2011: The race begins on the Plateau

Former Governor of Plateau State, Chief Joshua Dariye

By Jude Owuamanam
Friday, 11 Jun 2010

The recent verdict of a Jos High Court, which upturned the suspension of the Prof. Dakum Shown-led executive of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State might have opened a new vista on the political landscape on the Plateau.

For one, the governorship election and the choice of who occupies the Oval Rayfield office have turned out to be quite interesting for not only are the people anxious to decide who governs them, outsiders are also very much interested in who governs Plateau State.

In the heat of the political crisis in the state, a group, led by Chief Emmanuel Mangni, had formed a parallel faction, which came to be known as PDP2. The group was backed by politicians such as a former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu; a former Sports Minister, Mr. Damishi Sango, and the immediate past governor, Chief Joshua Dariye.

With the tacit support of the national secretariat of the party, especially the National Working Party, officials of PDP2 had convinced the NWC to suspend the state executive led by Shown and appointed a caretaker committee headed by Chief Abu King-Shulluwa. The caretaker committee was working towards congresses in all the local governments in the state, when the court judgment threw a big spanner in their works.

In his judgment, Justice Mohammed Sirajo said that the NWC was not empowered to dissolve the state executive of the party without ratification by the National Executive Committee.

The presiding judge had also contended since the Shown executive was elected for a period of four years, the party could not give with the right hand and take with the left hand” what rightfully belongs to them, stressing the decision to push them aside on the pretence of sudden and emergency circumstance did not arise.

The judgment threw the camp of PDP2 in disarray in spite of the fact that the group had appealed against it. The PDP’s problems were also compounded by the order of the state command that its office should be shut.

Shulluwa was forced to relocate to Abuja where he told our correspondent that he had gone to make consultations with the national leadership of the party on the next line of action to take. He said as far as he was concerned, no court directed the police to shut the group’s office.

The acting Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, said in a statement in Jos that both sides should maintain the status quo and explore all legal options open to them.

The acting police commissioner warned that the command would not hesitate to visit the full weight of the law on any person that violated the order.

A source at the police headquarters told our correspondent that Aduba, who was acting on the orders of the Inspector- General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, had reasoned that the problem could worsen the situation in the state, which had witnessed several violent crises.

In spite of the crisis in the PDP, some aspirants are hoping that they could use the confusion in the PDP to ride to power. Among them are a former sports minister, Mr. Damishi Sango, a retired civil servant, Jimmy Cheto; Senator John Shagaya; Dariye’s former aide, Mr. Chris Giwa; a former transition committee member of Jos North Local Government Area, Dr. Danladi Atu, a former governorship aspirant under the Action Congress, Mr. Pam Dung Gyang and another retired civil servant, Mr. John Alkali.

Sango is also said to be drawing support from some powerful northern governors who are said to be aggrieved because of what they perceived as Jang’s lack of will power in handling crises in the state.

Apart from these men, another powerful contender is a former Attorney General and Commissioner, Mr. Yusufu Pam, who is said to be enjoying the backing of retired General Olusegun Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma. Pam is Obasanjo’s alternative to Jang whom he has fallen out of favour with.

The reckoning of this camp is that Pam, who is Jang’s Berom tribesman, would be made to finish the second term of Plateau North. But the camp is being opposed by people, who argue that the position is not zoned to the Berom, but to the northern zone that comprises the Anaguta, the Jarawa and other minority groups.

But another camp believes that zoning will not bring out the best governorship candidate in 2011 and is, therefore, arguing that the candidate should come from any of the three senatorial zones. This group is said to be rooting for a former governor of the state, Mr. Fidelis Tapgun, who is from the southern zone.

According to one of his loyalists, who preferred anonymity, “Even if we have to go by this zoning arrangement, the southern zone has Chief Solomon Lar, who was not allowed to complete his second term and Tapgun, whose tenure was truncated by the military. So he should be allowed to complete his first term of four years at least.”

There is also an Obasanjo/Danjuma alliance to stand behind former Attorney General of the state, Mr. Yusuf Pam, a scion of the late Col. Pam dynasty. The duo have been a constant source of support and strength for the family of their former military mentor.

Apart from this, Jang’s recent comments on the zoning arrangement of the PDP, have led a series of activities on the political scene with many aspirants from all zones ready to contest the governorship poll. He was also quoted as saying that President Goodluck Jonathan is free to contest the 2011 presidential election.

But Jang, who obviously is aware of all plans to ease him out, has taken moves to solidify his position. Basking in the recent court decision sacking the PDP caretaker committee, Jang has started to reach out to opposition members and pacify them.

He has reopened the Plateau State University , Bokkos, which he closed down immediately he assumed office. He has also reinstated the university’s Vice- Chancellor, Prof. John Wade, and all principal staff. To get the civil servants on his side, he ordered the re-absorption of all the civil servants who were sacked on account of taking part in a strike.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edward Pwajok, said that he believed that Jang deserved a second term in office. According to him, the court judgment has cleared the way for Jang to contest under the PDP. It has also reinforced the need for the party members to close ranks to ensure that the party wins the 2011 election.

Indeed Pwajok’s view was reinforced by the thinking of the party members who convened a stakeholders’ meeting on May 3 to reappraise the situation in the light of the Shown-led executive’s victory. At the end of the meeting, they agreed that the party needed to put the past behind it to move forward.

Jega’s appointment’ll not solve INEC’s problems — NBA

Attahiru Jega

By Tobi Soniyi
Friday, 11 Jun 2010

The Nigerian Bar Association has said that the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission will not necessarily usher in a regime of free and fair election.

In a statement by the association‘s President, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on Thursday, the NBA cautioned Nigerians against believing that Jega possessed the magic wand to perform miracles in the absence of institutional structures to check potential aberrant attitude.

It warned that those who had no visible means of livelihood outside politics would be relentless in ensuring that the status quo remained.

NBA commended President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing Jega but urged him to go the full hog by embarking on a total overhaul of the commission.

It said, ”The Bar must throw in a caveat to the new appointee who will be moving into an ambience already polluted by iniquitous acts. The commission must be overhauled. Prof Jega must start on a clean slate.”

The association also said that the judgment of a Federal High Court in Calabar declaring a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) unfit to occupy public office has vindicated it.

NBA further said that a former Zamfara State Governor Ahmed Sani should vacate his seat as a senator after marrying a 13-year old minor.

Referring to the aspect of the judgment which directed NBA to punish Aondoakaa for the role he played in the disobedience of a court order by directing the Independent National Electoral Commission not to issue a certificate of return to Mr. Emmanuel Obot after he was declared the winner of the elections into the Uyo Federal Constituency, NBA said the association would not shield any of its members accused of any wrongdoings.

It said, “We hasten to state, without gloating, that the Bar feels vindicated on its positions on national issues which certain political jobbers twisted to paint us with the brush of partisanship undeservedly.

“We expect more of those whose activities have brought this country to this sorry pass to be exposed.”

The association described Sani’s marriage to the 13-year old Egyptian girl as disgraceful and criminal.

It said that it was even more unfortunate for him to hide under Islamic religion which preached continence.

It said, “The position of the Bar is that this man cannot continue to sit in the hallowed chamber of the Senate, contributing in the making of laws he does not believe in.

“Characters like this man should not be allowed to hide under religion to perpetrate acts inimical to the well-being of the citizens of this country, most especially children who must be protected by reasonable adults.”

Bankole fights back

by Yusuf Alli and Victor Oluwasegun ( The Nation Newpaper)


Speaker Dimeji Bankole yesterday launched moves to stop "the progressives" pushing for his sack.
Minority Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume, who described the Bankole-must-go lawmakers as "plotters", accused them of using fictitious documents to dent the House’s integrity.
But the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) supported the lawmakers, urging Bankole to resign for alleged fraud.
Bankole was said to have met in camera with some members to put a lie to the claim by "the progressives". The group is accusing him of corruption and highhandedness, among others.

At the meeting, the Speaker reportedly explained why he would not collapse budgetary allocations to jack up allowances of members from N27million per quarter to N42million.
A source said: "The Speaker has embarked on one-on-one lobbying of members, which is acceptable in a democracy. He has reached out to some of our members on vacation abroad. Politics is about dialogue.
"Since Wednesday night, some of us have had cause to attend some meetings and the Speaker has appreciable backing."
A respected House member, who spoke in confidence, said: "Well, I can tell you that the threat against Bankole is more imaginary than real. We know the stock-in-trade of these "disgruntled members".
"From our meeting, these so-called progressives cannot go far because in fairness, most members are satisfied with the performance of the Speaker.
"There is no perfection anywhere in the world, but we have launched counter-moves and I can tell you that the pro-Bankole members are in the majority."
Another source added: "The issue of seven-day ultimatum cannot work because aggrieved members are expected to come properly before the House.
"They cannot take undue advantage of our recess to abuse the House rules as if we are in a military era. What they are expected to do is to table their grievances on the floor of the House and we will discuss it."
Ndume told reporters in Abuja that the House refused to sanction those whose activities were detrimental to its stability because the leadership believes in working as a collective.
He said members of "The Progressives" had at one time or the other had weighty issues pending before the House leadership which warranted stiff penalties. The House pardoned them after intervention by peace-loving members, he said.
"I look at the set of people who issued that ultimatum to the Honourable Speaker and discovered that they are the same set of members raising the same issue at different times. They are colleagues to whom we ascribed much of integrity and high sense of acumen, law and order. We are not to join issues with them on the pages of newspapers and so we are seizing this opportunity to call them to order because enough is enough."

According to Ndume, the House leadership would not allow a crack in its fold or among members.
"What we had expected is that any member who had issues against the leadership would come forward and table such issue before the gathering of members most especially during the plenary, if only for the House to take common decision on such.
"We had done that before and several times too. That is why we hold executive sessions to resolve key issues common to the interest of every member. The law has never allowed any member to vent his or her anger on the pages of newspaper while ignoring the proper channels for doing so."
Ndume said those listed in the media as aggrieved members who issued the ultimatum still have a chance to make peace with the leadership between now and resumption of the House.
Spokesperson of "The Progressives", Dino Melaye, denied that the group is parading fake documents. "My reaction is simple. Do they have celestial powers to read the future? Or how did they know that our documents are fake?"
Melaye said the House should prosecute any member of the group found to be involved in any deal, adding: "It is shameful that the House leadership can harbour criminals. Everything they are saying is cheap blackmail ... Why are they proposing an amnesty if they have weighty security reports against us?"
To CNPP, Bankole should resign because of the alleged fraud perpetrated under his leadership.
CNPP told reporters in Abuja that the acquisition of 380 Peugeot cars by the House was fraught with fraud. It claimed that N2.3billion was paid for the cars when the top of the range 407 ST pack sport Peugeot could have been bought at a lesser price.
Its National Secretary, Willy Ezugwu, accused the House of wasting public funds in the power and other probes and ending up compromising itself.
CNPP said it was at a loss why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had not done anything about the issue, adding: "Which section of EFCC Act is Mrs. Farida Waziri, EFCC chair, relying on when she gave the excuse of reporting the matter of fraud to Mr. President, hence delaying the prosecution of those invited."

Buhari, Tinubu ask Nigerians to defend votes

Friday, 11 June 2010 00:00
•Group kicks over constitutional amendments
FORMER Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has tasked Nigerians on the need to “stand up and be counted” in the 2011 election if they are to sustain true democratic principle in Nigeria in continuation of the June 12 struggle.
Similarly, erstwhile Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, has reiterated that a credible 2011 election would hinge on electoral reforms, credible voter’s register and the people’s will for sovereignty.
Burahi and Tinubu spoke alongside others yesterday during the 17th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections organised by the Independent Newspaper in Lagos.
Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, the Electoral Reforms Network (ERN), has kicked against some provisions of the amended constitution and called on the state assemblies to take a second look at them before endorsing the document.
In a position paper, South-South Coordinator, ERN, Excellence Uso, who led his team on a visit to the Cross River House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Public Matters, Ethics and Human Rights, opposed the position of the National Assembly relating to the power to appoint National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said: “The amendment made to Paragraph 14 of the third schedule to the Constitution does not accord with the views of majority of the Nigerian people, especially those of us from civil society. We believe 
that the National Judicial Council should be given the responsibility to ensure quality control in the appointment of the National Commissioners of INEC. It does not matter whether the ultimate appointment is made by the Council of State or the President.
“While the nomination of the Resident Electoral Commissioners by the President and their confirmation by the Senate is a progressive addition, it would be better if the Senate had taken a careful look at the report of the Electoral Reform Committee wherein it was proposed that Resident Electoral Commissioners should be re-designated as Directors of Elections and must be career officers trained and posted to serve in states other than their own.

“We also believe that the membership of the board of INEC will respond better to the challenges of the electoral process if it is broadened to accommodate civil society groups, professional associations and women’s groups.”


Buhari, who chaired the June 12 anniversary event, said: “I want to assure you that unless we are serious about democracy in Nigeria and unless we stabilise democracy, we are wasting our future and prospect of development away.
“It is up to Nigerians to rise up and mobilise themselves next year, to insist on an credible electoral system and political groups in 2011, to ensure that elections are free, fair and credible.
“I assure you that you are not going to get the much desired development and infrastructure unless you put in power the people you have confidence in and are trustworthy to deliver.”
In his lecture titled: “Between June 12, 1993 and May 29, 2011: The Obligation of Electoral Reforms,” Tinubu observed that June 12, 1993 is “a date forever” as it marked the nation’s struggle for freedom, equity and justice.
He added: “Without electoral reforms, we are all working towards consolidating, elaborating and providing democracy for a grand fall in 2011. Going to election in 2011 without electoral reforms will amount to handing over of our country to eternal colonialists.
“Let me state categorically that against the backdrop of our national experience, electoral reform is not a law. It is a fundamental authority. I will say that electoral reform is a task that must be done.
“I have also added that the year 2011 elections will determine whether we will have the stable democracy, the unity of free and fair election. To do that, we have to first trash the rubbish we have as voter’s register. We do not have the voter’s register that has everyone in this country on it.”

Deji of Akure deposed, banished, arrested

Friday, 11 June 2010 00:00 News - National


• Police arrest ex-monarch
IT was a day of reckoning for the Deji of Akure, Oba Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina, Osupa III. He was very fond of the refrain of “e e siun k’Akure a se” in the local dialect, meaning “there is nothing Akure can do”, anytime he ran foul of the law and tradition, which was quite often.
Yesterday, however, Akure did something: Adesina was deposed by the state government following a barrage of criticisms from his subjects against his official conduct which the town’s traditional council of kingmakers that appointed him five years ago, described as “desecration of the royal stool of the land”.
Indeed, the anger of the people of Akure against Adesina was exhibited when he was beaten by an irate mob which gathered to protect his estranged wife when the former controversial monarch went to her house to assault her penultimate Sunday.
The deposed monarch was stripped of his royal paraphernalia of a cap and beads and his attempt at escaping the mob in his underpants was restricted until a team from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the State Police Command came to rescue him from the visibly angry mob.
Adesina was given staff of office on November 6, 2005 as a Prince from the Osupa Lineage of the Akure monarchy thereby putting a halt to the century-old grip on the throne by the Adesida Dynasty, which had become almost synonymous with the stool.
Minutes before the decision to depose him was announced by the state government after an Executive Council meeting, the former monarch was arrested by a team of armed policemen led by John Mark, the Officer in Charge of the SARS of the Ondo Police Command.
Sources at the Police Command said the deposed monarch would be tried for assault against his wife, Olori Bolanle who is currently undergoing treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo for chemical burns.
At the press conference where the deposition was announced, the trio of the Commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele, his Chieftancy Affairs counterpart, Diran Iyantan and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede, said government acted in the interest of the general public.
Akerele said the kingmakers have been directed to nominate three regents from the Ruling House to the state government to enable the state executive council approve the best that would handle the affairs of the town pending the formal selection of a new monarch who will emerge through the acceptable tradition and norms of the town.
He added that the former Deji would be relocated to a safe place somewhere in the state for an initial period of six months pending further decisions of the security agencies on him.
“The state executive council rested its decision on the provisions of section 17 (1) and (2) of the Chiefs Law 1984 as amended, which vest on it such powers to suspend or depose any chief if it considered it reasonably justifiable.
"Before arriving at this decision, government had taken its time to study the reports of the security agencies, reports from well-meaning Akure citizens on both sides of the divide and particularly the response of the deposed monarch to a query issued by the relevant office of government.
"Government also studied the position of the State Council of Traditional Rulers before arriving at the decision, which it believes is in the best interest of the people of Akure and the larger society.
"Government has been deliberate, meticulous and firm in looking at all sides. We have taken our time to follow the provisions of the law in taking our decisions, issues involved," he said.
The commissioner said that the allegations leveled against the deposed monarch are very crucial to the existence of the people as a cultural group and touched on the deep values held dearly by the people of the state. He enjoined residents of the state to go about their normal legitimate duties as the security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order and to punish anyone that may foment trouble
Confirming Adesina’s arrest to The Guardian yesterday, Commissioner of Police Magaji Nasarawa said the monarch was arrested following a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, after going through the report of the State Police Command on the assault of the monarch against his wife.

A Corps member's succour to prisoners

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, (The Guardian Newspapers Benin city)

WHEN Miss Ijeoma Igbonwelundu, a Batch B member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from Anambra State was posted to Edo State for her primary assignment, little did she know she would have her first close contact with convicted prisoners and other detained but awaiting trial at the Oko Maximum Security Prison.
The prisoners too must have seen Youth Corps members come and go, but they could also not have known that Ijeoma Igbonwelundu would touch their lives in a special way.
But for her, many of them on Awaiting Trial might have stayed for only God knows how much longer as detainees.
Now, the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osagie Obayuwana has promised to look into such cases with a view to facilitating their trial.
He said it was unjust that so many people could be held in detention, their freedom denied even when the state had no case against them.
Obayuwana 
 spoke at the commissioning of a basket pitch and a volleyball pitch for the inmates of Oko Prisons Benin City constructed by Ijeoma Igbonwelundu. 

She said the project, which was part of her community development service project was borne out of her desire to make some positive impact in the lives of the less-privileged in the society. 

The 24-year-old graduate of Mass Communications said she realized that inmates in the prison needed more than food and clothing to remain psychologically fit.
“I discovered that they needed sporting facilities that would keep them healthy and fit while in jail as well as equip them with talents that may enhance their livelihood after their term as such can help keep them off the path of crime. 

“This project is an avenue to let the inmates know that the society cares about their welfare and rehabilitation and wants them to acquire skills that will enable them integrate fully into the society without having inferiority complex.
“It is envisaged that with the sporting facilities, inter and intra -prison competition would be organized, with members of the public as spectators.
“It would be a great day to see novelty football matches between inmates and lawyers or doctors which will send good signals to the society at large.”

Ijeoma, however, noted that there was need to upgrade the facilities in the prison just as she called on governments and individuals to provide the inmates with functional libraries to build up their intellectual capacities. 

“Volunteer teachers and lecturers should also consider it an honour to teach these persons. That will contribute towards reducing illiteracy, unemployment and insecurity in the society by educating the over 900 inmates and prepare them for clean, productive life after regaining freedom.”

The provision of the sport facilities at the prison, she said, was financed partly from her monthly allowance, savings and donations from family. friends and government functionaries from the state.
Ijeoma said she was challenged to make a difference in any little way during her service year in the state, which ends later this month.
She had also donated clothes, food items, stationeries and toiletries to Amadin Orphanage Home for Women and Children. 

Ijeoma also told The Guardian that a construction firm, Servetek, which is currently reconstructing the Airport Road along which Oko Prisons is located, also donated some items to facilitate her project and had promised to build two more of those pitches in the prison. 

Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Anita Evbuomwan, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jerry Iyamu, commended Miss Igbonwelundu for constructing the sports facilities for the inmates.
She noted that the facilities would enhance the reorientation of the prison inmates to begin new ways of life and make them have a sense of belonging.

She urged the prison authorities to use the facilities for the purpose for which they were constructed and endeavour to improve and expand them.

Commissioning the project, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Obayuwana urged members of the public, particularly the youths to see it as a challenge to provide other infrastructure for the reformation of prisoners.
He commended the Corps member, whom she said, has written her name in gold by realizing that the inmates needed sports facilities to keep fit and healthy. 

He said the Ministry of Justice was working towards the speedy release of all inmates whose case files showed they had committed no offence against the state. 

The NYSC Head of Community Development Service, Mrs. Stella Igechi said it was the first time community development projects would be extended to prisons.
Deputy Comptroller, Oko Prison, Sam Iyakoregha said the gesture would boost the morale of the inmates. 

“It is something wonderful as it is well appreciated and as we all know, sports is a veritable instrument of relaxation.” 

Some of the inmates who participated in the match played during the occasion expressed their joy and begged for kits to play the games now available to them.

Nigerian Airports Groan Under Fund Starvation

BY WOLE SHADARE
FOR more than a month, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has come under scathing criticisms over decay of infrastructure, poor service delivery, among others. WOLE SHADARE writes that the airports are deprived of funds to function Unless the Federal Government takes the initiative to refurbish infrastructure at the nation’s airports, the issue will continue to dominate discourse no matter the effort to sweep the matter under the carpet. Events in the last few weeks has further revealed the decay that daily stare travellers and other users of the airports in the face-no thanks to the slow pace of efforts to make the nation’s airports pride to the generality of Nigeria. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had come under scathing criticism for poor service delivery, and alleged under performance, but the authority has defended itself, arguing that one mistake of power outages should not lead to blanket condemnation of the agency in its determination to reposition the airports. FAAN stated that all efforts had been met with commitment to renew infrastructure at the airports, but not a few were impressed with their efforts. Experts have; however, attributed breakdown of infrastructure at the premier gateway- the international wing of the Lagos airport to lack of dedicated fund to the managers of the airport. In short, users sweat profusely inside the hall, coupled with epileptic power supply to the airport, thereby heightening security lapses during passengers’ frisking, which in some cases are done manually without the aid of screening machines. Allocation for infrastructure at the terminal has not been released, a departure from the past where monthly allocation for emergency repairs of any facility is promptly done before the intervention of the headquarters. Statistics made available to The Guardian shows January 2008 maintenance allocation for the MMIA was paid in June 2008, while 50 per cent of February allocation was paid in August 2008. For March 2008 allocation, only 50 per cent of the February and March allocations were paid in October 2008, while that of April and May were paid on October 21, 2008. That of June was paid on January 26th, 2009. July’s allocation was released on March 25th 2009, while that of August was released on March 25th, 2009. Curiously, since February, 2010, no money has been released for the operations and maintenance of the terminal building, which stakeholders believe has been starved of funds to repair or change facilities like the conveyor belts, avio bridges, electrical cables and other things that are needed urgently to make the terminal comfortable for travellers. A source in FAAN who pleaded anonymity told The Guardian that the authority was seriously constrained with shrinking resources to tackle irregular water supply, power outage, unkempt toilets, unserviceable air conditioners, breakdown of conveyor belts, security lapses, insincerity of concessionaires, delay in the payment of salaries and low staff morale. Their problem is also compounded with huge debts owed them by concessionaires, airlines and other service providers, a situation that has made FAAN to go cap in hand begging for its money from them. The situation has further raised questions on whether FAAN would ever recover its over N10 billion. Aviation and travel expert, Olumide Ohunayo said that it was true the airports were generally starved of funds, adding that why the management introduced this option was not too clear. He stated rather rhetorically: “Are the managers misappropriating this fund or is FAAN not having the requisite funds to disburse to the airports as done in past? Ohunayo lamented that the unviable airports were in dire need, as their managers owed contractors and other utility bills that had necessitated some of them to switch off their phones for fear of creditors, or practically ran the airports from hideouts within the airport vicinity. He urged the government to simply fast-track the airport clustering concession process as reasoned early this year, was the best option out of this malaise; the present apologetic posture without a clear cut programme for our airports, would be heard but not taken seriously again. His words: “In the interim FAAN should release funds to clear the outstanding debts owed by the airport managers, improve synergies between its directors and review the archaic civil service procedure with attendant documentation, when dealing with operational issues.” Not a few believed that the woes of the sector would continue if nothing urgent were done to bring sanity into the industry, which was begging for immediate appointment of experienced and capable hands, there would be a total collapse of the airport. The airport was heralded as the best in Africa when it was commissioned in 1979. It was modelled after Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, but today, while the former has degenerated, the former has expanded to become a super hub in Europe and the world. Since the airport was built 31 years ago, the potential of the gateway has never being in doubt, but the decay has been a regular feature with allegations that the authority has refused to embrace change even when the Federal Government had declared that most of the agencies should embrace the idea of public private partnership (PPP) in consonance with the doctrine that government has no business doing business. Since the country cannot dwell in the past because of the dynamism of the aviation industry, the onus largely falls on the Minister of Aviation, Fidelia Njeze to brace up and ensure that infrastructure at the airports are upgraded to provide security and ensure service delivery for all users of the nation’s airports.