land Use Act By Olubunmi Aboderin land or agricultural land. The decree also empowered governors to issue Certificates of Occupancy which would allow the possessor to use a specific piece of land for a pre-defined period of time. And more importantly, the consent of the governor had to be given before any transfer or transaction could be done with the land, (including mortgages or assignments). This specific provision is one of the protagonists causing the current bottleneck in the mass housing industry. The potential quantum of paperwork that this must necessarily involve for a country with over 170 million citizens is mind-boggling. To expect all that paperwork to pass efficiently through the office of 36 people is unrealistic. It is a stumbling block to the proliferation of home ownership and it’s time to make a concerted effort to take the breaks off. In his essay, The Land Use Act: 11 Years After, Dr A. Nnamani, who was the Attorney-General of the Federation in 1978 said, “It seems to me that it is not healthy for the economy that the Governor’s Office should be flooded with these applications for consent.” We should not sacrifice efficiency on the altar of control.ý The Land Use Decree was inserted into the 1979 and 1999 constitutions, to make it difficult for it to be revised or repealed. In 2009, President Umaru Yar’Adua established the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reform and gave it the task of finding a better way for the country to handle the administration and recording of land ownership, the issuance of titles and the process for registration, as well as other landrelated matters. Professor Akin Mabogunje, the 2009-2011 Chairman of the Committee, described the Land Use Act as “a clog in the wheel of development”. The Mabogunje Report states that “Although the decree has made it easy for governments to acquire land for public purposes, drastically minimised the burden of land compensation and considerably reduced court litigations over land, it has, since its inception…created a new genre of serious problems for land management in the country.” The report goes on to list at least nine of these problems and in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan directed the committee to look into the practicalities of reforming the Land Use Act. According to the Managing Director of Crusader Sterling Pensions Niyi Falade, “the Nigerian housing sector is currently valued at N6.5 trillion with an annual growth estima-

tion of 10 per cent over the next few years.” Trying to benefit from the untapped potential in the real estate and construction industry without reforming the Land Use Act is like trying to drive a Ferrari with the hand brakes on. Yes, the vehicle will move but its progress will be hampered. Reforming (or, as some would say, repealing) the Land Use Act would be a catalyst for the development of affordable housing on a mass scale. However, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. There are some redeeming features of the Act. Let’s hold on to those while revising the ones that need revising. Updating the Land Use Act will certainly assist in taking us from where we are to where we want to be. It is one of several tipping points available to us as a country for moving millions of people out of poverty. Currently, close to 85 per cent of urbanites live in rented accommodation which swallows up as much as 40 per cent of their salary, if not more. The need for reasonably-priced housing is further compounded by urban migration. People, mainly young adults, are moving out from rural areas into the cities. The population in Abuja is estimated as growing by nine per cent every year. In Lagos, the estimate is three per cent each year. Where will they live? Where will they work? At a real estate forum in 2015, the CEO of Lead Capital Abimbola Olashore estimated that the production of just 75,000 homes per year would create “at least 300,000 direct jobs and 488,000 indirect jobs.” Assuming the housing deficit is 17 million units, we would need to build 850,000 units per year for the next 20 years, ceteris paribus. Overhaul the Land Use Act. Unleash the real estate sector. Let the multiplier effect go to work on the economy. •Ms. Aboderin is a member of the Institute of Directors.

‘However, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. There are some redeeming features of the Act. Let’s hold on to those while revising the ones that need revising. Updating the Land Use Act will certainly assist in taking us from where we are to where we want to be’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

COMMENTS

RESIDENT Buhari, while speaking with Nigerians resident in South Africa recently, said, “I wish I became Head of State when I was…a young man. Now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do”. Quite a number of Nigerians have responded negatively to this statement, some of them claiming that it shows that Buhari is not fit, on account of his age, to be our president. I see it differently. A man who can make an admission like that is forthright and deserves to be trusted – and also deserves whatever help each of us Nigerians can give him. I have felt, since then, much more than I felt before, that I can trust Buhari as president of my country. Being a slightly older man than he, I know what he is talking about. When you are in your seventies, if you are the kind of person that dreams great dreams, you see a million worthy things that should be done and that you should do in the interest of your people or country; but you know that though your spirit itches to go, your body is not really up to much of the task. In that sort of situation, if you are in a position of power, and if you are the foolish kind, you try to hide the truth by posing as strong and conquering and invincible – and you end up wrecking yourself and wrecking a lot of things. If you are the wise kind, you own up your limitations to your friends – and you earn empathy, understanding, loyalty and help, and you end up achieving more than you would otherwise have achieved. Napoleon Bonaparte used to say, “I try always to rise above myself”. For a ruler or leader, part of the secret of rising above oneself is to let one’s team mates and helpers love and feel honoured to use themselves – their minds, expertise, wisdom, muscles and all – to serve one’s noble purposes for one’s country. As a Nigerian who has seen, and been somewhat part of, the Nigerian political experience since the late 1950s, I therefore humbly offer the following as help to President Buhari. Principally, I counsel him to keep things simple. If the load is kept simple, even an older man than Buhari can carry it successfully. If he lets it get complicated and tortuous, it will bog down, and it will hurt him and hurt Nigeria. One serious reality of the Nigerian situation today is that Nigerian politicians have built up an enormous amount of expertise in

N June 9, Bukola Saraki and his cotravellers, including his former friends in the PDP, executed their plan to acquire the Senate presidency and the Speakership of the House of Representatives. In an apparently well choreographed move, Saraki along with some APC mutineers joined the PDP senators and elected Saraki as the Senate President and Ike Ekweremadu of the PDP as Deputy Senate President contrary to the APC’s well-publicized preference for Ahmed Lawan and George Akume. Once the Senate coup was executed, the House of Representatives followed; it elected another PDP turncoat called Yakubu Dogara as the Speaker of the House of Representatives also against the party’s preference for Femi Gbajabiamila and Tahir Monguno. In yet another big slap on the face of his party, Bukola Saraki in a letter dated June 25 to the chairman of APC relied on some arcane recently conjured Senate standing rules to justify his continued defiance of the party’s preference. He said his “hands were tied” by Senate standing rules, which prevented him from acting on APC’s preferred candidates for the senate principal offices. He then went on to pledge loyalty to President Buhari etc. This letter was yet another example of a self-serving attempt by Saraki to defy the same party that gave him a ticket to run. Again Yakubu Dogara and his supporters took cue and engineered the disruption of the sitting of the House of Representatives thereby truncating the adoption of the APC’s preferred candidates for the principal offices in the House of Representatives. The APC Constitution anticipated this level of treachery and disloyalty and made copious provisions. Article 21 (A)(i,ii,iii,vii), (B)(i&ii), D(i,f,g,h & ii) of the APC constitution comes readily to mind here: Article 21 lists the offences against the Party as including the following: i. A breach of any provision of this Constitution; ii. Anti-Party activities or any conduct, which is likely to embarrass or have adverse effect on the party or bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute; iii. Disobedience or negligence in carrying out lawful directives of the Party; vii. Flouting the rules, regulations and decisions

Buhari’s possible place in history crookedness. As people say in Kenya, “Where there is a Nigerian there is a way”. Kenyans don’t say that admiringly; they say it spitefully and derogatorily. Witness a couple of recent prominent instances of this expert crookedness: Members of the Nigerian National Assembly vote for their wages and allowances absolutely unreasonable amounts of money; and then they make those facts a total secret from the people of Nigeria –the owners of the National Assembly. Here is another: A senator who wants to be elected president of Senate, knowing that many in his party have someone else in mind, seizes advantage of the group absence of many senators of his own party from the Senate Chamber and, behind their back, sneaks in his election as Senate President, using the help of members of another party. And yet another: The Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives say that they had appointed the other officials of the two houses before the directive came from their party about the persons to appoint. In the presidential system worldwide, don’t Senate Presidents and House Speakers take the directives from their parties first? Can you imagine anything more crooked than these things? Could things like these possibly happen in the Nigerian government when Buhari and I were boys? Friends of the new Senate President say he was “smart”! Were our politicians that “smart” in those days? In what other country are the politicians this “smart”? That is the environment in which President Buhari has to work today. Obviously, he does not have the smartness of this crowd. Therefore, he should not try to compete with them in their muddy waters. He should not even go near their muddy waters. He must let it be seen by all who work with him that his actions are open and straight-forward, and that he values his integrity. Politicians and others will approach him with all sorts of crooked packages – packages containing plans for stealing and sharing public money, or clever plans

to defraud, or criminal plots for electoral fraud, or plots for ethnic group advantage over other ethnic groups – or even over the rest of Nigeria. Buhari should let the whole of Nigeria know transparently that such packages have no chance at all with him. In short, he can, and he should, establish for our country the ethical backbone for a new Presidency. He promised change. We voted for change. Keeping it simple also demands that the structure of the Nigerian federation should be aligned harmoniously with Nigeria’s ethnic national composition. It is simpler to walk with the truth than to keep trying to force the way forward with falsehood. If Buhari chooses to keep forcing the way forward with falsehood, he will only be complicating his load – and the load will bog down and he will hurt himself and hurt Nigeria. The truth is that Nigeria is a country made up of many different ethnic nationalities, each living in its own homeland, having its own culture and history, its own desires, and its own self-image and pride. Pooling all power, resources and resource control together in Nigeria’s central government, as has been done since the 1960s, is living a destructive falsehood, and it will never work. That is why Nigeria teeters on the brink of failure. The love of Nigerians for their different nationalities is much stronger than Nigeria’s most influential politicians like to think. The countless millions of us who cherish the integrity of our nationalities will never give up the fight – and that means that we will never cease harassing whoever is president of Nigeria to lead us to restructure our federation. Restructuring our federation s is the most important change. Finally, to keep his load simple, President Buhari must loyally keep his team intact and working. The ones who have worked with him in the past three years to put an alliance together, fought night and day by his side on the campaign trail, and mobilized the needed resources for the struggle, certainly deserve his loyalty. Trying to evade that loyalty, or

Nigerian thoughts letting others damage the team, will only whip up a truculent and unending w a r around him, with the possibility that massive Banji Akintoye numbers of citizens of whole regions could become involved – and that would make his load become impossibly complex. Naturally, his allies have their political enemies, while many who used to fight against him and his allies will now become his friends too. Of course, the president of Nigeria must be open to all Nigerians; but the world will adjudge Buhari as lacking character if he now denies his allies and compromises his team. It will also show that the promises of change made by him and his allies were fake all along. Buhari can carve for himself an honourable place in the history of Nigeria and of Africa.

‘President Buhari must loyally keep his team intact and working. The ones who have worked with him in the past three years to put an alliance together, fought night and day by his side on the campaign trail, and mobilized the needed resources for the struggle, certainly deserve his loyalty’

Of ambition and destruction: Truncating the “change” we desire By Olusegun Ejiwunmi of the Party; engaging in dishonest practices, thuggery, continuously being absent from meetings to which he/she is invited without reasonable cause; carrying out anti-Party or other activities which tend to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient organization of the Party or which are inconsistent with the Aims and Objectives of the Party; In the same manner, Article 21 B (i and ii) establishes the disciplinary procedure: i. A complaint by any Member of the Party against a Public Office holder, elected or appointed, or another member or against a Party organ or officer of the Party shall be submitted to the Executive Committee of that Party at all levels concerned which shall NOT LATER THAN 7 days of the receipt of the complaint, appoint a fact-finding or Disciplinary Committee to examine the matter. ii. The Executive Committee concerned shall not debate or discuss the complaint or allegation before sending it to the Disciplinary Committee or fact-finding Committee which shall hear, determine and cause its decision to be transmitted to the relevant Executive Committees of the Party concerned. Section D spells out the PUNISHMENT for ERRING MEMBERS thus: i. The Party shall have power to impose the following sanctions on members in accordance with the nature and gravity of their offence: Reprimand; b) Censure; c) Fine; d) Debarment from holding Party Office; e) Removal from Party Office; f) Suspension from the Party; g) Expulsion from the Party; h) Debarment from contesting Office on the Party platform. ii. Where it is proposed to expel a member of the Executive Committee, political office holder, or a member of a Legislative House from membership of the Party, such a proposal shall be submitted to

the National Executive Committee, which after deliberations on the matter may confirm or reject the proposal; iii. A decision to expel a Member of the Party taken or confirmed by the National Executive Committee shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees for ratification; iv. The National Executive Committee shall on receipt of the report of the fact- finding committee make a decision on the matter within fourteen (14) days; v. Any member who files an action in court of law against the party or any of its officers on any matter or matters relating to the discharge of the duties of the party without first exhausting the avenues for redress provided for in this Constitution shall automatically stand expelled from the Party on filing such action and no appeal against expulsion as stipulated in this Clause shall be entertained until the withdrawal of the action from Court by the Member; vi. Each organ of the Party shall have power to remove a Party officer or officers as the case may be from office at that level for failing to discharge his/ her responsibilities, neglect and dereliction of duty or misconduct during his tenure of office through a vote of no confidence passed against such officer/ officers by a two-thirds majority of the members of the appropriate organ and voting subject to such officer’s right to fair hearing. It is clear from the above provisions that Bukola Saraki, Yakubu Dogara and their cotravellers have crossed the “red line” and need to be sanctioned very quickly to prevent the dissolution of the APC. The mutineers are clearly caught by the provisions of Article 21 (a) i, ii & iii); the disciplinary procedures leading to expulsion from the party must be immediately followed to bring sanity and discipline to the party. What happens when the culprits are expelled from the party? The renegades will have the option of defecting to another party and invoking section 68 of the 1999 constitu-

tion to prevent their seats from being declared vacant claiming that the party is in crisis. Will the PDP accept them in order to swell their ranks and claim majority in the Senate and House of Representatives? If they do will they allow them to retain their Presidency and Speakership or will David Mark and other carpetbaggers re-emerge to truncate the change we desired? Will Saraki, Dogara and their shadowy sponsors and co-travelers float another party to split the APC for the benefit of the PDP? Will they go to court to stall their expulsion and create a “Chinese standoff”? Will Saraki’s sins be resurrected in order to whip him in line? Will the APC close ranks and vote Ekweremadu out as Deputy Senate President? Will Buhari change his principle of non-interference? Will a new crisis be resurrected in the PDP? Will APC receive new defectors from the resurrected PDP crisis in order to checkmate Saraki and others? Will Saraki and others prevail; defy the party and cause John Oyegun’s removal? Is Saraki’s real aim the takeover of the party machinery at the national level? Is Buhari’s anti-corruption stance the real target of Saraki and his co-travelers? These questions and many more need to be answered very quickly or we shall be looking at the complete disintegration of the party known as APC. What then becomes of the dreams of patriots like Ogbonaya Onu, Bisi Akande, Muhammadu Buhari, Nasir El Rufai, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rochas Okorocha, Kayode Fayemi, Audu Ogbeh, Aminu Masari , John Oyegun Chris Ngige and several others who fought for change on the platform of the APC ? In this unfolding sad movie Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara are the villains and no amount of whitewash can turn them into heroes in the eyes of the APC faithful. They betrayed the party and are well on their way to truncating the change we desire.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

For the love of their children, who they claim are not getting the best, parents are at war with two Unity schools - Federal Government College in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and King's College, Lagos. But the schools have dismissed the allegations as baseless, report YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU, OLUWATOYIN ADELEYE and JANE CHIJIOKE.

• Parents barricade school gate for hours in protest against school management at Federal Government College, Jos.

The other ‘ side of Unity Schools

The PTA meeting of this college has not been held in the last two years. We don't even know what is going on in this school. Our children often return home to complain of lack of social amenities like water, electricity and toilet facilities yet we have no access to the school management to find out the true situation of things

HEY are schools many parents wish their children could attend. This is why there is a rush yearly for admission into Unity Schools. But in the past two weeks,

two of these schools - King’s College, Lagos and Federal Government College (FGC) in Jos, the Plateau State capital, have been involved in a running battle with parents.

The parents are protesting the poor welfare of their children who are boarders, poor facilities and communication gap. At FGC, Jos, parents last Saturday arrived for a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting that never held. They were locked out by the school management, which pasted a notice on the gate, telling them that the meeting had been postponed. The notice reads: "This is to inform

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE

Librarian gets UNESCO appointment -Page 28

all parents that the PTA congress meeting scheduled for Saturday 27th June 2015 has been postponed because the school principal has to travel to Benin to attend meetings of all principals of Unity Colleges." The second reason given for the postponement was that a representative of the Federal Ministry of Education would not be available to attend the meeting. The parents protested at the gate to

FORMER Executive Uniform Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), standards for Prof Peter Okebukola How I escaped has said plans are African higher underway to adopt a quality assur- death, by lone institutions soon,uniform ance framework as standard of crash survivor says Okebukola minimum education... -Page 37

-Page 29

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show their displeasure. They told The Nation that they were not given notice of the postponement. A parent, who came from Lagos, Dr Emmanuel Ajayi, said that was the ninth postponement of the meeting. "This is the ninth time the principal is postponing our meeting. The PTA meeting of this college has not been

•Continued on page 26

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

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

EDUCATION

Applause for e-voting

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), lecturers, old and students of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State which was recently upgraded to a university, have commended the electronic voting system adopted for the conduct of the Students Union election held on Monday. Speaking while monitoring the exercise, the Vice President, NANS National Affairs, Comrade Ayenuro Gbenga, described it as good innovation capable of bringing credibility to the electoral process and urged other institutions to adopt the e-voting system. He praised the institution's management for ensuring the process was peaceful, and the students for participating actively in the exercise. Commenting on advantage of evoting, the Provost, Prof Olukoya Ogen, said that it helped prevent tensions sometimes observed during the conduct of Students' Union election. Ogen commended the project Manager, Integrated Communication •Continued from page 25 held in the last two years. We don't even know what is going on in this school. Our children often return home to complain of lack of social amenities like water, electricity and toilet facilities yet we have no access to the school management to find out the true situation of things. Each time we come, we are locked out. This is the ninth time. We are getting frustrated," he said. Another parent, Sunday Akinfolahin, noted that failure to hold a meeting was affecting the effectiveness of the PTA. He added that postponement was done because the school has something to hide. He said: "Yes, it is normal to postpone any meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. But this is the ninth time the school management is postponing our meeting, and this shows they have something to hide. We are worried as parents. The PTA in the last two years has been run by a caretaker committee. The parents are determined to meet and elect substantive leadership. But each time a meeting is fixed, the principal will not allow us to meet in the school. "The rules of the PTA states that parents can only meet in the school hall to deliberate on issues about the school. The caretaker committee is not supposed to stay more than three months; it is expected that within those three months a substantive PTA exco is constituted. But in this school the care taker of our PTA has been there for an upward of two years. The school management will not allow us to meet and elect a substantive exco. Now they have done it again. This meeting cannot also hold." Father of three pupils attending the school, Mr Lawrence Chukwuemeka, alleged that the management may have misused funds paid by the parents as levies. He called for the removal of the principal, Munammed Kudu Manko. "From the action of the school management, it has become clear to us that the management is dodging accountability because there are rumours that the principal has mismanaged the school funds. Why is the principal giving flimsy excuse to shift every meeting of the PTA? Why is the principal afraid of meeting parents? This principal has to be removed. "We pay our PTA levy regularly, but in the last two years we don't know what the school management is doing with those funds. The last time my boy ran from the school to take his bath in my house. The boy said there is no water in the school. The parents are even ready to meet the principal and know the problems so that we can assist the school for the interest of our children, but we have no access to the school principal."

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Network, Mr. Ola Ojajuni, an engineer as well as members of staff of the institution's Management Information System (MIS) for ensuring its success. At the end of the election, Adeyemi Ogunrotifa, who polled 1006 votes was declared winner by the Chairman of the Student Independent Electoral Commission (SIECO), Aderemi Kehinde. Ogunrotifa defeated three other candidates, Olufemi Babatunde (668), Ajala Festus (623) and Adekalu Ayodele (159). Temitope Oluwatoba was declared vice president, Oluranti Kolawole, General Secretary, and Babatunde Akinremi, Director of Social and Culture. Also elected were Wasiu Olaleke (Deputy Director of Welfare); Babatunde Abdulraman (Director of Welfare); Akinwumi Benson (treasurer); Yusuf Abeeb Afingba (Public Relations Officer); Oloni Ayodeji (Assistant General Secretary);

•The National President of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association, Dr Matthew Ayeni (middle) and the Secretary, Board of Trustees Dr Oludotun Adetuberu handing over the keys of the newly constructed 500seater, Dr Goodluck Jonathan auditorium endowed by the association to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Patrick Aina.

Adesoji Adewale (Director of Finance) and Oyasola Adeyinka (Director of Sport and Recreation). The Provost congratulated the

winners and said he was prepared to work with them to move the institution forward. Ogen; the Registrar, Mr. Felix

Aderinboye; Acting Librarian, Mr. R.A Awoyemi, representatives of Security Agencies, NANS were the election observers.

The other side of Unity Schools Mr. Mutla Habila, chairman of the caretaker committee, said he was particularly upset because the principal reneged on an agreement they had. "I am angrier than any parent here. The principal agreed with me to fix the PTA meeting for today, and I came here like other parents to meet this notice that the meeting cannot hold. This has happened for the ninth time. It tells me that the school management is up to something. What is it that they are doing that they do not want parents to know? I am not happy with this situation," he said. Speaking about some of the problems the pupils encounter, Mrs Justina Bala who has two daughters in the school said: "We have been hearing rumours that the principal has embezzled the school funds as well as the PTA money. These funds run into millions of naira. We are now convinced that the rumour may be true because the principal has been running away from parents. We were asked to pay N5,000 each to construct a borehole in the school to solve their water problems. The parents have paid but we have not seen the project. My children keep telling us there is no water in the school to drink. They buy satchet water to drink; and we don't have access to the principal to ask questions. My mind is telling me our children are in bondage in the hands of this principal." When contacted on phone, the Principal, Munammed Kudu Manko said: "As I am talking to you now, I am just on my way from Benin where I went to attend a meeting. The PTA meeting has to be postponed because the Ministry of Education will not be available to participate in the meeting. That is the rule given to us by the ministry. They have to send somebody to monitor the meeting and write report. So the meeting cannot hold if the ministry will not be available. That is just the simple reason. On the allegation of mismanagement of PTA and school funds, the principal said: "That issue is before the ministry, you know I am a civil servant. I don't talk to the press without the permission of the ministry. That is all I can say." Before the parents left the school they vowed to petition the federal government individually and collectively over the attitude of the

school management and make a formal demand for the principal's removal. Alhaji Abduallahi Musa who came from Lafia, Nasarawa state to attend the meeting said: "We are tired of this principal. The best thing for us is for the Federal Ministry of Education to remove him. He cannot be treating us this way; he has to go. The next time we meet here we will close down the school if he still remains principal because our children are not safe in his hands, we don't know how our children are treated in this school." When The Nation made enquiries about the school, most of the workers declined comment. However, seven senior pupils said they have been studying with pains while the management keeps promising that things will improve. "But since we came in and we are about to graduate, nothing has changed," they said. One of them from SS3 class added: "The facilities in the school have been so bad since we resumed school six years ago. If we complain our teachers said we should manage it. That was what we passed through since we came." A female pupil said the hostels are inadequate and derelict. "We don't have enough hostel accommodation. There was a time rainstorm destroyed our hostels. Some parts of the hostel were rebuilt. Since then, we have had problem with accommodation. Water supply has been a major problem. We make use of well water all the time and we buy sachet water to drink. The teachers (names withheld) lamented that the school has been neglected by the Federal Ministry of Education. "The school is suffering from neglect. We advised the parents to write to the Federal Ministry of Education, but even at that, nothing has been done. The school has no PTA, which is abnormal. The school is not just operating the normal standard expected of it. It is poorly funded. That has been the case for long," a teacher said. A cook in the school, who does not want her name mentioned, said the kitchen is also in a bad shape. "Things have changed for the worse. The school used to be good but not now, the cooking facilities are in bad shape. We are tired of complaining to management, so we

are making do with whatever that is available. Nobody seemed to care for the school. I even pity the students because we are helpless as cooks," the source said. At King's College last Sunday, parents were also locked out but for a different reason. The school had just resumed from the mid-term break penultimate week and visiting day fell on last Sunday. A member of the PTA told The Nation that the management sent text messages to parents not to bother about visiting since it was just one week after the pupils returned from home. Those that did not receive the text messages made the journey from all parts of Lagos and beyond to the school's Victoria Island campus, where the junior secondary school pupils are housed. The Nation learnt that the management did not allow them to enter the school, which angered the parents. They started protesting, with one said to have been throwing stones into the compound. But the protest was not just about not being allowed to see their wards but about the general poor state of welfare and disrepair of facilities of the 106-year-old school. One parent lamented that the boys did not have clean water to drink but were made to buy the water provided by the school at an exorbitant price. "We pay so much. There is no drinkable water in this school. The boys buy water. King's College makes water that is sold to them at N100 per bag, and N450 per pack (bottled). But if we bring water from outside, which is cheaper, the school does not allow it," she said. Another father lamented that the school hostels were overcrowded, the environment dirty, and lacked good toilets. Reacting to the claims, Principal of the school, Otunba Dele Olapeju described the protesters as trouble makers. He said the accusations made by the Association of Concerned Parents, who staged the protest, were baseless and untrue. He said it was the institution's insistence to maintain discipline that led to the protest. "Last Sunday of the month is usually our visiting day. But the school resumed last week (penultimate) Sunday and a week after, some parents were saying they

‘What kind of children will such parents breed? Are they setting good examples? Is the cancellation of a visiting g day of a college enough reason to invite media on the college and making all kinds of unsubstantiated allegations?’

wanted to come for visiting day again. I said 'where is this done?' This is exam period. We have about 3,000 parents and we sent them messages and they obeyed. Then about 30 parents, who called themselves Association of Concerned Parents decided to stage a protest", he explained. Oladele said the claims of the protesting parents were unfounded as the institution prided itself in quality standards of education and administration, despite the economic state of the country. "They said we have no light and we have just bought a 350 KVA generator, which is a capital project that we bought without a dime from the government. The PTA sponsored it. We have more than five boreholes, even though we have our challenges. But if there is no light and there is no diesel, we cannot pump water so we regulate the use of the generators because of lack of electricity. In the morning, we have a generator that is dedicated only for pumping water, in the evening, we have another generator that is meant for prep and by 10pm, it goes off. So, I don't know where they got the information that the students have not had light for many days", he said. The principal said the protesters did not have the backing of majority of the parents of the school, including the PTA, as they also denounced the protest. He promised that the school would be prepared against future attempts to disturb its peace and ensure the actions were not repeated. Secretary of the PTA, Mr Oladele Fapohunda said the group had dissociated from the Association of Concerned Parents, as their actions were against the standards of the institution. He advised KC parents to beware of rumours about the school and make confirmations about allegations. "Parents should come and see for themselves and not judge based on the lies they see in the media or hear. Our parents know us. They know how well we take care of our children. We cannot accept this act. The protesters are not representatives of the association, because we are there to help in the development of the school. Is this a way of developing the school?" Oladele protested. Chairman of the PTA, Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi chided the parents. He said: “What kind of children will such parents breed? Are they setting good examples? Is the cancellation of a visiting g day of a college enough reason to invite media on the college and making all kinds of unsubstantiated allegations?”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

EDUCATION

UNIOSUN crisis: Dons urge Aregbesola to review recommendations

FORMER Council member of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN)Prof Alagbe Wasiu Gbolagade, and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor-elect (Development &Administration), Prof Siyan Oyeweso, have called on Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to review the recommendations of the Prof Gregory Daramola-led Visitation Panel which investigated the crisis in UNIOSUN, alleging that the panel was not fair to them in its submissions. The Visitation Panel recommended Gbolagade's sack from the council and barred him from holding any position in the institution, while Oyeweso was recommended for sack. The recommendations have been approved by the government in its White Paper. In separate letters by the duo to Aregbesola, copies of which were made available to The Nation, Oyeweso and Gbolagade feared that some of the recommendations would give a bad precedence which might have a negative effect on UNIOSUN in future. The panel, which was set up by Aregbesola, following a lingering crisis between UNIOSUN ViceChancellor, Prof Bashir Okesina, and Governing Council Chairman, Prof Gabriel Adesiyan Olawoyin (SAN), also recommended that the Registrar Dr. Julius Faniran and Bursar Mr. Fatai Lasisi, who had been suspended with the vice chancellor, be sacked from the university, while the chairman of the UNIOSUN Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Oluseye Abiona was barred from holding any position in the university in the next five years.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

In his letter dated June 25, Oyeweso faulted the five allegations levelled against him by the panel. They include being over ambitious; his insistence that the Governing Council had been dissolved without seeking proper clarification; his overbearing influence on the vice chancellor, not allowing his academic achievements to positively impact the university, and holding a clandestine meeting in the vice-chanellor's lodge with other principal officers of the university. Oyeweso faulted the panel for not inviting him formally or stating allegations against him prior to his appearance, which could have afforded him ample time to prepare for his defence. He said he only received an SMS from the secretary to the panel asking him to appear. Oyeweso also said the panel's claim of him influencing the vice chancellor should not be used against him. According to him, as an adult and the CEO of the university, the sacked vice-chancellor should be answerable for any error committed in his capacity, rather than Oyeweso being a scapegoat. Oyeweso said: "The theory of vi-

•Oyeweso

carious liability does not hold in this case. If Prof. Okesina is alleged to have committed "irredeemable mistakes" and if the case is proved or established against him, it is Prof A.B. Okesina that should be held squarely responsible and not a third party. In civil justice administration, it is impossible and illegal to hold the son responsible for the sin of the father." Regarding the claim of holding clandestine meeting against the Governing Council, Oyeweso faulted the panel for not punishing some professors and heads of departments, who were also in attendance. With a good number of awards, research, conferences, publications, and appointments including a

Kosofe LGEA rewards pupils, teachers, others

School celebrates culture with Bini play

former Council members and pioneer Provost, College of Humanities and Culture of UNIOSUN, Oyeweso said those are enough to puncture the panel's claim that he did not allow his academic experience to impact positively in the university. On his part, Gbolagade, disagreed with the panel's recommendation that he should not hold any position in UNIOSUN for the next five years. Gbolagade recalled, how, in the heat of the crisis, he sent an SMS to Aregbesola, intimating him of the need to set up a Visitation Panel to resolve the issues. He said the university would not have enough professors for administrative functions if he is barred. He said: "For your information sir,

‘The theory of vicarious liability does not hold in this case. If Prof. Okesina is alleged to have committed "irredeemable mistakes" and if the case is proved or established against him, it is Prof A.B. Okesina that should be held squarely responsible and not a third party’

•Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos congratulating Head of Department, Educational Foundations, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Guy Ilogu on the presentation of his inaugural lecture last week.

HILDVILLE Schools, Ogudu, Lagos reenacted history during its drama day programme held at the MUSON Centre. The school's drama group acted out the play, Agho Obaseki, written by Don Pedro. The stage play, which was directed by Gboyega Jerome, was about Agho Obaseki, the ambitious man of Benin kingdom who had power dumped at his doorstep by the British after the fall of Benin and exile of Oba Ovonramwen N'ogbaisi to Calabar in 1897. The emergence of Obaseki was in total disregard for the seniority placement of the Edo traditional hierarchy.

• Gbolagade

we have about 13 permanent professors in the whole university that are on ground. Out of these, two have got Council approval for their Sabbatical leave. One will be going on leave of absence to Centre for Black Culture very soon. There will now be 10 professors left; out of these, three most senior professors have been indicted not to hold any post in the university. It remains seven professors to occupy all the administrative positions in the university. How will these not affect the seamless running of the system Sir? Our university is young and fast growing and I appeal to you to kindly temper justice with mercy." Like Oyeweso, Gholagade also attended the purported secret meeting but claimed there was no negative agenda attached to it. Prior to the crisis, Gbolagade said UNIOSUN management usually held meetings within or outside the university premises, especially during emergencies. He cited a meeting by management and some top principals held outside UNIOSUN premises ostensible to resolve the crisis by the Non-Academic Staff Union. Gbolagade also said the IGR proceed that the panel recommended that he, as well as the sacked Bursar and Registrar should refund, is not actually IGR but a honorarium for participating in pre-degree programmes, a decision he said, was also approved by the Council. He said the Council which accused some of them of collecting honorarium is also guilty of same allegations, as well as sitting allowances which Council members collect on quarterly basis. He enjoined Aregbesola to direct that names of all that collected honorariums be published. Gbolagade described the panel's big stick on ASUU-UNIOSUN chairman Dr Oluseye Abiona as a clear case of witch-hunting. He wondered why the panel singled out Abiona for punishment among other ASUU leaders.

Administrator of the school, Mrs. Ajijola Alokolaro, said the play was staged to deepen the children's appreciation for Nigeria's history and culture. She explained that with many Nigerian children oblivious to the history of their motherland, staging a play rich in Nigerian history and culture was part of the school's strategy of reversing the ugly trend. "History and culture of a people are too important elements to be handled with levity or else such a people will lack a direction. The present generation of Nigerian children knows much about history and culture of the western world

but have a very shallow knowledge of the history and cultures of their motherland, which is a misnomer. "Beyond equipping our students with acting and stage skills, staging of the play is also directed at ensuring that students of Childville School have a deep sense of Nigeria history and diverse culture," she said. Mrs. Alokolaro urged schools to embark on similar programmes. "No nation or a people can preserve its culture without a deliberate action. Schools must take active part in this direction. ChildVille School is really excited at this privilege of advancing and preserving the nation's historical and cultural heritage," she said.

DMINISTRATIVE heads, teachers, pupils have been rewarded for their outstanding performance in their various schools during the Merit Award programme of Kosofe Local Government Education Area (LGEA). The ceremony, held at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Hall, Maryland was the climax of the 'Education week' of the LGEA which started last Monday. Mrs Justina Eze of Anglican Primary School, Ajegunle, emerged best head teacher of the LGEA for her resourcefulness in setting up a School Based Management Committee (SBMC) and attracting the attention of a Non-Governmental Organisation to the state of the school which is located in a coastal. Mrs Eze, who was posted to the school three years ago, said: "I believe that there is nothing too difficult for a willing heart. My school is close to water. When I got there I called the parents and made them understand that we can actually thrive in this place. I formed an SBMC and we all jointly corporated and brought an NGO that helped us renovate our furniture. They come here to inspect and still want to do more for us. This award today is not for me alone but all of us who deemed it fit to uplift education in that school," she said. Mrs Eze who retires next year advised her colleagues to be patient and diligent as their hard work would not go unrewarded. The best teacher, Mrs. Christiana Daramola of Ojota Primary School,

By Jane Chijioke

Ojota expressed her appreciation. She noted that they are always faced with parents' lack of corporation. "We are always faced with parents' lack of cooperation. The little things that they need to give their children, they do not do it. Even when you invite parents for meetings they give excuses and some that will even come still would not make any adjustment. I want to appeal to parents to please attend to your children's needs, its affects them a lot. Some of them do not have even note books," she lamented. In the best pupil category, Muyiwa Ayoade of UACC Primary School clinched first position. Memunat Shuaib of Baptist Primary School came second while Samuel Salami of Mairan Primary School took the third. Other workers of the LGEA were also recognised. During the one-week event, pupils from primary schools in the LGEA got career tips from various mentors who advised them to have passion and develop relevant skills necessary for their ambitions. The education sectary Kosofe LGEA, Mr Abiodun Akhigbe, described the initiative as a morale booster. He said LGEA has trained about 250 non-teaching members of staff, awarded scholarships to many pupils and the installed vision corridors in all its schools in line with the state government's vision project to avert blindness among workers and pupils.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

EDUCATION

Mobil invests N900m in Geosciences education

IX universities across the country have benefited from ExxonMobil’s University Partnership Programme (UPP) initiative. They are Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat-Enin; Anambra State University, Ulli; University of Jos; Federal University of Technology, Akure; University of Ilorin; and Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun. Each of them received analytical equipment consisting of six Logitech thin section making machines (an important equipment used to carry out detailed study of a rock or mineral), 300 mosquito nets, 24 digital cameras and a cheque of N5.77 million to pay for students’ logistics and lecturers’ field allowances. The donation makes it 14 universities to have benefited from the initiative, with a commitment of over N900 million to the initiative to date. Before the UPP started in 2007, only three universities had the archaic version of thin section making machine. Speaking at the presentation at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja, the General Manager, Operations Technical, Geosciences, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr Michael Udoh said Mobil’s UPP and University Assistance Programme (UAP), have birthed investments worth more than N3 bil-

•From left: Prof Okojie, Dr Nwaobiala; General Manager, Government and Public Affairs, ExxonMobil, Mr. Dozie Arinze; GM, Technical Geoscience of ExxonMobil, Mr Udoh; and Prof. Tunde Arayela of FUTA during the presentation of the equipment. By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie and Oluwatoyin Adeleye

lion into geosciences education in Nigerian universities and would continue to invest to ensure that the quality of Nigerian geosciences studies can stand on equal competitive footing with some of the best universities in the world. “Ours is a long-term commitment to improving the quality of education in Nigeria, not just in the geosciences, but in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. We believe that given the desired level of instruction, equipment and support, Nigerians can truly transform our economy to its deserved status as one of the most vibrant and productive

in the world and that the best STEM education is the surest way to that destination,” he said. Udoh noted that universities enrolled under the UPP initiative are required to prepare a map of the area in their proximity for review and publication by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). “We are pleased with the progress made by these universities in this area, as 12 maps have been published by the NGSA, another four are under review, while another six are being drafted as a result of the various fieldwork trainings and analyses by these universities”, he said. Director-General of NGSA, Mr Ndubuisi Nwegbu, said the UPP has created a platform that assists NGSA in fulfilling its mandate of generat-

ing, archiving and disseminating geosciences data and information to the public, as the fundamental vehicle through which this is achieved is the geological maps. He stressed that it is only by the understanding of the earth that its resources could be meaningfully and sustainably harnessed. He said the information provided by the maps is useful to investors in the fields of mining, water supply, agriculture, civil engineering, medicine, the environment, among others. In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said the donation gives credence to the fact that sustainable university education in the country is a collective responsibility of government

and the private sector, adding that the gesture would not only enhance the teaching and research activities of the benefiting universities, but also portray the organisation as a responsible firm that fulfills its corporate social responsibilities. While congratulating the beneficiaries, he urged them to make optimum use of the equipment for the development of the geology programme, while also instituting a proper maintenance culture to enable the equipment endure. Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, argued that Nigerian students are as good as other students from other countries and that the quality of education in the country is not declining, as Nigerian professors are sought after in other countries. He noted that the NUC would monitor the usage and ensure the equipments are properly maintained, while providing the counterpart funding. Okojie appealed to universities to spend the money effectively, noting that structures are not the problem in institutions, as “you can build a structure and not have equipment in them.” In his remarks, the Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Jonathan Okehs, noted that other landmark achievements had been recorded by the UPP in partnership with various corporations since its inception. A geology lecturer at FUTA, Solomon Olabode, said the donation has contributed to smooth learning in the university, adding that the Logitech thin section making machine would enable students generate accurate results and have detailed information about rocks and other minerals, as against the previous manual method in use.

Librarian gets UNESCO appointment

•Mrs Amosun (second left) supported by Mrs Ogunde (in T-shirt), Dr Ogunsanya (second right), Prof Mopelola Omoegun (right) and others, declaring the event open. PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

HE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has appointed the Registrar/Chief Executive Officers of Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr Victoria Okojie, as a member of the International Advisory Committee of the Memory of the World Programme. UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme is an international initiative launched to safeguard the documentary heritage of humanity against collective amnesia, neglect, the ravages of time and climatic conditions, and willful and deliberate destruction. It is administered by a body known as the International Advisory Committee (IAC) whose 14 members are appointed by the

When school exhibition inspires learning

ITH school uniform makers, furniture suppliers, booksellers, educational toys and products suppliers, ICT solutions developers, bankers, insurers and many others all other one roof at the Total School Support Seminar/ Exhibition (TOSSE), educators had a field day meeting their schools’ needs. The two-day event, organised by the Edumark Consult, an education branding firm, was declared opened by the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Lagos. Mrs Amosun expressed pleasure about the products and services school administrators and teachers could access from the exhibition – in addition to seminars facilitated by seasoned resource persons free of charge. Declaring the programme open, Mrs Amosun, herself an educationist, lauded the Chief Executive Officer of Edumark consult, Mrs Yinka

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Ogunde, for putting together such a brilliant programme despite coming from an advertising background. “I congratulate Edumark and Mrs Ogunde on this elaborate and very worthwhile seminar/exhibition. At this time I must say you I’ve outdone yourself,” she said. Amosun’s admonition to the participants at the event which had as theme: “Inspiring the Future”, was for them to integrate changes in technology into educational service delivery. “Moreover, technology is redefining the way our students learn and it is important that educators keep abreast with these changes if they are to inspire our children to learn. There is need for our educators to move with the trend of educational technologies to tackle the current challenges of fallen standard of education in Nigeria,” she said. However, in giving children the

freedom to explore technology to learn and keep up to date with what is happening across the world, Mrs Amosun warned against losing local values, which she equated with a loss of identity. “As we are moving on with technology, let us hold on to aspects of our values that are good. Let them (children) focus on core values and morals when we are taking them on life’s journey. We need to impress on our children that the choices they make shape who they are. If we equip the classrooms with computers, it is what they make of the opportunities we create for them that matters,” she said. Many school owners, including Mrs Adun Akinyemiju of Dansol High School; Dr Femi Ogunsanya of Oxbridge College, commended the programme, describing it as a onestop-shop for educational goods and services. Mrs Ogunde urged the participants to get inspiration from the

programme to learn how to improve learning in their schools. “The world of learning has gone digital. When you come here, you learn about how things are done. I am glad that there are so many here to collaborate with us. Our TOSS motto is ‘never stop learning’,” she said. A participant, Mrs Mosun OwoOdunsi, who runs Amville School, Ilupeju, described the event as a plus for educators. “It represents a melting point for all those who are involved in children and child development – the exhibition, the support, everything that makes up the development of a child. This is also an exhibition where they have learning taking place. We educators, what we can learn from this is that we see new things, the way the world is going and it also inspires us to go back to do greater things and prepare our children for their own future,” she said.

•Dr Okojie

UNESCO Director-General. In a statement, LRCN's Chief Information and Protocol Officer, Mrs Ngozi Oboh, noted that Dr Okojie's appointment came as a result of her in-depth expertise in the field of safeguarding documentary heritage, taking into account a fair geographical representation. Dr Okojie's appointment was conveyed via an e-mail dated June 22, 2015 and signed by Iskra Panevska of the UNESCO Memory of the World Knowledge Societies Division, Communications and Information Sector. Reacting to the news, Dr Okojie said it was a great honour to be recognised by a United Nations Agency, the UNESCO. "It is a clear signal that our efforts are gradually gaining global recognition. The task sounds interesting and being a Nigerian, I am optimistic that some of our national monuments and cultural heritage will qualify to be listed in the Memory of the World International Register," she said. Dr Okojie has served as the President of Nigerian Library Association; Advisor in Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Global Library Committee and is a Fellow of the United States of America International Visitor Leadership Programme. She is the Chair, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Africa Section and an Associate of IFLA International Leaders Programme.

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

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THE NATION

*CAMPUSES

‘How farming can reduce poverty’

Controversy over hostel allocation

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, is grieving over the death last Friday of eight students in a road accident. There were nine students aboard the bus. The lone survivor of the accident, Ibukun Laughter Akinbo, a 300-Level, Science student relives her lucky escape. SANYA BOLUWATIFE (400-Level Law) reports.

How I escaped death, by lone crash survivor T

HEY were in high spirits as they sat in the bus heading for their homes after a tedious semester. They had just finished their examination. “How did you answer that question?” “How did you tackle that number?” the students might have been asking one another as they chatted heartily. Going home was a big relief for these students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. They were looking forward to a restful holiday. When they left their campus last Friday, they bade friends and others goodbye. But, unknown to many of them, it was to be the final goodbye - a farewell. Eight of the nine students on board the 18seater bus died in an accident on the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. The driver and two others also died. The lone survivor, Ibukun Laughter Akinbo, a 300-level Chemical Science student, relived the tragedy to CAMPUSLIFE, attributing her survival to divine intervention. “I sat with my cousin, Yetunde Aribiola, on the front seat during the journey. Suddenly, the truck collided with the bus in which we were travelling, which caused the container to fall on the bus. I noticed the door broke away and a heavy breeze threw me out of the vehicle,” said Ibukun who has an arm injury. Ogun State Deputy Governor Mrs Yetunde Onanuga visited Ibukun at the Babacock University Teaching Hospital at Ilishan Remo where she expressed satisfaction with her condition. Commiserating with the bereaved families, she said: “It is sad that the students died in their prime; at a time the country needs the younger generation to contribute their knowledge towards the growth of the society.” CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the accident occurred at Ilishan Junction. The victims are Eunice Odubanjo Oluwadamilola, 200Level Political Science, Mariam Omolade Ogunnoiki, 100-Level

•The late Funmilayo

•The late Yetunde

•The late Suliat

•The late Sheriff

•The late Eunice

•The late Olatunji

•The late Christianah

•The late Mariam

Toyota Hiace bus, with numberplate XV 311 MUS, after the headon collision. The Ijebu-Ode Commander of the Ogun State Traffic Management and Compliance Agency (TRACE), Tommy Hamzat, confirmed the truck was moving on the opposite lane. He said the truck was on top speed, adding that the container fell on the bus and crushed the occupants. Hamzat said: “I was coming from Sagamu and saw the accident. I had quickly stopped and ran to the scene to rescue the victims. Unfortunately, all the occu-

pants died, including the driver. Only one passenger survived.” The TRACE Commander in Sagamu, Kehinde Arode, confirmed the death of 12 passengers, saying one person was “badly injured”. He said the survivor was in the intensive care at OOU Teaching Hospital.The bodies had been deposited in the morgue. This is the second time the school would record such tragedy. The first was three months ago. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that between April and last month more

‘I noticed the door broke away and a heavy breeze threw me out of the vehicle’ Education, Yetunde Aribiola Elizabeth, 100-Level Biochemistry, Suliat Adams Oluwatobi, 100Level Accounting, Funmilayo Pampam Latifat, 100-Level Chemical Science, Christiana Asade Ibukun, 200-Level Law, Ayoola Sheriff Gbolahan, 100Level Agricultural Engineering and Olatunji Dairo Michael,

graduating student of Physics. Their death is a sad reminder of a similar accident in which five students were killed. It was gathered that the driver of the container-laden truck, with number-plate BDG 779 XE, was driving on the opposite lane to avoid craters on its lane. The unlatched container fell on the

•Continued on page 29

•Ambode to build permanent NYSC camp•Engineering students build robot-P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Davido and our youths Pushing

HE Nigerian music scene – just like every other around the world – often throws up musicians who become stars overnight. The industry is highly competitive because it takes creativity, dexterity and a stubborn staying power to remain relevant. One of the musicians that burst onto the scene like a comet is David Adedeji Adeleke otherwise known by his stage name Davido. Davido is a silver spoon American-born Nigerian who blazed to the scene with his 2011 single, “Dami Duro,” which was well-received throughout Nigeria. Along with his elder brother Adewale Adeleke, he is the co-owner of HKN Music (a record label home to Sina Rambo, B. Red and DeeKay). He has produced for numerous artists, including Naeto C, Skales, Tiwa Savage and Sauce Kid. In April 2012, he signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria. On October 23, 2013, he partnered with Guinness for the “Guinness World of More” concert. He is also an award winning musician with a BET Award, a Kora Award, a Channel O Music Video Award, a Ghana Music Award, a Nigeria Music Video Award, two MTV Africa Music Awards, two African Muzik Magazine Awards, five the Headies Awards, seven Nigeria Entertainment Awards and two Dynamix All Youth Awards, among others. I admire Davido for remaining “level headed” by completing his music degree programme from Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State recently. I know of other musicians and artists who dropped out of school when fame beyond their imagination beckoned, but against all odds Davido managed to sail through. But he has been on the wrong side of things lately following the release of his controversial and drug laced narrative music video “Fans Mi” where he collaborated with American hip hop artist Meek Mills (Robert Rahmeek Williams). I was compelled to watch the video online after listening to a heated argument between some youths at a shopping mall in Lagos. While some see “nothing wrong” with the music video, majority of them disagreed with the drug and gun theme of the narrative. Since I had not

Out

watched the video before the argument, I had to only listen to the various points made. When I eventually watched the with video, my initial impression was that Davido went overboard this time. From the first view, you’ll be 08116759750 assailed by lots of cash displayed (SMS only) on a table with several types of guns. As if that is not bad enough, •aagboa@gmail.com near naked women dance provocatively in almost every scene of the Music videos are a powerful medium bevideo. It had over 1.2 million hits on You cause they combine the energy of music Tube when I watched it. Pushing the boundaries for artistic ex- with the power of visual images. While we pression beyond the normal has always often don’t pay a lot of attention to the lyrbeen a part of popular music. However, the ics of our favourite songs, the visual imdrive for profits may also be pushing the ages that accompany the same music on TV envelope of what is acceptable which made or the Internet have a much greater impact because they are impossible to ignore. the story-line of the video untenable. In an advanced country like Canada, raIn it, Davido tries to seal a deal with a drug dealer to supply cocaine while the dio stations will not play music with exdealer hands him a briefcase loaded with plicit lyrics, but we are in the age of the dollar bills to seal the transaction. Davido internet where young people can easily acthen goes back to his mansion where he cess music by controversial artists by watchcan be seen aided by the brassieres-and- ing their music videos online. Music videos have frequently been panties flaunting ladies preparing the cocaine. It is not until the end of the video criticised for heavily sexualised portrayals that we get to see that the cocaine Davido of women. There is hardly any without delivered to the drug dealer may have been women. A 2012 study found that this was common even when the musicians them“semovita” or “poundo yam.” Even if this storyline is assumed, what selves were female. For youth with a do we make of the guns – including an as- healthy self-image and varied interests, sault rifle lying comfortable in front of him music probably has little or no influence - at a time violent crime is on the rise in on their values and lifestyle choices. HowNigeria, not to mention the mindless kill- ever, violent, racist or sexist lyrics in muings going on the US as a result of easy sic may impact some youths. Numerous asses to guns? The recent being the Char- researches have shown possible correlalotte killing in a church where nine people tions between young people’s preference were gunned down in cold blood during for certain musical genres and risky Bible study. The implication is that some behaviours. There is research evidence that listening misguided youths may see the guns as ‘cool’ toys to have and use when “neces- to music with sexual content in the lyrics sary,” it is about this group that I’m con- makes teenagers more likely to start having sex earlier than their peers. Music also cerned. Soon after the music video was released, contains a lot of commercial content, mostly the Sunday Telegraph reported on June 28 in the form of product or substance placethat the National Drug Law Enforcement ment (both in lyrics and in videos), much Agency’s (NDLEA) Head of Public Affairs, of which is for alcohol and drugs. People of all ages listen to music because Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said, “The agency considers the musical video ‘Fans Mi’ in- it provides pleasure. For adolescents espeappropriate and indecent. It has the ten- cially, the pleasure can be intense and tends dency to negatively influence and induce to be associated with the most intense, “peak” experiences of life. The reason for drug use and trafficking.”

Agbo Agbo

How I escaped death, by lone crash survivor •Continued from page 30

than 17 students have died in road accidents. The casualities in the earlier, were Jennifer Azuh, 400-Level Banking and Finance, Lolade Yusuf, 300-Level Education, Joy Imoh, 300-Level Mass Communication, Adeoye Ogunuga, 100-Level Engineering and Samuel Adenekan, 300-Level Engineering. In their reacctions, some students called for prayers to stem such tragedy. Adeniyi Akinbami, a 300-Level Mass Communication student, said: “The increasing rate of accidents involving OOU students should raise concern in the school. We have lost five students in the last three months and, today, another 12 colleagues were crushed to death. This is tragic; things are really getting bad and I think we need prayers in the school to wave off these untimely deaths. “Apart from this, the government needs to check the dangerous driving of truck drivers; their bad manners on the road have brought sorrow to many families that have lost their children and loved ones on the road.” The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Adenola Adegbesan, described the students’ death as sad. “I may not have met or had close relationship with the deceased, but we were all colleagues. After our examination, we hoped to see ourselves when the school resumes in the next two weeks but these students will not return. I am yet to come to term with the tragic accident. I can only pray God gives

the bereaved families the strength to bear the loss,” he added. Meanwhile, hundreds of students stormed the spot of the accident on Monday in protest. The students, who converged on the mini campus at 7am, were clad in black wears. They moved to the spot in three buses, demanding the prosecution of the truck driver. At the scene, students broke down in tears, chanting solidarity songs. Adegbesan condemned truck drivers' actions to drive on opposite lane. The protesters gave the company that owns the truck to fish out the driver or face students' wrath. The students observed moment of silence in honour of the victims, after which prayers were said in Christian and Islamic ways. The students attempted to invade the company but the move was resisted by riot policemen, who mounted the company's gate.

‘Apart from this, the government needs to check the dangerous driving of truck drivers; their bad manners on the road have brought sorrow to many families’

this is not farfetched because music promotes experiences of the extreme for its makers and listeners, turning the perilous emotional edges, vulnerabilities, triumphs, celebrations, and antagonisms of life into hypnotic, reflective tempos that can be experienced privately or shared with others. Given the importance of music and its central role in youths, it is clear that it has a number of important effects. Yet although there has been concern for decades about possible deleterious effects of popular music, for most children, the effects are not deleterious. Some have suggested that while the emotional uses of popular music are important, the social uses and meanings provide the real key to understanding its niche in the lives of youths. Most of the criticism aimed at current popular music stems from the assumption that “content” (i.e., the attitudes, values, and behaviours portrayed in lyrics) may influence how young listeners think and act. Not surprisingly, it is a concern that emphasises the negatives, such as violence, misogyny, racism, suicide, Satanism, and substance abuse. Music has become more aggressive and edgy over the decades. Things have really changed. In 1958, for instance, the Everly Brothers sang, “When I want you in my arms, all I have to do is dream.” In 1986, the message had been simplified to, “Hey, we want some pu—y” by a group known as 2 Live Crew. From then, things went haywire. We read and saw what violent music did to American society in the era of “gangster rap” when the likes of Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG were gunned down in “gangster rap” related rivalry. Several decades of communication research shows quite clearly that lyric interpretation is as much a process of construction as of recognition or discovery. Thus, what young people make of popular songs depends not only on what the lyric brings to them, but also on what they bring to the lyric. Music, no doubt, is one of the best things out there, but the constant explicit language, guns, sexual references, and rebellious behaviour makes rap, pop and contemporary music genres harbingers of severe negative influences. Most glamorise sex, drugs and alcohol abuse. This is where the problem lies and why Davido missed it with “Fans Mi.”

Chukwudi Asonye, a 300-Level student of Science Education at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), is carving a niche for himself in the comedy world. Known as Asobaba De VC on campus, his nickname draws laughter from students. Chukwudi, who wants to be a professional comedian, speaks with DAVID OSU (500-Level Urban and Regional Planning) on his aspiration and other issues.

‘I use comedy to preach peace’

OW did you discover your talent in public speaking and comedy? It was during my childhood that I discovered that people laughed whenever I spoke about anything. Initially, I thought they were mocking me but I later found out that my words were funny. I tried to hone the skill, and professionally, I ‘ve been into comedy for five years. Do you have a mission for taking to comedy? •Chukwudi Yes. My comedy is beyond fun. I am using my talent to preach peace to my listeners, especially the young. I want to make a positive impact low compared to other schools. How do you keep your comedy relevant? on the lives of youths. It is true there are not many social Have you ever been short of jokes in any activities in FUT Minna and we don’t have of the shows you have done? No, I cannot recall anytime I paused to many social clubs that can organise big social think of what to say. I have always had more events. But, I still manage to keep my than enough jokes for my audience. comedy going through shows I do offAlthough sometimes I get stage fright, I campus. But to keep the campus on social confront such situation whenever it happens pedestal, I established a team called “Voices even without the audience noticing any of Campuses”. We act comedies and make funny clips that can be downloaded on slight change in my conduct. Do you think comedy has a role in social mobile phones, computers and iPads. We also broadcast the clips on social media integration? Yes, it does. We cannot separate laughter networks. How do you balance your comedy talent from our daily life. Everybody likes comedy in one way or the other. And like football, and academic pursuit? I have always acknowledged the fact that comedy brings people together. Comedy preaches societal cohesion and human unity. my primary aim in school is to study. The social life on the campus is relatively •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE A row has broken out over hostel allocation at the Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Some students are accusing Bursary Department workers of hoarding the allocation forms. The workers deny the charge, saying the bed spaces were allocated on first-come-first-served basis. AMOS ABBA (400-Level Mathematics and Computer Education) and DAMSA AHANGBA (300-Level Physics Education) report.

Controversy over hostel allocation

IS joy knew no bound when he learnt that his name was on the list of final year students shortlisted for accommodation at the Federal University of Agriculture (UNIAGRIC) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Terna (surname withheld) soon left for school to pay for the accommodation at the Bursary Department. But on getting there, things changed. The Dean of Students’ Affairs, he was told, has removed 200 students from the list of 300. Disappointed, Terna almost caused a stir at the department, because he was affected. This is the story of most student who applied for accommodation. They are unhappy with what they call the shady practices trailing the exercise. The accommodation challenge arose because of the rehabilitation of some of the Halls of Residence by the Prof Emmanuel Kucha-led management. The school went on a two-month break during the renovation. The students are accusing the management of allocating hostels to their “highly-connected” colleagues. The accommodation challenge, some of the affected students said, has led to a hike in the cost of off-campus residences. The situation, they said, had also given rise to racketeering among members of the staff of the Bursary Department. Thaddeus Odeh, a 400-Level Agricultural Science Education student, lamented his inability to get a bed space, saying: “Lectures have started and I am yet to get accom-

•Students checking their names when the accommodation list was released

modation in the school hostel. The scramble for accommodation has made rent in off-campus houses, which are alternatives, to go up. If it was not for my friend, who allowed me to live in his house, I don’t know where I would be now.” Thaddeus added: “I applied for school accommodation and my name was in the list of successful applicants. But when I went to the Bursary Department to pay for the bed space, I was told by the cashier that receipts for hostel accommodation had finished. So, I felt disappointed.” Investigation by CAMPUSLIFE showed that names of eligible students initially released by the Dean of Students’Affairs (DSA), Prof M.O. Adeyemo, were deleted by Bursary Department officials. Our correspondents gathered that the cashiers told the affected students that they could no longer allocate hostels because the receipts issued by the management had

•The notice on the DSA’s door

been exhausted. Paul Ihuan, a 300-Level Physics Education student, urged the management to review the process. “Let them emulate Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, where hostel accommodation is processed online. Students get allocation of bed spaces immediately. The process lacks transparency here.” Peace Agada, a 200-Level Fisheries student, decried the manner she was treated at the Bursary Department. “I stood on the queue for about four hours to pay the hostel

accommodation fee. But we were told that the school had selected some students, who should be given bed spaces. Some of us stood for hours but they did not attend to us.” But the problem has become a money-spinner for students who were able to secure bed spaces. The students sell their bed spaces for between N25,000 and N30,000. On campus, a bed space costs N6,100 The Bursary Department is not left out in the racket. It allegedly used some students as fronts in the illegal sale of bed spaces at exorbitant prices. There is a notion that, some students got hostel allocation serial numbers texted to them before the accommodation list was released. A 400-Level Mathematics and Computer Science student, pleaded not to be named told CAMPUSLIFE: “My name was not on the list but someone offered me a bed space at the rate of N25,000.

But, I could not pay the money.” Students are expecting a supplementary accommodation list but it is reserved for sportmen and women, who participate in sport tournaments. The list was yet to be released as at the time of filing this report. The DSA was not unavailable for comment. Workers in his office turned back our reporters, directing them to read a notice on the dean’s door, advising students not to come to his office for complaints on accommodation. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) has yet to speak on the issue. A 300-Level Physics Education student, who did not want his name mentioned, said the silence of the union leaders was ominous. He said: “Do we really have a students’ body speaking for us? I think Students’ Union should live up to its responsibilities by presenting our grievances to the school authority, to alleviate the suffering of students on this issue.”

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) has suspended Noble Eyisi indefinitely following his impeachment as Students’Union Government (SUG) president. Noble is alleging victimisation, but the school claims he is a troublemaker. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

LMOST a month ago, Noble Eyisi was impeached as the Students’ Union Government(SUG) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the Anambra State capital. His trouble appears to have just started with his indefinate suspension by the management. Noble was accused of attempting to disrupt the peace. The suspended student landed in trouble after he wrote what many students described as a “toxic letter” to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, demanding the disclosure of revenue due to the union. The school authorities responded by describing him as “impolite” in his approach. This development, Noble said, triggered his “contrived removal” as the union leader. Challenging his impeachment, Noble approached the state High Court on June 8 and sued the Acting President, Precious Ozems and Speaker of Student Representatives’ Council (SRC), Nzube Nnamani. This generated excitement on the campus after news got to students that the court had ordered Noble’s reinstatement, pending the determination of the suit. But, the management moved to suspend the student, claiming that

•Prof Ahaneku

•Noble

Suspended students’ leader alleges victimisation UNIZIK: he’s a troublemaker the measure was to pre-empt a planned disruption of peace on the campus. According to a top management member of the school, Noble, penultimate Wednesday, was accompanied to the university Multipurpose Hall by some strange people, who distributed placards to students in an attempt to engage them in “acts designed

to disrupt the peace in the university”. The management source said: “Noble Eyisi abandoned his Nissan Primera saloon car with registration number AAA857AZ at the front of the hall and ran away on sighting the security patrol vehicle. This lends credence to the suspicion that he was at-

tempting to engage in a conduct that could be inimical, destructive and unlawful to the interest and well-being of the university. “Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor, in pursuant of Section 19 of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP N 139 LFN 2004, suspended him indefinitely for misconduct pending the outcome of Students’ Disciplinary Committee to which the case is referred.” The management said the suspension was with immediate effect and ordered Noble to stay away from all academic activities during the period of his suspension. The development was not without a drama. Noble claimed he did not receive his purported letter of suspension from the management. He said he was shown a letter that stated his suspension at the office of the state Department of State Security (DSS), where he was detained after his arrest on the campus as he attempted to go into the institution. Speaking to our reporter, Noble denied planning to disrupt the peace of the school. He said his supporter only gathered for a peaceful protest to call on the school to obey court order. He said: “Students, who are saddened over my suspension,

planned a peaceful protest. The High Court, on June 8, ruled that the status quo be maintained, which means I should be returned as SUG president, which was the position I held before my suspension and subsequent impeachment. The plea was granted, because I am the applicant while the Vice President and the Speaker are the defendants.” On how he learnt about his suspension, Noble said: “When I went to school last Thursday, I was blocked from entering the campus and was arrested at the point. From there, I was taken to the Administrative Block, where I was dragged into a waiting van and taken to the office of DSS in Amawbia, where I was shown my suspension letter and asked to pack my personal effects left on campus. I was escorted by university anti-cultism officers to my hostel, where I packed my properties and left. I was not given any letter suspending me from school.” The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed the student’s suspension but declined comment when our reporter asked for the offences for which Noble being punished. Ojukwu simply said: “The student is expected to face the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE How population affects economic growth, by don

•One of the medical students speaking to the pupils.

Medical students advise pupils

O ensure secondary pupils are informed on health matters, the 300-Level members of Christian Medical and Dental Association Students (CMDAS) of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have held an outreach at Uselu Secondary School in Benin City, Edo State capital. The outreach, which was lasted for over two hours, last Thursday, had no fewer than 35 pupils in attendance. The medical students met with the pupils to sensitise them on health matters, career counselling, social vices and salvation message. According to the association’s Assistant Mission Secretary, Emmanuel Afesiumen, the outreach was part of activities aimed

From Eddy Uwoghiren

UNIBEN at educating young people on community health. The students had opportunity to practise health communication, which they were taught in community medicine. Addressing the pupils in their various classes, members of CMDAS told them to sun vices and drug addiction, which they said were detrimental to their personal wellbeing. They advised the pupils to study hard and keep their environment neat to reduce the tendencies illness. The event also featured salvation talk, where the pupils were told to build personal relationship with God and lead a life of

selfless service. Some of the pupils became born again, promising never to go back to their immoral lifestyle. The outreach also provided an opportunity for the pupils to seek advice on issues affecting them. Some spoke about bodily changes and career choices; the medical students advised them on ways they could solve the challenges. The university students presented gifts to the school. One them, Samson Oshomoh, said he was happy to participate in the outreach. “I feel fulfilled because I just mentored and inspired some young people. I am proud being a medical student. I hope the pupils take what they have learnt home,” he said.

EMOCRACY dividends may not reach majority of Nigerians if the population growth is not controlled. Prof Peter Ogunjuyigbe of the Department of Demography and Social Statistics of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, made this known last Tuesday. He was delivering the 247th inaugural lecture of the university, with the title: Human population dynamics and the mirage of demographic dividend in Nigeria. Uncontrolled population, he said, remained the key challenge affecting distribution of resources among the people, noting that the problem has affected the smooth running of schools, hospitals and other social amenities. Ogunjuyigbe said: “This lecture was to highlight the prospects of demographic dividend in Nigeria and considered the issues pertaining to male involvement in family planning, women’s right to contraceptive use, adolescent sexuality and reproductive health, childhood disease and mortality. “High rate of fertility ignites a population that challenges governments to satisfy the ever increasing demand for food, housing, education, health services and employment.” While explaining that the high fertility in the country was caused by tradition of the society that makes opinion of males in a family to override the decisions pertaining to reproductive health, Ogunjuyigbe said: “Men’s attitude and behaviour can either impede or promote sexual and reproductive health and consequently influenced fertility. Under such situation, the country can reap either a demographic dividend with pro-

•Prof Ogunjuyigbe From Afeez Lasisi

OAU ductive young workers or a catastrophic number of jobless youths and overcrowded schools and hospitals. The problem will also lead to high crime rate and civil violence.” Given high birth rate, the nation, he said, may have its population almost doubled by the end of 2015. If the growth rate was not unchecked, Ogunjuyigbe said it could make resources scarce and lead to humanitarian problems. He said the cycle of poverty prevalent in the nation may be difficult to be eradicated if corruption was not checked. The inaugural lecturer called for mass education of women to engender a healthy society. He added: “The more educated a woman is, the higher the chance of reduction in fertility.” The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, described the lecturer as in-depth researcher and competent teacher. Guests at the event included Olosu of Osu, Oba Jethro Adejola, and members of the university community, among others.

Ambode to build permanent NYSC camp

AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has reiterated the government’s commitment to build a befitting permanent orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He said the dream would soon be realised. Ambode spoke at the Iyana-Ipaja NYSC orientation camp during the closing ceremony of the orientation course for Stream II 2015 Batch “A” Corps members. Ambode said: “Our government will leave no stone unturned in working assiduously to ensure that the proper platform for youth development is provided and properly utilised.” He also urged the youths to accept their posting to the various parts of the state for their primary assignment in good faith, saying

By Medinat Kanabe their contributions to the socio-economic development of their communities should be paramount to them. Earlier, the NYSC coordinator, Mr Cyril Akhanemhe, said the camp could not cope with the large numbers of Corps members it is hosting yearly, urging the governor to step up effort to build a permanent camp. He said: “Considering the fact that the youth hostel is quite inadequate and becoming inhabitable because of the large number of Corps members deployed to Lagos every year, I reiterate the need for a permanent camp. I passionately urge all stakeholders to make necessary effort to make this dream a reality.”

Speaking on the training received by the Corps members, Akhanemhe said the youths were engaged in paramilitary drills by men of the Nigerian Army. He added that the Corps members were also trained in leadership and citizenship by officers of the Man O’ War. He said: “The Corps members also participated in social activities, such as cultural dance, drama, beauty pageant, debates and entrepreneurship course. All these were held to prepare the youths for challenges ahead. “To develop the Corps members’ leadership qualities, most of them were involved in camp administration and were appointed into various committees for the smooth running of the camp.”

Campus writers inaugurate exco

HE Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ) has sworn in its new leaders. The ceremony featured unveiling of the union’s magazine, Campus Light. The event held at the Department of Mass Communication auditorium and was attended by over 200 students. Director of Programmes at Enugu station of the Nigerian Television Authority, Mr. Jude Echowodo, chaired the occasion, which was witnessed by the union’s national president, Emmanuel Ahanonu, and Head of Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Chuddy Anyianuka, who administered oath of office on the executive members. Anyianuka urged members of

From Anthony Njosi and

Ifunanya Obi IMT the union’s executive to employ professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He used the occasion to announce to Mass Communication students that the management had approved a proposal for the purchase of digital equipment for the Radio section of the department. In her acceptance speech, the union’s president, Josephine Agbo, said her administration intended to erect a newspaper stand on the campus and produce weekly newsletters that would publish events and programmes within and outside the institution. She said the union would also train members on the ethics of

journalism and create a forum for the discussion of issues affecting press organisations on campus. Unveiling the magazine, Echowodo praised members of the union for their courage, advising the new executive to uphold the virtues of the union. The event featured music performance and comedy by campus artistes. The highpoint of the occasion was the cutting of cake to mark the inauguration of the executive. Others at the event included the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Paul Nnaji; the former president of Mass Communication Students’ Association, Paul Arubalueze, and former NUCJ president, Kingsley Isiani, among others.

•The robodozer

Engineering students build robot

GROUP of engineering students at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in AgoIwoye, Ogun State has built a robot that can be used for farming. The project was their final year research. The students are Babatunde Akingbade, Omololu Babasanya, Oluwaseun Fagbule and Fikayo Sobowale. The robot was designed in pattern of a bulldozer. The students named it robodozer and designed it to avoid obstacles. Oluwaseun, the group leader, said: “The robodozer is a prototype of a bulldozer, which can be used on a farm

From Sanya Boluwatife

OOU land. If we have enough resources at our disposal, we can create a bigger robot that can be operated automatically. The prototype we built cost us N100,000 and we contributed N25,000 each to order for the parts online.” Another member of the group, Omololu, said: “It was fun creating the robot; although it was not too easy for us. Oour colleagues thought it was something we could not do but our supervisor was supportive. We built it by the grace of God and we take the credit because it is the first time such project will be done on the campus.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

•The spot where the floor tiles got broken

ONTRARY to what was described as earthquake in the main library of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba, the school management has debunked the claims, saying that what happened was the “puffing” of the floors of the library. Acting Librarian, Mr Paul Idachaba, who made the clarification, said the wheezing noise caused panic among students. Some students were injured in the chaos

•One of the shelves damaged by the students

Varsity debunks ‘tremor’ claims From Mohammed Yabagi

KSU that followed an alleged vibration of the library building. Asked what caused the “puffing”, Idachaba said it was due to the swelling of the floor tiles, insisting that no vibration was felt in the

library. He said building was safe for reading. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that there was a rush after students heard wheezing sound from a section of the library floor. Out of fear, the students ran out of the building. Idachaba said: “None of the students using the library at the time

tried to find out what happened after they heard the puffing sound from the floor tiles. They took to their heels; some of them, out of fear, ran into the new shelves and shattered the glass which got a number of them injured. “What happened was not a tremor because tremors don’t occur on

Old students return to alma mater

HE Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Uli, Anambra State chapter of St Charles College Old Boys Association (SCOBA) has held an award and career convention for staff and pupils of their alma mater. SCOBA is an association formed by ex-students of St. Charles College in Awka with the objectives to sustain relationships built in the school. The event was held penultimate Friday at the school’s Malachi Hall and witnessed by its proprietor and Archbishop of Onitsha Arch Diocese, Most Revd Valerian Okeke, who was represented by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Reverend Anthony Asoanya. The school principal, Reverend Father Vitus Mbamalu, led teachers and pupils to the occasion. In their opening address, the SCOBA president, Victor Obiajulu,

Be prudent, graduate students’ leaders told

EMBERS of executive of Post-Graduate Students’ Government (PGSG) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) have been sworn in. They were elected in April after the former executive led by Oduba Eyong was disbanded by the management. Prince Agbo, a Master’s student of Linguistics and Communication Studies, beat Oliver Ally, a Master’s student of Policy and Administrative Studies to emerge president. Also, Emem Patrick, a Master’s student of Human Physiology is the Vice President. About five positions were filled unopposed. The Senate President, Patrick Ukatu, administered the oath of office on them. Chairman of the electoral committee, Ikechukwu

Ikechukwu Ofili UNICAL

Mbakwe, a doctoral student, handed over the union’s property and documents to the president, praising God for the successful election. Agbor, in his acceptance speech, dissolved the standing committees. He said: “My administration will work with every category of people, irrespective of their leaning. We shall work with anyone who is interested in the progress of the union. We will not victimise anyone, because our aim is to promote unity in the union.” Oduba tasked the new leaders on transparency, saying: “In everything you do, you should carry every student along.” Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA),

From Victor Oguaju

COOU and his deputy, Victor Oguaju, thanked the school management for training they received. Their speech was followed by the motivational session, where Oguaju spoke on Importance of higher education and the danger of dropping out after secondary school. Also, Hon Akachukwu Agwuna spoke on entrepreneurship, where he highlighted the advantages of acquiring skills in addition to education certificates. The event featured career talk, where Mr Agogbua Obumneme spoke on Biochemistry as a discipline, while Mr Charles Uzor spoke on career in chemical engineering. Asoanya hailed the ex-students’ gesture, urging the school management to ensure continuation of quality education in the school. The session was followed by award presentation. The students presented Award of Gratitude to the principal and the longest serving teacher, Miss Getty Onwuazo. Obumneme was honoured for his contribution to the growth of the association.

Students grumble over renovation

•The graduate students’ leaders taking the oath.

From Emmanuel Shebbs and

spots like that. If it was tremor, we would have seen the walls and parts of the walls cracked. But, there is nothing like that.” The librarian conducted CAMPUSLIFE round the building to assess the spot. He assured students that management was doing everything to ensure their safety. Idachaba said when the support building of the library is completed, it would assist in decongesting the main building.

Prof Eyong Eyong, advised the students’ leaders to obey the rules and maintain peace among members. He also urged the union leaders to be accountable in their spending, saying the school would not tolerate misappropriation of funds. Emem described her election as Vice President as an opportunity to serve. She said: “I will use my individual talent and skills to promote the values of the union. I want to leave a worthy legacy.” Agbor appealed to his opponent to join hand with him to move the union forward. Lack of accountability, he said, is one of the problems facing the union. He said: “I assure all members that every single kobo belonging to the union shall be used in the interest of members. No one will embezzle the union’s funds under my watch.”

TUDENTS of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba have bemoaned the relocation order by the management asking them to vacate their hostels for renovation. The students, who were yet to finish their exams and final year projects, said the management should have allowed them to complete their examination and other engagements. The aggrieved students made their complaints known while speaking to our reporter. They said the management did not put their plight into consideration before giving out the order. They wondered why the renovation could not be done at the end of the session. The management said the renovation was in the best interest of the students, noting that it would make the academic environment conducive for them. Chairman of the institution’s chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Moses Balogun, said the renovation

From Mohammed Yabagi

KSU was in the best interest of the students. It would address the accommodation challenges in the school, he said. But, students saw it from different angle, saying their relocation had exposed some of them to dangers. Some female students, who said they did not have relatives in Anyigba, said they were at the risk of being raped, because they were forced to stay with strangers whose characters, they said, they didn’t know. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that those, who were still writing examinations and final projects, have been relocated to new hostel buildings. Balogun said: “Renovation is a normal exercise from time to time in all universities. It is not new here. The students should be happy about the prospect that they would come back to meet brand new facilities, including hostels and lecture theatres. They should embrace it rather than whine about it.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

HERE was no dull moment. After the opening prayer, the event took an interesting turn. Those present were served food and drinks. These marked the dinner organised by the graduating Pharmacy students of the University of Benin, (UNIBEN). The event was graced by members of the staff of the Faculty of Pharmacy, including lecturers, non-teaching staff and laboratory attendants. They were led by the Dean, Prof John Akerele. Others were Prof Ijeoma Ahonkai, Prof Magnus Iwagwu and Registrar of Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, represented by Dr Anthony Idoka. Addressing the graduating students, Akerele said he was surprised by their brilliance and innovation, saying the world was waiting for them to show the stuff they were made of. He said: “You have all been certified excellent in character and in learning; you are the new professionals in whom we are well pleased. We have no fear concerning the services you are about to offer to the world. This is because we know the quality of lecturers who taught you all.” Recalling her days in school, Rosemary Chibogwu described her six years of study as the busiest period of her life, saying she usually felt nervous each time the faculty examination officer was to paste students’ results. She said: “Examinations did not scare me but when the results were about to be released, my heartbeat

•Family members of the late Kenneth at the event

•Emmanuella singing at the event

Graduating students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN) have held a valedictory dinner. The event was a prelude to their induction, reports EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (400-Level Pharmacy).

All’s well that ends well would increase even if I had written my papers very well. I would be scared to see the result. I know I was not alone in this regard. There were times students collapsed after they saw their results on the notice board.” Others students also recounted their experience at the College of Pharmacy; the revelation sent their lecturers into a moment of laughter. Participants were thrilled by the sonorous voice of Emmanuella Agbegha, a member of the gradu-

ating class, who sang at the event. Emmanuella used the opportunity to appreciate God for the talent of music she is taking away from the school. She dedicated a song to her late classmate, Kenneth Asemu, who recently died in a gas explosion in his hostel. The participants observed a minute silence in honour of the late Kenneth, after which many of them paid tributes to the deceased. Dr. T. Abere, who was the late Kenneth’s project supervisor, said the deceased was a son to him. He said: “He was a wonderful person

to be with; he was like a son to me. I pray his soul continue to rest in peace.” Ifeanyi Obodoeze described the late Kenneth Asemu as a man of peace. He said: “The late Kenneth was for everything that is godly and he respected others. As Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, so I rephrase today. I know that Kenneth is resting in the bosom of the Lord.” The class representative, Andrew Saba, said the event was to make their six-year stint in the school memorable. His speech was

followed by presentation of awards to lecturers and students. The graduating class also cut a cake to mark the moment. Andrew said: “Our graduation from the school with D.Pharm certificate is a rare privilege. We must praise the Lord for making it a possibility for us. Many of us faced hurdles in the course of study but God has commissioned our graduation. Studying pharmacy is very demanding, because the curriculum says we must complete 104 courses and passed 238 credits in the period of study. We are joyous and happy to say that we are now full-fledge pharmacists. We hope to serve humanity in the best way we can and proffer solution to man’s major health problems.”

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, has delivered the 69th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). He listed steps the nation can take to reduce poverty. YOMI AYELESO (300-Level Business Administration, AAUA) reports.

‘How farming can reduce poverty’

N inaugural lecture is an opportunity for a professor to show his academic prowess. It is a platform through which lecturers give account of their research on their field of specialisation. This, the Vice-Chancellor, of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, did when he delivered the 69th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology in Akure (FUTA), Ondo State. Ajibefun, spoke on Nigeria’s agricultural policy, productivity and poverty: The critical nexus. He described agriculture as the mainstay of the economy, saying households that constituted the bulk of the population would continue to derive livelihood from agriculture. The VC, a professor of Agricultural Economics, said for Nigeria to achieve food security and reduce poverty, the government must support local farmers with incentives to encourage food farming. He identified climate change, land and soil degradation as major challenges confronting the agricultural sector. He said: “Government should ensure an unhindered access to loans for farmers to improve productivity and support technologydriven farming.” Ajibefun advised farmers to construct irrigation and drainage on their farmlands, noting that the

‘There is a need to radically depart from reliance on rain-fed food production through heavy utilisation of irrigation. This will increase crop production and make farmers adapted to change of climate’ system was crucial to ensure adaptation to climatic change. He added: “There is a need to radically depart from reliance on rainfed food production through heavy utilisation of irrigation. This will increase crop production and make farmers adapted to change of climate.” He said agricultural growth would depend on improved agricultural technology, adding that the nation would only achieve economic development and reduce poverty if it is adapted to agricultural technology that would involve a continuous adaptation to changes in climate. As long as farmers can gain access to these technologies and markets to sell their produces, he said the prospect of continued growth in agricultural productivity would be sustained. While lamenting increasing poverty in Africa, the VC said it would take investment in technol-

ogy-driven agriculture to lift the impoverished out of their condition. He called for an all-inclusive agricultural policy to pave the way for sustained diversification of the economy. This, he said, is possible given the development of manufacturing industry and advanced technology. Ajibefun advised the government to make efforts to enhance rural financing and micro-enterprise to sustain the development of smallholder farming. He said farmers should be trained in environmental management and marketing strategy. He said: “A systematic approach must be taken to finding and piloting innovations. For us to reduce poverty and improve societal wellbeing, African countries need to borrow a leaf from agricultural success stories of countries, such as Israel, Brazil and China, which invested heavily in agricultural research and made critical reforms to policies and institutions

•Prof Ajibefun

and tapped into international sources of agricultural technology to raise productivity, lower food prices and stimulate economic growth.” Sub-Saharan African countries, he said, must provide their scientists with the necessary research tools to enhance food security. He said a investments in research and development, and effective interaction between researchers and the farm households were the key to raising the agricultural productivity and poverty reduction. Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof

Adebiyi Daramola, described the inaugural lecturer as a first class scholar of international repute and an achiever. The event was attended by dignitaries, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko, represented by Commissioner for Education, Mr Jide Adejuyigbe; Rector of the Federal Polytechnic in Ile-Oluji, Prof Adedayo Fasakin; Acting Rector, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Mr Boniface Ologunagba, and Chairman of AAUA Governing Council, Amb. Oladele Akadiri.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Checkmating corrupt students’ leaders

HE cry for change by Nigerians could be attributed to the pains inflicted on them by corrupt political leaders, who turned the country’s blessing of natural resources to curses. Some countries suffer natural disasters, such as typhoon, earthquake and hurricane, among others, but Nigeria has never been affected by these natural catastrophes. The nation is bedeviled by manmade cataclysm, which has resulted in neither typhoon nor tsunami, but acute underdevelopment. The devilish handiwork of people at the helm of affairs has taken the country back to the Stone Age. The political class has literally added corruption to the nation’s political lexicon, with the vice becoming a virtue among our leaders. Over the years, the name of the country has been synonymous with corruption and maladministration.

To reverse this curses, the people expressed their dissatisfaction with the level of rot in the polity and reposed their trust in Muhammadu Buhari, who was seen as a Messiah of sort to salvage the situation. Hence, he was voted him into power in the March 28 presidential election. Given the load of expectations from the people, Mr. President should, as a matter of urgency, restore transparency and accountability that has been lost in public office. He must display the political will to fight corruption and prosecute the corrupt officials. For a long time now, it has been observed that corruption is being institutionalised in our nation and this is not limited to the government offices and private firms alone. The leaderships of students’ union in higher institutions are not insulated from the effect of graft. But, it has been observed that there

has been no effort by managements of schools to stop corruption, which is inherent in students’ leadership. As it has been the practice at the national politics, students’ politics is also riddled with corruption and some students see unionism as avenue for enrichment. This is why many students’ leaders fight and precipitate violence to lead union and associations. Their target is the funds generated through dues and rent. Instead of using the funds for the welfare of their colleagues, students’ leaders siphon the money to acquire material property. It is, therefore, incontestable that the same decadence that pervades the thoughts of our leaders in government, which renders them insensitive of the plight of the people and makes them to contravene the oath they took during their inauguration, also reflects in students’ leadership

By Saheed Fakunle on campuses. From the analysis, it can be deduced that politics among students is a reflection of national politics.

This, however, leaves us with the belief that, the trait of corruption among the country’s leaders is traceable to their involvement of students’ politics. It is so disheartening to see future leaders being advocates of corruption. Polytechnics all over the country have become centres where corruption can be learnt with technicality. So also are the fabrics of universities across the country are torn apart by corruption. Because of their involvement, every student usually has something to say when the subject matter is corruption. To stop the menace, President Buhari should stretch his disciplinary hands to higher institutions across the country to put a check on the excesses of students’ leaders. For the change we desire to be sustainable, corruption in our institutions must be alienated. •Saheed is an Economics student, UDUS

Corps members’ camp romance: A viewpoint

HERE is a saying among Corps members, which states: “If Corps members marry themselves, the government would support them with N500,000.” While this statement is false, it has come to be the basis for unending romantic relationship among Corps members. During the orientation, camps turn to Garden of Eden where Corps members cohabit like Adam and Eve. Graduates, who come from various local and foreign higher institutions, are encamped in segregated sites for the compulsory orientation, which precedes the service year. They leave behind their families and friends to undergo the training. On getting to camp, some of them engaged to their partners lose selfcontrol to start another affair with their colleagues in the campus. The platoon meetings and relaxation at Maami markets provide ample opportunities for such Corps members to meet the oppo-

By Samuel Ikechukwu site gender to engage in romantic affairs. After all, nobody can say Corps members should not start relationship among themselves, not even the soldiers who take them through the orientation course. Like one of my lecturers at the University of Benin would say: “All relationships in school ends at main gate.” Many have said most Corps members’ relationships are nothing but a one-year exercise of vanity. In other words, it is said that such relationships start and end with the brown khaki. But, how true is this statement, seeing that some Corps members who become lovers in camps actually go ahead to marry. A case is that of Ekiti State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr T.C. Ibeh, who met his wife while he was the president of his Community Development Ser-

vice (CDS) group. In addressing the myth, one bulging questions comes to mind. Why do Corps members start romantic relationship when they know they have a year to be together? Several reasons abound but distance seems to play a good role. Many Corps members are already into relationships before they set out for the Youth Service. But when they get to camps, the distance between them and their lovers creates a wide gulf that usually strains the relationships. This, perhaps, explains why most Corps members embark on new relationships without doing away with the previous ones. This, as everyone knows, is cheating. Funmi, a Corps member in Akwa Ibom State, who was engaged to her beau in Lagos before she was mobilised for Youth Service. She left her fiancé in Lagos to serve her fatherland. Efforts to get redeploy to Lagos, where her fiancé resides, proved futile. The fiancé is a

workaholic and does not have time to visit. Hence, she faced the reality of living alone for one year. Because she is excessively emotional, Funmi started to cheat on her fiancé. She started a romantic affair with a fellow Corps member. It is also observed that Corps members date themselves to avoid the feeling of loneliness. This happens when Corps members do not have relatives or friends living nearby. They take solace in the relationship amongst themselves to avoid being lonely. Some date fellow Corps members to get steady supply of nutritious meal. Some Corps members, in defence of why they embark on romantic relationship, said having graduated from tertiary institutions, they are mentally and socially ready for relationships that will culminate into marriage. But, when some people believe relationships between Corps members are nothing but a casual union, it leaves me with a poser: would the relationship end

with the khaki after a year? “Khaki relationship” can be purposeful and lead to marriage. It can also end with the service year, depending on purpose of both parties have for embarking on such. For Corps members, who venture into romantic relationships for food insurance or to avoid being alone, one can assume that such relationships are nothing more than a waste of time. On the other hand, relationships established on the tenets of trust, companionship, compatibility and love can be tagged as one which can possibly progress into blissful union. Love will forever remain a beautiful thing irrespective of whether one finds it on his dying bed or during the National Youth Service. It is good if one has good reason to start a relationship with someone he sees every day. •Samuel, is a Corps member, NYSC Ado-Ekiti

A clarion call for unity

By Mark Orgu

HE sun rose that morning, shining on a significant moment as the people woke up to hear the sound. It’s freedom for the people. Our fathers became free from colonial oppression and became masters of our land. The new nation was founded on the unity, peace, progress and justice. The pride of the people and their identity were seen in the new flag. Our fathers wore the crown of victory; they became the heroes of our freedom. They preached oneness, brotherliness, love, charity and respect for one another, irrespective of their culture, religion and political affiliation. In an uncommon display of commitment to build a nation where their children would be free from oppression, they put down their lives on the line for us to have a nation of our own. Their vision was not just to build

and position our values and culture but also to make us have a firm belief in education as a virtue. Our heroes did not want us to toe the path of intimidation, exploitation and materialism, which brought the colonialists to our continent. Our heroes took right decision, which made them to deploy the country’s resources in pursuit of our freedom. In the course of this, most of them suffered body lifetime injuries and hardship but they remained resolute in what they saw as a fight for justice for all of us. The colonial power rallied its resources to ensure our land remained under its control. This was why every effort to free the nation was frustrated. We read in the history about our compatriots who were bathed with blood and tortured with all manner of instruments. They never buckled because the wellbeing of generation unborn mattered to them. Today, the crown of freedom they fought for is now in the shadow of history. The people are now living in uncertainty nation. The gains of our forebears have been frittered away on the altar of greed and kleptomania among the present crops of leaders. We have a nation that is divided along ethno-religious line. The three major tribes –Hausa, Yoruba

and Igbo – lord it over themselves. This is not a recent phenomenon; effect of tribalism has been with us ever since. The late Isaac Boro, a freedom fighter, observed in his book titled: The Twelve-Day Revolution that, shortly after the country’s independence, the young nation was besieged by almost all- known social vices, such as tribalism, nepotism, corruption, avarice, falsehood, et cetera. These vices have undermined national cohesion and progress. But tribalism is like quicksand, a house built on it will never endure. We all saw the poignant effect tribalism and ethnic chauvinism had in the last general elections. The ethnic suspicion was high and we saw people, who are supposed to be the proponents of peace, issuing threats should their preferred candidates failed to win elections. The election itself was characterised by ethnic consideration as major candidates divided the nation along tribalism. The question is: where is the unity which our founding fathers fought for? Where is the love? Is the nation not witnessing the slavery and oppression which our heroes laboured to erase from our polity? The reality is that the nation is in dire need of redemption. We must acknowledge the fact that our forebears wanted a nation

built on hope, confident and foresight. We were told that Nigeria has a blueprint for its development, which was bequeathed by our founding fathers. Nigeria has potential to be better than Malaysia, India, and European countries. The years of military coup, many believed, arrested the progress of the country. Sadly, it has been over 15 years that the military has left corridor of power, but the nation remains the same. Now, if we keep attributing the nation’s retrogression on the military coup that happened decades ago, it means that we are not sincere with ourselves and do not want to hear the truth about the cause of our woes. There have been successive civilian governments in the last 15 years, what has been the improvement in this period? The soldiers have remained in their barracks; politicians, who are entrusted with our resources, feed fat on our collective patrimony. They loot the treasury and keep stolen funds for unborn generation, while majority of Nigerians suffer untold hardship despite the huge resources lying under the nation’s feet. If coups prevented our forebears from building their dreamed nation, what stops the today’s leaders to build that castle given the

huge resources that accrued to the nation under their watch? As it stands today, the dreams of our heroes is turning to a mirage and their aspirations becoming unrealisable. The majority of Nigerians do not have access to basic infrastructure and amenities, such as potable water, steady power supply, good roads, security and employment. The dream of our founding father was to create a paradise out of the country, but this seems unachievable. It is my wish that the Muhammadu Buhari administration would focus on consolidating and building a better country, where everyone can reap the dividend of democracy irrespective of race, religion and political affiliation. Let all of us have the freedom to express our view constructively. This administration should embark on reconciliation to reunite various ethnic groups and ensure that we all live as indivisible people. The government should focus on the growth and development of the country rather engaging is trivial issues of blame game. May we remain united under the country we all call our own. •Mark, has just finished from Education Management, YABATECH

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE Controversy trails NASU chairman’s sack From Mohammed Yabagi,

KSU

•The team inspecting the piggery in the college.

‘Integrated farming will reduce poverty’

GRICULTURAL experts from the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (WECARD) have recommended integrated farming as a means of reducing poverty in the country. The team of experts spoke during their inspection and documentation visit to the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH) in Igboora. They were led by Prof Kolawole Ajani.

From Helen Olawore

OYSCATECH According to them, the integrated farming system being practised by the college remains the best in terms of structure and programme co-ordination. The team praised the college management led by Prof Gbemiga Adewale for its commitment, collaboration and funding of the project.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

The integrated farming is a system that allows farmers to cultivate rice, breeds fishes and rear pig within a parcel of land. Satisfied with the success recorded by the college on its first phase of the integrated farming, Prof Ajani promised that WECARD would introduce the second phase of the system in the college. He said the project was being funded by the World Bank under the supervision of WECARD. Speaking on the benefits of the system, the team said farmers could harvest a minimum of 35.5kg of rice in three months on a small portion of land. In the same period, he said, Fish harvest from the pond and pork processing from piggery could be realised. By implication, they said farmers would have enough produce to sell and poverty, they said, would be reduced. Receiving the team on behalf of the Provost, the Deputy Provost, Mr Isiaka Adekunle, appreciated WECARD team for choosing the college as beneficiary of the project. He pledged the management’s commitment towards the success of the project. Some of the college’s students, who had been trained on integrated farming, said that they had learnt new method of farming through the project.

ANAGEMENT of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba has terminated the appointment of the chairman of the institution’s chapter of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Comrade Yusuf Audu. Although no reason was given for his dismissal, there are insinuations that Audu’s sack may not be unconnected with the allegation of misappropriation of funds of the union and institution of a legal action against management. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that some NASU members accused Audu of embezzling N360,000 meant for their welfare. Audu described the allegations as baseless, saying they were creation of his detractors, he said, are bent on soiling his name for no just cause. He said he did not steal any money from anyone, neither has he been involved in any shady deal since his assumption as the leader of NASU. He said his travail was orchestrated by those who saw him as a threat to corruptly enrich themselves. A copy of the letter of termination of Audu’s appointment, which CAMPUSLIFE obtained, indicated that Audu had been directed to return all the university’s properties in his care immediately. The letter, with reference number: KSU/R/ EST/JS/299, was signed on behalf of management by the Acting Registrar, Dr. Y.I. Abubakar. Investigation by our reporter showed that Audu’s sack may have been as a result of unending crisis rocking the union, which has set it against the school management. A source in the management told our reporter that, Audu shot himself in the foot when he took management to court over his suspension from office, which he claimed was against the Civil Service Rule. There was also an allegation that Audu sent threat text messages to a member of the union, who he allegedly perceived as one of the masterminds of his travail. The source said: “As an employee of the university, it is against Civil Service Rule for you to take management to court before exploring other channels of resolving matters out of court.” Audu, however, denied taking management to court, saying his case in court was against the police, which instituted a criminal case against him without properly investigating an allegation brought to them. He said it was natural for the court to join the school management in the suit, insisting he never took the management to court. The management source said: “It is true that he has been sacked over misappropriation of funds amounting to N360,000, out of which he returned just N160, 000.” The refund of the money substantiated the allegation of misappropriation against Audu, the source said. But, Audu said he did not refund any money to the union’s purse.

New DVCs for Kogi varsity

HE management of Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba, has appointed new Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs), following the expiration of tenure of the outgoing DVCs. The new DVCs are Dr Salihu Musa (Administration) and Dr Momoh Sanni (Academic). Welcoming his deputies to their first University Management Committee (UMC) meeting, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Hassan Isah, urged them to support and contribute their quota to the development of the institution. Prof Isah, who noted that he enjoyed support and cooperation of the former DVCs, said he had no cause to regret working with them. He observed that process of administration of university were not strange to the new DVCs, expressing confidence in the ability of his deputies to contribute positively to the growth of the

From Mohammed Yabagi,

KSU school. He charged members of management team to maintain effective communication channel, stressing that communication was vital to the success of any organisation. Other members of the management team include Acting Registrar, Dr Y.I, Abubakar, Bursar, Alhaji S.U. Ozigi, Acting Librarian, Mr. Paul Idachaba, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Benjamin Ogwo, Director of Physical Planning, Dr A.I. Opaluwa, Director of Works and Maintenance, Mr I.G. Onate, and Deputy Registrar, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mallam U.E. Shuaibu, who is Secretary to the management committee.

‘I use comedy to preach peace’ •Continued from page 30 So, I face my studies squarely and I don’t want anything to affect it. But, comedy is what makes me happy and it is Plan B for me after leaving school. Do you have a role model? I have three successful comedians I look up to as role models. They are Basketmouth, Bovi and AY. I want to be as confident as Basketmouth, as natural and original as Bovi, and as creative as AY.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? I see myself at the top of the comedy game. I want to be seen as a comedian with national and international recognition. What is your advice for students who may wish to be comedians? They should keep making people laugh. They should be creative and not allow anybody to discourage them. With focus and hard work, we will get to our promised land.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE

Uniform standards for African higher institutions soon, says Okebukola

ORMER Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola has said plans are underway to adopt a uniform quality assurance framework as minimum standard of education for higher institutions in Africa. He said the uniform standard of education, which would take effect next year, would be equal to that of the Western countries and guarantee higher quality education for African graduates. Okebukola made this known while delivering Covenant University’s (CU) Convocation lecture, titled: “Higher education and Africa’s future: Doing what is right.” He said: “The attainment of Agenda 2063 of the African Union as a roadmap for Africa’s future will be severely hindered without significant reorientation of the higher education delivery system.” Okebukola said the right thing for universities to do include: conduct

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

needs assessment, progressive remediation and ensure the safety of students through safety audits, overt and covert actions, quarterly safety drills and counter propaganda against the messages of extremists. The don proposed that African teachers should do what is right in delivering their services and keep themselves up to date in their various fields. “A good teacher should own up to what he does not understand, keep up to date with his or her contents, embrace the use of technology to deliver lectures and practicals, cover syllabus, be punctual, organised,

appreciate and cater for diversity including the physically challenged and minimise his insults on students”, he said. Okebukola, who is Executive President of UNESCO’S Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI)- Africa and Chairman of the International Quality Group of the US Council for Higher Education Accreditation, advised lecturers to shun “yellow pages lecturing”, a system of reading old notes to students to copy without updating them. On security in schools, he advocated the adoption of what he termed a minimum standard for physical and psychological safety.

‘A good teacher should own up to what he does not understand, keep up to date with his or her contents, embrace the use of technology to deliver lectures and practicals, cover syllabus, be punctual’

“These are physical screening of the perimeter of the school against intruders with installed and functioning CCTV coverage; access into the school is controlled and visitors monitored; periodic awareness campaign and capacity building for students, teachers and administrators to rapidly respond to safety threats; and existence of effective and technology-assisted security, among others”, he said. Chancellor of the institution, Dr David Oyedepo, condemned political leaders for neglecting education. He said: “To all political leaders: those who think only of election are not leaders, but those who think of the next generation. Africa needs its own leaders to effect the change we are looking for. Let us be value-oriented and generous in sharing the values.” Oyedepo said CU has never employed foreign expertise in its development and administration, urging Nigerians to be so-minded.

FUTA student wins Microsoft contest •To represent Africa

ITH four more years of study still ahead of him, Saviour Okusenogu is proving early that he has a lot to offer. The 100-Level student of Electrical/ Electronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has won the 'Microsoft Youthspark Challenge for Change Contest' and is billed to represent Africa on the world stage in Nicaragua between August 3 and 16. Okusenogu will be pitching his project, 'Become Inspired in Science and Engineering Technology (BISET)', against nine other finalists from all over the world at the twoweek contest organised by Microsoft Corporation. The BISET won Okusenogu a Sur-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

face Pro 3 Computing System, a Windows Phone and $2500 cash, which he is expected to use to breathe life to the project which focuses on inspiring secondary school pupils to use science and technology productively. Speaking on what inspired the project, Okusenogu said: "I discovered that many young people have a wrong perception of science and technology and are either not involved in it at all or are not utilizing it in a productive manner. I decided to change this perspective by starting with the young people in secondary schools with the aim of inspiring them to have interest in science and technology for them to become creative, productive and innovative." Okusenogu is the only winner from Africa. He fought his way to

reckoning from among over 2,000 initial contestants, pruned down to 30 (among whom were only three Nigerians), then 10 for the grand finale. The Microsoft Youthspark Advocate was a former President of Junior Engineering Technicians and Scientists (JETS) while in secondary school. Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Adebiyi Daramola, who was delighted about Okusenogu's achievement, said the feat further confirms that FUTA is not just a leading university in Nigeria, but also internationally.

EKSU FILE

Alumni donate lecture theatre THE Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association has handed over the keys of the newly constructed Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Lecture Theatre to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina. The association constructed the building and named it after the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Handing over the keys, President of the association, Dr. Matthew Ayeni, who was accompanied by the National Secretary, Dr. Oludotun Adetuberu, said the old students were proud of the positive development going on the university. He said the endowment was part of the association's contributions to support Aina's positive administration. Aina praised the association for the gift. He noted Ayeni had changed the face of the association by contributing to the development of the university.

Inaugural Lecture holds

•Okusenogu

"ORIGIN and Existence: The Inconsequential Conclusion" will be the topic of the 42nd Inaugural Lecture of Ekiti State University (EKSU) coming up Tuesday next week. The Lecture will be delivered by Professor Zachaeus Ogundare who is a Professor of Philosophy. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Patrick Oladipo Aina will be the Chairman of the occasion expected to attract several dignitaries

LASPOTECH gets 10th rector

R. Samuel Oluyinka Sogunro, has succeeded Dr Abdulazeez Lawal as the 10th rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). He was the Deputy Rector (Administration) from April 26, 2013 before his elevation. The appointment took effect from June 1, this year. Sogunro, who hails from Lagos Island Local Government, attended Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere (1975), Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School, Iponri (WASC, 1980); Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo (Higher School Certificate -HSC, 1983); University of Lagos (B.Ed, Mathematics Education, 1987, and MSc Statistics (1996). His career in LASPOTECH began in January 1990 as Lecturer III in the Department of Mathematics. He was promoted Lecturer II (October 1, 1993); Lecturer I

•Sogunro

(October 1, 1996); Senior Lecturer (October 1, 1999); Principal Lecturer (October 1, 2005); and Chief Lecturer (August 11, 2010). Sogunro served as the Director, Academic Planning from December 2010 to April 2013, when he became Deputy Rector. Sogunro has several publications to his credit. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered); Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Mathematical Society (NMS), and Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA). Sogunro is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, United Kingdom (FRSS) and Institute of Classic Entrepreneurship, Nigeria (FICENT).

•From left: Chancellor Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr David Oyedepo (second right) declaring open a Tele-medicine and e-health project in the university medical centre as part of activities marking CU 10th convocation. With him are: (from left) CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Charles Korede-Ayo, and his Deputy, Prof Taiwo Abioye.

Unemployment, bane of youth criminality, says student

N undergraduate of the Ajayi Cowther University, Miss Ayisat Nifem Adeosun, has called on the government to formulate policies and legislations that will enhance job creation through small enterprises and poverty alleviation schenes. She made the appeal in a paper she presented at a Youth Enlightenment Forum in Oyo town. Titled: 'Why youth lose hope,' Ayisat noted that no nation could achieve growth or any form of stability that would enhance socioeconomic development with youth unemployment. "Youth unemployment leads to anti-social behaviours such as ethnic militancy, vandalism, illegal

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

bunkering, arm-robbery, insurgency and kidnapping. This is due to infliction of psychological trauma as a result of the breakdown of the social contract, isolation from the world of work, loss of responsibility identity and respect which the position at work guarantees. People who have no jobs feel insignificant and inferior, as they always have the impression of being alienated from the rest of the society and treated as parasites." Ayisat identified the causes of graduate unemployment as including faulty manpower planning and expansion of educational facilities

that have unduly raised the expectations of youth, economic recession, unwarranted preference for expatriates in employment, and graduates' attitude to some types of jobs and locations. She noted that most youths that take part in criminal activities are uninformed; do not know why they are doing so, or the consequence of their actions. "A great percentage of criminal activities and violence perpetrated by the youths in the country is the result of some communication gap, a disconnect between the youths and leaders at various levels which continues to widen overtime, and are often manipulated by opportunists who lure these youths with

promises of a better life, and end up turning them into willing instruments for perpetuating violence in the pursuit of their group or individual interests," she said. She pointed out that it is necessary for youths to be liberated from the shackles of ignorance and misconception, adding that these cannot be achieved except through timely, accurate and relevant information and enlightenment. "Without doubt, disciplined, focused and law-abiding youths can create a bright future for the nation, since they are the most active segment of the society, and major determinant of the degree of disorderliness and instability in a society.''

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CAMPUS LIFE AOCOED FILE

SCHOLARSHIPS

12 teachers upgraded

APPROACHING DEADLINE

FOLLOWING the approval of the Governing Council, the Provost, Mr. Bashorun Olalekan Wasiu who also doubled as the Chairman, Appointments and Promotions Committee (Senior cadre) on behalf of Council, has okayed two academic staff's promotion from Principal Lecturer to Chief Lecturer. This is in addition to 10 others from Senior Lecturer to Principal Lecturer. Their appointment took effect from October 1, 2013. While congratulating them, management informed the Chief Lecturers to deliver their inaugural lectures before this year runs out. He said: “Advocacy is number one because our society is still dominated by ignorance. That’s why you see a child whose parents allowed him to stay up to four years because he did not secure admission into universities. This is not right. The basic education level, if you don't tackle it seriously, and that means the foundation for universities will be shaky.”

Transcript fee reviewed THE Management has reviewed the cost of obtaining transcript from the college. Henceforth, transcript requested within the country would cost N5000 while those outside from outside will cost N10,000. This fee excludes postage.

Deputy Provost, Registrar get vehicles THE Deputy Provost Wole Ajose and Registrar Olumuyiwa Coker, have received their official vehicles - a Toyota Corolla and Toyota Hilux pickup. Also, the college took delivery of a new Toyota Coaster Bus.

IPRS La Trope University Fee Remission Research THE IPRS and LTUFTRRS are open to international students who want to study a higher degree by research at a Master's or PhD level. Funded by the Australian Government. They cover tuition fees for two years for a Master's by Research degree and three years for a doctoral (PhD) degree. International WaterCentre Masters Scholarships (International) Covers full tuition and full living costs scholarships. Each scholarship is valued at approximately $ 89,811 and will cover: Full tuition fees for full-time study of the IWC Master of Integrated Water

Management program commencing in 2016 (valued at $ 49,920 over 18 months);Return air travel to Australia (single return, economy class airfare to and from Australia, through the most direct route up to a maximum of $ 2,500); Cost of student visa for a single student (valued at AU$ 535); Overseas Student Health Cover (valued at AU$ 856 for 18 months); and Living costs stipend (valued at $ 36,000 for 16 months) payable in equal monthly instalments. Target: Nigerians Eligibility requirements To apply for a scholarship, you must have all of the following: A completed undergraduate degree in a related field of study from an

internationally-recognised institution; at least two years of professional experience (paid work or volunteering experience) relevant to the program; although professional experience is not essential for admission in the MIWM program, candidates with relevant professional experience have a higher chance of securing a scholarship. International candidates must also demonstrate English Language Proficiency (including minimum scores for IELTS, TOEFL or PTE). A proof of English language proficiency needs to be uploaded with the online application form. How to apply: Complete an online application form by 1 August 2015.

When filling the online application form, the following documents need to be uploaded: •Current resume/CV •Two reference letters IWC Masters Scholarships open: 1 May 2015 IWC Masters Scholarships close: 1 August 2015 Shortlisted applicants will be notified by email on 18 August and the Scholarships Selection Panel will make a final decision on successful recipients by 19 October. MIWM program will commence in February 2016 at The University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) For further enquiries, send a mail to: admin@watercentre.org

The Executive Secretary, National Council for Colleges of Education, Prof Monday Joshua, was one of the guests at the 10th Convocation of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, which ended last Friday. At the event, he spoke to reporters on the rationale behind the newly upgraded four colleges of education into universities, among other issues. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, reports.

‘College upgrade to varsities is right step in right direction’

ITH the upgrade of four colleges of education to univerities by the government, one feels the government may have unconsciously set a precedencec for other colleges even in states. Don’t you think the NCE curriculum is endangered here? There is what is called basic education in Nigeria covering the entire six years and the first three years in JSS, making it nine years altogether. The Federal Government has also adopted NCE as basic education, that simply means the role of making teachers for basic education lies with colleges of education. So that does not mean there are no roles for NCE to play. Universities are charged with training and producing graduate teachers to feature at the level of secondary education. So every institution has its own

place. Therefore, upgrading a college of education to university amounts to changing the focus and mandate of that college from producing teachers for the basic education level to producing teachers for the upper secondary school education level. Though the kind of recommendation we made in NCCE to government is slightly different from what was executed. We recommended that let each college that have so matured be left as a college of education but given the mandate to run NCE programmes. But we cannot fault the Federal Government because it is the owner and driver of the policy. But we are already witnessing pockets of challenges in those new upgraded colleges. Yes, there is no new thing that is

•Members of the University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA) when they visited the Governor of Abia State, Mr Victor Ikpeazu.

not associated with challenges. There are complaints that it is either the dregs or those who have been rejected by other universities that ended up in the colleges. It’s an issue that cannot be solved in one day. Stakeholders in education have to address this. The bottomline lies in the kind of regard, the public image that the society accords teaching profession overtime. We must all correct that bad image so as to encourage more people to be excited to come to teaching. In present day economy, you find out that those that read Education in colleges and universities are better off in the employment market than others. It is just for people to analyse the situation and change their mentality about teaching. What can governments do because we cannot allow public institutions to continue to degenerate? We cannot let go our public institutions. The governments who are properitors of these public institutions are trying. The unfortunate thing is that government institutions are just left for government to run alone. In that way, the government cannot succeed. In other countries, the government runs institutions in partnership with industries and other private initiatives. In the atmosphere of dwindling economy, government cannot succeed the way it is expected to. That is why we are beckoning on private industries to parner with government institutions so as to take them to a height we can all be proud of. What is your vision for NCCE? My vision is that of implementing the mandate NCCE has handed to us which is supervising colleges of education in Nigeria, and ensuring programmes run in those colleges are accredited and maintain minimum standards that are ex-

•Prof Joshua

pected. With the current UBE policy and the adoption of NCE as the basic teaching qualification in Nigeria, colleges of education are then the institutions to produce teachers for our UBE. So my vision is to accomplish that mandate in its entirety. We have had challenges of funding so much that in the past couple of years, programmes that ought to be visited have not yet be been visited. But we are making efforts to raise funds and ensure every college runs accredited programmes. Your child is one of those graduating in Covenant Universitry. As a public office holder, does that mean you have lost confidence in public schools? That is not correct! God has blessed me with four children. The first two attended federal universities while the third attended a state university. This our last is like a test to have a view of what private universities also are so as to balance up. And how would you describe be the experience? Wonderful! I wish I could make more children. The difference is clear. Not that I have lost confidence in public schools but I think Covenant University has gone a step further.

Don't politicise new varsities, COEASU advises Fed Govt

HE Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), has advised Federal Government against politicising the newly upgraded colleges of education. The Federal Government had on May 20, announced the upgrading of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Alvan-Ikoku College of Education, Owerri,Federal College of Education, Zaria and Federal College of Education, Kano. The National Vice-President of COEASU, who doubles as the Southwest zonal coordinator of the union, Smart Olugbeko, alleged that sub-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

terranean moves were on by some politicians to truncate the government’s move. He said those behind this felt their zones were short-changed. He advised those he described as "saboteurs" to acquaint themselves with the processes and procedures that led to the upgrade of the colleges. According to him, the colleges were upgraded on academic and professional considerations devoid of ethnicity and politics, He said: "These are colleges that

have been producing graduates in various education disciplines for the past 30 years. "Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, for instance, is 51 years old and has been running degree courses since 1981 and has all her degree courses fully accredited.” Olugbeko also said the various committees set up by the Federal Government at various times found the facilities and personnels in the Colleges to have measured up to university standard and that was why the committees recommended the change in status of the institutions.

The COEASU leader therefore, advised Buhari's administration to quickly initiate the bill towards amending the law of the colleges to reflect the new status. This initiative, according to him, has the potential of increasing access to teacher education by forty percent and further promote the expected professionalism in teaching. He lamented how the first pronouncement by the former Education Minister, Professor Ruqqayyatu Rufai in 2010 was politicised and never allowed to see the light of the day. Noting that the colleges still run NCE and degree programmes of

affiliate universities that cannot be stopped abruptly and also the peculiarities of the institutions cannot be jettisoned with fiat, he insisted that the old system should be allowed to phase out while the new system is developed. The vice-president advised that a Transition Committee be set up comprising representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union to work out the modalities of transiting the colleges to their new status.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

EDUCATION

How school retains workers, by principal

school as Oladapo said its pupils continue to excel in public examinations - recording almost 100 per cent pass in Mathematics, English and five other subjects. He said the school is also doing well in competitions with other schools. The latest of the laurels the school celebrated last month was winning the gold category award for being among the top 250 schools in Africa in 2015 coordinated by the African Brand Review, a publication that reviews the performance of schools. The school also won the best in

chemistry award in a competition organised by Lagoon Secondary School, Lekki, and came third in the debate organised by Cayley College, Agidingbi. Aishat Bello, Dansol's representative in the National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (Junior Category), won the first stage prize for Lagos State and would represent the state in the second stage of the competition holding this month. But the school is not done yet, as Oladapo promised that efforts at being on the top would be a continuous process. He said: "Now we have more modern instructional materials compared to the last few years. Dansol classrooms are now being equipped with e-learning facilities. We are doing it in stages, we just finished for the SS1 and 2. Next session we will move to the next stage. In the past too, we had just text books, in the library, but now apart from the hard copies, we now have the e-library, thereby exposing our students to the world around them, right within the confines of the classroom." Activities lined up for the 20th anniversary, which Oladapo said would kick off October 9 (when the school opened to pupils) and end October 24 (when it received formal approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Education), include: speech and prize giving day; inter-house sports competition, symposium, and the launch of a book, which would detail "all that is called Dansol from inception to date on January 24.

programme is germane in eradicating poor performance in Mathematics in Nigeria." A teacher in one of the participating schools Mr Bamidele Lawal, noted that the initiative would further consolidate their efforts and help pupils who are hitherto scared of the subject. "We mathematics teachers have been doing our best and I think with a competition like this, the students

are more encouraged to study and are now believing more in themselves seeing their colleagues making it." "This programme is an eye-opener and brain -challenging which I believe will energise our coming generation," added Mr Idowu Joseph of Tayese Community Secondary School. The event wrapped up with other side attractions such as dance and drama presentation.

•Plans book for 20th anniversary

NE challenge many private schools face is high staff turnover. However, that is not a problem at Dansol High School, Agidingbi, Lagos, where elaborate preparations have started to mark the school's 20th anniversary later this year. Some of the programmes outlined for the celebration include a dinner during which supporters of the school would be rewarded, including workers who have stayed with the school for a long time. In an interview, the principal, Mr Esan Oladapo, told The Nation that the school retains most of its workers because of favourable welfare policies instated by its proprietor, Mrs Adun Akinyemiju. "Staff turnover, in DANSOL is relatively low, because of the welfare

•Oladapo (right), and the Vice Principal, Mrs Margaret Okooboh, with winners of various competitions: from left: Osamagbe Izevbigie, Eghosa Izevbizua, Oluchi Ileka, Funmilayo Agbi, and Onome Ize-Iyamu holding plaques and thropies won by the school. By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

packages that the management has provided for the workforce, junior, intermediate and senior cadres. There are people here that will be getting award for 20 years of meritorious service during our 20th anniversary. We have free medical services for staffers, both local and internationally-sponsored trainings, regular payment of salaries, annual increase of salaries, whether the workers are due for promotion or not, so far as you have contributed meritoriously during any ses-

sion under review. "The organisation is like a home away from home due to the close rapport existing between the workers and the management, vis-à-vis the founders. We work like father, mother, brother, sister so there is this cordial bond that detaching from this place to leave to another place, becomes difficult," he said. Oladapo has stayed with the school for 18 years - 10 of which have been spent as principal. The cordial workers-management relationship is paying off for the

Foundation expands scope to accommodate more contestants

HE trio of Master Olatunde Semiloore, Anyaegbunem Obinna and Ogbu Deborah, have come tops in the fourth edition of the Mathematics is simple contest. The trio were presented with medals, awards textbooks and cash prizes as rewards for their feat. However, for the first time since it berthed in 2012, Our Generation Foundation (OGF), organiser of the Mathematics is Simple competition spread its dragnet to more contestants beyond Owode-Yewa axis with more contestants accommodated from Yewa-South Ipokia and AdoOdo/Ota local government which is one of densely populated in Yewa Awori zone hosting over 100 and 50 private and public schools. Mathematics is simple contest sponsored by OGF, tasks pupils knowledge of maths without the use of a calculator. Owing to this development, OGF a Christian nongovernmental organisation had to use three centres in conducting the first stage of competition in May 2. This year's competition began its preliminary stage with over 996 contestants cutting across 100 schools. The second phase which was the knockout stage that held same month saw contestants being pruned down to 672 out

By Adegunle Olugbamila

of which 86 emerged in the final stage that held at AUD Ota, and which produced the 10 finalists for the ground finale. Wife of the convener Mrs Gbonjubola Odumusi, urged participants to see the event as a challenge that would motivate them into acquiring knowledge that would make them spontaneous in their response to maths questions. "The peculiarity of OGF's Mathematics is simple competition which are solving mathematics without the use of calculators and giving out solutions to the questions immediately after the exams, have thrilled lots of our participants including teachers, with subsequent improvement at every turn," she said. Despite limited fund, Odumusi said OGF was left with no choice than to expand the scope owing to growing interest of pupils in the competitions. "Although we do not have enough resources, yet we want to be fair enough by accommodating more interested contestants due to growing interest and resounding success in past competitions," she added. Some of the pupils and teachers in this competition shared their interest with The Nation. "This is a great challenge to me and

• Semilore (middle) flanked by Ogbu (left) and Anyaegbunam displaying their gifts.

my colleagues back in school," said Akinola Lateef Olanrewaju of Area Community High School Owode. "We really learned we can study mathematics without lots of stress. Solving math without a calculator has taught me to study hard for external examination without thinking of engaging in malpractices." Another participant Ogundele Qawiyat of Yewa(Egbado) College Ilaro also lent her voice "The

RCCG donates computers to school

EACHING out to the needy has been a part and parcel of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). That is why the RCCG Lagos Province 10, Orile Agege, reached out to pupils of Government Senior College, Agege, Lagos with five desktop computers and two UPS. Pastor-in-Charge of Province, Pastor Joseph Olagbadegun, said the gesture was in line with the directives from the church’s General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye. "Pasto Adeboye said we should give back to the society what God has given to the church," he said. Explaining the rationale behind giving computers, Oladgbadegun said without the requisite ICT knowledge, present-day pupils will find it difficult to understand the modern-day technology. He however implored the pupils to face their studies and spend les on social media. The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Mrs

By Kehinde Onifade

Adebowale Ogunfidodo, who received the equipment said: "We appreciate your kind gesture for presenting these sets of computers to our students." She advised the pupils to maintain the equipment. The Vice-Principal (Administration), Mrs Farinde Bolanle, also thanked the church for remembering the school, which she said has the largest population in Lagos State. However, she urged them to do more. The school Senior Girl, Ikeoluwa Mustapha also thanked the church for giving them the privilege to access technology. Present at the presentation were: Assistant Pastor-in-charge of the Province, Ayodele John, Pastor Ajayi Samson, Pastor Mrs Adeleye Deborah, Pastor Isaac Biyi, Pastor Esther Akinsola, Director Senior Tutor of Education, Mrs Buluro Abosede, and the Vice Principal (Academics), Mr Shoyebo Kolawole.

•From left: Pastor Ayodele, Pastor Olagbadegun, Mrs Farinde Bolanle, representative of Mrs Ogunfidodo and Mr Shoyebo Kolawole while handing over the computers.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

Book projects and other stories

•The books on display.

Whitesands boys write book

OME pupils of Whitesands School, Lekki, Lagos can now boast of being authors. Their literary and art works collected in a book titled: The Sail was launched on Thursday, last week. The modest efforts of the boys in poetry, prose, drama, essays, fiction and art were judged by professionals, including Ms Chika Unigwe, winner of the NLNG Prize for Literature, 2013, and poet, Mr Tade Ipadeola. During the launch, some of the budding authors read out their works to the audience made up of pupils, teachers as well as parents and some guests. The best of the art works in the junior and senior secondary categories were also on display. Principal of the school, Dr Lorenzo David, said the idea of publishing a book, an established culture among sister schools run by the Opus Dei, a catholic organisation, was initiated to encourage and recognise creativity in the young teenage boys. He said: "It has been my dream that we will come up with a book - a book

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

that extols and glorifies the work of our students. So we finally were able to do it. It is not a question of not having the desire. It has always been there. "Our boys have been winning awards in Mathematics, sciences, biology. When it comes to Mathematics, I do not lose sleep because our boys do very well in mathematics. Our boys are also winning prizes in fine art. It is time to feature in Literature as well. So, we will like to showcase our boys for people to see." The book was published by Feathers and Ink, whose Executive Editor, Mr Nwachukwu Egbunike, praised the boys for their creativity. "The Sail is one of the most significant piece of writing I have had the opportunity to midwife as a publisher. It is significant because it is not easy to find such collection by people as young as you are," he said. Commenting on the Prose entries she judged, Ms Unigwe, whose comment was read by Mr Sebastian

Eluehike, Vice Principal of the Senior School, said: "What an amazing display of talent. The sagacity of the writing from writers so young was outstanding." The best three writers and artists in each category were rewarded with prizes while some others got honourable mentions. Fifteen-year, Tamilore Ogunbayo, whose poem titled: ‘The Mask’ won the first prize for poetry, said he was encouraged to put in an entry by his teacher, which he did on the final day. "It was the final day for submission and I hadn't written something yet. I was trying to write something but nothing was coming. I wrote something and looked at it and it looked good. I feel really good because I wasn't sure I was going to win. I just thought let me do something because Mr Kola keeps asking me to do things like this," said the SS2 pupil. Vice Principal, Junior School, Mr Emeka Enemuo, announced that entries had opened for the next edition of the publication.

NGO teaches pupils to care for environment

N celebration of this year’s World Environmental Day, the Conservative Environmental Growth and Development Centre (CEGDEC) took out time to visit Oke-Afa Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Jakande Estate, Isolo to educate the pupils on the need to take positive environmental actions. Addressing the pupils at the school's assembly, the Founder, CEGDEC, Mrs Olayemi Maryam, urged the pupils to adopt an eco-friendly sustainable lifestyle.

By Medinat Kanabe

"Do an inventory of your energy usage, your consuming habits and your reliance on unsustainable products, make a list of ways you intend to curb your unsustainable activities and habits and replace them with sustainable ones, and set yourself a timeline to meet, with harder changes at the end of the timeline," she said. She further said Nigerians had not been paying attention to their environment, which has created a lot of concern for environmentalists.

She advised the pupils to read the labels of origin and manufacturer of goods they buy. "Are they certified as sustainable? Are they organic? For example, organic cotton clothing causes much less environmental damage than conventional cotton-growing methods; are they sustainably obtained? Such as with obtaining fish, are they locally made? Don't shoot down the people who are trying to make improvements, instead, get involved and help them," she added.

Experts make case for inclusive education

EACHERS have been urged to adopt inclusive education as a model in the teaching of challenged children. Some experts made the call at a forum by The Learning Craft, a consultancy at The Westwood, at Ikoyi, Lagos. Co-founder/Coordinator of Learning Craft, Rhoda Odigboh, said there was the need to make education available to all children irrespective of their physical abilities. She decried a situation where physically and other challenged children attend schools that are different from their normal peers. She said it was wrong for teachers, school owners and the government to allow children to be segregated, no matter their conditions. Odigboh, who is a member, World Forum of Early Care and Education, said: "It is the right of the child to get inclusive education and this must be given them. Inclusive education recognises all children as the valued members of the community. A lot of teachers ignore the differences in chil-

By Joseph Eshanokpe

dren. Inclusive education addresses the obstacles to children's participation in education, resulting from the majority of attitudes.'' She however explained that inclusive education does not mean that the challenged pupils and their normal colleagues should be in the same classroom; rather, she said they should study in the same environment. She said all pupils could learn if given equal opportunities. Odigboh continued: "Inclusive education is a system of education that accepts a child, regardless of illness, religion or tribe. It emphasises that a child be in a school system.'' She said the model helps to develop children's talents so that they do not create problems for society because of rejection. "It is not a new concept, but it is alien to many parts of the world.'' She criticised the exclusive type of education, saying as the name implies, it excludes children with problems from accessing education. To promote inclusive education, she advised schools to engage special

needs children consultant. The educationist urged the government not to pay lip service to the model, noting that the United Nations says education is a right of a child. She also said to checkmate segregation in schools, corporate bodies and individuals should offer scholarships to disadvantaged pupils and adopt schools in some areas, such as Ajegunle in Lagos State. Education Administrator, Corona Schools' Trust Council, Maureen Ihonor, who spoke on Inclusive education in 21st Century contemporary Classroom, agreed that with the inclusive education model, pupils learn better despite their challenges. She said: "Inclusive education is not the alternative. It is the choice.'' Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Ajapa World Akinwunmi Braithwaite, who spoke on financial literacy for special needs children, said since pupils need financial literacy to survive, they should be taught how to spend within their income. He also said pupils should be taught how to earn money, operate bank accounts and effectively manage their cash.

AST Thursday took me to Whitesands School in Lekki, Lagos State, to witness the launch of a book, Kofoworola The Sail, written by some secondary school boys. It was an Belo-Osagie impressive exercise. It was one Kofosagie@yahoo.com that challenged the boys to come 08054503077 (SMS only) up with something that they are proud of today. They have their name in print as contributors to a publication. Though new in Nigeria, Principal of the School, Dr Lorenzo David, noted that it was a regular tradition in schools in his home country, Philippines, to collect the works of the students into a book. The school has set off the process of producing another edition. This time, I am sure more pupils would be interested in putting in works and the competition would be stiffer. The project is a highly commendable one. Apart from expanding our pool of local literary work, it would more importantly challenge young ones to develop themselves early in life. It is one of those exercises capable of helping these children to discover themselves and decide on time where they would focus their energies. It is an initiative I think every school should embrace. I hope the practice develops to the extent that schools would submit the best literary works to feature in an anthology for young writers. I cannot think of a better way to catch them young. Another story that impressed me that happened of recent is the drama programme by ChildVille School, Ogudu, which held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, recently. The pupils staged a play titled: Agho Obaseki, written by Don Pedro Obaseki. I guess what trilled me about the programme was what the school administrator, Mrs. Ajijola Alokolaro, said about how vital it was in helping the children learn about history. Indeed, through the drama, the pupils learnt about what transpired in 1897 after the old Benin Kingdom fell to the British, leading to the exile of Oba Ovonramwen N'ogbaisi. Mrs Alokolaro was right in saying that many of the pupils knew so much of western history at the expense of Nigerian history. Last year, in writing a story about the study of History in Nigerian schools, we found out that many secondary school pupils did not know who Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were. They know more about what is happening in other parts of the world, and about happening in sports, music, and entertainment - thanks to the Internet and the social media. It is a shame that many times we are forced to depend on insufficient and skewed information we download from the Internet about our own stories in Nigeria. If schools stage plays around historical events in Nigeria and Africa, the pupils who participate in the dramas and those who watch would learn about the events and be stimulated to research more into the issues discussed. Then we would not have to depend on Google or Wikepedia or Yahoo for our own stories. The third issue that impressed me in the past week was a practical demonstration of how science works in everyday life. It was done by Mrs Chinyere Nnabugwe of the Science Ambassadors Foundation during a briefing to announce this year's edition of the HEN Nigeria Science Festival. Mrs Nnabugwe shared some interesting facts about science that wowed the audience and made us think about how we would have loved the sciences if we had been taught that way in secondary school. She used toothpick soaked in water to demonstrate how wood expands, and used food colouring and bleach to demonstrate changes in colour. The foundation is going to train teachers next month as part of the programme and I hope that the participants would take away vital lessons they would use in teaching their pupils to love sciences. I think a similar project is needed for Mathematics. I hated Mathematics back then because I did not like the teacher. But now I have come to realise that Mathematics is a vital part of my life and I feel bad when I cannot do some analysis because of my limited knowledge of mathematical concepts. However, I am determined to overcome that disadvantage - even if it means going back to the elementary level to learn again.

‘It is one of those exercises capable of helping these children to discover themselves and decide on time where they would focus their energies. It is an initiative I think every school should embrace. I hope the practice develops to the extent that schools would submit the best literary works to feature in an anthology for young writers. I cannot think of a better way to catch them young’

Mac 45/ Edu this week / 39-40-Pgs - 02-07-15

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC DAY

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

A naturopath, Dr. Jamine Bowring, who has special interest in the mind/body connection and its relationship to diseases, has formulated some whole food vitamins. She answers the first question. Darlington Okafor, a natural medicine practitioner and Executive Director of Programmes, Green Centre for Alternative Medicine Practitioners (GCAMP), takes the second.

‘You can prevent cancer’ B

Y following all these steps, we can stop Cancer in its tracks. I know this is controversial, but it’s my opinion based on my life, and experience. Take charge of your health and you take charge of your life. The Vita Life is my creation, part of my quest to live a totally healthy balanced life. It is available in Nigeria and the DirectorGeneral of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii was at the launch of the products in Lagos. I was motivated to help others find the way to Optimum Health after my mother lost her battle to cancer. She was only 50 years old when she died, I was 19. As a result of living through that difficult experience, I strongly believe you have to take control of your health, staying on top of it before disease sets in. Healthy eating, relaxation techniques to alleviate stress, all these are the foundations of the Vita Life. I have found the Vita Life myself and my mission is to guide others to live a healthy, happy life. It’s all natural and easy. I searched high and low for healthy natural supplements and when the ones on the market were full of fillers and

Questions: 1. Some of my close relatives have died of cancer. I live in fear daily because I do not want to be diagnosed of the disease. What do you suggest I do? Itape Giwa, 47, Goldsmith, Lugbe, Abuja. 2. I am studying at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I have skin infection. This has defied orthodox cream and germicide soap. Can you tell me how to treat this infection with Nature provisions? Hamid Jubril, 22, student, ABU, Zaria, Kaduna. •Bowring

chemicals, I created my own line, Vita Tree. I formulated these to optimise your health. I am a firm believer that it’s never too late or too early to begin to live a healthy life and avoid disease. You don’t want to wait until you obtain a diagnosis to take care of yourself and your health. Cancer is a frightening diagnosis and I’m often asked what steps you can take to prevent it. Having a family history doesn’t have to mean you’ll get the disease yourself. I myself have the same genetic history, my mother died of cancer. I strongly believe that you can prevent it. And this is how:

•Diet: The key is whole foods, nothing processed. Take lots of vegetables and fruits, preferably raw. Avoid sugar and white flour. Eat lean protein. Drink plenty of water. The basics, that’s all. •Supplements: The right whole food supplements can complement your diet and provide you with all the nutrition you need. I created VitaTree Supplements when I couldn’t find a company that was actually totally whole foods only I can guarantee that our supplements are filler-free and only contain whole foods. Our VitaFruits and VitaVeggies have produce that is picked at

their peak of freshness then freeze-dried so they maintain all their essential nutrients. Between the two, you get seven servings of essential fruits and vegetables daily, which will enhance your regular diet. Omega-3’s are essential, Vita Fish Oil is a great source of the DHA and EPA to help reduce inflammation which can itself lead to disease. The right strain of Probiotics is important; my VitaTree Probiotics are specifically designed for human consumption. Detoxifying on a regular basis keeps your body free of toxins: Vita Detox is gentle enough to use daily. It’s been proven that synthetic vitamins themselves can cause cancer. I personally guarantee that our VitaTree Products are without any fillers or chemicals; they are third-party tested to ensure that no heavy metals, bacteria, etc. are in them. These are true whole food supplements that will enhance your health. When properly nourished, your cells become alive and you feel a vitality that is a sign of great health. •Sleep: your body needs adequate amounts of deep, restful sleep every night to allow the cells to regenerate. It’s more important than most people realise. If you’re having troubles getting that restful sleep and don’t want to try addictive sleeping pills, try my Stress and Sleep, the natural sleep supplement. •Be happy: a positive attitude, living every day with joy, this can make all the difference to your health. Being sour and glum can take a toll on your health, it takes fewer face muscles to smile than to frown, so smile and be happy. By following all these steps, we can stop cancer in its tracks. I know this is controversial, but it’s my opinion and based on my life and experience. Take charge of your health and you take charge of your life.

Combat skin infections with herbs, good nutrition

HE human skin serves as the outer coverings for the body. It also shields the delicate internal organs. It is the largest organ of the body and it reflects what goes inside. Natural medicine practitioners therefore attach great importance to the health (state) of the skin. Among many other functions of the skin, it’s role as an organ of elimination is of interest to natural health care providers. Some individuals are of the opinion that the skin could be treated solely from the external and they end up buying and stockpiling soap, ointments and creams for their skin problems all to no avail. I am a Naturopath. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasising prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. In naturopathy, we look at various ways to promote skin health by supplying the skin with what it needs. Most importantly, we help it play its major role which is eliminating toxins as it should be. When conditions such as skin irritations, boils and rashes etc begin to manifest periodically and consistently too, a diligent practitioner would immediately commence detoxification programme for his clients. In nature cure, the three basic principles of maintaining or preserving health include Detoxification (the elimination of morbid matter); improve micro circulation; and balancing the body system. These three principles will enable

think of topical applications of soap, ointments or creams. Remedies that are efficacious when the holistic treatment has been done on any skin problem include Coconut oil, Aloe vera gel and Shea butter.

Healthy tips •Make your own Green skin care treatments: The best way to know exactly what goes into your skincare products? Make your own. Not only will you save money and packaging, but you’ll also get the satisfaction that no preservatives or toxic chemicals were used in the process. You can whip up a simple, effective face mask using little more than honey and coconut oil, make a vegetable toner, or create a acne-fighting toner with green tea. And that’s just for starters. •Samples of some of the herbs used by naturopaths.

the body dispose toxins that are hindering the body’s sound health. That allows the body to rejuvenate and heal itself without drugs. Skin diseases are many and varied, from fungal infection such as eczema and athletes foot to parasitic, bacterial and viral skin conditions, such as scabies, impetigo and mouth sores respectively. What most naturopaths do when confronted by serious skin conditions in their clients can be summarised as follow: •Exhaustive health evaluation •Colon cleansing protocols could immediately be undertaken. One is as healthy as his colon. •The patient is asked to consume a specific quantity of wa-

ter daily depending on his age, weight, nature of his activity and (suspected) diseases. This ensures adequate body fluid for the elimination/flushing process. •Alteration of the client’s diet. His food will largely be composed of fruits and vegetables .This could last for few days or weeks, during which acid-forming foods must be avoided or drastically curtailed. •Blood purification herbs/foods such as Vernonia amygdalina (bitterleaf), Garcinia kola (Bitterkola), Fluerya aestuans (local stinging nettle), Gongronema latifolium (Utazi , Igbo) and Picralima nitida (Abere, Yoruba) may be administered.

•In some non-open skin wound conditions, the use of Epsom salt for skin brushing and bathing would help in promoting peripheral blood circulation in the skin area and eliminate toxins trapped in the subcutaneous skin. •Antimicrobial herbs such as Garlic, tumeric, Aloe vera, cloves, Xylopia aethiopica (Uda, Igbo, Eru, Yoruba) and Alchornea cordifolia (Ipa In Yoruba) may be recommended. • Nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin A, C, B-complex, Pantothenic acid (B5), E and Omega 3 fatty acids are usually recommended as specific to individuals. •Only when the above conditions are fulfilled can we begin to

• Stay beautiful inside and out by being healthy: You don’t have to resort to a flurry of potions and lotions, chemical peels, or surgical face-lifts to get fresh, glowing skin. Diet and exercise should play vital roles in your skincare regimen, as well. Besides working up a good sweat to keep nutrient-carrying blood circulating throughout your body, be sure to feed yourself with plenty of protein, healthy fats (such as omega-3 fish oils or flaxseed oils), complex carbohydrates, and fruit. Drinking six to eight glasses of water is also a boon for flushing out toxins that might otherwise show up on your skin. •Source: www.treehugger.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NATURAL HEALTH

Treachery, like all falsehood, will inevitably collapse

ORIGINALLY meant for publication on June 18, this column appears nevertheless today in view of the currency of its subject matter. This is the heart of the matter of political wrangling for power in the National Assembly … treachery! We live on a planet where air, water and food are poisoned and where the ethereal environment is despoiled by treachery in human relationships. The inauguration, of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President of the Buhari Presidency era smells of nothing but treachery. And if treachery is a wrong or false principle of life and, therefore, stands in opposition to the Creator in whom we all claim to believe, what profit will treachery bring if, in the end of all things, whatever is false or opposed to the Will of God must collapse? I do not think the election of Bukola Saraki as Senate President would be rancorous and divisive and diversionary as it has become if the organizers had followed due process. By the way, due process is not about the constitutionalism or legalism of the Senate forming a quorum for the election. It is about imbuing the process with trust. The process is trust deficient when, for the purpose of the election, a large Section of the Senate is led away to hold a meeting that never was with the President of the Federal Republic and another large Section is retained in the Senate Chambers to elect a Senate President. What has aggravated ill feelings towards the election of Bukola Saraki as Senate President is the fact that, as a member of President Buhari’s party, the APC, he, too, should have been in the group of Senators which went to attend a meeting with the Vice President who was said to have called the meeting. Senator Saraki was said to have ignored him because the Vice President was a “mere commissioner’’ indeed the Vice President was a commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Lagos State, where, with due respect, a commissioner’s job may bear more value than the Governor’s in some states. Because he was not at that meeting, and because it should have been obvious to him that his fellow APC Senators were not in the Senate chambers, Senator Saraki exposed himself to suspicions that a plot was hatched of which he knew, or was a part to exclude some Senators from the voting. As many commentators have observed, such a process was not only at variance with the Change the APC promised to bring to Nigerian political life and social order, it was inimical to it. For if the foundation is false, the structure on it would wobble. I am not a politician, and I carry no party card. I love good behaviour and adore upright character, a quality of which is TRUST. In a political party, the general will or the party’s will is supreme. That is why I cannot belong to a political party for I cannot bow my will and spirit to it if it decides to do wrong. In the political party, all members conform to the general will once it has been formed. The APC ran a mock Senate President election in which Senator Saraki lost. As a faithful party member, he should have accepted the general will. In refusing to accept and calling on the defeated PDP to keep him, defeated his party’s general will on the floor of the Senate, exposed himself not only as a disloyal of unfaithful party man, but also as a person who cannot be trusted to honour any agreement. Nigeria has had such untreatable leaders and would appear, with President Buhari’s election, to be searching for trustworthy leaders. Many commentators have suggested there is nothing wrong with what Senator Saraki has done, that it is all politics, the games politicians play. On a more serious note, however, I wonder if they have ever tried to wonder if politics is meant to be a deity affair. My own brand of Christianity teaches me to keep my thoughts, words and actions pure. We know the Creator is all about Purity, Love and Justice and no man goes before Him who does not evince the human variants of their attributes, the equivalent human of Purity is being Chaste or Faith. Senator Saraki presents himself as a devout moslim. And the Prophet (may the Peace of Allah be upon him) taught the need for us all to lead righteous lives. Treachery is the opposite of righteousness by any standard. T is still unclear if the Saraki Senate thunderbolt is the “major” event President Buhari said last month would happen in early June, or if this is yet to come. Meanwhile, he has promised to work with whichever senate leadership emerges. In my view, that is throwing caution to the wind or, since the statement came after saraki’s inauguration, a way of validating it. Again in my humble view, it should have been better if the president remained neutral, allowing the senate to resolve its differences, especially as he has promised not to meddle, like his predecessors, in National Assembly affairs. By not doing so, the President is saying he is ready to dance to music, any music, even if the fingers of Lucifer are on the strings of the harp. Yet the President was brought to office by the prayers, steadfastness and faith of people who saw him as a man who does not dine with the devil and who would relax Lucifer’s hold on Nigeria. The PDP, routed in the last elections, has suddenly found its feet and voice in the Senate, with a Senate President who is APC in body but PDP in spirit, and Deputy Senate President who is PDP in body and spirit. We should not forget that the Deputy Senate President is from a region of the country which over whelmingly rejected the President at the polls. What may happen next is that the PDP would bare it fangs, and President Buhari may resort to EFCC in self defense. In that case, will anything have changed. In the second series of Buhari articles, this column warned that APC presidential election victory lifted the lair of the snake and that a snake half smitten is a dangerous snake which would seek to avenge the intrusion on its life for as long as it had any breath to fight back. Now, APC would appear chained in the senate

for PDP to begin to work towards recovering the presidency under a Bukola Saraki who would have returned to the PDP after pulverising the APC. All the die-hard PDP people I met last week had suddenly come alive from hibernation. One of them, a so-called pastor, was most irritating. I call him so-called pastor because, as people who claim to be serving the creator, whether he called them to his service or they are trying to force themselves on him, which is impossible, are supposed to live and act on the basis of certain ethical and spiritual standards which should separate them from Dick and Harry men or the run-of the-mill men, otherwise they may not qualify to lead rustic, emotional and slumbering human spirits out of the morals in which they sink. This pastor was jubilating hilariously. I asked if he had thought of the implications of what had happened to Nigeria, and to the prospects of change. He said there was nothing like change, that the word was an empty electioneering slogan. I asked if, as a pastor, he did not see treachery at play or know that treachery is a grave betrayal of trust or if, as a Pastor, he had not learned that betrayal of trust, prevalent on earth today, is a sign of an approaching Final Judgement. This Pastor, to my dismay, said all of that didn’t matter, that “this is politics”. To him, life on the pulpit could be separated from life in politics or even business. I did not give up, leading him back to his Bible. •Cain killed his brother Abel. Treachery. •Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus. Treachery. •King David took the wife of Uriah, a soldier fighting in the war front to protect the land over which David was king. To cover his shame, David recalled Uriah home only to give him a letter for the commander. Uriah in trust, did not read this letter. David asked that Uriah be posted to the hottest sector of the war where he would be killed and Uriah was killed. Treachery. •David’s son, Amon, loved his sister, Tamar, a virgin, so much he wished to sleep with her. His friend Jehonaidab, the son of David’s brother, advised him to pretend he was ill and would get well only if Tamar brought him a meal in the privacy of his bedroom. Tamar, ususpecting, took a meal to her brother. When they were both alone Amnon seized Tamar. Tamar tried to struggle free, pleading. Amnon did not listen, and raped her. This was a classical case of treach-

‘President Buhari may fight dirty with Senate, making it a hollow Senate and block and pulverizing Saraki’s ambition. Making the senate hollow may mean depriving it’s members contract, constituency allowances and fat salaries. The contracts may go to foreign companies which will perform and make President Buhari achieve his dreams. It perhaps for this reason that President Buhari has been visiting foreign capitals seeking support for his programmes and making commitment. The world is waiting and watching’

e-mail:johnolufemikusa@yahoo.com or johnolufemikusa@gmail.com

ery. •Rebecca deceived Isaac, her blind husband by making him give his last blessing to Jacob one of his two sons, instead of Esau, his beloved. Esau was hairy. Jacob had a smooth skin. Esau went hunting for a game to feed his father, after which he would receive the blessing. Rebecca made Jacob slaughter a goat, wear the skin, present the smoked food to his father and pretend to be Esau. The blind Isaac felt the goat skin and thought the young man before him was Esau but when Jacob spoke, Isaac became confused. He made the classical remark. This is the body of Esau but the voice of Jacob. Nevertheless, he gave the blessing. At about the same time, Esau returned home with his game. Jacob was afraid. Rebecca thought him to flee from home and handle the ensuing crisis in Jacob’s favor. This was another act of treachery in his story. •Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers simply because he was destined to be greater than they would. Treachery. •We hear of the war in heavens from where treacherous Lucifer was cast “to the earth” we know his activities among men, for which we all despise him, is TREACHEROUS. President Buhari, as military head of state was a victim of treachery which led to his overthrow and his succession by General Ibrahim Babangida. Before then, General Buhari had been involved in treachery which led to the overthrow of Shehu Shagari. President Buhari hate treachery so much that he divorce his first wife on allegation of treachery against him. What was her treacherous act? When he was in detention ordered by General Banbagida, she took upkeep allowance every month from Babaginda’s government. General Buhari consider this treacherous. He is probably not conceptual about what has happened in the senate, otherwise he would have seen it embalmed with treachery. If he did, would he wish to “work” with treachery? Already, many commentators are painting possible aftermath scenarios. •Some senators may quit the APC to form another party. •Some APC senators who came from the PDP may return to the PDP. •Some senators may hang on with Buhari in the APC •The senate may become tumultuous. •The PDP may return to power and Bukola Saraki become the next president of Nigeria. •President Buhari may fight dirty with Senate, making it a hollow Senate and block and pulverizing Saraki’s ambition. Making the senate hollow may mean depriving it’s members contract, constituency allowances and fat salaries. The contracts may go to foreign companies which will perform and make President Buhari achieve his dreams. It perhaps for this reason that President Buhari has been visiting foreign capitals seeking support for his programmes and making commitment. The world is waiting and watching. One point I cannot easily forget in the senate upheaval is that cycles open and close. Hundreds of years ago, the Alaafin of Oyo (king of Oyo Empire) sent Afonja, his work general, to Ilorin, northern outpost of the empire, to stop Fulani Jihadist from entering the empire. When Afonja arrive in Ilorin, he rebelled against the Alaafin and asked Alimi, commander of the Jihad forces, to support his adventure. LIMI supported Afonja, the Alaafin held back. Ilorin became independent of Oyo Empire. But Alimi was to later kill Afonja and take over Ilorin. Till this day, the descendant of Alimi rule over Ilorin. Afonja and Alimi committed treachery. Today, Senator Saraki, would appear set to destroy the APC and surreptitiously hand its presidential election victory to the PDP, which he may wish to ride to power in 2019. But he may find at that time an Alimi had lain in wait for an Afonja. The world still hate treachery however it may have become fashionable in today’s world. Pharmacist Jimi Agbaje would appear set to win the Governorship election in Lagos. But the tide would appear to rise against him, when he sided with immigrants who would appear bent on taking the land from his owners. The political eyes of many of his supporters suddenly opened. They remember the Alaafin, Afonja, Alimi and more. Even the Oba of Lagos spoke publicly. The political pendulum swung in favor of Akinwunmi Ambode, the new Governor of Lagos State, who it is believed would protect the land against immigrant’s treachery. Treacherous immigrants stole Australia and present–day United States of America from the Aborigenes. They vanquished “Sons of the Incas”. They trampled over Zimbabwe and South Africa. We do not know as yet where the treachery in the Senate would end. An APC general has brought the opposition PDP to power in the senate, strangling his party. It is clear however all falsehood will collapse in the fullness of its time. Concept We can understand events better if we examine the concepts they throw up. Inherent in these concepts are the messages events bring to us. For this false pastor in reference, I would say such people like him, unable to see in events the concepts which power them, are typical of those people our Lord Jesus describe as seeing but not comprehending. When you claim to be a Pastor, a representative of the Lord among this “flock’’, and you do not lead a deep Christian life which would enable you see the content of events, that is the concept, but rather the dust and heat they throw up, you are a surface man, and in no way different from the emotional men of Babel. Treachery has found its way into the new song we are trying to sing. Surely, it will not crack our throats or make them coarse. For we stand in the deep conviction that all falsehood will eventually collapse.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

RAMADAN KAREEM

Ramadan 15, 1436AH

•From right: Guest speaker/Executive Director, Finance, PAN Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Jumat Alli-Oluwafuyi; General Manager, Sifax Logistics Limited, Alhaji Saheed Lasisi; Amir (President), Muslim Professional Accountants’ Association of Nigeria (MPAN) AbdulMumin Muhibudeen and another guest speaker/Chief Imam, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Alhaji AbdulHafees Raji, at MPAN’s Ramadan seminar at Ikeja, Lagos

They ask you about intoxicants and gambling. Say: “In both of them is a great sin and means of profit for men, but their sin is greater than their profit.” And they ask you about what they should spend. Say: “What you can spare.” Thus, does Allah make clear to you the communications, that you may ponder.

Qur’an 2 vs 219 Sponsored by ALHAJI KHAMIS TUNDE BADMUS Asiwaju Musulumi of the Yorubaland

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS

Borno women decry tomato scarcity during Ramadan

OMEN in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday described as “unbearable” the lingering scarcity of fresh tomatoes during this year’s Ramadan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scarcity of the produce in the major markets in Maiduguri has forced the residents to resort to sachet and tinned tomatoes for their cooking. The scarcity has also caused a price jump, forcing most women to shun it.

NE of the most important aspects of marriage is mating. It is the means of procreation of children as legitimised by consummation of marriage. Across nations, tribes and cultures, legitimate mating serves as the lotion of love. It is also perceived as the natural balm with which to soothe the aching areas of the matrimonial conflicts. A matrimonial home without intercourse is like a desert without an oasis. Therefore, Ramadan should not be used as an excuse to abstain from the matrimonial bed. In Islam, sexual intercourse in the matrimonial home is so important that its constant denial by either party without any cogent reason is a sin. Mating in Islam is not just for procreation of children. It is also a reconfirmation of love and fulfilment of nature’s promise. With matrimonial intercourse, paradise is attainable. Without it, paradise is deniable. While elucidating on the gains of Sadaqat, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once told his companions that mating is Sadaqat if it is legitimately done. And legitimacy here means doing it with ones legitimate spouse. The prophet’s position on this is confirmed by Qur’an 2: 223 thus: “Your wives are your fields, enter them as you please...”. Denial of matrimonial intercourse to a spouse without reason is a violation of a fundamental marital right. Even where both spouses have tested positive to HIV, intercourse should not be ruled out. And where only one of them is positive the couple should reach an understanding on how to go about it. In Ramadan, a couple can be as sexually active as outside Ramadan provided it is done between dusk and dawn. However, a serious Muslim couple must regulate sexual activities even during the nights of Ramadan to make room for observance of Nafilats (spiritual genuflexion), Tilawah (recitation of the Qur’an) and Du‘au (supplications). And, it is preferable to perform the Janabat bath before the observance of Salatus-Subh. But where necessity or circumstance makes the bath of Janabat impossible before the day break, there is no problem. All that needs to be done is to perform it as soon as such a circumstance is over. And that does not vitiate fasting. It is, however, assumed that no serious Muslim will ever want to indulge in any unwarranted circumstance to skip Salatus-Subh by not taking Janabat bath at the right time. Allah judges deeds by intention. Whoever claims to be a Muslim must embrace Islam totally.

Hajiya Falmata Bawa, a housewife in Gwange, told NAN that the scarcity of tomatoes had lingered for too long, describing the situation as “unbearable”. Bawa said that tomato sellers in most markets like Tashan Bama, Monday Market, Gamboru and Bulunkutu were selling at exorbitant prices due to the scarcity. She said a basket of tomatoes was selling at N16,000 as against N8,000 before the Ramadan. “Tomato is hard to find in

this town but we are hoping that maybe after fasting, it will be available,” said Bawa. Hajiya Salamatu Ba’ana, a resident of New GRA, said she had resorted to tinned tomatoes instead of the fresh ones. “Right now as I am talking to you, you cannot buy tomato for N100 but N300 and above and you won’t even see a very fresh tomato. “For you to be able to make a good stew, you have to spend more than N1000 on tomatoes alone. ‘’And even if you cook with

tinned tomatoes, you won’t have that natural taste you want,” she said. Malam Bukar Mala, a perishable item seller in Tashan, said tomatoes were usually scarce and expensive during the rainy season, not only in Borno but all over the country. Mala equally attributed the scarcity to the security challenges as most farming activities had stopped in the state. He pointed out that most of the product was being transported from neighbouring states.

Group plans Iftar for 1000 today

e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Mating in Ramadan

From left: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire; Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Mushin Local Government’s Executive Secretary Jide Bello, during an Iftar (Breaking of fast) at Ikeja, Lagos

HE Lagos Area Unit of Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) will today host Iftar Saim (Breaking of fast) for 1,000 fasting Muslims at Zumratul Islamiya Central Mosque, Atan, Yaba, Lagos. The unit’s Amir (President) Kaamil Kalejaiye said the joint Iftar is meant to portray the essence of unity in Nigeria. According to him, the Iftar is also meant to promote brotherhood and supplication for Allah’s mercy. Kalejaye urged Muslims to seek repentance from their sins and move closer to Allah

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

during the holy month. The Amir hoped the Iftar would accommodate the largest gathering of such a religious feast in Nigeria. He said: “We are doing this singularly for the sake of Allah. However, this will go a long way to unite Muslims and all Nigerians. Our coming together will also encourage love and tolerance that we want Nigerians to emulate. The fasting month has a lot of benefits. We must tap into these opportunities. “Apart from the heart-lifting lecture and admonition,

the Iftar 1,000 will also give us the opportunity to unite in supplication for Allah’s intervention in the country’s affair and individual’s needs. “We urge all Muslims to storm the venue of the programme with the intention of becoming better persons when they return home, in terms of religious uplifting.” Kalejaiye enjoined states owning workers to pay them in order to reduce their suffering. He said: ‘’We sincerely feel the pains of Nigerians, our parents and members who are fasting and are not paid

•Kalejaiye

their salaries. We pray that Allah, the All-Provider, will not let them down by guiding their survival throughout and beyond the fasting period.”

Lai Mohammed’s 9th Ramadan Lecture holds today

HE 9th annual Ramadan Lecture being organised under the aegis of the Lai Mohammed Ramadan Lecture Series will hold on Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 at the Muslim praying ground, Oro, Kwara State, at 10 a.m. prompt. According to the organiser, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,

the Ramadan Lecture is an annual event which attracts political and religious leaders as well as captains of industries from far and near. It is unarguably the biggest Islamic event during the holy month of Ramadan in the Kwara South Senatorial District. Reputable Islamic schol-

ars like Dr Femi Abbas, a columnist; Sheikh Ahmad AbdulRahman, the National Missioner of Ansar ud deen Society of Nigeria; Alhaji Abdul Lateef Bello, the Chief missioner of the Al-Faith-ul Quareeb Islamic Society of Nigeria, Otta Branch, and reputable clerics from with-

in and out of Kwara State have at various times been guest speakers at the Lecture Series. This year’s lecture will be delivered by Khalifah Muhyideen Nojimudeen Al’kubra 11, Chief Missioner of Al’Rahman Islamic Center, United Kingdom.

China upset with Turkey’s concern on Ramadan restrictions

HINA’s Foreign Ministry yesterday denied restricting religious freedom, in a prompt response to Turkey for voicing concern over reports that ethnic Uighur Muslims had been banned from worship and fasting during Ramadan. Some local governments in China’s far western region of

Xinjiang have stepped up controls on Islam, followed by the Turkic Uighur people ahead of and during Ramadan, including restrictions on fasting. Turkey’s foreign ministry said it had been “saddened” by these reports and passed its concern on to the Chinese ambassador in Ankara. Chinese Foreign Ministry

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China wanted to have a good relationship with Turkey. “China has already demanded that Turkey clarify these reports and we have expressed concern about the statement from the Turkish foreign ministry,” Hua told a daily news briefing.

“You should know that all the people of Xinjiang enjoy the freedom of religious belief accorded to them by the Chinese constitution,” she added. “We of course hope that the Turkish side can meet China halfway and ensure the smooth development of ties.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

SHOWBIZ

Audu Maikori hands Chocolate City to MI T

HE burden of running one of Nigeria’s biggest record labels, Chocolate City, has fallen on the shoulders of one of the nation’s rap champions, Jude Abaga, aka Mr Incredible. Though the former CEO of the label, Audu Makori hinted that he would be handing over the baton in July, it still came as a shock to many. However, once he was confirmed as the newest boss in town on Tuesday, MI got the entire Chocolate City family together to make a short appreciation video which he posted on Instagram. “On behalf of Chocolate City, we just want to say big thank you to the greatest CEO ever, Audu Makori’, he said in the 15 seconds clip. This was followed by shouts of ‘thank you Audu’ by those featured in the video. He also captioned the clip; “Big thanks greatest CEO ever @audumaikori the real MVP you have blessed lives.. Changed destinies.. Af-

Nollywood stars shine at Golden Movie Awards Africa

By Ovwe Medeme

fected your generation.. History will sing your praises... God Bless you Sir!!!” After 10 years of hard work, Audu Makori handed over the reins of Chocolate City yesterday to MI while Panshak ‘Ice Prince’ Zamani comes as the Vice President of the music label. It will be recalled that in April 2015, at the Nigeria Entertainment Conference, Maikori hinted of his resignation, which got MI commending him. Maikori has also congratulated his former Vice, MI Abaga, on his new role. “The New CEO of @choccitymusic is @MI_Abaga ! Congratulations to a great leader and partner! The New Vice President at Chocolate City Music is @Iceprincezamani ! Congratulations to you my brother,” Makori announced.

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

• MI with Audu Maikori

Police arraigns reggae star for alleged $86,376 fraud

AGGAE star, Victor Essiet of the famed Mandator, was yesterday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate Court for alleged fraud of $86,376. The Police arraigned Essiet alongside one Patricia Enobong before the court, presided by Chief Magistrate Y. E. Aje Afunnwa. They were alleged to have obtained the sum by false pretence from one Etim Maurice. They are facing a three -count charge bordering on conspiracy, felony, stealing and fraudulent obtaining, made against them by the police. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them in the court. The prosecutor, Superintendent of Police, Samson Ekikere said the defendants committed the alleged offences in October 2009 at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere Lagos. He posited that the defendants obtained the said sum from Maurice

• Victor Essiet

By Adebisi Onanuga

through Standard Chartered Bank under the false pretence of buying and delivering five Mack trucks made to carry his goods which they failed to deliver. According to Ekikere, the offence is contrary to section 312 (1)(a)(b) and punishable under section 312(3) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeira 2011. Chief Magistrate Afunwa granted them bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties who must be blood related, gainfully employed and must have verifiable addresses. She further ordered that the defendants should not travel outside Lagos without the approval of the Court. She also said that the defendants should deposit their international passports with the Court. The Magistrate adjourned the matter to October 28, 2015 for trial.

I lost a lot of money during election, says Muma Gee

FTER losing out in the last General Elections, Nigerian songstress, Gift IyumameEke, aka Muma Gee is back in the studio, even as it appears she is adding beauty business to her art. “I have gone back to the studio,” she reveals. “But then, I want to set up a spa/ salon. Apart from music, I love fashion. I am setting my hair line. But that doesn’t mean I have forgotten about politics. I will certainly come back again in 2019.” Perhaps the beauty parlour business is also meant to boost her financial status, after spending the made during electioneering campaigns. “I lost a lot of money. I am in red now but I know I will recover,” she said. She however said there were ‘no elections’ in Rivers State, as the event was full of irregularities. “All I know is that there were no elections in my State. I don’t regret that I wanted to salvage the ruins in my community and liberate my people. It was just that somebody robbed us of the chances of doing that. If the people had the privilege to vote, I would be representing them by now. There was so much violence,” she added. Muma Gee had contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives to represent Ahoada East LGA constituency in Rivers State.

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

Di’ja drops new single By Joe Agbro Jr

• Muma Gee

• Nse Ikpe

Aishat Ibrahim fetes orphans

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

The actress came to limelight with her song, Kade, which became the title track of her first official album, released in 2006, and received five nominations, including two from the AMEN Awards (Best Picture and Best Costume) and one each from the Nigerian Music Video Awards, the Headies Awards, and the Sound City Music Video Awards. Her profile also rose to greater prominence in 2010 as a contestant on the celebrity edition of Gulder Ultimate Search. In 2011, she married actor Prince Eke, and gave birth to a set of twins on April 18, 2014.

AMSEY Nouah, Nse Ikpe Etim, Adesua Etomi, Ayo Makun and OC Ukeje won various awards, at the maiden edition of Golden Movie Awards Africa, which held on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at the State Banquet Hall, Ghana. According to report, the Golden Actor in Comedy went to Ayo Makun for his comedy flick, 30 Days in Atlanta, while Nse Ikpe Etim won the Golden Actress in Drama category. The Golden Soundtrack Original went to Knocking on Heavens Door, produced by Emem Isong and directed by Desmond Elliot, while Golden Supporting Actor Drama went to OC Ukeje. Others are AdesuaEtomi who emerged Golden Discovery winner, while Golden Supporting Actor in a Comedy went to Ramsey Nouah. The event, hosted by KSM, according to the organisers, was put together to celebrate excellence in the creative art industry and honour individuals for their outstanding achievements in the film industry.

AVIN Records Princess, Di’ja, is not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon.The singer, Monday, dropped another single titled Amen. The song, produced by Don Jazzy, has already been enjoying prominence with downloads on the internet. As at the time of its release, it was trending on Twitter and Instagram.The Afrobeat tune expresses a desire to thrive in the face of adversities. “Bad belle dem plenty,” the Sierra Leonean-Nigerian singer croons on the track, “but dem no go see me.” The singer who was in Frankfurt, Germany, was also busy engaging fans via her Twitter account. “Today and all week, I shower you in prayers,” Di’ja, who debut under Mavin Records with the single, Yaro, wrote. “No be only jonzing we dey pan!” The official poster announcing the single shows Di’ja whose birth name is Hadiza Blell, bejewelled in Indian fashion, with jewellery attached to her forehead, ears and nose in a framed red-hued background.

CTRESS, Aishat Abimbola Ibrahim, popularly known as Omoge Campus, recently paid a visit to one of the charity homes in Lagos.The actress, alongside her staff at the Unity Foundation, donated to Modupe Cole Orphanage Home, Yaba, Lagos. The Foundation which was established last year, according to the thespian aims to give back to the society, especially through the Homes. “These people are part of us, so we need to show them love. Also, our club is just a year older today and we believe that instead of throwing a big party, we should just come here and show love to these less privileged children,” she said. Some of the items donated include toiletries, foods and other essentials needs for the Home.

THURSDAY JULY 2, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

EDO POLITICS

Ahead of next year's governorship election in Edo State, aspirants have started to mobilise supporters and set up structures for the realisation of their dreams. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR reports.

Who succeeds Oshiomhole in Edo? W

HO will succeed Governor Adams Oshiomhole in November, next year when his tenure expires? This is a one million dollar question Edo residents are battling to answer because of the unprecedented developmental strides of the governor. Many people have indicated interest in the race, but the big question is, who will the people trust with their votes? Among those interested in the job are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole’s deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, former Minister of State for Works Chris Ogiemwonyi, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, Mike Onolemenmen, Chief Solomon Edebiri, Kenneth Imasuangbon, Matthew Iduoriyikemwen and Christopher Iyare. The aspirants are carrying out consultations and intense lobbying among leaders in the state and explaining why they are better replacement after Oshiomhole. In June 2014, two-time governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, began a lone search for a successor to Oshiomhole. Ogbemudia began his search during the party primaries for the recent general elections. He visited the Ijaw in Gelegele and some community leaders in the state to seek their support. Ogbemudia told the Ijaw that he looked forward to the realisation of his dream that one of them (Ijaw) would become governor and urged them to work with other ethnic groups to achieve the goal. He said: “We need to work together as a team. We need to keep our cooperation working. Expand and make friends and make sure you are part and parcel of the whole. There are many things we can do without fighting. We need God to give us somebody to take over from Oshiomhole in 2016.” Ogbemudia told the elders of Evbuotubu and Ohovbe that Oshiomhole’s successor would emerge, following consultations with community leaders. He said the time has come for the people to look for a good candidate, who would build on the legacies of Oshiomhole, instead of waiting till the eleventh hour. Last month, the former governor announced that he would launch the Edo Mass Movement (EMM) on July 4, adding that the group will lead the search team. Ogbemudia noted that the state has made tremendous strides in infrastructure, adding that Oshiomhole’s successor should not destroy his achievements. He said: “We in Edo State, want to ensure that the state is developed and because of that I am going to proclaim Edo Mass Movement, irrespective of party affiliations, and we will support any political party that gives us indication that it wants Edo State to succeed. “The launch of the movement entails the mobilisation of people across the three senatorial districts to sensitise them on the need to collaborate in the search for a credible candidate that believes in good governance so as not to destroy the progress made so far by the Oshiomhole administration.” Ogbemudia, however, said the movement would not work for any political party, but for the people in their search for a credible successor. Analysts, however, are of the view that the search for Oshiomhole’s successor by Ogbemudia would be a fruitless one. They argue that searching for a candidate without any political platform would be a hard sell to party leaders. Ogbemudia, observers said, lacks the goodwill to propel any candidate to electoral victory. Ogbemudia, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was a member of the defunct National Republican Party (NRC). The NRC fielded Lucky Igbinedion, who lost the governorship election to Chief

The card reader has made us to know that the political calculus has changed. People will not be able to go into a small building and thumbprint papers. It is either the card is reading or it is not

•Oshiomhole

John Odigie-Oyegun, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). When PDP was in power in Edo, Ogbemudia’s residence was a rallying point. His son, Eghosa, won an election as Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government during the Igbinedion administration. One of his daughters was councillor in Ikpoba-Okha. In the 2012 governorship election, Ogbemudia ‘supported’ the PDP, which lost

in the 18 local governments. In the last general elections, two of his children contested under the PDP. A third contested under the APC. Only one, Uyi, got the PDP ticket to contest for the Oredo East Constituency in the House of Assembly, but she lost to the APC candidate, Chris Okaeben. Besides Ogbemudia, the Edo Peoples Assembly (EPA), led by Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, is also searching for a successor to Oshiomhole. The group said the next governor must also make life meaningful for Edo people. The ideal candidate must have pedigree, proven record of service and sufficient understanding of the intricacies of governance. Obaseki said the group would ensure that elected officials are alive to their responsibilities. Obaseki said the EPA will educate the masses and the political class so that the killing of youths would stop because of the inordinate ambition of a few. He said: “We will move to places and talk to people. We will take over our streets and ask our brothers to sink boreholes in their neighborhood” “The card reader has made us to know that the political calculus has changed. People will not be able to go into a small building and thumbprint papers. It is either the card is reading or it is not.” “The 2016 election is going to be a pivotal turning point for the Edo people. Nigeira has just witnessed a paradigm shift in election-

eering in Nigeria. If it doesn’t affect the people of the state now, we might just miss the box. “It is important that we must be able to take over the political space and agenda of the state. We must be able to make sure that we contribute directly to the emergence of someone who will protect the economic and socio-standing of the average Edo man.” The APC has barred aspirants from setting up campaign structures and it has been silent on zoning to any senatorial district. The PDP has also not spoken on zoning, but indications are rife that both parties may field candidates from Edo South Senatorial District. Indications that Ogbemudia’s choice may be rejected by some PDP leaders emerged last week when former Governor Lucky Igbinedion declared that the next governor would be a founding member of the PDP. Former Senate Chief Whip Senator Roland Owie said he would join other well-meaning leaders of the PDP to scout for a credible candidate, who does not have any connection with the PDP failed government. He said: “The 2016 governorship will not be based on political platform; it is going to be who that candidate is. For the PDP to be seen to have broken ranks with irresponsibility, we have to be sure that our candidate for 2016 will not have any relationship with previous failures of the PDP government in Edo” “The truth is that the performance of the PDP government between 1999-2007 cannot be compared to the performance of the Oshiomhole government because we all have eyes and we can see. You can see achievements in roads, schools and many other spheres of life. The Ugoneki-Ehor Road, which passes through my community, was done in 1974 by the military administration; no body touched that road until Oshiomhole came. Today I can get to my village in 20 minutes from Benin.”

THE NATION THURSDAY JULY 2, 2015

We are not ready to allow the PDP wobble; we will hold it ‘and hold it strong, irrespective of what anybody is saying ’

POLITICS Former Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah has been re-appointed by Governor Udom Emmanuel. He spoke with KAZEEM IBRAHYM on the challenges before the administration and other issues.

‘Akwa Ibom governor won’t be distracted by propaganda‘

OULD you shed light on the controversy surrounding the list of commissioner-nominees in Akwa Ibom State? When former Governor Akpabio came on board in 2007, a large chunk of people who started with him were also people who worked together with him in the Attah administration. For instance, the deputy governor, Mr Patrick Ekpotu, was a commissioner in Attah’s administration; the SSG, Obong Umanah Okon Umanah, was the Commissioner for Finance in Attah’s administration; Dr Chris Ekong was a commissioner; Dr Ebebe Ukpong was a commissioner and many others. Government is a continuum; no matter how you look at it. The nominations, Governor Udom Emmanuel made are in order because, out of the 22 persons – normally, exco should be about 24 –about 10 were those he worked with when he was the Secretary to Government. These are people he had dealt with; worked with and understood their capacities. He needs to set up his administration and take off properly and also ensure that he runs sustainability plan towards broadening the economic fortunes of Akwa Ibom State. So, you don’t just call in green horns 100 per cent. It doesn’t happen that way; you can’t take off that way. You take off gradually and then you consolidate. So, I don’t know why the fury; there is nothing new. I can give examples even from other states; from 1999, there are people who served as commissioners from 1999 and today are secretary to government. So, you are talking of 16 years. You don’t fry experience and knowledge. And Dr Akpabio has always said that he would never sacrifice experience and knowledge on the altar of politics. So, Governor Udom Emmanuel is on the right track; he wants to succeed; so he has programmed his administration so that he takes off and consolidate properly, that is how I see it. It is expected that the governing style of the Governor Emmanuel will be different from that of former Governor Akpabio. How will you manage the switch? No two people are the same, even twins from

the same womb. No two people are the same, in terms of the way they approach their own things. The question of switch or no switch is not even an issue; the issue there is pursuing set goals and objectives. If you have a job to do, you get the job done. For instance, if you need to clear a mess at Nwaniba street, the idea is to clear the mess. Whether you have to trek or run there, you have a deadline to clear the mess and that deadline, you want to make sure that that mess is cleared. I do not really see any issue here because clearly, it is about getting things done. Governor Udom Emmanuel also worked with the former governor and his style cannot be new to some of us that had the opportunity of working with him as the Secretary to the Government. We understand that he is a result-oriented man, a focused man, and he stays on target. Those are the same attributes that former Governor Godswill Akpabio also has because when he wants something, he makes sure he gets results. So, you see, Akwa Ibom will continue to progress. Governor Udom Emmanuel has started well. The APC has said that he governor is recycling old commissioners to consolidate Akpabio’s regime... No, they are not right. I totally disagree and fault the APC on this claim because the APC is one party that runs on a consolidation method. So, how can they blame governor Udom Emmanuel for nominating competent people, who also served in the previous administration? Such statement is inconsequential and makes no sense. It shows the ineptitude and the lack of knowledge or how bereft they are. If the APC wants to blame Governor Emmanuel for making nominations, they should completely blame the totality of the APC administration everywhere in Nigeria because we have people who served as commissioners since 1999 and today, they are Secretary to Government. They are people who moved from cabinet and became governors in some states. They are the ones who have moved from one cabinet to another and gone to the National Assembly and they con-

•Umanah

tinue to broaden and consolidate their coast. We will not allow the APC to thwart the PDP consolidation process in Akwa Ibom State. We will maintain our consolidation method, we will support Gov. Emmanuel to take off properly and consolidate, we will strengthen the political process and, of course, the administrative machineries to enable him succeed as a governor. For me, the statement by the APC is a rabble. The state was also described by the APC 2as a ship without a captain. What is your take on this? It is totally faulty. How can you say it is a ship without a captain? There is a governor in place and government is not about one person; you have an arrow head, but you have stakeholders, you have people who work around government to make things happen everywhere in the world. As far as I am concerned, the APC had thought that the PDP administration in Akwa Ibom will come with

what they call neophytes so that they will begin the process of shredding the administration into pieces. No serious administration sacrifices experience because you must ride on it and continue to consolidate, expand, add and broaden. That is how it works. We are not ready to allow the PDP wobble; we will hold it and hold it strong, irrespective of what anybody is saying. But, coming back to your issue, how can they blame Gov. Udom Emmanuel for pronouncing the stadium in honour of former Governor Akpabio? It was the Akwa Ibom state house of assembly that passed the resolution, naming that stadium so. What the governor did was a pronouncement of the resolution of the representative of the 4.9m people of Akwa Ibom State. The governor acted in order because he couldn’t have acted against the position of the 4.9m people of the state represented by their representatives in the house of assembly from the various state constituencies. So the statement of the APC holds no water. I think they should just sit down and lick the wounds election failures and allow the PDP government in Akwa Ibom State to consolidate and move forward. People believe that Akpabio is still in control of the state... As a former governor and a PDP stakeholder and stalwart in the country and a senator of the PDP, why should he should not be interested in the governance of his state that he just left and he should not also be interested in the success of the administration that succeeded him? It would be foolhardy for one to think that a former governor should not be interested in the success of his successor. So for me, the role Akpabio should be seen to be playing is supporting and ensuring the success and the consolidation of the PDP administration in Akwa Ibom State under Governor Udom Emmanuel. That is what I think is right. That is what he should do and that is what every stakeholder should do and so on. In 2007, even when there was no succession, and you all know that the former governor did not support him to become his successor but people from the cabinet of Obong Victor Attah were the same set of people that started the administration of Godswill Akpabio. Have we forgotten so soon; Akwa Ibom people, why have we forgotten so soon? This is how to move. You do not expect a government to get up and then, you get up from the blues. You have projects that you must pursue and complete, you have ideas that you must consolidate and continue to pursue.

Public affiars commentator Phrank Shaibu spoke with reporters in Lagos on issues that will shape the Kogi State governorship elections. Excerpts:

HAT are the issues that will shape the governorship election in Kogi state? I really don’t know how that can be a welcome development for the good people of Kogi State. Rather I think it would come as a curse, if the incumbent governor decides to seek re-election. I say this because many instances abound. For example, the recent public booing of the governor by the citizens during the inauguration of the new House of Assembly speaks volume of the distaste the people have and have developed for him. In every nook and cranny of Kogi state, the story about Wada Idris’s leadership is depressing but sadly those that are expected to act as political watchdogs and even those officially mandated to check the governor’s excesses in the Kogi House of Assembly either do not have strong teeth or may have compromised for self-aggrandizement. Right now, Kogi State is like a rudderless ship moving with no defined purpose and direction. Under Mr Wada, everything about social and economic development in Kogi State is getting worse. Specifically, in the past three years, Kogi state has found itself in a downward spiral with a governor that is clueless on how to steer it out. This can’t be a welcome development. Kogi state has had its share of good and bad times. But, where do you think Kogi State got it wrong? The situation Kogi people are facing today is not far from self-inflicted

‘Power must shift in Kogi’ because it was before our own very eyes that a brilliant candidate in Jibrin Isah Echocho was schemed out of the race courtesy of the former national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in active connivance with the immediate past governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. I do not agree with you that Kogi state has had its good times. When you say good times, it means we have experienced some form of quality leadership that has translated to betterment of the lives of ordinary kogities. This has not been the case in Kogi state since 1999. We have been unfortunate and we have remained unfortunate, and we will continue to be unfortunate until we make up our minds on the way forward. And one of the ways forward is to dispense with all those that have governed the state in times past. Prince Abubakar Audu and Alhaji Ibrahim Idris inclusive. What are the qualities you expect from candidates? The PDP is virtually dead under Wada but I hear he wants to run for a second term. How he intends to

achieve this remains a wild guess because under him, the PDP base has been grossly eroded and has been weakened at all levels. While the APC is in a precarious situation and may even suffer a dishonorable defeat because Audu’s presence as a candidate will incur voters anger, thus making the prospects of other party contestants better. Indeed, from the results of the recent general elections, it is obvious that the PDP cannot get any better under Wada. Already, the supporters of PDP have made good their threat to abandon Idris Wada as clearly demonstrated in the past general elections where they voted largely for another political party, the APC. What seems clear about Kogi State politics is that a new dawn has arrived for the Kogi people. The truth is that, even if the National leadership of the PDP once again decides to subjugate the Kogi people’s choice by organising a shabby party primaries and use it as a facade to further impunity that would ensure that Governor Wada emerges as candidate in the next governorship contest, it will

One of the most convincing arguments by knowledgeable analysts on the deplorable situation of Kogi State is that its woes are self-induced both in scale and scope because it dates back to the advent of the 4th republic in 1999 with Prince Abubakar Audu as governor.

not amount to any major threat to the final results of the state governorship elections especially in this era of reformed electoral processes in Nigeria. The fact is that the weak electoral process in 2011, which advanced impunity for the emergence of Wada as Governor cannot be repeated. I also believe that the collective desire for change in Kogi state may materialise regardless of political affiliation. The simple guess is that in the next elections, people will look more at individuals than parties. Are you saying the PDP doesn’t have a chance? For now, it may really not be the end for the PDP or absolute victory for any other political party in Kogi’s upcoming governorship elections. Indeed, if the rumour regarding efforts to rebuild the PDP is true and that discussions are ongoing to bring back some disenchanted members of the party like Jibrin Isah Echocho, the man of the PDP infamous stolen mandate saga, then it may be a new chapter for the PDP. Whether the screws will ever tighten on such a proposal regarding Jibrin Isah Echocho, is a difficult guess because a lot of water seems to have crossed under the bridge and I just pray Echocho agrees to put the past behind him and fly the parties ticket knowing the pain he went through in their hands. Nonetheless, for the PDP to make an impact at the forthcoming elections, it has to shop for a new candidate within its fold because if Wada remains its candidate, then it will mean making a weak

• Shaibu

party climb a steep hill and the consequences may send the PDP to the dustbin of history in Kogi State. But in some quarters, it is believed that former governor Abubakar Audu remains the best from the array of contenders judging by his previous stint as governor of the state. What do you have to say? One of the most convincing arguments by knowledgeable analysts on the deplorable situation of Kogi State is that its woes are self-induced both in scale and scope because it dates back to the advent of the 4th republic in 1999 with Prince Abubakar Audu as governor. Please don’t also forget that Prince Audu was also governor of the state in the short-lived 3rdrepublic. Indeed, there has been a bottomless altercation over the political prospects of Kogi state because the Kogi people have been innocent victims of the machinations in the hands of their so called politicians.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NATION SPORT

TRANSFER. TRANSFER... TRANSFER ..

Barcelona 'agrees £64m Pogba deal' ARCELONA have reportedly agreed a £64million deal with Juventus to sign Paul Pogba - with the deal scheduled to go through in the summer of 2016. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, a lunch held between officials from the two clubs ended with an consensus over the transfer which, due to Barcelona's transfer embargo, will go through next summer and enable Pogba to spend one more season in Turin. Barca will reportedly pay just shy of £57million for the France international, with a further £7million in addons. It is thought Manchester City were prepared to hand

over £71million (•100m) for Pogba, but the former Manchester United player reportedly has his heart set on a move to Catalonia. As for Barca, presidential candidate Joan Laporta recently said he hoped Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, could help bring the player to the Nou Camp. "We feel that the key to a potential signing of Pogba is Mino Raiola, with whom we get on with very well," he said. "We carried out negotiations with him for the deals involving Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic." Despite reports a deal has been reached, Laporte was keen to stress that nothing

Miranda: ‘Inter a great team’ N EW Inter signing Joao Miranda says he’s joined a ‘great team’ and is expecting a good season. The Brazilian underwent a medical this morning, ahead of a move from Atletico Madrid, which is all-but confirmed. “I’m very happy to be at Inter,” Miranda told reporters as he left the clinic

Muntari free to go with contract left

ULLEY Muntari has been released from his AC Milan contract by mutual consent, allowing him to find a new club this summer. Muntari, 30, signed a new two-year deal last summer but made only 16 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri last season. He was at one stage made a scapegoat by the club's fans for their poor form, and his relationship with the fans worsened in January when he threw his shirt to the ground in anger after being substituted in the Jan. 10 1-1 draw at Torino. With new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic now starting to run the rule over his squad and target new players, Muntari may have become

surplus to requirements, resulting in the club's decision to release him on Tuesd "AC Milan and Sulley Muntari have reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract that tied the player to the club," a statement on the club's official website read. "AC Milan would like to thank Muntari for his dedication and professionalism during his years at the club and wish him all the best for the future." The Ghanaian made 83 appearances for Milan, scoring 13 goals. He previously played for Portsmouth and Sunderland in the Premier League as well as Udinese and Inter Milan in Serie A.

where he took the medical tests. “I spoke to [Atleti Coach Diego] Simeone, he told me Inter are a great club. I wanted a new challenge, Inter are a great team, and also a big challenge for me. “Will we have a great season? Yes, I think so. “A Champions Leagueworthy Inter? Yes, it is.”

Paloschi renews Chievo deal

HIEVO striker Alberto Paloschi has extended his contract with the Bentegodi club until June 2019. The 25-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Flying Donkeys this summer, but Chievo announced the renewal today on their official website. “I’m very happy and proud to have reached an agreement and to continue my story with Chievo Verona,” Paloschi said to ChievoVerona.it. “I thank the President Campedelli and the whole club for the faith they continue to show in me. “I also thank the fans for the affection and enthusiasm that I feel every day from them. “I only know one way to repay this faith – to always work harder in training and in matches and to show determination, passion and sacrifice for this shirt on the pitch.” Wolfsburg warn off De Bruyne suitors Kevin De Bruyne is reportedly a man in demand, but Wolfsburg have told potential suitors that the midfielder is not for sale. Wolfsburg have no intention of selling indemand midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and plan to open

talks over a new deal, according to the club's director of sport Klaus Allofs. De Bruyne has become a big fans' favourite since moving to the Bundesliga side in January 2014, having failed to earn regular football under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. The Belgium international scored 16 goals in all competitions last season and has courted reported interest from the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and German champions Bayern Munich. However, Allofs says De Bruyne's long-term contract at Wolfsburg means there is no pressure to sell. "Kevin has a contract until 2019, hence the signal has already been sent out," Allofs told Sport 1. "Nevertheless we said 'we will look at the contract again'. The aim is to take into account financially Kevin's extraordinary development. "We try to make it so that the best players have the best salaries, so we will make a suggestion and I think we will very quickly reach an agreement." De Bruyne helped Wolfsburg to a runner-up finish in the Bundesliga last term, and was also a part of the team that won the DFBPokal.

Manchester City targets Monaco full-back

ANUEL Pellegrini is looking to bolster his defence with the addition of Monaco fullback Fabinho, according to reports in the Daily Mail. The Citizens currently have 30-year-old Pablo Zabeleta, who had a poor season last term, and 32year-old Bacary Sagna, who made just 14 appearances in his debut season with the Citizens, as their right-sided options, which has led City to explore new recruits. 21-year-old Brazilian international, who was a part of La Selecao’s Copa America squad, has emerged as a price targetbut Monaco are targeting a

price of £15m for the player they secured for just £4m last summer. Formerly a loanee at Real Madrid, Fabinho is hallway through a two-year loan spell with the French principality side from Portuguese outfit Rio Ave and impressed in his debut season, where he was part of the side that knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League. The South American ace would provide a great addition to City’s squad immediately as well as a great prospect for the lingterm, which would prove to be valuable as Pellegrini eyes a rebuild this summer.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NATION SPORT

INTERVIEW... INTERVIEW... INTERVIEW...

Altidore: My football, my family USA and Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore sat down with FIFA.com to chat about his early start in the professional game, his love for the passion of Turkish football and why, for a self-professed lover, he hates losing so much. On the eve of USA’s title defence in the upcoming 2015 CONCACAF Gold, the muscular Stars and Stripes striker, still just 25, opens up about his career so far and what’s still to come.

OU w e r e o n l y 1 6 when you began your professional career. Were you mentally ready for that? I actually signed [with New York Red Bulls] when I was 15, but I didn’t start playing until the next year. It was a difficult time for me in many ways, especially in the States where we didn’t have too many professional players coming through at such a young age. It was a challenging time, but I don’t have any regrets about it. I enjoyed it and it helped me become the player I am today. You must have missed a lot of the fun stuff that your schoolmates were getting up to… Yeah, that’s true. You miss your high school dances and those types of things, although I did manage to go to my prom. At least I got to do that. You’re not a normal kid in a lot of ways. But for me football was always in my blood. It’s something that was a part of my family and the love for it was always there. We shared a passion together and the sacrifices weren’t that a big a deal to me. I enjoyed every moment of it and looking back I wouldn’t change a thing. You’ve lived and played in many different cultures – Spain, England, Turkey, the Netherlands, Canada - which was the toughest to adapt to? Turkey. I was there for six months and I really didn’t know what to expect. It took me some time to settle. The fans are so fanatical and so passionate about their teams and players, and I had to get used to that. I grew to really love it. It was a very good experience for me and one I would recommend to a lot of young players. Which country was easiest to adapt to? Holland. I was there at AZ Alkmaar with a sporting director that I had a very good understanding with. I was playing with players that liked the same type of football that I did. That’s a key for any player – to go

The fans are so fanatical and so passionate about their teams and players, and I had to get used to that. I grew to really love it. into an environment where you’re comfortable. It was an easy transition from day one. You played in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada in 2007. What did that tournament mean to you? It’s an amazing competition. You play against the stars of the future and, for me, it was a great moment. I remember we played against Uruguay, and in that team were a lot of the players that are now leading world football. And now you’re back in Canada with Toronto FC. How does it feel to be back in MLS after a long time away? I’m excited to be back. I haven’t played here in a long time, since I was very young. I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready for this different type of challenge, and I can still take my game to the next level. It’s a big thing for me to go some-

where where I feel like I’ll still be challenged. That’s where I am now. You’re very active on Twitter. How did this come around? I don’t even remember. I’ve been on Twitter for so long, I can’t even remember when I got started. I think it’s a good platform to engage with fans and express your views. I think the fans appreciate that, to see that you’re normal and someone they can talk to. Do you usually answer tweets from fans? Sometimes. I’m a big joker. I can address positive things or negative things and I want to make sure the fans know that I have no problem talking to them. You use the motto ‘family over everything.’ What can you say about that? It’s just me. It’s a part of my upbringing. I’m so close to my family. They’ve been there for

me forever. They’ve been there in the tough times and the great times too, and everything in between. For me, there are no other people that have your back the way family does. You recently tweeted ‘I hate losing.’ What else to do you hate? I don’t like losing. No athlete likes to come off second best. But to be honest, I don’t think there are a lot of things I hate. I love a lot. I’m a lover. I try to not be violent, so I save my hate for losing only. But everyone loses control sometimes… I’m human, so I have my bad days like everyone else does. I’m not always in a good mood, but I try to keep things in perspective. There’s not enough time in life to get bogged down with the negatives. You say you’re a lover. So, what do you

love? I love football. I love my family. I love sports. I love to be around positive people. I don’t waste my time on people who are always looking for the negative, or are always complaining. What can you say about the current moment in the US national team? Positive things are happening since the World Cup in Brazil. If you look at the trajectory of US soccer – where we’ve come over the last 12 or 15 years – it’s incredible. We’re constantly growing and getting better. Out football is improving all the time. The best is yet to come and we’ve got exciting times ahead in Russia. We will have another strong team and hopefully we can surprise a few more people. CONCACAF teams are getting stronger across

the board. We saw that in Brazil too… The region is as tough as it’s ever been. I was so happy to see the rest of the CONCACAF teams do as well as they did in Brazil. Costa Rica went so far, Mexico are always strong and so were we. It shows the world that it’s not so easy for us to qualify, that it’s not so easy for us to go to Costa Rica and other places and get results. It’s extremely competitive here. That’s good because it makes everyone better. You must imagine that the USA will qualify for Russia 2018? I would like us to qualify for Russia. But nothing is a given. We still have to go to these tough places and work hard and qualify. It would be a huge disappointment if we didn’t qualify.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

THE NATION

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BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

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WTC Abuja: An edifice like no other

•3D image of the World Trade Centre, Abuja.

The first phase of the ambitious N200 billion World Trade Centre (WTC) in Abuja, is billed for completion in December. It promises to be the tallest skyscraper in Africa, promoting and inspiring Abuja’s promising future. It also has enormous business growth potential, reports Assistant Editor MUYIWA LUCAS.

HE skyline of the Federal Capital Territory is changing. This is because rising from the ashes of the former Bakassi market in the Central Business Area in the City, is a 37-storey WTC towers, a multi-use complex, comprising luxury, high rise office towers, luxury apartments, conference facilities, capital city shopping mall and entertainment facilities. The market was demolished in 2003 by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The site was handed to the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) to develop as a befitting world-class shopping mall. The project, which started in 2011, is being promoted by First Continental Properties Limited, a subsidiary of Churchgate Group, for over N200 billion. The funding is being raised through private funds as well as local and foreign financial institutions’ support. Now, the first phase, which may become the reference point for distinct address for residential, commercial and office space, is billed for completion in December. The project sits on 6,102 hectares on Constitution Avenue in the Central Business Area, making it strategically positioned in the heart of Abuja, and leads into the city from the airport. It is adjacent to the main Railway Station as well as the Central Business Transport Terminal. A ring road is also being constructed at the site, giving it access to the centre of the city. sConsultants to the project include Churchgate Construction Company Limited, as the main contractor, while the international consultants include Woods Bagot Limited (Concept Architect) and WSP Consultants (Structural Consultant and MEP Consultant). The local consultants include Messrs Hancock Ogundiya & Partners (MEP & C&S Consultant) and Space Designers Limited (local architectural). The Group Managing Director,

Churchgate Group, Mr. Vinay Mahtani, explained that the WTC Abuja is an eighttower complex made up of luxury residences, offices, apartments, a five-star hotel and a 40,000 sq metres Capital City Mall. Other are a leisure centre, cinema and convention facility. The project, he said, offers unparallelled luxury and comfort to those seeking a lifestyle above the rest, as each building within the WTC complex has been designed to appeal to global businesses that require premier services, such as meeting space, topnotch security and the highest standard of interior finishes. The General Manager, Operations, Ibukun Adeogun, said the WTC master plan provides for public gatherings, services and amenities and will rank among landmark destinations of the world. That is not all. On completion, Mahtani says immense benefits would accrue to the tenants and occupants of the complex. For instance, the WTC will become a member of the World Trade Centres Association (WTCA) with 330 locations worldwide, thereby, providing a platform for its occupants to connect to the largest global business network of over 750,000 entrepreneurs. “As a tenant at World Trade Centre, Abuja, you will automatically become a member of the World Trade Centre Club and can draw on the credibility and brand of the organisation - which can open doors to new market of export. Also, organisations within the WTC network can

enter new markets quickly and without excessive investment by making the WTC their ‘outsourced international business department, ” he said. Mahtani added that businesses within the WTC network would avoid the pitfalls of country-specific tax and legal regulations through training, advice and business referrals delivered by WTC professionals and members, including providing opportunities of holding meetings abroad in one of the centres of the organisation and participating in WTC conferences, events, and fairs globally. Although the WTC project is still developing, the promoters said many multinational businesses have signified interests in occupying both residential and commercial spaces in the complex. They include are oil firms, international and local blue chip companies. Rents are yet to be fixed, it was learnt. Laudable as the project is, it has not been a smooth sail. Though the first phase was scheduled for completion in 2013, this was not to be. Due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, it was shifted to its new date. Mahtani said certain areas of the project had to be redesigned to achieve the desired level of quality and standard. Also, the contractors of the National and Light Railway project, while integrating the WTC project into their plan, allegedly could not meet the previous date. Again, there was the issue of maintenance. Across the country, sights of a once

‘As a tenant at World Trade Centre, Abuja, you will automatically become a member of the World Trade Center Club and can draw on the credibility and brand of the organisation - which can open doors to new market of export’

magnificent edifice in decrepit states are common. Mahtani, however, allayed such fears. “Churchgate Group has the credibility of maintaining all its skyline buildings to international standard.The clientele base of Churchgate include numerous multinationals who expect a high level of quality and standard, which we have been able to successfully provide since the inception of our properties. We pride ourselves on the level of service we are able to offer to our customers,” he assured. He added that his firm has built some of Nigeria’s architectural masterpieces, including the Churchgate Tower in Lagos, which is the first building to be constructed from steel and glass, and the Oceanview apartments, Lagos. Yet, stakeholders are hopeful of the project. An Abuja resident, with huge interests in real estate, Alhaji Ibrahim Kareem, wants the project be used as a model to implement some upcoming private partnership project in the FCT. A former Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, assured that because of the high profile and global scope of the WTC project, the Territory Authority requested the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to process a diplomatic status for it. True, the journey to find investors for the project was difficult. This was because attempts by the AICL to get partners failed before the selection of First Continental Properties Limited, a subsidiary of Churchgate Investment Company Limited in 2009. “The Churchgate Group emerged as the preferred bidder through an open and keenly contested process. Our company was adjudged credible to develop the WTC project because of our longstanding track record. Already, the project has provided job opportunities for about 600 inhabitants of Abuja and the satellite towns with the figure expected to rise to 1,500 as work progresses,” Mahtani added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

FHA Mortgage Bank suspends MD over ‘questionable’ loans, others

HE Board of Directors of the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank has appointed an independent firm to audit the bank’s books. It has also suspended the Managing Director, Mr. Roland Igbinoba, pending the outcome of the audit. The board's decision to suspend Igbinoba, according to sources, followed the report of a committee set up by the Management to look into the bank’s operations. The report revealed abuses in the bank, erosion of shareholders’funds, several operational and administrative malpractices, pointing out that these could be a threat to the bank if not properly handled. In the build up to Igbinoba’s suspension, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had placed the FHA Mortgage Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the FHA, on “high risk” rating. In its 2014 supervisory report on the mortgage bank, CBN described the bank’s composite risk rating as high and directed that an emergency board meeting be called in four weeks to discuss the issues. The report noted that the loan disbursements were without approvals, adding that there were no limits for its various grades of services despite its board’s September 2014 credit recommendations. The report also highlighted the granting of staff loans without documentation and non-implementation of effective internal control procedures to safeguard its assets and prevent fraud. The Nation learnt that the measures were meant to protect the bank, FHA’s investment, and shield the institution from risks. For instance, during the CBNinduced recapitalisation for mortgage banks, the FHA management was said to have handed over to its mortgage bank, assets in excess of N11 billion to facilitate the renewal of its licence by the CBN, and also ensure that it met the recapitalisation towards the issuance of a national license for the institution. The assets, in form of landed properties, were developed plots in the following estates: a 40 units FHA Estate at Apo, Abuja; FHA Estate at Gonin Gora, Kaduna Town, Kaduna State; FHA Estate at Odukpani, near Calabar, Cross River State;

•MD suspended as board orders forensic audit • Court stops MD’s suspension By Muyiwa Lucas

FHA Estate at Abesan, Lagos State; FHA Estate at Gombe, Gombe State; FHA Estate at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and FHA Estate at Osogbo, Osun State. However, the bank was unable to sell the assets within the statutory period granted by the CBN for the recapitalisation to get the licence to operate as a national mortgage bank; thereby forcing it to be a fringe operator at a regional level. It was gathered that since the outcome of the recapitalisation, which the bank failed to achieve the parent body's expectation of being a national operator, the FHA management has written to Igbinoba to return the uncommitted properties in its possession to no avail. Yet, another source in the FHA informed The Nation that if at all the houses were sold, the amount realised from the sale could not be traced to any bank account despite Igbinoba's claims that the money was in an account supervised by the CBN. Other areas that has threatened the bank's liquidity bothers on operational malpractices. This, the FHA Management, the bank’s Board of Directors and recently the CBN 2014 reports noted to include: the inability to ascertain the bank's liquidity position, a factor being fingered as a probable reason the bank is most times unable to meet customers demand as the deposit liability is more than what is available in the bank; the huge difference between the N226.4million profit declared by the bank in 2014 with the actual cumulative profit of N64.9million as at 31/11/2014; the fears that bank’s shareholders fund of N2,968,188,000 as at December 2013 seems to have been eroded as a result of the huge lending made from the capital of the bank; the drive for deposit mobilisation is not taken seriously by the bank; hence the amount raised through recapitalisation has been loaned out to its customers and most of the loans are non-performing The report also alleged that Igbinoba granted loans without the Board’s approval, including a personal loan of N35 million

in 2014 at an interest rate of three per cent per year, whereas staff were charged 14 per cent interest per year. While our sources said Igbinoba was called to answer queries on the development, his response has remained unsatisfactory. Yet, there are more issues causing serious concerns. For instance, in the build up to the 2014 CBN’s Risk-Rating evaluation, the bank's interest income accounted for an average of 33 per cent over the past three years; thus allegedly making the principal sources of income highly volatile, hence not acceptable by CBN. Besides, the bank's deposit for shares if capitalised,sources say, will only bring shareholders funds to N2.399 billion, which is still below the regulatory minimum of N2.5billion. Also, worrisome is that the bank exceeds the single obligator limit of five and 20 per cent of its shareholder fund, thereby contravening Section 5.1(k) of the revised guidelines for primary mortgage banks (PMBs) in the country. The management noted that the bank did not have an approval limit for the various grades of its services despite the Board’s Credit Committee recommendation of September 2014. It also observed that the loans granted by the MD to himself lacked proper documentation and contravenes section 7.3 (3) of the guidelines. Other anomalies allegedly observed include that the bank did not implement some of the recommendations contained in the last examination report, thereby attracting financial penalty as contained in section 7.3 (23) of the guidelines; huge mis-match of deposits and credits in the time-bands of 1 – 30 days, 181 – 360 days and those above 360 days, and a poorly implemented debt recovery effort as only N5.718 million out of N253.183 million was recorded during the period in review. "From the foregoing issues, bordering on the bank’s CEO’s operational and administrative inconsistencies with the regulations, as well as his failure to take corrections or implement directives from the Board of Di-

•From left: National Retailership Manager, LaFarge Africa, Mr. Ibrahim Zitta; Regional Manager Lagos Island, LaFarge Africa, Mr. Segun Odukoya; General Manager, Sales & Customer Service, LaFarge Africa, Mr. Sam Ndionyenma and National President, National Association of Block Molders of Nigeria, Alhaji Adebowale, at Lafarge Blockmakers Forum in Ajah, Lagos.

•Igbinoba

•Prof. Al-Amin

rectors despite verbal and written admonitions, it has become imperative to take the necessary step of involving a third party to assess the status of the operations of the bank in order to prove which of the sides is wrong," the FHA management submitted, adding that this would enable a quick action desperately needed to salvage the bank from risks. Since the creation of the subsidiary in 1997, the FHA, being the sole shareholder of the mortgage bank, has been supporting it technically and financially.The most recent landmark support was in 2013 when the CBN demanded that all PMBs must recapitalise to a minimum of N2.5 billion for state licence and N5 billion for national li-

cence. Then, the FHA Mortgage Bank had its share capital in negative position of N269million. Therefore, the FHA had to intervene by giving the bank landed properties worth N11 billion and also injected cash of N500 million to enable the bank meet up with the CBN’s requirement. Meanwhile, as the National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the board, from suspending Igbinoba. Justice M. N. Esowe issued the restraining order, following a motion exparte filed by his lawyer, Chike Okafor, in suit number NICN/ ABJ/194/2015. The FHA, FHA Homes Limited and Chairman of the board, Prof. Mohammed Al-Amin are co-defedants. The Board claims to have it has appealed the verdict.

‘Why housing corporations are not performing’

OLITICAL interference and lack of independence have been identified as the bane of housing agencies. President, Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), Dr. Ifenna E. Chukwujekwu, said at the association’s forum in Lagos that these factors, among others are hindering the sorporations from performing. With Nigeria’s homeownership rate put at about 25 per cent, compared to 90 per cent in Singapore, 70 per cent in the United States, 74 per cent in Brazil, 63 per cent in Columbia, 56 per cent in South Africa and 41 per cent in Libya, Chukwujekwu regretted that the situation did not give much hope of improving because most of the state housing agencies were underutilised and have been rendered redundant, thereby making them be in a position in which they are unable to effectively discharge their primary responsibility as stated in the laws setting them up. He hinged the corporations’ failure on the usurpation of their roles by the states’ ministry, adding that the latter are supposed to formulate policies and monitor its parastatals to ensure compliance. Besides, Chukwujekwu noted inadequate finance to state housing corporations on project execution as a limiting factor ins the industry. According to the AHCN chief, inadequate moral support and backing in terms of loan guarantee for state housing corporations when seeking

housing loans and politicking with such funds, has rendered some corporations unable to meet up with servicing their loans. The non-availability of Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) to assist some state housing corporations in disposing some of their housing units, he insisted, has been a problem. “The problems of housing delivery are rooted in the lack of finance, escalating cost of building materials and infrastructural development cost; these three problems have also constrained the performance of housing agencies,” Chukwujekwu said. He listed other problems to include lack of government’s support in the provision of infrastructural facilities in most housing estates, inadequate funding of research on local building materials; withdrawal of some state governments from the National Housing Fund (NHF) contribution, the establishment of politically motivated parallel housing organisations in some state, thereby duplicating the duties of the corporations. But all hope is not lost. Chukwujekwe said the corporations could still deliver on their mandate if they are shielded from political interference. To do this, he said the corporations shoud be commercialised to make them more productive. Also, the corporations should be restructured to make them vibrant. AHCN was established in 1964 to make available homes and mass produce houses in their states.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 01-07-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 01-07-15

Equities open second half with N203b loss

IGERIAN equities opened the second half with a loss of N203 billion, wiping away the gains recorded in two consecutive upswings that closed the first half. Most equities that had danced round in the two previous days to rally the market to positive close were breathless yesterday. With three decliners for every advancer, aggregate market value of all quoted equities dropped by N203 billion yesterday to close at N11.218 trillion as against N11.421 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI) slumped by 1.77 per cent to 32,863.43 points as against its opening index of 33,456.83 points. The steep decline worsened the negative overall average year-to-date return to -5.18 per cent. The downtrend was both orchestrated by widespread selling sentiments as well as losses recorded within the group of highly capitalised stocks that dictate the market direction. Dangote Cement, the most capitalised stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which had led the up-

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

swing in the previous trading session, also led the losing spree yesterday, dropping by N8 to close at N172. Nestle Nigeria, NSE’s highest-priced stock, followed with a loss of N7 to close at N850. Mobil Oil Nigeria placed third with a drop of N5 to close at N150. Guinness Nigeria lost N2.53 to close at N160.28. Unilever Nigeria dropped by N1.50 to close at N44. Nigerian Breweries dwindled by N1.48 to close at N148.50 while Stanbic IBTC Holdings dropped by N1.07 to close at N25.93 per share. Turnover was above average with the exchange of 323.56 million shares valued at N4.73 billion in 4,096 deals. Banking stocks dominated the activities chart. Access Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 71.43 million shares valued at N389.41 million in 311 deals. Zenith Bank followed with a turnover of 63.63 million shares worth N1.23 billion in 412 deals while United Bank for Africa placed third with 38.16 million shares valued at

N188.05 million in 218 deals. Analysts remained cautious amidst concerns that there is no major leverage for the market to break away from its recent topsyturvy. “Tomorrow`s trading session may likely follow similar pattern as we expect the current mood to continue,” analysts at SCM Capital stated in post-market review. Analysts at Afrinvest Securities said the bearish momentum yesterday was broadly driven by half year portfolio reallocation. “We reiterate our earlier position that investors should bet on fundamentally sound tickers ahead of half year earnings releases,” Afrinvest Securities stated. Meanwhile, Seven-Up Bottling Company, which on Monday announced its dividend recommendation of N2.75 per share, led the gainers with a gain of N6.90 to close at N186. Lafarge Africa followed with a gain of N1.01 to close at N103. Presco rose by N1 to close at N36 while Beta Glass added 50 kobo to close at N36 per share.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 01-07-15

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

MONEYLINK FRC chair urges firms to strengthen corporate governance

HE Chairman, Governing Council, Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, Hajia Maryam Ibrahim has urged the public and private firms to strengthen their corporate governance principles for the good of their institutions. Hajia Ibrahim, who spoke at the on-going Public Hearing on the Draft National Code of Corporate Governance, said that companies are facing financial difficulties due to weak corporate governance, adding that instead of building strong institutions for the benefit of the country, individuals have become more powerful than the nation due to weak corporate governance structure. “The concept of good corporate governance is essential to the wellbeing of companies and their stakeholders,’’ she said. She explained that recent events

Oil sector boosts domestic capital inflow, says FBN Capital

By Collins Nweze

in some parts of the world, including Nigerian, have reemphasised the need for sound corporate governance in modern society. Ibrahim said that for effective corporate governance, “there is the need to have a unified statutory document which would serve as a reference material for directing and controlling companies to avoid corporate failures. She recalled that the Federal Government inaugurated a Steering Committee on January 17, 2013 led by the private sector to propose a National Code of Corporate Governance to guide the reporting activities of entities. She said the Council received comments from 45 institutions including professional and regulatory bodies as well as relevant professionals. She said the public hearing was

•FRC CEO Jim Obazee

actually meant to have the contributions of stakeholders, adding that the Council would get back to the stakeholders with another draft. “We would move forward and we would meet regulators. We have been on this draft for two years. Until we come to a logical conclusion with the stakeholders, we cannot say this is the Draft Code,’’ Ibrahim said.

FCMB opens ultra-modern branch at Amuwo Odofin

USTOMERS of First City Monu ment Bank (FCMB) Limited and Nigerians in general who reside in Amuwo Odofin and its environs, now have an opportunity to enjoy the services offered by the Bank. This is because the financial institution has opened an ultra-modern and full service branch strategically located at Plot 123, Amuwo Odofin Link Road by Amuwo Odofin residential scheme. The development is part of the commitment of the Bank towards bringing banking services directly to the door step of its customers and residents in the community. It also ensures that existing and potential customers continue to enjoy the valuedadded offerings which the Bank is known for over the years. Apart from the experienced finan-

cial experts at the branch, it is equipped with unique physical and technological infrastructures that will ensure convenient transaction banking and sundry financial service delivery to customers in a relaxed and tranquil environment. In her address at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday (July 1, 2015), the FCMB Regional Director, Lagos, Mrs. Bukola Smith, said the Bank is committed more than ever to serving more Nigerians and in the process is creating opportunities for them to realize their individual and business aspirations. According to her, this is in line with its leading position in the retail banking segment. ‘’We are determined to achieve this by ensuring that all segments of the society have access to banking opportunities through the provision of ex-

cellent services and value-added products that will enhance customer experience’’, she said. Mrs. Smith further assured that the bank will continue to raise the bar in the manner in which customers are served and the kind of environment under which such services are provided to meet their respective lifestyles. Also speaking, FCMB’s Group Head, Channels & Change Management, Mr. Oluwakayode Adigun, stated that, “this additional customer touch point will further complement our effort in providing customers with simple, helpful and reliable banking services, in a conducive and convenient manner. It will also bridge the service gap for our customers and the general public, especially those who reside or transact business within the area’’.

HE Vice President and Head, Energy and Natural Resources at FBN Capital Limited, Rolake Akinkugbe, has said that local sources of finance have risen over the past decade because of improved capitalization among African banks. She spoke at the 2015 Oil Council Africa Assembly which held in Paris. She said the lenders will take advantage of new opportunities in the oil and gas sector. She emphasised that the new oil price environment has had an impact on the terms and structure of funding that have become available to oil and gas companies and projects. According to her, “The price shift is forcing renewed policy focus on those parts of the oil and gas valuechain that creating the greatest dividends in terms of contribution to economic growth. The implementation of such policies would have to be balanced with the need to keep Direct Foreign Investors (DFI)

incentivised.” Highlighting the challenges with achieving this balance from a sector finance perspective, she said “sector exposure limits and tight regulation, as well as challenging oil price environment, have ushered in a more moderate risk appetite within Africa’s banking community. Often, their foreign counterparts try to offer more competitive rates for deals. In response however, local African banks are collaborating much more in order to build their pool of funds and match value so as not to lose too much market share to foreign banks”. She stated that emphasis on the value-add benefit of oil and gas projects goes hand in hand with governments’ push to demonstrate the benefits of the energy sector to the broader economy. In any case the capital requirements of such infrastructure-related projects are often more than local banks can handle by themselves.

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management gets recognition

TANBIC IBTC Asset Manage ment Limited has won ‘Best Mutual Fund Provider Nigeria 2015’ and ‘Best Non Pension Fund Manager Nigeria 2015.’ The winners were announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony in London recently. Organized by Global Banking & Finance Review, a reputable online banking and finance performance review platform, the awards recognize achievements and innovations by companies in the global financial community, cutting across banking, Islamic finance, hedge funds, asset and wealth management, real estate, and corporate social responsibility, among others. Commenting on this year’s

award, Wanda Rich, Editor, Global Banking and Finance Review, stated: “Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited’s dedication to excellence throughout its investment advisory and management services is what made them stand out as the clear winner this year,” adding: “We look forward to seeing further industry-leading solutions from them in the years to come.” Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr. Olumide Oyetan, who described the award as an incentive to work harder, stated that “the firm remains totally committed to helping Nigerians build a portfolio of financial instruments from which they canuse to meet their unique investment objective(s)’’.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.1978 1.3117 0.7319 1.1349

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.1912 0.7203 0.7203 1.1349

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

LIVESTOCK STERLNBANK 7UP PRESCO INTBREW UPL WEMABANK TRANSCORP BETAGLAS FIDELITYBK WAPCO

2.16 2.00 179.10 35.00 19.01 5.89 0.94 2.71 35.50 1.72 101.99

2.26 2.09 186.00 36.00 19.50 6.03 0.96 2.76 36.00 1.74 103.00

0.10 0.09 6.90 1.00 0.49 0.14 0.02 0.05 0.50 0.02 1.01

LOSERS AS AT 01-07-15

O/PRICE

NEIMETH 1.39 EVANSMED 1.21 UBN 9.79 DANGFLOUR 3.99 MAYBAKER 1.57 DANGCEM 180.00 ACADEMY 0.91 DIAMONDBNK 4.39 ACCESS 5.65 NEM 0.75 STANBIC 27.00

C/PRICE 1.28 1.15 9.31 3.80 1.50 172.00 0.87 4.20 5.42 0.72 25.93

Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE -0.11 -0.06 -0.48 -0.19 -0.07 -8.00 -0.04 -0.19 -0.23 -0.03 -1.07

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) May 28, 2015 Interbank ($/N)

199.00

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 01-07-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

May 27

May 28

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

15.033

15.977

15.809

17.177

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

27 May 34,649.3 11.8 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

5 May 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Gardener, four others charged with murder

IVE persons were yesterday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrate Court in Lagos for the alleged murder of a 32-year-old driver, Sonye Chukwudi Bosco. They are Anthony Toms, 20, a gardener; Godwin Francis, Michael Inyang, Evidence David and Etuk Tony. Prosecuting Police Inspector Emmanuel Ajayi said they conspired to murder and rob Bosco of 4,750 cash. Toms said he took revenge on the deceased who he claimed was owing him N6000 balance from a flour sale. Toms invited the late Bosco, who operated around GRA, Ikeja, to Ransome Kuti Gardens in Anthony Village, under the pretence of meeting with a businesswoman that supplies flour. The defendants, it was learnt, thought the late Bosco was rich because he used a Mercedes Benz 320 saloon car. Tony, one of the defendants, described Toms as their leader, saying: “Anthony is the ring leader who told us that the driver is rich and that if we robbed him, we could sell the car for N2 million. And I told him I would do it as long as money is involved.” But Toms said:”I did it to revenge what he (driver) did to me. The driver is a gay; he slept with me several times and paid me only N1,500. He bought flour from me but refused to pay me N6,000". The defendants allegedly tortured the late driver at the Ransome Kuti Gardens and de-

•The suspects ... yesterday By Rukayat Jimoh

manded money from him. They were said to have bound the deceased’s hands, mouth and legs and hit him on the head till he died. They were said to have covered his body with empty bags of flour

before taking away his Mercedes Benz car. One of the defendants, who is a driver, was said to have planned with the others to sell the car out of Lagos. However, the police intercepted and arrested them on the Gbagada

Expressway with the car. Ajayi urged the court to remand the suspects in prison custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 409, 295, 221 and 404 of the Crimi-

nal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011. The defence counsel, Spurgeon Ataene, applied that his clients be remanded for 30 days. Magistrate O.O. Olatunji ordered that they be remanded and adjourned the case till July 31.

10 get vocational training in Lagos

NEMPLOYED youths have been advised to acquire vocational skills to enable them become self-employed. Promoters of Administrative Continuity Team (ACT), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), gave the advice at the graduation of the second set of its vocational trainees. Ten beneficiaries underwent training in fashion designing, shoe making and hair dressing, among others. They were presented with working tools and a startup capital. They were also offered tips on branding and account keeping that could help them sustain their businesses. ACT is a socio-political group in Eti-Osa local government area of Lagos State. It was founded by members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and it is dedicated to bringing dividends of democracy to the grassroots. “ACT is involved in activities towards the improvement and sustainability of a better quality of life to community members; so, skill acquisition is taken very seriously. The team is fully committed to ensuring its continuity in its service to the state,” said ACT clerk Obafemi George. At the graduation held at Beach Gate Hotel near Jakande Roundabout in Eti Osa, George said the group

By Basirat Braimah would continue to empower youths and encourage economic growth. Bimbo Ajilara, a fashion designer, who trained prospective fashion designers, lamented the growing number of unemployed youths. He described the empowerment scheme as ACT’s modest way of reducing unemployment. He said: “I hope the graduating students use the materials given to them for good and not a waste.” The group’s speaker, Ojomo Owoyemi, congratulated the graduands and called on individuals and corporate bodies to assist ACT to do more. Ojomo said the group would sustain the programme, adding: “It is one thing to begin an initiative; it is another thing to make it a reality. What we have started in ACT shall continue.” Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Executive Secretary Abayomi Daramola said ACT installed street light on First Unity Road in Badore Eti-Osa and conducted medical outreaches at Jakande Estate, Ikota, among others One of the beneficiaries, Aminat Badru, who learned fashion designs, thanked ACT for teaching them how to fish saying: “I decided to learn a skill while awaiting admission. I knew I had to look for a means to provide

•Hon Sherafadeen Afefelaye (first left), with other leaders of the group during the presentation to the beneficiaries.

for my needs. So, I was very happy when I learned about ACT training school from my mother. While in school, I was also made the governor of the class. “I learned a lot from sewing, measuring, cutting and customer service. The only problem that came to my mind was how I would raise money to buy a machine but ACT has provided us with machines and capital to start off,” she said. Ahmed Sukura and Lucky Johnson, who were trained as fashion designer and shoe maker also shared their experiences. “I had always been interested in fashion designs,” said Sukura, adding: “Before ACT came, I had been looking for how to learn fashion (designing) but there was no opportunity. I am an orphan; I have no one except my guardian but I also need to try to learn something my-

self to earn a living. “Until this time, the challenge I had was how to combine fashion designs with going to school, but I have now been able to resolve that with planning. I was also thinking of how to buy a sewing machine before, but ACT gave us a sewing machine and a startup capital.” Johnson said: “I already had experience in sandals and other shoes, but not in shoe making. I learnt that from one of our facilitators at the training, Mr Tope Agbelusi. He was really nice to us. He taught us how to identify real and fake leather, how to design and sew manually and with a machine. Others in attendance included a former chairman of Eti-Osa LCDA, Prince Anofiu Elegushi; Agbelusi and ACT deputy publicity director Francis Tinubu.

Woman accused of N35, 46-year-old 500 theft woman, Olayemi

Abiodun was yes-

terday arrainged before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing N35,500 from a woman’s purse. Abiodun, who resides in Oke-Afa in Badagry, Lagos, pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Inspector Ignatius Okeke, said the accused committed the offence at 10, John Street, Idumota on Lagos Island on June 30 about 7.30a.m. Okeke said the complainant, Ayobami Awotoye, reported the case at the police station. According to him, the accused picked the woman’s purse while she was buying some items at the market. “The complainant had put her purse somewhere in her

shop; the accused, who posed as a customer, took the purse and removed the money. Some women at the market caught Abiodun in the act and alerted the complainant, who got her arrested.’’ The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, who pleaded innocence, however, said she felt ashamed of her action. She appealed to the complainant to forgive her and begged the court for leniency. Magistrate L.A. Owolabi granted the accused N50, 000 bail, with one surety in the like sum and adjourned the case till today.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

CITYBEATS ‘Ladipo market not demolished, closed’ T HE Lagos State Government yesterday debunked the allegation that some parts of the popular Ladipo Market in the Mushin Local Government area had been demolished and put under lock and key. The Executive Secretary of the Council, Hon. Jide Bello, in a statement, said business activities went on unhindered at the market yesterday as traders were at their stalls carrying out their business transactions. He said the local government decided to redevelop

32-YEAR-OLD woman, Oluchi Obinna, is seeking the dissolution of her sixyear-old marriage to her husband, Emmanuel, at an Igando Customary Court in Lagos. She is accusing her husband of lack of care for her and their three children. “I don’t owe my husband a kobo. He only gets foodstuff when he is famished. Whenever he is drunk, he beats me mercilessly. The day I requested money from him to get drugs for our first son who was ill, he returned home drunk with his girlfriend. He slapped me, stripped me naked and asked her to beat me up. I was embarrassed in the presence of our neighbours,” she said. The petitioner, who lives at 9, Olabode Street, Ikotun in Lagos, added that her husband once left the house with their children. She said: “A neighbour phoned me and said they

the market which had become an eyesore due to the unwholesome activities of some of the traders and the degradation of the environment which did not fit into the mega city plans of the state. He said the council intended to undertake the development of the market in phases and because of that, had not collected any form of rent from the traders in the market since the beginning of 2015. Bello added that the council’s authorities convened several meetings with

the leaders of the various associations in the market towards ensuring that a private developer commences the phased development, but it was evident from the body language of the leaders that they were buying time and trying to frustrate the redevelopment plan. He said there would be no going back on the decision of the council to redevelop the market to meet the mega city status of Lagos, assuring all traders in the market that Mushin remains a home for all of them. The council chief, how-

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Judge hailed over land ESIDINTS of verdict Gberigbe commu-

•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

ever, said due process was followed in the council’s decision to redevelop the market, urging the traders to operate within the ambit of the law.

‘My husband is an alcoholic’ By Basirat Braimah

were at a motor park. On getting there, I saw him but since I couldn’t handle him alone, I called a policeman who stopped him for me.” Mrs Obinna said her husband once threatened to kill their children, adding that he once harassed her in church. “We were at a neighbour’s’ child dedication when my husband entered the compound with a bottle, threatening to kill our children before surrendering himself to the police. He carried my son and threw him as if he was pouring a bucket of water and chased all of us at the gathering with a bottle. I was sad because he couldn’t remember all he did the following day. Till today, our first son is scared of him.

‘

... my husband entered the compound with a bottle, threatening to kill our children before surrendering himself to the police’

’

“As if that wasn’t enough, he came to the church halfnude with a bottle of beer and a cigarette and called me a witch and a prostitute. The ushers had to ask us to leave because he created a scene,” she said. The petitioner said she left the house with their children since he wasn’t ready to change. But, the 34-year-old dockworker said his wife nags a lot.

“Whenever I try to correct her flaws, she quarrels with me. She disregards me a lot and each time I complain, she leaves the house with our children and this made me to take them to my mother’s place which she was also aware of,” he said. He denied embarrassing her in church, saying it was a prophetess in her church that offered him a bottle of beer and urged him to take things easy. “I earn N40,000 and I give her N10,000 for monthly allowance aside our children’s school fees. I have pleaded with her to return home with our children but she refused. I don’t want her anymore,” he said. The court’s President, Hakeem Oyekan, ordered the respondent to maintain peace and adjourned the matter till July 13.

nity in Ikorodu Lagos have praised Justice Michael Akin Savage for striking out a land suit brought by the Ladera Royal family. In his verdict, Justice Savage of the Ikorodu High Court, described the suit in which the Ladera family was laying claim to the entire Gberigbe land as an abuse of court process. He held that the same issue had been adjudicated upon by courts of competent jurisdiction in the past. A 2009 judgment in favour of the Ladera family over the land was upturned in 2014 by the Court of Appeal. The Ladera family filed a fresh suit before Justice Savage that same year. Responding to the ruling, the defendant’s lawyers,

Olusegun Fabunmi and Richard Oguntade, said: “The implication of the ruling is that Gberigbe-Orelade family is the rightful owner of the land in question to the exclusion of other families that are laying claims.” Chief Kayode Sokelu Odubitan, Secretary of the Gberigbe-Orelade family, said: “The court has reaffirmed our ownership and we thank the judge for doing the right thing. We are now appealing to the government and law-enforcement agencies to help in safeguarding the lives and properties of the family and that of the entire community that had been under incessant harassment due to this protracted litigation.”

Two in court over ‘assault, malicious damage’

WO men, Morufu Oyebola, 23, and Hammed Durojaiye, 25, yesterday appeared before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly invading a market, assaulting traders and damaging valuables. Oyebola, who resides at 4, Anisi Street, Ijora-Badia and Durojaiye of 12, Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island, are facing a two-count charge of assault and malicious damage. The prosecutor, Inspector Ignatius Okeke, said the accused committed the offence at Ojuolopon Market Lagos Island, on June 30 at 12.12p.m. Okeke said Owolabi Shitta-Bay and Popoola Kamilu, who are traders, on the same date, reported to the police that the accused and 11 others at large invaded the market and disrupted trading. He alleged that the accused assaulted Shitta- Bay during the invasion. The prosecutor said the accused also damaged Popoola’s tricycle and stole some valuables at the market during the attack. Okeke said the offences contravened Sections 409 and 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Mr L.A. Owolabi granted the accused N50, 000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum. He adjourned the case till July 20 for mention.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

Warri communities shut NPDC operations

HERE is tension between the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Ijaw host communities of Diebiri-Batan and Ajuju in Warri South West council of Delta State over a multi-million naira dredging contract and oil spill compensations. Youths of Ajuju shut the operations of the NNPC subsidiary over the contract and the alleged failure of the company to implement the Memo-

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

randum of Understanding. It was gathered that Diebiri could follow suit before Friday. At a meeting in Warri last weekend, community leaders lamented the perceived nonchalant attitude of the oil firm to the spill and the contracts to the communities. The aggrieved communities said NPDC awarded contracts without due process. “It is per-

tinent to note that NPDC as a Nigerian company, whose obligation is to respect the Local Content Act, awarded contracts without due process to their friends and associates, neglecting community-based contractors.” The Ajuju document, signed by Chief Favour Izoukumor and Mr Samson Oyimi, Chairman and Secretary of the community, as well as Fulani Arthur and Peter Potoki, women and youth leader, al-

leged that the company falsely obtained a Freedom to Operate (FTO) from the communities by claiming that local contractors were involved in the bid for the dredging work. “In the process to obtain FTO, NPDC representatives told us that community-based contractors were also invited for the bidding process but did not scale through. It was later discovered to be lies. The FTO therefore stands null and void.”

Firm partners UN to increase access to budget From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

CIVIC technology and transparency advocacy group, BudgIT Nigeria, has partnered the United Nations (UN) to increase access and ensure transparency in government budgets. The partnership is aimed at tracking projects in 24 communities in six states across the federation. BudgIT is already working with Kaduna and Edo states to ensure transparency. The UN is facilitating the agreement under its Democracy Fund programme to enhance citizen participation in local governance. The pact will also enable community members to understand public finance data and capital projects captured in their areas. In a statement, BudgIT’s Lead Partner Oluseun Onigbinde said the partnership was the culmination of prior advocacy work at the grassroots. He said: “Since 2013, we have worked in over 300 communities. We note that for every 10 communities visited, only one has constituents that have knowledge of the budget or local projects provided for in their states. This partnership will expand our campaign to ensure that every Nigerian attains his or her rightful place as a partner in government, not as mere spectators.” UNDEF’s Deputy Head Mikiko Sawanishi said the agency supported projects that could strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. He said: “We are thrilled to support the project: ‘Creative Communication on Nigeria’s Budget’, implemented by BudgIT. The project will provide citizens of Nigeria with information on the formulated national budget as well as planned public projects, in order to increase transparency and accountability...”

Teachers threaten to boycott classes •Over unpaid salaries •Members of SEEBECLY Cancer Care Group with female staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos Office, after a health talk and cancer screening at NAN Lagos office... yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Furore over proposed regulations of mosques, churches, others P ROMINENT church leaders yesterday kicked against what they described as dangerous proposals included in the “Exposure Draft of the National Code of Corporate Governance 2015” undergoing public hearings nationwide. They said the document prepared by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) will not only infringe on religious freedom, but promote terrorism if passed into law. The document, it was gathered, was drafted by the FRCN to regulate activities of NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and religious bodies, especially on operations, management and finances. The draft said religious organisations and Not-For-Profit-Organisations (NFPOs) must appoint executive directors and management committees to run their operations. It also said the bodies must appoint non-executive directors entitled to ‘sitting allowances, directors’ fees and reimbursable travel and hotel expenses’.

By Sunday Oguntola

Section 9:3 specified that the founder or leader of NFPOs, who have occupied governance positions for ‘more than 10 years, or is aged 70 or above’ must step aside. The FRCN said the 30-page policy document was hinged on the need to ensure corporate governance, transparency and smooth transition among NFPOs. Reacting to some of the provisions, General Overseer of Life Gate International Church Lagos, Bishop Mike Oke claimed that the document was drafted to emasculate the operations of faith-based organisations. “I believe that this is against wanting to checkmate the work of God. No one is against transparency and accountability. We all preach and practise it. “But when you ask faithbased organisations to operate like secular bodies, you have reduced their influence. It means we will now have more

business meetings than practical fellowships in worship centres.” Oke countered the provision that leaders or founders of NFPOs must resign after 10 years or attainment of 70 years. “What that says practically is that the FRCN wants to indirectly determine who heads faith-based organisations. “Worship organisations are now constrained to follow certain guidelines in choosing leaders as against direct instructions from God. In other words, the government wants to choose leaders for churches and mosques. “That is satanic and unnecessary. That is a clever way of emasculating religious organisations and those in this agenda should have a rethink,” Oke said. The senior pastor of Living Waters Unlimited Church Lagos, Rev. Ladi Thompson, described the draft as ‘packaged poison’. Thompson, a counter-terrorism expert, said: “It would seem that those behind this

FRCN were commissioned by unnamed people to create an occasion for the conflagration of Nigeria by terrorists. “On the surface the document seems innocent enough until the arsenic drops show up in sections 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 9.4 etc. “When a carpenter attempts to sew a shirt, the product will speak for itself. How else do you address the buffoonery that asks a mosque to employ executive directors or a church to jettison its diaconate when the law of God prescribes something else?” He accused promoters of the draft of wanting to plunge the nation into an unnecessary religious war. “FRCN must go back to the drawing board while it is being investigated for direct or remote terror connections. “If the men in the shadows get a clearance from the security forces, there would still be a need to get tailors to sew shirts while carpenters stick to their jobs to keep our nation united and peaceful,” Thompson said. FRCN’s CEO, Mr. Jim Obazee could not be reached for comments.

EACHERS in public schools in Kwara State said yesterday that they might boycott classes if the two months’ salaries owed them were not paid. The teachers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), decried the development. In Kosubosu, the headquarters of Baruten Local Government, the teachers condemned their plight. They urged government at the state and federal levels to intervene to ameliorate their condition. A teacher, Mr. Ismail Issa, berated the state government over the nonpayment of their salaries. He said it was unfair in its disposition to teachers’ welfare, adding that education remained the bedrock of the society. Issa noted that the situation

might degenerate if attention was not focused on sourcing funds to pay workers. He said teachers might boycott classes to express their grievances. Another teacher, Mrs. Aminat Sabi, said she had undergone hardship following nonpayment of salaries. She said she could not meet her obligations, as she had no other means of livelihood. Teachers, who spoke with NAN at Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government, expressed worry about the situation. The teachers, who preferred anonymity, said they were unhappy. They described the development as unprecedented. At the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) office in Ilorin, which supervises the schools, no official was willing to comment.

CAC Ilesa holds fund raising for school

HE Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Zonal Headquarters, Igando Ilesa, will on Saturday July 4, hold a N250 million fund raiser for the establishment of a model school. The school, comprising Nursery, Primary and Secondary, is named after Josiah Olagunju Olajoyegbe, a former Baba Ijo of the church. The event will be chaired by Chief Olu Falomo. Other dignitaries expected include former Minister for Integration, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu and Chief (Mrs) Oluremi Olowu. There will also be an ordination service for Elders and Deaconesses, including Dr. Lola Dare, President of Chestrad International.

Akande explains statement as Arewa Forum kicks

HE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has described as reckless, disappointing and unbecoming of an elder statesman, the statement credited to Chief Bisi Akande against the north. According to the forum, ‘for an elder statesman like Chief Akande, who worked so tirelessly with others to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), which subsequently won the elections at the Federal level and many states, to now say that the crisis in the National Assembly is a conspiracy of the North against the Yoruba, this is most disturbing’. A statement by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Mu-

•I was misunderstood, says party’s ex-interim chair From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

hammad Ibrahim, said: “The statement credited to Chief Bisi Akande, former Chairman of ACN and a leader of the APC, in most newspapers of June 30 that ‘most Northern elites, the Nigerian oil subsidy barons and other business cartels who never liked President Buhari’s anti-corruption political stance are backing the rebellion against the APC with strong support. “While other position seekers are waiting in the wings until Buhari’s ministers are announced, a large section of the

Southwest sees the rebellion as a conspiracy of the North against the Yoruba’ is disappointing, reckless and unbecoming of an elder statesman of Chief Akande status”. “The crisis rocking the party over the election of the National Assembly presiding officers and the composition of principal officers is not only of concern to the ruling party but to all Nigerians in view of the ugly development in both chambers. “Why should the North, comprising of more than 230 out of 250 tribes in the country single out only one ‘Yoruba’, to conspire against?

“ACF considers such statement as uncharitable and a deviation from the main agenda of change which Nigerians voted for. Tribal and religious politics has no place in our present political focus. “ACF appeals to our elders and Nigerians to show decorum and civility in their utterances, as all hands should now be on deck to move the nation forward”. ACF said the crisis in the National Assembly should be addressed through the party’s internal mechanism of resolving conflicts and not through reckless and unguarded statements by elders.

But Akande disagreed with the ACF. He urged the ACF to study his reaction to the rebellion to the party leadership, stressing that its misinterpretation could be counter-productive. He said the forum should not turn a good argument to an abuse. Akande clarified that he only alluded to the remarks by Senator Banji Akintoye, former university don and Second Republic senator, on the perception of the larger section of the Southwest about the APC crisis. The former governor said: “I only quoted what Senator Banji Akintoye said. His statement

is contained in the last Sunday edition of The Nigerian Tribune. Akintoye is a retired professor of History. He was a Senator in the Second Republic. I don’t want an exaggerated interpretation of what I said. They must not use their misinterpretation of my statement to judge me. “You need to read Senator Akintoye. The ACF should differentiate from what Akintoye said and what I said. I can’t do a cover-up. “Akintoye represents a large chunk of Yoruba leaders. I am not saying so. A large section of Yoruba was saying so. You should go ahead and read Akintoye. The ACF should not turn a good argument to an abuse”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS Rivers APC: Wike plans to borrow N100b from banks •Governor already took N30b

HE Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Governor Nyesom Wike is planning to borrow N100 billion. The governor has borrowed N30 billion – in two tranches of N10 billion and N20 billion - within three weeks. APC said Wike, a former Minister of State for Education and Chief of Staff to former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, intended to obtain the loans in tranches of N10 billion, N20 billion, N30 billion and N40 billion, within two months. In a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary Chris Finebone, State Chairman Davies Ikanya accused Wike of planning to plunge Rivers in a deep debt and economic servitude. On June 11, the House of Assembly gave Wike the nod to borrow N10 billion from Zenith Bank Plc to fund major projects. On June 30, 31 of the 32 lawmakers in the Assembly, comprising 31 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and one APC, again approved the governor’s request to borrow N20 billion from Access Bank Plc. Wike said the N20 billion would be repaid with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The governor claimed that the new loan would be used to finance road projects, including Rumueprikom-Iwofe, Abuloma-Woji, Elelenwo-Akpajo, Oroigwe-Igwuruta and Ig-

Second term: Wada keeps people guessing From James Azania, Lokoja

OGI State Governor Idris Wada yesterday kept the people guessing over his second term ambition. Despite his purported endorsement by the Kogi Elders Council, the governor during a Ramadan fast breaking with members of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State council, at the Government House, Lokoja refused to be drawn into the fray when asked. Wada, who had just returned from Abuja where he attended the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, hosted reporters, including Christians, but later went for a Ramadan fast breaking at the Government House, after which he responded to questions, including the payment of civil servants’ salary arrears. On whether or not he will contest for a second term, the governor said the decision was in the hands of God. His words: “I think you should have asked that question after we have done the Tharawi prayer. But since we are in a Holy month, I must answer truthfully. Second term is in the hands of God Almighty, that’s where I am. Thank you very much.”

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

wuruta-Chokocho roads and the fencing of Government Girls’ Secondary School at Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt. APC said: “In the past two weeks, Wike sought and got the approval of ...House of Assembly to obtain N10 billion and N20 billion loans from Zenith Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc. “We have confirmed that next week, Wike will approach Heritage and Eco banks to borrow another N30 billion. He has already instructed his boys in the House of Assembly to prepare the ground. This will bring the total amount of loans obtained by the embattled governor to N60 billion, in less than 45 days as governor. Cry, our beloved Rivers State. Blood has been spilled in the ocean and sharks are out.”

•Traditional rulers from Jigawa Emirate Council disbursing cash to indigent women in Dutse... yesterday.

Four ‘killed in Berom, Fulani clash

OUR people have been allegedly killed in a clash between the Beirom and Fulani herdsmen at Foron village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Three soldiers were injured and several people are missing. The Acting National Chairman of Berom Youth Moulders (BYM), Mr. Samson Tsok, alleged: “A Berom village, Foron, was attacked by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on Tuesday night. Two of our boys were killed and four people are missing. “Early this morning (yesterday morning), soldiers of the Special Task Force (STF), aka Operation safe haven, stormed the village with 13

•STF demolished 70 houses at Foron, allege Berom •’We’re searching for Fulani herdsmen’ From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Hilux vans and three armoured vehicles. “They ransacked our village. We don’t know what they were looking for. They came with Fulani herdsmen, who pointed at the houses to be raided. “At the end of the search, which lasted between 6am and noon, they destroyed 70 houses under the guise of searching. They did not tell us if they found anything.” The leader of the Fulani in the council, Muhammed Adams, said: “Our boys went for grazing on Tuesday evening. During this,

gunmen suspected to be Berom youths shot our cows, killing eight. “Herdsmen were also killed. We have found the body of one of the deceased, Yusuf Saderi. The other four are missing. They are Iro Lamo, Mubarak Danladi, Abduallhi Anas and Danjuma Wada. Samsu Wada escaped with injuries.” STF spokesman Cpt. Ikedichi Iweha said: “We did not go to the village for nothing. It all started on Tuesday at 4:30pm. About 400 cows were rustled at Foron. We later recovered the animals. “Eight cows were shot, six died and two were injured.

“The herdsmen could not be found. So, early yesterday morning, we went to the village to search for the herdsmen. We later found one body of the herdsmen. We are still searching for five Fulani herdsmen. “When our men were conducting the search, Berom youths attacked them. They shot three soldiers. Two of them are in a critical condition. “Why are the people we are protecting attacking us? This has been the habit of the residents of this local government, especially the people of Barkin Ladi. Why should we be the target of attack?”

Borno/Yobe group seeks probe of AI’s war crime allegations A GROUP, the Borno/ Yobe Forum, has called for a judicial commission of enquiry on the war crime allegations against the military by the Amnesty International (AI). AI, on June 3, released two reports on the situation in the Northeast. The first report entitled: “Our Job is to shoot, slaughter and Kill”, narrates the murderous activities of the Boko Haram insurgents. The second report entitled: “Stars on their shoulders, blood on their hands”, gives account of alleged brutal operations of the armed forces in the attempt to contain the insurgency. The report alleged that more than 1,200 people were extra-judicially executed and over 20,000 young men arrested, detained and tortured. Over 7,000 were said to have died in detention as a result of starvation, torture and extreme overcrowding. The reports liken the alleged gross human rights abuses to war crimes, especially as they took place in non-armed international conflicts. The group said it welcomes the reports as they are a confirmation of what they and

By Joseph Jibueze

Borno and Yobe elders had earlier complained about. It said they had consistently spoken on and called the attention of the government and international community to the rights abuses “with a view to drawing the attention of the armed forces to respect the rights and dignity of our people and observe strictly the rules of engagements in their operations.” The body said documented incidences of arbitrary arrests, rape, detention and wanton destruction of lives and property have been secured and presented as proof of the alleged excesses of the military. According to the group, the reports did not even tell the full story. “While commending the Amnesty International for turning in these two reports, we make bold to say that the reports did not sufficiently cover or correctly capture all the horrendous activities of the Boko Haram and the horrific activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the

Northeast. “The Borno/Yobe and Elders Forum have several times written, visited relevant government agencies and addressed news conferences all with a view to making the Nigerian Armed Forces respect the sanctity of lives of our people who have been subjected to double jeopardy as a result of the condemnable, absolutely objectionable Boko Haram attacks and the harassment, intimidation, torture and extra-judicial killings by the military, which seem to have passed a verdict of collective guilt on our people. “We in the Borno/Yobe Forum unequivocally condemn the Boko Haram insurgents and all that they represent, believing that their criminal campaign of hate and mass murder stand against the universal teachings of Islam, which is anchored on peace and peaceful co-existence and respect for the sanctity of life,” the group said. It added that the reports expose the murderous antics

of Boko Haram on the one hand, and the gross trampling of the rights of the people in the Northeast especially Borno and Yobe states by the institutions that are supposed to protect their lives and guard their property on the other. “In the light of this, we are calling on the Federal Government to as soon as possible institute a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate and bring to book all individuals and groups however highly placed found culpable in this despicable and reprehensible conduct. “We note that since the start of the insurgency, hundreds of our patriotic military and security personnel have lost their lives, while scores have been maimed and injured in the course of serving our dear country. “We commiserate with their families and extend deep condolences while wishing the injured quick recovery. We extend similar condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives as a result Boko Haram attacks or the excesses of the Military, and wish the maimed and the injured speedy recovery,” the group said.

PHOTO: NAN

Hearing in Saraki’s suit stalled From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, could not begin hearing yesterday in a case challenging the election of Dr. Bukola Saraki as the senator representing Kwara Central. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is challenging the victory of Saraki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 28 election. The petitioner’s counsel, Prof. Rasheed Ijaodola, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not giving them access to the information contained in the card reader. He said until they had access to the data, the hearing could not continue. Prof. Ijaodola requested for adjournment to enable them complete the inspection of materials used for the poll. The three-man panel led by Justice Josiah Mejabi gave the petitioners leave to inspect the materials and hearing in the case was scheduled for yesterday. He said: “If we don’t know the fact on the computer, our petition cannot be properly established. We need to compare the figure from the card reader with the certified true copy of the result given to us. The two have to be compared. “As petitioner’s counsel continued with his argument, a letter was presented to the tribunal by INEC, saying the commission had given the petitioners necessary cooperation in the inspection of the materials.” Justice Majebi granted the request for adjournment with a condition that the petitioners would lose one day from the six days given to them to open their case.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS Okonjo-Iweala ‘must state how $2b oil cash was spent’ Continued from page 4

NLNG had every year made huge payment between $1.5 to $2 billion which ought to go to the federation account. This money was never transferred to the federation account, it was unilaterally expended by the Federal Government. “We were not even informed of the fact that these money was paid and each time we asked the then Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy what was happening with the proceeds from the NLNG, no explanation was ever offered whether in black and white or in oral and there are several other federal agencies that made huge sums of money, which were illegally and unilaterally spent by the Federal Government, without being allowed to flow into the federation account. “So when you draw up a budget on the basis of anticipated revenue and there is such a sharp drop in revenue arising from diversion and there is also drop in price; obviously, something will have to give. “The federal finances are even worst-hit. Over the past nine months under the past government, Federal Government could not and have not been able to pay salaries from her legitimate income. What she has been doing, which states could not do, was to borrow, use the CBN through various instruments termed security, etc and basically draw down the pension funds because they are the ones who have liquidity to patronise the bond market. “So if we were to be able to stop the Federal Government from borrowing to pay salaries, Federal Government would have defaulted in payment of salaries much earlier than states and the number of

months the federal government would have been owing would be worse than the worst state in the federation. “Just look at the budget of the Federal Government over the past four years and you will see the level of deficit finances that was built into the budget. So, in trying to understand the financial crisis, you shouldn’t limit yourself to those who can pay. Even those who purport to pay, look at their source of funding the payment. If you do, you will find out that whereas the Federal Government frees itself to borrow quite recklessly, reckless in the sense that no serious manager goes month after month to borrow for the payment of salaries. “I speak on my honor that the Federal Government is just as broke and that they are borrowing, using CBN instruments in trillions of naira to pay salaries. “Now part of the problem is talking about taxes and this can be proved in black and white. The Federal Government illegally granted waivers to various organisations, running into hundreds of billions of naira that ought to flow to the federation account. “Now those are taxes. When the Minister grants waivers for you to bring cement into the country; grants waiver for you to bring vegetable oil into the country; grants waiver for you to bring vehicles into the country and when you look at the total sum, sometimes, even VAT, are illegally waived. So how do you get taxes? “There are two kinds of taxes: direct and Indirect tax. Personal Income Tax, which is deducted from your pay before your net gets to you, and indirect tax which is VAT, royalties, import tax where you spend quality of time looking at your tariff policies designed to protect your local industries and discourage importation. All of these are sources of funding of

government. “We must understand that in other climes, government does not live on rents from oil money. Governments worldwide are run on taxes. Now this last government is the worst in terms of granting unexplained huge source of money in the name of waivers. Can you believe that even oil companies were granted so-called pioneer status? They will set up a small vehicle in the oil sector, give them certain transactions, give them so-called pioneer status so that they are excused from paying taxes.” On the strike embarked on by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state, the Governor said: “This is what I call power struggle. I had a meeting with JUSUN executives along with the members of the NBA and they said that we were up-todate with the payment of salaries and allowances and that they are on strike because the national body asked them to go on strike that the Judiciary should enjoy what they call ’First-Line Charge’. “If you ask the Chief Judge of Edo State, he will tell you that Edo State has never defaulted and we will not default and today, as we speak, if they work, they will get their pay. “What I have refused to do is to pay them for the number of months that they have been on strike. For what? You stay at home, talking politics, you didn’t work and you want me to pay you. Because they are judicial workers, they are bound by law. They must be seen to respect the various trade dispute laws which say if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. They say they have a court judgment, which says money should be transferred to the head of court. Is it the business of trade unions to fight for their employers?

Coalition of civil societies knock AI report Continued from page 4

“Once election is done what is remaining is governance. We must begin to show statesmanship to ensure that once election is over, whether you won as a Local Government Chairman or a president, that everybody becomes your constituents because I have never seen anybody who has won with 100 per cent of the votes, it never happened. “We must understand this. We are very interested in purifying our electoral process and we have been working on this since 2010. “The first amendment that our constitution focused was first electoral reform which helped us in 2011 elections. “We followed it through with further amendment and I am happy that we are beginning to get it right. “We are beginning to see the rewards for those reforms. But you see it can never be enough. Reform is a continuous exec rise, that is why we believe that we can also work with you and where we see observations regarding election and areas of improvement, we are prepared to legislate on those areas. “Now we are trying to formulate our legislative agendas at National Assembly, the House of Representatives and Senate are working on it and ultimately we are going to synchronise because we have one National Assembly. “We need to look at last election and other elections and see how areas of improvement and

bring about further reforms so that we have a system which other parts of the world can benefit from. “Today we are proud of our conduct in election management and I believe that it can only get better because we have an active civil society in Nigeria that has been of help not only in electoral matters but other areas that require reform like good conduct, good governance, reduction in corruption and making sure that we have sound education and good health system. “It is therefore important for us to partner with all the civil society organisations because it is important for everybody to bring about its contribution. “Nigeria deserves a lot of respect in Africa and in the whole world and we are calling the international community to come and invest in our country but they can only come when they look at our conduct. “So it is important for us to

reform our conduct to attract them to invest and to attract their respect as development partners. “We in the National Assembly must do our oversight functions patriotically and those in different arms of government must perform optimally. “Today we have a president who is dedicated to eradicating corruption, to fight poverty and eradicate terrorism and we in the National Assembly are prepared to support him in this respect. “What is remaining now is governance and this country belongs to all of us and the constituents are not interested whether you are APC or PDP. “What they want is good governance and we must unite as a people to give Nigeria good governance. “The issue of bickering and differences do not have any place in the minds of our people. What they want is performance, they want to see good governance and we must unite.”

Fed Govt won’t pay salaries of staff schools in tertiary institutions

HE National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) yesterday declared that the Federal Government would not pay salaries of staff schools in the tertiary institutions. The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Chief Richard Egbule, made this known at a news briefing in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Univer-

sity workers under the aegis of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) had threatened to embark on strike for non-funding of staff schools by the Federal Government. Egbule said the proposed strike action by SSANU was uncalled for as government was not responsible for the funding of staff schools in higher institutions.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Ebola in Liberia: Fed Govt puts Nigerians on alert

HE Federal Government has urged Nigerians to be “on red alert” over fresh cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Liberia. Liberia was certified EVDfree by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 29. Though the Federal Government said there was no need to panic, it urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The government, in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ayo Adesugba, said it has placed the 36 states and the FCT on red alert. Besides, she said government is reactivating its response mechanism. The statement reads: “Nigerians should not panic, but must be aware and be vigilant. Members of the public are ad-

vised to observe basic hygiene and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility. “It must be noted that the main symptoms of the EVD are fever, severe headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Patients in some cases, also have neurological symptoms of becoming confused and restless. “To address the challenges of the development in

neighbouring Liberia, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) is reactivating its response mechanism and increasing the level of its alert. “All state ministries of health and health facilities are hereby advised to raise their alert level and report any suspected case to the Federal Ministry of Health.” A 17-year-old boy from a village near the Liberian capital died of Ebola. He had no history of travelling out of Li-

beria and no history of coming into contact with any known Ebola case. The boy has since been buried, but Liberian health officials are worried that he might have transmitted the virus to many other people, who came into contact with him. The resurgence of EVD in Liberia confirmed that the virus is still circulating in that country and transmission from person-to person is possible.

U.S. - Cuba diplomatic ties re-established

RESIDENT Barack Obama said yesterday that it was past time for the U.S. to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba as he announced that the two countries were reopening their embassies after more than 50 years. "When the United States shuttered our embassy in 1961, I don't think anyone thought it would be more than half a century before it reopened," he said in remarks from the White House Rose Garden.

Earlier yesterday in Havana, a U.S. diplomat delivered a note from Obama to Cuban President Raul Castro restoring diplomatic ties. The short ceremony at the Cuban Foreign Ministry in Havana ended 54 years of broken relations that began during the Eisenhower administration. Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the chief of mission at the U.S. Interests Section, delivered the note. "We want to develop a friendship between our two

nations that is based on the equality of rights and the people's free will," Castro said in the letter, read on state-run TV. He went on to say that Cuba hopes to resolve differences with the United States through peaceful means, that each nation must respect the territorial integrity of the other and they should not interfere in each other's political affairs. However, the Cuban Foreign Ministry indicated that hurdles still remained in the thaw of

U.S.-Cuba relations due to the embargo that the U.S. has imposed on Cuba. Obama has relaxed several of the prohibitions on trade and travel that have existed between the two countries, but many remain in place and can only be removed by legislation. Obama called Wednesday for Congress to lift the embargo that prevents Cubans from traveling or doing business in Cuba. But Congress, controlled by Republicans, has shown little

sign that it intends to end the embargo. Several GOP candidates for President expressed their opposition to the shift in policy. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was quick to criticize Obama's move to reopen embassies. In a statement, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio vowed to oppose the confirmation of an ambassador to Cuba until the Castro regime makes several concessions, including "securing greater political freedoms for the Cuban people."

UN: 137,000 crossed Mediterranean to Europe

HE UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in Geneva yesterday said some 137,000 fled across the Mediterranean to Europe in the first half of the year, nearly double the amount seen in the same period in 2014. According to the UNHCR, the large majority are refugees rather than economic migrants. Reports say one in three of the migrants were from Syria while Afghans and Eritreans made up the second and third largest groups, respectively. As Europe debates the best way to deal with the rising crisis on the Mediterranean we must be clear about it. Most of the people arriving by sea in Europe are refugees seeking protection from war and persecution,’’ UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, said. The UN agency predicted that arrivals would continue to soar in the second half of the year as summer months were the main season for making the dangerous crossing. The eastern route from Turkey to Greece has now surpassed the central Mediterranean route from Northern Africa to Italy as the main way for crossing the sea to Europe,’’ UNHCR said.

Massive militant attack kills 64 Egyptian troops

• The ABC is reviewing how it chooses the audience for its live Q&A television program

HE ABC is reviewing how it chooses the audience for its live Q&A television program. Australia’s public broadcaster has conceded it was wrong to let a man acquitted of terror offences appear on live television. Sydney man Zaky Mallah’s appearance on the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) show Q&A last month ignited

PHOTO: Getty Images

Australia’s ABC admits error over guest fierce debate about free speech. Citing national security, the government launched a review of the ABC’s editorial decision. The ABC has said it will review Q&A’s audience and panel selection. “Given his criminal back-

ground and past public statements, the live broadcast meant that the ABC was not in a position to manage unpredictable or inappropriate actions or responses,” the ABC Board said on Wednesday. “There was inadequate consideration given to important issues around his presence in

the studio, considering his previous actions, his desire for the media spotlight and some of his public comments,” it said. Last week, Prime Minister Tony Abbott ordered an “urgent” government inquiry into the ABC’s decision and said “heads should roll” over

Greek leader flip-flops on bailout again

• Tsipras

OURS after telling Europe he could accept most of the conditions of a bailout he previously rejected, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged Greeks to vote against it. Confused? You're not alone. Markets in Europe swung around Wednesday in response to the conflicting signals coming from Athens. Tsipras said a referendum planned for July 5 would go ahead, and Greeks should vote "No" to strengthen his hand in future negotiations on a new rescue. But European leaders have made it clear they believe a

"No" vote would set Greece firmly on the path to leaving the eurozone. The remarkable series of events bring Greece no closer to fixing a crisis that spells disaster for its economy and people. Tsipras wrote to European leaders and the International Monetary Fund late Tuesday, accepting most of the conditions they had attached to releasing more cash. "[Greece] is prepared to accept this staff level agreement subject to the following amendments, additions or clarifications," Tsipras wrote, according to a copy of the let-

ter obtained by CNN. The first change he listed -and the most significant -- is for Greece to continue levying a lower rate of sales tax on its many islands. Creditors wanted the discount eliminated. Otherwise, the changes mainly concern slight delays to pension reforms and tax increases that the creditors had demanded. Eurozone finance ministers held a conference call Wednesday to discuss Tsipras' letter. They agreed there could be no further talks until the result of the referendum is known.

the issue. Once a guest on the Q&A program, Mr Abbott is now a fierce critic

GYPTIAN security officials say 64 soldiers have been killed fighting militants in the northern Sinai in the deadliest battle on the peninsula since the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The militants launched a massive, coordinated assault on army and police positions Wednesday, setting off hours of clashes. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press, said 90 militants and four civilians were killed in the fighting.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

NEWS

•Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (fifth left); Chief Executive Officer, Traveri NH3 Group International (TNGI), Mr Innocent Obande (fifth right); President of TNGI, Mr Robert Leth (fouth PHOTO: NAN right) and officials of the company, when they visited the governor in Enugu...yesterday.

•Akwa Ibom State Secretary to Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren (right) being decorated as Honorary Rotarian by the PDG, Olayinka Babalola at an induction at Atrium Event Centre, Port Harcourt ...yesterday.

•Representative of Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Ayoade Oladokun (middle) speaking at the Eighth Ordinary General Meeting/Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors in Lagos...yesterday. With him are Guest Speaker Prof. Akin Osibogun (left) and former Health Commissioner Dr Jide Idris. PHOTO: NAN

From left: Group Executive Director, Operations & Projects, Nosak Group, Osaheni Ogunbor; MD, Elton Ventures, Tony Nsitem; Chief Operating Officer, Nosak Group, Joseph Oboko, MD, Danbarton International Company Nigeria Ltd. Augustine Onwuka and Group Executive Director, Corporate Service, Nosak Group, at the Customers’ Interactive Forum of Grand Petroleum and Chemicals Ltd in Lagos.

•SITTING: Commander, Onitsha Military Cantonment, Col. Mohammed Bello (middle); Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) Senior Route Commander Mrs Elizabeth Ejiogu and Deputy Route Commander Mr Emmanuel Anichebe at a sensitisation workshop on Road Safety for commercial motorcycle operators operating within the Onitsha Military Cantonment in Anambra ...yesterday. With them are other officers from the cantonment and commercial motorcycle operators. PHOTO:NAN

From left: Director of Cooperatives, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mrs. Zulikha Ibraheem; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lagos State, Dr. Yakub Olajide Basorun and President, Lagos State Cooperatives Federation, (LASCOFED) Mr. Oriyomi Ayeola at a news conference on 2015 International Cooperatives Day celebration held at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

NFF, NPFL to storm Governors’ Forum • To make presentations on how to improve clubs finances, others

HAIRMAN of the Nigeria Professional Football League Shehu Dikko has stated that the Nigeria elite league led by the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation has concluded plans to storm the Governors Forum of Nigeria to make presentations to the governors in Nigeria how they can help the league and the clubs owned by the state governments. The elite league boss disclosed this in a joint parley with the NFF at a media briefing held at the Media Center of the Abuja National Stadium yesterday. “We have arrangement to make presentations to the Governor’s forum as a group because that is how to solve a lot of problems these clubs may be having (since majority of the clubs are owned by the states). We didn’t want to make it public until we have done it. ‘We already have consultations with some governors and they are eager to help. The question is not about the premier league clubs alone. If a state doesn’t have a club in the Nigeria Professional Football League such state will surely have a club in either the Nigeria National League or the Nigeria Nationwide League. Diko assured that the discus-

GLO RESULTS El-Kanemi 1-0 Dolphins Wikki Tourists 1-1 Giwa FC Heartland 1-0 Ifeanyiubah Shooting Stars 1-0 Sharks Nasarawa 2-0 FC Taraba Kwara United 2-3 Enyimba Abia Warriors 3-1 Bayelsa Warri Wolves 1-0 Lobi Stars Sunshine Stars 3-1 Akwa Rangers 2-1 Kano Pillars

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja sions with the governors would be based on “the Nigeria Football Federation will have to make a presentation to the governors at the Forum based on these are the things we believe the clubs should do and this is how the clubs can go about it to achieve success. “We need to work as a group and it is a long plan to bring private sector to invest more in Nigerian leagues. We are going to do that. We will even bring along with us some clubs when we are going to the meeting with the Governors’ Forum so that they can explain the kind of problems they go through. If you know the kind of issues some clubs go through as club chairmen re-

gardless of what you feel about them you will also give them some credits. “For instance if a state governor has not paid his workers for six to eight months so what will the club say and the clubs are owned by these states. Until when we get to a point in our leagues where we can do away the states (in involvement and sponsorships) we have no choice than to agree on some models. The state governments can provide some structures, get some interested companies within the states to invest in the clubs. They can do what will call club membership where fans pay fees to be members to help such club or clubs. A real lot could be done within a state. These are part of what will present and discuss with the governors”, Dikko

Onazi apologises to NFF

UPER Eagles’ midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has formally apologised to the Nigeria Football Federation for his on-field action that led to a straight red card in last month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad in Kaduna. In a letter dated 30th June, 2015 and addressed to the NFF General Secretary, the SS Lazio of Italy playmaker wrote: “Sequel to your letter REF: NFF/ OGS/Admin/Vol.V/009, I hereby tender an unreserved apology with respect to my conduct which led to my dismissal in the game against Chad in Kaduna. “I accept the fact that my act was tantamount to an unacceptable one on the field of play. However, I want to inform you that my action on the pitch was

not premeditated and was only a reaction to a violent attack on me by the Chadian player, who hit me from behind while I was standing outside the penalty box. “In addition, I had tendered an unreserved apology immediately after the match via my official social media accounts, as well as in the traditional media, to my teammates and to Nigerians who felt let down by an act they considered surprising because of my reputation in that regard. “Also, I had volunteered to attend the two matches that I have since been punished for by CAF both at home and away, to support my teammates. I believe this is an amenable punishment and therefore appeal for the further fine of $5,000 that was imposed on me by the NFF.”

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015

TODAY IN THE NATION

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

HE death has been announced by her family of Mrs. Olugbolahan AbisogunAlo, one of the leading figures in the development of secondary school education in Nigeria. She had been ailing for some time and passed on peacefully in her home at Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, June 13. She would have been 79 on September 26, 2015. News of her death spread quickly and was received by the Lagos elite and her professional colleagues all over Nigeria as a rude shock, even though it was known to her friends that her health had not been too good in recent years. For decades, after graduating from Cambridge in 1961, she had had been a towering figure in secondary school education in Nigeria, heading several federal government colleges in Nigeria, including the Federal Government College for girls in Abuja. She was widely admired by her friends and colleagues for her personal warmth, charm, professional diligence, and a formidable intellect, one of the best of her distinguished generation of women achievers in Nigeria in diverse fields. Mrs. Abisogun-Alo had an excellent pedigree on both sides of her family lineage. According to her memoires, This City Girl, partly an excellent social history of Lagos, and first published in 2011, her father, Mr. Peter Akintunde Abisogun Wright, was a grandson of Chief Akinlaja Abisogun of Isale Eko. In his times, he was one of the leading social figures and personalities in Lagos in the 1930s. After primary school at St. Peter’s, Faji, he went up to the CMS Grammar School, Lagos, for his secondary education where he obtained his school leaving certificate in 1909. Thereafter, he trained as a Chemist and Druggist at the General Hospital in Lagos. He worked there for a while, but left later for the Post and Telegraph Department (P. &T) where he worked as an accounts clerk. He soon gave this up too and ended up being a successful auctioneer and general contractor. He was well known and was prominent in business and social circles in Lagos, where he was highly regarded and respected. In fact, his friends and admirers called him the ‘Lord Mayor’ of Lagos. He made his mark in the respected Lagos Stores, Wright and Co. He was one of the earliest nationalists in Nigeria. In protest against colonial rule in Nigeria, he officially dropped his European and Christian names, Peter and Wright, preferring to be called Akintunde Abisogun instead. Equally, Olugbolahan’s mother, Ethel Adeleye, nee Shyngle, was the daughter of Margaret Cole and her husband, the distinguished lawyer, Barrister Egerton Shyngle, whose, older brother, Charles Egerton Shyngle, had read law at St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge. Another brother had also been at Jesus’ College, Oxford, where he real law. The Egerton Shyngle family was famous for producing some of the leading lawyers in colonial Lagos in those days. They had family connections in Bathurst, The Gambia, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Accra, Ghana, and Lagos. Olugbolahan’s mother, Ethel, was educated at the elite CMS Girls’ Seminary at Broad Street, Lagos. After her celebrated marriage to Mr. Abisogun at the Tinubu Methodist Church in December, 1930, she established a successful dress making business in Lagos. Mrs. Olugbolahan Abisogun–Alo, who was born on December 26, 1936, was the only child of the marriage, but she had siblings from her father’s other children before he mar-

RIPPLES MY HUSBAND HAS STOPPED EATING MY FOOD – Woman tells court

Have you tried him with POUNDED YAM and BUSH MEAT, supported with FRESH PALM WINE?

VOL. 10, NO. 3249

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

A tribute to Mrs. Olugbolahan Abisogun Alo (1936-2015) ried his mother. They waited anxiously for six years for Gbolahan to arrive. Her distinguished parents, who settled at Tokunbo Street, moved in the best social circles in Lagos. It could be said of Olugbolahan that she was born with the proverbial silver spoon. She was her mother’s only child and her parents paid a great attention to her subsequent education. From her memoires published a few years ago, it can be seen how her privileged background had a profound effect on her education and public service later. She had a privileged education as well. After the Princess School in Lagos, she attended the elite CMS Girls’ Seminary in Lagos which also admitted boys before they were sent off at 7 or 8 to the prep school at the CMS Grammar School, across the school at Broad Street. Among her contemporaries at the School were Chief Ernest Shonekan, and Chief Akin Disu, owner of the Eagle Paints. Then in 1949, she entered the Queen’s College, Lagos, then at Onikan. But a year later, some of the students at Queen’s, including Gbolahan, were transferred to the new school, St. Anne’s School, Ibadan. After a few months at St. Anne’s, Ibadan, she returned to Queen’s College, Lagos. In the process, she lost a year at Queen’s. But her father, who doted on her, could not stand the separation. The Queen’s College, Lagos, was the first girls’ secondary school started by the colonial government in Nigeria, and had established a reputation as the leading girls’ secondary school in Nigeria. In all respects it was a special school, carefully nurtured by the colonial government. Virtually all the teaching staff were British expatriates with an Oxbridge background. At Queen’s, she won the Lady Bourdillon Scholarship for gifted students. Sir Bourdillon was then the colonial governor of Nigeria. In 1955, her final year in school, Olugbolahan was appointed the head girl in recognition of her outstanding contribution, as a student, to the school’s reputation. Olugbolahan had also acquired some fame as the best athlete ever produced by the school. Her school record in the high jump remained unbroken for many years after. She had very good results in the school in 1955, coming out in Grade One, and with many distinctions, in the then Cambridge School Certificate Examinations. For many years after, her impressive academic accomplishments at Queen’s was the talk of the town in Lagos and made her a role model for secondary school girls in Lagos. She was the envy of many par-

ents for whom she became a reference point in the education of their daughters. From Queen’s, she entered the King’s College, Lagos, in 1956, after examinations, for her Higher School Certificate (HSC), then equivalent to the GCE advanced level. She read English, History, and Latin there. Among the girls who had preceded her to King’s for the HSC were Miss Ebun Adenubi ( now Prof. Mrs. Elebute), Grace Alele (now Prof Grace Alele Williams), and Miss Olugbo Lucas, the daughter of the highly respected Ven. Lucas of St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit, fame (now Mrs. Olugbo Hollist). At King’s, Olugbolahan was equally an outstanding student, obtaining her four HSC subjects in two years. After King’s, and on the basis of her 1957 HSC results, she sat for the entrance examinations and was admitted to Girton College, University of Cambridge, in 1958, a rare feat then, for an honour’s degree course in history. At Cambridge, she was the contemporary of the famous and beautiful Princess of Toro, Uganda, Elizabeth Bagaya, who once served as Idi Amin’s Foreign Minister. They became close at Cambridge and good friends after. When I served in Uganda in 1973, as acting High Commissioner, the Princess always asked me about Mrs. Gbolahan Abisogun Alo, with whom I was then barely acquainted. She spoke with nostalgia about their times at Cambridge, the fun they both had there, and the many friends they made at Cambridge. Among her Nigerian contemporaries at Cambridge were Hope Harriman, now deceased, Dayo Akinrele, and his younger brother, Tunde. There were also Alaba Akinsete, Olumuyiwa Awe, and Sam Olaitan, all of them research students at Cambridge. As she says in her memoires, social life at Cambridge was a pleasure and a lot of fun. She was a foundation member of the Oxford and Cambridge Universities Club of Nigeria and was very active in the Club, participating fully in the preparations for the Annual May Ball, which she attended regularly until recently when she became frail. When I was the President of the Club she encouraged me and gave me her full support, which she also extended to my successors. She was very passionate about the Club. On graduating from Cambridge in 1961, she returned home. She had by then met and been engaged to her future husband, Olajide Alo (later Ambassador Alo), a young and promising

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HARDBALL ITH the way Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has started, it can only be imagined how much more he might decide to borrow during his four-year term. He has been in the saddle for just one month and has been able to raise N30 billion borrowed from two banks ostensibly for developmental purposes. On June 11, the state’s House of Assembly gave him the green light to take a N10 billion loan from Zenith Bank Plc, which the governor said would be used to fund major projects. On June 30, the legislative house also approved Wike’s move to borrow N20 billion from Access Bank Plc. In a letter to the House, Wike said: “government has met with contractors handling major roads construction in the state with a view to mobilising them back to site.” He continued: “since the state government has no funds in its coffers we will be unable to mobilise any contractor to site without first finding the funds” Based on this logic, Wike said: ”we approached Access Bank Plc, which has graciously agreed to advance the state government with a loan facility of twenty billion Naira only for the purpose of

Foreign Service Officer, then serving in our High Commission in London. They were married at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, on December 30, 1961, and returned immediately to London where her husband, Jide, was then serving as a second secretary. He was my senior and much admired colleague in the diplomatic service. She had herself wanted to join the diplomatic service as she read history at Cambridge. But this was not possible at the time. So for the first few years after her marriage she did not seek any employment, going abroad with her husband on his different postings from London, to New York, to Cotonou, Geneva, and Brazil. Meanwhile, the children, three of them had started arriving, the first, a boy, Akinola, in London, in 1962, the second, Olatunbosun, a girl, in Cotonou, in 1964, after which they returned to Lagos on posting, and then Segun, a boy, in 1971. As Mrs. Abisogun Alo discovered later to her discomfort the life of the wives of Foreign Service Officers was by no means an easy one. For those of them who wished to have a career, like Abisogun, she could not, despite her impressive education. They could not work abroad. They could at home, but this meant staying in Nigeria to pursue their careers, while their husbands went out frequently on posing. My wife and I also found ourselves in this rather difficult situation. For ten years after our marriage, she too could not work despite her excellent qualifications. This situation often created strains in the marriage. Eventually, Olugbolahan and Jide, her diplomat- husband, decided that it was best for her to pursue her career at home and be with the children. By then she had already lost ten years of her career. Nonetheless, she subsequently had a distinguished career in the federal ministry of education where she served as principal in several federal government colleges. She was the foundation principal at the federal Government College for girls in Abuja for several years. She also rose to the pinnacle of her professional career as Principal (special Grade), and a National Director of Education. She was appointed the Pro-Chancellor of both the Universities of Bauchi and Abuja, a member of the Governing Council of Bells University, and a Trustee of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). In 2003 she was honoured with the award of an Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in recognition of her immense contribution to the development of secondary school education in Nigeria. She was a recipient of many other national and international honours, including an honorary doctorate in education from the Lagos State University. Sadly, she was pre-deceased by several decades by her husband, Ambassador Olajide Alo, and her eldest son, Akinola, a geologist, who died in a road accident in Lagos in September, 1995. Left to mourn her are her two remaining and loving children, Olatunbosun, and Segun, her devoted cousin, Mrs. Bimbola Bolodeoku (nee Egerton Shyngle), her former students, and her numerous friends and admirers all over the country and beyond. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Wike the borrower funding these projects.” He listed ”the following ongoing road projects subject to availability of funds”: ”Abuloma-Woji road, Woji Akpajo road, RumuepirikomWhimpey-Rumuolumeni road, OzuobaOgbogoro-Rumuolumeni road, RumuepirikomEleproanwa road and Igwuruta-Eneka-ElimgbuRumukwurushi road.” Wike said: ”we have also concluded plans to embark on the construction of the following new roads and other projects; Elelenwo-Akpajo road, Oroigwe road, IgwurutaChokocho road, the rehabilitation, fencing and construction of internal roads in Government Girls Secondary School, GGSS, Rumuokwuta.” Wike painted the picture of a governor enthusiastic to serve the people, saying, “it is important to reiterate that these projects, when completed, will accelerate economic development in the state and improve the social well-being of our people.” The House found his argument for the loan

convincing, even though the terms were unclear, not to say unstated. That was probably the easiest part, considering that all the 29 lawmakers present during the sitting reportedly supported the move. The more difficult aspect is likely to be ensuring that the money is used for the stated purposes. Wike was quoted as saying: “While this money is not enough, it would enable the contractors to be mobilised to site and to achieve milestones.” It remains to be seen how he intends to fund the named projects to completion, given that the loan is supposed to get the contractors working and not necessarily to get the work completed. Stories abound of state governors who borrowed so much money and did so little with the loans. Even worse, some of them got their states so heavily indebted that the debts owed for the sake of progress became debilitating burdens. A word to the wise is sufficient. But is Wike wise?

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