SUNDAY LETTERS - 25/7/2004
Jakande's Example
Sir: I thank David Lucas (The Guardian, July 20, 2004) for reminding us in his "Garlands for Jakande at 75" of the fact that our indefatigable leader and one-time Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, will be 75 years old on July 23.
I remember a few months after Alhaji Jakande was sworn-in as Governor of Lagos State in October 1979, I headed to the then Lagos State Secretariat on Oba Akinjobi Street, Ikeja, on my way to the office. I was determined that day to see or pass a message to the Governor on the state of the Pedro/Ladi-Lak road to Palmgrove. On a good day, you would thank your stars to have spent 45 minutes on that road - a trip of less than 15 minutes.
As I got to the Secretariat, I was prepared for a long protocol and some serious screening before being allowed to enter the Governor's office; but alas, I was disappointed - I was shown the modest office of one of the most sophisticated States in Nigeria, without any ceremony at all, no security checks, no interrogation, no protocol of any sort. I entered the office and told the male Secretary that I would like to see the Governor. The Secretary politely told me to have a seat as the people I met in the office were also waiting to see the Governor. I asked the Secretary when the Governor would come, and I was surprised when he told me that the Governor was already inside his office attending to some visitors. The time was about 7.40 a.m.
Realising that if I had to wait to see the Governor, I might be very late to the office, I asked the Secretary to give me a sheet of paper so that I could write down what I came for. He did and I scribbled down what brought me, stating that residents of the area would be grateful if the road could be repaired. Went to the Governor's office on a Tuesday; by Thursday evening of the same week, we saw, for the first time in several years, tractors, bitumen and other road repair equipment being brought in - it was like a dream. By Monday the following week, the road was in perfect condition with drainage on both sides.
Several years later, when I met Alhaji Jakande in person, I tried to remind him of the prompt response to my letter. He could only vaguely remember. That, indeed, was the shape of things to come as the entire Lagos State witnessed the kind of development it had never seen before and has failed to record ever since Jakande left office - no thanks to the Buhari/Idiagbon coup; but for the coup, Lagos State would have for long been enjoying metroline - and elevated rail system that would have considerably eased the States perennial transport problem.
Alhaji Jakande's government, in its characteristic prudence, entered into an agreement with a French Consortium for the construction of metroline. The total outlay on the part of Lagos State Government for this project was a paltry N350 million, half of which was paid as deposit; the remaining N350 million was to be borne by the French Consortium, who was to recoup its investment plus interest from the proceeds of the project when the scheme (metroline) commenced operations. The Buhari regime cancelled the metroline project thereby not only depriving Lagosians the opportunity of enjoying a modern day transport system, but also making Lagos State lose the deposit for the project, which will cost several billions of Naira to construct now.
What with the Housing programme of the Government under Jakande. The allocation was done indiscriminately on a first come first serve basis by the Governor himself; not taking cognisant of the States from where allotees hail nor even considering the political leaning of the allotees.
As we celebrate the 75th birthday of this rare species of a Nigerian leader, it will be instructive to implore our present leaders to emulate Alhaji Lateef Jakande by coming up with masses-oriented programmes that would benefit the citizenry rather than excessively taxing the people, who are already heavily burdened as a result of incessant levies, ceaseless increases in one government product or the other, and lack of innovative people-oriented policies that can enhance government earnings.
*Ramoni Bello,
Lagos.
Potable Water In Lagos
Sir: We are all aware that in the last couple of months the supply of municipal water in Lagos by LSWC has been erratic. Days go by when taps are dry. The irony of this is that no newspaper, Labour union, or organisation has ever bothered to ask the government for an explanation.
No protest is ever organised. When Petrol prices go up by even one naira it is a national issue. If there is no running potable water, nobody is interested. Due to this the government is taking its citizenry for a run. It is high time we got our priorities right.
*Banji Adepeju,
Lagos.
NEPA's Fraudulent Bills
Sir: I wish to alert the public about the way NEPA and their foreign partner management collaborator had been cheating us recently in the collection of their monthly bills.
Despite the bad distribution system of two days light, one day off phenomenon, the estimated bill of the month of June, 2004 was brought in the middle of the month. What a crazy, outrageous bill They don't read the meter again but merely offer estimates; and they give two weeks ultimatum to pay the bill, which means 15 days light to pay one month bill. If you fail to pay your line will be disconnected and the cables carried away.
I am not surprised, their name speaks for them "Never Expect Power Always" (NEPA); but this fraudulent billing system must stop. I am appealing to the Federal Government and the Minister of Mines and Power to act/investigate for the benefit of the poor masses.
*Walley Arobieke,
Lagos.
A Case Of Egocentrism
Sir: The withholding of the statutory allocation of the Lagos State government as a result of the increase in the number of Local Governments from 20 to 57 is no doubt a constitutional issue in which the Federal Government of Nigeria led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is found to be comfortably seated on the right side of the law. Granted that the constitution allows the States to create additional Local Governments but there is a proviso that returns shall be made to the National Assembly, which shall make consequential provision for such Local Governments.
Properly viewed, this could be likened to our home setting where the wife is in charge of the kitchen and the menu roster. She could, but does not necessarily have to ask the husband for any preferred dish before she cooks the menu of the day for the family. However, the husband as the statutory head of the household makes consequential provisions for the food and this includes making money available which by implication amounts to approval of the content of the day's meal.
However, he, as the head of the family may refuse to make such provisions if he observes shortcoming in the procedure used in cooking the previous day's meal or for any other reason for that matter. The question then is "for how long can a loving father of the house continue to hold such money" Certainly, this question when answered would enable us to know the demarcation between "ego clash between mother and father" and the general well-being of the entire family, which normally would include their children. Can a man starve his own children to death because of domestic difference with his wife
Granted that the release of allocation to the newly created Local Governments in Lagos State would run counter to the spirit of our constitution, yet the Administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo must realise that "closing the eyes" to the plight of the generality of our workers who are not directly involved in the politics of Local Government creation amounts to callous indifference to the well-being of the people who are variously bread-winners in their families.
The President should understand that most of the teachers and civil servants who are now being used as scapegoats are neither members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) nor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and they should be spared from unnecessary heartache which would emanate from their inability to fulfil their family obligations, as a result of non-payment of their salaries.
Those who are bearing the brunt of the unnecessary political imbroglio are men and women who have no other means to irk livelihood than the civil service job in which they have been engaged for the better part of their lives. Refusal of both sides to see reasons and resolve a problem, which ordinarily has a simple solution, amounts to wickedness, sadism and meanness.
Why would the Federal Government frustrate the efforts of the Chief Justice of the Federation to assist in bringing the struggle to a fruitful end Why would the government of Bola Tinubu in Lagos refuse to revert to the twenty Local Government, especially when all statutory provisions have not been fulfilled
While the warring leaders have the best meal on their tables everyday, the families of their workers sleep with empty stomach, unable to pay rent and settle the children's school fees. Most of them may have to borrow money to get to work. All because of personal ego and a problem that would not have arisen if common sense had been allowed to prevail.
*Rasheed Ojikutu,
Lagos.
The Murder Of Ogbonnaya Uche
Sir: Please refer to your story "The Many Unresolved Murders" of June 29, 2004 as it concerns "Ogbonnaya Uche". The impression which the story created was that there are no person(s) standing trial in the Court for the murder of Ogbonnaya Uche. Most amazing is the interview granted by the Governor of Imo State which gave a veil of truth to the obvious falsehood.
The reality, however, is that two persons are standing trial in High Court 4, Owerri for murder. They were arraigned in a holden charge in Chief Magistrate Court on May 10, 2003 and remanded in Federal Prisons, Owerri on the same date before they were charged to the High Court on February 12, 2004. However, they only took plea on May 31, 2004.
We are the solicitors to the two accused persons and can inform you that the case is adjourned to October 25, 2004 for hearing. On the last hearing date July 5, 2004 no witness of the prosecution was in court and we applied for the striking out of the matter. We want to invite your reporter to cover the trail at the next sitting. If you cover the story it will help Nigerians to further realise the infamous level of the present-day Police. This is because those standing trial today were framed-up for political purposes. It is for this reason that we agree with Governor Udenwa that the police should prosecute the "Killers of Uche".
It might appear to the uninformed that our conclusion is hasty but one inevitable conclusion if you cover the case is that the prosecution of our clients is a charade.
*Ukpai Ukairo,
for: Ukpai Ukairo & Associates,
Aba, Abia State.
The Menace Of "Area Boys" In Lagos
Sir: I wish to draw the attention of the Lagos State Governor, the Minister for Transport and all other well-meaning Nigerians especially Lagosians to the behaviour of Area Boys who consider to be a threat to the life of Lagosians.
In the recent past, area boys have dominated most of the bus stops in the State. Their main objective is to extort money from motorists and any attempt by any motorist to refuse to comply will lead to vandalisation of their vehicles - which I consider barbaric!
They don't only make life difficult for motorists but also commuters who bear the brunt at the end of the day by paying higher toll than necessary. If one is unfortunate to be passenger when these hoodlums invade a vehicle - it will take the special grace of God to alight safely without been hurt. Not to talk of getting buses from the bus stops which is gradually becoming impossible as the buses are trying to avoid touts that normally waylay them to collect money, therefore leaving the masses with the pain of spending endless time at bus stops despite the fact that we all know that time is money".
At times out of fear, these buses don't stop at certain bus stops, any passenger that is going to that bus stop would be forced to drop at the next bus stop and trek back to his/her destination - is this supposed to be one of the dividends of democracy
Unless something drastic is done about this situation especially now that the state is becoming more security-conscious, one may find it difficult to walk freely in the streets of Lagos without being harassed or molested by these hoodlums.
*Eniola Ilesanmi,
Lagos.
The Opus Dei And Virginity
Sir: The Guardian of Sunday July 11, 2004 in the Ibru Centre pages published an article "on Opus Dei and Secular Virginity." The author with the aim of delving into this topic of classic Christian spirituality, which Opus Dei also maintains, trivialises values that are greatly cherished without due respect to the persons who follow them, not only women.
The founder of Opus Dei, St. Josemaria Escriva, who was proclaimed a saint by the Pope in the year 2002, unceasingly transmitted by word and writings that marriage is a path to holiness for the great multitude of believers. My family and I benefit from his teachings on Christian vocations.
I would like to advise The Guardian not to publish articles that are not up to the standards of the newspaper, which is known to respect the human person and her values. The Guardian has proved itself to be a newspaper that should be taken seriously.
*P.A. Adegbesan,
Lagos.
To Governor Ladoja
Sir: It would interest your Excellency to know that the administration of Governor Lam Adesina recruited some medical doctors in 33 local government areas of the state in 2000. While we are not against the recruitment exercise, what we are opposing is their appointment without due recognition of civil service regulations.
Could you believe that these medical doctors who were recruited on Grade Level 09 in 2000 are now on Grade Level 15 Apart from this, they were made Primary Health Coordinators (PHC) in their respective council areas without having qualifications in Primary Health Care. In fact, all these doctors are now undergoing training at the UCH to obtain a basic certificate in Primary Health Care Delivery which is not in agreement with laid down Local Government Service Regulations.
These doctors through the State Ministry of Health also gave frivolous allowances to themselves like Call Duty allowance which is not in operation in any of the 33 Local Governments of Oyo State. It is only a means through which these medical doctors and their collaborators at the state ministry of health are siphoning Local Government funds without the slightest reservation.
Most of these doctors were recruited fresh and they did not at all transfer their services. Indeed, most of them were working in private clinics before their employment and so they could not have transferred their services. This anomaly was to be corrected by the State Auditor's General Department which instituted a panel of enquiry into this and discovered the sharp irregularities. The Panel promptly called for the reversion of the doctors to their normal salary status.
However, to our chagrin, the outcome of the panel's report has not been effected by the State Commissioner for Health till now. This has been causing serious ill-feeling in the 33 Local Government areas of the State.
We want to request your administration to investigate this and correct the anomaly in the interest of peace, justice and fairplay in the Council areas.
*Bola Olowojulo,
for: Concerned Local Government Professionals,
Oyo State.
Condom Factory In Nigeria
Sir: We are greatly disturbed that in spite of proofs that condoms do not prevent HIV/AIDS, but rather aid the spread of it, NAFDAC has gone ahead to approve their manufacture in Nigeria by a Belgian company.
The use of condoms has brought about the unfortunate consequences of promiscuity and also the death of millions of victims. It is a well-known fact that countries within the African continent that have fostered the use of condoms have been witnessing an astronomical rise in the death rate due to infection by the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus. This is a negation of all that NAFDAC stands for! NAFDAC, an organ of 'warfare' against fake drugs, manufacture of contaminated food and water and anything that can jeopardise the health of our people, has failed us in this regard.
The Guardian newspaper reports that the Managing Director of the Belgian company states that "Nigeria has great business potentials and given the support and co-operation of everyone we will succeed". Clearly, to their minds this company's financial success is superior to the success of each individual Nigerian. Is NAFDAC going to allow this to happen
We Nigerian mothers wish to say No to this infringement on our rights. Why bring a condom manufacturing plant Why not a food processing plant so that more hungry Nigerians can have food on the table Why not a textile, shoes, rubber or pharmaceutical plant There are more job prospects for our people in these ventures. We plead with you to think about the consequences and rescind this decision. It is within your power to do so and save us from this catastrophe.
We have absolute trust in you to bring about this change, as the NAFDAC boss, a very patriotic Nigerian and a mother who is also concerned about the future of the family. You can do it, you have always done great things, we are convinced that you will continue this struggle in aid of our people. We pray you do not succumb to pressures of those who are bent on doing business that exploits us.
*Dora Uzo,
for: Association of Concerned Mothers (ASSOCOM),
Lagos.
An Obnoxious Bill
Sir: The report in The Guardian (July 7, 2004) that a bill has been forwarded to lawmakers that would empower the Governor of Ekiti State to remove "erring" council chairmen without recourse to the State Assembly, is nothing but a call for autocratic politics. It is like empowering the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remove any state governor he may adjudge to have erred.
The Council Chairman is an elected official. The process of removing him or her should be clearly stated in the constitution, as well as the offences that could lead to such a removal. I know that Ekiti State House of Assembly is one-party dominated, but I still expect independent-minded, reasonable men and women to say No to that obnoxious and self-seeking bill.
*Anthony Akinola,
England.
