TheNationFeb201526_P

Newspaper of the Year •Opposition mounts against Obanikoro’s nomination •Buhari’s supporters warn against Jega’s removal •AND MORE •Adoke orders withdrawal of affidavit in PVC suit ON PAGES...92 DAYS TO GO •PDP criticises APC’s manifesto as ‘unrealistic’ 2-9,51&52 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper •www.thenationonlineng.netVOL. 10, NO. 3137 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM N150.00House in turmoil over troops for polls Tumbling oil prices force Senate to cut Budget 2015THE House of Repre- From Victor Oluwasegun in Ekiti State and the audio •Ihedioha sentatives was and Dele Anofi, Abuja tape of discussions by Peo- From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja thrown into tumoil ples Democratic Party (PDP)yesterday over moves to High Court that the military chiefs, directing a General on T HE Senate yesterday reduced some subheads of thecircumvent the judgment should play no direct role how to manipulate the elec- 2015 budget —no thanks to tumbling oil prices.of the Court of Appeal during elections. tion. It demanded immediate submission of the detailsagainst the deployment of of the N360.94 billion Service Wide Vote, which some oftroops for elections. On the strength of the One of Gbajabiamila’s the lawmakers described as nebulous. judgement, Minority Leader prayers, is that the President The Court of Appeal, in Femi Gbajabiamila last week should be urged not to de- This is contained in the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expen-deciding the Ekiti election moved a motion that the ploy soldiers for the general diture Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paperpetition case, ruled that it House should compel Presi- elections. (FSP), which the upper chamber debated and adopted.is illegal to deploy soldiers dent Goodluck Jonathan tofor election duties. effect the judgment. The motion was opposed The MTEF and FSP are statutory requirements that must via a counter motion by Rep. be submitted to the National Assembly for its consider- The judgment validated He complained about the Sunday Karimi (PDP Kogi).the decision of a Sokoto use of soldiers in the June 21, Continued on page 2 2014 governorship election Continued on page 2•INSIDE: CHADIAN ARMY KILLS ‘207 INSURGENTS’ P51 FEC OKAYS NINE VARSITIES P7Jonathan’s men haul cashto UK for anti-Buhari rallyGovernor, othersin ‘cash for protest’conspiracy From Yusuf Alli, AbujaAPROTEST is set for today in London against All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen.Muhammadu Buhari – at a price.The Presidency is spending thousands ofdollars on the protest, which is meant totake the shine off Gen. Buhari’s lecture atthe prestigious Chatham House.Besides some presidential aides, a PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) governor is said tobe part of the plot.The arrowhead of the protest is an amor-phous civil society group, which has beenmobilised with $20,000, The Nation learntlast night. There are other groups, but it wasnot immediately clear last night how muchthey got.The Federal Government has been uncom-fortable with the growing internationalsympathy for Gen. Buhari, who got afavourable mention in an editorial by theNew York Times, which ran scathing com-ments on the administration of PresidentGoodluck Jonathan. The influential Londonmagazine, The Economist, endorsed Gen.Buhari ahead of the March 28 election.The governor, who is from the South, is? said to be taking advantage •Potiskum General Hospital workers carry an injured victim of the blast in of his past stay in London the town...on Tuesday. to mobilise “hirelings” PHOTOS: NAN against Gen. Buhari. Kwankwaso calls According to sources, the governor and the “Abuja forces” plotted a five-way WILL THE attack against Gen. Buhari,CHIBOK GIRLS including heckling of the for vigilance •SEE •An injured victim of the suicide blast being treated at the hospital...on Tues-KIDNAPPED ON APC presidential candi- PAGE 7 day APRIL 15, LASTYEAR EVER Continued from page 2RETURN?•KIDNAPPERS DEMAND N30M FOR AMERICAN WOMAN P51 23 ‘THUGS’ HELD IN KANO P51

2 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015NEWSJonathan,Tambuwalex-presidentshail Shagari at 90SECOND Republic Presi- dent Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s Sama RoadSokoto residence was a beehiveyesterday. He turned 90. •Shagari (third left) being assisted by Jonathan (third right), Shonekan (left), Babangida (second left), •Shagari and Obasanjo...yesterday PHOTOS: NAN Abubakar (right) and Gowon to cut his 90th birthday cake...yesterday President Goodluck Jonathanled some former Heads of State From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto remained calm and wanted Ni- ‘’ This visit is historic and it is Nigeria one and peaceful, and cut his birthday cake.and Government to Sokoto to President Jonathan described geria to grow as a united nation. a token of appreciation of the tre- he has never stopped,’’ Jonathan Obasanjo, who visited earlier,felicitate with him. He described Shagari as an el- mendous contributions of added. Shehu Shagari as a role model der statesman per excellence. Shagari to the socio-economic described the elder statesman as Obasanjo visited Shagari to Nigerian leaders. development, peace and unity of General Gowon presented the doyen of Nigeria’s formeralone. He left before Jonathan’s “Nigerians have a lot to learn Nigeria, ‘’ Jonathan said. Shagari a birthday card signed leaders.delegation arrived. “He is a pivot especially to the from Shagari who served the by all the former Heads of state. members of the National Coun- nation with humility, piety, pa- ‘’ He has been working dili- Obasanjo, who as military With the President were: cil of State,” he said: triotism and dedication. gently and tirelessly too to keep Supported by President head of State handed over toGen.Yakubu Gowon,Gen. Ibra- Jonathan and theleaders, Shagarihim Babangida, Gen Abdulsal- Jonathan added that Shagari Continued on page 52ami Abubakar and Chief ErnestShonekan, who headed a short-lived Interim National Govern-ment (ING) created by Gen. Ba-bangida when he departed in ahaste in the heat of the annul-ment of the June 12, 1993 presi-dential election won by Basho-run Moshood Abiola.Turmoil in House as Reps’ report backs Jonathan Tumbling oil prices force Continued from page 1 Quoting Section 217 of the (INEC) may request the Pres- were clapping in approval. •Mark Senate to cut House Speaker Aminu 1999 Constitution and the ident to deploy the military Tempers flared immediate- Budget 2015Tambuwal did not allow the Armed Forces Act, 2004 to for election duties. Continued from page 1debate, but referred the mo- back the report,, Sam-Tsok- ly with groups emerging on ation and approval prior to The submission, it said, willtion to three committees – wa said: “The President’s He said: “The House may all corners of the floor. the presentation of the Budget enable the National AssemblyJudiciary, Justice as well as power to ‘determine the op- only revert itself in this to the National Assembly by to see areas to cut.Rules and Business – to ad- erational use of the Armed through a recision motion, Members were shouting on the Federal Government.vise the House. Forces in Nigeria for the pur- which Deputy Leader Leo top of their voices and point- Specifically, recommended Yesterday, the submission pose of maintaining and se- Ogor had unsuccessfully ing fingers at one another’s The Federal Government that there is no reason to in-of the report of the commit- curing public safety and tried to do. The legislature faces. voted N4.42 trillion expendi- clude N63 billion for Presi-tees virtually turnned the public order’ is a constitu- cannot give with the right ture for this year. dential Amnesty ProgrammeHouse upside down. tional mandate donated by hand and take back with the Those who attempted to under the Service Wide Votes A rowdy scene was creat- the constitution and the left. pacify agitated APC mem- After an exhaustive debate when there is a Ministry fored and proceedings stalled Armed Forces Act. bers found it a tough job. of the MTEF and FSP, the Sen- the Niger Delta. The N63 bil-for two hours. “We are persuaded and, ate resolved that the total re- lion vote should be moved to Deputy Speaker Emeka “In a clime of constitution- indeed, are of the firm view Proceedings stopped for current (Non-Debt) expendi- the ministry, it said.Ihedioha presided over the al supremacy, the National that in the light of all or even two hours. The deputy ture of the budget be reducedsession, which polarised the Assembly can not by an Act any one of the foregoing, this speaker could not control the from N2,616.01 trillion to The Senate said that themembers along party lines. deviate from this, let alone motion by Honourable Gba- floor. N2,584.08 trillion. N22 billion provision for in- The lead chair of the joint through a resolution without jabiamila is effectively ternal operations of the armedcommittees, Albert Sam- running foul of Section 1 (1) caught in the cobweb of both After a long while, Gbaja- It also reduced the total forces should be made underTsokwa, read the report and (3) of the Constitution. the constitution and the biamila was allowed to raise Statutory Transfers from relevant ministry.which concluded that Sun- House Standing Orders and, a point of order where he N411.85 billion to N363.27 bil-day Karimi’s point of order “Good enough, the Act re- consequently, the Chair may pointed out that Sam-Tsok- lion. Details of the Service The Senate resolved that allshould be sustained because inforces the constitutional sustain the point of order. wa and the report went out Wide Vote of N360.94 billion sums provided as arrears ofthe President derives the provision in its Section 8 (1) of their mandate. be made available to the par- pension and gratuity shouldpower from the Constitu- which cannot be amended by “This is our humble and re- liament,” the Senate said. be reclassified from Servicetion to determine the opera- a resolution as the motion spectful advice to the chair.” He said the House should Wide Votes to relevant heads,tional use of the armed forc- seeks to do”. be cautious as any member adding that “henceforth, thises. The Deputy Speaker ruled: who has a grouse with a mo- general provision should be Sam-Tsokwa said neither Though the report failed to “We should not politicise all tion might just claim that a discontinued.”Gbajabiamila nor Karimi identify the cases before the matters”. He sustained Kari- case is in court and, as such,provided details or particu- court, Sam -Tsokwa said the mi’s point of order, adding debate would be stopped The lawmakers reduced thelars of cases each of them re- House would run foul of its that his ruling was based on without proof. total expenditure for the Sub-ferred to, though they rule if it delved into it. the report presented by the sidy Reinvestment and Em-agreed that there are cases three Committees. He said until it is proven powerment Programmein court on the subject mat- He, however, pointed out that the case is in court, the (SURE-P) from N102.50 bil-ter. that a clause in this session As he banged the gavel, the matter will not die as neither lion to N21.03 billion due to of the parliament had re- floor erupted into a rowdy Karimi nor the joint commit- the fall in price of crude oil. solved that the Chairman of session, with members of the tees could provide evidence the Independent National APC shouting “no”! while that there was a case in court Continued on page 52 Electoral Commission their Peoples Democratic over the subject matter. Party (PDP) counterparts He also pointed out that the House should be mind- Continued on page 52Jonathan’s aides haul cash to London for anti-Buhari protest Continued from page 1 Why Nigeria needs Buhari now, by El-Rufaidate, protest with placardsand banners at Chatham NIGERIA needs Gen. Muhammadu \"When nations go through trauma they On Tuesday, a presidential rally was or- •Gen. BuhariHouse, and pelting of Buhari at this time more than before, normally go for older leaders who are more ganised by APC in the Diaspora commu-with tomatoes and trash. former Minister of the Federal tolerant, focused and prepare to create a nity, UK. the august visitor, the presi- Capital Territory Mallam Nasir El Rufai, younger generation of leaders”, he said. dential candidate of the All A highly-placed source said on Tuesday in London. The supporters converged on the Ever- Progressives Congress(APC)said: “Some forces are angry \"That was the case in South Africa and lasting Arms Ministries Church in Eastthat Buhari is getting interna- El Rufai, who is contesting for governor China. For Nigeria, Buhari will bring about London. APC spokesman Mohammed said “The solidarity rally will,tional endorsement, in spite in Kaduna State on the ticket of the All Pro- stability and peace we yearn for,'' El Rufai the rally was not part of Gen Buhari's itin- among other things, addressof their huge investment in gressives Congress (APC),Urged Nigerians said. erary in London major progresses (sic) of Pres-propaganda by the PDP. in the Diaspora to take advantage of the ident Goodluck Jonathan and election to move Nigeria in the right direc- APC National Chairman Chief John He said since the APC candidate arrived many sins of General Mu- “The aggrieved consider tion. Oyegun told the supporters that the par- in the UK, he had been meeting and con- hammadu Buhari while hethe appearance of Buhari in ty’s strength was in its desire to change Ni- sulting with political leaders while also was the military dictator.”Chatham House as the icing El-rufai who fielded questions on the en- geria. having some rest after his energy-sappingof the cake, which must be gagement of the Diaspora in nation build- nationwide campaign. ADVERT HOTLINESdisrupted. They cannot fath- ing urged the people to encourage their Appealing for the diaspora support, he 08023006969,om why Buhari will be ac- families and associates in Nigeria to vote urged the international community to as- Speaking on the party's manifesto, Mo- 08052592524corded such international APC into power. sist Nigeria sustain democracy. hammed said the APC would tackle cor-audience. ruption, generate employment and intro- The former FCT Minister who also dis- \"We are calling on our foreign friends duce a nine year free compulsory educa- “They have mobilised some pelled rumours of Buhari's ill health said not to help APC but to ensure that the right tion to eradicate illiteracy.hirelings in London to embar- the APC presidential flag bearer had the thing is done in Nigeria,\" Oyegun said.rass and intimidate Buhari requisite experience, given his age at 72, to \"APC is committed to fighting corruptioneven if it means violating the serve Nigeria. Gen Buhari will deliver today at the Roy- in the country by ensuring discipline, hon-law in London and paying al Institute of Public Affairs, Chatham esty, hard work and merit.fines thereafter.” House in London. A document, “RE: THE purportedly sent to a highly- triotic Nigerian music(9am to is over. part: “Nigerians in the Di-CHATHAM HOUSE RALLY placed government official, 9.30am); start chanting of “However to defray the aspora will converge at (sic)MARCH AGAINST DICTA- released the details of the anti-Buhari and anti-military Chatham House, UnitedTOR” revealed that a civil plot. songs also; speakers start cost of logistics, refreshment, Kingdom on Thursday, 26thsociety group might coordi- speaking about Buhari’s dic- mobilisation and necessary of February, 2015 to shownate the protest. The group also listed a tatorship at 10pm; diasporas permits to stage the rally, we solidarity and support for schedule of activities at the will stay at Chatham House shall need the sum of $20,000 President Goodluck Jonathan In the document sent by its Chatham House, beginning and continue to chant anti- to cover all the expenses,” the and his transformation agen-Assistant Director to the Di- from 9am. The activities in- Buhari songs until the event memo said. da in Nigeria as a surprise torector, a copy of which was clude drummers playing pa- The document reads in

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 3

4 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015NEWS MAY 29 ...92 DAYS TO GO Afenifere: The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the re-scheduled March 28 presidential election. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the crises that made the shepherd to lose its flocks.•All Progressives Congress National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (third right) with members of the APC UK chapter I N 1951, the year of self-gov- One of such visits was to convey theirwhen they visited Tinubu in his London home...yesterday ernment in Western Nigeria, approval for the proposed national a political party, Action Group conference. Curiously, a chieftain of• Director-General, Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bature Umar Masari (AG) was born. The chiefs and elite Afenifere, Dr Femi Okurounmu,(second left) and Globacom's Regional Chief Marketing Officer, Ashok Israni displaying the Glo-SMEDAN Memorandum who formed that party had specific chaired the Presidential Advisoryof Understanding (MoU) at a news conference in Lagos...yesterday. With them are: Special Adviser to Minister of Trade objective - to embark on a radical and Committee on National Dialogue.and Investment, Mrs. Abisola Mustapha and Head, Corporate Sales, Globacom, Kamaldeen Shonibare socio-economic transformation of the defunct region, particularly in the Thus, it did not come to anyone •From left: MTN OFFICIALS ALL...Funmi Onajide (General Manager, Corporate Affairs); Richard Iweanoge (General areas of education, health and agri- as a surprise when Afenifere under Manager, Consumer Marketing); Bayo Adekanmbi (Chief Marketing Officer) and Usoro Usoro (General Manager, Mobile culture. But the leaders faced a di- the leadership of Chief Reuben Money) at the re-launch of the TruTalk Tariff Plan, in Opebi, Lagos...yesterday. lemma. It was on how to inform and Fasoranti adopted President Jonathan propagate the ideals and positions of as its presidential candidate for the•From left: Regional Director, West Africa, Africa Magic, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu flanked by Managing Director, MultiChoice the AG to a people, who neither March 28, presidential poll. It has alsoNigeria, John Ugbe (left) and Corporate Media & Brand Public Relations Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Edem Vindah, at spoke, nor understood English. So directed all Yoruba sons and daugh-the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Nominee Brunch at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos...yesterday. they come up with the name, ‘Egbe ters to vote for PDP candidates. What Afenifere’ (a group of well-wishers). baffles observers is how the group has On the party’s manifesto was free changed its perception of the Jonathan primary education and free medical administration which its leaders had service for all children below 18. The earlier described as anti-Yoruba. philosophy of making life more abun- dant for the people distinguished the Chief Olu Falae once accused the party. President of marginalising the Yoruba in the constitution of his cabinet. Today, there is a marked Falae specifically alleged that the diference in the leadership of President failed to appoint Yoruba into Afenifere from that of old. Rather top most positions like the Senate than hold on to the philosophy and presidency, House of Representatives ideals of the founding fathers, the speakership , Chief Justice of the Fed- present day leaders of the group are eration, Deputy Senate President, after personal benefits. Unlike in the President Court of Appeal and Secre- past, the group is winning and din- tary to Government of the Federation. ning with elements and groups ideo- He noted that the absence of Yoruba logically opposed to the group’s ori- in the power hierarchy was adversely entation. It has abandoned the role of affecting the zone. He also cited the a virile opposition as it is now in love sacking of eight General Managers of with mainstream politics. the Federal Airports Authority of Ni- geria (FAAN), six of whom were Afenifere is a socio-cultural and Yoruba by the former Aviation Minis- political group formed by the late ter, Ms Stella Oduah. Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a rally- ing point for the Yoruba people. Ma- Okurounmu’s anger was on the jority of the Yorubas see the pressure marginalisation of Yoruba by the group as a legitimate force to serve Jonathan administration. their interests as well as maintain the waning influences of the Yorubaland He said: “We (Yoruba leaders) had in the federation. But the leadership met with Jonathan to complain about has jettisoned its position as a virile the marginalisation of the Yoruba, but opposition bloc. he has not done anything about it. So, we have decided to pay him another Lost identity visit. We have already made our inten- tion known to the presidency. We are The group has lost its true identity now waiting for the President to give as a consistent political organisation us an appointment. that has always pitch its tent with the side of the people. And since 2003, the “We have the details of the situation group has been in a political wilder- which we intend to present to the Presi- ness. While the group supported the dent. It is as if the Southwest has been five Southwest governors of the de- excised from the country. If you look funct Alliance for Democracy (AD), at all the top appointments in the coun- it worked against the second-term try, it is not hard to see that Southwest ambition of former Lagos State Gov- has been marginalised in this admin- ernor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. In fact, istration.” the group enecouraged the late Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu to run against However, following its declaration Tcontest governorsip election on the of support for President Jonathan, platform of Progressive Action tongues have been wagging. Mem- Council (PAC) to split the AD votes bers of the group with dissenting in the state. Ironically, none of the opinion cast aspersion on Afenifere AD governors, who enjoyed the leadership. The aggrieved members Afenifere endorsement survive the have dissociated themselves from the huricane of the Peoples Democratic Jonathan endorsement, alleging that Party (PDP). the letter head of the Afenifere used was forged. In 2007, Afenifere floated the Demo- cratic Peoples’ Alliance (DPA). The A member who spoke on condition party adopted one of the aggrieved of anonymity accused the General Sec- governorship aspirants of the Action retary of the Afenifere, Chief Seinde Congress (AC), Mr jimi Agbaje as its Arogbofa and the association’s spokes- candidate. But the old Afenifere war- man, Yinka Odumakin, of taking a riors lacked the clout to win the elec- unilateral decision, which they said tion for Agbaje. He scored three per contradicted the communiqué issued cent out of the total votes. at the end of the group’s meeting. Fur- ther investigations revealed how the Against all expectations, Afenifere, leadership kept the disagreeing mem- in 2012, struck a deal with the Labour bers in abeyance until the President’s Party (LP) to spite its members in the arrival in Akure, the Ondo State capi- defunct Action Congress of Nigeria tal, when they suddenly read an ad- (ACN). Afenifere leaders took this de- dress declaring unsolicited support for cision despite the fact it had come to his re-election bid. public knowledge that the LP had be- come an appendage of the PDP. The aggrieved member traced the intrigue to Chief Arogbofa, whose Before, Afenifere leaders had vis- younger brother, Brig-Gen Jones ited President Goodluck Jonathan at Arogbofa (rtd) is President Jonathan’s Aso Villa, Abuja on solidarity trips. Chief of Stafff. The trade-off, accord- ing to the source, was to help the younger Arogbofa. The Chief of Staff

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 5 MAY 29 ...92 DAYS TO GOTragedy of a mouthpice •The late Awolowo •The late Ajasin •The late Adesanya ‘The task of re- and eventually died, a leadership cri- sis enveloped the group. Fasoranti•Fasoranti •Fasanmi • Falae storing the was acting as the leader. But when heis keen on getting the Yoruba support Jonathan as an exercise in futility. Congress (APC). Yoruba nation to recognised Senator Mojisoluwahis principal’s ambition. According to him, Afenifere has no its desirable Akinfenwa as the AD National Chair- political influence on the Yoruba peo- “We cannot therefore put the desti- height is too vi- man against his compatriot from Osun The source spoke further: “That ple and cannot decide for them which nies of the Yoruba in the hands of the tal to be left in State, Chief Bisi Akande, the groupwas not what we agreed at our meet- candidate they should vote for. present flock of the Yoruba elders, who the hands of po- split into two. The faction rejecteding. We held a meeting and we agreed are friends of Jonathan, using crass litical jobbers. Fasoranti’s leadership and pro-that we should not mention anybody’s Senator Mamora said no party or opportunism to stay alive. The task of For real develop- nounced Senator Ayo Fasanmi as thename among the presidential candi- presidential candidate has exclusive restoring the Yoruba nation to its de- ment to be Deputy Leader.dates. We agreed that we should only right over the implementation of the sirable height is too vital to be left in achieved, thesetalk about what each candidate stands National Conference Report. The re- the hands of political jobbers. For real elders must first Since then, there has been clashes offor and then direct our people to vote port, he said, is a public document development to be achieved, these be rejected, dis- ego and interests in Yorubaland. Whilefor anyone that has approximated our which would be implemented by elders must first be rejected, displaced placed and re- Afenifere’s political influence nose-position. In the communiqué we is- whoever wins the presidency. True and replaced. placed dived in the Southwest, the memberssued, we agreed to support any can- federalism and devolution of power of the Fasanmi’s faction emerged asdidate who has demonstrated com- as recommended by the conference “The truth is that this endorsement ‘ dominant political establishment in themitment to the implementation of the are contained in All Progressives Con- is dead on arrival. The Jonathan admin- region. The likes of Tinubu, OtunbaNational Conference Report; who has gress (APC) manifesto, he said. istration ought to be flaunting its litical leadership and those in govern- Niyi Adebayo, Fasanmi, Chiefwill ensure devolution of power and achievements over the last six years it ment today are not on the same page Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Olabiyireduce the cost of governance. The local chapter of Afenifere in has been in government but there is with the President. Except things Durojaiye, Olawale Osun, Governor Ekiti State has also dissociated itself nothing to market. He had opportuni- change, political leaders in Southwest Rauf Aregbesola and Dr. Kayode “Later, we learnt that the President from the purported endorsement by ties to turn this country around but end and the President are not together. Fayemi fought the liberation war in thewas coming. But because they knew the Fasoranti group. The state’s chair- up plundering our resources.” They have different political agenda. Southwest, when they sent the PDPthat some of us would oppose his man, Chief Ibidapo Awojolu said: So, what happened in 2011 will not packing. Instead of forging unity, theadoption, they read the opposite of “We expected to have seen the com- The Oodua Nation, an umbrella play out this time around, hesaid. Fasoranti and Fasanmi groups havewhat we agreed on in their welcome mencement of the National Confer- body of Yoruba nationals in the continued to work at cross purposes.address. Because his (Arogbofa) ence recommendation by now. We United States (U.S.) has advised the Afenifere has a proud history. Un-brother is the President’s Chief of Staff have seen no evidence of President leaders of Afenifere to desist from der the leadership of the late Chief Falae recalled that the split in theand he had probably promised to get Jonathan ‘s plan to implement the rec- frivolous endorsement of candidates Adekunle Ajasin and Senator group which started in the AD, laterAfenifere’s backing for the President, ommendations.” and preserve the integrity of the Abraham Adesanya, the group extended to the Afenifere. He said thehe just abandoned what we all agreed race. The group through its chair- waged war against the military rule. AD governors felt aggrieved whenon and read a different position. Describing the Afenifere endorse- man, Mr Samuel Ayodele said it be- The leaders of the group were har- Afenifere set up a committee headed ment as needless and misdirected, the came imperative to state that the assed, molested, unjustly detained by Prof Bolaji Akinyemi to assess their Doctored identity group contended: “We Yorubas have endorsement of President Jonathan and exiled by the military. Yet, they performance. suffered the most unprecedented ne- and his administration had done a stood their ground. The late Adesanya “There is no doubt that Odumakin glect and marginalisation from colossal damage to the collective in- narrowly escaped assassination in the “The purpose was to make sure thatand the general secretary had doctored Jonathan’s administration. tegrity of the Yorubas at home and course of the struggle. the governors delivered their electoralthe communiqué because they had op- in the Diaspora. The body urged the promises to the electorate. The peo-position in the meeting. They allowed “There is nothing to show for the leaders to learn how to be liberal to Genesis of the cracks ple in the region had voted forall members present at the meeting to electoral support Jonathan got from all political parties, rather than danc- Afenifere and not the AD or an indi-leave before they announced the adop- the Southwest during the 2011 presi- ing to the tune of a few cabals that The cracks in the Afenifere fold vidual. All we were doing was to pro-tion. Even the President did not asked dential election,” Awojolu stated. are milking the nation dry. began to manifest after the exit of the tect the legacy of the group,” he ex-for their support before they declared military from power. Shortly before plained.their support. All of us want to be rich Civil Rights activist Comrade The Afenifere and the PDP’s calcu- the enthronement of democracy inbut we must learn to do things with Moshood Erubami said: “Most of lation, according to analysts, is that if 1999, the leaders were locked in pro- Clash of interestsdecorum.” those who constitute the Yoruba the President defeats the APC in the tracted battle. The group was con- elders in the current move to pacify Southwest and secures 25 per cent in fronted by two crises. On one hand, He alleged that the governors also Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo the Yoruba race to vote for a president the Northwest and Northeast, he the late Chief Bola Ige, the deputy allienated the Afenifere in their sec-Adebanjo explained that the group that has marginalised us were en- would win at the first ballot. In 2011, leader of the group, parted ways with ond term calculation by deciding thatendorsed the re-election bid of Presi- emies of the late Chief Obafemi Jonathan polled 2, 786,410 votes in the his colleagues because they rejected the AD would not field a presidentialdent Jonathan based on its conviction Awolowo during his lifetime and ob- Southwest. Former Afenifere scribe, him at the presidential primaries candidate in 2003 without having con-that he would implement the recom- viously, they have continued their Ayo Opadokun said the political set- which was organised at the D’ sultation with him as the former can-mendations of the 2014 National Con- hatred for the Yoruba leader after ting that made people of Southwest to Rovans Hotel , Ibadan, where they didate. “They entered into a deal withference. his death. vote for Jonathan in 2011; irrespective picked Chief Olu Falae. Apparently the then President Olusegun of party affiliation, have changed. to pay his colleagues back in their Obasanjo that they would support and With the endorsement of Jonathan, “The frequent visits of these lead- own coin, Ige joined the Federal Ex- campaign for his re-election in 2003,Afenifere has drawn the ire of the peo- ers to the seat of power and the toothy Opadokun said the political leader- ecutive Council (FEC) under President which they did. They (AD governors)ple in Southwest who considered it an smile usually on their faces when com- ship of Southwest as at that time inter- Olusegun Obasanjo without consulta- lost, with the exemption of Tinubu.affront on the sensibilities of the ing out of Aso Rock says it all that they acted with their colleague in govern- tion. Also, the late Alhaji Dawodu After the election that swept them outYoruba people. are not true Awoists. Most of the ment to give Jonathan solid votes in and Tinubu parted ways in Lagos. of power, they couldn’t come back to Afenifere leaders asking for 2011, but that situation no longer ex- The fight was over the control of par- the fold,” Falae added. Former Senate Minority leader, Jonathan’s re-election are those who ists today. ty’s machinery. Efforts to mend fencesOlorunnimbe Mamora described the felt betrayed by the consistent Awoists through the proposed 60:40 formula But Fasanmi had a contrary view.Afenifere endorsement of President who populate the All Progressives He explained that the Southwest po- recommended by a panel headed by He blamed the crisis on the personal Sir Olaniwun Ajayi failed. Dawodu ambition of the leaders of the Fasoranti was bitter. He left the AD for PAC. On group. the eve of the 2003 polls, he directed his supporters to vote for the PDP gov- “We tried to mend fences at a stage, ernorship candidate, the late Funsho but the ambition of their members in Williams. Despite the gang-up, the AD to the disintegration of the Tinubu won the election. party and the Afenifere. Adesanya sin- gle-handedly picked Fasoranti as the It was distressing to Adesanya that acting leader when he had health chal- he could not get Dawodu and Tinubu lenges. I was elected Afenifere leader to agree. The leader was even accused after Adesanya’s death”, Fasanmi of shielding Tinubu from the wrath of said. the group. When Adesanya took ill, To Afenifere leader in Lagos State, Chief Supo Sonibare, the problem of Afenifere has to do with the dynam- ics of having core leaders who are not in government and having governors who are effectively heads of govern- ment. Sonibare recalled that in the days Chief Awolowo, the sage wielded the power of the head of government and leader of the Afenifere simultaneously. When he was no longer the Premier, there was the aspiration of becoming the Prime Minister as the leader of the opposition then. “In the present day Afenifere, we have leaders who are not in govern- ment and governors who are heads of government. The leaders could only use moral persuation and cannot com- pel any governor to do their biddings. That dichotomy of power brought about the discord and the split in Afenifere. The division was managed by Chief Adesanya. His successor, Chief Fasoranti presided over meet- ings without both factions of the Alli- ance for Democracy (AD) in attend- ance,” he said.

6 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015NEWSAPC to Jonathan: you got it wrong on Ekiti rigging audio tapePRESIDENT Goodluck ward to authenticate it. gation until the officer who democracy?” Ekiti rigging assignment was audio and at the same time Jonathan’s reason on The party wondered secretly recorded the tape has The party wondered on done expressly in the name of demanding that all those who why the Ekiti rigging come forward to authenticate the president. are found to have wilfullyaudio tape has not been inves- whether the President would it. What a disingenuous argu- what basis the president de- subverted democracy be triedtigated was described yester- have toed the same line if the ment! clared the audio tape a fabri- “Obanikoro invoked the for treason. For the avoidanceday by the All Progressives tape had revealed that the APC cation when he confessed that president’s name, saying he of doubt, no matter how longCongress (APC) as untenable colluded with the military to “Is the President not aware he had not even listened to it, sent him to clinch victory for it takes, we will ensure thatand an after-thought. rig the Ekiti election in favour that Capt. Sagir Koli, who re- and when almost all those the PDP in the Ekiti governor- all those involved in the Ekiti of the APC candidate. corded the tape, went into who were at the rigging ship election. Unless the state- show of shame are brought to APC’s National Publicity hiding because his life was meeting, including Musiliu ment made by Obanikoro is justice,” APC said.Secretary, Alhaji Lai Moham- The security agencies, APC in danger? Obanikoro, Ayodele Fayose, true, the president has no busi-med, in a statement in Lon- noted, needs no prodding or Jelili Adesiyan and Iyiola ness seeking to delay, even for The party advised Jonath-don yesterday, said the Presi- even a presidential directive “Is the President not Omisore, have now owned one day, the investigation into an to immediately summondent’s waffling on the issue to launch an investigation into aware of the fate that befell up to attending the meeting. the very serious allegations his aides to play the audio tapeshowed he might have some- a weighty issue that amounts Capt. Koli’s 15-year-old contained in the tape. The of the meeting and the videothing to hide on the issue. to a subversion of democracy. younger brother, who was “Unless President Jonath- presence of Capt. Koli is not a tape of the subsequent inter- arrested and tortured at a an is afraid of what an investi- necessary pre-condition for an view with Capt. Koli for him, The statement added that The statement reads: military facility in Ibadan gation into the tape may re- investigation into the rigging so that he will be able to makeJonathan was wrong to have “Some people were found to over the issue? Does the Pres- veal, he should be in the fore- allegation. an informed judgment on it,said the rigging audio tape be undermining democracy ident not appreciate the pa- front of those calling for an instead of making incoherenthad not been investigated be- using a powerful national in- triotism, which the officer investigation. This is because, “We are, therefore, repeat- and confounding statementscause the Army captain, who stitution as the military. And exhibited by exposing those according to the major play- ing our call for an urgent in- on the issue.leaked it, had not come for- all the President could say is who criminally subverted ers in the rigging tape, the vestigation of the Ekiti rigging that there will be no investi- Nigeria Airways pensioners to boycott polls over neglect•From left: Member, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Aishat Al Hassan; Chairman of the committee Senator Bukar Abba By Kelvin Osa OkunborMinister of Housing and Urban Development Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi; and vice chairman of the committee Senator Gbenga Ashafa, ABOUT 6,000 Nigeria Airways’ pensioners have vowedafter the ministry’s budget defence at National Assembly Abuja...yesterday. not to vote in the rescheduled general elections follow- PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE ing what they described as government’s insensitivityAPC’s manifesto unrealistic, says PDP and neglect since the airline was liquidated in 2002 by the Peo- ples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration.THE Peoples Democrat- From Gbade Ogunwale, also promised to provide free lion. ic Party (PDP) has de- Assistant Editor, Abuja education, daily free meals for “Can Nigerians afford a tax Rising from a meeting in Lagos, the pensioners lamented scribed the manifesto of millions of Nigerian school the inability of the Federal Government to pay their entitle-the All Progressives Congress and capital expenditures. Yet, children, free tertiary educa- regime of 45 per cent compa- ments.(APC) as unrealistic, saying it they continue to dish it out to tion, free healthcare and free ny tax and 32 per cent person-is meant to deceive and mis- unsuspecting citizens in a clear houses to Nigerians. The op- al income tax? While we note Some of the pensioners told reporters that they regroupeddirect the electorate. bid to mislead. position knows too well that the multiple tax regime in as a result of the maltreatment and continue neglect by govern- these are unrealistic; yet they APC states as Lagos State, we ment, adding that over 700 former workers of the airline died According to the ruling “Since its formation about prefer to brandish falsehood. believe that Nigerians are not following incapacitation from ailments.party, the opposition’s prom- two years ago, the APC has ready to bear the brunt ofise to pay N5,000 monthly sti- introduced and sustained an “The APC should explain APC’s harsh tax policy. They added that neither the National Assembly nor the ex-pend each to 25 million poor unfortunate political streak; to Nigerians how they would ecutive was ready to listen to them, adding that the five yearsNigerians would amount to sustained majorly by lies, char- fulfil their promises with the “If, on the other hand, APC severance benefits paid to them under the late President UmaruN125 billion monthly and acter assassination, false prevailing 40 per cent drop in decides to deny the planned Musa Yar’Adua administration was not in the interest of theN1.5 trillion every year. alarm, wild allegations, and national income and dwin- imposition of a harsh tax re- pensioners. lately visual simulation - all dling oil price in the interna- gime, then they must accept PDP’s National Publicity in the desperation to deceive tional market. they are guilty of fake cam- “We have resolved with our families throughout the coun-Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh, and misdirect the judgment of paign promises and deceitful try not to vote in this election because our people are dyingat a news conference in Abuja the electorate.” “These promises are, there- manifesto. every day. Our children have stopped going to school, ouryesterday, said the N5,000 fore, either bogus or part of wives have abandoned us and most of us are very ill withoutmonthly stipend could not be The PDP also faulted what their plot to subject the citi- “It is indeed obvious that shelter.achieved, given the poor state it described as the opposition’s zens to a harsh tax regime.” the APC has no intentions ofof the nation’s economy and promise to create 740,000 di- pursuing, let alone fulfilling “Nobody in government is listening to our cry for over 13dwindling oil revenue. rect jobs in each of the 36 states The party noted that under any of its bogus promises. It years and they want us to vote. Vote for people who did know of the federation and the Fed- the present administration, is either they are merely tak- whether we are existing? We cannot, because we have served His words: “What is baf- eral Capital Territory within company tax is a maximum of ing the nation for a ride or the government with our heart.”fling is that the APC knows one year and one million jobs 30 per cent of profit, whereas seek to use the promises as afull well that this is not only for Igbo youths within the personal income tax hovers pedestal to impose a cruel tax Lawyer seeks Jonathan’sunrealistic, but also impracti- same period. from one per cent for mini- regime and exploit Nigerians. assent to amended constitutioncable in a nation with an esti- mum wage earners, to a max- Whatever, it is a campaignmated budget of N4.69 tril- Metuh said: “The APC has imum of 19 per cent for Nige- based on deceit,” the PDP From Eric Ikhilae, Abujalion, comprising recurrent rians earning up to N100 mil- spokesman said. P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to ur- gently assent to the Fourth Amendment Act following the completion of work on the Constitution by the Na- tional Assembly. A lawyer, Sebastine Hon, said yesterday that the president’s prompt assent to the Act was necessary in view of its impor- tance on the next elections, disputes that might arise from the elections and the operations of the new government. Hon, in a statement yesterday, said since the amendment could not have retroactive effect going by past decisions of the Supreme Court on such issue, it was necessary for the Act to be promptly signed by the President to avert a possible constitu- tional crisis that a delay might cause. “Given that general elections are just a month away, we respectfully call on President Goodluck Jonathan to sign the Fourth Amendment Act without further delay. “The reasons are very plain enough. First of all, the amend- ed Constitution will guide all Nigerians, particularly the polit- ical gladiators and lawyers, in preparing for the elections. This will go a long way in shaping our legal jurisprudence both in the pre and the post-election periods. “Secondly, it normally takes time after an Act is assented to, to reach the public. If not signed on time, it will not reach Nigerians on timed for them to prepare for challenges ahead. “One other equally important reason is that the Constitu- tion of Nigeria does not operate retroactively. See Marwa vs. Nyako (2012) All FWLR (Pt. 622) 1621 at 1687 SC and HDP vs. Obi (2011) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1278) 80 SC. “This means that if the Amendment Act is not signed before the general elections, it will not apply to the conduct of the Elections can’t be won through propaganda, says presidentPRESIDENT Goodluck From Augustine Ehikioya, deepen democracy. opposition movement. The “We are enjoying what is tions of former Presidents Jonathan on Tuesday Abuja His words: “Unlike what opposition movements owe happening. We created it. The Olusegun Obasanjo, late night said it would be their existence and activities to enhanced political environ- Umaru Yar’ Adua and his, theimpossible for elections to be Jonathan, who is a member many people thought, you President Goodluck Jonathan. ment is what the opposition is President said his administra-won by the opposition move- of the pioneer class of ‘81 in know when the opposition try I can assure you that Jonathan enjoying. If they abuse it, do tion instituted the fundamen-ment through propaganda. the university, could not attend to make so much noise; one has vowed to deliver the divi- not mind. It does not matter. It tals of democracy. the dinner as he was said to thing we know is that you can- dends of fundamentals of de- does not challenge us,” he add- He spoke through the Sec- have been weighed down by not win election in Nigeria mocracy in Nigeria,’’ he said. ed. The Minister of Education,retary to the Government of the suicide bomb blasts in Kano through propaganda.” Ibrahim Shekarau, whothe Federation, Senator Any- and Yobe on the same day. Jonathan also maintained The President said the trans- chaired the occasion, said theim Pius Anyim, during a pres- According to him, his objec- that neither the ruling Peoples formation agenda of his ad- administration has providedidential dinner in his honour The President said his ad- tive in politics was not to re- Democratic Party (PDP) nor his ministration has introduced unfettered access to educationorganised by the University of ministration created room for main perpetually in power, but administration was scared reforms that would work for a and raised the quality tremen-Port Harcourt Alumni Associ- the opposition movement to to expand the political atmos- about the country’s rising op- better Nigeria. dously.ation. exist as a deliberate attempt to phere for wider participation. position movement. Comparing the administra- “We created the political

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 7NEWSBuhari’s supporters warn Opposition mounts against against removing Jega•Faults campaign against card reader Obanikoro’s nominationBUHARI Support Organi- From Tony Akowe and S ENATORS yesterday •Senate defers ministerial nominees’ screening sation (BSO), the umbrel- Bamiro Olamide, Abuja deferred the screening la body of all voluntary of the former Minister From Onyedi Ojiabor and court. ate has prejudiced the case.groups working for the election carry out the bidding of the of State for Defence, Senator Sanni Onogu, Abuja The spokesman of the oppo- That would be illegal becauseof the All Progressives Con- government and its agents. Musiliu Obanikoro and seven the tradition and the rule isgress (APC) presidential candi- other ministerial nominees till Republic of Nigeria, in accor- sition All Progressives Con- that if there’s a case before thedate, General Muhammadu He said: “It has become im- next Tuesday. dance with Section 147 (2) of gress (APC) Senate’s Caucus, court, the matter should notBuhari, has warned against any perative to ask Mr. President to The nominees and their the 1999 Constitution of the Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said be entertained.attempt to change the leader- rein in his aides if he must be families and friends, who Federal Republic of Nigeria as two petitions on February 12ship of the Independent Nation- seen to walk his talk that his were at the National Assem- amended.” and 17 were before Senate “This case is already beforeal Electoral Commission ambition is not worth any spill bly, left disappointed. President David Mark against the Judiciary and it has to de-(INEC). of human blood. His aides and Although the names of all The Senate did not explain Obanikoro’s nomination by termine whether he’s a fit and associates are disingenuously the nominees, including Sen- why the scheduled screening President Goodluck Jonathan proper person, whether he’s Such alteration, it said, would currently working at cross-pur- ator Musiliu Obanikoro (La- and possible confirmation of to represent Lagos State as qualified to hold public office.amount to tampering with the poses to this his favourite cli- gos), Senator Patricia Aka- the appointments of all the minister. Even the case of whether hecredibility of the elections and ché by daily fanning the ambers washiki (Nasarawa), Prof. ministerial nominees had to has dual citizenship is not forthe independence of the com- of hate, pursuance of death wish Nicholas Akis Ada (Benue), be put on hold. It was learnt that the Febru- the Senate to determine.mission. and even going as far as stalk- Col. Augustine ary 12 petition was submitted ing of GMB outside the shores Okwudiri Akobundu (Abia), But, a source who spoke on to Mark through Senators “Besides, this case is not The group also alerted to of this country.” Mr. Fidelis Nwankwo (Ebo- condition of anonymity, said Ojudu and Gbenga Ashafa. even about that. Whatever theplots by President Goodluck nyi), Mrs. Hauwa’u Lawan (Ji- the Senate decided to shelve matter is, there’s a subsistingJonathan and his supporters to He added: “We certainly shall gawa), Mr. Kenneth Kobani the screening of the nominees The petitioners were said to case against Obanikoro beforebring back the inglorious days not subscribe to any script that (Rivers) and Senator Joel Dan- to enable it debate the 2015 have expressed disgust at the court.of the Association for Better is centered on how to oust Jega lami Ikenya (Taraba) were list- Medium Term Expenditure Obanikoro’s alleged role inNigeria (ABN) by using the by forcefully sending him on ed in the order paper for the Framework (MTEF) and Fis- the August 2014 Ekiti gover- “There’s a case before the lawcourts to scuttle of the elections. terminal leave and replacing day, the paper was withdrawn cal Strategy Paper (FSP), norship poll and the use of courts; until that case is dis- him with another northern and replaced with another, which is crucial to the passage soldiers to stop the Ilubirin pensed with, nothing can be Addressing a news conference Muslim professor considered to which did not contain the of the 2015 Appropriation Bill. Housing Project in Lagos, done in the Senate.”in Abuja yesterday, BSO’s Di- be a more pliable successor. names. among others.rector of Media, Dr. Chidia Such a scenario demanding for A motion in the first order Another source, however, When asked about the like-Maduekwe, said the campaign more time to enable the new containing the list of the nom- said Obanikoro’s fate stalled According to Ojudu, since ly implications if the Senateagainst INEC by paid commen- commission chair to settle inees, titled: “Confirmation of the screening of others. there’s a suit against Obaniko- insisted on screening andtators and supporters of down before holding any elec- Nominations” billed to be ro in a Lagos court, it would confirming Obanikoro,Jonathan was aimed at tamper- tions is another shifting of the moved by Senate Leader Vic- Those opposed to Obaniko- be prejudicial for the Senate Ojudu said: “That would being with the conduct of the elec- goal post. tor Ndoma-Egba, reads: “That ro’s nomination insisted that to screen and confirm him contempt of court, but whattion and returning the country the Senate do consider the re- since there was a case against with other ministerial nomi- I like about the Senate Presi-to the days of June 12 when the “The worse would be the quest of Mr. President, Com- him pending in court, it would nees. dent is that over time, he haselection of Chief MKO Abiola push to stop INEC from using mander-In-Chief, for the con- be against the standing orders been just and fair and we be-was annulled. the new electronic PVC-card firmation of the following of the Senate to screen the Ojudu said: “There’s a court lieve that when this comes to readers, thereby allowing un- nominees as Ministers of the former minister of state for case against Obanikoro and his notice too, he would be Maduekwe also alerted to a fettered access to intended elec- Government of the Federal Defence. that case is coming up for hear- just and fair. I believe thepossible legal plan to consoli- tion-day fraud without deter- ing on March 6. Senate President would notdate several cases about the elec- rence. They said the Senate’s rule want to do anything againsttions and candidates still pend- forbids it from acting on any “Should the Senate go ahead the Judiciary.”ing in court, by pro-govern- “In tandem with above sce- issue that is pending before a to screen Obanikoro next Tues-ment sympathisers that might nario, we are presently being day, it will mean that the Sen-seek injunctions to stop the elec- bombarded with multiple pro-tions until such cases are re- government TV and Radio talksolved. show commentators and apol- ogists strenuously mould pub- He said part of the propagan- lic opinion on the issue thatda would be to force the Chair- INEC has not tested the cardman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru reader in any previous localJega to resign or be forced to election and should not use theproceed on terminal leave and presidential and National As-be replaced by another north- sembly polls to do so.”ern Muslim professor, who willFed Govt approves nine varsitiesFrom Augustine Ehikioya, AbujaTHE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the •Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamode (middle); Director General, Consumer Protection establishment of nine private universities. The Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, spoke to State Council (CPC) Mrs. Dupe Atoki (left) after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding to takle online forex and other scammersHouse correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired byVice President Namadi Sambo. of consumer in Abuja...yesterday. With them is Director, Legal Services, EFCC Chile Okoroma. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE He was accompanied to the briefing by Minister of Water Presidency denies spending $32b on terrorismResources Sarah Ochekpe, Minister of State of Finance BashirYuguda and Education Minister Ibrahim Shakarau. T HE Presidency has de- From Gbade Ogunwale, its counter insurgency efforts local insurgent group in nied reports that the Assistant Editor, Abuja and waited till election year view of the fact that there was He said: “Council also at this meeting approved the Federal Government scanty information on itsestablishment of nine new private universities across the had so far spent about $32 very embarrassing that the global network in training,country.” billion (N6.5 trillion) to fight APC always desperately funding and supply of arms. terrorism in the Northeast. seeks to feed on blood like “The nine new universities are Augustine University, Ilara, leaches and profit from na- “We wish to state that thereLagos State; Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State; Senior Special Assistant to tional tragedies and misfor- was never a time that thisChristopher University, Mowe, Ogun State; Hallmark the President on Public Af- tunes. administration shirked itsUniversity, Ijebu Itele, Ogun State.” fairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, de- responsibilities in the fight bunked the report at a me- “This habit of the Nigerian against terror in spite of the “Kings University, Ode Omu, Osun State; Michael and Cecilia dia briefing in Abuja yester- main opposition political par- obvious challenges resultingIbru University, Orode, Delta State; Mountain Top University, day, describing it as a false- ty runs contrary to what ob- from decades of failure toOgun State; Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.” hood and outlandish asser- tains in other parts of the procure essential equipment tion. world, where politicians rise to modernise and enhance ‘Submit NNPC forensic audit above partisanship and quest the fighting power of our report in one week’ Okupe, however, could not for power in matters of this military.” disclose the actual amount nature.”T HE House of Represen- From Victor Oluwasegun spent by the government in to rout the insurgents as a tatives Committee on and Dele Anofi, Abuja the counter-terrorism cam- The President’s aide also political trump card. Public Accounts yester- paign, choosing to avoid the described as false a statement “We find these assertionsday gave the auditor-general of eral ought not to be directed by issue. by the APC quoting President by the APC as most unfortu-the federation a week to sub- Mr. President to deal with the Goodluck Jonathan to have nate and certainly unpatriot-mit the forensic audit of the al- report “in a particular manner.” The All Progressives Con- said that the government un- ic.leged missing $20 billion oil gress (APC) accused the gov- derrated the capacity of the “In the first instance, whatfunds on behalf of the Federal He said the report had been ernment of spending about Boko Haram insurgents. President GoodluckGovernment. unduly delayed and “side- $32 billion in the fight Jonathan said in the inter- stepped the auditor-general”, against terrorism so far. The opposition also accused view which has been mis- The committee blamed the adding that the report lacked the government of delay in chievously twisted by theMinister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi credibility and reliance as the Okupe said: “We find it APC, was that at the outsetOkonjo- Iweala, for the faulty minimum expectation “was to of the Boko Haram activities,manner in which the forensic get the auditor-general to re- the group was treated as aaudit was commissioned to ceive and own the report.”PricewaterHouseCoopers. Kwankwaso urges vigilance The committee, therefore, re- Chairman of the Committee, quested that “the full report on KANO State Governor Musa Kwankwaso has called onSolomon Olamilekan Adeola, the Forensic Audit by PWC, citizens to support security agencies by stepping upspoke to reporters yesterday which must include the initial surveillance of their business premises to avoid attackwhile making a final demand draft report, the Executive Sum-for the audit report. mary, Management/Internal by insurgents. Control Letters, should be for- Kwankwaso spoke when he visited Kano Line Motor Park Adeola, who described the warded to the National Assem-report as “curious”, noted that bly not later than one week in Kano where two suspected insurgents detonated a bomb inby virtue of Section 85(6) of the from today (yesterday)”. a vehicle, which led to the death of over 12 people on Monday.constitution, the auditor- gen-

8 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015NEWS3.677m PVCs collected in Lagos, says REC Octogenarian disappears in OgunTHE Independent National •Osun achieves 72 per cent collection PVCs have been distributed. Electoral Commission INEC’s Public Relations Officer From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta (INEC) in Lagos State said “We have been given the assur- eral elections should not destroy theyesterday that over 112,000 Perma- ance that by next week, the cards harmonious relations among eth- Mrs Adenike Tadeshe said as at AN octogenarian, Pa Jamesnent Voter Cards (PVCs) were still should arrive for distribution. nic groups in the state. Monday the commission has dis- Fatade, has “disappeared” inuncollected in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Lo- tributed 1,016,071 of the 1,407,107 Abeokuta, the Ogun Statecal Government Area. “This weekend, we are going back He said such stakeholders’ forum PVCs received for the state. capital, while waiting for his son, to the polling units for distribution. will be held in all the 20 local gov- Isaac, a small business operator. The Resident Electoral Commis- ernments of the state. She said the figure represents 72sioner, Akin Orebiyii, gave the fig- “On other days, the cards will be per cent of the total number of PVCs Pa Fatade visited Abeokuta onure at a stakeholders’ forum for available for distribution at our lo- The commissioner also reiterated received for distribution to regis- February 11 but could not locatecommunity leaders, party execu- cal government offices. that the use of card readers in the tered voters while the balance of his son’s house. He went to histives and the electorate in the local elections would eliminate electoral 391, 036 PVCs, which was 28 per cent, shop, where he waited for himgovernment area. “But again, on March 6 till March fraud, such as multiple voting, was yet to be collected. endlessly. 8, the cards will be at the polling while use of fake voter cards would The News Agency of Nigeria units for distribution. have no place. The spokesperson said the cards The 84-year-old man, it was gath-(NAN) reports that the forum was were available at ward and local ered, later informed some peopleorganised by the commission. “We want to continue to implore Some residents at the forum al- government levels. around the shop that he was going our people; even as we speak, we leged that some ad hoc staff of the to visit someone in the area; he has Orebiyii said the 112, 000 PVCs have over 1.8 million cards yet to commission were impatient and Mrs. Tadeshe attributed non-col- not been seen since.in the area were among the 1.8 mil- be collected. needed to be cautioned. lection of the cards in some cases tolion still uncollected in the state. He death of registered voters, reloca- Police spokesman Olumuyiwaappealed to their owners to pick “In Ajeromi-Ifelodun alone, we An Electoral Officer, David tion and apathy. Adejobi said Fatade’s children havethem up. have at the moment over 112, 000 Adeleke, said such action was due been searching for him. cards yet to be collected, we want to the pressure at the centres. She said the distribution of the “In Lagos, as at today, 3, 677,000 people to find time to come for PVCs would continue till March 8, He said the police are also search-cards have been distributed, out of them,’’ he said. Adeleke, however, said the com- and advised those who were yet to ing for the missing octogenarianthe 5.5 million cards we have re- mission had cautioned its staff and collect their cards to go to their and appealed for assistance fromceived. We are still expecting an- Orebiyii said there was no dis- would continue to monitor them. wards and local governments be- the public.other 400, 000 cards. crimination in the distribution of tween 8 am and 5:30 pm daily. the cards and appealed that the gen- In Osun State, 72 per cent of thePHCN retireesprotest in IbadanFrom Bisi Oladele, IbadanSEVERAL retirees of the de- funct Power Holding Com- pany of Nigeria (PHCN) yes-terday protested the non-paymentof their N400 million housing al-lowance.They marched on the secretariatof the Correspondents Chapel ofthe Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), Oyo State Council at Mokola,Ibadan, where they displayed plac-ards with various inscriptions, suchas “President Jonathan, please helpus locate where our money is hang-ing”; “Hey! There is God o o o”;“Why delay payment of our hous-ing allowances since 2013?”Led by their spokespersons, Mrs.Oyedele Edna Owesiri, JuliusAdeleke Taiwo and AdesinaOlayinka, they said the money hadbeen paid to batches one to 10 but •Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (second right), Surveyor General Joseph Agbenla (right), General Manager, New Towns Developmentthat for some reasons batches 11 and Authority (NTDA), Dr. Adeyemi Isiba (middle), Group Managing Director, Vaults and Gardens, Ade Ogundoyin (second left) and others when the12 have not been paid. The money, governor inspected the Ibeju-Lekki Cemetery, Lekki, being developed as a Public Private Partnership with provisions for Christian and Muslimaccording to them, was the bulk cemeteries, chapel, mosque and reception areas.rent for 2013. ‘Fake’ soldiers’ in Fayose’s hometown, Pleading with PresidentGoodluck Jonathan to intervene, theretirees lamented that some of theircolleagues had died waiting for the From Odunayo Ogunmola, says Ekiti APCmoney. Ado-Ekiti •Governor: it’s not true The retirees were among those “soldiers” from Ibadan arrived indisengaged during the privatisation •Fayose Afao-Ekiti, the hometown of Gov- to Afao-Ekiti home of the governor “The standard practice by the gov-of the power sector, which necessi- ernor Ayo Fayose, late on Tuesday is a clear confirmation of our fear ernor is to travel out of the statetated the change of name from THE All Progressives and have since been quartered that Fayose means business as he has when he is about to foment a majorPHCN to Ibadan Electricity Distri- Congress (APC) in Ekiti there. been boasting around that the crisis to enable him plead alibi. Webution Company. State has raised the alarm presidential election will be ‘do or heard that he had travelled out of over the alleged importation of The APC, in a statement yester- die’. the state and so we are not surprised Those affected spread across Oyo, men in Army uniform into the state day by its Publicity Secretary, that this is happening.”Ogun, Kwara, parts of Kogi and ahead of the March 28 and April 11 Taiwo Olatubosun, alleged that the “We were monitoring theseOsun states, which were under general elections. men in Army uniform were con- young men from Ibadan yesterday But Fayose denied the allegation,Ibadan Zone before the veyed to the state in six 18-seater evening.They were brought in a accusing the opposition of raisingprivatisation. The party claimed that the buses, arriving at the Afao resi- luxury bus parked under the bridge unnecessary alarm. dence of the governor at 9.15 pm. at Iwo Road, Ibadan, where the men “All we want the Federal Gov- in charge were looking for smaller Speaking through his Chief Pressernment to do for us is to ensure Olatubosun said Nigerians must buses to convey these young men to Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayoseimmediate payment of the out- know why the young men were Ekiti. wondered what soldiers would bestanding allowance. It is unfair to imported into the state at night, doing in the state when the electionpay some of our colleagues and adding that the enquiry became “The conditions for their hiring is 34 days away, saying it was onlyleave us in the cold. necessary against the background of included that they must know Ekiti the President who has the power to Fayose’s insistence that “soldiers” terrain and Afao-Ekiti in particular. deploy soldiers. “We are law-abiding citizens and would be deployed for the generalwe would not want to break the elections even when the courts have “The six buses left Ibadan late in Fayose said: “Ekiti APC is raisinglaw. That is why we are embark- ruled against such deployment. the evening and arrived Afao-Ekiti unnecessary alarm because thereing on this peaceful protest,” at exactly 9.15pm and the men are no soldiers being kept at AfaoOlayinka said. The APC spokesman said the disembarked in front of the as the party alleged. party had earlier raised the alarm governor’s house. Folarin woos kinsmen over the sewing of fake military “Election has not come; we have uniforms for thugs to impersonate “What gave them away was the about 34 days to the election. What From Jeremiah Oke, Ibadan security personnel to enable them discovery of Army uniforms in their will that number of soldiers be do- rig elections. bags when they opened their bags ing in Ekiti? Beside that, only MrT HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to buy hot drinks and akara from road President can deploy military to in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, has called on his relatives in He said: “Last night’s importation hawkers inside bumps at Ikire.” provide security during election.” Ojagbo, Ibadan North-East Local Government Area to vote for him. of young men in six 18-seater buses He urged his people not to allow the opportunity offered by his candi-dature to slip away. Folarin, who made the appeal when he visited his family home, said it Robbery suspect killed in Ondowas the turn of the people of the area to rule. The former Senate leader promised not to disappoint them, adding that T HE police in Ondo State have From Leke Akeredolu, Akure “I want to implore the public that killed a robbery suspect in “Fortunately, the woman called they should endeavour to avail usthey should see the project as a collective one. Oba-Ile Estate, Akure, the the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) with the information that we need. He said: “You have all vowed to vote for your kinsman in the coming state capital. in Oba-Ile, who mobilised the of- ficers. The officers arrived at the “We have given out our phoneelections and I hope you won’t betray us. I pray we don’t betray ourselves. Police spokesman Wole Ogodo scene and there was an exchange of numbers to the public. We are soI want to appeal to you to also support all the PDP candidates, including said: “The robbers invaded a gunfire. happy that the victim had the DPO’sPresident Goodluck Jonathan. woman’s house at 3:30 am at Oke- “Unfortunately for the robbers, phone numbers and that is why the Ala in Oba-Ile Estate. one of them was killed and the oth- relationship between the commu- “Let me remind you that all we are looking for now is the governor ers escaped with injuries. nity and the police is very impor-from here. When I was in the Senate, I facilitated many projects and empow- “The three-man gang tied up the tant.”ered many youths. But if you support me, I will not deny you your entitle- guard and pulled down thement. Our party will ensure rapid development throughout the state.” windows of the house.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 9

10 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014NEWS‘Stop moneypolitics’T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has con-demned President GoodluckJonathan’s “open display ofbrazen impunity and financialrecklessness” during his five-day visit to the state last week.In a statement by its Public-ity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, theparty said what happened inLagos during the President’svisit was a shameful bazaarunprecedented in the nation’shistory.“Never in the history of thiscountry has a President dis-played this kind of despera-tion and financial irresponsi-bility in a country that lacksbasic infrastructure and com-mon indices of human devel-opment. It is now clear to Ni-gerians why the PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) and •From left: Mr Tajudeen Ojora, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, APC vice-presidential candidate, Prof YemiPresident Jonathan postponed Osinbajo, Prince Rabiu Oluwa and and Chief Funsho Ologunde at an interactive Town Hall meeting in Ajegunlethe general elections. We’ll prioritise rescue of Chibok FuelscarcityinEkiti “President Jonathan may From Odunayo Ogunmola,have come to Lagos and gone Ado-Ekitibut his visit left a sour taste ofhow the exalted office was FUEL scarcity has resur-debased, decimated and ridi- THE All Progressives girls, says APC “That is not true, that is not faced in many parts ofculed further in the name of Congress (APC) the problem. The problem is Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti Stateplaying money politics. yesterday said it would corruption and theft of capital. Many filling stations resources. refused to sell the product to “Lagos APC is yet to see how prioritise the rescue of the From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo that troops are well buyers, which made few out-this unprecedented waste of abducted Chibok girls. that the Federal Government equipped.” “Nigeria’s problem is not lets dispensing the commod-public funds across the coun- The APC vice-presidential wanted to win the war against resources but management of ity to be besieged by motor-try will translate to votes on candidate, Prof. Yemi Boko Haram in six weeks what Osinbajo said the biggest resources. We must put in ists, motorcyclists and otherMarch 28 when Nigerians will Osinbajo, spoke yesterday at it was unable to achieve in six problem facing Nigeria is place a responsible consumers.take stock of President the party’s Youth Interactive years. corruption and not dwindling government which will holdJonathan’s six years in office. Town Hall Meeting in Uyo, the oil prices in the international those managing the country’s The queue at the NigeriaThis election is all about giv- Akwa Ibom State capital. His words: “The Federal market. resources accountable. National Petroleum Corpora-ing account of six years of Prof. Osinbajo, who spoke Government claimed it had tion (NNPC) Mega Station onstewardship, and nothing on some issues affecting the spent N4.3trillion on He added that the problem “When the former Central Iworoko Road was the long-more.” country, said the Federal equipment yet many of the facing the country was not re- Bank of Nigeria (CBN) est in the city as hundreds of Government had not lived up soldiers are still complaining sources but lack of good man- Governor Sanusi Lamido said vehicles parked to buy the to its responsibility of of not having enough agement. N20billion was missing, he commodity.‘Stop wasting ensuring the freedom of the equipment to fight Boko was removed from office.our money on abducted Chibok girls. Haram. The problem is not The APC candidate said: Many of the consumers whoJonathan’ He said the Federal with the Nigerian Army but “The level of corruption in “Another former CBN spoke with our reporter la- Government claimed it spent that of the government that Nigeria is too much. There is governor Prof Charles Soludo, mented that the situation has N4.3trillion on equipping the has not lived up to its respon- no country that can survive not only confirmed the affected their businesses.From Damisi Ojo, Akure military yet many of the sol- sibility. under the current rate of missing money, but updated stealing. the figure to N30trillion. An oil magnate, AlhajiTHE All Progressives diers still complain of not hav- “We have to hold this Sulaimon Akinbami, said the Congress (APC) in Ondo ing enough equipment to government responsible for “The value of the stolen “When oil price was $38 per development was caused by State yesterday said the fight the insurgency. all that happened all these barrels of oil is almost barrel, Nigeria had an exter- an increase in the price of fuel According to him, the busi- years. President Goodluck N3.1trillion a year. The nal reserve of $62billion. For from the depot.essence of the last National ness of protecting life and Jonathan ignored the Chibok Federal Government has five years when oil prices hov-Conference was to boost girls for three weeks after they confirmed that over 400,000 ered from $100 to $168 per bar- “This increment had af-President Goodluck property should be the duty were taken away. At some barrels of oil are stolen daily. rel, the country’s external re- fected the dealer’s profit and of the government, saying any point, he said nobody was serve dropped to $32billion. it doesn’t pay us,” he said.Jonathan’s re-election bid. government that failed in that kidnapped. “Nigeria‘s problem, as youA statement by the party’s know, is not lack of resources. “The abnormality resulted A motorist, Timothy Ajayi,Publicity Secretary, Abayomi aspect should not seek re-elec- “For us in the APC, we will The government of today has in the weakening of the who queued for fuel at NNPC tion. prioritise the rescue of the tried to give the impression country’s currency, which Mega Station on IworokoAdesanya, said the post- Chibok girls. We will ensure that the problem is falling oil stands at N220 per dollar.” Road, said he had been on prices, which is now below queue for over two hours.conference summit held for Prof. Osinbajo reasoned $50 per barrel. PCRC bossYoruba delegates in Akure Southsouth residents endorse backs polls shiftwas a jamboree and a waste ofresources. By Kunle Akinrinade The statement said: “Themeeting was uncalled for SOUTHSOUTH residents Buhari, Ambode T HE National Organisingwhen the conference report is in Lagos State have en- Secretary of the Policestill a tall dream months after dorsed the presidential Community Rela-its convocation. candidate of the All By Musa Odoshimokhe and Buhari’s followers are not tions Committee Nigeria, Progressives Congress Paul Oluwakoya good, let us wait and give him Austen Yong, has taken a “No wonder, numerous (APC), Gen Muhammadu a chance. It is the head that swipe at those calling onmajor political figures from Buhari. don’t need a microscope to see will drive the rest of the body. President Goodluck Jonathanthe Southwest region were At a briefing yesterday in through him. He has shown He is the one who will be in to sign an undertaking that theabsent during the summit. Lagos, their spokesman, integrity and discipline. This charge of appointments.” 2015 elections will not be Otunba Isaac Emiyede, said is a man who retired as head postponed again and his ten- “Our concern is not the out- Buhari was a tested and of state and has no building Emiyede said the situation ure elongated.come of the conference, but to trusted leader who would in Abuja or Lagos. He has had made the common manurge Governor Mimiko move the country forward, only a storey-building in on the street to lose hope, Yong, who spoke to re-against spending our money noting that their kinsman, Kaduna. He does not give out while a few rich people were porters in Lagos, said: “Wason campaigns for the re- President Goodluck money to people or encour- smiling to the banks every- it the President who shiftedelection of President Jonathan, had disappointed age bribery. day. the elections? Did the Na-Goodluck Jonathan in the Nigerians. •Buhari tional Council of State not askname of conference. “So, you know he is not “In 2007, Jonathan and the INEC chairman to make He said what was corrupt. He has given a sign former President Umaru ernorship candidate further consultations with “Those in attendance were of where he is going. He is Yar’Adua met 3,000 mega- Akinwunmi Ambode on April Nigerians on the feasibility ofmostly members of the happening in the country incorruptible. When the head watts (MW) on ground. Last 11, saying with over 1.6 million conducting the election?Peoples Democratic Party today is not about sentiment is good, the body will be year, we were producing(PDP), including factional or region, but about the ability good. But when the head is only 3,450 MW after spend- Southsouth people in Lagos “The polls shift was the bestleaders of Afenifere, who re- rotten, the body cannot be ing more than $50 billion. That over 80 per cent of the people for Nigeria because it savedcently endorsed the to deliver electoral promises. good. So, if they say Gen. is trillions of naira. So, Jonathan would vote APC. INEC from monumental em-President.” “General Buhari has shown and Yar’Adua combined could barrassment, evidently, it was leadership by example. We “There are over 1.6million not prepared. South/South indigenes in only produce 450 megawatts of Lagos. We are very mindful of “Security is a collective re- Lagos begins schools’ census electricity. Can we continue the laudable achievements of sponsibility. The Army and with this system? security agencies did not cre-L AGOS State Commissioner for Educa- “The Peoples Democratic APC administration in the state. ate Boko Haram and the in- tion Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye has dependable and usable data for multi-sectoral Party (PDP) never knew that “The APC led administration surgency cannot stop without urged administrators and head teach- planning. there will be a time as this in has been enrolling our children the people’s cooperation; if into schools without discrimi- based on security report the “I appeal to our administrators and head- Nigeria, when Nigerians will poll was shifted you do not teachers to be available to attend to the enu- be asking for change, not be- turn round to blame securityers of public and private schools to cooperate merators; make all records available, includ- cause of the APC but because nation. Providing vacation jobs agencies.”with enumerators as the government begins ing statutory records, administrative records they are tired of what is going for our children, reduced landthe 2014/2015 Annual School Census (ASC). and teaching records, among others; provide on. No matter the lies you tell, charges. access for the enumeration facilities, equipment Nigerians just want change.” “The change is going to hap- Mrs. Oladunjoye gave the advice yesterday and on- the- spot headcount of staff and pupils; pen in Abuja but Lagos willat the launch of the ASC Sensitisation create adequate time for the enumerators’ visit; He said the Southsouth continue the way it is becauseProgramme for stakeholders in the education and volunteer correct and faithful information.” would vote for the APC’s gov- it’s better than most states insector. Nigeria.” She said the ASC would generate credible,

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 11 BUSINESSTHE NATION What does corporate govern- ance do? It ensures that you E-mail:- [email protected] have set up a structure and a culture within the institution that can drive the business in line with given rules. That’s what corporate governance does. -Seplat Petroleum Managing Director Mr Austin AvuruExporters protest FEC okays $400m foreign loans for Investments inCBN policy Lagos, Rivers, Osun, Ogun, others power sector hiton FOREX N300b THE Federal Executive • $1.5b Dev Bank of Nigeria the President’s anticipatory By Daniel Essiet Council (FEC) yester approval to obtain additional From John Ofikhenua, day approved over From Augustine Ehikioya, (IStisna’a) - to finance water $140million credit from the in- AbujaTHE Central Bank of $400 million infrastrutural Abuja supply and sanitation projects. ternational Development As- Nigeria(CBN)has projects in Lagos, Rivers, sociation for the community THE Director-General, been urged to ease for- Osun and Ogun states. opment Fund (ADF) credit of Other loans approved by and social development project Bureau of Public Entereign currency controls on $5million to support Urban the FEC, according to being implemented in the 36 prises (BPE), Mr.how agro exporters should The Minister of State for Water Sector Reform Project to Yuguda, include the Multi- states and the Federal Capital Benjamin Ezra Dikki, hasuse their foreign earnings Finance, Bashir Yuguda, and provide sustainable access to Donor credits from the In- Territory (FCT). said over N300billion has soto encourage more Nigeri- Minister of Aviation, Osita safe drinking water and sani- ternational Bank for Recon- far been injected into theans to go into the business. Chidoka, broke the news to tation to the residents of the struction and Development “There was also the ratifi- power sector by investors State House correspondents city. of World Bank, Africa De- cation of the President’s an- since the take-over, one and The CBN had introduced at the end of FEC meeting velopment Bank, Germany ticipatory approval to obtain half years ago.some measures to strengthen chaired by Vice-President He said Ogun State would and French Development $70 million credit facility,foreign currency controls in Namadi Sambo. obtain $33.174million credit Agency, are $500 million, associated grants of $15mil- Dikki, who made thiswhat has been described as a from the French Development $450 million, $200 million lion and $0.48 million in known when he featured ondesperate attempt to shore Lagos will obtain $100 mil- Agency for the Ogun State Wa- and $130 million. support of the climate Nigeria Television Authori-up the struggling local cur- lion loan from the French De- ter supply project to increase change adaptation and ty’s (NTA) live programme—rency. velopment Agency in support the coverage, continuity and “The loans total about agribusiness support pro- Good Morning Nigeria, accord- of the Lagos Integrated Urban quality of service in the state $1.45billion and is for the es- gramme from International ing to a statement from the Part of this was that agro Development Project (Eko- capital, increase the financial tablishment of the proposed Fund for Agricultural Devel- BPE yesterday, pointed outexporters would sell their UP), to improve the living con- viability of existing water util- Development Bank of Ni- opment. The programme is that the investment was forproceeds to banks upon re- ditions of the most vulnerable ity through increase in rev- geria,” he said to be implemented in Borno, upgrade of power infrastruc-patriation of foreign earn- urban population of metro- enue collection, providing fi- Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, ture which had become ob-ings. politan Lagos, improve man- nancing to rehabilitate and He said a $70 million loan Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara solete over the decades, not- agement and treatment of solid build infrastructure needed to from the International Devel- states for six years,” he ing that new technologies The other issue is that ex- waste, strengthen the capacity increase access to water sup- opment Association was ap- added. are evolving.porters cannot use their pro- of Lagos State and implement ply services in the state capi- proved by the Council for theceedings to finance non- urban development projects in tal. proposed Africa Higher edu- He however dismissed re- He appealed to Nigerianstransactions and that they the state. cation Centre of Excellence porters’ curiosity over the to be patient with the evolv-can only sell their foreign For Osun State, the Minister project, which is meant to build loans to states controlled by ing electric market in theexchange to banks. Rivers State, he said, would said that FEC approved an Is- on the efforts made under the the opposition All country as the gains in the get African Development Bank lamic Development Bank Loan previous World Bank Assisted Progressives Congress (APC) sector would not manifest The President, National (AfDB) $200 million loan for of $65 million - under the science and technology educa- so close to the general elec- overnight.Cashew Association of Ni- the proposed Port Harcourt Manufacturing/Financing tion school projects. tions, adding that the gesturegeria (NCAN), Mr. Tola water supply and sanitation should not be seen as Greek The director-general ex-Faseru, said the measures project and an African Devel- He also said FEC approved gifts. plained that unlike reformslimiting exporters’ access to in other sectors whichforeign exchange and re- • From left: Commissioner, Legal Licensing And Enforcement, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr brought immediate results,stricted local transactions to Stephen Azinge; Vice Chairman, Mr Muhammed Bello and Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi, at the NERC Electricity Consumer the power sector reform re-the banks would not help Forum in Abuja...yesterday. quires time as investmentthe industry as inflows from in the sector is capital inten-foreign exchange deposits Manufacturers threaten shutdown over sive.would dwindle due to theunwillingness of exporters For instance, he said powerto transfer their proceeds. equipment, such as turbines and other ancillary products, He noted that the directive “cannot be bought off therestricting exporters from shelf. The investors have towithdrawing foreign cur- place orders after which itrency without prior proof will take between three tothat it is meant for exports four months to manufacturewould negate the spirit of the equipment before ship-the liberation of export pro- ment. This takes time. Beforeceeds in 2015. Nigerians will begin see dra- matic changes in the power He explained that it was sector, it will take betweennot fair for the CBN to force two to three years. But al-exporters to repatriate ex- ready, significant impact hasport proceeds and sell to the been made”.banks on the officials whenthe banks will turn back and Citing the Egbin Powersell such to traders on black Plant where the investor in-market rate. vested over N50billion to rehabilitate Line 6 of the While it is important for the plant to generate extra 240bank to take steps to megawatts, the Dikki saidstrengthen the collection and the cumulative effect of therepatriation of export pro- investment is that powerceeds, the President, Federa- supply in Lagos and its en-tion of Agriculture Associa- vironment would betion of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr greatly enhanced for theVictor Iyama, said it was benefit of all consumers.wrong for the CBN to deter-mine how exporters use their He said because of themoney when some of them infrastructural develop-were not using the Export ment by the power inves-Expansion Grant(EEG) to tors, power interruptionsfund their businesses. in the country had reduced to the barest minimumDATA STREAM MANUFACTURERS electricity tariff hike crease and not just a mere in- while over 2, 000 engineers yesterday threat crease but an increase of almost and technicians have beenCOMMODITY PRICES ened to close shop, • Fixed charge increase ‘insensitive’ 44 to 45 per cent is completely employed since takeover. following the increased elec- destructive. In some areas, it isOil $58/barrel tricity charges which impact 100 per cent. The DG regretted that for heavily on their production. over 16 years as a publicCocoa $2,686.35/metric ton From John Ofikhenua, Abuja NERC to jack up fixed charge “It is like nobody is actually monopoly, Power Holding The Nigerian Electricity rupt the expected success of the from N702.11 to N123, 321 for thinking about the progress Company of NigeriaCoffee ¢132.70/pound Regulatory Commission Federal Government’s indus- Abuja distribution network, of industries in the country. (PHCN) neither employed (NERC) recently reviewed trial revolution policy, adding N750 to N155, 923 for Benin and You do not just wake up from nor brought in new invest-Cotton ¢95.17pound upward the Multi Year Tar- that fixed charges by the dis- N781.13 to N226,797 for nowhere and begin to disrupt ments into the sector. iff Order (MYTO 2.) tribution firms had risen as- Kaduna as an attempt to de- a long term plan. In the MYTO,Gold $1,396.9/troy tronomically in the new struc- stroy the manufacturing sector it was not mentioned that the On complaints of non- The manufacturers at a ture. and throw people out of work. five-year plan, which started availability of electric me-Sugar $163/lb meeting in Abuja yesterday on the 1st of June 2012, was ters to consumers, the told NERC that the new tar- The Ikeja Branch Coordina- He further explained that a going to be distorted at any Dikki attributed it to the RATES iff is not acceptable to them tor of Steel Manufacturers comparative analysis of the time,” Okojie said. complex technology used because of the parameters Group of the Manufacturers cost of energy in Nigeria and in producing Smart MetersInflation 8% used in computing it. Association of Nigeria other countries showed that He added: “The explana- which are being used the (MAN), Felix Okojie, said the Nigerian business pays the tion that they have the right world over.Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Energy and fixed charges commission must revert to the highest in the world. to adjust it any time is com- for factories and businesses old MYTO, which took effect pletely new to us. Maybe that He said the new SmartMaximum lending 30% in the MYTO 2.1, they said, from June 2012 and had a five “The MYTO 2012 to 2017, is internal administrative Meters have information are the highest in the world, years life span to run. which was supposed to oper- thing but even if they would on the consumer, level ofPrime lending 15.87% thereby making it unsustain- ate for five years, constituted have that, since we are the power input and other sta- able to run businesses in Ni- Okojie cited the decision of our long-term planning. So, major stakeholders, they tistics germane to the elec-Savings rate 3% geria. coming at the middle to in- should carry us along.’’ tricity market.91-day NTB 15% They noted that could inter-Time Deposit 5.49%MPR 13%Foreign Reserve $34.5b

12 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 13

14 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 THE NATIONBUSINESSINDUSTRY [email protected] Central Bank of •Bello •Kuteyi •CBN Governor Godwin EmefieleNigeria’s closure of theRetail Dutch AuctionSystem (RDAS) windowas part of measures torescue the naira andpreserve foreign reservesmay hurt manufacturers,particularly those withhigh foreign exchange(forex) exposure.CHIKODIOKEREOCHA andOKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE report.Real sector’s thorny road to Forex marketIT was an intervention to halt the slid- sure, would incur loss consequence upon bank foreign exchange market, while it were concerns about the lack of level ing value of the naira and preserve the depreciation of the naira over the last would continue to intervene in the IFEX playing field in the management of the foreign reserves. But, there are indica- couple of months and the eventual clo- market to meet genuine and legitimate de- RDAS window. In the light of all these,tions that the Central Bank of Nigeria sure of the RDAS window. mands. it is difficult to fault the decision of the(CBN) policy, which scrapped the Retail CBN to close the RDAS window,” heDutch Auction System (RDAS), leaving “This is a major challenge currently be- Managing Director of Financial Deriva- said.the interbank foreign exchange (IFEX) ing faced by many real sector operators, tives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarckmarket as the only official foreign especially the medium and large firms. Rewane, said with the policy, the CBN Bello, however, said a combination ofexchange (forex) market, would leave the Exchange rate induced loses could trig- has converged the market and rates into monetary and fiscal measures will needreal sector operators in the cold. ger a new wave of non-performing loans interbank and parallel markets, which to be deployed to mitigate the pressure in the banking system and this has im- leads to pure competition reduced arbi- the policy would have on the affected The intervention became necessary be- plications for financial system stability,” trage opportunity. According to him, the firms and save them from going under.cause of the huge gap between the rates Bello pointed out. RDAS structure meant buyers get FOREX The Chamber, he said, proposed a num-at the CBN official exchange market and in official market at N215 to the dollar, ber of measures to cushion the effects ofthe interbank market, a development said Managing Director, Spectra Foods Lim- leaving a profit margin of N47 on every the policy on investors with high for-to be fuelling the current speculative ac- ited, Mr. Duro Kuteyi, is also worried. To dollar for doing nothing. He said one of eign exchange exposure. One of the mea-tivities in the forex market. However, him, the new policy regime will affect the advantages of the new regime is that sures is that the CBN should urgentlymanufacturers, who depend heavily on manufacturers, who are exposed to the it discontinues the practice of the banks provide a refinancing facility as lifelineimported raw materials for production, importation of raw materials and machin- mobilising their naira and queuing up to for investors in the economy, whichare worried over the policy’s unintended ery. The industrialist said local manufac- purchase dollars. have high foreign exchange exposure.consequences. Some of them with high turers are faced with a lot of challenges “The sustainability of this class of busi-FOREX exposure are worried that the even before now and adding these to the Members of LCCI agree with him, not- nesses is currently at risk. We recom-policy would impact their businesses hostile environment where they operate ing that the policy was desirable to mend a minimum refinancing facilitynegatively. amount to overkill. He expressed fears some extent. Bello, for instance, said of N200 billion to be provided at single that if the situation is not properly man- given the record disparity between the digit interest rate and a 15-year tenure,” For members of Lagos Chamber of Com- aged it may force some companies to CBN RDAS FOREX window; the inter- LCCI said.merce and Industry (LCCI), the policy, for down-size or close shop. bank and the parallel market rates, itinstance, is a mixed bag. “This policy was clear that the RDAS FOREX win- The Chamber also proposed that allmeasure has its merits and downsides,” In scrapping the RDAS, the CBN, in a dow was not sustainable. “The CBN critical raw materials and other im-LCCI President Alhaji Remi Bello said. statement by its Director, Corporate Com- could obviously not meet the huge de- ported inputs of manufacturing firmsHe noted that following the revision of munications Department, Ibrahim mand for FOREX under the RDAS win- should henceforth, attract zero importthe guidelines and the exclusion of some Mu’azu, said: “The Bank has observed a dow. In spite of repeated assurances, duty. They include all machineries andtransactions, the forex window was tar- widening margin between the rates in the many genuine requests for FOREX for equipment, while port charges shouldgeted at providing support for the real interbank and the RDAS window, thus industrial raw materials and other vi- be waived for raw materials importa-sector of the economy because of its stra- engendering undesirable practices in- tal inputs were denied by the CBN. For- tion and machineries. According totegic importance to development, job cre- cluding round-tripping, speculative de- eign financial obligations could also not LCCI, all these are necessary to mini-ation and inclusive growth. mand, rent-seeking, spurious demand, be met by many firms as remittances mize dislocations in the economy and and inefficient use of scarce foreign ex- were affected. This resulted in serious ensure the continued survival of the Bello lamented that real sector opera- change resources by economic agents. confidence issues among foreign credi- real sector.tors are therefore, the first victims of the This has continued to put pressure on the tors of Nigerian companies with someclosure, particularly the few that had ac- nation’s foreign exchange reserves with credit lines to Nigeria companies being These mitigating measures, LCCI said,cess to this window. no visible economic benefits to the pro- put on hold,” the operators said. have become necessary, considering the ductive sector of the economy and the fact that many real sector investors are He said the policy has some immediate general public.” Bello further pointed out that the huge faced with numerous investment cli-implications for the real sector. Accord- premium of over 20 per cent was a ma- mate challenges including high cost ofing to him, it would, among others, result The CBN, therefore, said the closure of jor incentive for round tripping, corrupt fund, competition from unbridled smug-in the escalation of production cost for the official window was to avert the emer- practices in FOREX management, gling and dumping of finished goods,firms that had access to this FOREX win- gence of a multiple exchange rate regime speculative activities in the foreign ex- counterfeiting and faking. Besides, in-dow. and preserve the country’s foreign ex- change market and many other abuses. vestors are saddled with high energy change reserves. The apex bank said It was also a major source of uncertainty cost including electricity tariffs, high “Such firms will experience cost in- henceforth, all demands for foreign ex- and volatility in the market. “There cost of regulatory compliance and highcreases of up to 20 per cent. This would change should be channeled to the inter- transaction costs at the ports.impact on sales performance, profit mar-gins and ultimately capacity utilisation ‘The Bank has observed a widening margin The Economic Community of West Af-of their firms,” he said, adding that im- rican States (ECOWAS) Common Exter-port duty and other port charges, which between the rates in the interbank and the nal Tariff (CET), the Chamber said, wouldare computed as a percentage of import RDAS window, thus engendering undesirable soon come into force and create new com-costs, will increase correspondingly. petition challenges for domestic firms. practices including round-tripping, specula- The CET, when implemented, will allow The LCCI chief argued that the policy goods from any other parts of West Af-implied additional pressure on operat- tive demand, rent-seeking, spurious demand, rica into Nigeria without tax imposition,ing costs for erstwhile beneficiaries of the and inefficient use of scarce foreign exchange import duty or levy. The fear is that thisCBN RDAS FOREX window. He said would throw the nation’s borders openfirms’ funding requirements (in naira) resources by economic agents’ to influx of goods from within the Westwill increase to reflect the new exchange African region thus, exposing local in-rate, which has implications for cost of dustries and products to unequal com-funds. He also noted that because of the petition.policy, many firms, especially manufac-turers with high foreign exchange expo-

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 15 COMMENTARY EDITORIALS LETTER Re: Muck raking in Abia politicsNegotiate with them S IR: The article written by one Emma•Police authorities can only worsen the situation by resorting to arm-twisting of police- Ogbuehi in The Nation of Wednesday Feb- men who have served strike notice ruary 25, titled “Muck raking in Abia poli- tics” is an effort in futility by the writer who wasT HE Inspector-General of Police dition of living in the barracks, wel- that civil matters usually handled in so biased in his jaundiced analysis. (IGP), Mr. Sulaiman Abba, is- fare system and prompt payment of the police stations could not be han- sued a gratuitous threat to his salaries and allowances. dled by any other persons. We urge He said that “Bullies are cowards” but by read-fellow officers who want to embark on the IGP to learn from that experience ing his treatise one could not but come to conclu-industrial action. The IGP ought to Last year, widows of policemen and and engage the men in dialogue sion that the writer was a bully, hence the arch-have responded to the allegation that soldiers felled in battles against the forthwith. coward. In his first paragraph, he extolled his pay-the authorities have failed to live up Boko Haram insurgents in the north- masters assumed to be Alex Otti and demonizedto their duty to the law enforcement east and a Nasarawa local militia em- It also bears pointing out that sal- Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (PhD), the flagbearer of theofficers. The men, mainly those who barked on street protests to call atten- ary and emoluments of workers are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State.were promoted from the ranks of ser- tion to their neglect. In response, the covered in the budget. Why then didgeant to inspectors and others elevated IGP visited Nasarawa where he prom- the police fail to pay as and when When Ikpeazu was transparently elected in thefrom inspectors to assistant superin- ised to facilitate payment of the ben- due? The IGP should realise that this December 8, 2014 PDP primaries, there was ho-tendent of police (ASP) were said to efits to the slain officers’ next-of-kin. is an election period when the serv- sanna in the highest from far and near, praisinghave kicked against promotions that While we commended the IGP for ices of the Police Force would be re- his emergence as the party’s preferred choice. Thebrought no financial benefits to them. moving to the scene and meeting with quired all over the country to safe- election was never manipulated or marred by ir- the women, we had called for a trans- guard men and materials involved in regularities. Beyond the 10,000 men directly af- parent and functional payment system the exercise.fected by the non-payment, others are in the Police Force. But in the oppositions’ bid to continue to mis-said to be spoiling for a fight if only to The Nigerian state has a responsi- lead the public, Ogbuehi in his animosity againstunderscore the demands for better con- We restate that position that, rather bility to all citizens, to promote their the government of Abia State and Ikpeazu wrote than talk tough at the men and cite welfare and security and, to ensure that the election was flawed. Flawed by who?‘Rather than talk tough at the rules forbidding policemen from con- this, it must directly and particularlymen and cite rules forbidding stituting themselves into unions or cater to the wellbeing of law enforce- It is only in Abia State that I’ve seen the opposi-policemen from constituting embarking on strike, the police au- ment officers. Over the years, the po- tion use foul languages and send their targets tothemselves into unions or thorities should demonstrate good licemen have been poorly kitted for prison before even the persons are pronouncedembarking on strike, the po- faith by ensuring that all payments the task assigned them. This has made guilty by a competent court. Assuming the elec-lice authorities should dem- due to those called out to curb crimes them soft targets of rampaging crimi- tion was flawed, it is the business of a court ofonstrate good faith by ensur- in the society are remitted without nals. This is hardly a template for a competent jurisdiction to make the announcementing that all payments due to delay. It is a right, not a privilege. motivated force. Rather than talk back and not the likes of Ogbuehi.those called out to curb at the angry men, the Inspector-Gen-crimes in the society are re- The rank and file of the force had em- eral should undertake to balance the There has never been any fear in the Govern-mitted without delay. It is a barked on a similar strike during the rights of his men against their respon- ment House, Umuahia for the election. Butright, not a privilege’ Obasanjo administration. All threats sibilities. Only then could the image Ogbuehi who was out to misinform the masses failed to prevent the strike that exposed of the Police Force improve and the wrote that there was. And I ask, fear for what? It is the society to a free reign of the men of men genuinely encouraged to lay obvious that Ikpeazu stands tall among the con- the underworld in February 2006. down their lives for a caring society. tenders in the election and has nothing to be afraid. Eventually, the Obasanjo government had to order the release of funds to the Another strike by the Police Force My joy is that he was not anointed by anybody police authorities to settle the commit- at this point could only further com- and is not a stooge to anybody or group. The in- ments. That was after drafting of sol- plicate matters in a tension-soaked thing is that he belongs to the party in which the diers proved inadequate in ensuring country. It can and must be prevented. ruling government also belongs to.Electricity consumers groan The government of Governor Theodore Orji has accomplished its electioneering campaign prom-•In spite of all the vaunted reforms, darkness and inefficiency assail the average Nigerian ises and has never operated a faulty leadership. It is obvious that Ogbuehi is not abreast with theIF there is any area where the Fed- sumers from January 1, 2015, it will tricity they did not consume. realities on ground in the state. eral Government has consistently not affect residential consumers un- But even more wicked is the unac- failed the nation, it is in the sup- til after June 2015”. Ogbuehi praised the Alex Otti, the state gover-ply of electricity. To Nigerians, adults ceptable charge for consumers, irre- norship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alli-and children alike, darkness is the However, Dr. Amadi’s statement has spective of whether or not they use ance (APGA), that he said the election would notorder of the day; it is what they all been debunked by consumers who electricity for months! This is to say be a tea party. Perhaps, Ogbuehi was too emo-have grown up with. Indeed, electric- saw it as deceitful. For example, the people should not be made to pay tional than judgmental.ity problem in Nigeria has gone be- consumers in Lagos and Ogun states additional charge as “ground rent”yond words and complaints. have claimed that they were served other than the amount of electricity In an article that was titled, “Alex Otti: Change higher bills for January this year com- consumed, as it has been the ugly or Deceit?” one notable Abia son, said that he has A major issue at stake now is the pared to what they got in December practice by the electricity companies. been hammering on some fundamental flaws ofproblem of consumers paying for elec- 2014. One consumer actually said that We are not happy that all this is go- Otti’s candidacy and no one is serving us the coun-tricity that is never supplied. We call she was billed N 6,300 in January 2015 ing on in spite of the fact that the ter, instead they are screaming to deafen them-this a cruel rip-off. A newspaper re- compared to N 4,200 she paid in De- government keeps on giving the new selves from the truth and some are even bored.ported that electricity consumers in cember 2014. This has led to the ugly companies money even after sellingparts of Lagos and Ogun states, for ex- situation where aggrieved customers the Power Holding Company of Ni- “Manipulation, deception, inequity, arrogance,ample, have complained that the claim threatened to beat up one of the work- geria (PHCN) to them. We insist that abuse of due process are all Alex Otti has exhib-of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory ers of the distribution company in NERC should ensure that Nigerians ited and that is not ‘change’ in any way. His careerCommission (NERC) that it had fro- charge of the area. are not forced to pay for services not is not enough atonement for these very funda-zen tariffs for residential consumers rendered to them; such an act is mental flaws and breaches...we must stand firmfor six months was “fraudulent and It is unfortunate that NERC has no borne out of corrupt practices for on the truth at this time...” the writer had said.deceitful”. answers to the consumers’ com- which the nation has become noto- plaints. It is also unfortunate that the rious. The conscience will remain an open wound that The consumers cried out amidst ris- NERC has not fulfilled its promise of only truth can heal..., said the Abia son. Otti caning bills being distributed to them by frozen tariffs for residential consum- ‘It is unfortunate that NERC never ride on deception to victory! In his bid tothe power distributing companies in ers. Most unfortunate is the fact that has no answers to the con- hang on to his deception, he chose an Ohafia womanspite of reduction in electricity sup- there is no justification for the rise in sumers’ complaints. It is also as deputy. Arochukwu-Ohafia used to be one lo-ply that has constantly put many tariff, especially when it is not based unfortunate that the NERC cal government...By so doing, he has desecratedhomes in darkness. Yet the revised on an improvement in electricity sup- has not fulfilled its promise APGA, deceived and manipulated our collectivemulti-year tariff order 2.1 as approved ply. It is obvious that the new elec- of frozen tariffs for residen- sensibilities...by NERC came into force on January tricity companies have not gotten tial consumers. Most unfor-1, 2015. over their inherited challenges, espe- tunate is the fact that there is • Madubuko Hart, cially with the problem of gas and no justification for the rise in Lagos A major highlight of this tariff or- other related issues. tariff, especially when it isder provided a six-month freeze on not based on an improvement TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOMtariff increase for residential consum- Moreover, the new companies ap- in electricity supply’ers (R2) who made up about 80 per- pear to be following the greedy foot- Managing Director/Editor-in-Chiefcent of the country’s electricity con- path of the old companies by dishingsumers. This means, as the Chairman out indiscriminate and crazy bills as Victor Ifijehof NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, said, “the a way of making more money thancommission has not increased the tar- they should get from consumers. This • Editor •Executive Directoriff for residential consumers”. Accord- is where prepaid meters are necessary Gbenga Omotoso (Finance & Administration)ing to him, “while the scheduled in- to curb the cheating of consumers Ade Odunewucrease will apply to other cases of con- who are deliberately billed for elec- •Chairman, Editorial Board • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Sam Omatseye Soji Omotunde •General Editor •General Manager (Abuja Press) Adekunle Ade-Adeleye Kehinde Olowu •Editor, Online •AGM (PH Press) Lekan Otufodunrin Tunde Olasogba •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor •Advert Manager Lawal Ogienagbon Robinson Osirike •Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Adeniyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Udensi Chikaodi Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel •Group Business Editor John Unachukwu Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) •Group Sports Editor Folake Adeoye Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor •Acting Manager (sales) Sanya Oni Olaribigbe Bello

16 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 CARTOON & LETTERSSIR: Nigeria’s Presidential EDITOR’S MAIL BAG with the Jonathan administration! election campaigns are get- I think ting murkier and murkier by SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF that President Goodluck Jonathanthe day and indeed disappointingly NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. has an image problem; a seriouspersonal and vain. There is too credibility problem. Many Nigeri-much mudslinging and little or no E-mail: [email protected] ans doubt his sincerity and com-enlightenment. Currently, loud and mitment to the wellbeing of themischievous questions are being On qualification for national leadership Nigerian state and itsraised by the ruling party and its citizenry. People ask: what hap-agents about Buhari’s qualification pened to the greedy plunderers ofto lead the country. If they are not billions of naira of oursaying that he is too old for the job, argument consider the remarkable started American technological Minister of Power. For a while, our Pension Funds during the life of thisthey are telling us achievement of Lee KuanYew, a achievement by inspiring oratory electricity supply seemed to im-that Buhari cannot possibly be young man in his 30s when he as- which led to the landing of a man prove, but then the same President administration and otherhealthy enough for the task. They sumed the premiership of Singa- suchextremely greedy looters ofeven presume to foretell and pro- pore. Today Singapore is a beacon on the moon and satellite commu- forced the Professor out over a non- the national treasury? When willnounce on the poor man’s longev- of efficiency, growth, discipline and nications which has transformed issue. And the result: all the appar-ity. prosperity. Or the case of General the whole world. ent gains in the Power Nigeria rise above this kind of Suharto of Indonesia whose admin- problem? It is extremely doubtful A brief look world-wide in the istration lifted 100 million of his America’s President Nixon ran sector collapsed. This goes to under- whether such a fundamental change20th and 21st centuries at the success people from stark poverty to rea- one of the most outstanding foreign score the point that to assemble aof leaders tells us that we should sonable levels of income and em- policies in post-World War II US good team is the hallmark of good and reversal of fortunes can mani-not hold any hard and fast views. ployment. . fest under the type of leadership history. But that is partly because leadership. That, to my mind, is the offered by China and Japan post-1945 had a Consider also the impact of an- he brought in a foreign policy guru, stuff great leaders are made of.history of very old people manag- other young man, John F. Kennedy. Henry Kissinger, on board. Without the capacity to identify and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan anding the affairs of these two great In 1961 he galvanized and kick- his team!oriental economies. Mao Zedong Here, President Jonathan stum- appoint reliable and competent • Uchenna Nwankwo,and Chou En-Lai in their mid-to late SIR: Ayo Fayose embodies all bled on a talented engineer, Prof lieutenants, no leader can excel. Andseventies laid the foundation for the key indicators of aggra- Barth Nnaji, and brought him in as this appears to be the real problem Lagostheir successor, Deng Xiao Ping to vated personality meltdownbring one billion people out of pov- - he has cast off all sense of restraint, Fayose is sickerty into self-sufficiency in food he is actuated by an insatiable urge ture. mellowed his vintage. ter?supply and an economy second only to embarrass himself in public, his Yet he has sworn himself to pro- Fayose returned. And he has Has Fayose proposed Ekiti Can-to the United States. utterances run like a surging stream of folly, and he finds delec- nouncing upon the health of his pet been supplying evidence that the cer Diagnostic Center yet? Does he For several decades after World tation in the headshaking attention hate, Citizen Muhammadu Buhari, passage of years has only served have a model of the building sit-War II, Japanese politics restricted that his shameful stunts earn him! and branding the APC Presidential to crystallize his capacity for lei- ting on his desk?the position of prime minister to candidate as sick. surely nuisance. The truth subsiststhose between 75 and 80 years old! So there is possibly no way to in the paradox: the child is the fa- Fayose thinks that cancer has ex-Considering the Japanese economic frame Fayose’s condition nicely. Fayose is not quite a new dis- ther of the man. clusive fondness for oppositionmiracle it wasn’t such a bad idea. No way to make it sound tame and covery. He has always been. His presidential candidates. He needs politically correct. It must be said maiden tenure as Ekiti Governor, He has become the hooligan of to know that Ekiti Government German post-war recovery and as it is: simply and plainly - with- a tenure that had to be abbreviated the hour. Fayose, the relentless House is not free of cancer bearers.prosperity was led and guided by out a touch of varnish. And this is by a very urgent impeachment, stalker, continues to pursue the Among the aides and courtiers intwo old people: KonradAdenauer it: this rascal who insists on mak- was a tragedy. Fayose did not ex- health of a man who is leading a his orbit, we can hit at least a dozenwho became West German Chan- ing sports of his nakedness, this cel in any sphere of governance. normal life and prosecuting a rig- humans who need chemotherapycellor at the age of 73 and his Eco- pretender to the seat of Governor And certainly, he was no healthcare orous campaign. Fayose and his ilk but are walking about in ignorantnomics minister, G. Erhard. of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, is sick. champion. He could only be justly would rather have Buhari incapaci- bliss. credited with doing an excellent tated in the run up to the elections Another 70+ General Charles de Fayose, who the other day, felt job of defining himself as a man so that the Presidential race will We know Fayose wants to winGaulle led French resurgence after compelled to assert his education confused by the habitat of power. be a veritable solo contest for the the gold medal. He wants to bethe war. In Britain three old men by brandishing all the paper quali- He made himself the poster boy of incumbent – a Na Only You Waka decorated the most ardentChurchill, MacMillan and R.A. But- fications he has ever garnered, rascality; of delinquent leadership. Come farce. Jonathan fanatic. But Fayose wouldler managed British recovery from primary school to the poly- He wound up scamming the state be better off focusing his efforts onthrough the 1950s and 1960s. technic, before a televised cam- in the name of a poultry farm. We look at Fayose and wonder mastering the ill health of his own paign rally, is not a medic. Even whether a fraction of his supposed people rather than burn himself In Saudi Arabia the last three his claim to basic literacy is sus- When he launched a bid for his love for health reflects on Ekiti. Has out on a Buhari who can take carekings ascended the throne in their pect because he has proved unable second advent, Fayose affected to he articulated and crafted a univer- of himself comfortably. Fayose70s and 80s and see what transfor- to appreciate a simple reading of have undergone an inward trans- sal healthcare bill, say Fayosecare, needs to know that the number onemation Saudi Arabians have en- the constitution on the count of formation. He called in the posture to expand access to modern day killer disease in his domain is notjoyed in the last 40 years. If you majority in the Nigerian legisla- and self-abasing confessions of a medicine? Has he budgeted for the ominously sounding cancerthink that this achievement is solely remorseful prodigal son seeking to cottage hospitals in communities but ‘ordinary malaria’. And hisdue to oil resources take a look at have the runs of his old residence. where the sick have to choose be- kith and kin could use a Governor’sNigeria and consider what poor use Many people risked a bet on his tween staking their survival on the passion for healthcare.we made of our resources. affectation of repentance. After all, potency of a foul smelling herbal his outcast blackout should have concoction or a bottle of holy wa- • Emmanuel Uchenna Ugwu Looking at the other side of the @emmaugwutheman

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 17 COMMENTSThe African conditionS EVERAL years ago, the late Professor Ali Mazrui whatever is the prevailing political orthodoxies of the moralizing of Julius the famous Kenyan Professor of History and Political present. Science gave the annual Reith lectures on the British Nyerere has been Yambo Ouologuem, an academic from Burkina Faso Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and later published the replaced by lectures as a book with the title the African Condition. In it several years ago wrote a book entitled Bound to Violence he raised several issues about development, among which in which he theorises that the situation in Africa was rampant corruption were the questions of leadership, mobilization of resources, followership, modernization of infrastructure predestined to violence unless our leaders wake up in and free for all and international meddlesomeness to mention a few. time. He has largely been proved right. Of the 54 states in Since that time nothing has changed and yet there has capitalism. been 50 years intervening period between then and now. Africa including the violence prone new state of South Perhaps the biggest of our problems is that of the ‘big Sudan, which one can one point to as on a stable path of Mozambique after man’ syndrome rather than structures in African politics. growth? If the truth must be told there are very few such What really is the problem of Africa? There is a sense of the destruction ennui or of tiredness by the international community about states. With the exception of South Africa with its highly what to do to and for Africa. Almost every development developed First World infrastructure and economy, inflicted by paradigm has been tried without success. We have tried the one party centralised socialist state, we have also tried virtually all states from the Democratic Republic of the Dlakhama’s the interventionist corporations model. These two have Congo down to the Cape of Good Hope are distressed. failed woefully and we are now privatising and selling RENAMO is the national heirloom to private people sometimes under Perhaps one can add, Botswana and Namibia to South shady conditions. Africa. Even South Africa under African rule sometimes beginning to settle manifests the almost universal trait of misrule, corruption We tried the free enterprise capitalist system, at least in down. South Africa Jide places like Kenya, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the and ethnic jingoism characteristic of less materially somehow provides Osuntokun Congo and the Ivory Coast. The result was the same. Short endowed African states north of the Limpopo. of going back to village democracy and monarchical a safety net for tyranny we have tried everything. It reminds me of reading The DRC has been wracked and wrecked by civil war Mozambique. Workers from the wretched country are Kenneth Post’s seminal book, The Price of Liberty a for almost two decades. Yet this is one of the potentially biography of Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu in which he shows allowed into South Africa, even though most times, they African politics as some kind of retrogression to the pre- richest states in the world. There is hardly any solid colonial times of warlordism. Political parties nowadays mineral that is not found in the DRC. The adjoining small are met with hostility and police brutality. Botswana and have no ideology or manifestoes, and where they have them it is merely for decoration because as soon as states of Rwanda and Burundi vegetated in states of Namibia are for now isolated success stories. Even the government is formed nobody ever makes reference to unrestricted genocide for decades until recently when any party platform. Rwanda operates under Paul Kagame, a rather unstable two little kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland present Governance is arbitrary, ad hoc episodic with little rhyme autocracy whose sorrowful end is predictable. Yet the different problems. Swaziland is a study in all that is or reason. A governor in the case of Nigeria wakes up, Hutus and the Tutsis speak the same language. Admitted talks about “empowering” his people, he flies to China to bad in monarchical tyranny. Their young king in his 30s buy hundreds of motorcycles which he distributes to that in terms of physiognomy one may be able to young people for “transport business”. There is no distinguish one from the other, but should this be the already has as many as 30 queens. He marries queens thought about whether the infrastructure can cope with thousands of motorcyclists driving recklessly without any cause for mindless murder?. Uganda is not much better. every year from among virgin girls who are made to gyrate regard for Highway Code. There is no thought of what Their President Museveni has refused to vacate power this does to agricultural development or the environment. after almost 40 years. His argument is like that of Charles before him in the stadium, while he looks on the one Young people are organised as party thugs to molest those who share different political views with votaries of de Gaulle of France who said aprés moi: la deluge. Yet the with sturdy boobs and shapely legs fit for royal sexual work of government is never done. No one is orgies. Yet this is a country with almost half the indispensable. Governments come governments go, the people and the country remain. Uganda in spite of population afflicted with HIV virus and full blown AIDS. Museveni and perhaps because of him has been in a state The king’s wish is the command of the country. With per of siege for almost as many years as Museveni has been in power. The country is ravaged by the so-called Lord’s capita income of about US$300 a year, the young Resistance army led by one murderer called Joseph Koni. monarch spends his country’s resources on cars and in spite of occasional tribal slaughtering between the planes and tolerates no opposition. dominant Kikuyu and the more sophisticated and educated Luo has not manifested the symptoms of a ‘With the exception of South Africa with its highly developed disappearing state. Tanzania has transited from one First World infrastructure and democratic ruler to the other, but even there all the economy, virtually all states from the Democratic Republic of the Congo down to the Cape of Good Hope are distressed. Perhaps one can add, Botswana and Namibia to South Africa’ACIRCUS show was held in Birds of a feather Akure, the Ondo State capi- tal, last week under the guise dumped LP and returned to the Peo- sow. on a nonpartisan basis''. Lawalof a post-National Conference sum- ples Democratic Party (PDP). His They have found a common Sir, those behind the summit Ogienagbonmit. Governor Olusegun Mimiko, defection sounded the death knellthe Southwest Coordinator of of LP not only in his state, but also ground under the Jonathan-for- knew what they were doing. They [email protected] Goodluck Jonathan Cam- nationally. Today, LP is a shell of president project, with Mimiko as used the confab thing to get people SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612paign, convened the summit. With itself as its national chairman, an arrowhead. The post-National Con- like you to attend. It was a partisanMimiko as convener, the agenda of ally of Mimiko, has also left the ference summit in Akure should affair called to drum support for The electorate have the exclusivethe summit with the theme : ''2015 party. have been aptly tagged: The Jonathan in next month's election. right to elect who they want aselections and Yoruba nation'' was Mimiko gang in support of If it was to review the report of the president and one million post-Na-obvious. The governor has never Since his return to PDP, the party Jonathan. Even among the gang, National Conference, why would tional Conference summit of thehidden the fact that he is for has known no rest in Ondo State there was initial discord as Afenifere Jonathan's reelection bid feature kind called by Mimiko cannotJonathan. because of the tussle for power. leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo noted prominently on it? Or was that part Mimiko wants to be the party leader that the invitees were majorly PDP of the recommendations of the con- As vice chairman of the presi- but those he met there are insisting chieftains in the Southwest. He said: fab? Mimiko, who is serving his lastdent's arm of the Nigerian Gover- that he cannot just come in and push “My observation here is that the term as governor, is determined tonors Forum (NGF), Mimiko is pre- them aside. The president and the summit seems to be dominated by get Jonathan reelected and he ispared to do anything for Jonathan party are with Mimiko even though the PDP. This is no PDP show be- prepared to spend time and moneyas long as his own interest is also they are pretending to be for justice cause all the PDP candidates are to realise that goal.protected. Take for instance the and fair play. Mimiko is their man here in the summit. The summitNGF election in which Rivers State and they will do anything to pro- should be more important than a That summit was no summit ofGovernor Rotimi Amaechi beat his tect him, including expelling those PDP affair. If you are convening Yoruba leaders but a political jam-Plateau State counterpart by 19 who may be giving him trouble. something like this in future give boree to achieve his aim of gettingvotes to 16, rather than accept the the impression that we are doing it Jonathan reelected. That, he shouldresult, he led others to challenge the The time is not ripe for that yet know is not a task to be achievedresult. He was only taking a cue because of the coming elections; so by his own set of Yoruba leaders.from President Jonathan, who has everybody must work together forvowed never to work with the president's victory whether or All in God's namechange this fact.Amaechi. not they like one another's face. PASTORS are expected to be god he will win. Who made the revelation? (CAN), and a cleric, Pastor Kallamu Mimiko has so far played his cards on earth. As spiritual fathers, Their answer, of course, will be God. Musa Dikwa, is sticking out his neck As the president's armour bearer, right. He spoke unequivocally for they are held in high esteem not to say it. When he first spoke last week,Mimiko has no qualms when it the postponement of the elections only by their flock, but also by those in But did God ask them to profit from the CAN leadership called him names.comes to protecting his principal's as scheduled for February 14 and power. Pastors, imams and marabouts such prophesy? The scripture says that But at a press briefing in Kaduna oninterest. Until recently, he was the 28, claiming that the Independent et al have flourished under successive salvation is free; so why have our men Tuesday, Dikwa insisted that CAN 'sde facto leader of Labour Party (LP) National Election (INEC) was ill- administrations. For each administra- of God become profiteers? Yes, those leadership collected N7billion from theon which platform he was elected prepared for the exercise because tion, there is a spiritual guardian. Some who serve at the altar must share in Presidency on January 21 and disbursedgovernor. A few months ago, he many eligible voters have not col- go for imams; some opt for pastors and what is offered on the altar, but this is only N3million to each state branch of lected their Permanent Voter Cards yet some prefer marabouts. Their lord- not the case with these men of God. CAN. He did not stop there. 318 DAYS AFTER (PVCs). ship are treated like royalty. They ride They have become the biblical last the best of cars; live in posh houses and days’ prophets, prohesying falsehood He recalled that in 2013 CAN col- ? Having bought time to woo vot- run a fat bank account. They serve not to people for money. When Rivers State lected $50,000 from some Nigerians ers for his candidate, he threw in our Father who art in heaven but the Governor Rotimi Amaechi said a few abroad for Boko Haram victims but WHERE ARE THE the post-National Conference sum- god of money. weeks ago that some pastors have been did not deliver. All what is happen-ABDUCTED CHIBOK mit gambit, bringing Yoruba lead- given N6billion to support Jonathan's ing, he quoted some Yobe and Borno ers from across the Southwest not There is nothing some so-called men reelection bid, some sniggered that it states CAN leader as saying “must be GIRLS? only to jawjaw but also to strategise of God cannot do for money. And there was all politics. As things have now corrected”. Yes, it must be corrected on how Jonathan can win the March seems to be no better time for them to shown, he was not politicking. by bringing all those involved to jus- 28 election. Those at the summit make money than now when the elec- tice and Pastor Dikwa should be ready were Jonathan’s supporters. Many tions are coming. Knowing that Presi- It is for real that money exchanged to help in that regard. of them had fallen out back home dent Goodluck Jonathan desires to re- hands between the Presidency and the with their fellow Yoruba leaders turn to office, these people have be- Christian Association of Nigeria over where the race should stand in come leeches sucking his blood for all this dispensation. The Yoruba, the money they can get all in the name ‘The electorate have the responsibility of electing who which used to unite under a leader, of God. They are telling him sweet sto- they want as president and one million post-National are divided because some people ries. Some may even have told him Conference summit of the kind called by Mimiko cannot want to reap where they did not that it has been revealed to them that change this fact’

18 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 COMMENTSAFENIFERE, the Yoruba political or- Pa Adebanjo, Fasehun, decided to work against Buhari/Osibanjo ganisation made up of about six Yoruba Odumakin and lesson of history victory and the prospect that such a victory revered elders, supported by will for the first time in our nation’s historyFrederick Fasehun and Gani Adams of Oodua supporting Jonathan because of consistency which could have been treated as policy im- allow the main- stream Yoruba political ten-Peoples Congress, endorsed President of the Yoruba people to have this country plementations if President Jonathan was dency to participate in governance of theJonathan for another term of four years after restructured so that it can develop”. He then truly committed to the confab. country. Pa Adebanjo was ready to throwsix years of less-than-inspiring leadership vaguely added “voting Buhari/Osinbajo away the baby with the bath-water.during a summit recently organized by ticket “is a mistake Nigeria cannot afford” In any case, except Pa Adebanjo, FemiOlusegun Mimiko in Akure. They have since because Jonathan is committed to imple- Okunroumu, Yinka Odumakin and Mimiko Playing the Abuja script, Femitried without success to find justification for menting the recommendation of the confab their newly installed Yoruba leader, the Okunrounmu, read a statement purportedlytheir embarrassing action. They have de- report”. He then went on to add: “once Gen- Yoruba know President Jonathan who sub- on behalf of the Yoruba, threatening fire andployed message of fear and hatred and some- eral Muhammadu Buhari becomes President, verted his party constitution in order to be- brimstone if the election date was not shifted.times turning logic on its head, all in attempt the Yoruba people should prepare for another come president and dismissed Obasanjo who No sooner than that was achieved thanto salvage what is left of their hard earned era of setbacks and sufferings.” Lacking in had aided him in the subversion as a ‘motor Mimiko, a master of political intrigue organ-reputation. rhyme and logic, Pa Adebanjo then decided park tout’ when he was reminded of his sol- ized a summit of Yoruba to talk about a dead to drop the magic name: “If we fail to achieve emn undertaking to spend six years, cannot confab report. Jonathan followed up with a Afenifere’s national publicity secretary, in this, I don’t know how Papa Obafemi keep promises. Mimiko who is also on record visit to the West where he allegedly dis-an interview with The Punch last Sunday, told Awolowo will be feeling in his grave.” as having at different periods dumped AD pensed favours and patronage in cash andNigerians that “Leaders of Afenifere and for PDP, PDP for Labour; hobnobbed with kind ranging from dollars and influence toOodua Peoples Congress endorsed Jonathan But I can hazard a guess for our ever coher- Asiwaju Tinubu’s AC to secure his stolen satisfy the heart desires of everyone whobecause he promised to implement the re- ent Pa Adebanjo who, weighed down by his mandate by PDP; and as Labour governor, subscribed to Mimiko’s brand of leadershipport of the Confab”. Asked what he would own contradictions has suddenly become in- he sided with PDP ‘governors without char- which is not only strange to Yoruba peopledo if Jonathan reneged on his promise to coherent. Awo watching from his grave acter’, to publicly proclaim 16 greater than but equally alien to proud Ondo people whoimplement the confab report, he says ‘When would feel betrayed by the pettiness of those 19 following a Nigerian Governors Forum are not known to call a spade by any otherhe met with us in Akure, he told us categori- who swear by his name but who today pro- election lost by President Jonathan’s pre- name other than its name.cally that he would implement the confab mote the likes of Ayo Fayose and Olusegun ferred candidate and who has once again nowreport within the 12 months of his return to Mimiko who behaves like a wife with five dumped the Labour party to become the chief Today in the West, we have the reincarna-office. He gave reasons why he traded in husbands as role models for our children. promoter of Jonathan in Yoruba nation as tion of the forces at play in the First RepublicBuhari whom he worked for during the 2011 part of his strategy to remain relevant after - men who operate without scruples and whoelection for Jonathan: “The characters around Both Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Olusegun his second term in office. He is a leader who while advancing their personal interests pre-him today are not the same in 2011”; there is Mimiko who decided to rake up the confab doesn’t believe in anything. tend to fight the Yoruba cause. As we move‘no difference between APC and PDP’; ‘APC report submitted since last July on the eve of towards March 28 election, the Yoruba youthsgovernors like PDP governors are corrupt’. election know that both Yoruba submissions Adebanjo says “once General Muhammadu like their counterparts elsewhere in the coun-Probably realizing he has been unable to even on parliamentary system and regionalism Buhari becomes President, the Yoruba peo- try must reject hate messages of leaders whoconvince himself let alone his critics, he were roundly defeated at the confab. They ple should prepare for another era of setbacks use the name of the masses to seek relevance.added ‘those who shout ‘change’ today are are aware no item described as ‘restructur- and sufferings.” He is not worried the ‘era It is tragic that the same forces at play todaypolitical merchants”. ing’ can be found among the 600 resolutions of setbacks and sufferings’ that has been in have been the same all through Nigeria’s contained in the report. Besides it is obvious place in the last 16 years will not suddenly history. A small clique of parasites from the Fasehun’s justification was scandalous. Ac- President Jonathan was not interested in the disappear with the re-election of President north, east and west who falsely swear bycording to him, “Some people said they were report. After all, there are items which will Jonathan. And because of his petty ego war the name of the people to advance their self-born to rule”; and for that reason, he says, not require constitutional amendments with his political son, Bola Tinubu, he has ish interests.“Jonathan is the only good thing availableto Nigeria and it is either Jonathan or noth- ‘As we move towardsing.” Fasehun’s appeal to Yoruba people not March 28 election, theto vote Buhari because ‘‘Some people said Yoruba youths like theirthey were born to rule”. has finally exposed counterparts elsewhere inthe hypocrisy of a man who has always said the country must rejecthe was promoting national unity and cohe- hate messages of leaderssion. Fasehun about two years ago made who use the name of theelaborate show of accompanying Major masses to seek relevance.Mustapha, Abacha’s chief security officer who It is tragic that the samewas also claimed to be the head of his killer forces at play today havesquad, to Kano following his discharge by been the same all throughthe court at the behest of the Jonathan ad- Nigeria’s history’ministration. (Obasanjo made reference tothose who gave state support to secure free-dom for alleged master mind of many assas-sinations during the Abacha brutal regime) Pa Adebanjo’s reasons are no less nebulousand ill-defined. He says for instance “We areN IGERIANS, generally, are fixated The Rivers PDP dilemma on the forthcoming presidential election, failing to take into By Shaibu Phrank out. I stand to be corrected: if PDP loses the Minimah is also from the same ethnicconsideration the epic battle waiting to presidential elections, it would matter less group as the APC gubernatorial candidatehappen in the Rivers State gubernatorial Abua/Odual, parts of Ahoada West, Port to the First Lady. But if PDP loses Rivers but his loyalty is to Dame Jonathan. Thepolls. I say with all sense of seriousness Harcourt, and Oyigbo) from the terrain of State, the world would probably to an end PDP controls the security apparatus in thethat the battle for the soul of Rivers would other ethnic groups. for her. This is why the President should state including the Joint Task Forcego down as one of the most epic electoral be his own man by urgently addressing stationed in all riverine areas of the state.contest in the annals of the state and the In 1999 Rivers East produced Governor the injustice in Rivers PDP and makingcountry at large. Peter Odili. He received the total support sure that the PDP respect the zoning Dame Jonathan has decided to take the of riverine-Ijaw during his 2003 second arrangement and allow the riverine area bull by the horns in supporting Wike It would be a battle of winners and term election. Governor Odili handed over of the state to produce the next despite repeated warnings from notablesinners, a battle of wits and egos, and a power in 2007 to another senatorial district; governor, instead of allowing the ambition Ijaw leaders. It’s on record that theybattle of seen and unseen forces. Some of this time to Rivers West. Celestine Omehia of an individual throw the state into approached President Jonathan andthe factors that would determine this is an upland man from Ikwerre LGA. anarchy and war, which will not augur warned him against making such mistake.election include the ethnicity of the When the court removed him from office well for the state and the country. But she refused to bulge and Wike emergedcandidates, and the federal and local another Ikwerre- upland man also took the PDP candidate. Time will tell how farforces behind each candidate. over; this time Governor Chibuike Amaechi. The unholy alliance between Wike and her support would go in securing a victory Once again riverine in the other districts Dame Jonathan is three-fold. She owes a for Wike On the side of the People’s Democratic gave their unquantifiable support to great debt of gratitude to Wike forParty (PDP), its standard bearer, Nyesom Amaechi during his 2011 second term welcoming her to Rivers State by giving There is also the issue of disgruntledWike (Upland-Ikwerre), has told all that election her a voice and relevance because at some members of the PDP who have decided tocared to listen that he has the backing of point Dame Jonathan wasn’t recognised remain in the party to work for Presidentthe First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Rivers South East, where the APC as a stakeholder in the state. She feels Wike Jonathan and against Wike. Take thewho is an indigene of Rivers State, and candidate is from, is expected to produce has the political clout and structure to example of Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs ,from the same ethnic group as the All the next governor. But the crisis rocking wrestle power from Governor Amaechi, a man whom many have said can fix it forProgressive Congress (APC) standard the state is all about Nyesom Wike’s and she will feel safe and secured with both the PDP and Rivers State. “We havebearer Dr. Peterside Dakuku (Riverine- gubernatorial ambition. Wike is not from Wike as Governor, vis-à-vis over the control the challenge of managing the multipleIjaw). In Rivers State the riverine-upland Rivers South East. He is an upland man of the state. But she forgot that his conflicts that have been generated bydichotomy is also used to distinguish the from Rivers West that already produced candidacy has further polarised the state divergent political interests in the state,terrain of the Ijaws (Andoni, Bonny, Governors Omehia and Amaechi. And he and might just be seeing the beginning of and we are aware that a polarized PDPKalabari, Okrika/Ogu-Bolo, Opobo, has a willing conspirator in the First Lady, the end of PDP in Rivers State. needs to come together at a time through who, ironically, isn’t interested in her somebody who has the might to do that. “We have the challenge kinsman becoming governor for The only way PDP can win Rivers State So, Dumo, to us, is the right man for the of managing the multiple inexplicable reasons. The question now is is with the use of force and violence. And job”, some PDP elders told this conflicts that have been how does one explain the unholy alliance this is their likely game plan. I say this for writer. Another case is that of Odein generated by divergent between Nyesom Wike and Dame the following reasons. The party is so Ajumogobia who dragged the PDP to court political interests in the Jonathan? desperate to secure the state that it gave over the non-implementation of the PDP state, and we are aware party tickets to ex-militants. One of such is zoning arrangement. that a polarized PDP To begin with, Wike is an aggressive Tamunotonye Smart Adoki, aka Ayinla, the needs to come together at grassroots politician. It’s on record that he House of Assembly candidate in Phalga The crisis rocking the PDP in the state is a time through somebody worked assiduously for Governor Amaechi Constituency two. Another ex-militant too grave to be ignored. All things who has the might to do in 2007 and 2011. But he has since become leader, Comrade Ateke Tom, as he is now considered, interesting times definitely lie that...” a political liability because of his style of referred to, is from the same ethnic group ahead in Rivers State. operation. He plays very dirty politics. In as Dame Jonathan. He drives in a bullet- my opinion, for the First Lady to jettison proof SUV with a presidency plate number The options are clear enough but the idea of supporting her kinsman means and heavily guarded by military men. The whether the President will do the right that there are some undercurrents playing Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth thing to ensure that the greater interest of the party prevails over the interest of two people, his wife and Wike remains to be seen. Time will tell.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 19COMMENTSTHE countries of Black Africa have one Our tragic elections nemesis – and that nemesis springs from the fact that members of their political power – what our father, Obafemi Awolowo, For over five years now, President Jonathan Gbogun gboro called “tenacity of office”. Of loyalty or serv- has seemed to be intent on marginalizing theclasses (the men and women we call our po- ice of the man in power to his nationality, Yoruba in the federal establishment and even asking us to hope that, at least in our part oflitical leaders) do not understand the true one would find almost nothing – often to- in the established civil service, and these fa- Nigeria, the forthcoming elections will bepurposes of modern politics, of political par- tally nothing. Other than employing all the thers of the Yoruba nation have led delega- free, fair and peaceful?ties and of elections. For them all, opposing power and resources of the Nigerian presi- tion after delegation to him in Abuja to urgepolitical parties are armies in perpetual com- dency to subdue his independent-minded him for a change of direction with respect to The bottom line of all these questions is that,bat, and elections are wars. While preparing Yoruba people in 2003, what else did Presi- the Yoruba nation – to give the Yoruba na- no matter what Nigeria throws at us thefor the Nigerian elections of 2007, President dent Obasanjo do for his Yoruba nation? Noth- tion its rightful place as a major nation in Yoruba nation, it is impossible to rob us ofOlusegun Obasanjo did us the great favour of ing – actually worse than nothing. Our Arewa Nigeria. It would be a good thing for our fa- our self-respect and love of freedom, or ourgiving us a name for the war – he named it a political leaders are often heard demanding thers to report now to us what definite assur- confidence in our capabilities as a progres-“do-or-die affair”. That is it – a do-or-die af- power for the “North”. But after decades of ances and undertakings they have obtained sive, modernizing and civilizing nation. Wefair, even if what is likely to die in the process their dominant control of Nigeria’s federal from President Jonathan about this all-impor- are ready to continue to contribute our ef-is the country itself. Almost all the hideous power, how have the masses of the Northern tant matter? Also, there are complaints ga- forts to the building of Nigeria; but we de-crises that African countries have experienced populace benefited? There is much more pov- lore among our people that President mand that Nigeria should stop trying tosince independence in the 1960s (the inter- erty in the Arewa North today than in 1960. Jonathan seems to enjoy insulting the Yoruba weaken and paralyze us, and that Nigeriaethnic conflicts and the genocidal pogroms) nation – that, in particular, he has, gratui- should stop thinking that the Yoruba nationhave sprung from the do-or-die wars of elec- Now, some in the South-south cohort tously, told us again and again that part of can be led like sheep to the slaughter by any-tions. around President Jonathan are threatening our homeland (Lagos) does not belong to us, body – for any purpose whatsoever. war, fire and brimstone if Nigerians don’t and that our leaders are “rascals”. Since a It would be funny, if it were not so sadden- vote Jonathan back to power; but what has strong crop of Yoruba fathers are now close ‘The bottom line of alling, to watch African political leaders going Jonathan done for the well-being of the masses to President Jonathan, how much able are they these questions is that, noaround asking for votes at election time, of the people of the South-south in terms of to give us iron-clad assurances that they will matter what Nigeria throwsspeaking volubly to crowds after crowds, pro- the quality of their lives or their prospects in be able to obtain the right level of respect for at us the Yoruba nation, itclaiming their loyalty to their country and Nigeria? The people of the South-south have the Yoruba nation in a Jonathan presidency is impossible to rob us oftheir country’s progress, and posing as actors always stood in the fore-front of the fight for during Jonathan’s further term, when he will our self-respect and love ofin a “democratic” process. It is all a charade. It the restructuring of the Nigerian federation no longer need any electoral votes? freedom, or our confidenceis almost impossible to find any sincere loy- and for increased local control of resources, in our capabilities as a pro-alty to any country in the innermost inten- so that they may be able to benefit more from Finally, we Yoruba have always made it gressive, modernizing andtions of these “leaders”. Deep inside the ob- the resources of their homeland. In five years clear that we are not comfortable with living civilizing nation’jectives and plans of most groups and lead- as president, what has President Jonathan in a disorderly, poverty-generating and con-ers, there always reigns a hideous urge to self- done to promote these causes? Has he not flict-generating country, and that we wouldaggrandizement and self-perpetuation, and merely reveled in federal power and wealth want a proper federation in which we (as wellthere is often no trace of love of country or and control of wealth? as other Nigerian peoples) could manage ourpeople. own unique affairs in our own way. We are In the same vein – though with differences sure that that is what most Nigerian peoples Almost in every country, the intervention in detail – President Jonathan is posturing would want too, that it cannot possibly hurtof the ethnic factor compounds the tragedy. It today as a friend of the Yoruba people of the the interests of any Nigerian people, and thatmakes large populations of innocent and de- South-west, because the massive votes of the it offers the only chance of giving the world acent folks commit themselves to the political South-west appear to be likely to swing the stable, harmonious and successful Nigeria. Inobjectives and desires of particular politicians balance in the coming presidential election. particular, we Yoruba people have shownwhom they regard as “leaders” of their eth- Some of the most revered elderly leaders of again and again that we reject the presump-nic nations – or their “tribes” (as the white the Yoruba nation have warmed up to his tion by the controllers of federal power thatrulers of Africa taught us to call our nations). embrace and are assuring him of Yoruba votes. it is their prerogative to determine the out-Usually, the politician’s deception of “his These are men who have been in the leader- come of our state and local elections and topeople”becomes so successful that he can get ship of many Yoruba struggles in Nigeria, choose our state and local rulers for us. Havethem, in defence of his interests, to lash out in and who therefore deserve respect from us our fathers who are now friends of Presidentfury at other nationalities and thereby un- their people. But they are our fathers and we Jonathan obtained assurances and undertak-leash a murderous war that can sometimes may humbly ask them some respectful ques- ings about these matters from him? Are theydegenerate into a war of all against all. tions – in the interest of our nation. But when one examines the actions of thosepoliticians who happen to make it into posi-tions of power, almost all that one would seeis self-enrichment and self-perpetuation inT HE 1946 Constitution, named after Ogun: The mystery 600,000 PVCs the then Governor of Nigeria, Sir Arthur Richards, was widely op-posed by different groups and nationalistparties in the country not only because theywere not consulted before it was promul- By Soyombo Opeyemi like Herbert Macaulay (and later Nnamdi matter public importance result in the com-gated but that it did not secure greater par- Azikwe) rose to the occasion, it was promise or blackmail of the institution? Butticipation of Nigerians in the management interests in the Legislative Council.” The Amosun that took up the gauntlet by visit- for narrow and parochial politics of theof their own affairs. Contrary to the prom- party, it must be underscored, did not limit ing the state office of the Independent Na- opposition, or more importantly, their hid-ise made by his predecessor, Governor its justified opposition to press statements tional Electoral Commission (INEC) to den agenda, should their leaders not haveBernard Bourdillon, the Richards Consti- in the media but sent a delegation to West- raise the allegations and ask that some- joined Amosun in marching to the INECtution came into force with little opportu- minster to, among others, protest the rape. thing urgently be done so that all the 1.8 office to register a serious protest over thenity for discussion by residents of colonial million eligible voters get the PVCs and low distribution of PVCs and the overNigeria. With the retention of Clifford’s Of course, there were other nationalist that no one should be disenfranchised. 600,000 mystery PVCs that have flooded‘elective principle on a limited franchise’ parties in the country then but it was the Ogun State?of only four seats in the Legislative Coun- NCNC that picked the gauntlet to obtain However belated the reaction of the op-cil and increase in the power of the Gover- support and funds for the London trip. It position parties might be, they should have Now, my worry is, and Nigerians shouldnor, it was evident that the country was is instructive that the agitation against the at least raised the alarm further because take this very seriously, the statement byalmost as far from representative govern- Richards Constitution did not only lead the 1.8 million registered voters are resi- the PDP did not raise any issue on whyment as she was in 1922. eventually to its short life but the all-inclu- dents who will vote for the parties of their Ogun State is miserably lagging behind in sive Ibadan General Conference of 1950, choice on March 28 and April 11. But what its adults getting the PVCs let alone raise According to the National Council of preparatory to the enactment of the did we get from the leaders of these oppo- any concern on the mystery PVCs that haveNigeria and Cameroons (NCNC), the fact Macpherson Constitution of 1951, which sition parties on both the shocking low dis- been observed and seen in virtually all thethat only four members were to be directly moved the country closer to representative tribution of PVCs in Ogun and over 236 Wards in the state. This can only lead,elected into the Legislative Council, as was democracy. 600,000 fake PVCs? Silence! Funeral si- inexorably, to one conclusion - the partythe case in the 1922 Constitution, had ex- lence! Then condemnation of the governor (PDP) may be a suspect! This is the prod-posed the British Government to the criti- Ogun State, South-west Nigeria is not the for speaking for the voiceless. uct of logical reasoning. Till date, the lead-cism that from the year 1922 to the year least populated state among the 36 in the ing opposition party in Ogun (PDP), with1945, “Nigerians made no advance at all country. But it boggles the mind while as Hear the opposition Peoples Democratic its allies, has not issued a single statementtowards any qualification in election by at mid-February, its eligible voters should Party (PDP), as reported in the papers on or expressed any concern or worry on theadult suffrage of those who represent their have had the least access to the Permanent Friday, February 20: “Governor Amosun, inexplicable low distribution of PVCs in Voter Cards (PVCs) in the comity of states being a candidate of the All Peoples Congress the state. Who then are the people they are in Nigeria. As if this was not strange (APC), who is also standing for election in the expecting to vote for them? It then means enough, thousands of petitions were report- April 11, 2015 governorship election, just like they have a hidden agenda. edly directed to the governor by eligible every other candidate standing for elections,‘Now that the news of the voters, including the numbing allegation has no legal and moral right to visit the INEC Now that the news of the fake 600,000 office to complain about the distribution of the voter cards is in the public domain, it is thefake 600,000 voter cards is in that about 625,000 PVCs carried Ogun permanent voter cards (PVCs) in the state. This responsibility of all stakeholders, espe- State code, but the photographs on the is crass opportunism, and open blackmail, cially INEC, to withdraw the mystery cardsthe public domain, it is the cards did not match the faces of registered aimed principally to compromise the integrity, and ensure all eligible voters in the state neutrality and independence of the election get the original PVCs. No one, party or in-responsibility of all residents in the wards where the cards umpire. We condemn this in totality. There are stitution must be permitted to subvert the were displayed. The governor specifically other windows open and available to vent any will of the electorate - through any means.stakeholders, especially confirmed this anomaly in his own Ward perceived, assumed or imagined ‘irregularities’ We must all join hands in resolving the in the conduct and operations of any independ- mystery PVCs, including sending a delega-INEC, to withdraw the mys- 11 at Ita-Eko, where the mystery cards were ent commissions and or agencies. For instance, tion to INEC headquarters in Abuja to de- equally observed. Governor Amosun could issue press statements, mand that right thing be done. The peopletery cards and ensure all eli- This, naturally and under normal circum- grant press interviews or even write official of Ogun must not be prevented from exer- but open letters to the commission to register cising their political sovereignty throughgible voters in the state get stances, should have agitated the minds of his protest...” the ballot boxes. all stakeholders in the forthcoming generalthe original PVCs. No one, elections, especially the political parties Is there any law preventing the candi- • Soyombo, public affairs analyst, sent dates of political parties from visiting a this piece via [email protected] or institution must be canvassing for votes. The Governor of Ogun public place like INEC office? None. How State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is not just does an open visit to INEC office on such apermitted to subvert the will the candidate of the All Progressives Con-of the electorate - through gress (APC) in the coming polls but the one the citizens should eventually look up toany means’ on their agitation to collect the PVCs. Just



21 THE NATION EDUCATIONTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015Did Kogi State government stop paying the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)fees of SS3 pupils because of fraud? The government has cited fraud for its action, but workers, parents andpupils disagree, reports JAMES AZANIA Lokoja• Pupils of Bishop Denisle College, Kogi.Kogi govt, workers tangleover N500m WASSCE fees • Paul Oduma •Dr OkaiTHE claim that a cabal may lion in 2013 and N500 million last Wada directed Kogi State pupils fraud allegations. They said the bill fraud. According to him, other fac- be defrauding Kogi State year was caused by fraud. intending to sit for May/June 2015 increased because of the rise in num- tors and not fraud were responsible government of millions Governor Idris Wada alleged that WASSCE to pay their way until ber of candidates and the fees for the rise in the WASCE bill. of naira meant for pay- a cabal is behind the fraud, saying government unveils the fraudsters. charged by the West African Exami- The official said the government ment of West African Se- he has set up a panel of enquiry to He promised to refund candidates’ nations Council (WAEC). was only being economical with thenior School Certificate Examination bring to book those behind the fees on producing their receipts. A ministry official denied that truth.(WASSCE) fees may be false, accord- racket. But, the workers do not buy the workers are involved in the alleged The source said: \"There is no frauding to workers in the Ministry ofEducation. Let the government come out and say it does not have the money to pay in the ministry. The number of stu- or that it has lost the political will to carry on with the scheme. dents increases on a yearly basis and The government stopped pay- more are graduating from newment of the fees last month, claim- ‘ As far as I am concerned, government has not set up any schools where they have nowing that the steep increase from committee to investigate any fraud reached SS3 where they now sit forN270 million in 2012 to N300 mil- ’INSIDE CLIAFMEPUSAdeboye professorial •Continued on page 22 Foundation seeks support to •A 10-page section expand on campus news, people etc community library chair dear Day of rage to UNILAG, at Ekiti says VC varsity-Page 23 -Page 33 -Page 25

22 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 EDUCATIONAkintola Williams visits alma mater, 77 years afterA CCOUNTING doyen and By Olatunde Odebiyi is over\", he said. Justice Olayinka Faji, said the school •Pa Williams alumnus of CMS Grammar ber 18, 2012. Pa Williams said he was Ven Oduwole also thanked God for appreciates the role Pa Williams has School, Bariga, Lagos, Pa glad to be in the school and promised played over the years in the school's • Dr AgboolaAkintola Williams, has visited his to make donations towards ensuring those that have impacted the school development. (right)alma mater. He graduated from the the school remains the best. He im- in one way or the other, particularly receiving theschool in 1938 when the school was plored other alumni to do likewise. Mr and Mrs Alakija. He said through He said the school, with the help of plaque fromstill on Broad Street. the five-star hostel they endowed, the OGS, and the sacrificial involvement Chief The Principal described Williams' boys have learnt about the spirit of of the Proprietor-Bishops has made Fatomilola. Pa Williams, who chairs the Board visit as timely, exciting and historic. excellence and giving the best. tremendous progress since it was Watching isof Trustees, Old Grammarian Society handed over by the state government a member of(OGS), was conducted on a tour of fa- \"He attended the school when it was \"Each student has its own reading in 2001. the group,cilities of the school by the Principal, still on broad street in Lagos but that table and chair, compartment for AyodeleVenerable Tunde Oduwole, and other he come back here is particularly a wardrobe, book shelf, a chair, read- Former OGS president Ambassador Asiwaju.alumni. great lesson that whatever we have ing desk and the bed. The hostel has a Dapo Fafowora also spoke on the need to do, there must be the spirit of en- reading room, laundry, kitchen, gym, to generate funds towards the wel- characterised by virtues of Omoluabi. The tour included the Modupe and durance, the spirit to follow up and television room and games room fare of workers and the school. He encourages promotion of cultureFolorunsho Alakija Boys Hostel, an remain dogged and committed to among other critical facilities that and tradition, which he recognises asultra modern facility donated by Mr dreams and that it is not over until It boys of their age would need,\" he said. OGS president, Toyin Abayomi veritable ingredients of Omoluabiand Mrs Modupe Alakija on Septem- Akin-Johnson, also spoke on the virtues,\" he said. The Chairman, Board of Governors, society's contributions to the school. UNILORINOSPOLY gets 'Yoruba best Poly' award warns againstT HE Osun State Polytechnic By Adegunle Olugbamila ciation, among others. Governor, Ogbeni, Rauf Aregbesola, handouts (OSPOLY), Iree in Osun State Ayodele continued: \"Certificates are Responding to the award, the Rec- who is a culture activist. has been awarded the 2014 awarded in character and excellence, T HE University of Ilorin\"Yoruba Best Polytechnic of the Year' the polytechnic has really groomed tor said the moral stance of the insti- \"The governor charged all stake- (UNILORIN) has warned lec-courtesy of a group, the Yoruba Re- its products in characters and this has tution is attributed to the encourage- holders in the state to join hands with turers to desist from sellingdemption Foundation (YOREF). made products of the institution mod- ment received from the Osun State him in building an enviable state handouts to students. els for their peers in other institu- The award was conferred on the in- tions\". A circular signed by the Registrar,stitution for promoting the Yoruba He added that the institution's fu- Mr E. D. Obafemi, noted that theculture and tradition and inspiring sion of moral rehabilitation with management was aware of the re-educational development. academics is a feat many institutions surgence of the practice, described as in the country are still trying to at- illegal, on campus and warned that The group, made up of eminent tain and described the Rector, Dr. those caught would be punished.Yoruba leaders and movie makers, Olusola Agboola, as an embodi-presented the award at a programme ment of morals. The circular reads: \"The Adminis-hosted by the institution. Chairman of the occasion, and ace tration has received reports that in Yoruba actor, Chief Peter Fatomilola, spite of the circulars prohibiting the \"Osun State Polytechnic, Iree in the lamented the burgeoning anti-social sale of handouts to students, there isrecent time has been playing leader- behaviours among the youth, attrib- a renewed activity of this illegal busi-ship roles in the promotion of Yoruba uting the development to the disre- ness on the campus. The sale is per-culture. This is inherent in the moral gard for Yoruba values. petrated by lecturers using deviousvalues of students of this institution. \"Priority has been given to the for- means and agents such as shop own-We have observed thoroughly on this eign culture at the expense of our in- ers and class representatives to reachcampus, students' dress code, their digenous language, tradition,\" he said. the students.characters and relationship with one He said that moral values aboundanother. It promotes the concept of in Yoruba oral literatures such as The unwholesome practice mustomoluabi virtues which a Yoruba proverbs, Idioms and literary appre- not be allowed to continue given thecommunity must possess\", said the growing positive image of the Uni-chairman of the organising commit- versity.tee, Chief Asiwaju TemidayoAyodele. The attention of all Deans and Heads of Departments is once again•Continued from page 21 Kogi govt, workers tangle over fees drawn to the extant circular proscrib-WASCE based on Ministry of Edu- ing the sale of handouts to students.cation Inspection Report. tion in Kogi State, while, 45, 275 to register? Will they drop out from into account number 0106617103.\" Any lecturer found violating this di- were presented in 2012. school or will they fall prey and Another parent, who simply iden- rective will be brought to book. \"In 2012 the WASSCE fee was be- become thugs? They will becometween N5, 000 and N6, 000 per stu- Dr Okai said fees paid to WAEC danger to the state and tools in the tified himself as Abah, said he paid 6,000 for UI DLCdent but that presently has increased in the last three years varied. She hands of politicians.\" up because he cannot jeopardise his matriculationto about N10, 000, all of which has said while the 2015 estimate stood son's future because ofcontributed to the bloated cost the at N515, 058, 300, the government Paul Oduma, a SS3 pupil of Gov- government's failing. T HE 2015 matriculation of thegovernment is talking about.” paid N496, 917, 500 last year. ernment Day Secondary School, Distance Learning Centre Adankolo, said pupil’s were ini- He said: \"If I do not pay will I hold (DLC) of the University of Another senior official said the WAEC, she said, charged N11, 450 tially told that those of them that Wada responsible in the future and Ibadan (UI) has been scheduled toWASSCE fee paid by the govern- per student for 2015. In 2014 it pass the mock examination would by the time my own child might hold on March 2, 2015.ment does not pass through the min- charged N9,850; in 2013, N8, 050; and enjoy the subsidy. He said some of have been rendered useless? Theyistry. in 2012, N5, 650. his mates could not raise funds for know what they are doing. This is The orientation programme for the examination despite passing not the first time the government the freshers will hold for two days The source said: \"WAEC money Explaining what could be respon- the mock exam. is denying the people of Kogi their afterwards (March 3 and 4).does not come to the ministry; it is sible for the yearly variation, Dr rights. Go to the local governments,electronically transferred from the Okai said: \"The figures are increas- “Initially, they said the govern- it is worse. There is even this small According to the university's Di-Accountant-General's office to ing essentially more so because ment was going to pay for those bottle beer, the real name is rector of Public Communication,WAEC. It is the charges and other WAEC increased what they called that passed the transition exam. At Saltzenbrau but they call it 'half sal- Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, the events willfees that come to the ministry. Let biometric capturing cost. Each can- the end of the day they now said ary' or they say 'give me Wada', hold at the International Conferencethe government come out and say it didate is to pay N500. In the minis- the government is not going to pay, because they are paid half salary or Centre of the university.does not have the money to pay or try, there is one exam they call Com- even for those that passed. Of those nothing at all. We are watching andthat it has lost the political will to mon Transition Examination and it that passed the transition exam it is waiting. I will not even be surprised Oladejo stated that about 6,000carry on with the scheme. As far as I is only those that have five credits not all of them that were able to if they give excuse that they will fresh students admitted to variousam concerned, government has not from SS2 to SS3 that are paid for\". pay and not all of them are going not pay any refund.” courses offered by the Centre areset up any committee to investigate to sit for the exams, because we expected to matriculate this year.any fraud. Yes, no committee has At the end of the closing date for learnt that in some schools, people A politician, Comradebeen set up whatsoever. Not even payment for the 2015 WASSCE on are paying for them\". Aiyelabowo Adebanji, said theany to compile the name of parents January 31, The Nation gathered, government has no excuse for notthat have paid their children's fees.\" many were unable to pay; others A parent, Amuda Dan Suleman, paying the fees, particularly at a made frantic efforts to raise the complained about the withdrawal time many parents were losing Special Adviser to the Governor money to avoid paying additional of government subsidy, describing their jobs.on Media and Strategy Mr. Jacob Edi, N5,000 for late registration. it as a sudden blow in the face. Hewho announced last month that hopes the government would stay He said: \"Ninety-five students ofgovernment stopped WASSCE fees The dilemma caused by the sud- true to its promise to refund the Oluyori Secondary School, Isanlupayment directed our correspon- den withdrawal of government N12, 850 which he paid for his son, have been deprived from writingdent to the Commissioner of Edu- subsidy has cast a cloud on the fu- Mohammed, a pupil of Crowther WASSCE because of the cancelationcation for details on the probe. ture of some of the affected pupils. Memorial College, Lokoja. of fees by government. Why did Some principals of secondary government say that the parents Last month, Edi said: \"The sub- schools outside Lokoja said many Showing this reporter a bank should pay and come for refundsidy was stopped in the interest of pupils might not sit for the exami- teller, he said: \"Government said with their receipts when most ofthe people; machinery has been put nation because of funds. they are going to refund but they the parents are local governmentin to track those responsible,\" he have not refunded anything yet. I workers who are being owed 13said. A principal said: \"At the end of paid on the 17th of December, 2014 months’ salary? Meanwhile, some the late entrance date, what will of them have been sacked for no But the Commissioner, Dr Agnes happen to those who were not able reason, no official backing.\"Okai, said she was unaware of anypanel set up by government to ‘If I do not pay will I hold Wada While many struggled to pay,probe WASSCE fraud fee. She said responsible in the future and by the some affluent politicians and pub-the government would constitute time my own child might have been lic office holders came to the aid ofa committee to determine parents rendered useless? They know what some others.that have paid their children's they are doing. This is not the first timeWASSCE fees, in order to refund the government is denying the people In Kogi Central, The Nation gath-them. ered that a minister paid the fees of Kogi their rights’ for SS3 pupils. \"The committee is yet to be inau-gurated,\" she said. He was said to have asked school principals to compile the list of A look at WASSCE enrolment those that paid. He wrote outrecords at the ministry showed that cheques for the refund. In Kogi East,39, 927 candidates have registered a lawmaker reportedly paid for pu-for the 2015 WASSCE, a decrease pils from his constituency.from 2014, which was 43, 975. In2013, 42, 819 sat for the examina-

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 23EDUCATIONFoundation seeks support toexpand community library•28-seater library used by 70 people dailyW ITH the Ojokoro Com- By Jane Chijioke • Primary school pupils in the library. Inset: part of the library. munity library recording nomic wing in the society. You will 70 users a day when it has see a family of five or six living in the gallivanting of children in the tion. This year, Conde said the foun-seats for only 28, it is in dire need a room. This affects the reading community,\" she said. Mr Kehinde Olakunle said it is a dation would engage users of theof an expansion. habits; a lot of children cannot read library to join the book reading in such place. We have created that Mr Olayinka Giwa, General Sec- plus in the community and exem- club, participate in the essay/letter The library, which was donated space for them here to make it retary of New Oko-oba West, Coun- plifies a collective responsibility to writing and quiz/debate competi-by Pyramid Educational Advance- easier for them. When they con- cil Development Area(CDA) com- make Nigeria a better place. tions, as we; as ICT training withment (PEA) Foundation a year ago, sider the concept of reading, it will mended the initiative and said he the hope of being rewarded with ais used by people of various gen- be exciting to them.\" was inspired to establish his own To serve the community better, scholarship, excursion and privi-erations, ranging from nine to 53 library at home for his children af- Conde said the foundation is seek- lege to attend the foundation's sec-years, in the community. A secondary school pupil, Daniel ter he attended the first education ing to expand the library. He ap- ond summit. Omole, said the library has helped summit organised by the founda- pealed to partners of the founda- At its first year anniversary last him a lot tion to achieve this goal.Friday, the Executive Director, PEAFoundation, Adedapo Conde, said \"During exam period I havethat the library is particularly popu- trouble reading at home. So I comelar with secondary school pupils here to prepare for my exams.who spend at least an hour in the There are also some textbooks Ifacility every day. don't have and when given assign- ment in school I rely on the li- \"Over time, we have discovered brary,\" he said.that most of the secondary schoolstudents spend one to three hours Another user, Esther Ijuo, said theafter school daily at the library to library has made her better thando their assignment before going her peers.home,\" he said. \"Nowadays youth do not read Conde said through the library, and at the end of the day they willthe foundation is able to tackle start looking for short cuts to scalesome challenges that lead to poor through in their exams. This li-performance among pupils. brary has given me an edge over my peers; it has helped in the area He said: \"A lot of people in this of vocabulary and also minimizedcommunity are of the lower eco-RUGIPO, Owo honour Parents to fence Unity School over security concernsA S Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun AAUA VC settles down to his new role •Prof Ajasin P ARENTS and guardians of From Olugbenga Adanikin, as the Vice Chancellor of the By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie He appreciated the entire Owo pupils attending the Federal AbujaAdekunle Ajasin University, Science and Technical Col-Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), he has past Chairman of the RUGIPO Gov- Kingdom, particularly the Olowo, lege (FSTC), Orozo, FCT, have re- Girls Secondary School, Chibok ingood wishes from his former erning Council also congratulated for the support he enjoyed as rec- solved to erect a perimeter fence Borno State by Boko Haram insur-school, the Rufus Giwa Polytech- the Ajibefun for justifying the con- tor. around the school. The institution gents last April.nic, Owo, RUGIPO, where he fidence reposed in him by turning is one of the 104 Unity Schoolsserved as rector, urging him on. the polytechnic around. Ajibefun noted that the entrench- owned by Federal Government. The Parents Teachers Association ment of academic ethics and culture (PTA) Chairman of the school, Pe- The polytechnic and the Owo Giving an account of Ajibefun's in the polytechnic was made pos- The Nation gathered that each ter Oriaran, said the project has be-Kingdom gave him a befitting achievements, the Acting Rector of sible by the cooperation of all work- child has been taxed N2, 000, while come crucial in view of the prevail-send-off for the role he played in the institution, Mr I.B. Ologunagba, ers, students and the Owo commu- parents with more children will pay ing security situation in the coun-the development of the institution an engineer, said in a speech, en- nity. more for the project. try especially in the FCT where theand the town recently. titled, Celebrating a Man of Cour- school is located. age: \"When Prof. Ajibefun assumed He charged the workers and stu- Parents told our reporter that they The elaborate programme duty as Rector in November 2010, dents to support the present Man- could no longer wait for endless He said though the project is ex-started with the conferment of he inherited a polytechnic which agement in order to sustain the promises by the government on the pensive, the parents would do itdouble chieftaincy titles on him by had practically been brought to its peace and academic stability in the project which has dragged for years; gradually to cushion its financialthe Olowo of Owo, Oba David knees by a protracted crisis… and Institution. hence the decision to levy them- effects, especially on those parentsFolagbade Olateru Olagbegi III. a polytechnic whose academic im- selves. with more than one child in theThe conferment was said to be un- age was heavily battered. Ajibefun left with party with gifts college. Aside the fencing project,precedented in the history of the from the Council, and various de- They said as stakeholders, they Oriaran said the PTA has contractedancient Yoruba town. \"By the time he was leaving in partments and units of the institu- could not fold their arms and allow a private security firm and trained January 2015, he handed over a tion. a repeat of the abduction of over its workers to improve security The Monarch credited Ajibefun polytechnic with an academic im- 200 school girls of Government around the school.for turning around the fortune and age that was already loomingimage of the Polytechnic. larger-than-life; a polytechnic that ‘The project has He praised the parents for their has been elevated to the position become crucial in cooperation and urged distin- At RUGIPO campus, dignitaries of best state polytechnic in Nige- view of the prevailing guished old students to financiallyfrom within and outside Ondo ria.\" security situation in assist their alma mater.State, including his predecessor at the country especiallyAAUA, Prof. Femi Mimiko, the The Acting Rector, who described in the FCT where the Parents also berated the govern-Vice Chancellor, Federal Univer- Ajibefun as a symbol of excellence school is located’ ment for not communicating ad-sity of Technology, Akure, Prof. Bisi who radiates integrity, discipline equately before implementing theDaramola, graced the occasion. and fair play, promised to improve students' insurance policy. on his legacy. Chairman of the occasion, Dr However, the Principal of theLaoye Adegoke, praised the Ondo Responding, Ajibefun thanked school, Mrs. Obiageli Ihekwaba, as-State Governor, Dr. Olusegun the polytechnic community for the sured them that government has re-Mimiko, for having the courage to honour done on him and attributed visited the policy to ensure fairnessappoint Prof. Ajibefun as Rector all the feats recorded under his ad- to all stakeholders.five years ago. ministration to the grace of God. School adds culture Adegoke, who is the immediate• Pupils of Hand Maid International School Surulere, Lagos during their annual Cultural Day. I N its bid to foster cultural ori- to curriculum entation on its pupils, the Di- rectorate of Catholic Educa- couraged to speak the local lan- tion, has introduced Culture into guages. the time-table of its schools. Underscoring the importance at- As a result, Culture now forms a tached to cultural orientation in part of the school curriculum. the school, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Rev Eliza- The aim is to encourage the pu- beth Itopa, said since many of the pils to appreciate various indig- children were born in Lagos and enous languages and culture. have never visited home, it was proper to create an identity and To make the directive more ef- cultural values in their minds. fective, schools under the director- ate have been assigned different The Director of Catholic Educa- cultural assignments ranging from tion, Rev Monsignor Jerome dance, language tutelage, exhibi- Odutan, described the initiative as tion varying traditional delicacies, a way to foster unity among chil- and cultural attires, among others. dren and create mutual norms and values in their minds. Miss Angela Ofuma of Hand Maid International School Surulere and \"It's the fifth edition and it is an her teacher Mr. Patrick Nwocha, annual event. The theme this year told The Nation during the school's is: 'Cultural Harmony' which ex- annual Cultural Day, that three plains why all the children are months ahead of the event, pupils dressed in various costumes rep- underwent intense training by resenting different ethnic groups teachers who enlightened them and culture in Nigeria,\" he said. about various traditions. In addition, they were also en-

24 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015EDUCATIONIBBU FILE As the Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Prof Cyprian Onyeji, prepares for its 16th convocation holding March 21,New VC resumes he reflects on the fruitful journey of almost five years in the saddle, reportsTHE new Vice-Chancellor ap- KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE.pointed by the Niger State Gover-nor, Dr. Mua’azu Babangida Aliyu V ICE Chancellor of the Enugu We have surpassed ourto pilot the affairs of Ibrahim State University of Technol- goals, says ESUT VCBadamasi Babangida University, ogy (ESUT), Prof CyprianLapai for a single term of five years Onyeji, says he has a lot to be thank- knowledge in their respective fields. improved welfare for workers is •Prof Cyprianhas promised to give priority to ful for as the 10th occupier of the ex- Also, salaries are paid very regularly aimed at positioning them to work ers to put relevant facilities in place.workers’ welfare. alted office - particularly that he has and not later than the 26th day of the towards the main reason for which surpassed his goals. month.\" the university exists, which is to pro- \"We have had grants from various Addressing workers, Prof vide high quality education. Today, government agencies includingMuhammad Nasir Maiturare, He said in an interview that the uni- To encourage workers to relocate he said that his administration has TETFUND, PTDF, NCC, CBN Enugudisclosed that the vision of the versity has made a lot of progress to the permanent site in Agbani, been able to entrench the culture of State Government as well as someuniversity would be difficult to compared to what he met on ground Onyeji said the university is building academic excellence at the university, friends of the university. As we speakrealise if they are not motivated when he took over on June 18, 2010. primary and secondary schools. which is the first on his six point you can count not less than 15 build- agenda. ings in various stages of construction. He also assured them that he Back then, he said he faced the oner- \"As one of the strategies of moving Also all the uncompleted structureswould make efforts to consolidate ous task of rousing the workers to run everybody to the permanent site, we \"Since the University is a place for are now being completed like all theon the achievements of his prede- with his Six-Point Agenda, aimed at are constructing a modern ESUT pri- learning the major achievement will hostels are being completed, facultycessor and urged for the support making the university work, because mary and secondary school building be reinvigorating the culture of building are being completed library,and cooperation of the university their morale was low. through partnership between the uni- academia. Completed and ongoing is being completed and many newcommunity to realise this objective. versity and private investor. This will physical infrastructures are some of faculty buildings are coming up and \"The major challenges encountered attract the younger lecturers to move our major achievements. However I annexes,\" he said. The Vice-Chancellor enjoined the were the feelings that things never into the campus. The older lecturers will rather place more premium andworkers to be committed and worked in ESUT. We came in when because they are well established in emphasis on academic excellence However, Onyeji said the stridesdiligent to their statutory duties at the administration was at its lowest Enugu town will be reluctant to move which we have really reinvigorated would not have been possible with-all times so that the university ebb. The morale was very low. People into the campus. So basically, we are into the university culture and sys- out the support of the governmentwould attain enviable height. were just thinking that ESUT will targeting the new employees or the tem,\" he said. and the governing council of the in- never work so trying to get people to younger lecturers who still have young stitution.•Prof Maiturare develop interest again in ESUT was children that will attend the ESUT pri- The others aspects of his agenda are: the major challenge we had. We had mary and secondary school,\" he said. rigorous drive for improved funding; \"The state government has been veryOrientation to convince them that people are dif- development and maintenance of in- supportive. Like the 2012 accreditationfor students ferent, and that involved speaking to The Vice Chancellor also said out- frastructure; staff development and and the on-going accreditation, most some of them one on one,\" he said. standing lecturers are handsomely welfare; student welfare and disci- of the physical infrastructures for theTHE IBBU Vice-Chancellor, Prof rewarded. pline and quality management of the departments (not major equipment)Muhammad Nair Maiturare, has Overcoming that initial lack of con- university. got the funding from the state govern-reiterated his commitment to fidence was achieved by a combina- \"We have introduced 'The Distin- ment. We were given a grant of N260ensuring that students get requisite tion of actions, which Onyeji said in- guished Teacher Award' (DTA) as a Regarding infrastructural develop- million to aid us in equipping our de-training in their respective disci- cluded delegating work to competent way of encouraging and rewarding ment, Onyeji said the university has partments for accreditation.plines and are also Information, hands, improving welfare, and train- excellent teaching. We have awarded benefited from capital funds providedCommunication and Technology ing and motivating workers in vari- it for two consecutive years now. by its proprietor, the Enugu State gov- \"I want to specially acknowledge the(ICT) savvy. ous ways. ernment, as well as grants from the immense contributions of the mem- \"This requires selecting the best Tertiary Education Trust Fund bers of the Governing Council to- He gave the assurance while He said: \"We had very competent teachers and is done by students and (TETfund), Petroleum Development wards the ongoing transformationspeaking at the orientation hands that were placed in the various workers. The winner of the award for Training Fund (PTDF), and the Cen- and repositioning of the university,\"programme organised for new committees that have helped us to run 2012 edition received a gift of N3 mil- tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) among oth- he said.students admitted for the 2014/2015 the university. University system lion sponsored by a bank.academic session at the Twin Lec- normally is run by committee sys- •Dr Koladeture Theatre on the main campus. tem, so all I did was to take compe- However, Onyeji insists that the The PAU Board of Trustees has ap- tent hands, motivated and gave the “The word, world, today is necessary encouragement and collec- ‘We came in when the administration was pointed Mr. Pascal Dozie to replacesynonymous to ICT, and if we must tively we were able to ESUT around. at its lowest ebb. The morale was very low. Kolade as the new Pro-Chancellor andmeet up with other best ranking Chairman of Governing Council.institutions of the world, our \"Our staff development programme People were just thinking that ESUT willproducts must be groomed to be has been working very efficiently. Let never work so trying to get people toICT compliant to enable them me give you some real data. As we develop interest again in ESUT wasstand shoulder to shoulder with speak, we have up to 20 of our work- the major challenge we had’their colleagues the world over,” ers in various universities abroadhe said. pursuing Masters or Ph.D programmes and up to 40 are in vari- While charging the students to be ous Nigerian universities. Close toscholarly minded and shun any act 300 of our workers have been spon-that would undermine the image of sored to attend national and interna-the university, he assured them that tional conferences to update theirthe environment would be madecondusive learning for learning. PAU bids farewell to Pro-Chancellor Kolade He thanked to the Niger State T HE Pan-Atlantic University •Dozie steps in School of Media and Communica-governor, Dr. Mua’azu Aliyu, for (PAU), Lagos formally bade tion (SMC) and the Enterprise De-giving him the opportunity to farewell to its Pro-Chancel- By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie velopment Centre (EDC).contribute his quota to the devel- lor and Chairman of Governing infrastructural developments,\" theopment of the state and humanity. Council, Dr Christopher Kolade on statement reads. He was appointed Pro-Chancellor Tuesday. and Chairman of Governing Coun- Kolade's relationship with the uni- cil in 2009 while he continued to fa- Dr Kolade, who served in the role versity started 1n 1991 when he par- cilitate programmes of the LBS. for six years, voluntarily stepped ticipated in the first Chief Executive down on February 16, 2015. Programme class of the Lagos Busi- The Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic ness School (LBS) in 1991. University, Prof. Juan Manuel A statement signed by the Man- Elegidohas spoken warmly of the ager, External Relations, Dr Chidi Soon afterwards, he was invited to immense benefit Dr.Kolade's guid- Nwagu, noted that Kolade's tenure join the school as a resource person ance has brought to the University. was marked by many successes. and a member of its Advisory Board. In this regard he singled out for spe- He was there until he was appointed cial emphasis Dr.Kolade's influence \"During this period and under his Nigeria's High Commissioner to the in making sure that the University's guidance, the University began of- United Kingdom (UK) in 2002. He Governing Council created an insti- fering undergraduate programmes rejoined LBS after his tenure in 2007. tution where decision making was and effected the movement of all He was also a resource person at the measured and principled. units to the Ibeju-Lekki and Ajah campuses with the attendantCorps member counsels 300 pupilsABOUT 300 secondary school By Oluwatoyin Adeleye •Moses addressing the pupils. pupils have benefitted from a career counseling seminar \"The change that the countryorganised by NYSC Batch A corps needs should be pursued with amember, Moses Omoikhoa. sense of urgency because, if not us, who? If not now, when? The pupils from three schools: Se-nior Secondary School, Grammar \"The Project Model Initiative hasSchool, and Estate Grammar added humongous value to the par-School, all in Ilupeju, Lagos, were ticipants and more of such projectslectured on the scope of courses in would be a veritable tool and cata-tertiary institutions, basic entry re- lyst for the development of thequirements, relevance of such country,\" he said.courses locally and globally, andemployment prospects. Moses, who hopes to continue the project after his NYSC, said he had The students also got a chance to to save his monthly allowance forask questions from the facilitators, about 10 months (19,800 perwho were all corps members. month) for the project to become a reality, with support from few Moses said he organised the semi- well-meaning individuals.nar as part of his Project Model ini-tiative, through which he seeks to One of the corps members,pursue the change the country Oyemade Thompson, donated 50needs. copies of a career counseling books to some of the participants.

Row All’s well *CAMPUSES over that *NEWSsupervision *PEOPLE fee ends well *KUDOS&Page 27 Page 30 KNOCKS *GRANTSTHE NATION CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: [email protected], FEBRUARY 26, 2015 email:- [email protected]:- http://www.thenationonlineng.netStudents of Ekiti State University (EKSU) have protested the N10,000 late registration fee introduced by theinstitution, describing it as exploitative. BAMIDELE ADIO (200-Level Social Studies Education) reports.•A crowd of students protesting at the school entranceI S the N10,000 introduced by the Ekiti Day of rage at Ekiti varsity State University (EKSU) for late regis- tration to generate revenue for the week. by the protesters, who demanded to see the ordered the school closed. But studentsschool? Or is it a penalty? The demonstration came less than a month Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Patrick Aina. kicked, saying there was no need to shut the school. The students’ inability to understand why to the end of the 2014/2015 academic ses- About 90 minutes later, Prof Aina arrived.the fee was introduced has pitched them sion. The protesters sat at the main gate, dis- As he tried to address the protesters, the VC Sade Ejikunle, a student of English and Lit-against the management. turbing traffic flow. Although they did not allegedly seized a placard with the inscrip- erary Studies, said: “The protest has been stop vehicles, commuters had a hectic time tion: “No to N10,000 late payment” from a peaceful and there is no reason to close the Last Thursday, the students protested what passing through the narrow path left by student. His action drew the ire of the stu- school. This may not even degenerate into athey called exploitative fee. By 7am, they took them. dents, who left him on the spot and marched protest had there been a Students’ Union into the streets, chanting anti-management to the Governor’s Office. place. Our reaction shocked them; they wantsongs. They shut the school’s main and rear The students fought back as riot policemen to send us home. We are not going anywhere.gates, preventing staff from entering. They fired tear gas canisters to disperse them. Former Students’ Union Governmentare demanding cancellation of the fee and (SUG) president, Deji Oso, tried to get the “We are here to tell the Vice Chancelloradditional N3,000 faculty levy. Ademola Adesiyan, a 300-Level student, students to return for the VC’s address, but that enough is enough,” Adekunle Ajayi, a said there was no need to fight the police or they shunned him. They chanted: “Go and 300-Level Computer Science student, said, “We are not ATM (Automated Teller Ma- disturb people going to their offices by bar- tell the VC to come here and tell us when the adding: “We cannot continue to pay throughchine). If the university has reason to increase ricading the roads. “We are not fighting the illegal fee will be stopped”. our nose.”its internally-generated revenue, it should Federal Government but the state govern-not turn to us and extort us. This time, it ment and our university management,” he Listing their complaints, the students de- Governor Ayodele Fayose reduced the tu-would be a total showdown between us and said. manded restoration of the SUG by second ition fee by N20,000 when he came on board.the management,” a 300-Level English stu- semester. They also want unlimited access to But students said the money was being re-dent simply identified as Adebimpe yelled. At 8:30am, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Aca- the internet facility they paid for. introduced through the backdoor. demics), Prof Ibiyinka Ogunlade arrived to CAMPUSLIFE gathered that there had been address the angry students, but she was booed To prevent a breakdown of order, the VC •Continued on page 26other complaints by the students but the lateregistration fee was the last straw that brokethe camel’s back. Initially, the management pegged the feeat N5,000 but increased it to N10,000 last•Achebe donates books to UNN -P32•42 Doctors take oath at Ambrose Alli varsity -P41

26 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015CAMPUS LIFEAverting another Pushing attention. ASUP had gone on strike on April 17, 2013, more than two months before thepolytechnic lecturers’ Strike Out ASUU began its own strike action on July 1, 2013.T HE Academic Staff Union of Polytech- in the public service and the labour with nics (ASUP), on February 11 2015, is- market in Nigeria and the non-re- Agbo Agbo At a point ASUP suspended its strike - on sued a two-week strike notice to the lease of white paper on visitation July 17, 2013 - to prepare grounds for nego-Federal Government (FG) to implement the panels to Federal Polytechnics. tiation with the FG only for it to be resumedagreement it reached with the union over The purported suspension of the 08116759750 again. However, because of Shekarau’s ap-four years ago, or it would compel mem- (SMS only) peal the action was called off. It now be-bers to down tools. The ultimatum expired Consolidated Tertiary Institutions hooves on him to ensure that we do not goyesterday with the union threatening to Salary Scale (CONTISS) 15 migration back to the bad days when students’ lose aembark on an indefinite strike if the FG for the lower cadres and its arrears •[email protected] whole session because government and thefailed to attend to all pending issues raised unions could not find a common negotia-in its ultimatum. Two other polytechnic un- from 2009 when salary structure was tion ground.ions, the Non Academic Staff Union of Edu-cational and Allied Institutions (NASU), and approved, the non-establishment of a Na- gitimate demand. This demand – to the best To put a finger on the dilemma polytech-the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Poly- tional Polytechnic Commission and the of my knowledge - has curricular, legal and nics and colleges of education face is to un-technics (SSANIP) are also spoiling for a “wrongful recognition” of the National Board labour implications, requiring an enabling derstand the psyche of those in government,fight. for Technical Education, NBTE, as the regula- legislation by the National Assembly. and Nigerians generally. For instance, in a tory body for polytechnics are key elements On the other hand, I believe that other out- 2012 interview with Vanguard newspaper, The polytechnic lecturers’ suspended an al- of their demands. standing issues like the establishment of a Professor Godwin Onu, Rector, Federalmost one year strike last year following Additionally, the lecturers also want more National Polytechnic Commission, release of Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, said thatpromises made by Education Minister, funding for polytechnics, appointment of White Paper of the visitations to Federal Poly- experience in the sector had taught him thatMalam Ibrahim Shekarau; but the union said competent people into governing councils technics and inadequate funding, are matters most youths prefer gaining admission intonone of the items on their list of demands and adequate funding of state polytechnics that can be resolved through dialogue. From universities than polytechnics or colleges ofand grievances has been settled. The way by their various owners. all indication, it appears the lecturers’ have education.things stand; we may be on the verge of an- Asomugha stated that since the suspension been patient with the government and wouldother strike season once again. of previous strike and “despite our strong want the ministry to demonstrate that it is “Only very few choose polytechnics as reminders to government on the pending is- serious in addressing the myriad of problems their first choice because of some particular The Minister, on assumption of office sues and repeated assurances from the minis- confronted polytechnics. courses and this can be attributed to societalpledged that there would be no strikes un- ter, none of the issues has been addressed to a On January 5, 2006 - while in office as Presi- values on varsity/polytechnic education.der his watch and he demonstrated his seri- logical conclusion. In a strange twist, rather, dent - Chief Olusegun Obasanjo approved a I’m not saying that the university is betterousness with the no-strike resolve by per- and without recourse to the content and spirit policy which reversed the discriminatory than polytechnics or colleges of education,sonally intervening to end the protracted of the understanding on which the union sus- policy restricting holders of the Higher Na- but I think if polytechnics are converted toASUP industrial action embarked upon on pended the strike, the Federal Ministry of tional Diploma (HND) from rising above polytechnic universities, it would solve mostOctober 4, 2013. To his credit too, the uni- Education on the 26th of January 2015, under Level 14 in the civil service. Instructively, Mrs. of these problems,” he was quoted as saying.versities have been quiet for now due partly the guise of a proposed verification exercise, Chinwe Obaji, then Minister of Education andto the N200 billion intervention funds re- issued a circular directing the suspension of members of the House of Representatives Prof. Olu Akeusola, Provost, Michaelleased by the FG as part of the governments’ the CONTISS 15 Salary Structure which im- Committee on Education were present at the Otedola College of Primary Educationnegotiation with ASUU. plementation dates back to 2009, thereby, cre- meeting where the decision was reached. (MOCPED), Epe, Lagos State, also echoed ating further confusion in the sector.” Prior to that policy statement, there had this line when he said, “Nigerians will put So what has changed and why are poly- He added that the development “is provoca- been a long drawn – and I will add, education institutes in crisis if the discrimi-technic lecturers considering the strike op- tive, ill timed, retrogressive, and is a flagrant unnecessary - battle about which is superior: nation against polytechnics and colleges oftion again given the fact that the sector has breach of the trust and character of the agree- university degrees or polytechnic diplomas. education continues.not fully recovered from the previous one? ment that led to the suspension of the strike Both in the public and private sectors, theyAddressing journalists after its National Ex- in July, 2014. We are lost as to the real intent are put to the test as employers of labour – Now that we’ve gone full circle whatecutive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja last and objective of the Federal Ministry of Edu- wittingly or unwittingly – discriminate should the minister do? If really the circularweek, President of ASUP, Dr. Chibuzor cation in stirring the hornet’s nest at a time against polytechnic graduates. This was what suspending the CONTISS emanated from hisAsomugha – in addition to their ultimatum when our nation is in the throes of a challeng- informed the decision - a couple of years ago office he should explain the reason for thisdemands -, also demanded the immediate ing transition.” - of turning some prominent polytechnics in given that it had been agreed upon by bothdissolution of Governing Councils of Fed- In fairness, some of the issues, which led the country into universities. parties. Strikes I must stress - inflict untolderal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State and the polytechnic teachers to abandon the class- This dichotomy is also played on the na- hardship on students, parents, the commu-that of Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State for allegedly rooms, are broad and wide-ranging. Most of tional scene, and even in the media. The bet- nity and the system and destabilise the verycreating avoidable problems in their insti- us would agree that some have lingered for ter part of 2013 was dedicated to the trench institutions the strikers claim to be fighting for.tutions. decades; others require action by the National warfare between the Academic Staff Union We have tried the strike option numerous Assembly. Take for instance the long stand- of Universities (ASUU) and the FG. Interest- times and seen the consequences. Some of the demands, according to Dr. ing agitation to end the dichotomy between ingly too, the ASUP was on strike beforeAsomugha, include the continued discrimi- university and polytechnic graduates, as a le- ASUU, but theirs was not given the requisite The minister should strive to ensure thisnation against polytechnic graduates, both strike is averted, especially in this tense tran- sition period. We also need to erase the stere- otype and assumption that polytechnics only cater for mechanics and the hospitality industry. In reality, media, arts, design, busi- ness, fine arts, film, engineering, and jour- nalism are all available at polytechnics. Oluwaseun Fapohunda graduated as overall best student at the fifth convocation of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.8. The Biochemistry graduate tells YOMI AYELESO (300-Level Business Administration) what motivated him. ‘Mum motivated my success’•Prof Aina arriving at the scene HOW Did you feel happy at the end of first de- graduating as the best gree. This encouraged me toDay of rage at Ekiti varsity give in my best. student?•Continued from page 25 for late registration but on Feb- to note that the penalty fees I give glory to God for the Should we say your success •Oluwaseun CAMPUSLIFE gathered ruary 18, the management is- are not to be paid into the feat. I felt I accomplished sued a directive that late usual bank account of the what has never been done at was achieved by prayer and was not involved in anythat students are charged school fee payment has been school but a separate ac- the Department of Biochem- other activities aside fellow-N8,000 as faculty fee, N5,000 increased to N10,000,” count.” istry. I graduated with Cu- not by reading? ship works and my studies.for Internet, which is not Seunayo Ayodeji said. mulative Grade Point Aver-readily available and At 1pm, Governor Fayose age (CGPA) of 4.8, the high- No. Prayer will be mean- What is your advice for stu-N10,000 for entrepreneur- A student, who did not want addressed the protesters, urg- est so far recorded in the de- ingless if someone does not dents?ship course, which is yet to his name in print, said: “If we ing them to go back to school partment. complement it with hardcommence two weeks to the pay N10, 000 as late registra- peacefully. He promised to What is the motivation be- work. Working and praying I advise them, irrespectivesecond semester examina- tion fee, N8,000 for faculty look into the matter. He or- are key to success. I never of age, status, background ortion. fee, N5,000 for internet dered the university manage- hind this feat? missed night reading from circumstances, to seek the which we don’t use and ment to stop the payment of my year one to the final year. Kingdom of God first, and “The final straw that broke N10,000 for Entrepreneur- the late registration fee with I consider it as a promise I carefully planned my read- other things shall be added.the camel’s back was when ship Skill Course (ESC), it immediate effect. between God and I. The zeal ing timetable which covers I want them to study as ifthe management decided to adds up to N33,000, which to serve God has been my 168 hours in a week. I kept everything depends on themincrease late registration fee is greater than the N20,000 The students hailed the motivation. He promised to fidelity to the timetable and and pray as if everythingby another N5,000. We ini- deducted from our tuition governor for the decision, always make me the head avoided unnecessary distur- depends on God.tially agreed to pay N5,000 by the governor. It is good urging him to prevail on the and not the tail. ‘Seest thou a bance. I read almost every management to restore the man diligent in his business? time and spent my leisure SUG. He shall stand before kings; period in the library. But, he shall not stand before prayers complemented my mean men’. Secondly, my efforts. humble background also motivated me. I remember Did you engage in extra- when I came for entrance ex- amination, my church spon- curricular activities? sored me because my mom could not afford to give me I was an active worker in transport fare. She chal- the Bible Study Unit of the lenged me to make her Redeemed Christian Fellow- ship. In my final year,0 I was chosen as Assistant General Coordinator in Biochemistry Department Fellowship. I

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 27CAMPUS LIFEIs it proper for lecturers to ask students to pay for supervision for teaching practice? Students of the Federal University ofAgriculture (UNIAGRIC) in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, are accusing their teachers of demanding N2,500 supervisionfee. AMOS ABA (300-Level Mathematics and Computer Science Education) and DAMSA AHANGBA (200-Level PhysicsEducation) report.Row oversupervisionfeeTEACHING practice is com- •Students at orientation on teaching practice held last year pulsory for every Education student. It was introduced to from their campus for the teach- the students going for teaching prac- the semester when we have ex- last year. It may have been a goodenable the students practise what ing practice to reduce the cost of tice in Makurdi should pay less com- hausted our pocket money?” idea but the financial attachmentthey are taught. It is a requirement transportation and feeding, since pared to students going to other that comes with it is at the wrongfor the award of a Bachelor’s de- they will not be paid for the exer- towns. How fair is it to pay for su- Also, Timothy Ibiniyi, a 300-Level time. In fact, it is uncalled for,”gree in Education. cise. pervision while we look for schools Mathematics and Computer Science he said. to practice?” Education student, said the supervi- Students are expected to go for They described the fee sion fee was unnecessary because he Efforts to reach the co-ordinatorteaching practice before their final imposition as inconsiderate, Lawrence Agbo, a 300-Level Math- would undergo the practice in the of teaching practice in the depart-year. They are dispatched to pri- noting that the department did not ematics and Computer Science state capital. “Why do I have to pay ment, Associate Professor Alachemary and secondary schools take into consideration the stress Education student, wondered why N2,500 when I am to take the teach- Amali, were futile. A student, whowithin the catchment area of their and finances to be incurred by the department introduced the fee ing practice in Makurdi? It is not spoke on the condition of anonym-universities for the exercise. Many them. when the semester was rounding off. logical,” he said. ity, said: “This is a critical issue thatare lucky to have their teaching He said: “Does it mean the school demands the department liaisingpractice in the city; others have it Emmanuel Deke, a 200-Level does not have a budget to cater for For Kingsley Biang, a 200-Level with the school management to re-in rural communities. But where Biology Education student, said if the the welfare of lecturers that will Physics Education student, the solve it in favour of the students,they undergo the teaching practice department did not consider stu- supervise our teaching practice? Do timing of the fee was wrong. because if such issues are not handleddoes not matter, so far it is within dents before introducing the fee. He they know that it is difficult to pay “The idea of thorough supervi- properly, they might escalate un-the stipulated areas, where their said: “I think the department should such amount of money at the end of sion was mooted during the rest on the campus.”supervisors can see them. have taken into consideration that teaching practice seminar held Since teaching practice is a gov-ernment programme, students arenot expected to pay for it. Rather,it is the government that will bearthe responsibility for the wholeexercise, including supervision. But, the introduction of a N2,500supervision fee at the Federal Uni-versity of Agriculture(UNIAGRIC) in Makurdi, theBenue State capital, is generatingheat on the campus. Students of theDepartment of Agriculture andScience Education are groaningunder the burden of feeimposition. The students, who are expectedto undergo teaching practicewithin Makurdi and environs,consider the fee as an attempt toextort money from them. Somesaid they selected schools not farMembers of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, the AnambraState capital, have spearheaded a campaign to promote hygiene by cleaning up the campus. FRANKLIN ONWUBIKO (400-Level Mass Communication) reports. growth and development of the in- stitution. “We must not leave ev-T HE restless spirit of Aluta For a cleaner campus erything in the hands of the uni- was at rest last weekend at versity management. Students the Nnamdi Azikiwe Uni- •Nobel packing out dirt from the drainage must also to contribute their ownversity (UNIZIK) in Awka, the quota. This sanitation exercise is aAnambra State capital. Members ment. to imbibe the right attitude to The union leader challenged stu- way of doing that,” she said.of the university community woke He said: “This union is elected to cleanliness and we should start dents who always agitate for bet-up to find the Students’ Union from our immediate environment. ter welfare to turn up for the next She urged students to imbibeGovernment (SUG) leadership serve and protect the interest of the By leading a drive for attitudinal exercise next month. He urged right attitude in disposing wasteschampioning the crusade for a students. In exercising the man- change, we are sending message them to support the union’s drive materials to avoid blocking thecleaner campus. date given to us, we need to en- to our colleagues to ensure the to restore hope, trust and pride in drainage, which she said could sure students also play roles in the campus is clean for academic ac- the students. cause flood on the campus. Pre- Noble Eyisi, the union president, development of the school. Hav- tivities. Like they say, cleanliness cious also warned against indis-led other members and students ing looked around, we decided to is next to godliness.” Precious said the exercise was to criminate posting of posters andto clean up the campus. start with environment. We need make students contribute to the bills, noting that pasting posters on the walls could make the school As early as 6:30am, Noble, joined lose its aesthetic beauty.by members of the executive,stormed the school’s entrance at Some of the students, who par-Ifite with shovels, rakes, wheel ticipated in the exercise, describedbarrows and other materials. The the initiative as a welcome devel-exercise coincided with the state’s opment but decried the low turn-sanitation day. out of students. Emmanuel Murako, a Mass Communication The union said the move was student, described the union actionaimed at ensuring a cleaner aca- as innovative, expressing opti-demic environment. mism that the school could attain its goal if students maintained the The union leader and other vol- “remarkable exercise”.unteers spent hours evacuating thedebris in the drainage in front the A final year student of Massschool’s gate. Communication, Jerry Ukandu, said: “Ever since I was admitted The union’s Vice President, Pre- into the institution, no union ex-cious Ozems, also went round the ecutive has organised this kind ofcampus to mobilise female stu- exercise. The president has showndents to join the exercise. They us that students have many roleswere seen scrapping off posters to play in school beyond scream-and bills indiscriminately posted ing Aluta and rush for lectures.on the school wall by students. This union is an embodiment of servant leadership. They have pas- Noble said students needed not sion and drive to serve and I be-be prodded to engage in sanita- lieve this tenure would be remark-tion, because hazards from the en- able.”vironment could also affect theirwell-being. He said students’unionism should not be aboutshouting Aluta continua alone not-ing that students should be part-ners in progress with the manage-

2015 polls: Nigerianstudents meet in London28 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015CAMPUS LIFE‘2015 electionsmust not breakup Nigeria’NIGERIAN students in Lon- •The students displaying national flag in solidarity with the masses don have examined politi- cal developments at home. From Oluwaloseyi Babaeko Akintunde, spoke on the need to guage. agents.Of concern to them at a lecture avoid violence during and after Jermaine Sanwoolu, another Students deplored the use of re-tagged: Violence and conflict UNITED KINGDOM elections, advising candidates toprevention in the 2015 elections: The caution their supporters on resort- guest, said Nigeria must remain ligion and ethnicity by some poli-role of government and the citizens, Mr Efemena Onaedo, the guest ing to brigandage if the election united after the general elections. ticians in their campaigns. Theywas the coming general elections. speaker, who spoke on Why outcome does not favour them. “We want peaceful elections and warned them to desist from such, youths must be involved in politics, we don’t want the polls to divide stressing that Nigeria’s unity is It was held at Conference Audi- said the political class’ failure to John Ojukwu, who spoke on our country,” Sanwoolu said. sacrosanct.torium of the University of Leeds. transform the country led the Peace as embodied in language: RoleIt was organised by Nigerian Stu- youth to join politics and use their of language in politics, advised poli- Ahmed Adamu and Marvina They also appealed to the elec-dents’ Association with Young innovative mind to change things. ticians to emulate the interna- Babs-Apata also advised the torate to act with the fear of Godand Active Nigerians, a UK-based tional standard in the use of lan- youth to stand against violence and look beyond fault line to votebody. Another speaker, Dr Ife and play their role as change for credible candidates. Kelechi Anyikude, a doctoralstudent and the association’sPresident, said the group wasconcerned about pre-electionviolence back home. He said therewas need for the government tocreate level playing field for allcandidates, advising the Indepen-dent National Electoral Commis-sion (INEC) to raise the bar for afree and fair process. The Vice-President, Miss BisolaBabalola, a final year law student,said members wanted to return toa peaceful country, adding thatthis was why they lent their voiceto political happenings home. Activists advise Kogi youths to eschew election violence Y OUTHS have been urged to From Yabagi Mohammed eschew violence and allow KSU peace to reign during the elections. for the state to remain peaceful is not negotiable.” The advice came from Activista, a youth organisation, which held a Activista Coordinator Miss peace walk at the Kogi State Univer- Damilola Ogunsakin said the body sity (KSU) in Anyigba. held a walk to raise awareness on the role of youths in the political process. The Programme Manager, ActionAid Nigeria, Victor Adejoh, The body, she said, would mentor who led students in the walk, said the the young to act positively. She urged initiative was designed to discourage government at all levels to formulate youths from being used by politicians youth-friendly policies. to foment violence after the polls. The walk took participants round He said the body observed that the the campus and some parts of youth had been used to foment Anyigba community where they held trouble by those he described as en- talks with some youth. emies of the country. He added that the walk would raise awareness and ‘Kogi State is a strategic enlighten the youth on why they state in the geography of must participate peacefully in the po- the nation. No one goes to litical process. any part of this country Describing the state as one of the from one part without crucial places where peace must be passing through the state. maintained, Adejoh urged the people Therefore, the need for the to reject anyone that causes violence. state to remain peaceful is He added: “Kogi State is a strategic not negotiable’ state in the geography of the nation. No one goes to any part of this coun- try from one part without passing through the state. Therefore, the need•Obi Achebe handing over copies of the books to Prof Ozumba during the visit Ex-Lagos lawmakerAchebe donates books to UNN advises youths on politicsTHE Obi of Onitsha, Prof From TInya-Agha Egwu and his association with his ad- AFORMER member of Lagos From Miftaudeen Raji Alfred Achebe, has donated ministration. State House of Assembly, UNILAG some of his books to the Uni- UNN Abdulhakeem Abdullateef,versity of Nigeria (UNN). He said: “For us at UNN, Obi of has advised youths to join politics. He not let these remnants of the colonial would help boost research and Onitsha is not just a royal father gave the advice at the University of masters to prey on us. We must learn Presenting the books to the Vice- historical findings about Onitsha, in Igbo land, but a leading figure Lagos (UNILAG) at a lecture organised to accommodate one another.”Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin its culture and justice system. in Igbo traditional institution by the institution’s chapter of the Mus-Ozumba, at the varsity’s Confer- who has verifiable records.” lim Students’ Society of Nigeria Abdullateef advised youths to actence Room, the traditional ruler The traditional ruler said pro- (MSSN). as sportsmen while seeking positionssaid they centred on the history of ceeds from the launch of the books He noted that the monarch’s of authority. He said there was a gameOnitsha, and the town’s contribu- were donated to Onitsha Ad- reign had advanced synergy be- Abdullateef, a former Special Ad- of throne in life, noting that the thronetion to the country’s socio-eco- vancement Foundation, which tween tradition and modernity as viser to Governor Babatunde was about power and authority.nomic and education develop- was established to drive the stra- instituted by his forebears for the Fashola on Politics and Legislativement. The monarch said readers tegic transformation of the city development of the commercial Matters, likened the country to an “I want you not to show despera-would also learn how the ancient into a 21st century metropolis. city of Onitsha. airplane hovering violently in the tion to attain any post, because powercity combined modernity with sky, saying: “We are all in the is a trial. Politics is not a do-or-dieculture to achieve economic Igwe Achebe hailed the man- The VC said the monarch’s contri- plane and this government as the affair. You need to understand allgrowth. agement for the ongoing devel- butions at the meetings of leading pilot has announced to us that it these to chart the way out of this mess opment of the institution, noting traditional rulers were giving psy- does not know how to land. So, you we have found ourselves in the coun- His visit, the monarch said, that the university was better chological satisfaction to the Igbo. must get your PVC to land this plane try,” he said.marks the beginning of his jour- compared to the last time he vis- safely.”ney to all universities in the ited. He promised to keep close link The ex-legislator urged youths toSoutheast. He said the books with the monarch and his kingdom, He said youths must be recruited see power as a trust, adding that when Ozumba thanked the monarch and urged the king to sustain his into politics because they are the lead- elected into office, they must lead by for his interest in the institution tie with the university. ers of tomorrow, adding: “We must example and consult people at all times.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 29CAMPUS LIFE 42 doctors take oath at Ambrose Alli varsity•The hall leaders after their swearing-in F ORTY-TWO Medicine gradu- From Louis Uwoghiren, Kelvin ates of Ambrose Alli Univer- Osakpolor and Swift Kester,RESIDENTS of Tedder Hall at Tedder Hall gets leaders sity (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo the University of Ibadan (UI) State, have taken the Hippocratic AAU have elected leaders for the From Hammed Hamzat management’s support. He advised Oath. They took oath last Thursday2014/2015 academic session. The UI them to be responsible leaders and during their induction. waste your efforts and goodwill byelection was conducted through advocates of better welfare for their engaging in unprofessional conduct.electronic voting. Opajobi, Vice-Chairman, Joseph colleagues. By 9am, the Reverend Chris The MDCN will not hesitate to with- Adebanjo, General Secretary, Oyakhilome Auditorium, venue of draw your medical certificate for Babafemi Falayi, a 400-Level Law Bemiwo Agbo-Adediran, Informa- In his acceptance speech, Babafemi the ceremony, had been filled by malpractice,” she said.student, emerged as the hall chair- tion Minister, Damilola Bada, Health thanked residents for giving him the graduands and their parents.man. He scored 175 votes to beat Minister, Mubaraq Oyedele, Defence their mandate. He extended the hand The Acting Dean, Faculty of Clini-Temitope Ajibola, who had 153 Minister and Jude Adeleke, Finance of cooperation to his opponent, The ceremony was witnessed by cal Sciences, Prof Felix Okogbo, saidvotes. Minister. saying members’ welfare was para- officials of the Medical and Dental the graduands must be ready to cre- mount to him. Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and ate niche for themselves in the pro- Kehinde Odanye, a 400-Level Sta- At the swearing in held at the principal officers of the school, led fession, saying: “Our alumni aretistics student, is the Hall Affairs’ Common Room, the Hall Warden, He said that Literary and Debat- by the Provost of the medical col- doing well all over the country;Minister; Sunday Ukaeje, a 300-Level Dr Kehinde Popoola, congratulated ing Society of the hall would com- lege, Dr F.O. Enahoro, Registrar, Mr. please do not put the institution inHuman Kinetics and Health Educa- the new leaders, assuring them of pete with other halls and become F.A. Ojo-Maliki, Acting Dean of bad light through professional mis-tion student, is legislative leader. the best. Basic Medical Sciences, Dr Ute conduct.” Inegbenebor, Secretary of the Col- Others elected are Tioluwani lege of Medicine, Chief A.E Noting that there were challenges Ogbejiele. facing medical profession, Prof Okogbo expressed confidence in The Provost said the college was the graduates to change the face of proud to have trained the graduates, medical practice in the country. urging them to consolidate their knowledge by carefully selecting The inductees swore to the Physi- their areas of specialisation. Dr cians Oath 1 and 2, which are im- Enahoro said the profession was proved versions of the Hippocratic evolving faster, noting that there was Oath. After the oath, they took bow no chance for non-specialist doctors. before their parents and lecturers She advised them to be guided by and proceeded to get their licenses. the oath to save lives. The ceremony was followed by an Dr Enahoro said: “The Hippo- elaborate celebration at an open cratic Oath is significant because it field beside the auditorium, where symbolises acceptance of anyone guests entertained by the doctors into the medical practice. When pa- and their parents. tients come to you, you are required to treat them with empathy. See An inductee, Dr Angela them as human beings in need of Eihebholo, described the moment as help and show love to your patients. her best, saying determination, hard You must also heed the good advice work and prayers saw her through of consultants under whom you at the college. may be working. This is the best way to practice the profession.” She said: “There were days I cried because I did not know whether I The Provost also admonished the would graduate. There were days I inductees to imbibe humility, warn- went to hospital in the dead of the ing them against forging medical night because I was on call; I re- certificates for people who want to member days I read as if I was go- travel out of the country for dubi- ing to collapse. Truth be told, my ous reason. parents were helpful to my success today. They stood by me and I am “Considering the number of years grateful to God because it has finally you spent in school and the invest- ended and my dream to become a ment of your parents, please do not medical doctor is now a reality.” Group bids Corps members bye•Some of the students after the matriculation oath ACOMMUNITY Develop- From Olumuyiwa Ogunleye ment Service (CDS) groupBe diligent in your studies, students told of the National Youth ILORINTHE Registrar of International From ‘Seyi Oluwalade IIJ his objective to give back to his alma Service Corps (NYSC) in Ilorin ‘Learn to sweep your Institute of Journalism (IIJ), ADO-EKITI mater. The Speaker said: “Let me South Local Government Area has house from inside not Mr Olusola Afolabi, has urged promise and reaffirm here that before organised a send off for the 2014 from outside. Let usnew students of the institute to cates not only for learning but also in the end of March (next month), the Batch “A” Corps members.shun vices capable of truncating character.” three classrooms will be ready for be the good eyes oftheir career. He said they must use.” The event was held at the Cheru- the group weshow diligence towards their stud- Afolabi said the institute has con- bim and Seraphim College inies. tributed to the training and re-train- Responding, the chairman of the Sabo Oke area of Ilorin, the Kwara represent. For the ing of journalists and media practi- Nigerian Union of Journalist, Ekiti State capital. It also featured country to move Afolabi spoke last Friday during tioners. He congratulated the students State Chapel, Mr Laulo Omosulade, election of leaders that will pilot forward, corruptionmatriculation and oath-taking held on their admission, promising that hailed the Speaker for the gesture. He the group’s affairs for some must be stopped.for new students admitted by the the institute would not rest on its oars urged other alumni to toe similar months. Anti-graft agenciesinstitute for 2014/2015 academic in giving them quality training in line path. and personnel mustsession in Ado-Ekiti campus. with the best global practices. The electoral committee was be at the centre of the Omosulade advised students of headed by an outgoing Corps campaign against The Registrar said: “As journalists The Speaker of Ekite State House of the school to be agents of change and member, Yusuf Afolabi. Threein training, you are expected to con- Assembly, Hon Dele Olugbemi, do- uphold the ethics of the profession persons contested for president. corruption’duct yourselves properly, avoid vices nated a block of three classrooms to at all times.such as cult activities, violence and the institute. He laid the foundation Chidubem Emekwisia was members of the group not toexamination misconduct. I also advise for the building before the matricula- The coordinator of IIJ in Ado Ekiti, elected president, beating his relent in their campaign againstyou to focus on your academic activi- tion started. Mr Dare Daniels, congratulated the close opponent with three votes. graft and misconduct.ties and respect the constituted au- new students, urging them to Temitope Kolawole is Vice-thorities, because IIJ awards certifi- Olugbemi, who is an alumnus of the cooperate with the management to President; Martha Aubenake, the Ibraheem Alli, who spoke on be- institute, said the gesture was part of have a hitch-free session. secretary. half of the outgoing Corps mem- bers, said the successes recorded Others elected include Adebayo by the group were made possible Onisile, Public Relations Officer, by the administrative proficiency Damilola Atoyebi, Treasurer, of their supervisor, saying the Ibraheem Bale, Financial youth would take the message Secretary, Peter Udoh, Welfare back to their various homes. Officer and Idris Abubakar, Provost. Advising the CDS leaders, Alli said: “Learn to sweep your house Chidubem, in his acceptance from inside not from outside. Let speech, said his emergence was an us be the good eyes of the group indication of his contribution to we represent. For the country to the group’s activities. He hailed move forward, corruption must be his colleagues for the confidence stopped. Anti-graft agencies and reposed in him, promising he personnel must be at the centre of would not betray their trust. He the campaign against urged members to support his corruption.” drive to use the CDS as platform to engender a corruption-free so- ciety. The CDS Supervisor, Mr Hanas Alfa, praised the outgoing Corps members for their maturity and good programmes. He urged

30 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015CAMPUS LIFELast Thursday, Batch “A” Corps members completed the one-year mandatory National Youth Service. At theEnugu ceremony, state NYSC Coordinator Hilary Nasamu advised youths to embrace entrepreneurship instead ofgoing about in search of jobs. OLADELE OGE reports.All’s wellthat endswellU NEMPLOYMENT has been •The outgoing Corps members during the passing-out ceremony identified as the cause of youth restiveness. But how Mr Shobo Adewumi, urged the or engage in entrepreneurship to initiated one or two capital projects in hoc staff for the coming generalcan a nation achieve a violence- youth to use their creativity in achieve their dreams. He said the their various communities where they elections could stay back to take partfree society? To Mr Hilary making themselves self-reliant. He interest of the NYSC in the success had their primary assignment can also in the exercise. He advised them toNasamu, Enugu State coordinator said entrepreneurship does not dis- of the youths who passed through do better in business when they get to take the INEC form given to themof the National Youth Service criminate against discipline but it went beyond the service year. their various destinations.” during the training to their variousCorps (NYSC), the first step is to said requires courage and passion local government areas for re-engage youths in entrepreneur- to be successful entrepreneur. Admitting that unemployment The NYSC Inspector in Nsukka, Mr approval.ship and skill acquisition. This, he remained the greatest problem Emeka Okpara, urged the youth to besaid, will restore the dignity and In the absence of white-collar job, facing the nation, Nasamu said: “As hard-working and desist from acts However, the NYSC staff at therespect of human beings. Nasamu said, entrepreneurship can youths, you must not allow your- that could tarnish their careers. He ceremony did not mention the be used to solve myriads of chal- selves to be carried away by the trend. advised them not to engage in number of Corp members that He said the task is achievable de- lenges facing the youth. You must continue to dream big and thuggery, armed robbery and vices would repeat the service. Thespite the rush by youths for white- map out plan to achieve your dream to get “quick money”. three-hour ceremony ended withcollar jobs. He spoke in Enugu, the He, however, expressed the will- and engage in productive ventures a party as the youth moved tostate capital during the passing-out ingness of the NYSC to help any- that would help to improve the Okpara said some of them who were restaurants and hotels in the townof Batch “A” Corps members last one of the outgoing Corps mem- economy of the country. Those who trained by the Independent National to celebrate their passing out.Thursday at Government Field in bers who may want to acquire skills Electoral Commission (INEC) as ad-Nsukka. The event was held for outgoingCorps members in four localgovernment areas in Nsukka zone.They are Igbo-Ettiti, Udenu, Uzor-Uwanni and Nsukka Central.Thousands of the youth gatheredfor their final clearance, afterwhich they were given certificatesof service. He listed the jobs the outgoingCorps members could engage inafter the completion of Service. Hesaid any youth hoping to becom-ing rich without hard work wouldbe looking for an easy way out,noting that such success would beachieved through fraudulentmeans. The coordinator, represented byCorps members in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State have organised free eye screening for residents. Theygave out free glasses during the exercise. ADEYEMI OLALEMI (Physics and Education, University of Lagos) reports.•A Corps member attending to a beneficiary during the exercise •Some of the sponsors with the Corps membersGOOD vision, a Yoruba say- Good vision, good life CDS president and a Batch “A” ing goes, is essential for nor- Corps member, said the exercise mal functioning of the body. cise. cases, were treated by the medical Another beneficiary, who was di- was aimed at promoting healthAnyone who does not take care of Declaring the event open, Head personnel, but some who had agnosed for shortsightedness, Ms awareness in the community. Hehis eyes may lose the very essence serious sight condition were given Olapeju Oloruniwo, said she would said the exercise was targeted at theof life. While many may have poor of Education Department in the referral to see specialists for remain grateful to the organisers for poor who could not afford to gosight without being aware, others council, Mrs Folake Ajayi, urged treatment. the free screening. She said the free for expensive treatment.who are conscious of their sight con- the beneficiaries to cooperate with glasses would make her to be pro-dition could not go for remedy be- the organisers to ensure a success- Some were given free eyeglasses ductive at work, urging Corps mem- He said a good sight would makecause of the high cost of treatment. ful exercise. She hailed the Corps to correct their condition; while bers in other part of the country to living meaningful and fulfilling, members for the initiative, reiterat- others got drugs. The beneficiaries, emulate the gesture. stressing that people must take care To alleviate the suffering of those ing the council’s support for people- who collected free eyeglasses, of their eyes.living with vision impairment in oriented exercise. could not hide their joy, praising Mr. Joseph Nnaka, a trader, whoKosofe Local Government Area of the organisers for free eye got to know about the event Christopher hailed the partnersLagos State, members of Health “I want to say people within the screening. through his son, praised the Corps for supporting the initiative withGroup, a Community council’s jurisdiction are lucky to members for the initiative. “I love equipment, drugs and medical eye-Development Service (CDS) of the have these Corps members posted Mr. Sanusi Inoolaji, a civil servant, what they are doing. I am glad to glasses.National Youth Service Corps here. They are always zealous and said he recently noticed his sight had be part of the beneficiaries of the(NYSC) have organised free eye ready to impact on the community been impaired and could not see free glasses. This will go a long way Secretary to the CDS, Ememscreening for residents. positively,” Ajayi said. close object clearly. He said he in aiding my vision. I remain in- Jumbo, said the beneficiaries’ coop- learnt about his condition when he debted to the organisers for this self- eration made the exercise to be suc- The exercise, which was held at The event started with eye screen- attended the free eye screening, less task,” he said. cessful.the council secretariat on Ogudu ing for all participants by opticians praising the Corps members for theroad, was organised with and the Corps members. Some of initiative. Christopher Chukwuma-Eze, the A member, Sheidi Eiza, who is theBroadvision and Rotary Club of the beneficiaries, who had minor head of the logistics team, said: “I’mOgudu. The elderly, civil servants happy to be part of this, because thisand traders turned out for the exer- is another way of giving back to the community and impacting on the lives of people.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 31CAMPUS LIFE Curbing students’ immorality forts of management in curtailing the immorality, parents shouldBy Ahmad Muhammad Auwal abuse, cultism and prostitution, in- Different reasons have been ad- rules are strictly enforced, man- also be of good moral examples decent dressings in our tertiary in- vanced as to why students dress dating lecturers send student who to their children. Parents shouldM ORAL decadence in terti- stitutions have become the order indecently. These include poor do not dress in accordance with monitor and regulate the films ary institutions is becom- of the day. The “dress to kill” syn- parenting, peer pressure, wrong use the code out of lecture rooms. their children watch at homes. It ing rampant daily. Insti- drome is rampant among students, of the Internet, fading traditional These efforts are highly commend- is believed that, through hometutions of learning that are sup- particularly the ladies. They dress values as well as demonic influence. able. videos and satellites television,posed to be the centres of moral with the aim of looking extremely The negative implications of inde- wrong values, fashions are tradedvalues have become the grounds for sensory, forgetting that they ought cent dressing, especially among fe- But the fact remains that charity across cultures and nations.all forms of immoral activities. to look responsible and radiant. male students are that, they fall vic- begins at home. For these rules to tims of rape on campus; they are be properly enforced, members of As agents of socialisation, the Before now, decency, especially Today, ladies deliberately expose lured into prostitution by their management must lead by good mass media must promote valuesin dressing, is identified as a vital sensitive parts of their bodies to friends, because of the way they examples. This implies that they that will help change the belief offeature of the African culture. De- draw the attention of the opposite dress. They are also likely to be in- must also dress decently. the youth from the immoralcency in dressing has so much to gender. This manner of dressing fluenced to become join bad gangs. dressing. Publication or showingdo with acceptable moral values has been condemned by many All these result to poor academic As Omede Jacob of the Depart- of indecently dressed young girlsand qualities of appearance of an right-thinking individuals who see performance. ment of Educational Psychology in the name of advertisementindividual or group of persons. A it as improper and unacceptable, at the Kogi State College of Edu- should be discouraged. Radio anddress is said to be indecent when it because it portrays the highest level To address these problems, meas- cation, Ankpa, noted in 2011. “The television programmes that pro-is morally offensive; that is, if it immorality. ures need to be taken by govern- problem is not just in making the mote moral values and the sanc-exposes the vital parts of the body ment and the authorities of terti- rules but in their enforcements. tity of chastity should always bethat are meant to be covered. As This immorality is not limited to ary institutions by increasingly For these rules to be enforced transmitted.the truism goes, “the way you campuses, but also the larger soci- sensitising and educating students properly, lecturers should bedress, so you will be addressed.” ety. On streets and in public places, about the dangers associated with made to collaborate with the col- There is also the need to regu- it is common to see people almost immorality and indecent dress- lege or university management late the use of Internet especially Like other vices, such as drug nude all in the name of modern fash- ing. Staff and students should be staff and their security personnel. among the youth. This is because ion. Ladies dressing in obscene given periodic orientation on the Lecturers are to be empowered to majority of youths get exposed to clothes go about without shame. need for good moral conducts. prevent indecently dressed stu- these immoral activities on the Although, it is not only the ladies They should be educated on what dents from attending their lec- Internet. The amount of porno- who dress indecently today, even is expected of them and why tures, refuse to attend to such stu- graphic videos, sensual advertise- men have been going nude. moral values are required in dents in their areas of needs. The ments, obscene fashion shows and man’s life. administrative staff should disal- music that are being spread across Sagging of trousers known as low such students from their of- boundaries unregulated explains “low waist” or “ass down” is the Although it is of note that some fices while the security staff this better. order of the day. In addition to higher institutions have made ef- should serve as watchdogs.” wearing of skimpy clothes called forts to reduce the cases of inde- Indispensably, the role of reli- fitted, strapless shirts which show cent dressing through introduc- This tells us that, dress codes can gious leaders is also needed to com- cleavages, they are other kinds of tion of dress codes for students. be properly enforced on campuses bat immorality in our society. Cler- wears, such as short blouses, off- Stringent regulations to enforce through the collective efforts of gymen must base their preaching shoulder common among students. students’ compliance have been management, staff and security on immorality in the society and These are major problems associ- introduced in some schools. These personnel of tertiary institutions. counsel the youth under demonic ated with decency in dressing. influence. To further complement the ef- •Ahmad, 400-Level, Mass Comm., NSUKMy PVC is not for sale generation ahead. Whatever we tick will give rise to a new country forJUST as the Independent Na- I will use it to change powerless ports and visas to a safe country. By Opeoluwa Sonuga our unborn generation or present tional Electoral Commission and crawling economy and support They can make their dreams come a poverty-stricken jungle to them. (INEC) is distributing Perma- a productive, vigorous and cen- true and take them to the place of of history to make a choice between nent Voter Cards (PVCs) to all sored economy. These are part of their dreams. That is what their prosperity and poverty. Whatever We all must make up our mindsvoters for the coming general elec- the changes my PVC can do; that’s PVCs can do and that is why it we tick in this examination will ei- to be part of the history. Our ac-tions, some politicians and their why it is not for sale. should not be for sale. ther bring us to good and prosper- tions today may bring a true na-agents are looking for ways to com- ous four years or another period of tion for us tomorrow. If we don’tpromise the judgment of voters for Just as I make this vow not sell Beyond the physical PVCs in our tribulations. It is a critical period want our tomorrow as youths notselfish reason. my PVC, I expect many youths to hand, there is a PVC, which money for us, but it is more critical for the to be traded off today, we must act do the same. It is our privilege and cannot afford; it is our person and and make a good choice today. They have been going about for chance that will either make us bet- conscience. It is our conscience thatinducement of the people with vari- ter or bitter after the election, de- tells us what business to do with it. Nigeria is worth living for, but itous expendable items, such as bag pending on how we use it. We all It teaches us to share the profits for is not worth dying for, becauseof rice, yam and cash gifts. All these crave for sound and qualitative today and tomorrow. Why will we there is no need to die for Nigeriaare meant to compromise the elec- education and want to leave school then declare a state of emergency before Nigeria can be great. If deathtoral process and make voters to as employable graduate. We must on our persons and conscience be- brings birth, Abraham Lincolnchoose wrong choice. use our PVCs to do this. cause of money? needed not intervene in the Ameri- can But, as a note of warning, my PVC Our PVCs are our identities. They Money is simply a servant; weis not for sale. It is my personal identify us as patriotic and vision- need it to work for us and our vi- Civil War, but he did becausecommodity to exercise my fran- ary, who will rather vote for the sion. Our conscience is the passage there is tremendous power in a peo-chise. It is to effect change and future than cast our future out of that cuts across both. Why do we ple alive in unity. It brought a trem-make me contribute towards the the votes. That is what our PVCs need money if it is not to get what bling development despite diver-progress and development of the can do and that is why it should not we want? sity.country. It is my power, voice and be up for sale.instrument to either say “no” or Nigeria has been yearning for Nigeria will live, and as youths“yes” to people wanting to govern If we see our neighbours trying manifestation of good signs. Never we shall not die but live to realisemy country. to sell their PVCs, we must tell have we had an opportunity like the promises of generations that them that their PVCs are their pass- this to sit in the examination hall will come after us. I am proud to be a Nigerian. Are you? It’s time for a good cause •Opeoluwa, 500-Level Law, OAU By Adeleke Samuel making their homelands beautiful, Nigeria’s political history. From the in a pool of corruption, nepotism and bright and stimulating, raising them post-colonial period through the tribalism. The civil service lost it values that the likes of Prof Ita, Awolowo,AS general elections draw to higher, loftier heights. This is the military incursion, to the struggle for and the country was drifting slowly Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Macaulay closer, the words of the day of the Nigerian youth”. return of democracy in 1993, the in trouble water. We also had and other nationalists fought for. former leader of the Nigerian youth played commendable roles as Olusegun Obasanjo coming back asYouth Movement (NYM) Prof Eyo This is an inspiring speech said as agents of positive change. civilian president, but we still battled The general elections provide anIta comes to mind. The respected an advice to the youth, which was with the same problems. Ditto, opportunity for us to stand up andprofessor observed: “Youths in other meant to ignite and raise their socio- Whether as members of civil soci- President Goodluck Jonathan’s ensure that only politicians who con-countries are driving forward, build- political consciousness. That speech ety, pressure groups or the media, regime. duct issue-based campaign are givening themselves and their people, is still as relevant today as it was 81 many of them dared the monster of the chance to lead. It is high time the years ago. despotism to ensure that the ship of Under all the past and current ci- youth turned off politicians who democracy berthed safely once again vilian governments, the youth have have nothing to offer. Their votes The youth played major role, back in our nation. not really made their voice known. must be cast for those they believe then, in the struggle to free Nigeria We are yet to fill our impact in gov- have the heart and the brain to from the shackles of colonialism. The Sadly, the country has not made ernance; the old generations are still change the fortunes of the country spirit of time was how to train young much progress. The gains of democ- ruling without any plan for the for good. Enough of the insults people in medicine, law and teach- racy have not been felt by majority youth. This same set of leaders who between the youths supporting the ing to galvanise them for independ- of our countrymen and women. Na- have refused to improve the stand- various political parties. ence. They espoused the tenets of na- tions that we surpassed in 1960s have ard of our tertiary institutions. We tionalism and drop the garb of trib- since outgrown us and have made have been made to bear the brunt of The ugly tendency has been for alism to ensure that our fatherland tremendous progress in making life unnecessary strikes. political leaders to use the youth and remained indivisible. better for their citizens. The period dump them after elections. In many of military rule did not help matter Because of lack of care for the youth cases, youths have lost their lives in The independence was finally as well. Just a few military regimes and their future, many who could the process of being used by self-serv- achieved in 1960, following the strug- had clear-cut economic, social or not bear the hardship have taken to ing leaders during elections. gles led by the likes of the Nnamdi educational policies to make our vices, such as armed robbery, Azikiwe, with his magic oratory, journey to nationhood steady. kidnapping, hooliganism, crude oil The youth must ensure that none combined with selfless efforts of the theft and cybercrime. Some aere used of them is used as political thug. We Herbert Macaulay, the Olu Alakijas The civilian rules have done for terrorism against their fellow must not heed the call of political and Obafemi Awolowos. bettere. The Shehu Shagari regime citizens. leader whose children are studying was eventually truncated when it abroad but wants us to fight his cause It is important to say that a lot of became clear that we were swimming This certainly is not the country through guns and machetes. It is time water has passed under the bridge in to chart a new course for the rebirth of our nation. Samuel, HND II Mass Comm., BIDA POLY

32 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015CAMPUS LIFE•The students taking the oath •OrukeleT HE Petroleum Training Insti- 620 part-time students matriculate at PTI Jonathan on April 22, 2010 to provide tute (PTI), Effurun in Delta the needed impetus to build local ca- State has matriculated 620 In- behaviours, such as drug abuse and policy of the government, now pacity and value addition to thedustrial Continuing Education (part- resource, which should be used opti- peddling, cultism, examination mal- known as Local Content, by training economy,’’ he added.time) students. mally to strive for good grades. To practice and unlawful protest on cam- middle and high level manpower to achieve this, you must draw a line pus.” take over from the expatriates in the When the Petroleum Industry Bill Its Acting Principal Mr Jacob between academic and social activi- oil and gas sector. (PIB) is passed Orukele said PTI’s byOrukele said the students should ties.’’ He warned that to shun vices He said there was need for the the National Assembly, role incount themselves lucky that of the and be disciplined. students to acquire relevant skills to ‘’The concept of local participation content development would be1300 students who applied for admis- complement their academic in the oil and gas sector activities, further enhanced. He said thesion in the 2014/2015 academic ‘’You must be disciplined. It is the qualifications to enable them compete which provides at least 80 per cent of Petroleum Technology Developmentsession, they were among them. hallmark of the oil industry for which in the labour market. the country’s foreign exchange earn- Fund (PTDF), has equipped the you are being groomed. Management, ings has since been in the front burner. institute with state-of-the-art facilities He advised them to be focused and therefore, does not encourage any type PTI, he said, was founded to To facilitate this drive, the Nigerian Oil to train manpower.be serious with their studies to make of social vices and deviant actualise the then Nigerianisation and Gas Industry Content Develop-it. Orukele said: ‘’Time, they say, is a The part-time programme, he said, started in 1995 to assist workers, add-On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600 ment (NOGID) Act, 2010, was signed ing that its curriculum is not different into law by President Goodluck from that of full time. Students score union low on welfare, academic out put S TUDENTS of the Obafemi From Ajose Sehindemi Awolowo University (OAU) in OAU Ile-Ife, Osun State have rated their Students’ Union Government the prevailing economic reality. (SUG) low on welfare. They accused The students’ other complaint was their leaders of causing them untold hardship and suffering because of the the alleged downward review of union’s unrealistic approach to issues. results pasted by departments. They claimed there was mass failure in a The students said the union has not course when students’ scores were delivered on its promise to improve reviewed downwards after the union on their academic performance and wrote to the department over sale of welfare. They accused the union of course materials. introducing a levy, which stopped commercial vehicles from taking Students said they passed the exam them to their halls as it was in the after reading the materials, but their past. union‘s letter. This letter prompted the deduction of 10 marks from The union President, Isaac Ibikunle, their scores, they alleged. said the commercial buses stopped going to the halls because they did The union said it was unethical not accept the fares proposed by the to compel students to buy course union. But, the students said the material, but the department did union’s greed forced the drivers to not take it lightly. take the action. A student, who did not want to Some drivers, who spoke to be name, said: “When the results CAMPUSLIFE, said the union asked were released, I scored 71. But after them to pay N2,000 for a sticker after reviewing, they gave me 31. How paying N5,000 to the management. can I fail that course if it was 10 They said the union wanted to reduce marks they deducted from the their fare from N20 to N10, describing whole result? the move as unreasonable because of This is a compulsory course taken by over 5,000 students.” Shun vices, From Miftaudeen Raji HOD tells UNILAG students with anything. You must not join them HEAD of Department (HOD) of or seek for their help. You all have equal Mass Communication of the access to your lecturers. Our offices are University of Lagos open for you. Feel free to come to us and (UNILAG), Dr Abigail Ogwezzy, has explain your challenges.” warned students to shun misconducts. She advised the students to explore all Dr Ogwezzy gave the counsel while open avenues to maximise their stay on addressing freshers during an the campus, imploring them to exhibit orientation organised by Mass Com- the highest level of discipline. She added munication Students’ Association that the school has zero tolerance for (MSCA). misconducts. She told the freshers that they got a Dr Ogwezzy said: “Ensure that you had rare opportunity to study in the make good use of your time on things school, saying they must not engage that are productive. Try as much as pos- in vices, which could lead to their ex- sible to avoid procrastination. If you pro- pulsion. crastinate, you have yourself to blame at the end of the day. You have freedom The HOD said: “There are so many to engage in anything but you must be vices and dangerous trends students en- careful not to lose focus.” gage themselves in. Some people fraudu- lently collect money to help students ma- Other guests, who spoke at the event, nipulate their results. Don’t fall into their included The Nation Online Editor, Mr. hands because they cannot help you Lekan Otufodunrin, Head of Output, Television Continental (TVC), Mr Adedeji Ajayi, and the best student of the department, Godwin Iretomiwa. They also advised the freshers to be diligent and show positive mindset towards their studies.

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 33 EDUCATION Bida Poly • Pastor Adeboye (middle); flanked by (from left) Prof Bello, Prof Okoya, Prof Babajide Alo, Deputy Vice Chancellor FUNAAB FILEmatriculates (Academics and Research), and Dr Taiwo Ipaye, Registrar, after the lecture. Varsity gets donations 10,000 Adeboye professorial chair dear to UNILAG, says VC ZENITH Bank Plc, United Bank of From Jide Orintunsin, Minna Africa (UBA) Plc and Brightsword P ASTOR Enoch Adejare By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie challenges such as poor funding, Technologies Limited, have addedO VER 10,000 students took Adeboye Professorial Chair strikes, unstable academic calen- value to Federal University of the matriculation oath at in Mathematics is the only many people to endow chairs. I dar, as well as the pursuit of cer- Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), the Federal Polytechnic, viable chair at the University of admonish all others with chairs to tificate at the expense of knowl- Ogun State with their variousBida for 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 Lagos (UNILAG), the Vice-Chan- avail us of the funds so we would edge have hindered the growth of donations.academic sessions for both the Na- cellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, has continue having these lectures ev- mathematics in the university sys-tional (ND) and Higher National said. ery week,\" he said. tem. While Zenith handed over a 30-Diploma(HND) Programmes. seater Toyota Coaster bus, UBA The first annual lecture for the Speaking on the benefits of the To address these challenges, he donated a 50-KVA soundproof The students were admitted into chair, endowed by the Redeemed Pastor E.A. Adeboye Professorial urged wealthy Nigerians and generator and customised window23 ND courses and 35 HND courses. Christian Church of God (RCCG), Chair, the Bello said with Prof organisations to support the blinds to the university's Interna- Apapa Family on behalf of the Samuel Okoya occupying the chair, growth of mathematics in tertiary tional Centre for Professional The school’s Rector, Abdullahi church general overseer, Pastor he has been able to conduct re- institutions, while they in return Development (ICPD). BrightswordSule, an engineer, who adminis- Enoch Adejare Adeboye, held at the search in his area of specialisation should make judicious use of the Technologies Limited, Singapore,tered the oath, said the institution Main Auditorium of the university Applied Mathematics. He added funds. also donated 40 computers, routersdecided to merge the two sets of last Friday. that Okoya now teaches Maths A13, and switches to the centre.admissions together in order not which has not been taught for \"It is imperative that for the coun-to marginalise some students. Prof Bello said the university trea- sometime before he assumed the try to experience the mathemati- During the presentation, an official sures the chair because it is the chair. cal advancement, wealthy indi- of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jide Ogunyebi, “During the ASUP strike of only one that is active and well viduals and corporate said the bank would do more.about 10 months, JAMB gave two funded among the various chairs In his lecture titled: \"The rel- organisations should donate funds,sets of admissions and the man- endowed at the university. evance of mathematics to everyday institute chairs and offer scholar- \"Zenith Bank takes issues of CSRagement decided to give admis- living\", Prof Okoya told the audi- ships to students to cushion the ef- seriously. We have done one in thesion to some of the students in He appealed to other philanthro- ence that Mathematical concepts fect of shortage of funds in order last three years and here we areorder not to marginalise them. pists and firms that have endowed are useful in solving various prob- to pursue mathematics in our in- doing it again, we will still be here chairs in the university to resusci- lems and enhancing daily living in stitutions. However, there is an to do more.” “This is what many other federal tate the chairs to improve research areas such as predicting storm surge adage that says 'to whom much ispolytechnics have done because if in such areas. (geometry), stocking shelves (sta- given, much is expected'. This is VC backswe leave them like that without tistical modeling of stocking to say that our institutions should gender parityengaging them, they will consti- \"Out of all endowed chairs in this shelves problem), storing finger endeavour to do what is needfultute nuisance on the streets,” he university, this is the only active prints (combination of special func- to encourage both present and fu- IN line with international bestsaid. endowed chair currently. All oth- tions), global positioning system ture donors. It is unrealistic to of- practices, FUNAAB has organised a ers are either moribund or not fully (arithmetic, algebra and geometry) fer cheap education and expect two-day Stakeholders' workshop Sule said more lecture halls and funded. It is aimed at promoting among others. quality products,\" he said. on Gender Mainstreaming.workshops are being built to ac- experiment; it encourages aca-commodate new students as part demic pursuit. This is how world However, Okoya lamented that On his part, Pastor Adeboye, who Speaking at the occasion, theof the institution’s expansion class universities grow. They get is the first MSc and PhD graduate Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusolaprogramme. of mathematics of the institution, Oyewole, said gender ‘It is aimed at promoting experiment; it said those who want to excel in mainstreaming offers a good The rector urged the new stu- encourages academic pursuit. This is their endeavours need to operate platform to create awareness ondents not to engage in vices such how world class universities grow. They at the speed of light, which is pos- the need to promote gender equal-as cultism, examination malprac- get many people to endow chairs. I sible if they give their lives to ity and equity in higher education.tice and drug abuse. He warned admonish all others with chairs to avail Christ.that those caught would be ex- us of the funds so we would continue Oyewole, who is the President,pelled. Prof Bello announced that the Association of African Universities having these lectures every week’ UNILAG senate had approved a (AAU), said the working group on Sule, whose second term will Doctor of Science (DSc) degree higher education in Africa hasend in April, attributed his (honoris causa) to be conferred on provided funding for genderachievements to the cooperation the cleric for his contribution to life mainstreaming, which is currentlyfrom the institution’s manage- and his church. at a very low level in Africanment staff and students of the in- tertiary institutions.stitution. Students warned against violating oath Oyewole, who was represented He implored them to extend T HE Chief Magistrate of From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the minimum teaching qualifica- by the Dean, College of Agricul-same support to his successor. Kafanchan Magistrate Kaduna tion accepted to teach in primary tural Management and Rural Court, Iliya Pius Akawo has and junior secondary schools. Development (COLAMRUD), Prof Ibru counsels warned students against violating Mrs. Gajere admonished them to Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, added thatJABU graduates the matriculation oath of the be law abiding and advised them Amongst those that witnessed the FUNAAB constituted a Gender Kaduna State College of Education, not to take the laws into their ceremony were the deputy provost, Policy Drafting Committee in MayRENOWNED hotelier and en- Gidan waya. hands. Mallam Lawal Tukur; the Acting 2013, which is to prepare a draft trepreneur, Mr Goodie Ibru, Registrar, Mallam Sulieman Tasiu; copy of the FUNAAB Gender has advised graduates of Jo- Akawo a lawyer, who adminis- She also encouraged the students the Bursar, Mr. Ayuba Musa and Di- Policy for the approval of Senate.seph Ayo Babalola University tered the oath on 1,523, 100 level to concentrate on their studies to rector of Works, Mr David Akos.(JABU) to be enterprising, shun cor- NCE (Regular) students, however, earn the NCE certificate, which is Advocating for the adoption ofruption and embrace hard work in encouraged them to be of good Gender Policy in FUNAAB, thetheir endeavours. behaviour and respect their lectur- EKSU alumni to give bursary Keynote Speaker, Prof Sola Olowu ers. He also advised them to always of the Department of Psychology, Ibru spoke at the fifth convoca- attend their lectures on time and T HE Alumni Association of association’s National Executive Obafemi Awolowo Universitytion of the university, where he avoid trouble. Ekiti State University Council and its Board of Trustees, (OAU), Ile-ife, in his presentationwas conferred with a Doctor of En- (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has indi- said the students would be drawn titled: \"Stakeholders' Roles intrepreneurship degree (Honoris The Provost of the college, Mrs cated to award bursary to 20 indi- from all faculties of the university. Gender Mainstreaming in HigherCausa). Hope Joseph Gajere, congratulated gent students of the university at Education\", said gender policy the students and advised them to N10, 000.00 per student. The Association has, therefore, involved adopting a standard of He also counseled them to em- shun examination malpractices and requested the Director, Counsel- operation that seeks to build a justbrace wealth creation, which he cultism so as not to derail their aca- According to a statement by the ing Centre of the university to fast- society devoid of discriminationidentified as the only way to bail demic future. National President of the associa- track the listing of students, who by harnessing the full potentials ofNigeria out of its economic dol- tion, Dr. M. A. Ayeni, the are qualified for the bursary. all social groups regardless of sexdrums. or circumstance. \"Wealth creation is not necessar- Don speaks onily synonymous with having huge food securityinvestible funding. It starts withthe commitment to grow a small AN expert in Soil Physics, Profbusiness idea from infancy to vi- Kolawole Salako, has said Conser-ability, which requires nothing, vation Agriculture remains thebut discipline, hard work, net- solution to sustainable crop pro-working and courage to take vi- duction and food security in theable business risk,\" he said. nation. Chancellor of the university, Pas- Delivering the 48th Inauguraltor Wemimo Odunaiya, said Ibru Lecture of FUNAAB titled: \"Forwas conferred with the degree soil to oil the nation: Advancingbased on his achievement as a fore- the frontiers of conservationmost hotelier in Nigeria. agriculture in Nigeria\", Salako recalled that Agriculture was the He described Ibru as an entrepre- mainstay of Nigeria's economyneur \"worthy of emulation, who has before the oil boom (1971-1983),earned a good name for himself and which stunted the growth of thethe larger Ibru family.\" sector. He lamented that 'oil boom became oil gloom' as more money Ibru is also Chairman of the Tour- was accrued from oil, while theist Company of Nigeria Plc, own- lives of many Nigerians becameers of Federal Palace Hotels and miserable.Casino, Chairman of Ikeja HotelPlc, immediate past president of the The professor of Soil Physics andLagos Chamber of Commerce and Soil Conservation, said the prob-Industry, as well as co-Chairman lem of unemployment in Nigeriaof NEPAD Business Group, West and other parts of the world couldAfrica. be solved by engaging in com- mercial, large scale agriculture He was the President of the Ni- and agro-allied industries with ageria Stock Exchange (NSE) be- virile investment in natural re-tween 1997 and 2000. source conservation to guaranty food security.

34 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015CAMPUS LIFEAOCOED FILE SCHOLARSHIPSRetirement age now 60 APPROACHING DEADLINETHE Governing Council of the Edinburgh Global admission on a full-time basis. accepted for admission on a full-time application form unless you haveAdeniran Ogunsanya College of Masters Scholarships Host Institution(s): University of basis for a postgraduate Master's applied for admission to the UniversityEducation (AOCOED) Oto/ programme of study at the University of Edinburgh and have full EASEIjanikin, has approved the Masters Degree Edinburgh, UK of Edinburgh. Applicants should authentication. The closing date forrecommendation of the Study in: UK Field of study: Any eligible field of already have been offered a place at applications for theses scholarships isAppointments and Promotions Course starts September 2015 the University of Edinburgh and should 1 April 2015.Committee to still peg the Brief description: The University of study offered at the University have firmly accepted that offer or beretirement age of non-teaching Edinburgh will offer 30 Master's Number of Awards: 30 intending to do so. It is important to visit the officialstaff at 60 years. The new scholarships for postgraduate Target group: Non-EU international website (link found below) to accessretirement age of 65 years earlier Master's programme in any subject The scholarship will be awarded on the application form and for detailedannounced shall become effective offered by the University for the 2015- students the basis of academic merit. information on how to apply for thisonce it is enshrined in the statute 2016 academic session. The Scholarship value/inclusions: Fifteen Candidates must have, or expect to scholarship and to access the onlineestablishing the college. The scholarships will be awarded to obtain, the overseas equivalent of a UK application form.statute is currently under review, students who are accepted for (15) scholarships will have a value of first-class honours degree.and can only be passed into Law, £5,000 each while a further fifteen (15) Website: Official Scholarshipby the Lagos State House of scholarships will have a value of £3,000 Application instructions: Eligible Website: http://www.ed.ac.uk/Assembly. which will be tenable for one academic applicants should complete an online schools-departments/student- year. application form. Please note that you funding/postgraduate/ Therefore, workers who have will not be able to access the online international/global/mastersattained 60 are therefore given a Eligibility: The scholarships will bemonth notice with effect from awarded to students who are nationalsFebruary 9, 2015, to process their of countries outside the EU who areretirement document, hand overand proceed on retirement. TETFund to open zonal offices nationwideProvost for lecture •Kwankwaso reinstatesTHE Provost, AOCOED Mr. commitment to securityBashorun Olalekan Wasiu, will bedelivering a lecture with the title: F IFTEEN years after it was es- From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja •Prof Bogoro •KwankwasoReading: Impact and challenges in tablished, the Tertiary Educa- Act Cap. E4, Laws of the Federa- federal and state level. One of our achievements in Kano isNigeria colleges of education'. The tion Trust Fund (TETFund for- tion of Nigeria, 2004 and Education to change the attitude of our peoplelecture holds at the college main merly Education Trust Fund), is set Tax Fund Act No. 17, 2003.The fund “We are working day and night to for the better. That has been our pur-auditorium on Tuesday March 10. to have zonal offices in the six geo- is charged with the responsibility ensure that the good people of Kano pose. Nobody is above the law in political zones. for imposing, managing and dis- State are protected. And when it Kano, nobody will do anything to Mr. Bashorun is an alumnus of bursing tax to public tertiary insti- comes to schools I can assure you harm anybody in Kano and that isVirginia State University, USA. Its Executive Secretary, Prof tutions in the country. that most of our schools are now the starting point. And this level ofThe lecture is to commemorate the Suleiman Elias Bogoro, announced fenced and we have established what discipline has gone very far in en-eight annual library seminar of the this in Abuja when he received the Kwankwaso told The Nation that we called Kano Cooperate Security suring peace in the entire state.college. Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa his administration is working with Institute. It is one of the institutes Kwankwaso on a courtesy visit. all security operatives both at the that we established and we have “Most of the trained security op-Lecturer retires federal and state levels to ensure young men and women, who have eratives are employed by the state Bogoro, who said Kano has been peace. been trained in the last three years government and we are giving themMR Mobolaji Oladipo Oshodi has selected for the Northwest zonal of- or so in that institute. minimum wage of N18, 000. We haveretired from the service of the fice of TETFund, did not say where All schools in the state, Kwankwaso provided uniforms for them; theycollege, having attained the the remaining five zonal offices said, are manned with security op- “That institute is so important to know how to use modern cameras.”statutory 65 years of service. would be sited. eratives to forestall crisis. us because it is of security purpose. Born on January 31,, 1950, The Nation however, gathered that He distilled fear of any securityOshodi graduated from the states pencilled down are: Lagos threat, adding that no almagiri kidsUniversity of Arizona, USA with a (Southwest), Bauchi (Northeast), Port are seen on the streets of Kano.Bachelor of Art in Education. He Harcourt (Southsouth), Enugualso had his Masters in Educational (Southeast) and Abuja His words: “Our mandate is notTechnology from the Lagos State (Northcentral). The zonal offices are only schools. As the chief securityUniversity, Ojo. expected to take off in March. officer of Kano State, it is my pri- mary responsibility to call other Oshodi joined the service of The parastatal was established in stakeholders, the Army, Air Force,AOCOED as a lecturer II on 2003, but was renamed TETFund in State Security Service (SSS), policeFebruary, 1987. He rose through 2011 by an Act of the Parliament, and other security operatives fromthe ranks and was promoted a which repealed the Education TaxChief Lecturer in October, 2000,Mr Oshodi has served the college ‘OER will boost online education in Nigeria’in several capacities.Records unit audit staff O NLINE education will of- By Adegunle Olugbamila become an enduring platform for fessionals around the world that our fer more students in Nige- technology solutions provider, is transforming lives and creating esteemed students can tap into toEVERY workers on the college ria access to unlimited edu- in partnership with NOUN to cre- value by delivering innovative get quality resources. It is all aboutpayroll, retiree or those on part- cational resources. ate platforms and develop IT solu- educational solutions in Africa.\" access and equity for acquiringtime, have been implored to tions that would ensure seamless knowledge. We are confident thatupdate their records at the salary This was disclosed by access to online resources for According to him, Eduplatforms we can contribute that socio-educa-unit of the Bursary Department. EduPlatforms Business Operations NOUN students nationwide. is committed to revolutionising the tional ability to Nigeria, opening Manager, Mr Femi Obidare. delivery of education capacity build- up learning content to humanity\" The need for the directive \"EduPlatforms is proud of this ing in Africa. The firm, Obidare Agbu explained.follows series of complaints by Obidare spoke during a joint partnership, to provide digitalised stressed, has a mission to identifydesignated banks for workers' sensitisation workshop by the Na- contents and broadcast to different problems, and leverage technology UNESCO Programme Specialistsalaries that many workers tional Open University of Nigeria NOUN learning centres, using our in creating massively impactful so- on Open Educational Resourcesregistered their accounts using (NOUN) and the United Nations online facilities. Nigeria is defi- lutions in the education space. Mr. Abel Caine, said theinitials instead of full names, hence Educational, Scientific and Cultural nitely witnessing a positive revo- organisation is committed to en-they have difficulty in situating Organisation (UNESCO) to train lution in digital education. The \"The essence of the OER is to en- suring access to qualitative educa-names contained in the college NOUN facilitators on open educa- OER project has been designed to sure that every enrolled candidate tion across the globe, made easiermonthly salary schedule tion resources (OER) and massive bridge education gap in the coun- with NOUN gets the best of online with greater access to online edu- open online courses (MOOCs) try and to offer quality education education through prompt delivery cational facilities. The college management has project. OER is an initiative de- content for NOUN\" Obidare said. of educational materials online andtherefore directed that workers' signed to facilitate and enhance digi- to facilitate online interaction be- Be creative,names should be written in full tal education across the globe. He continued: \"Our vision is to tween students and their lecturers don pleadswith surname, middle name and through the iLearn programme.first name in that order. Obidare said EduPlatforms, a From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja \"iLearn is an end--to--end turnkey• Mr. Caine; Mr Obidare, Dr. Jane-Frances Agbu and Head, Business Development Strategy and Sales, EduPlatform solution that provides world class T HE Dean of the Faculty ofLimited, Ms. Tolu Aina. e--learning services to Open & Dis- Law, University of Abuja, Dr tance Learning institutions, which K M Waziri, has urged Nige- spans the deployment of adminis- rian students to be more active in tration portals, learning manage- their response to the nation's lead- ment services, instructional design, ership question. multi-media content production and support services. iLearn can be Waziri said this has become im- customised to suit institutions' perative considering the fact that unique needs and business pro- Nigerian students would be the ones cesses, making it the perfect e-learn- to face the outcome of whatever ing solution\" Obidare explained. choice the country made regarding the 2015 general elections. He ex- On the rationale behind the ini- pressed disappointment over what tiative, NOUN's Head of OER and he described as the lack of concern MOOCs project, Dr. Jane-Frances shown by students regarding the Agbu, said it forms part of the general election. institution's drive to keep up with global trend in delivering quality In an interview with The Nation, education through the online plat- Waziri, urged students to be more form. involved with issues and discourse that could lead to the transforma- \"The youths now are described as tion of the country for the better, the 'digital natives' and they prefer saying their views could trigger a online materials. As an open and change of government or review of distance learning institution, we are government policy. well positioned to key into this phi- losophy of OER and MOOCs because we have a lot of materials and pro-

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 35 EDUCATIONCollege clinches 4th Mobil contestSPRING Foundation College From Clarice Azuatalam, • Mobil's Superintendent of OSO NGL Plant (BRT), Bonny, Mr Idy Eboese. presenting the second place trophy to (SFC), Bonny, has once again Port Harcourt Kings and Queens High School, Abalamabie, Bonny. emerged winner of theNNPC/Mobil Producing Nigeria feat Ibitamuno Secondary School, help to keep our kids busy in the dergraduate scholarships to Nige- tify with the programme, whichquiz competition for 2014/2015. whose 21 points put them in the school.” rian students studying in various he believed would afford partici- fourth position. tertiary institutions in the coun- pants the opportunity to unleash This will be the school’s fourth Speaking on behalf of the man- try. He said the competition was their talents.consecutive win in the contest At individual level, Harriet agement of Mobil Producing Ni- conceived to enhance learningorganised by Mobil Producing Ni- Ezekiel-Hart of SFC came first, geria, the Superintendent of OSO culture in pupils, as well as wid- Jude Ben-Stowe, who repre-geria Unlimited, operator of the while Rebecca Banigo of KQHS NGL Plant (BRT), Bonny, Idy ening their horizons in general sented Recreasport Consult Nige-NNPC/MPN Joint Venture in col- and Destiny Ben-Stowe of Lucille Eboese, assured that the company knowledge. ria, the firm that handled the quizlaboration with Bonny Kingdom Education Centre emerged first would continue to partner with the competition on behalf of Mobil,Development Committee for sec- and second runners up respec- people of Bonny Kingdom on Dean of St Stephens (Anglican) enumerated various painstakingondary schools in Bonny King- tively. matters of sustainable human and Cathedral, Bonny, Reverend Rich- efforts made to ensure transpar-dom. infrastructural development. ard Hart, commended Mobil for ency, which he said encouraged The trio were presented with its enduring sponsorship of the healthy rivalry among the par- Nonetheless, the victory did not new computer laptops. Cash Eboese said every year, NNPC/ competition. He promised to iden- ticipating schools.come easy for SFC as their first prizes and books were also given MPN Joint Venture awards 500 un-runner up-Kings and Queens High to all the participating eightSchool, (KQHS), Abalamabie, gave schools to enable them equip theirSFC a good run in what was an libraries. The Chairman of theexciting final that tested the en- occassion, Se- Alabo Peter Hart,durance and intelligence of the praised the sponsors for givingschools’ representatives. particpants the opportunity to improve on their intelligence. Though KQHS had slammedSFC in the first round of the fi- Peter Hart, who was representednals, SFC however, leveraged on by Amaopusenibo Sunnythe past experiences in the tour- Meshach- Hart, admitted that thenament, wining their rival in the competition helped build partici-second and third rounds to clinch pants’ confidence and ability inthe top with 34 points as against public speaking.30 points that left KQHS in tow. In his words: “The competition In an earlier encounter, Lucille will help to improve their knowl-Education Centre, Eagle Forest, edge, build their confidence andcame third with 34 points to de- ability to speak English, and alsoLagos trains QA evaluatorsT HE Lagos State Ministry of By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie • Pupils in the ICT laboratory of the new 20-classroom UNESCO World Book Capital Model Primary School, Education updated the re- EMIS Data base,\" she said. Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. port writing skills of about30 Quality Assurance Evaluators During the workshop, the QAEs(QAE) at a three-day workshop last learnt about the techniques of Qual-week. ity Assurance Report Writing in the context of Whole School Evalu- Declaring the workshop held at ation (WSE) system.the Education Sector Support InNigeria (ESSPIN) office in Ikeja Mrs Amaka Chude, an ESSPINopen, Commissioner for Educa- consultant and facilitator of thetion, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, workshop, said it is important foradvised participants to be serious the evaluators to understand thatabout the retooling exercise, espe- their role is to collaborate withcially as the Lagos State Office of school managers to improveEducation Quality Assurance is schools - unlike in the past whenscheduled to fully take-off next inspectors evoked terror in schools.month. Mrs Chude dwelt on the concept Mrs Oladunjoye, who was repre- of WSE, which would form the ba-sented by the Director, Quality As- sis on which the QAEs wouldsurance, Mr. Mathew Olayanju, evaluate schools.said since adopting a new QE ap-proach to schools' inspection in She covered the process of evalu-2009, several programmes have ation, principles and componentsbeen initiated to improve learning of WSE, what to evaluate, whooutcomes. evaluates, and how it is done, among others. She said the essence \"You would recall that 300 inspec- of WSE, which comprises Schooltors were trained by the ministry Self-evaluation (SS-e) and Externalin collaboration with ESSPIN (Edu- Evaluation (EE), is to ensure thatcation Sector Support Programme learners achieve the stipulatedin Nigeria) in 2009/2010 to imple- learning outcomes.ment the new approach in the state.A team of ministry officials led by \"Quality Assurance processesthe commissioner went on study should translate into academictour to the United Kingdom in 2013 achievement and make impact onto understudy and adopt best prac- learner outcomes. Whole Schooltice in school inspection. Evaluation (WSE) is designed to en- able schools and QAEs to work to- \"ESSPIN has also provided regu- gether to identify a school'slar support to further build the ca- strengths and weaknesses. If thepacity of the quality assurance school is doing well, the evalua-readers/mentors especially in the tors will give pats on the back andproduction of the annual state of may adopt its methods as best prac-Education Report and integration tices. If not, you help the schoolof quality assurance reports into the diagnose what is wrong,\" she said.Meadow Hall organisesSocial Media DayG OING by endless accusa- By Adegunle Olugbamila • Teachers of Meadow Hall instructing pupils how to surf online. tions and counter accusa- sought to engage pupils on how not tions on the social media to apply social media on mere fri- and set boundaries on the use of inspirational even from now.\" sites, identifying certain websitesahead of the forthcoming general volities. social media platforms by wards to Opesan said the event is another that may be inappropriate for chil-elections, pupils of Meadow Hall ensure it is free from abuse. dren. But once children are comfort-have been urged to desist from such Addressing the pupils, Nwani said way of getting pupils to experience able and safe online, Opesan said,and learn to apply social media technology opens one's mind to the Head of School, Mr. Ola Opesan, citizenship first-hand and a way of they can start to launch themselvespositively. world, noting that through social said the impact could be far reach- getting them to think about their onto the social media platform to media, students are able to air their ing. The school, she added, is al- own responsibilities as citizens as satisfy their thirst for education and The pupils were advised at the So- views and make positive contribu- ready projecting some of its pupils well as taking responsibilities as entertainment.cial Media Day, which held at both tions to the society. some of who may turn out as cap- leaders. He said there is a need tothe Ikoyi and Lekki arms of the tains of industry, governors or the enlighten participants on types of \"We also encourage them to useschools. The event also provided Nwani believed that social media president. the social media they can access proper words and standard Englishparticipants the opportunity to air should not just be about young first-hand due to age restrictions. rather than abbreviations, whichtheir views on leadership issues. minds taking pictures which they \"At Meadow, we are already could impede their literacy,\" have now branded as ‘selfies' or thinking big; and this is how you He underscored the importance of Opesan noted. Tagged: 'If I become the president', chatting with friends, but should be ensure that these children become 'e-safety while accessing internetthe event according to the Chief a tool for learning. She called onExecutive Officer (CEO), Meadow schools and parents to put checksHall Group, Mrs. Kehinde Nwani,

36 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 EDUCATIONOndo students get N348m EDUTALK with scholarship, bursary Lessons fromTHE Ondo state government From Damisi Ojo, Akure our 10-year through its scholarship board, cally-challenged, N10 million. old prodigy has commenced the disburse-ment of N348 million to indigent He said the disbursement is to be I T was nice to read the storystudents of the state as scholarship done in phases, while the accounts of 10-year old Estherand bursary grants for the 2014 aca- of beneficiaries would be credited Okade, who has beendemic session. to check fraud. accepted to study Mathematics at the Open University of the At a briefing in Akure, the state \"We do not handle cash any longer; United Kingdom.capital, chairman of the board, Dayo so the possibility of any fraud has •Awude The young girl and her six-Awude, said 25,000 students from been defeated,\" he said. In his response, President of the year old brother, Isiah, are Kofoworolavarious tertiary institutions acrossthe country are benefitting from the Awude also noted that the board Senate of the National Association Nigerians living with their Belo-Osagiegrants. He said the scholarship is is making efforts to expand the of Ondo State Students (NAOSS)worth N100 million, while bursary scheme to cover foreign students, Fagbemigun Adewunmi, praised the parents, Paul and Omonefe inis N248 million. adding that partnerships with Euro- government for providing the Walsall, West Midlands, pean countries are being perfected grants. [email protected] Awude said the categories include to begin in earnest.the regular scheme, the physically- The students leader like 'Oliver United Kingdom. 08054503077 (SMS only)challenged, medical students in clini- Last year, Awude said, the board Twist', demanded that governmentcal stages (part 1V) and those in the paid students studying outside the should do more, adding that invest- Esther and Isiah have notNigerian Law School. state before those within. ment in the future of the state is worth been to formal schools. Their mother, a Mathematician, is their the efforts. teacher. And their living room is their classroom. Breaking it down, he said, those in Awude said the reverse would be For Mrs Okade to home school her children, she deserves praise.the regular scheme would get N36 the case as payment had already It takes a lot of time and commitment to monitor formal schoolmillion; medical, N38 million; Law started within the state (at the Fed- work, not to talk of take responsibility for the entire teaching andSchool, N12 million; and the physi- eral University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) before others. PTDF boss inspects N800m project learning process. She noticed early that Esther loved Mathematics and channeled her energy in the right direction. She used the girl's love for patterns to teach her many concepts. That by ageT HE Executive Secretary, Pe- four, Esther could add, subtract, multiply and divide as well as troleum Technology Devel- terms of facilities is almost the same different mandates that are given to knew all her alphabets is a complement to her mother's hard opment Fund (PTDF), Mr with what we have in universities them. I believe that with what we work.Femi Ajayi, has inspected the N800 in the United Kingdom (UK) and the have seen here, the Department of It is true that Esther was able to grasp all the concepts earlymillion project it sponsored in the United States (US) that I have vis- Chemical Engineering, University ofDepartment of Chemical Engineer- ited. One of the reasons for having Lagos is well placed to deliver on all because she is a child-prodigy. However, without the support the Department of Chemical Engi- its mandates.\" from home, she may not have achieved so much. She wrote hering, University of Lagos (UNILAG). neering is to do research geared to- General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) at six andThe project is part of the federal wards solving some problems in the Earlier, the Head of Department,government's efforts to upgrade the oil and gas sector. Prof. Adetokunbo Denloye, said the earned a credit in Mathematics to the amazement of all. She also department has the required fund earned a B in Pure Mathematics in her A-Levels. However, at theChemical Engineering “We do not want a situation and trained workers to maintain the rate he is going, her brother is in line to even surpass herprogrammes in Nigerian universi- whereby the oil and gas companies new facilities and equipment.ties. have challenges and they would have achievements. At six, he is already studying for A-Levels. to refer back to us before such prob- \"In terms of maintenance, univer- The Okade's story should motivate parents to pay attention toThe facilities inspected at the de- lems could be solved. Majority of sity provides us funding to make sure their wards' education. Any child that is well guided will excelpartment were: laboratories, li- those problems, our Department of we are able to maintain the equip-brary, classrooms, lecture theatres, Chemical Engineering should be ment. As of today, we have enough well above average. While not all children are the same, and not able to address them. resources to be able to deal with all will be prodigies like the Okade children, every child is speciallecture rooms and offices. them. As for the technical staff, they and has that talent that is waiting to be discovered. It is theAjayi said the facilities met inter- “This upgrade is aimed at making went for training in the use and main-national standards and would help our universities at par with their tenance of this equipment. We have responsibility of the parents to help them discover their special counterparts around the world so the know-how to fix all the equip- gifts. Parents can help by encouraging their wards to learn,solve problems in the energy sec- that they are able to fulfill all the ment you see here,\" he said. especially through what they love to do - like Mrs Okade did fortor.His words: \"What we have here in her children. Parents should make the home a learning environment by buying stocking educational toys - not just fancy expensive gadgets - like guns - that do not have much value. Puzzles, books, musical CDs and others can go a long way to help a growing child learn. Fortunately, even everyday items like bottles, clothes, containers etc can be great learning materials. Children can count the items in the kitchen, use empty tins or match boxes as blocks for stacking, etc. Educational toys need not be expensive. Parents interested in ideas for home made toys can buy the Educational Toy Manual produced by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). I have a copy and I can testify that it documents how many toys can be produced from everyday materials that we discard around us. While parents are working hard to help their wards, however, they should be careful not to push them too far. They are children and should be allowed to enjoy their childhood - a time when unstructured play is a vital part of the learning process.• From left: Prof. Ninalowo, Mr Saheed, Dr. Lawal, and Mrs. Aderonke Ige (Registrar, LASPOTECH) at the event. ‘The Okade's story should motivate parents to pay attention to their wards' LASPOTECH signs MoU on centre education. Any child that is well guided will excel well above average. WhileT HE Rector of the Lagos State By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie sidering his immense contribution not all children are the same, and not all Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), tiary institutions. to the development of Science Tech- Dr Abdulazeez Lawal, has nology in Nigeria. will be prodigies like the Okadesigned a Memorandum of Under- Chairman of IDRDG, Prof. Adebayo children, every child is special andstanding (MoU) on Deed of Gift to Ninalowo, who signed on behalf of \"His good works cannot be sweptthe Ikorodu Division Resource De- the group, said the centre is to be under the carpet! Hence, there is a has that talent that is waitingvelopment Group (IDRDG) for the named after late Adegbola, a profes- need to encourage new generations to be discovered’construction of the Late Prof. An- sor of agricultural science, for his con- to embrace science and also makethony Adegbola Science Centre on tributions to science in Nigeria. maximum impact,\" he said. From my Inboxthe Ikorodu campus of the institu-tion. During his lifetime, Adegbola was Other Members of the IDRDG at Re: Poor dressing culture! (Published Thursday, February 19, 2015) a consultant to the polytechnic's ag- the event included: Prof. Kunle Ade With the signing, which held last ricultural science programmes. Wahab; Chief Kayode Shoderu; Sister, the piece is thought-provoking. Is the way young NigeriansFriday, about three hectares of land Oloye M. Oye Solebo; Alhaji dress responsible fro the extreme poverty and unemployment in thewere officially allocated to IDRDG Prof Ninalowo thanked the poly- Babatunde Rotinwa; Saheed land? No is the answer. What should bother us is the neo-colonialfor the project after approval from technic management for collaborating Ibikunle (Secretary IDRDG); Taiwo social system that is based on irresponsible individualism. Youngthe Lagos State Government. on the project, which he said would Kara; Mr. Amusa Mohammed Tairu; and old can go naked if they think it is good. What is unconstitutional be beneficial to academic develop- Rev Bolaji Onafowokan; Chief about it in a land where an individual can steal billions belongin to When completed, the resource cen- ment of the polytechnic, the host com- Olayiwola Adegbola; Dr. M.A. the people and go scot free? Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna.tre will boast of a conference centre munity and the entire nation. Olukoya; Chief Tele Oduloye; Mr M.and research facilities for use by ter- Olatunji Sammi and Mr T.O Odusose. Good morning dear, I just read your article in The Nation in respect He said the centre would to poor dressing. Thanks for your courage and keep it up. Abdul, immortalise the Late Adegbola, con- Abuja.

38 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015NEWSSoludo: Jonathan missed the point on missing N30trTo President ‘In a serious society,Goodluck Jonathan,Prof Charles we should have hadSoludo’s claim that a good debate onmore than N30 tril- these matters as theylion is either miss- could provide someing from the treas- of the buildingury or unaccounted blocks in trying tofor is all politics. But pick the pieces afterthe ex-Central Bank the elections. Part ofof Nigeria (CBN) our citizen duty in aGovernor insists democracy is to raiseMr. President got it such issues and de-all wrong for dis- mand for answersmissing the allega-tion on the premise •Prof. Soludo ‘that the federal vote four years”.in the last four years are entirely different matters. worry. Nigeria is probably the only growing. Yet that is largely despitewas a far-cry from It is evident that the monies I re- What I found particularly discon- country where its government offi- the government rather than becauseN30 trillion. ferred to are “off-budget”. These are cials quote the World Bank while ig- of it, and falling oil prices will tem- monies that did not make it to the certing as a Nigerian from the com- noring data from its own statistical per the boom. The prosperity hasMY attention has been budget. I find it funny that the gov- ments I read is the fixation to valida- agency! not been broadly shared: under Mr drawn this morning (yes- ernment deliberately avoided the is- tion from the World Bank. Accord- Jonathan poverty has increased. terday) to an article enti- sues raised above but instead has ing to Mr. President, “we asked the A serious concern is that while Nigerians typically die eight yearstled: “Jonathan Replies Soludo over sought to divert attention by focus- minister how her colleagues at the government relies on external vali- younger than their poorer neigh-“missing N30 trillion claim”— ex- ing on the “federal budget”. Let me World Bank saw the accusation”. I dation (opinion) as ‘proof’ of its per- bours in nearby Ghana”. I gave thetracting from Mr. President’s inter- state for the record that I believe that shook my head in disbelief. It is in- formance, it is selective in the proc- government an “F” grade on eco-view as published by Thisday news- the amount of resources that are ei- structive that no one asked what Ni- ess—accepting the positive ones nomic management, and the Econo-paper. ThisDay quoted Mr. Presi- ther stolen from the economy or gerians thought or ‘how Nigerians and disparaging the negative ones. mist described its performance asdent as saying that “Soludo said outright mismanaged by govern- saw it’ but rather what was impor- Our recent exchanges illustrate the “utter failure”. The Economist alsothat under Ngozi’s watch, they stole ment far exceeds the federal budget tant to government was the impres- point. In my first article (January basically agreed with me that the re-N30 trillion” but that since the sum per annum. Ours is about a N100 sion of the World Bank. If this is the 26): “Buhari Vs Jonathan: Beyond basing of the economy and its ob-of the federal budget over the last trillion economy, and I will be mind-set of our leaders, then ordinary the Elections”, I argued that “the served ‘growth’ have nothing to dofour years was less than N30 trillion, shocked if the government pretends citizens have real cause to worry. economy seems to be on auto pilot, with government policy. Again,such an amount could not have been that it does not know that currently Well, I have read several editorial with confusion as to who is in government has not credibly chal-“stolen”. about 10 per cent of the GDP (Gross comments of Nigerian media and charge, and government largely as lenged the above or is the Econo- Domestic Product) falls into a ‘black they do not agree with the ‘impres- a constraint. mist’s view also ‘all political ’? The According to the President, “it is hole’ on annual basis. We have not sion’ of the World Bank official. I read government simply waved it off.all political”. I had earlier stated that added figures based on counterfac- a similar comment by a high govern- There are no big ideas, and it is My point is that if the governmentI would not make further comments tual analysis such as the cost to the ment official stating that World Bank difficult to see where economic has to rely on the “impressions” ofon the issues until probably after the aggregate economy of bad or mis- officials and CNN (Cable Network policy is headed to. My thesis is that external bodies, then it should beelections but since Mr. President has guided economic policy. For exam- News) had told them that govern- the Nigerian economy, if properly consistent and comprehensive.decided to join the fray, I am con- ple, in today’s (yesterday) Thisday ment was doing well and therefore managed, should have been grow-strained to make a further brief newspaper, a headline news reports who else could question them. But ing at an annual rate of about 12 per In conclusion, let me re-state thatclarification. For me, President that “Aliko Dangote, Africa’s Rich- neither the World Bank nor CNN cent given the oil boom, and pov- I firmly stand by my earlier state-Goodluck Jonathan is a gentleman est Man, Loses $7.8 billion as Naira, conducts comprehensive independ- erty and unemployment should ments. These are weighty state-and a friend but I have a fundamen- Stocks Plunge” while reporting that ent surveys on the economy— they have fallen dramatically over the ments which I weighed carefullytal disagreement on his manage- “In dollar terms, the devaluation comment based on the data they are last five years”. No one has credibly before issuing. I appreciate that thisment of the economy. has knocked more than $40 billion given— and their subjective “opin- challenged the above, except what is an election time and so attempts off the value of Nigeria’s economy”. ions” cannot substitute for hard facts. the Financial Times of London de- would be made to trivialise, or ei- On the issues at stake, I believe Of course, most people predicted scribed as a “furious response by the ther play politics with, or divert at-that the pressures of office and the that oil prices would soon fall but The World Bank is not a statisti- minister”. But, the influential Econo- tention from, them. In a serious so-hectic electioneering campaigns we were caught unprepared, and to- cal agency. I can provide a long list mist Magazine of London and New ciety, we should have had a goodhave not allowed him time to read day, the parallel market exchange of countries that World Bank re- York Times agreed with us. Accord- debate on these matters as theymy articles or that his staff have not rate is N225 to the dollar. Thus, the ports praised as ‘star performers’ ing to the Economist editorial (Feb- could provide some of the buildingexplained the contents to him hence kind of analysis in today’s Thisday and they slumped into deep crisis ruary 7, 2015): “… as Africa’s big- blocks in trying to pick the pieceshe totally missed the point in his is just one little example of the kind almost immediately after. Check out gest economy stages its most impor- after the elections. Part of our citi-comments. For the avoidance of of collateral damages—‘costs’ or the World Bank and IMF (Interna- tant election since the restoration of zen duty in a democracy is to raisedoubt, let me clarify as follows: ‘losses’— that mismanagement tional Monetary Fund) reports on civilian rule in 1999, and perhaps such issues and demand for an-Former Central Bank Governor, foists on the system. To repeat, my the United States (U.S.) and other since the civil war four decades ago, swers. In the meantime, I grant thatCharles Soludo, In my article enti- article did not focus on the federal countries’ economies shortly before Nigerians must pick between the in- our leaders are busy with cam-tled: “Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the budget: the mismanagement of the the unprecedented global financial cumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, who paigns but these issues will not goMissing Trillions”, I presented some consumption budget and its unprec- and economic crisis in fifty years has proved an utter failure, and the away until we have a transparentrough calculations covering: oil edented debt accumulation (with (the Great Recession of 2008/09). opposition leader, Muhammadu resolution. Be assured that after thetheft, money that ought to accrue to low value-for-money expenditures) Actually for many countries, once Buhari….The single bright spot of elections, we will be back with evenstock of foreign reserves, they start getting such ‘praises’, his rule has been Nigeria’s more questions!unbudgeted oil subsidy payments, then perceptive officials begin to economy, one of the world’s fastest-customs duty waivers, leakagesthrough the self-financing govern-ment parastatals, unremitted sumsby NNPC (Nigerian National Petro-leum Coorporation), among others,I concluded that section of my arti-cle by noting that: “I have a long listbut let me wait for now. I do notwant to talk about other ‘black pots’that impinge on national security.My estimate, Madam, is that prob-ably more than N30 trillion has ei-ther been stolen or lost or unac-counted for or simply mismanagedunder your watchful eyes in the past

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2015 39 POLITICSTHE NATIONE-mail:- [email protected] State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is theAll Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial can-didate in Kano Central District. In this interviewwith KOLADE ADEYEMI, he speaks about hisambition, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’sexit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) andthe APC’s chances in the general elections.YOU are the All Progressives that they will handle it in such a way Congress (APC) senatorial that it would not create more prob- candidate in Kano Central lems for them and even for the coun-District. Why do you want to be- try. So, I think the PDP has a seriouscome a senator? challenge on its hands. In those days, when we were telling them to correct The idea came after the APC presi- few things, many of them were tell-dential primaries, which by the grace ing us that whether we stay or leave,of God and the support of Nigerians, it doesn’t matter to them. Now, theyI came second. Many people were have realised that there are some chal-surprised because, initially, it was lenges. I had an opportunity to speakthought that the fight was between to one person then who was the Na-our two leaders, Gen. Muhammadu tional Chairman of the party. Then,Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. he was telling me that the PDP wasWhen we came back from Lagos, so like an elephant, if it had one prob-many people came here and sug- lem or the other on any part of itsgested that, under the circumstance, body, you will hardly notice it be-they thought I was much better than cause it is an elephant! Then we were •Kwankwaso (second right), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Senator George Akume (left) and his wife, at an eventthe person who got the ticket. In fact, talking in the context of Kano—mean- in Makurdi, Benue State capital.one of the candidates was part of the ing whether there is Kano or no Kano,team that came to me to say that it the PDP was an elephant, and can do Kwankwaso: PDP can’twas based on the experience that I very well without Kano; and you canhave had over the years; don’t forget see Kano being the most populousthat I was in the National Assembly state in this country. Anybody thatas Deputy Speaker of the House of made that statement, then, didn’t re- win presidential electionRepresentatives. I was also elected ally understand. Now, the realities aredelegate to the National Conference here and I can assure you that they arein 1994/1995; and of course, I was becoming jittery. Now, this is how itGovernor here before now and I was should be: everybody counts, every-Minister of Defence. I was in the body should be important. That time ness talking about my colleagues. Works and Tamburawa Water is probably the only state that isNDDC, before coming back as Gov- we were thinking of 16 years, they How would you describe your re- works. They require five mega watts putting on the table every kobo weernor again. Having told you my ex- were so comfortable thinking of 60 and five will to the streets of Kano in spend for everyone to see and verify.perience, you can judge to find out years—now, let any chairman of the lationship with the people at the the night and in the morning we willwho is in a better position to serve PDP go out and talk in that direction. grassroot? sell it to companies who are inter- As somebody who is close to Gen.the people at the Senator. I know the ested. Now, these things are huge in- Buhari, do you think he is fit to rulesitting Senator very well; we were to- But, Jigawa State Governor Sule I am one of those who were not vestment where these local govern- this country, considering his healthgether in the same party. We sup- Lamido said the PDP has no busi- supporting autonomy for local gov- ments will be getting income. Look status?ported him in 2011 when he became ness with the five governors that de- ernments, at least for now. Local gov- at the micro-finance banks in 37 localthe Senator. When we were moving fected to the APC. What do you ernments need to work with state governments in the state—all these Okay, I am sure you must knowout from the PDP, he was one of those make out of Lamido’s view? governments; and they need to work have been done and it is an invest- that I am a civil engineer; I am not awho stayed back. Of course, he is not closely. Look at what we have been ment for the future of the local gov- medical doctor. So, my judgment is ain our party. But, he made several ef- Well, I don’t want to talk too much able to achieve in Kano in the last four ernments and of course of the state. lay man’s judgment in that area. But,forts to secure the ticket (under the about the Governor of Jigawa State. years, working together with local We are not talking of five kilometre I think the facts now are on theplatform of our party), through so Everybody knows that he was part governments. We have done so many of dualised roads. It was unthinkable ground for everybody to see. My ownmany friends. He even came here di- of us. He worked so hard. In fact, he projects and programmes that are for any local government together judgment is that in the last couple ofrectly, but I felt at that time that it was was the leader of the group. He took beneficial to the state government and with state to construct such roads in months, in fact, since the Decemberfair for us to bring him in just because us to a level that we felt there was no local governments and the good peo- all the 44 local government areas—it 10 when we finished our primaryhe wanted to get the ticket. Therefore, going back, and we were surprised ple of Kano State. Most of the local is a heavy investment. Most of these election, there was this very rigoroushe had to go back and stayed there that he had different things in mind. governments today find it very diffi- projects are nearing completion; some campaign, rallies from state to state;and contested to go back to the seat. I He stayed in the PDP and we felt we cult to pay salaries across the coun- local governments have already and I think, everyday, it was twobelieve the Senatorial seat requires an had no business being in the PDP. I try; even state governments. Now, we started putting street lights. Of course, states or so. All these states were be-experienced politician; somebody think if there is anybody who should are working together, we are giving drainages are being done. In fact, if ing visited by Gen. Buhari. In fact, hewho have been tested and trusted and criticise our exit, I believe it shouldn’t them the guidelines they require to not because of the issue of New Year was highly impressed when he cameI also believe that my being in the Na- come from him or the governor of do very well now, and do more and break and some of the contractors to Kano; he was here very early intional Assembly again is not just for Niger State. I don’t want to join is- better in the future. If you look at our who refused to come back because the morning. You have gone roundKano Central or the state of Kano, but sues with any of my colleagues. Ni- progrmmes and projects that we of the issue of February 14, thinking the state; you have seen the mood ofI believe is for this country. As time gerians are the best judges on our ac- guided them to do—for example, you that there will be problem, most of the state in terms of that visit. Wewill tell, we have done well in other tions and utterances; and of course take the issue of IPP—generating elec- the projects would have been com- were together with him up to at least,capacities and I am sure we will do what we have done. I believe that that tricity from Tiga and Challawa pleted by now. But, we are still push- 5 to 6 p.m. on that day. All of us whoeven better in the National Assembly. part of the judgment will manifest Dams—government spent billions of ing them to see that most of them, if participated were so tired at the endThere are many national issues that during the next election. What we naira to construct all these dams, and not all, will be completed before May of the day. On that same day, he leftrequire people with a lot of experi- have done is not a secret; it is not in terms of power generation which 29. Look at technical schools—this is here to go Jigawa by air; and he cameence. In addition to what I have told something that anybody can hide; facility was being provided, nothing a huge investment with classrooms, back dead in the night by road, afteryou, don’t forget I was a civil servant and I believe that we have done the was being realised over the years. with furniture, hostels, principal of- the Jigawa rally. The following morn-for 17 years and I’m sure all these will right thing. We have contributed our Now, the IPP is a joint project. We fices, workshops and what have you. ing, together with him by road, wecome together to boost the perform- quota towards deepening democ- were able to spend N14.2 billion to So also School for Islamic Studies — went to Katsina. From there, I leftance of Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso at racy. The PDP is no more the mon- bring in the turbines. They are already 44 of them, one in each Local Gov- them and they proceeded to Zamfara,the National Assembly. ster it used to be where nobody was on the ground, civil works have gone ernment—this is a very huge invest- Sokoto, Kebbi and so on and so forth. important, where people were not far, and now, it is just to couple them ment in the area of education. Look So, initially, when they were saying What is your reaction to the exit respected. Even the governor of the together, bring them together, and at this foreign training and so on and he was sick, I was wonderingof former President Olusegun most populous state who won elec- then, build the power house. Some so forth. So, we have invested what- whether he could pass this test! ToObasanjo from the PDP? tion almost single-highhandedly of you can go to Tiga and see what ever we got as state government—we me, I don’t think those guys were within the party to come back as a we are doing. This is an investment, work together closely with the local right, because a sick man would not His exit from PDP was another governor, I was not being re- not for Kano alone, but the country governments because these 44 local do what I have seen Buhari doing orhuge blow to that party for obvious spected; they see me as an irritant at large will tap from the billions that governments are the same thing as did in the last few months. Of course,reasons. Obasanjo has got support- and so on. But, I can tell you now have already been spent on these Kano State. So, we work together as I base my judgment on what I haveers not only in Ogun State, not only if there is anything they can do dams. Electricity is key in this coun- partners and we are able to achieve seen practically; I’m not a medicalin the Southwest region, but across under the sun to take me back to try. We will have 10 mega watts from so much in the last four years and doctor, and I have not seen records,the country. For him to say what he their party, I can assure you now Tiga dam and 25 mega watts from these results are there for everybody so I cannot talk about that. But, I cansaid (because most of us who have that they know the importance of Challawa Dam, making 35 mega to see. I am very happy that our state talk about his performance in the lastworked closely with him know that Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso in Ni- watts. This channel from Tiga will au- few months from December 10. Inhe is somebody who always tolerate gerian politics. So, I have no busi- tomatically come to Challawa Water fact, even before the December 10, hea lot of things) meant that somethingis wrong. I have not seen him since went round almost all the states—andhe decided to leave the PDP, but I can that was one of the success that I thinkcomfortably say that so much must ‘I think the PDP has a serious challenge on its hands. In those days, the APC got. You know in those days,have happened in the party for himto come out to tear his card and say when we were telling them to correct few things, many of them then in 2003, some people sat downhe has left the party. Some of these and gave ticket on a platter of gold;people who made those mistake at in 2007, the same thing happened,the time of our exit, now, they are were telling us that whether we stay or leave, it doesn’t matter to even in 2011. But, this time around,making the same mistake, and I hope them. Now, they have realised that there are some challenges’ he went round like any aspirant and that is how democracy should be.

40 THE NATION THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2015...92 DAYS TO GO ‘The truth of the matter is that it was just about six members of the Arewa Council of Chiefs that went to do the endorsement of ‘President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan‘PDP has already sold Miri denies dumping PDP Plateau to APC’ A CHIEFTAIN of the Peo From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, JosDr. Patrick Dakum is the Country Advisor, Institute ples Democratic Partyfor Human Virology in Nigeria. He is a former Com- (PDP) in Plateau State, Mr. “I was told a man posing to bemissioner for Health and later, Information in Plateau Godfrey Miri, has denied dump- Miri’s campaign DG had at oneState under Dariye’s Administration between 1999 ing his party for the All of the APC governorship flag offand 2007. In this interview with YUSUFU IDEGU, Progressives Congress (APC). campaign in Jos announced thathe speaks about the succession battle in the state. he had moved to the APC with Miri, who contested the gover- Miri’s blessings and that Miri willW HAT is your view on the was the build up to the election when •Dr. Dakum norship, but at the primaries, was do same on his return from succession struggle in the governor became the spiritual ting for a long time. But, I ask my- widely believed to have fallen out Abuja. Plateau State? link between God and the people. self, why is he doing this? Why is he with his party and had moved to so desperate? Is he afraid he will be join the APC. “I am here to confirm that Mr. The best story to illustrate what is How do you mean? discovered, if he is out of power? Is Miri is still a member of PDP andgoing on in Plateau State politically He told people that God was go- he doing this to remain relevant af- But, the politician, who spoke had never contemplated joiningis the story of a king that was de- ing to chose his successor for them ter leaving office? Is he afraid that, if through his campaign co- APC, my boss had not mandatedceived into dancing naked in the and they should not bother them- he did not install his successor, some- ordinator, Gideon Yoila in Jos anyone to announce that he hadpublic when he thought he was selves over who will succeed him one will come and check him? All said he has not dumped the party. dumped the ruling party.putting on the richest royal dress on because God is taking care of that. that will fail because there is no rightearth. It is a long story, but the sum- At the end, Jang told us it is a thinking Plateau man that will sup- Chaplain Yoila said: “It has “There is no iota of truth in thismary is that our governor, Jonah Berom man God has chosen to suc- port Berom governor in this election. been reported in the media that news and we think it is a calcu-Jang, is dancing naked in the public ceed him. And I ask myself, how can Politically, legally, socially, Senator my boss, Mr. Godfrey Miri has lated and malicious attempt tobecause he has been deceived into God in heaven chose a Berom man Pwajok has the right to aspire to gov- decamped from PDP and had tarnish the political image of ourbelieving that he is the best leader to replace another Berom man in a ern Plateau State, but morally, he joined the APC, that report is principal,” the statement reads.that has ever emerged on the Plateau multi-ethnic society like Plateau? cannot contest that office now; there malicious and unfounded.by the people close to him. He has Everyone saw that the choice of the is just no moral justification for anystarted dancing naked for long, and Berom man to take over from Jang Berom man at all to think of succeed- Southwest youths support Buharipeople around him, who should cannot be that of God, but that of ing Governor Jang. Democracy is allhave pointed out the reality of the Jang himself. And everybody saw about equity, justice and fairness. THE Southwest Youth From Damisi Ojo,Akuresituation to him, are afraid they will the nakedness of Jang and the cou- Rev. Father Mathew Kukah once Forum (SWYF) has reiter- have been vilified under Jonathan’sbe fired if they do so. So, no one is rageous ones told him this is not said “democracy is not all about ated its support for the presiden- administration,saying”we havetelling him anything. They are all possible; God will never support in- building infrastructure; if it were so, tial candidate of the All therefore stood with the aspirationafraid of telling the governor his in- justice. The Christian Association of we would not have dismantled Progressives Congress (APC), Gen of yoruba race for change.adequacies and he feels on top of the Nigeria (CAN) saw this and warned apartheid because the apartheid re- Muhammadu Buhari,describingworld. The governor derailed when the governor not to go ahead with gime was building infrastructure in him as a leader imbued with val- The Communique reads”with thehe began to use the name of God to the choice of Senator Pwajok as the South Africa. If democracy is all ues to rescue the country. look of things,Jonathan can onlydeceive people. He goes about claim- next governor, but Jang refused to about building infrastructure, Adolf garner miserable votes in theing that he is a man of God. But, no listen. CAN wrote the governor, tell- Hitler of Germany would have been The group, in a communique af- southwest as against the one mil-one could look him in the eye and ing him what he was about to do will a global hero because he built infra- ter its meeting in Akure,the Ondo lion votes predicted by Governortell him the truth. But, the truth has not augur well for the state. But, he structure. But, beyond building in- state capital and signed by its Olusegun Mimiko in Ondo Statestarted coming out that the man is was not bothered. Today, Senator frastructure, democracy is all about chairman,Foluso Ajimuda, said alone.naked. He is politically naked, spir- Pwajok has emerged as the PDP flag equal participation; it is about peo- Buhari has a track record of disci-itually naked, he is socially naked, bearer in Plateau State. ple deciding how and who rules pline and transparency that would “The forum is of the view thathe is intellectually naked. All he has Why are you against Pwajok’s them. enable him tackle the challenges of Jonathan does not deserve a secondbeen doing since he came to power candidature? corruption,insurgency and under- term particularly when particularlyis building an oligarchy; he wants to For me, as an individual, the ac- So, what reason do we have in a development. when he failed to provide tangiblebe the political godfather in Plateau, tion of Jang at this crucial period is a democracy to concentrate power in democratic dividends.after Solomon Lar. He has been plot- culmination of all he has been plot- one section of the state; power has SWYF condemned the use ofting this from day one, and the truth been in the hands of the Berom for Afenifere to support President “We regret that the six year ofhas started coming out. ‘For me, as an the past eight years and they are Goodluck Jonathan re-election bid, Jonathan’s government has been individual, the schemingto retain it for as long as it stressing that it was an attempt to characterised by failed promises, Now, to give a resemblance of action of Jang at this pleases them. What has the other deceive the Yoruba people. underdevelopment, ineptitude andGodliness in his selfish plot, he crucial period is a zones done wrong? There is no lo- blood letting,while the nation isstarted bringing in marauders from culmination of all cal government is Plateau State that It noted that Yoruba race have heading for precipice.outside the country to establish the he has been plotting you can not find 100 of Senator come to a firm conclusion that theyTen Commandment Monument for a long time’ Pwajok, so what makes the choicesited around Doi village. When the of Senator Pwajok more unique? Arewa Community dissociates self fromgovernor told me the story of how Jonathan’s endorsementhe came about constructing a monu-ment depicting the 10 Command- THE endorsement of the By Raymond Mordiments of God, I felt that the action of second term bid of Presi-the governor should be a prayer dent Goodluck Jonathan necessary for the Arewa Com-point for all of us that love the state. by the Arewa Council of Chiefs munity to sit next week TuesdayPrayer point because the governor in Lagos and Ogun states has to discuss the matter and decidewas embarking on something that divided the Arewa community who to endorse amongst thewill affect all of us in this state. That in the Southwest region. This presidential candidates. came to the fore, when the•Representatives of Southsouth residents in Lagos, from left: Chief Saviour Unwana, Mr. Ken Mordi, Chief David Sunday, Arewa Community, an umbrella He added: “We normally sitChief Samson Unyime, Chief Steve Ageh and Otunba Isaac Emiyede, at the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress body for the Hausa/Fulani down and carry out our analy-(APC) presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari. stock, addressed a press confer- sis based on performance, based ence in Lagos, dissociating itself on the track records of the can- from the endorsement. didates before making our en- dorsement. We have been work- Its Chairman, Hon. Kabiru ing on a report and the report Abdulahi, said the endorsement before us does not signify that does not carry any weight be- President Jonathan will be en- cause they did have the consent dorsed. I can tell you, we may and approval of the Arewa end up endorsing Gen. Community in the region. Muhammadu Buhari because the recommendations favour Abdulahi’s words: “The truth him. But, we will come out on of the matter is that it was just Tuesday to formally do that en- about six members of the Arewa dorsement.” Council of Chiefs that went to do the endorsement of President The Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The Ahmed Dakata, added: “In as Deputy Chairman of the group much as everyone has right to and the Seriki Hausawa of Idi- associate with any political Araba, Mushin, Lagos, Alhaji party, we believe the Council of Hassan Auyo, who is sitting Arewa Chiefs as a traditional in- here beside me, was not there stitution should not be seen to and the council did not sit down be directly involved in partisan to decide on the endorsement of politics. anybody. “Rather, they are royal fathers “So, the Arewa Community whose subjects are those who wishes to dissociate itself from are supposed to be full-time the said endorsement of the can- politicians who can belong to didacy of President Goodluck any political party of their Jonathan for a second term in of- choice. Therefore, we want to fice.” state categorically that the tra- ditional chiefs did not speak for Abdulahi said the purported us.” endorsement would make it

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 41 N HTHE NATION EALTH ATURAL E-mail:- [email protected] to protect feet from rain, by expertH OW can the feet be protected from germs during the rains? It is by wearing rubber shoes, says a podia-trist, Dr Bodunrin Oluwa.A podiatrist is a foot doctor. Podiatrists di-agnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle,and related structures of the leg.According to Oluwa, there is care for thetoes during the rainy season to ward off fun-gal and bacterial infections. He said clean andsmooth feet are the dream for many. “Often,however, one cannot avoid a puddle of dirtywater during rainy season. Dirty feet are atrisk of contracting or inhibiting infection.Extra care is, therefore, necessary to main-tain healthy feet, away from problems suchas itching and other foot diseases, which wesee on a recurring basis at our clinic.“Fungi and bacteria grow rapidly becauseof high humidity. This is the case in our tropi-cal environment; especially during the rainyseason, that in our case lasts six months ofthe year. Odour of the feet can result too, as •Dr Oluwathe feet are also susceptible to fungal infec-tions of the skin, especially between the toes. By Oyeyemi Gbenga-MustaphaOther problems caused by fungus and bacte- Ensure that you dry between the toes to •Infected feet in warm water after returning home. You canria are itching, stinging sensations, skin soft- avoid athlete’s foot from occurring. Do not Do wear the high heels because you can slip put some drops of essential oils such asening, and peeling. The result is a spike in apply moisturising cream between the toes.” and fall as they sometimes have poor grip mentholatum, lemon, lavender, peppermint,skin diseases and fungal infections, especially on the wet ground and can slide against the Rosemary, macerated onion, garlic or gin-in the feet.” He went on: “One should use an antifun- fungus covered roads. ger in the water; it will help to refresh you gal wash/cream twice daily. Clean under and get rid of smelly feet. Do use a On how to avoid feet infection during the your toenails regularly to avoid accumula- “Do wash your feet with an antiseptic ev- moisturising lotion and massage it into yourrains, he said: “Wash the feet thoroughly with tion of dirt. And one, as a matter of foremost ery time after returning home; wash your feet,” Dr Oluwa advised.soap and water immediately after arriving necessity, must wear appropriate footwear sandals with a disinfectant, and put them inhome. After washing with soap, apply alco- for the season. Many women and men may the sun to dry. If that isn’t possible, ensure He said there is no need to hate the rains,hol on the feet and let them dry before step- opt for shoes more for fashion than comfort that they are aired and fully dry before fur- “As long as you keep your feet clean to ridping into your slippers. For people who are or season requirement. They therefore end ther use. Do try to have two pairs of shoes so them of those infectious bacteria and dirty orsuffering from athlete’s foot, combine one up wearing the wrong kind of footwear that you can shuffle between them to avoid wear- muddy waters, you can enjoy the rainy sea-glass of white vinegar and one glass of luke- can harm their feet. The wrong kind of foot- ing wet shoes or sandals. You can also opt son, probably even more than the dry sea-warm water in a basin. Soak your feet for 15 wear can also splash water and mud on your for regular pedicures; if not in a spa or clinic, son.”minutes. Let your feet dry and apply anti- clothes making them dirty or spotted. An- at home. Do ensure that nails don’t get orfungal foot powder.Repeat this wice a day. other place that can pick up a fungus is the stay dirty. Cut them regularly. As well, try •Omoseyindemi calf area if shorter clothing is being worn to keep them short so that dirt won’t get nity Case Management (ICCM) of childhood “Remember the roads are full not only of and water splashes up. During the rainy sea- deposited in them. Do clean your footwear illnesses for TBAs, Pharmaceutical Medicinewater but mud, which enters our foot wear. son you need footwear that will give you thoroughly before wearing. Dip your feet Vendors (PMVs) and community pharma-To make things worse, we wear the wet and good grip and will keep your feet as clean as cists.dirty shoes in office for hours, and then re- possible, such as plastic/rubber sandals,turn home with swollen, unclean and smelly which are typical rainy season footwear that “The TBAs have been linked tofeet. The feet smell because bacteria feed on is usually always available. But make sure chlorhexidine gel for cord care and as suchthe sweat from them. During the rainy sea- they fit well, as your feet need to breathe, training on antenatal, maternal and newbornson the bacteria also breed in dirty water, and they need to be comfortable while trav- care were done. They were all sensitised onmud and other waterborne substances, which elling. Whole shoes are excellent in terms of the importance of referral,” Omoseyindemicome in contact with our feet. not getting your feet wet; however, it could added. occur in instances of heavy rains or flood- “These factors make it difficult for us to ing.”maintain good foot hygiene, but it is in therainy season that we must give more impor- The Podiatrist said people do not under-tance to foot care. Hence adhering to simple stand the importance of foot wear duringfoot care guidelines for the rainy season is a the rainy season, as there are do’s and don’ts,necessity. For instance, do not wear closed such as not using canvas shoes because theyshoes too long when it rains. Try to get the soak up water and can get spoiled easily.wet shoes/sneakers off as quickly as pos- Don’t use formal suede or leather shoes; thesible. Always wash and dry feet after expo- rain and puddle waters can damage them.sure to water or being trapped in a puddle.Traditional medicine vital in health care, saysLAGOS State government is growing tra- ditional medicine to support its health board chief diseases in West Africa as directed by the care delivery system. West African Health Organisation (WAHO). Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine By Wale Adepoju The diseases are hypertension, diabetes,Board (LSTMB) Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi sickle cell anaemia, HIV/AIDS and Tuber-made this known at a workshop for tradi- Five Local Government Areas (LGAs) culosis (TB) and malaria.tion medicine practitioners and health work- would serve as the launch pad for healthers in the private sector. workers in the private sector. They are The objective is to train practitioners on Amuwo-Odofin, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ibeju the use of herbs and preparation methods The workshop was held in conjunction with Lekki and Ikorodu LGAs. following the guidelines in the region’sa United Kingdom (UK) based organisation, Herbal Pharmacopoeia.Department for International Development’s Omoseyindemi said the baseline assess-(DFID’s) Partnership for Transforming ment of orthodox medicine practitioners, The Board, he said, also collaborated withHealth Systems II (Part 2) at Lagos Chamber traditional birth attendants (TBAs), patent a non-governmental organisation (NGO)of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja. medicine vendors and community pharma- based in the United States, the Clinton cists have been conducted, adding, “the train- Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to train 1,115 Dr Omoseyindemi said DFID is contribut- ing needs of practitioners were identified TBAs on childhood diseases, such as diarhoeaing to effective and efficient use of the based on the maternal death review report management.nation’s resources to achieve the health-re- from secondary and tertiary hospitals.”lated Millennium Development Goals 4 and “The objective was to empower them to5. The LSTMB, he said, was supported to de- become diarhoea champions in their vari- velop its electronic database for entry of ous communities by educating mothers un- He said: “The capacity building would help community level data. der their care on the proper use of zinc plusdevelop traditional and alternative medicine oral rehydration salt (ORS) for the effectivepractice so that they would be able to sup- He said before the capacity training, the management of the condition, which ac-port the healthcare delivery system in the board and the Lagos State College of Health counts for 11 per cent of childhood deaths.state, as the Ministry of Health would need Technology (LASCOHET) have reviewed the The programme was held in 20 LGAs acrossaccurate data in planning some of its policies curriculum for TBAs and community birth Lagos State,” Omoseyindemi said.and improving on health indices. attendants’ training programme. He added that his Board would continue “The workshop will also ensure there is The Chairman also said the board had to conduct further tranings for practitionersimprovement in the quality of healthcare.” trained some practitioners on six priority “LSTMB and the state Ministry of Health organised training on Integrated Commu-

42 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 NATURAL HEALTHA 2015 review of Nature’s Friends (7)WHEN I was a boy in primary school, I enjoyed pharmacy in a wheelchair by his wife. He had to breathe reduce the volume of interstitial fluid, the fluid surrounding spending my holidays with my mother’s mother. from bottled oxygen, “was on antibiotics and had to use ste- the cells, and suggest how this may affect the Sodium-Potas- Grandma often travelled from Lagos to Okitipupa roid sprays to reduce inflammation constantly”. Other bad sium Pump and the Sodium battery in every cell withoutto buy foodstuff for sale back home. From her travels, she infections assailed him in addition to side effects of the drugs. which we would not be able to live normal lives. He also hasbrought back the silkworm which we grandchildren roasted This man had listened to a British Broadcasting Corporation explanations for how mainstream anti-hypertension phar-and ate at mealtimes. It was probably a good source of pro- (BBC) radio interview with Dennis Gore on the ability of maceutical drugs may eventually lead to increased blood pres-tein for us at that time. But after ‘O’ Level Biology education serrapeptase to remove “airway and blood vessel obstruc- sure, which may be the reason hypertension is thought to beabout insects and the parasites they may transmit to man, I tion that had accumulated over time”. Mr. Gore gave him a incurable. There are testimonials in his books from reputablerefrained from eating the silkworm and other insects, in- prescription of 20,000 (about five grammes) on an empty senior citizens of this Earth of how, by increasing their watercluding the cricket. I reasoned that we ate their intestines stomach four times a day. He was to scale down the dosage intake and using pinchings of salt in every sixth glass of wa-along with their good stuff, and that doing this may cause as he got better. Three weeks afterwards, the patient walked ter a day, their cholesterol levels crashed to the amazementhealth problems. It wasn’t until my exposure to Alternative into the pharmacy. Mr. Gore did not remember having met of their doctors.Medicine in the 1980s that I realised we had a wonderful him. The man reminded Mr. Gore he was the OPD and em-boyhood eating insects such as crickets, and the silk worm. physema patient in a wheelchair. Now, he was no longer on These aspects of possible hypertension cure are not the main antibiotics or had any need for oxygen cylinder. Two years concerns of this column today. The concern is the fact that Serrapeptase later, he was still COPD - free and emphysema free. But, patients are not often, if not always, exposed to as wide a naughty man I would say, he was still smoking! spectrum of checks as possible when they are asked to runTHE good news for everyone about the silkworm since laboratory blood tests of the possible causes(s) of their hyper- the 1980s is serrapeptase, a chemical substance found Serrapeptase is thought to work in about three ways: tension. What many patients go to run tests for is largely in the silkworm intestine. The silkworm lives and • It may thin fluid which accumulate around injury sites, their cholesterol blood level. In many cases, the test coversgrows towards maturity in a hard cocoon which is difficult causing inflammation and pain. It may also support the drain- only total blood cholesterol. In some cases, this test does notfor even humans to break. When the baby silkworm is ma- age of the fluid, thereby clearing the site for speedy tissue include checks for (1) High Density Lipoprotein HDL (2) Lowture enough in the cocoon to live in the outside world, its repair Density Lipoprotein LDL (3) Lipoprotein a (4) Apo lipopro-intestine produces an enzyme, serrapeptase, which dis- •Pain is an expression of inflammation. Serrapeptase may tein A (5) Apoli protein B and (6) Homocysteine.solves the hard cocoon, and out it crawls into the larger block the release of the pain including amines called brady-world. Researchers have found that this enzyme helps to kinins Homocysteindissolve growths, including uterine fibroids, in the human •By breaking down fibrins, by-products of protein coagu-body. In Nigeria, Serrapeptase is sold under different names, lation serrapeptase breaks down fibrin without any ill ef- THE lipoproteins are cholesterol fractions. While totalincluding Serrapeptase. It comes, also, as Serrata, Serrafibro fects on living tissue. This takes care of atherosclerosis which cholesterol is not expected to rise beyond 200, HDL,(because it dissolves excess fibrous tissue either in the knee supports vascular and heart health. Serrapeptase has been the good cholesterol and LDL, the bad cholesterol, arejoints or in the lungs) and as NS Fibrin. shown, also, not only to stimulate immune function but to to be in a certain ratio. Too much LDL means the blood ves- also act as a heavy metal scavenger and chelator, and this is sels may be inflamed and damaged, the heart may be dam- Serrapeptase was isolated in the late 1960s from the silk- reported to do better than EDTA. aged and disposed to a heart attack, and the brain may beworm intestine. Some other names by which Serrapeptase Many researchers believe serrapeptase is superior to Non subjected to a stroke from blockage by blood clots of its bloodis known are serralysin, Serratiape etas, serratiapeptidase Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in the treat- vessels. These cholesterol tests are expensive, and may ex-or Serra peptidase. ment of such disease as COPD, fibrocystic breast disease, rheu- plain why, in this poverty stricken environment, some doc- matoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma sinusitis, fibromyalgia tors do not advise it. Serrapeptase, a proteolytic enzyme, is produced in the and many others. I know of a gentleman who has suffered from angina typesilkworm intestine by serratia E-15 bacteria. In commercial When I remember Serrapeptase and my boyhood days dur- chest complaints for many years, but whose cholesterol testproduct Serratia peptidase is made from the purification of ing which I fed generously on silkworm, I wonder if free- results have been giving him a good cardiovascular testimo-the culture of Serratia E-15 bacteria. dom from many old age diseases, such as arthritis, has any- nial. Cardiovascular means the heart (cardio) and blood ves- thing to do with it. In such moments, I learn to thank the sels (vascular). In Angina pectoris, coronary arteries which In Japan and Europe, serrapeptidase is sold as a drug, but good Lord for the Grace of guidance to healing agents and supply blood to the heart may have become so blocked byas a dietary supplement in the United States. In many coun- brace up to add serrapeptase to my food supplements ward- the plaque of cholesterol and other substances, including ho-tries, Serrapeptidase is prescribed and used for painful con- robe. mocysteine, that they are not delivering enough blood to theditions such as “back pain, osteo arthritis, rheumatoid ar- Homocystein heart. The heart may not complain much or complain at allthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome, HYPERTENSION has become a household health challenge unless it is given extra work to do while its ration of energymigraine headache and tension headache.” in Nigeria, like malaria fever and diabetes. Many challenged giving nutrients and oxygen is not increased through increase people, like their physicians, believe there is no cure for blood circulation. Climbing the stairs, for example, may be Conditions of pain and swelling are also said to benefit hypertension and that the sufferer has to learn to live with it that extra work load which such a heart cannot easily copefrom it. These include “sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat, ear under a doctor’s management. It is possible, however, that with, and this gives rise to that familiar shortness of breath,infections, swelling after surgery, swelling of a vein with hypertension can be overcome if physicians lay the full pic- rapid breathing and pain across the chest region, especiallythe formation of a blood clot and inflammatory bowel dis- ture of this blood malaise before their patients, and if the on the left side of the chest and radiations of the pain to theeases (IBS), including ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease”. patients dutifully take charge of their health, schooling them- left shoulder blade of the left arm (scapula) and, sometimes, selves on this subject and adopting natural measures for a the left arm itself. In some cases it is suggested for heart disease and harden- salvage. As stated above, the gentleman in reference had been happying of the arteries, benign breast lumps and breast pain in In his book, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SOLUTION sub- that his cholesterol couldn’t be the cause of the frighteningnursing mothers caused by milk congestion, diabetes, titled NATURAL PREVENTION and CURE with the K FAC- experience, but he was, nevertheless, restful. Why were theasthma, leg ulcer etc. TOR, Dr. Richard D. Moore, M.D, Ph.D., explains in almost symptoms not abating when the cholesterol levels were nor- 400 pages how crucial potassium, a food factor, is for the main- mal, and why would his hypertension persist? Well, for a Serrapeptase is thought to work by helping the body to tenance of normal blood pressure, and how a deficiency of it possible part answer to these questions, we should return tobreak down protein, thereby averting an accumulation of in the blood of many people may be the cause of their el- Dr. Moore. He says there are two types of hypertension...(a)fibrin, a protein which, for example, has been found to build evated blood pressure. The K FACTOR in his book refers to primary hypertension and (b) secondary hypertension. Inup excessively in the uterine fibroid tissue. Some research- the chemical symbol of potassium, K, an electrolyte impor- primary hypertension, the body may be grossly deficient iners say serrapeptase is useful in enlarging blocked carotid tant for heart and blood vessel health and function. Dr. F. such nutrients as potassium, calcium, magnesium, co-enzymearteries which surgeons are reluctant to operate. The reluc- Batmanghelidj, author of the revolutionary and paradigm- Q10 (CoQ10), and Vitamin C. He says: “A growing body oftance is said to be due to the fear that , during such a sur- shifting YOUR BODYS MANY CRIES FOR WATER and YOU’RE evidence indicates that low levels of potassium are associ-gery, debris from the blocked carotid artery may find their NOT SICK, YOU’RE ONLY THIRSTY, explains how cellular ated with high blood pressure, and therefore, deserve moreway into some blood vessels of the brain. Dr. H.A. Nieper, dehydration increases cholesterol blood level, a cause of hy- attention. This association may be especially strong when thehead of the department of medicine at paracelcus Klink am pertension, heart damage, heart attack and strokes, and takes sodium – potassium ratio is high. Some researchers feel that,xilbersee, Germany says: “we therefore, started to apply the opposite view of mainstream medicine which prescribe in some cases, low potassium may play a more significantserrapeptase in cases of severe narrowing of the carotid diuretics for hypertension patients. While mainstream doc- role on hypertension than high sodium does. In several stud-arteries. Mostly in patients showing severe symptoms due tors believe it is important to reduce the water volume of the ies, for instance, potassium supplementation significantlyto the narrowing, including amaurosis fugax (intermittent blood in order to reduce the hearts work load, and save it lowered blood pressure without sodium restriction. As someblindness), the therapeutic results are excellent, certainly from exhaustion through overwork, Dr. Batmanghelidj be- researchers have pointed out, diet restricted in calories, so-life-saving. It is however, mandatory for the therapy to be lieves it is “criminal” to do so, and explains why. Where the dium, and cholesterol are often recommended to people withconducted for a very long time. Even after 18 months after regular doctor would advise reduction in salt (sodium chlo- cardiovascular disease. It is unfortunate that such diet alsothe onset of the therapy, the patients are improving. I have ride) intake, Dr. Batmanghelidj would explain how this would tend to reduce nutrients such as calcium and potassium, whichalso found serrapeptase to be an extraordinary substance may be essential for maintaining normal blood pressure.for safely removing fibrous blockage from coronary arter- Potassium may prove to be of value to the cardiovascularies, particularly the carotid arteries found in the neck which system in other ways, as well. In one animal study, rats weresupply blood brain”. given stroke-inducing diet. The group that was supplemented with potassium suffered a two percent rate of fatal strokes, as Unlike other biological enzymes, serrapeptase acts on only compared with the 83 percent rate of the un supplementednon-living tissue in humans, serrapeptase is said to dis- group. In another animal study, potassium supplementationsolve only dead tissue, including the fibrous layer which was able to protect against the kidney damage resulting fromblock and narrow arteries space, thereby reducing flow of hypertension. In both studies, these remarkable effects oc-blood and oxygen to the brain. This should be of interest to curred even when potassium did not, reduce blood pressure.people who are grayling rapidly or prematurely to stroke This suggests that we consume potassium copiously in thepatients or people beset with varying degrees of memory diet from fruits and vegetables and their juices or from di-loss. The same goes for hypertension sufferers or people etary supplements. For potassium is needed for a variety ofwho cannot breathe well because fibrous tissues have con- uses. It helps convert glucose into glycogen for storage ingested air spaces in their lungs. the liver; it helps nerve transmission, contraction of muscles and secretion of hormones. Dr. H.A. Nieper adds: “Very often, surgeons are reluctant Secondary hypertension is another ball game. It may ariseor unable to open partially closed carotid arteries using from the congestion of organs such as the kidneys, liver,laser surgery. They fear that resulting debris could be pancreas or spleen and resist blood flow. When an organ orpushed into smaller connecting arteries and result in a stroke organs resist blood flow through congestion with impuri-and possibly death. In cases of severe arteries narrowing, I ties, the heart pumps harder and this may cause elevatedhave used serrapeptase with excellent, even life-saving re- tension in normal organs, damaging them. One way of tack-sults. Many of my patients have shown significant improved ling this tension is detoxification of the congested organ(s).blood flow through their previously conscripted arteries, When the gentleman in reference was advised to run aas confirmed by ultra sound examination. Unfortunately, homocystein test, he was advised by the laboratory that thisorthodox cardiologists do not employ this important would cost about N20,000 because his blood sample wouldmethod in their practices.” have to be flown to South Africa for analysis. He paid, and obtained the result one or two weeks after. An avid reader of this column who is challenged withChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for whichhe was advised of Serrapeptase and other helpful nutri-tional supplements, should be interested in the case historyof one of the beneficiary Dr. Nieper’s work withSerrapaptase. According to Dennis Gore, a pharmacist inManchester, England, whose pharmacy specialises in natu-ral medicine supplements, a sick man was brought into thee-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 43INDUSTRYNigeria largest •A part of Ajaokuta Steel Company. Dangote restatesmarket in Africa, commitment tosays AfDB ‘Forces against steel production’ food security By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie NIGERIA appears to be mak- By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Isah said these facts were known T HE Dangote Group’s efforts at ing steady progress in the Assist. Editor to all, explaining that after the take- revolutionising the agricul-NIGERIA is West African’s larg production of liquid steel at over of the company from the Indi- tural sector and making Nige- est market with great poten the Ajaokuta Steel Company Lim- He recalled that the House of Rep- ans (GHIL/GINL concessionaires) ria self-dependent in food production tial to be the main driver of ited (ASCL) in Kogi State, but this resentatives Committee on Steel in 2008, ASCL has been on zero capi- is on course. The firm expressed opti-regional integration considering its has been a disturbing news to cer- recommended N3,821,718,510 to the tal allocation and an overhead of less mism that with its ongoing agricul-population, the African Development tain forces bent on frustrating the Appropriation Committee as the than N45million. “All such informa- tural projects across the country, t isBank (AfDB) has said. effort, the management of the facil- 2014 Personnel Cost for ASCL. tion is in the public domain and on on its way to self-sufficiency in food ity has said. the website of respective minis- production. The bank, in its ‘West African Mid- The Appropriation Committee of tries,” he said, adding: “It is com-Term Review and Regional Portfolio Presenting the achievements and the National Assembly, he said, ap- mon knowledge that any piece of Some of the areas the company isPerformance Review Paper 2011 – challenges of the steel plant before proved the same amount as the 2014 commissioned equipment left idle investing heavily to meet the nation’s2015’, said with the Gross Domestic members of the House of Represen- Personnel Cost for ASCL and that it will sooner than later be lost to rot food requirement include fertiliser,Product (GDP) rebasing, Nigeria now tatives Committee on Steel Devel- was the same amount that was in due to corrosion. Thus, while the rice, tomato paste and sugar produc-has the largest economy in Africa and opment in Abuja, the company’s the 2014 Appropriation Bill for the plant awaits the putting in place of tion, among others.a great potential for its services and Sole Administrator, Mr. Joseph 2014 Personnel Cost (salaries) of the the relevant external infrastructuremanufacturing sectors. Onobere Isah, an Engineer, said: company. and eventual completion and inte- The Group, which is reputed to be “There are certain agents in our grated commissioning, it is impor- the single largest private sector em- The review said Nigeria attracted midst that have not been comfort- Isah said: “From the foregoing, the tant that the pieces of wide ranging ployer of labour in Nigeria, is alsohalf of the Foreign Direct Investments able with the modest achievements onus of providing evidence to back equipment that make up the plant building a 650, 000 barrels per day(FDIs) coming into the region with we have recorded in Ajaokuta so far the AMCON Chairman’s figure of be kept intact, secure and preserved (bpd) petroleum refinery, which willabout 45 per cent in 2012. “Neverthe- and the course of action we are chart- N3.4 billion as ASCL monthly wage in good health.” be the single largest in the world. Also,less its intra-regional trade has been ing towards making liquid steel bill, which has been severally the Group, last year, signed a Memo-steadily decreasing, now constituting production a reality in our country. quoted, naturally falls on Alhaji Maintenance task, he said, was in- randum of Understanding (MoU)less than one per cent of the country’s They all know that the day Nigeria Belgore. The House of Representa- dicated for all plants, whether or not with the Federal Ministry of Agricul-total imports and three per cent of its begins liquid steel production there tives Committee on Steel would do they were under operation, adding: ture and Rural Development to investexport,” the bank said. would be no going back for the coun- well to demand such evidence from “Staff of ASCI, who are engaged to $1billion for the establishment of fully try technologically.” Alhaji Belgore. Should there be any do this all-important job and to se- integrated rice production and pro- It, however, noted that the informal proof of a hike in the figure known cure the plant from pilferers, are cessing operations across the country.trade networks are significantly He said such forces might have to Alhaji Belgore, then he could paid a paltry 0.4 per cent of the in-larger, most notably for agricultural been responsible for the allegation avail the Committee of it.” vestment on ground annually.” The company, in a statement, saidgoods, petroleum products, and re- of staff idleness levelled against the the MoU and the planned investmentexport trade. “On the investment side, company. He said contrary to the The Accountant-General of the Isah said the point must be made are a response to the government’s Ag-the role of Nigeria is certainly more allegation, the company’s staff work Federation and the Director- Gen- clear to all that the fact that the plant ricultural Transforming Agenda (ATA)prominent, with various Nigerian tirelessly daily to ensure that the eral (Budget), he said, could be is not under productive operation launched in 2011. The statement, ac-companies having significant impact plant was well-maintained and run- asked to tender the releases made does not mean that the skeletal staff cording to the Group, has acquiredin the regional market, particularly ning. The staff, according to him, through IPP1S (Integrated Payroll strength it maintains now are idle farmlands in Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi,banking services,” it said. were not being paid N3.4 billion and Personnel Information System) or redundant. Kwara and Niger states, totalling monthly as the Chairman of Assets in respect of Ajaokuta Steel 150,000 hectares to be used for com- The report stated that goods, such as Management Company of Nigeria Company’s Personnel Costs last He said Dr. Emmanuel Eboga, who mercial production of rice paddy. Thecement, cassava flour and other goods (AMCON) Alhaji Aliyu Kola year. served as Special Adviser to the company will also establish two mod-from companies served the needs of Belgore, reportedly said last year President on Petroleum, visited ern large scale mills each with capac-their clients across West Africa. It said at an event in Ilorin, the Kwara State “To the best of our knowledge, it Ajaokuta Steel Plant in 2010 and ity to mill 120,000 metric tonnes of ricecloser integration with the region capital. is what was appropriated that was liked what he saw. Isah quoted paddy, while doubling the capacitywould require Nigeria to open its paid to staff by the Accountant-Gen- Eboga to have said: “The workers within two years.markets to regional exports, adding Isah, who said Belgore wrote to eral of the Federation via 1PPIS,” he of this steel plant deserve nationalthat there was the need for a change explain that he was misquoted, re- said, adding that since July 2012, honours because of the way and This, the company said, would be-of perspective on the neighbouring minded the House Committee preceded by a diligent and thorough manner they have been able to pre- come the single largest investment incountries. members that it was because of data capturing exercise, the salaries serve this steel plant.” Those, he said, rice production in Africa. The rice plants Belgore’s statement that he was sum- of ASCL workers are paid directly were the words of one who knows are estimated to produce 960,000 met- According to the report, it is more moned, following a motion by a to respective staff members from the what it takes to keep an engineer- ric tonnes, representing 46 per cent ofcrucial for the country to treat its re- member of the House of Represen- Office of the Accountant-General of ing facility in good shape. total rice imported into Nigeria.gional neighbours more as partners tatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, that the Federation via the IPPIS.rather than merely clients. “Regional the claim be investigated. Owing to sustained maintenance Group President, Aliko Dangote,value chains have a real potential, ‘From the foregoing, the of equipment and facilities under- said during the signing of the MoUparticularly given the developments He explained that Belgore, in a let- onus of providing evi- taken by the staff since the Russian that “Nigeria is capable of producingin regional transport and connectiv- ter to the management dated Sep- dence to back the and Ukrainian vacated site in 1994, rice that can feed the whole of Westity infrastructure. Increasing trade tember 8, last year, denied the news- AMCON Chairman’s the Plant, he said, has continued to African sub region’’.volumes will require improvements paper stories, stating in part: “I did figure of N3.4 billion as enjoy a clean bill of health as attestedin regional corridors, reducing fric- not and will never disparage the ASCL monthly wage to by Technical Audit reports con- NSE endorses Abations related to non tariff barriers, as company as I do not work there, it is bill, which has been ducted by various competent inter- Mega Mall projectwell as accountability and transpar- out of place for me to know and severally quoted, natu- national experts.ency in regulations, both on the na- mention anything about the total rally falls on Alhaji PRESIDENT, Nigerian Society oftional and on the regional level,” the monthly wage bill, the number of Belgore. The House of He said an abridged conclusion of Engineers (NSE), Mr. Ademolareport said. machines installed and the number Representatives Com- the latest audit report by an Ukrai- Olorunfemi, has described the of staff of the company.” mittee on Steel would nian-backed company states adding: Aba Mega Mall project in Osisioma The report identified poor cross-bor- do well to demand “The situation of the steel plant’s Ngwa, Abia State, as a practical dem-der trade and infrastructure, as well However, he said: “The recent such evidence from equipment and facilities are satis- onstration of patriotism.as the weaknesses of human capacity motion by Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Alhaji Belgore.’ factory. Mechanically the steeland national and regional institutions coming after over four months of plant’s equipment and facilities are Olorunfemi, who was in Aba, theas some of the challenges of regional the publication and echoing the generally in good condition.” commercial hub of Abia State withintegration. It added that fragmenta- AMCON Chairman’s statement and some members of the society on facil-tion of the region’s market, multiplic- newspaper publications, deserves to The Salvage Value of the steel ity tour, applauded Greenfield Assetsity of integration architecture and in- be investigated to stop the vicious firm, according to him, is over $3 Limited, developers of the mall, forsufficient involvement of private sec- circle of misinformation.” billion, adding: “For a plant aban- their initiative, which he observedtor and civil society in integration ef- doned since 1994 (21years ago), you would engender economic activities inforts were also part of the challenges. The ASCL Sole Administrator will agree that the staff of ASCI de- the state and the Southeast region. urged the Committee to authenti- serve commendation and not con- According to the report, illegal cate Hon. Tajudeen’s allegations. demnation.” He urged Nigerians with capacity tocheckpoints, long and non- take a cue from Greenfield Assets toharmonised customs procedures, provide infrastructure and create jobssmuggling and corruption are impor- for the people.tant obstacles to the free movementof goods and peopl As a professional body, the NSE Presi- dent, explained that they were inter- “Improving trade facilitation in Eco- ested in engineering developments innomic of West African States the country and so, encourage projects(ECOWAS) is vital to boosting the such as Aba Mega Mall.region’s trade performance, both withregards to intra-regional trade as well He said: “It is part of our responsi-as exports globally,” AFDB said. bility as a professional body to encour- age this kind of development. This is a The report added that new waves of $300 million project and the implica-Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and tion is huge. It is even good that hethe emergence of a middle class in engaged largely Nigerian profession-the region are leading to the emer- als, artisans and all the likes.gence of a vibrant private sector op-erators across countries. This, the re- “What we are telling the govern-port noted, can continue to serve as a ment is that they should approach pro-natural catalyst for closer collabora- fessionals from other countries throughtion and integration towards the de- our professionals. We shouldn’t justvelopment of regional and global give out our money; give out our jobsvalue chains. to foreigners that would hinder us from developing capacity. According to the report, buildingregional value chains in West Africa, “Even though engineering has noin areas such as agro processing frontiers, consideration should be givenwould help support the efforts in bet- to local and environmental issues, “heter linking regional markets. “While advised.the region is the world’s largest pro-ducer of cocoa beans, 90 per cent of Paul Obanua, group managing direc-the crop is exported raw or roasted, tor, Greenfield Assets Limited, devel-packaged and sent to the United States opers of Aba Mega Mall, explained thator Europe. they embarked on the project to pro- vide infrastructure, engender renewal of the commercial city and stimulate new culture in Aba.

44 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 BTHE NATION USINESS LABOUR‘We may have more strikes, protests this year’Analysts warn that this year may record more industrial actions by workers than last year unless governments rise upto their responsibilities, reports TOBA AGBOOLA.WITH the economic depres- • Kaigama • Achese • Asomugha • PENGASSAN President Francis sion predicted to claim ment (NOGICD) Act to reflect Nige- PENGASSAN, may be doing a dis- agreement it reached with the un- Johnson more jobs in major sectors rians in management positions and service to the country. ion, which led to the suspension ofthis year and governments’ inabil- expatriate quota law. its strike last July. ion should be the first industriality to meet their financial commit- Ezueme said the recurring cases union to be proscribed, if ever thements to the nation’s workforce, Others are the appalling state of whereby oil and gas workers have President of ASUP Comrade Federal Government decides to goOrganised Labour is worried that access roads to refineries and oil de- perpetually held the nation and the Chibuzo Asomugha, who ad- ahead with plans to create an alter-2015 may record more disaffection pots’ facilities, insecurity, appoint- petroleum sector in particular by the dressed journalists in Abuja at the native national labour centre.between workers and employers, ments in government agencies in jugular as witnessed again in last end of the National Executive Coun-leading to incessant strikes and in- disregards to succession planning, December, has led in part to the still- cil (NEC) meeting of the union, ex- Rotimi said it was obvious thatdustrial actions than in 2014. compulsory deduction from work- born state of the PIB, which even the pressed disappointment over the ASUU had other ulterior motives, ers’ salaries for the National Hous- oil and gas workers were clamour- government’s failure to implement apart from the quest to get adequate Experts believe unresolved labour ing Fund (NHF), casualisation and ing for, years after it was first pre- the agreement it reached with the funding for education, even if theissues in the power, oil and gas, contract staffing and unfair labour sented to the National Assembly for union. government was not proactive inacademia, public service etc. could practices by companies and govern- passage into law. its dealings with it. He stated thatlead to more strikes in the ment agencies. He said in July, last year, ASUP the union has since lost the confi-workplace. “Calls for the proscription of la- suspended the strike on the inter- dence of most Nigerians, particu- Recently, NUPENG threatened to bour unions are not misplaced con- vention of the Minister of Educa- larly parents. Last year was quite challenging embark on an indefinite strike if the sidering the sufferings Nigerians tion, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, whoin the nation’s industrial relations ongoing divestment in the oil sec- are made to go through whenever had just resumed duties, then. He Also calling for a more restrainedspace, because it was characterised tor by some multinationals was not the union’s embark on strike. The said the minister had requested for approach on the part of the unions,by strikes. Strikes, experts say, are stopped. Its President, Mr. Igwe Academic Staff Union of a three-month moratorium to en- Rotimi said it was the obstinate at-an anathema to national develop- Achese deplored the divestment, Universities (ASUU) strike that able him tackle the lingering prob- titude of unions in the power sectorment. They contend that the saying it was intended to sabotage ended not too long is still fresh in lems. that dragged the reforms of theeconomy that has been struggling the Federal Government’s efforts to peoples’ mind”, Ezueme added. power sector for many years.to come out of the woods has fur- reposition the petroleum sector. He “Unfortunately and sadly, too,ther been plunged into a comatose. said the situation had raised concerns Labour and industrial relations ex- since the suspension of that strike According to him, the National about the sincerity of the govern- pert, Dr. Peter Okhiria, said banning and despite our strong reminders Union of Electricity Employees They warned that the length of the ment to refocus the sector. unions would not save the country to government on the pending is- (NUEE), and the Senior Staff Asso-strike season is increasing, with the from the grasps of recurring indus- sues and repeated assurances from ciation of Electricity and Allied Cor-last year’s strike season continuing For civil servants under the um- trial action in the year, but that it the minister, none of the issues has porations (SSAEAC), contributedinto this year. This is as labour’s brella of the Association of Senior was time industrial unions changed been addressed to a logical conclu- greatly to the epileptic power de-struggle for better wage and im- Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), their approach when making de- sion. livery in the country.proved welfare for members in the delayed and irregular salaries, cou- mands from their employers or ne-face of economic hardship spilled pled with stagnation in one position gotiating with the government. “In a strange twist, rather, and However, SSAEAC President, Mr.into 2015. may be the reason they will embark without recourse to the content and Bede Opara, refuted allegations that on strike in the coming months. Citing what he said is the never- spirit of the understanding on the union prolonged the reforms This new era of prolonged work ending calls for strikes by those in which the union suspended the for several years, saying the wel-stoppages, according to experts, are These examples, said watchers of the medical profession, Okhiria strike, the Federal Ministry of Edu- fare of workers must be taken carenot healthy for the nation’s fragile the sector, indicate that 2015, like said the Joint Health Sector Union cation on the 26th of January 2015, of, before the reforms andeconomy especially as the general other years before it, would be a year (JOHESU), which directs health under the guise of a proposed veri- privitisation were completed.elections draw closer. of strikes, protests and industrial ac- workers in federal hospitals to com- fication, issued a circular directing tion by organised labour. mence indefinite strike throughout the suspension of the CONTISS 15 The President, Trade Union Con- For instance, workers in the health Nigeria, must tread cautiously this Salary Structure, which its imple- gress of Nigeria (TUC), Bobboisector may have taken the lead for A Workers’ Rights Activist and year, if it is not to lose the goodwill mentation dates back to 2009, Kaigama, cautioned against inces-the position of being the first union President, Progressive Leaders Or- of Nigerians. thereby, creating further confusion sant strikes in the public sector,to threaten and embark on a strike ganisation International (PLOI), Mr. in the sector. warning that strikes were hurtingin the year. Operating under the Emmanuel Ezueme, said Nigeria is As for the members of the Nigeria the economy and thereby furtherauspices of the Joint Health Sector in the suffocating embrace of labour Medical Association (NMA), “This development is provocative, reducing the chances of the nation’sUnions and Assembly of Health and industrial unions, adding that Okhiria urged them to prevail on ill-timed, retrogressive, and is a fla- prosperity.Care Professionals (JOHESU), the the non-chalant attitude of federal health workers to consider other op- grant breach of the trust and char-health workers, just like in previ- and state governments would tions before embarking on a strike. acter of the agreement that led to He lamented that most times, theous years, want the Federal Gov- sooner than later put the country on the suspension of the strike in July, government and private employersernment to meet near-impossible the brink of irreversible economic Last week, the Academic Staff Un- 2014. We are lost as to the real in- do nothing in the face of agitationsdemands, which the government collapse. ion of Polytechnics (ASUP) said fol- tent and objective of the Federal by workers until the commence-seems not willing to accede to. lowing the expiration of two weeks’ Ministry of Education in stirring the ment of strike, a development he He said based on the socio-eco- notice given to the Federal Govern- hornet’s nest at a time when our said has continued to hurt the Late last year, oil workers under nomic situation in the country more ment, the union would begin an in- nation is in the throes of a challeng- economy.the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pe- strikes, protests and agitations by in- definite strike this week. ing transition,” he said.troleum and Natural Gas Workers dustrial unions were to be expected. Also, the out-going NLC Presi-(NUPENG) and the Petroleum and The union had on February 11 Berating ASUU over the long dent, Abdulwaheed Omar, urgedNatural Gas Senior Staff Association He maintained that the oil and gas given a two-week ultimatum to the strike last year, a management ex- the government to sustain robustof Nigeria (PENGASSAN) embarked sector workers, who operate under government,urging the Federal pert, Mr. Kunle Rotimi, said the un- industrial relations machinery toon a warning strike. According to the auspices of NUPENG, and Government to implement the avoid a repeat of the strikes whichNUPENG and PENGASSAN, it was were experienced in various sectorsto protest the government’s inabil- last year.ity to carry out turnaround mainte-nance of the country’s refineries andto reduce pump prices of petroleumproducts in line with the drop in glo-bal prices of crude oil. The industrial action was sequelto Federal Government’s failure toshow any sign of meaningful reso-lution or commitment to the oilworkers’ concern within the 14-dayultimatum given to them. Other reasons for the strike byNUPENG and PENGASSAN in-cluded delay in the passage of thePetroleum Industry Bill (PIB), non-implementation of the Nigeria Oiland Gas Industry Content Develop-NUPENG: we’re not involved in NLC failed electionTHE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and complaints or petitions from affiliate unions for the job was done by the NLC’s secretariat stood to gain more from the duplication of National Gas Workers (NUPENG) has regarding allocation of delegates to the 11th while the printing and collation of the ballot names, adding that such candidate signed denied involvement in the recent Delegates Conference of the NLC. papers and stapling in a booklet form were the NLC cheque for the printing of the ballotNigeria Labour Congress (NLC) delegates handled by the printer and his staff, adding papers.conference election impasse in Abuja. He said the committee later met in Lagos that members of the Credentials Committee and Abuja and addressed all the complains were not involved. Aberare alleged that the President, Medical At a briefing in Lagos, the union’s Secretary- brought before it, stressing that the committee and Health Workers Union of NigeriaGeneral, Comrade Isaac Aberare, said the also agreed on the design of the ballot papers He said the union vehemently denied and (MHUN) Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who wasunion was not involved in the manipulation for the election. rejects the unfounded allegation of being one of the NLC’s presidential candidates hadof ballot papers during the failed election responsible for the failed NLC delegates shown desperation to hold the office evenheld at the International Conference Centre, He said members of NUPENG were not conference election, stressing that the union before the election.Abuja from February 11-13. involved in the processes that led to the representative in the committee was not printing of the election materials that involved in the selection of printer, award He explained that the members of the He said the allegation made against his necessitated the duplication of names of of contract to print the ballot papers and committee were not allowed to officiateunion was unfounded and a ploy to score a some contestants in the ballot papers payment for the job. during the voting by the chairman of thecheap political point against NUPENG. booklet. committee, Dr Issa Fagge, Chairman, The NUPENG Secretary-General alleged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Theunion’s scribe said the credentials Aberare explained that the selection of the that one of NLC presidential contestants who said as delegates they could be partisan.committee was constituted to receive printer, award of contract and the payment

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 45

46 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015EQUITIES Nestle Nigeria declares N13.9b dividend NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE THE board of directors of Stories by Taofik Salako Nestle Nigeria Plc has Capital Market Editor DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-02-15 recommended distribu- tion of N13.87 billion to share- of the company and as such not holders as final dividends for subject to deduction of with- notwithstanding the devalua- the immediate past business holding tax. tion of the Naira which in- year ended December 31, 2014. creased our net finance costs,” Nestle Nigeria had earlier dis- Key extracts of the audited the company stated. tributed N7.93 billion as in- report and accounts of the terim dividends. This final company for the year ended According to the company, it dividend recommendation December 31, 2014 showed will continue to increase its brings total dividend for the that turnover rose by eight per marketing investments, accel- year to N21.8 billion. cent from N133.08 billion in erate innovation and ensure 2013 to N143.3 billion in 2014. that its pricing is always sensi- A breakdown of the divi- Profit before tax however tive to consumer needs. dend recommendation shows dropped from N26.05 billion that shareholders would re- in 2013 to N24.4 billion in 2014. Analysts a FBN Capital noted ceive a final dividend per Profit after tax was almost un- that Nestle Nigeria’s top-line share of N17.50, bringing to- changed at N22.24 billion in performance was constrained tal dividend per share for the 2014 as against N22.26 billion by similar headwinds faced by year to N27.50. The final divi- in 2013. other consumer goods compa- dend is expected to be ap- nies such as increased compe- proved by shareholders at the Directors of the food com- tition across various product company’s annual general pany described the perfor- segments, insecurity in north- meeting on May 11, 2015 and mance as satisfactory citing the ern Nigeria and lower discre- will subsequently become tough macroeconomic envi- tionary income. payable as from May 12, 2015 ronment and the devaluation to shareholders on the regis- of Naira. Analysts pointed out that de- ter of the company as at the valuation of Naira and foreign close of business on Friday, 24 “We are pleased with the turn- exchange could further nega- April 2015. over growth despite the chal- tively impact the company’s lenging macro-economic envi- profitability. The final dividend is being ronment. It is encouraging that paid from the pioneer profits we sustained almost the same “We do not expect the pro- level of profit after tax in 2013 posed dividend to impress the market; instead we expect the market’s reaction to the results to be negative given the weak underlying performance,” FBN Capital stated. DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-02-15

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 47MONEYLINKGovt’s revenue down 15% FCMB promises more to N416b on oil price fall loans to agric sectorTHE Federal Government’s Stories by Collins Nweze •Finance Minister Dr.Ngozi GROUP Managing Director/ before the economy was rebased gross government revenue mitted from state oil company and Okonjo-Iweala Chief Executive of First City last year. fell 15 per cent to N416 bil- from Value Added Tax, which is not Monument Bank (FCMB)lion in January due to weaker oil counted as part of statutory revenue, months, breaking through N200 Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, has as- “The agric transformation is real.prices, the Accountant General, Otunla said. to the greenback. sured that the bank will intensify It is not rhetoric. We built agricJonah Otunla said yesterday. its support to the agricultural sec- business that is at the centre of The Senate Finance Committee had tor and its value chain including transforming the economy. If we “There was substantial loss of proposed cutting the oil price bench- lending more to the subsector in really want to continue employingrevenue due to a further drop in mark in the 2015 budget to $52 a bar- the interest of the economy. the growing population, we needthe prices of crude oil. Also, a 33 rel from its current $65. to not only feed Nigeria, but feedpercent decrease in export volumes The bank chief spoke yesterday the world,” he said.between November and Decem- The upper house had debated the during the ‘FCMB Agric Business:ber 2014 translated to a loss of change proposed by the committee Diversifying the Nigerian He said the bank realises that$159.88 million,” he said. but had not yet reached a conclusion. Economy’ conference held in Lagos. there are millions of farmers across the country that need credit at af- Nigeria will distribute a total The oil-price slump has adversely He said the lender is focused on fordable rates, considering the levelN500 billion to local, state and fed- affected the economy, with the naira being a strategic partner to the gov- of attraction the agric sector has gar-eral government for the month of recording series of record lows ernment and other stakeholders in nered. That is why we are increas-January, including extra cash re- against the dollar in the last three the agric sector to ensure food suf- ing our level of support. ficiency, employment and revenueAccess Bank, police partner on fraud control generation. Also, speaking the Chairman of Tractor Owners & Hiring FacilitiesACCESS Bank Plc and the Po customer is, before you will be able duce the risk of KYC failure,” he Mr. Balogun assured that the Association of Nigeria (TOHFAN), lice Special Fraud Unit to meet his or her needs. Proper cus- said. lender will continue to provide Alhaji Danladi Garba, commended (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, yester- tomer due diligence should come credit to the sector and its value FCMB for its support to the agricday reiterated their joint commit- naturally in financial institutions. The Deputy Commissioner of chain, including small and medium sector and farmers. He said thatment in effective fraud investiga- In Access Bank, KYC and extended Police at PSFU, Ikoyi, Zubairu scale businesses. He said the 30 per Nigeria can produce its own foodtion and control. due diligence processes, form a Muazu said the training for its cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic and that agric business remains major cornerstone of our anti- officers is part of the Corporate Product (GDP) come from the agri- profitable. Speaking yesterday at a training money laundering and tracking fi- Social Responsibility (CSR) cultural sector, and was 40 per centorganised by the bank for com- nancial terrorism programme,” he implemented by the lender,pliance officers and PSFU officers said. aside several support extended Fitch affirms Stanbic IBTC’s‘AAA(nga)’ ratingsin Lagos, the Chief Compliance to the lender last year.Officer, Access Bank Plc, Pattison Bolegha explained that customer FITCH Ratings has re-affirmed the AAA(nga)’ national ratings of StanbicBoleigha reassured the Police of due diligence and knowing the ben- “Today’s training will enhance IBTC Bank PLC and Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a testament to the finanthe lender’s continued support for eficial owners of an account has our job interface of preventing cial institutions’ strong fundamentals and stability. The two institutionsthe police during its investiga- been placed as a primary objective fraud and financial crimes. We were also assigned ‘F1+(nga)’National Short-term rating, to reflect the theirtions. for every bank internal control sys- believe that we need to come to- ability to meet their financial commitments as they fall due. tem to achieve proper control gether and understand ourselves He said that criminals have gone within the system. better to improve partnership The national rating provides a relative measure of credit worthiness forahead of internal control officers between both parties,” he said. rated institutions in Nigeria and the AAA national rating is assigned to anand that it is only through effec- He said the bank carries out a cus- institution(s) with the lowest relative risk. In the ratings release Fitch alsotive collaboration with the police tomer due diligence risk assessment Muazu explained that effort of maintained a stable outlook for both Stanbic IBTC Bank and Stanbic IBTCthat their activities can be checked. to know the type of customers it the police in fraud control is Holdings.He also said that Know Your Cus- wants to deal with and the right risk yielding positive results as fraudtomer (KYC) policy of the Cen- management system that would ap- cases are declining. “Fraud cases In its report, Fitch indicated that they expect increasingly challenging eco-tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the ply. “So, if we know that we don’t are not rising. The cooperation nomic conditions and market volatility to persist in Nigeria. However, theyfoundation of banking that should have the right risk management sys- between the police and the fi- also recognise the continued strong underlying growth in Nigeria, particu-be followed. tem to deal with a customer, we nancial sector is getting better, larly in the non-oil sector. In arriving at the rating for Stanbic IBTC Bank and will not carry out transaction with and we are doing our best to re- Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Fitch took account of the strong parental support from “KYC is the foundation of bank- such customer. This helps us to re- duce fraud in the system,” he Standard Bank Group, which has a majority 53.2 per cent stake in Stanbic IBTCing. You need to know who the said. Holdings. The Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, said the ratings reflect the financial institution’s strength, strong leadership and the continued support of its parent company, the Standard Bank Group. MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONSAFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND 126.04 125.82 ECONOMIC INDICATORSARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) February 23, 2015BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.12 1.12 Inflation: December 8%BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.19 1.19 Monetary Policy Rate 13.0% Interbank ($/N) 199.00 $1 Black Market ($/N) 215.00 $1CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.63 0.62 Foreign Reserves $33.2bCONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)CORAL INCOME FUND 1,744.73 1,744.73 Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) $60.91 19 Feb 20 FebFBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,104.77 1,104.00FBN HERITAGE FUND 112.34 111.75FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 121.16 120.30FIDELITY NIG FUND 1.67 1.62• UBA BALANCED FUND 1.29 1.28• UBA BOND FUND 1.32 1.32• UBA EQUITY FUND 0.95 0.93• UBA MONEY MARKET FUND 1.17 1.17 GAINERS AS AT 25-02-15 Money Supply (M2) N16.42 trillion. Tenor Rate)% Rate (%) 1 Month 0.1735 0.1715SYMBOL O/PRICE C/PRICE CHANGE Credit to private Sector (CPS) N17.2 trillion 2 Months 0.2147 0.2108 3 Months 0.2615 0.2626JBERGER 39.98 44.00 4.02 Primary Lending Rate (PLR) 16.5% 6 Months 0.3841 0.3857ETERNA 2.51 2.69 0.18 12 Months 0.6709 0.6744UACN 37.00 38.84 1.84UBN 8.92 9.36 0.44 Nigerian Stock Market IndicesAGLEVENT 1.09 1.14 0.05UBCAP 1.33 1.39 0.06 NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR) Statistics 19 Feb 20 FebCONTINSURE 0.82 0.85 0.03 All Share Index 29,282.04 29,383.93CHAMPION 5.07 5.20 0.13 Tenor 12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15 Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) 9,770.36 9,804.36FBNH 7.61 7.80 0.19 DealsFIDELITYBK 1.22 1.25 0.03 Volume (mn) 3,385 3,714 Value (NGN’mn) 564,28 377,75 Overnight (O/N) 14.683 76.583 6,087.80 6,568.66 1M 15.033 15.977SYMBOL LOSERS AS AT 25-02-15 3M 15.809 17.177 O/PRICE C/PRICE CHANGE 6M 16.493 17.908 GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKETACADEMY 1.11 1.06 -0.05 Tenor Feb. 13, 2015 RatesNASCON 6.46 6.20 -0.26OANDO 13.90 13.35 -0.55 T-bills - 91 12.44MANSARD 2.85 2.76 -0.09FO 223.00 216.10 -6.90 T-bills - 182 13.85STANBIC 25.75 25.07 -0.68CUSTODYINS 3.90 3.80 -0.10 Transaction Amount Amount T-bills - 364 13.92UBA 3.75 3.66 -0.09 Dates Offered in ($) Sold in ($)AIICO 0.74 0.73 -0.01 03/02/2015 Bond - 3yrs 15.92WEMABANK 0.96 0.95 -0.01 3/12/2014 500m 499.93mNB 139.00 137.74 -1.26 1/12/2014 400m 399.97m Bond - 5yrs 17.22 350m 349.96m Bond - 7yrs 16.59Save on Mac News 10 Ronke folder Monylink 26-02-2015

48 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015SHOWBIZ Burna Boy Skales, Wizkid at loggerheads announces new record F ORMER label mates, By Ovwe Medeme Azonto; “…u stole ma beat and Skales and Wizkid are from u bro das d least ting let’s made Azonto…ur super star label currently at each other’s call a spade a spade..u ’re a fake song…I wrote that song. Don’t throats on Twitter. The ex ass nigga...dat is scared of ppls let me go on.” By Mobisola Oladapo EME stars were engaged in a success,” he further tweeted. social media row which Not taking any of that,NIGERIAN reggae- started when Skales claimed It was a back and forth be- Wizkid promptly responded; dance hall singer and that he wrote songs for tween both stars. Wizkid im- “My guy @youngskales. I know songwriter, Damini Wizkid. The Star Boy act, on mediately replied Skales. The u’re looking for publicity for urOgulu, also known as Burna the other hand, says his suc- Star Boy act said Skales is new album. So I won’t say any-Boy has announced his new cess fuelled Skales’ career in merely looking for publicity thing more!... did @youngskalesrecord label, Spaceship En- EME. for his new album Man of the just say he wrote super star!!! Itertainment. Year. still dey hear sha. Someone that In a series of tweets, Skales can’t write himself a hit song. U The 23-year-old singer set claimed that though he wrote “I know u’re going thru a lot hate your brother because he’s gotup the record label eight songs for Wizkid, the Star Boy but don’t point fingers at me bro. it more than u. Wow! Na God deymonths after parting ways does not support him. I made the label money to push all bless everybody my brother!”with his former record label, “@wizkidayo no bad blood of us! Don’t forget,” Wizkid re-Aristocrat Records. bro we family but show sup- plied. Wizkid and Skales were port to ur own for real it’s not signed to EME in 2010. While Confirming this in a tweet, by tweeting or bare words,” Skales took the beef a notch Wizkid’s career soared,he said: “My official Record he tweeted. higher when he accused his Skales’ career stalled. BothLabel twitter and Instagram former label mate of stealing acts left EME in 2014 underaccount is up Spaceship ent “@wizkidayo I don’t nid p.r the beat for his hit song, different circumstances.please follow and share.” Burna Boy signed a two-year deal with AristocratRecords in 2012 and left un-der controversial circum-stances in 2014.Charly Boy reveals secret of youthful lookPUNK entertainer, By Joe Agbro Jr fit even last one week keeping Charly Boy, over the Chukwuemeka Oputa on 19 to the rules. I no dey drink, weekend, disclosed se- June, 1951, also revealed his smoke,” he wrote. He alsocret to his youthfulness. regime for maintaining such added that he does not do ex-The self-styled ‘Area Fada’ a physique. tra-marital affairs. Hewho is a father of nine chil- added: “I run 10 miles everydren and grandfather to 14, In a response to one of the day. Nothing dey worry me, Ipublished a picture of him- comments that trailed the gym etc etc, so why must Iself on his Facebook page, picture about how he main- look my age.”showing a well-formed tains his physique despite • Skales and Wizkidtorso and bulging biceps. his age, Charly Boy blurted. Apparently inspired by theCharly Boy, 63, who was “If I tell you all the things wey I post, Praise Fowowe of the Winners emerge in Cupid Gamesborn Charles dey do to stay fresh, you no go Center For Sex Education and Family Life said, “Area O RGANISERS of Cu- By Mercy Michael Soul singer, Bez, who Fada, your words about pid Games, an personalised iPads. opened the event, rendered what you do to stay healthy internet show spon- the most electrifying rendi- is a challenge to us all.” sored by Closeup, have re- The grand finale which tion of his hit song Stupid vealed winners amidst per- had David Adeleke, aka song. In a later post, Fowowe formances by trending mu- Davido and Yemi Alade as also wrote; “You inspire a lot sic artistes at the weekend. headliner artistes, held at the Yemi Alade on the other of us out here. I am starting Eko Hotel and Suites, hand, stunned in her white to jog from tomorrow sir.” The concept, which began Victoria Island, Lagos. jumpsuit, as she made some a month ago, chose the bold- sexy moves. Her rendition of Known for his controver- est moves in its #dare2love The duo of Toke Makinwa Johnny, Tangerine and Kissing sial lifestyle which includes concept, and rewarded the and Ebuka who anchored among other hits brought his pierced body and tat- overall winner, Samuel, the event were simply fans to the dance floor. toos, his political views and with MV Agusta Brutale 80cc amazing. The chemistry fondness for motorcycles, Power Bike. The show also they brought on stage was Davido who closed the Charly Boy, a one-time rewarded the first runner- infectious on their audience. show sustained the momen- president of the Performing up, West, with a pair of The event had a theme of tum. He got a standing ova- Musicians Association of personalised Macbook Air love, thus Toke was seen tion as everyone was captur- Nigeria (PMAN), married Notepads, while the third wooing her crush (Ebuka) ing the moment with their Diane Oputa in 1979 and place winner got a pair of with a love song. recording devices as they they have children together. danced along. Undergraduate wins Guinness #madeofblack Selfie challengeGroup sings for APC, honours Awinner has emerged path in life,” Eva said. Speaking at the prize pre- they are made of. We re- Senator Tinubu, others in the Selfie videos While accepting her cheque, sentation, Marketing Man- ceived some great competition, ager, Guinness Nigeria Plc, #madeofblack Selfie videosA musical company, Other awardees include organised by Guinness Obi Olivia thanked Guinness Mr. Obinna Anyalebechi, from fans doing just that. And Excel Extravaganza, Lagos State governor, #madeofblack. Obi Olivia, a for organising the competi- said the #madeofblack cam- all of them are keen to show has released an al- Babatunde Raji Fashola and student of the University of tion. “I am happy to be here paign, launched in August why they are #madeofblack.bum containing campaign his Osun State counterpart, Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu to receive my prize. I am 2014, has shone a light on a In the opinion of visitors tosongs for the All Ogbeni Raufu Aregbesola, State, was voted the winner happy Guinness gave me an movement being created by our Guinness Facebook page,Progressives Congress APC senatorial candidate, of the competition. opportunity to express my- a new generation of Africans, Obi Olivia has the swag and(APC). The event which took Hon Olamilekan Solomon self, showing what I am made whose boldness cannot be she is #madeofblack. She gotplace at All Seasons Plaza, Adeola, aka Yayi and Na- According to the organiz- of. I thank everyone who contained. the highest number of likesIkeja, Lagos, attracted large tional Union of Road Trans- ers, Olivia’s engaging video, liked my Selfie video, this and was declared the winnernumber of Nollywood actors port Workers ( NURTW) MC which demonstrates her love goes to all of you. I am made ”Our #madeofblack cam- of the video Selfie competi-and actresses who also Oluomo among others. of fashion and #madeofblack of style. I am #madeofblack paign encourages consumers tion,” Anyalebechi said.pledged their support for the attitude, received the high- and I am proud” Obi said. to show and express whatparty and asked the elector- The Chief Executive Officer est number of likes by fansate to go out and obtain their of the company and pro- on the Guinness Facebook • L-R: Marketing Manager, Guinness, Mr. Obinna Anyalebechi; Eva Alordiah and winner ofPermanent Voter’s Card moter of the event, Mr page. the competition, Olivia Obi(PVC). Oyedele Morrof, said the al- bum was his token contribu- The competition, which is a The group honoured the tion to the political cam- part of the GuinnessNational Leader of the APC, paigns of the APC. #madeofblack campaign, ranAsiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for five weeks and encour-and his wife, Senator “This is my token support aged fans to post their ownOluremi Tinubu with excel- to the party. I am not a politi- Selfie videos, telling Nigeri-lence awards for their contri- cian, but I feel it is necessary ans why they arebutions to the growth and that these people are appre- #madeofblack.development of the country. ciated for their efforts to de- velop the country.” Olivia received her grand prize money of N250, 000.00 from Guinness #madeofblack ambassador and ace rapper, Eva Alordiah. During the pre- sentation, Eva congratulated the winner and applauded her style. “Congratulations to Obi Olivia. She is a great rep- resentation of someone #madeofblack, made of swag and bold to carve her own

THE NATION THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2015 49NEWS Fani-Kayode’s witness lied to court, says EFCCT HE Economic and Fi- By Joseph Jibueze Kayode was charged, the house. nancial Crimes Com- vation of his personal former minister asked him Olapujo said: “I now know mission (EFCC) yes- house. to give him the money forterday accused the second de- his renovation project, add- that the balance was morefence witness (DW2) in the Testifying yesterday, ing that when he brought than the cash I brought.”trial of Director of Media and Ajidaun said he was in his the money, the chief of staffPublicity of the Peoples office when Olapoju directed him to deal with The witness said he did notDemocratic Party (PDP) Presi- brought the cash on Sep- Agbaje, even though he did see Agbaje pay in the money,dential Campaign tember 21, 2006 and asked not get back to Fani-Kayode as he left him at the bank andOrganisation, Chief Femi to see Fani-Kayode, who that the money had been went to the airport, and thatFani-Kayode, of lying to the was away. paid. he did not know whethercourt. Fani-Kayode spoke to AgbajeThe witness, Aderemi “I asked him to go and de- Keyamo asked the witness on phone after he had left.Ajidaun, who said he was posit it in the bank since the if he was aware that Fani-Fani-Kayode’s childhood accused did not handle cash. Kayode’s account had a bal- Fani-Kayode’s lawyer, Mrfriend and former chief of staff When he (Olapoju) said he ance of N8.5million, far Wale Akoni (SAN), said thewhen the defendant was the was in a rush to return to more than the N2.1million former minister would callMinister of Culture and Tour- Lagos, I called Agbaje and purportedly meant to pay one more defence witness.ism, testified at the former asked him to follow the artisans renovating the Olapujo to the bank. Again Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia on September 29, I received adjourned till March 26 for a call from Mr Olapoju. He continuation of trial. said he had certain moniesminister’s trial before Justice for the accused who was not Interim govt decriedRita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the in the office, neither was I. IFederal High Court in Lagos. also asked him to contactEFCC’s lawyer Mr Festus Agbaje to assist him,” the T HE Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination GroupsKeyamo, while cross-examin- witness said. (COSEG) has condemned the idea of an interim gov-ing the witness, accused him •Fani-Kayode (left) and one of his aides...yesterday ernment being suggested by some Nigerians.of being in court to “help” his According to him, Agbaje, PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO A statement by Ifedayo Ogunlana and Rasaq Olokoba, the who was one of Fani- organisation’s chairman and secretary, said those promot-friend and was not telling the Kayode’s personal assis- Keyamo said: “Agbaje said legation, saying: “I’ve never ing the idea “are agents of destruction, who are against thetruth. tants, did not have direct the accused person (Fani- told lies regarding this case unity, peace and progress of the country.”Fani-Kayode was accused of access to the former minis- Kayode) gave him the even though certain peoplemaking a transaction exceed- ter. money. It means that be- had asked me to lie. I have The statement added: “We wish to sound a note of warn-ing N500,000 on September tween the two of you, some- not done so on this occa- ing to those promoting the idea of an interim government.20, 2006, which was not done But this contradicted ear- one is telling this court a lie.” sion.” Those nursing the idea should forget it, as our people arethrough a financial institu- lier evidence by Agbaje The witness said: “My account prepared for the elections as planned by the only constitu-tion, by accepting N2.1 mil- that it was Fani-Kayode is the truth.” Ajidaun said even though tionally-recognised body, the Independent National Elec-lion in cash, which was paid who personally gave him it was not the normal prac- toral Commission (INEC).into his personal bank account the cash to pay into his ac- The prosecutor asked tice for people to bring cashby his aide, Supo Agbaje, count. Ajidaun: “Do you want to re- to Fani-Kayode’s office, he “We wish to state that March 28 and April 11 elections arewhile he served as Minister iterate that a Personal Assis- did not find the monies sacrosanct and on no condition must they be changed. Weof Culture and Tourism. “Agbaje never had direct tant never had access to the brought by Olapoju unusual. appeal to our people to vote for a man of integrity as presi-The defendant pleaded not access to Fani-Kayode and accused person?” The witness dent by voting Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.guilty to the alleged offence could not have collected replied: “There were 12 per- He also said he did not re-which EFCC said contravenes cash from him. Every staff sonal assistants. They might member whether other aides “With the level of preparedness of INEC and the rate ofthe Money Laundering Act. had to pass through me to be PAs to the minister, but made lodgments to Fani- collection of PVCs by Nigerians, there is no reason for post-The first defence witness, reach the honourable min- they were responsible to me Kayode’s account. ponement. The card readers procured should be used for the ister,” Ajidaun said. primarily.” elections, to eliminate rigging. Any politician against the Earlier, Olapoju, who said use of card readers is an election rigger.” At this point, Keyamo Keyamo then accused him he had been the estate’s co-Kola Olapoju, had testified on asked the witness: “Will it of lying, saying: “I suggest to administrator for 14 years, PDP candidate gets supportMonday that he was the ad- surprise you that Mr Agbaje you that you have come to claimed it was not the firstministrator of the late Fani came to this court and never this court to help a friend of time Fani-Kayode would askKayode’s estate, and that the mentioned you?” Ajidaun 50 years standing and you are him to withdraw money O YO State former By Jeremiah Okedefendant directed him to replied: “I’ll be very sur- not telling the court the from the estate’s account for Deputy Governor Gbolarunmi said Folarin prised.” truth.” him. Alhaji Azeem was a gentleman, will cleanwithdraw money from the record.estate’s accounts, which he The witness denied the al- He said in the case of the Gbolarunmi and one of the He said his wealth of expe- transactions for which Fani- governorship aspirants in the rience in governance at theintended to use for the reno- Peoples Democratic Party federal level made him a bet- ter administrator, adding that (PDP), Femi Babalola, have governance was about expe- mobilised the electorate for rience. the PDP governorship candi- Babalola, an engineer, said date, Senator Teslim Folarin. Folarin proved to be a good They described him as a leader with the way he em- trustworthy politician, who powered youths in his con-•From left: fulfilled his promises. stituency, adding that he con-Sasore of The duo spoke when tributed to the developmentIlesaland, Osun Folarin campaigned at the sec- of Ibadan, Oyo State and Ni-State Tunde retariat of the Nigeria Auto- geria.Aluko; mobile TechnicalPresident, Rotary in Olorunsogo, Ibadan.Club of Oregun,Lagos State FidauKingsley Ibhadeand Mr Arinze F ORTY-One days fidauOkamelu after a for Alhaja Adijat Oluye-briefing on the misi Sadiq will holdactivities to mark today.the Rotary Club’s30th anniversary She died on January 15 and she has been buried according Fed Govt to spend N16b on irrigation to Islamic rite.T HE Federal Govern- From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja water services to the citizens World Bank, Africa Develop- Aged 70. •The late Madam Sadiq ment will spend about ery. was the responsibility of ment Bank, European Union The prayer will be conduct- teef Owolabi Sadiq, many chil- N16 billion to reha- state governments, adding and French Development ing by team of Islamic clerics dren and grandchildren.bilitate the lower Anambra She said: “One of the ma- that the Federal Government Agency, we have embarked led by Chief Imam of the Ele-irrigation project, the Minis- jor projects we have in the could only assist through in- on water sector reforms with ta Community, Alhaji Ibra-ter of Water Resources, Mrs. Southeast, for instance, is the tervention. the states. him Jalaruru slated by 10 am.Sarah Ochekpe, has said. lower Anambra irrigation Alhaja Sadiq was a commu- project. It is receiving atten- Mrs. Ochekpe said: “Some “We realise that most of nity leader and business wom- She said the government tion from the government as state governments are work- the water utilities are weak an during her life time.was close to re-procuring the regards rehabilitation. ing hard, some are still foot and that there are many cases She survived by her hus-project, which had about 3,800 dragging, maybe thinking where state governments in- band Alhaji (Chief) AbdulLa-hectares. “The project requires not the Federal Government will vest huge sums in develop- less than N16billion for re- take responsibility, but we ing their water resources, but Funeral for Mrs. Ochekpe, who spoke habilitation. We are in the have in the last three years they don’t have commensu- Onyekuruduring a Tuesday live process of re-procuring the strengthen our collaboration rate returns on the invest-programme on the Nigerian project so that when it is to make the states understand ments because people are not THE family of Pa •The late OnyekuruTelevision Authority (NTA), fully developed, it will pro- that it is their responsibility. willing to pay appropriate Onyekuru of Okwu ernment for his home town,monitored by our reporter in vide lots of jobs for many We are willing to work with rate. Uratta in Owerri Okwu Uratta, at 9:30 am. TheAbuja, said the government farming families.” them, based of course on the North Local Government body will arrive St Patrickwas undertaking a national National Water Policy that “So, through the water sec- Area of Imo State has an- Catholic Church, Okwusurvey of water facilities to The minister said the Fed- provides for partnership tor reforms, we are trying to nounced the death of its fa- Uratta for a requiem mass, todetermine the level of cover- eral Government was work- where the state can invest ensure that the utility agen- ther, husband and uncle, Oha be followed by burial.age nationwide. ing to strengthen collabora- about 70 per cent and the Fed- cies are viable financially to Bernard Onyekuru. He passed tion with state governments eral Government will con- support and sustain the pro- away on February 6. He was According to her, the to deliver water services to tribute 30 per cent. vision of water facilities at 96. government was introduc- the people. the state level.”ing reforms in the sector to “With the support of the The deceased’s son, Chidiensure better service deliv- She said the provision of Onyekuru, said he would be buried on Saturday. The body will leave Holy Rotary Hospital mortuary, Emekuku in Owerri North Local Gov-

50 THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015NEWSPDP can’t win in U.S. top diplomatRivers, saysPeterside to monitor presidential poll By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor • From left: Mrs By Wale Ajetunmobi Silifat Bello, formerR IVERS State All Pro- House of T HE United States gressives Congress Representatives (U.S.) yesterday said it (APC) governorship member; Tunde had got Federal Gov-candidate, Dr Dakuku Pe- Salau and Mrs ernment’s assurance that theterside, has said the Peoples Yinka Bello, at a presidential election wouldDemocratic Party (PDP) will health programme hold on March 28, as re-lose in next month’s elec- sponsored by Salau scheduled.tions because it has been re- on behalf of the Alljected by the people. Progressives This followed the rumour Congress (APC) in that the Federal Government The APC candidate said Epe...yesterday may make another polls’the bombing and arson by shift.suspected PDP thugs would Ministry’s audit reports indict Wikenot deter the electorate from I NTERNAL audit reports Besides, U.S. top govern-voting for APC. of the Federal Ministry of •PDP candidate: reports false, unfounded ment officials are expected in Education have indicted the country to monitor the Peterside, a member of Rivers State Peoples Demo- From Bisi Olaniyi, Ministry of Education. lion, consisting of N2.4 bil- general elections.the House of Representa- cratic Party (PDP) governos- Port Harcourt The audit report noted: “Re- lion for the Millennium De-tives, regretted that the ac- hip candidate, Nyesom Wike. velopment Goals’ (MDGs’) Assistant Secretary of thetivities of thugs had aggra- Staff, Government House, cently, representatives of the intervention projects in U.S. Bureau of African Af-vated insecurity in the state, The audit reports were for Port Harcourt and a two-term ministry were sent to the former schools in the six geo-politi- fairs, Linda Thomas-Green-adding that the APC gov- 2013 and 2014, when the Riv- Chairman of Obio/Akpor Minister of State for Education cal zones and N500 million field, addressed African re-ernment would restore or- ers PDP’s standard bearer was Local Government Area of (Wike) to recover the five offi- for monitoring of the MDGs’ porters yesterday in Wash-der. in charge at the Federal Min- Rivers State, denied the issues cial vehicles with him, as is the projects. ington D.C. via a live web istry of Education. raised in the audit reports. normal procedure, but he bla- chat. The politician told report- tantly refused handing over the The audit report on theers in Lagos that suspected Following the 2011 gener- The PDP candidate, who vehicles. MDGs’ projects in schools Thomas-Greenfield, whoPDP thugs were on the ram- al elections, Wike was made spoke through the Chairman stated: “None of these is the top-most U.S. officialpage because the party’s fail- the Minister of State for Edu- of Media and Publicity Com- “It was later discovered that projects was fully executed. on African affairs, said Nige-ure at the general elections cation and was later elevated mittee of his campaign organ- he had already offered one of This is in direct contradiction ria remained America’s stra-was imminent. as the Supervising Minister of isation, Emma Okah, said: the vehicles, a Toyota Land- of extant financial regula- tegic partner in Africa. Education. But with the 2014 “The issues raised in the pur- cruiser Sports Utility Vehicle tions. Payments were made He said: “APC is a party appointment of Mallam Ibra- ported audit reports are false, (SUV) to the Rivers State for the projects, even as none The top diplomat notedto beat in Rivers State. We him Shekarau as the substan- unfounded and a figment of Chairman of the PDP (Chief was executed. Payments that the wellbeing of the mosthave a good governor, a dy- tive ministe, Wike reverted to the imagination of the origina- Felix Obuah). The vehicles he made were totally devoid of populous black nation wasnamic man, a team player. his former position. tors.” is yet to hand over are: two the following procedures, essential to achieving lastingThere are two parties in the Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, a which are mandatory for any peace on the continent.race - APC and PDP. Nye- He resigned last year to seek The auditors expressed Toyota Prado jeep, a Toyota government payment to con-som Wike (PDP’s candidate) nomination of the PDP to suc- shock that after resigning as Lexus jeep and a Toyota tractors: minute of ministeri- She said the world’s focusand I were in the same uni- ceed Governor Rotimi Amae- minister, late last year, Wike Pickup (Hilux).” al tenders’ board committee had been on Nigeria since theversity at a time. I was the chi. refused to hand over five offi- and completion certificate...” elections were re-scheduled.Students’ Union Govern- cial vehicles of the Federal The 2013 revelation by thement (SUG) President then. Wike, a former Chief of auditors involved N2.9 bil- Thomas-Greenfield saidI have served as the Special the U.S. would strengthenAdviser on Students’ Af- the Independent Nationalfairs; the Special Adviser on Electoral CommissionWorks and Commissioner (INEC) to conduct free andfor Works. I am now in the fair elections and partner theHouse of Representatives. government to avert vio-We know we each other.” lence. Peterside described elec- Why my husbandtoral violence as the greatest should bechallenge confronting Riv- re-elected, byers, adding that 37 people Jonathan’s wifehad been killed in mayhemin the state. From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar He added: “We lost 11 in Army promotes soldiers battling Boko Haram F IRST Lady, Damea day in Abuba. The tragedy Patience Jonathan,also hit Ogugolo and Okrika. yesterday gaveMany people were injured. reasons PresidentParty offices in Okrika and Goodluck JonathanAndoni were burnt. hands should be re-elected for awere cut off. People were THE Nigerian Army an- •COAS visits troops in Baga any one. In fact, it is the end second term in the Marchstabbed. In Agua-Odua, peo- nounced yesterday a that justifies the means. 28 election.ple also died in political vio- special promotion for Mrs Jonathan, wholence. For us, that is the all soldiers involved in liber- “The entire country is sing- at boosting the soldiers’ mo- “The war, as it stands, has was in Ikom, Cross Rivergreatest threat to the sancti- ating Baga in Borno from ing praises of Nigerian sol- rale and building more confi- turned out for the good of State, in continuation ofty of the electoral process. It Boko Haram insurgents. diers for the bravery exhib- dence in them. Nigerian Armed Forces, and the Peoples Democraticis not abating. It will be an ited in the fight against the God willing, in a matter of Party (PDP) nationwideissue in the elections.” The Chief of Army Staff insurgents. “The war is almost ended, time, it will be over. women’s rally to solicit (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Kenneth we will liberate Dikwa, Bama, votes for her husband,Hospital decries Minimah, announced the “I urge you to keep the Gwoza, Marte and other “So, I encourage Nigerians said the President hadunclaimed bodies promotion while addressing tempo by striving hard to places in a few days time’’, to support their military’’, performed well to de- the soldiers during an official record more successes’’, Minimah said. Minimah emphasised. serve a second term in of- From Okungbowa Aiwerie, visit to Baga in Kukawa Lo- Minimah said. fice. Asaba cal Government Area. He advised Nigerians to sup- He said that the six weeks Speaking after inau- He expressed optimism port the military in its quest to offered by the Federal Gov- gurating the 6,000-seatT HE Management of Minimah said the promo- that insurgency would end in end the insurgency. ernment for the military to ultra-modern Ikom the Federal Medical tion was to reward the sol- the next couple of weeks. clear the insurgents was Township Stadium, Mrs Centre (FMC) in diers for their gallant effort in “Nigerians should maintain achievable, going by the re- Jonathan said: “I came toAsaba, the Delta State capi- flushing out the insurgents. “Never again will Nigeri- confidence with Nigerian cent developments. thank you for keeping total, has decried the number ans suffer this kind of large armed forces. They should your promise in 2011 toof unclaimed bodies in the He added that soldiers who scale destruction in the name support our military because “It is achievable; we are still vote for my husband. Ihospital’s mortuary. died in the battle with the of insurgency’’, Minimah there is no other. within the time frame. But six insurgents would also be pro- said. weeks should not be taken It said the trend worried moted posthumously. “War is war. War does not that everything must be at-the management and the He said his visit was aimed often come out in favour of tained because this is war’’,residents because of the he added.health hazard the situation want to appeal to you toposed. Abductors demand N100m ransom for Amaechi’s aide you to repeat the same thing in the March 28 FMC’s spokesman, Mr. presidential election.”Ogbogu Nnamdi, confirmed Monday, said his aide’s kid- a popular Master of Ceremo- The First Lady saidthat many bodies were in the T HE kidnappers of From Bisi Olaniyi, nap was politically moti- nies (MC) for major events, her husband, during hismorgue without identifica- Freddy Ndigbara, the Port Harcourt vated. was kidnapped last Sunday first tenure, impactedtion. Deputy Chief Press in his Kaani-Ogoni home- positively on the people, Secretary (CPS) to Rivers nappers called a member of The governor, who spoke town in Khana Local Gov- especially women. He urged those having Governor Rotimi Amaechi, his family, insisting that the through his ally, Chief Tony ernment Area. She recalled that inmissing relatives to visit the have demanded N100 mil- ransom should be paid im- Okocha, the House of Rep- Police spokesman, 2011, her husband prom-mortuary. lion ransom. mediately, if he was not to resentatives candidate for Muhammad Kidaya ised to give women 35 be harmed. Obio/Akpor on the platform Ahmad, a Deputy Superin- per cent of Federal ap- Nnamdi said the limited A source to Ndigbara’s of the All Progressives Con- tendent of Police (DSP), was pointments, in line withspace in the morgue was family, who spoke in confi- Rivers State Peoples gress (APC). optimistic that Ndigbara the Affirmative Action.filled with bodies whose ad- dence yesterday, told our Democratic Party (PDP) would be rescued soon. Mrs Jonathan said thedress or relatives were un- reporter about the demand Chairman Felix Obuah cau- He is also the leader of the The police spokesman President fulfilled hisknown. in Port Harcourt, the state tioned that Ndigbara’s kid- APC in Obio/Akpor Local said the command was mak- promise through political capital. nap should not be Government Area. ing efforts to rescue the and elective offices. The spokesman said the politicised. governor’s aide. She said: “Now, we aremanagement condemned The source urged the kid- Okocha said Ndigbara But he could not con- in 2015, and he will dothe manner the relatives and nappers to release the jour- Amaechi, the Chairman was kidnapped for champi- firm information on the more for the nation andother people depositing bod- nalist unconditionally, un- of the Nigeria Governors’ oning the defection of over ransom. women in particular.”ies in the morgue abandoned harmed and immediately. Forum (NGF) and the Direc- 5,000 PDP members in histhem. tor-General of the Buhari area to APC. It was learnt that the kid- Campaign Organisation, on The deputy CPS, who is

THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 51NEWSSenate confirms •Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (right), congratulating a Permanent Secretary, Mr. Renos Kabiny, at the swearing- Gunmen kidnapAbba as Grand Chinese engineerKadi of Sharia in of six permanent secretaries and six special advisers in Gombe...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN in NasarawaCourt of Appeal Court stops deputy governor’s impeachment GUNMEN, numbering From Onyedi Ojiabor, about seven, have kid- Assistant Editor and Sanni AMINNA High Court •Restrains Assembly from removing member napped a Chinese yesterday ordered project manager, Mr. Cui Fu Onogu, Abuja against setting up im- From Jide Orintunsin, Minna week there were speculations ing the seat of the plaintiff Long X, in Toto, headquarters peachment of the deputy and privileges of the deputy that the government and the vacant should not be em- of Toto Local GovernmentTHE Senate yesterday governor of Niger state, Hon. governors’ office pending the ruling PDP were planning to barked upon pending the de- Area of Nasarawa State. confirmed the nomi- Ahmed Musa Ibeto pending hearing and determination of impeach the deputy governor termination of the motion on nation of Hon. Kadi the hearing and the determi- motion brought before it. for defecting to the APC last notice and originating sum- It was learnt that the gun-Ibrahim Abba as the Grand nation of motion on notice. month. mon filed before the court. men stormed the project siteKadi of the Sharia Court of Niger state House of As- at Adadu road in Toto, shoot-Appeal, Federal Capital Ter- The court also restrained the sembly and the Clerk were In a similar case Justice May- In the interim order the court ing sporadically while theritory (FCT), Abuja. Speaker of the State House of also restrained from conduct- aki granted order restraining ruled that the proceeding of the workers fled in different di- Assembly, Barrister Adamu ing any proceeding in the the Speaker of the Assembly assembly on the 17/2/2015 rections. The confirmation fol- Usman from disallowing chambers of the assembly from stopping Hon. Mu- that led to the declaring oflowed the consideration and Hon. Muhammed Nazir Ab- aimed at impeaching the hammed Nazir Abdullahi , Nazir seat in the Assembly Speaking with our corre-adoption of the report of the dullahi , member represent- plaintiff from his position as member representing Rijau vacant was unlawful. spondent on Wednesday, theSenator Umaru Dahiru-led ing Rijau constituency from the duely elected incumbent constituency from functioning state Focal Person in chargeSenate Committee on Judi- functioning as member. Deputy Governor of Niger as member. The Court also ordered that of theciary, Human Rights and state. the speaker or his agents Millennium DevelopmentLegal Matters on the screen- The two orders were Abdullahi and member should not prevent the mem- Goals, sponsors of the stateing of Hon. Abba. granted separately by the The court also ordered that representing Wushishi con- ber from entering the Niger water project, Dr. Salisu Raj, court presided over by Justice the Deputy governor should stituency, Hon. Bashar Isah state house of Assembly com- said the firm handling the Dahiru in his report noted Aliyu Mayaki. not be obstructed from dis- Lokogoma had their seats de- plex to carry out his lawful and water project, CCGC Nigeriathat the nomination of Hon. charging his function as the clared vacant last week on the constitutional duty as a mem- Limited, had yet to makeAbba by President Goodluck The trail judge had granted deputy governor of Niger account that they defected ber representing Niger state an official report to him.Jonathan was made pursuant the six prayers of the deputy state and alternatively or- from Peoples Democratic Par- house of assembly.to Section 261(1) of the Con- governor as contained in the dered that all parties in the ty (PDP) to All Progressive According to him, thestitution of the Federal Re- motion paper. suit brought before the court Congress (APC). It ordered that all parties in- MDGs in the state received anpublic of Nigeria, 1999, as should maintain status quo volved in the suit should main- “unofficial report” that theamended, which requires The court also granted an ante bellum. Ruling in an experte motion tain their earlier positions be- Chinese expatriate wasthat the appointment of a order restraining the respon- filed by Nazir, the court or- fore the action that cause the kidnapped and taken to anperson to the office of the dents from tampering, violat- It will be recalled that last dered that all actions declar- motion before the court. undisclosed destination.Grand Kadi of the Sharia ing, withdrawing the rightCourt of Appeal of the Fed- He denied knowledge oferal Capital Territory, Abu- 23 suspected thugs arrested in Kano any ransom, adding that theja. Shall be made by the Pres- THE Kano state police CCGC had not communicat-ident of the recommenda- yesterday paraded 23 •Woman among suspects “I later got informed that ed to him on the incident.tion of the National Judicial suspected political they were arrested andCouncil subject to confirma- thugs including a female al- From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano dangerous weapons attacking brought to the police head- It was also gathered thattion of such nomination by leged to be sponsor of the kill- The police boss also said each other and the process quarters, so I came here to bail the victim was working onthe Senate. ing of one persons, during a harassing, intimidating inno- them, that was what hap- the rehabilitation of a wa- clash. that, the suspected political cent people in the communi- pened, like I said it is politi- ter scheme, completed in He noted that Hon. Abba thugs and their alleged fe- ty. cally motivated, so I have 1983.has been a Kadi in the FCT The police commissioner male sponsor will be ar- faith in God and leave every-Sharia Court of Appeal since Idris Ibrahim told reporters in raigned before the court of Henceforth we have decid- thing to God, in life anything Kidnappers1995 before his present ele- Kano yesterday that, that a law, adding that, these will ed in the joint security com- can happen to someone either demand N30mvation to the position of clash between two political definitely serve as deterrent mittee that anypolitical actor good or bad, but I am telling for release ofGrand Kadi by President rivals in LadiMakole in Wara- to any political party support- that organizesor encourages you, it is politically motivat- American womanGoodluck Jonathan. wa Local Government Area in er or financiers who had the thugs wielding their danger- ed against me. Kano state which resulted in notion of causing trouble in ous weapon in the public, we From James Azania, LokojaU.S. urges the killing and also a wanton the state. are going to take legal action Meanwhile, the meetingNigerians to fight destruction of properties. against them. under the inter agency con- THE abductors ofBoko Haram Idris said In a situation sultative committee on elec- American philan- According to him “as you whereby some political actors On the issue of buying PVC tion security held at the Kano thropist, Rev. Phyl-THE Information Officer, are aware on the 23rd of Fe- gather innocent children giv- from eligible voters by some state police command yester- lis Sortor yesterday re- U.S. Embassy, Mr Sean buary, around 1700hrs we re- ing them hard drugs to wreck unpatriotic citizens, the police day resolved that the military duced to N30 million the Mclntosh urged Nigeri- corded an incident at Ladin havoc, I think is not in the best commissioner said that five will participate in the election ransom for her release.ans to support the government Makole village, where we fra- interest of our political evo- persons have been arrested process, but will not directlyin cas between two political par- lution. and recovered 350 permanent involve in the conduct of the The yet-to-be identified ties, which resulted in the voters card from them election, because their partic- kidnappers of the octoge- fighting Boko Haram, just as death of one of the party sup- I want to use this opportu- ipation is under the law, narian and owner of HopeFredrick Douglas fought and porters. nity to call on political par- He accused Aisha Majama’a whereby they will not be al- Alive Nursery/Primarystood up for the right of Afri- ties and every well meaning of assembling youths to par- lowed within the vicinity of Academy, who snatchedcan Americans. “When the police spread of this state to ensure they talk ticipate in destructive venture the polling units, but will be her from the school pre- their dragnet, the area where to their wards on the inher- by giving drugs and attack- strategically positioned in mises at Emiworo in Mclntosh spoke at the Black the incident happened look ent danger associated with ing each other, he however case of any eventuality. Ajaokuta Local Govern-History Month Celebration on very obscured and the police violence, during electioneer- frown at the incidence. ment Area of Kogi State onWednesday in Abuja in a film could not arrest anybody, and ing campaign, talk to their The state police commis- Monday morning had onreview of the life of Fredrick we establish a full patrol in supporters to desist from be- Hajiya Maijama’a in her re- sioner told reporters after the the following day madeDouglass, an African Ameri- that area, on ing engage in destructive ten- action to the allegation said meeting that the security contact with a staff of thecan Social Reformer in a pro- dencies, in the process of ad- that “ this issue is politically agencies in the state are pre- school, demanding pay-gramme titled: “From slavery Tuesday we got information vancing their political objec- motivated, let me tell you, I pared to provide maximum ment of N60 million beforeto leadership’’. of a build of political thugs tives. am a mother, how can I hire security during the conduct of she can be released. around Tudun Wada area, in or sponsor people as thugs it the elections. “As we have all “If you read the heroic act of the process we arrested 23 The inter security agency is just a frame up and it can shown, committed and en- A source at the schoolDouglass you will see the need suspects with dangerous consultative committee yes- happen to anybody. I am a deavor to ensure that, maxi- confirmed that the abduc-why Nigerians and Africans at weapons, in the course of the terday met and took some far female political pillar, in my mum men are deployed to tors made contact throughlarge need to live in unity and investigation we discovered reaching decisions, that hence- area, these boys are our chil- the nook and cranny of the the victim’s phone, wherefight against Boko Haram. that a lady was fingered by this forth we shall not tolerate any dren, they were directed to go areas, so that we can have a the demands were made. political thugs to cause may- politicians while on proces- and paste posters by our par- very peaceful election”. “If one man can come out to hem in that area. sion or campaign wielding ty headquarters. The source whose namefight for the happiness of all, cannot be mentioned forwithout knowing anyone, obvious reasons said hethen I see no reason why peo- passed out after one of theple can’t live and understand hoodlums hit him on theeach other.’’ head with the butt of a gun, adding that he only recov- Mclntosh noted that people’s ered after about two hoursways of life should present later.dignity, love and passion “tosee your brothers grow’’. Head Teacher of Hopewell Academy, Mrs “Our ways of life should not Remi shaibu said the kid-be different from Douglass’s nappers stormed thebecause he fought with love school premises in theand passion. numbers, shooting into the air and causing pandemo- “With dignity he stood for nium.what was right and today thereis freedom all over,’’ he add- Sorto according to find-ed. ings runs the school on a more or less philanthropic Mclntosh said that Douglass basis, aside which she hasbecame a remarkable orator devoted her time to caringthat numerous persons doubt- for Fulani children arounded if he had ever been a slave. the area. The News Agency of Nige- The state Police Com-ria (NAN) reports said that mand has mounted a 24-Douglass was born in slavery hour surveillance aroundas Frederick Augustus Wash- the area. The state Com-ington Bailey near Easton in missioner of Police (CP),Talbot County, Maryland. Mr. Samuel Ogunjemulusi it was gathered was on As a young boy, he was sent ground to monitor devel-to Baltimore to be a house opments.servant, where he learned toread and write, and laterfought for the emancipationof slavery.