2nd November 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,361

MONDAY, 2 NOVEMBER, 2015

Sterling Bank did not launder N2.4bn for Uduaghan —Management —P10

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NNPC records N5.53bn loss in sale of petroleum products —P11

HID to go home in gold casket, clad in damask she kept for 36 years —P2

Buhari chasing investors away from Nigeria —PDP —P4

•Says president de-marketing the country with corruption label

•Buhari will tell the truth that PDP plundered Nigeria's treasury —Presidency Buhari playing politics with Ogoni clean-up —Ogoni youths —P38

Oyo guber: Accord Party goes to Appeal Court —P38

Fasoranti resigns as Afenifere chairman —P40

From left, Chris Parkes, Chairman, CPMS; Lilian Olubi, CEO, Primera Africa Securities Ltd.; Mr Jude Money, Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer, Heritage Bank Ltd and Kyari Abba Bukar, CEO, CSCS and Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), at the presentation of The Next Titan, a reality TV show in Lagos, at the weekend.

How FG plans to shore up naira value —Osinbajo

—P4

Shehu Sani attacks el-Rufai again —P38

Monday, 2 November, 2015

features HID to go home in gold casket, clad in

damask she kept for 36 years

Mama will be buried beside the sage’s grave By Tunde Ogunesan

O many things are unique about Chief (Dr) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo running from her birth, marriage, career and her person. In fact, the one through whom the appellation “Jewel of inestimable value” was brought to the consciousness of many men in Nigeria and even beyond would forever be remembered for the strong support she was to her husband. Since her demise on Saturday, September 19, hundreds of accolades that have poured in from all that have journeyed to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos have been engraved on the marble: A woman of valour, of virtue, courage and one who was loyal to her husband even till death. It is interesting to note that HID Awolowo had, for over 30 years, kept a white damask cloth she had chosen to be laid in her casket whenever she bade the world goodbye. According to one of her children, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, “Mama in her unique way had kept a white damask to be laid in her casket whenever she died since the day she stopped her fabric sales business. And if I am not mistaken, I think she stopped selling fabrics around 1979; meaning that since then, she had kept that damask for that purpose. That is her wish and it will be like that.” Not many people would have had the courage to prepare for such a dreaded day of one’s demise. But HID did so, and in a wonderful manner. Reverend Oyediran also informed Nigerian Tribune that her casket made of gold would be brought in from the United States of America. Her mother, Oyediran further

added, would be buried beside her husband inside the Awolowo mausoleum in the compound. A peep inside the all marble mausoleum reveals an immaculate tomb where the remains of the former Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, SAN, GCFR lie. The remains of the leader of the Action Group (AG) lie in a grave right below a brownish sculpture of him. Another space meant for his jewel of inestimable value was recently created. On this side, to the left of the sage’s grave, where Mama HID would be buried lies the famous glass casket used for Awolowo’s lying in state which was also used to embalm Papa for nine years before he was finally interred. This casket for the first time was taken out of the mausoleum about two weeks ago in preparation for Mama’s burial. Other items inside the mausoleum as disclosed by Mr Yakub Ismaila who has been working with the Awolowos for over 25 years are the photograph of t h e sage’s lying-in-state, the Nigerian flag beside the stairs into the graveside, three wreaths, an altar with two golden candlesticks and a cross, and a blue-coloured family Bible presented to Papa Awolowo during his 72nd

birthday by Honourable Justice S.O. Sogbetun and Mrs C.B. Sogbetun on March 6, 1981. Work has been in top gear to put Mama’s resting place in great shape. Though her grave has not yet been dug, everything needed has been concluded.

The mausoleum which is occasionally opened to guests especially on notable events has the tinted glass placed around the graveside for safety removed. This, Yakub said, is to afford several guests who are expected to enter the place on the day of burial have unhindered access to the proceedings of November 25. According to him, “We removed the tinted glass on the sides around the wall of the graveside and the door to the ground floor where Papa’s tomb is with his sculpture. “These times,” according to Yakub are, “Papa’s Remembrance Day on May 9 when he died, his posthumous birthday, on March 6 and Mama’s birthday, November 25 of every year, among others.” In addition, the entire compound is also wearing a new look. Most of the buildings in the compound are currently being re-painted. From the mausoleum to the museum, Efunyela Hall, the main building likewise the fences around, indeed, the Awolowo compound has been made new as the November 25 date approaches.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

HERITAGE FOR LIFE FOUNDATION 2015 AWARD

1. From left, Dr Christopher Kolade, an awardee, chief host, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Dr Felix Ohiwerei, another awardee; his wife, Janet and the Tribune Lagos Bureau Chief, Mr Lanre Adewole, who received two awards on behalf of the Awolowo family, for Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. 2. Adewole (left), receiving Chief (Mrs) Awolowo Heritage for Life Celebration of a Great Icon award from the chief host and former Secretary-General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku (right). 3. Trustees of Heritage for life Foundation, from left, chairman, Professor Femi Otubanjo; vice chairman, Professor Oluwole Familoni and Sir Obed Ekeocha. 4. Mr Adewole (left), receiving Chief (Mrs) Awolowo Heritage for Life Celebration of a Great Icon award

on behalf of the Awolowo family from Chief Anyaoku. 5. Chief Anyaoku (right) presenting Heritage for Life Foundation Award to chairman, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Felix Ohiwerei. 6. From left, chairman, Heritage for Life Foundation Board of Trustees, Professor Otubanjo, Dr Kolade, Chief Anyaoku, Dr Ohiwerei, his wife, Janet; Adewole and founder/ Executive Secretary, Heritage for life Foundation, Mr Lemuel Iyalla. 7. Mr Adewole (left), receiving Chief Awolowo Heritage for Life Foundation posthumous award on behalf of the Awolowo Family from Chief Anyaoku (right). 8. Greenland Choral group performing at the event.

news Buhari chasing investors away from Nigeria –PDP 4

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Says he is de-marketing the country with corruption label Buhari will tell the truth that PDP plundered Nigeria’s treasury –Presidency the guise of ‘marketing’ the Nigeria’s economy grinding to a halt —Fayose country, refrain from telling By Jacob Segun Olatunji, Leon Usigbe, Sam Nwaoko and Kolawole Daniel

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday took on President Muhammadu Buhari on the true position of the nation’s economy and the general image of the country before the international community. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP warned President Buhari to stop labelling Nigeria a corrupt nation before foreign investors and the rest of the world through his utterances. The party declared that “the president’s unwary statements have become very serious clog in the wheel of progress, eroding the confidence of both domestic and international investors in the Nigerian economic and social system.” The statement reads: “The PDP draws the attention of Nigerians to the harmful consequences of the unabated negative statements from the very father of the nation, President Muhammadu Buhari, on the economy and the general image of the country. “It is worrisome that in the last six months, the president, instead of making efforts to harness resources and grow the economy, has rather continued to apply himself, perhaps unwittingly, to de-marketing the nation and scaring away investors through negative labelling of Nigerians and unwarranted unhealthy portrayal of the nation’s economy. “In the last six months, our president has only succeeded in discouraging foreign investors with his continued misrepresentation of our country as a business unfriendly environment, where most of the citizens are basically corrupt, dishonest, and cannot be trusted. “Whereas we have restated our total support for the war against corruption, we insist that Mr President’s unceasing blanket negative labelling of citizens, in a country where millions of honest and hardworking individuals/ firms are genuinely contributing daily to the development effort, is indeed a disservice and injurious to the nation and the people. “Furthermore, Mr President’s recent announcement to the world that the nation, with its abundant human and natural resourc-

es, is broke and cannot pay cabinet ministers not only sends a discouraging signal to the domestic and international business community, but also exposes the ineptitude of the present administration to meaningfully and sincerely exert itself and work with industrious and innovative investors to create and manage wealth.” The party then ask “how can any reasonable investor still have the confidence to invest in a country where the president himself continues to alert that his country reeks of corrupt people and that the government is broke to the extent it cannot pay cabinet ministers?” The party also said that “more worrisome is the fact that Mr President most times, makes his damaging comments in international fora with potential investors in attendance.” “Indeed, this is not the way to go, Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant human and natural resources. What we need at the moment is a serious, innovative and practical approach with the capacity to harness the resources and create wealth for the benefit of all, instead of an apparently laidback scapegoat tactics with outworn excuses and unhelpful comments. “May we remind Mr President that even in the darkest period of our economic challenges, successive administrations made efforts in steadying the economy, while always reassuring our citizens and the international community of the strength and economic potentials of our great Nation. “We know that in the desperation to cover its apparent lack of economic plan, this administration has

positioned cabinet ministers, upon inauguration, to concentrate on diversionary blame game on the past PDP administration. “But even this political deceit cannot combat the unpalatable consequences of Mr President’s damaging utterances on the image of the nation and its economy. “Finally, we wish to remind the president and those around him that Nigerians, by the 2015 elections, have committed the fate of the country in his hands for the next four years and are not willing to accept excuses for any economic failures under his watch.” Meanwhile, the presidency has reacted to PDP’s allegation of President Buhari’s discouraging investors through his negative statements about Nigerians, saying that the president would not be distracted. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday, the Presidency said it had noted the statement credited to the PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, alleging that Buhari was “de-marketing Nigeria.” The presidency added: “We restate for the umpteenth time to Mr Metuh and his ilk that their attempts to distract President Buhari from the job he has been elected to do will fail. “President Buhari will remain true to the virtues of honesty, integrity, sincerity, incorruptibility and plain-speaking which endeared him to Nigerians and made them prefer his leadership than that of a lying and deceptive PDP administration. “The president will not, in

Nigerians and the world, the emerging truths about the abject state in which years of plundering by a PDP leadership has left the Nigerian treasury and economy. “President Buhari will not in the name of “marketing” or “attracting” investors, follow in the footsteps of the ousted PDP administration and its discredited officials who shamelessly lied to Nigerians and the world about the buoyancy and vibrancy of an economy they had bled dry for personal gain, when it was very obvious to the discerning, that the Nigerian economy was headed for serious trouble. “It is most unfortunate that instead of showing some remorsefulness for the harm done to the nation by his party, and giving genuine support for President Buhari’s efforts to salvage and revamp the national economy, Mr Metuh persists in a vain attempt to remain relevant on the national stage by unjustly denigrating the president who continues to strive with all his might to alleviate and reverse the harm done to the nation by PDP misrule and corruption. “Mr Metuh’s antics are futile. President Buhari cannot be distracted by a broken record. If the PDP spokesman ever has serious matters to bring to our attention, we will be prepared to listen.” Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has raised the alarm, claiming that “Nigeria is grinding to a halt with the current economic situation prevailing in the country.” The governor was quoted in a statement on Sunday, saying that it was a grievous issue that people should not

FG’s diversification plans will shore up Naira value —Osinbajo Jude Ossai - Enugu with Agency Report

A sustained diversification plan by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, steadily moving away from the current mono-product economy, would increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings and raise the value of Nigeria’s currency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has stated. Professor Osinbajo said that raising the value of the naira would take a multipronged approach, including ensuring there was an increase in earnings, ex-

porting more and driving infrastructural development through local and foreign direct investments. Answering questions from newsmen in Enugu, at the weekend, where he attended a function at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, (Anglican Communion), Osinbajo said the Buhari-led administration’s economic policies would produce a stronger naira. He said by earning more and exporting more, the value of the naira would improve. Osinbajo said this formed a critical part of the cur-

rent Federal Government’s diversification agenda of the economy. For instance, the government has already embarked upon a plan for self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production, which when it succeeds, would reduce pressure on foreign exchange, he said. Speaking specifically on the economic diversification programmes of the Federal Government in the area of agriculture, Osinbajo said “we are trying to ensure that we are selfsufficient in rice production and wheat production, so that there will be less pressure on the dollar.”

Nigerian Tribune

Tribunal verdicts: Makinde defends judiciary Jacob Segun Olatunji—Abuja

play politics with. In the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose lamented the situation whereby what accrues to all the tiers of government was not even enough to pay workers’ salaries. “The month’s statutory allocation is the worst in the history of our state. We got a net allocation of N1.4 billion at state level while the salary of workers is N2.6 billion monthly. At the local government level, the 16 council areas got a little over N1 billion, while the wage bill there is over N2 billion monthly. “Payment of salaries at both state and local government levels is impossible with such allocations. And government still have some basic needs to meet. The other time I said the Federal Government should come to the open on the state of our national economy, some people frowned at it. “Now, a national newspaper has quoted the president as saying that Nigeria is broke and that it might be difficult to pay ministers that will soon come on board. It is vital that the Federal Government tells Nigerians the blueprint it has for the economy. The issue at stake is beyond sheer politics. “If the trend continues, in the next few months, all the tiers of government may not be able to pay a month salary to workers if the three statutory allocations are combined.” He appealed to workers in the state to bear with the government, saying a meeting of all stakeholders in the sharing of monthly allocation would soon hold to chart the way forward. He said: “We have been transparent as far as the revenue coming to the purse of the state is concerned. However, I am assuring the people of the state that we will try our best possible and never let them down.” Also in his reaction, the House Leader, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, said the opposition party was economical with the truth, saying, “No, it’s not de-marketing the country. On the contrary, it’s marketing the country. It’s telling foreign investors that it’s a new dawn and that they can bring their money in for investment.” Continuing, he said, “It is telling our friends like Branson and others that folded their businesses in Nigeria due to the high level of corruption during the last administration that it’s not going to be business as usual in Nigeria.”

THE governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State in the last general election, Mr Seyi Makinde, at the weekend, declared that there was no enough evidence suggesting that the judiciary was compromised on the recent election tribunal judgments as being alleged in some quarters. Makinde, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, pointed out that he had been involved in electoral litigation before, disclosing that he lost at the tribunal “even though there was glaring evidence that the election was rigged.” “Sometimes you may have miscarriage of justice because the parties involved did not present their facts in a way that could have helped their cause,” he stated. Makinde who believed that Oyo State governorship election was not perfect, said the result represented something that was actually close to what happened at the election.” According to him, “If you want perfect election, I don’t think we have gotten to that level yet. But in terms of the declared result, I still maintained that it is quite close to the peoples’ vote cast.”

Tower Mission Foundation launches RESA club By Ahmed Pele

THE Chief Executive Officer of Tower Mission Youngsters Foundation and founder of Report Every Sexual Abuse (RESA) Club, Pastor Kehinde Tewogbola, has lamented the rate of sexual abuse in the country, saying it demoralises youngsters’ self worth and dignity. This was made at the official launching of the RESA Club by the Tower Mission Youngsters’ Foundation on Friday. Mrs Tewogbola said that “one out of five teens is already a victim of sexual abuse. 80 per cent cases of sexual abuse are not reported while in every two minutes, someone is being assaulted somewhere.” Also speaking at the event, the former Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Mrs Bisi Ilobanefor, revealed that perpetrators of sexual abuse are mostly close relatives to the victims, citing examples of fathers abusing daughters.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Lagosmetro ‘No treasury officer involved in fraud for 35 years’ Lanre Adewole NO incident of fraud was recorded against any of the treasury officers that recently retired from Lagos State civil service, the state government has said. Those in charge of the state’s finances have also been charged to continue to discharge their responsibilities with high level of commitment for the overall development of the state. The Permanent Secretary/ Accountant-General, Lagos State Treasury Office, Mrs. Abimbola Umar, gave the charge during the sendforth ceremony organised in honour of three retiring officers from the Treasury Office. While applauding the commitment, hard work and diligence of the retired officers, Mr. Osho Emmanuel, Mrs. Olaoye Bolanle and Mrs. Folorunsho Iyabo, for giving their best to the state for over 35 years without any blemish, Umar stressed that the contribution of each worker in the state was important in actualising the expected “change” and fulfilling the campaign promises of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The PS/AG, who was represented at the occasion by the Director, Administration and Human Resource, Mrs. Kikelomo Sanyaolu, said accountants “are prone to fraud by the nature of their profession,” but she was happy that no incident of fraud was recorded against any of the officers while in active service. She added that the three of them have proven that faults and frauds can be prevented with good practice, integrity, hard work, and diligence. Mr. Osho Emmanuel, who responded on behalf of other retirees, thanked the State Government for the opportunity to serve the state and especially for giving them a befitting Last Day in Office ceremony to honour them.

A Mercedes Benz overloaded with goods. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Dirty markets, worship centres, parks to be locked — Govt Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

OLLOWING what it described as environmental pollution, the Lagos State government on Friday shut down Marina Workers Mosque Lagos Island, , over poor waste management and also vowed to shut down filthy markets across the state. While shutting down the mosque, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Samuel Adejare stated that filthy markets and motor parks in the state would be shut indefinitely if they did not put their environment in proper shape. Adejare said the declaration of zero tolerance of dirt in Lagos metropolis was to save the state from disaster resulting from unkempt environment. “That is why we ordered the closure of the mosque for discharging effluent into the drainage. Marina is our pride, asset and our heritage. We cannot allow anyone to mess it up. This mosque is a temporary building for worship, but we cannot tolerate

improper waste disposal. “There is no emotional feeling attached to it. We cannot allow that in Central Lagos. You can all see how they discharged their sewage on the road. Even God will not accept that and I will not allow that,” he stated. He lamented that religious house had violated the state’s environmental law, saying

that any outfit that violate the environmental law would not be spared, even as he decried the environmental condition of the Island Central Business District (CBD) which is the commercial hub of the state. Adejare said the CBD had degenerated due to the activities of street traders and indiscriminate discharge of waste.

“Due to this, we have setup a taskforce comprising Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officers to ensure that the CBD is well improved upon. This is our CBD and companies make so much money from here. They have to maintain the atmosphere here. “The present administration will only cooperate with drivers and market unions

that are ready to take ownership of parks and markets through proper management of their environment. We won’t send them away if they are ready to take ownership of their environment through proper cleaning. But if they are not serious about it, we will dislodge them and restore sanity in the areas,” he warned.

Robbers’ ammunition supplier arrested Olalekan Olabulo OPERATIVES of the Special Anti-robbery Squad of the Lagos State police command have arrested a 42-year-old security man, who allegedly served as an armourer to armed robbers. The suspect, identified Taiye Oyelosan was arrested alongside a member of the gang, identified as Lekan Jimoh by SARS operatives, who were investigating a series of armed robbery operations in the state. Oyelosan, however, denied that he was an armed

robber but confessed that he gave arms and ammunitions to armed robbers who terrorised residents of Lagos and other states . The suspect , who is now cooling his heels in one of the cells at SARS headquaters in Ikeja said “ I am not an armed robber . My sin is that I supplied ammunition to a robber” Oyelosan added that “ Two of us had been friends for over six years but I did not know that he is an armed robber.He came to me and begged that I should sell some ammunition to him.I was so happy because I was broke “

“ I did not investigate him very well to know what he actually had left the security job that he was doing before. .We were doing night guards at the Igando area until I stoped seeing him.One day I was in my duty post when he came to me and asked if I could sell some cartridges. I asked what he was doing at the moment and he said he was still a security guard “ the suspect said . He continued that. “I now sold five bullets to him.He came back again and I still sold five again to him. I sold 10 catridges to him. Afer selling them to him,I

started regretting it.I had made up my mind not to ever sell to him,again “ . Oyelosan also stated that “I was surprised when policemen stormed where I was working and picked me.I swear that I did not sell to him for armed robbery operations. The suspect also regretted that. “I have made the mistake,I beg for forgiveness. I will be so glad if I am allowed to go home ,I love my family a lot. I do not want them to know the shame that I am going through.I am facing the worst and biggest trial won’t want my people to know please.”

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Businessman in prison for issuing colleague dud cheque Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 42-year-old man, Olawale Falade who allegedly issued a dud cheque has been remanded in prison. It was gathered that Falade, an engineer who resides at 24 Iloshu Elesho Abule Road, was reported by one Oluwole Alao, another businessman who alleged that sometime in April 2014, the defendant who traded under the name, Posture Dynamic Wolex (PDW), came to his office and requested him to supply some quantities of iron and steel to the tune of N2,178,000 and asked for three weeks to effect payment for the transaction. He stated further that the

Drivers to cut grass for reckless driving AN Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State has sentenced two drivers to 60 hours of community service for obstructing road traffic and reckless driving on Ikorodu highways. The Magistrate, Mrs A.B. Olagbegi, sentenced the drivers after they pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of traffic offence. It was gathered the convicts, Musiliu Akanji, 54, and Ibukun Oyewole, 32, who reside at Ikorodu Garage area of Ikorodu, allegedly drove their vehicles recklessly on the highways without regard for other road users. The first defendant, Akanji, drove a Tata Luxury Bus with registration number JJJ 33 XA while the second defendant, Oyewole, drove another Tata Luxury Bus with registration number LSD 505 XQ. The convicts were immediately given cutlasses to cut the overgrown grasses within the court premises. “You are hereby sentenced to 60 hours of community service for both offences committed. “I advise you to desist from future-like offences as you may not go off the hook next time you repeat such offences,” the Magistrate said.

defendant paid nine times in installments the sum of N1,410,000, remaining the balance of N768,000 for

which he (Falade) gave him a cheque, but which bounced twice when he went to the bank to cash the money.

Falade pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs. M. Olajuwon of an Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court thereafter

admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300,000 with one surety in like sum. He would be in prison cus-

tody until the perfection of his bail. The case was adjourned till November 3, 2015.

The deplorable state of this area located opposite Ogudu Bus-stop of the mega city depicts the unhealthy environment of the people residing there. The only access road that leads to the area is flooded. The area needs urgent help. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Ambode appoints new Head of Service Bola Badmus- Lagos LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday approved the appointment of Mrs. Olabowale Toluwalope Ademola as the 19th Head of Service (HOS) in the state public service. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna, who made the disclosure in a statement, said Mrs. Ademola’s appointment which takes effect immediately, follows the statutory retirement of Mrs. Folashade Jaji on October 26, 2015. According to the release, the new HOS was born on November 10, 1957 and had her primary education at Corona School, Yaba and Lagos University Staff School (1962 – 1968), after which she proceeded to Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos where she obtained her West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificate in 1973 and 1975 respectively. “Thereafter, she was admitted to the University of Ibadan where she graduated

with a Bachelor of Science degree (Second Class Honours – Upper Division) in Economics in 1981. “She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN),

with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and the Lagos Business School respectively.

As the BRT Bus stop along Ikorodu corridor awaits commencement of operations, the state-of-the art bus stops are presently disfigured with over grown grass. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

“After several stints in the private sector, Mrs. Ademola joined the State Water Corporation as Controller Audit in 1995 before her transfer to the Mainstream Civil Service in 1999 where

she rose to become Permanent Secretary in 2010. “Until her appointment, she was the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service Pensions Office,” the release said.

businessnews

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Concretes roads are durable, cost-effective —Engineers

he Nigerian Institution of StrucEngineers tural (NISTRUCTE) has advocated a switch over to the use of concrete for road construction. The engineers made this submission at their just concluded 28th annual conference in Abuja, on the theme, ‘Structural Engineering Excellence in an Environment inundated with Collapse.’ President of the institution, Mr Samuel Ilugbekhai, said “concrete pavements have been found durable and last longer than bitumenous roads.” According to him: “The time has come when Nigeria should step up the use of concrete for roads, especially now that the country has increased its potential to produce cement at lower prices and even exporting to other countries.” He regretted that the country’s dilapidated roads had become death traps and the economic cost to the nation is becoming too high. In his speech also, VicePresident of the institution, Eddy Atumonyogo, said: “Concrete pavements are very good because they last longer and can be used for busy roads, especially in the state capitals. Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy President, Mr Oreoluwa Fadayomi, said concrete pavements had been in use all along but that the difference now is that the conversation might shift to adopting it to replace bitumen totally. Aliyu Aziz Abubakar, a Vice-President of the institution, said the viability of concrete pavements should be looked at as the country’s manufacturing sector now produces cement more than the average national need. Speaking earlier, the chairman of Sea Dredge

Construction Company, Ayo Folorunsho, said concrete roads were the future and the way to go, even though the cost might be high in the

short run, it would be economical in the long term given the increasing capacity of cement companies in Nigeria.

He said more people died from bad roads than collapsed buildings, urging the country to take the issue of concrete pavements

Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotels, Valentine Ozigbo; Director, Benjamin Dikki; Company Secretary, Helen Iwuchukwu and Director, Peter Elumelu during the completion board meeting for Transcorp Hotels Plc’s N10 billion bond issue for the renovation of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, in Lagos, on Friday.

TO enhance and build trust in the African Capital markets through the securities market infrastructure and technology, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has given support to the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC), Kenya and Central Securities Clearing System Limited (CSCS), Nigeria. With the belief that world-class securities market could attract additional foreign capital, support complex securities and reduce the cost of in-

istry of Works, Mr D.S. Kigbu, called on structural engineers to champion what he called ‘structural integrity and reliability.’ He regretted the number of Nigerians dying as a result of bad structures and tasked the engineers to step up action to put an end to collapse of structures and other engineering problems. The president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Isaac Ademola Olorunfemi, who was represented by Olatunde Akinteye, said the society was considering an infrastructural scorecard for states in the country to ginger governments in their developmental strides. He said the country’s engineers had a lot to do in guaranteeing the safety of Nigerians. A former president of the Institution and Principal Partner of Civil Sphere Consult, Ike Nkem Chukwuneke, said structural engineering excellence could be attained through public safety in the use of engineering facilities.

Transcorp Hotels sells N10bn bond issues to investors Transcorp Hotels Plc announced a successful naira bond market transaction, issuing a total of N10 billion. The proceeds of the issue will be used to finance the upgrade of the company’s flagship Hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and construction of a multipurpose banquet centre. The transaction is a 7-year fixed-rate bond due in 2022 under a N30 billion medium term bond programme. The subscription consists of N10 billion in Series 1 in a Senior 7-Year 16.00 per cent Fixed Rate (unsecured) Bonds Due 2022. The Series 1 bonds are fully un-

derwritten by FSDH Merchant Bank Limited and United Capital Plc. The new bonds will carry a gross coupon of 16% per annum (amortised) for a period of seven years. The redemption on maturity, expected to be 2022, would be at 100 per cent of the nominal amount of the bonds. The bonds are available in denominations of N1,000, and will be listed on the main market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and also the FMDQ OTC platform for enhanced tradability. FSDH Plc is the lead issuing house, while United

Capital Plc and Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited are joint issuing houses. FSDH and United Capital Plc are the joint underwriters on the transaction. “This transaction represents part of our financing of the upgrade of the

vestment, the conglomerate of CSCS and CDSC held its second board meeting in Nigeria. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, Mr Kyari Bukar, explained that Africlear plans were underway for the first trade engines between Kenya and Nigeria, noting that there was Africa-wide initiative for the exchanges to come together. “With that, for every trading that happens across the border, for example, settlement has to happen; and

with the initiative, we have in place, we become a natural progression of where we believe the market is heading,” he said. Rose Mambo, Chairman, Africlear and CEO of CDSC Kenya, added the idea was to strengthen collaboration between Central Depository across Africa so that they are able to enhance liquidity, financial inclusion for as many citizens and to support the stock exchanges in the area of cross-border trading. She added that “with the solution Africlear is projecting, cross-border listing would not be needed as

Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the development of a 5,000-seater multipurpose Banquet centre. The availability of funds enables us to enhance our financial flexibility by diversifying our sources of funding while significantly

extending the maturity of the group’s funding and ensuring optimal capital mix. We are delighted by the investors’ reception for Transcorp Hotels in the bond markets,” said Valentine Ozigbo, Managing Director of Transcorp Hotels.

N2.4bn money launderign for Uduaghan: Sterling Bank not involved —Mgt Chima Nwokoji-lagos

The management of Sterling Bank has dissociated the lender from the N2.4billion money laundering allegation for the former governor of Delta State, Dr, Emmanuel Ewa-

AfDB partners Nigeria, Kenya for capital market integration Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

more seriously. President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Min-

investors in Kenya would have access to listed securities in Nigeria and vice versa, while Africlear provides support in the background to ensure that settlement can happen regardless of which country you are trading.” She noted that the Electronic General Meeting, an initiative of Africlear, would enhance more participation of shareholders in general meetings as members could log in and contribute to the general meeting wherever they are, thus enhancing transparency, especially for foreign investors.

ta Uduaghan. A group known as Delta State Group Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum led by Comrade Prince Kpokpogri,had accused the bank and its official of assisting the former governor to launder the above amount. But in a statement made available to Nigerian Tribune yesterday, the bank’s management described the allegation as false and malicious. “But we deemed it wise to respond in order to put the records straight and further assure our customers and the good people of Nigeria that as a responsible corporate citizen of this country, Sterling Bank will not conduct her duties unprofessionally by contradicting the laws guiding the practice of banking for our personal gain. “We want to state categorically that before Uduaghan became the governor of Delta State, during his tenure and afterwards,

he never had any banking relationship with Sterling Bank as an individual. It is therefore embarrassing to note that the bank could be linked to money laundering,” it stated. According to Sterling Bank, Hotel Excel, owned by Chief M.E. Ode (JP), is a customer of the bank. The company commenced banking relationship with Effurun Branch of our bank (then legacy ETB) in February 2004, having operated the account in Warri Main Branch since 1998. The bank availed the customer loan for the completion of the first phase of his Hotel in Effurun and the facility was repaid. Subsequently, the management further explained, between 2009 and 2011, the customer approached the bank for other facilities for the purpose of building an annex (Phase II) of the hotel. Following the requests, the bank availed several facilities with offer letters duly executed by the customer.

businessnews

Monday, 2 November, 2015

NNPC records N5.53bn loss in sale of petroleum products

he Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it recorded N38.67 billion from the sale of downstream petroleum products in September down N5.53bn from August. This was contained in the corporation’s report for September obtained by NAN in Abuja on Sunday. It stated that the amount was in respect of revenue from “white products” sold by the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC). White products include Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Household Kerosene (HHK), and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The report also indicated that NNPC generated N44.2 billion from the sale

of white petroleum products in August. According to the report, the total revenue for white products sold from January to September 2015 stood at N461.1 billion. It stated that the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contributed about 86 per cent of all the revenues collected from January to September with a value of N395.68 billion. It stated that the combined value of output by the three refineries in Nigeria amounted to N9.9 billion for crude processed in September. The report said that the associated crude plus freight cost stood at N6.3 billion, representing a loss of N8.8 billion after an overhead

cost of N12.4 billion. The report also indicated that 75.78 million litres was produced compared to 200.2 million litres in August in respect of products from domestic refineries. It stated that the total crude processed by the three refineries in September was 261,371.14 bbls (35,648 MT) translating to a combined capacity utilisation of 1.96 per cent According to the report, only Port Harcourt refinery produced 31,008 million MT of petroleum products, out of 35,648 million MT of crude processed at an average capacity utilisation of 5.77 per cent. It said the petroleum product supplied and distributed into the country from Off-Shore Processing

Agreements (OPA), stood at 763.90 million litres of white products against 701.29 million litres supplied in August. The report said Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), receipt in September was 196.30 million litres compared with zero litres imported in the previous month. It stated that 507.90 million litres of downstream petroleum products were distributed and sold by PPMC in September 2015 compared to 606.84 million litres sold in the previous month. The report stated that the sale comprised of 456.81 million litres of PMS, 31.41 million litres of Kerosene and 19.68 million litres of diesel.

It stated that the total sale of white products for the period, January to September stood at 6.41billion litres, with PMS recording 5.08 billion liters or 79 per cent of the sale. On gas production, it sated that 246 billion standard cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas was produced in September. The report indicated that an average daily production of 8,187 million standard cubic feet per day was recorded during the period. It showed that 2,164 BCF of gas was produced between January and September 2015 representing an average daily production of 7,925 mmscfd during the period.

Diamond Bank grows revenue by 3.2% Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

Despite the regulatory headwinds that impacted business operations in the third quarter, Diamond Bank recorded 3.2 per cent growth in revenue, while setting a clear and realisable business roadmap that would promote stronger and sustainable growth in Q4 and the years ahead. Although industry watchers and analysts predicted a decline in, or flat revenue at best, due to unfavourable macro environment and challenging regulation, Diamond Bank displayed resilience in earnings. Presenting its ninemonth performance scorecard released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), it reported growth in total revenue, which jumped from N151.6 billion recorded during the same period in 2014 to N156.5 billion, representing 3.2 per cent increase over the previous year. Also, the bank’s net interest income increased to N85.2 billion against N82.6 billion in the first nine months of 2014. However, the impact of new regulation by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government, especially the change in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 31 per cent and later 25 per cent, as well as implementation of the Treasury Single Account continued to be felt at the bank and the industry generally. This partly caused a decline in deposits by about N226 billion and consequently led to a drop in total assets by 8.5 per cent year-on-year.

From left, Mr Kyari Bukar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS); Mr Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market, Operations and Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Rose Mambo, Chairman, Africlear and Chief Executive Officer, Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC) Kenya; Stella Kilonzo, Director, Chief Financial Markets Division, African Development Bank and Anthony Fischli, Chairman, Altree Financial at closing gong ceremony at NSE on Friday.

Cormart expresses hope over Nigeria’s economy, re-launches products By Bode Adewumi

Chief Operating Officer, Cormart Nigeria Limited, Chief Vijay Nair, has rekindled hope in Nigeria’s economy, saying the current crisis in the international oil market is an elixir for Nigeria to diversify its economy. Nair, speaking in Lagos during a re-launch of some of his company’s products, said the over-dependence of Nigeria on oil as sole foreign exchange earner remains the country’s albatross. He, however, said the global oil crisis might be a blessing in disguise, as it was already forcing the Federal Government to revive other sectors like agriculture and mining, which are capable of generating income for the country. Describing Nigeria’s economy as the largest in Africa, he said the present government was already on the right track

to sustain the economy through its friendly policies, especially as regards manufacturing and agriculture. He expressed hope that his company, which re-launched Shine All liquid dish wash in addition

to various products like Kleansol floor cleaners, Corysan hand sanitisers and Antox disinfectants, would continue to benefit from the laudable policies of the government. Speaking on the re-

launched products, Consumer Business Head, Mr Satej Samb, described the company’s latest liquid dish wash as a unique product of two years of research, development and testing.

Senate partners Ogun on erosion control Gbemi Solaja-Lagos

AS part of efforts to address the challenges posed by environmental hazards across the state, the Ogun State Ministry of Environment recently received Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Works on inspection of erosion sites across the state. Acting Director of Flood and Erosion, State Ministry of Environment, Mr Ismail Adenuga, who led the team to some gully erosion sites in the state, said the state government had taken measures to prevent erosion in the state, adding that the Senate

committee’s visit would complement the state government’s efforts on ecological challenges. “The state government has put in place measures to prevent flooding, erosion and other ecological challenges in the state and this is because protection of lives and properties of people is top priority of government’s agenda. I believe that the visit of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Works to some gullies in the state will further complement steps that we have put in place to address environmental challenges,” he said. The Senate Ad Hoc Com-

mittee on Works, represented by two of its members, Senator Lanre Tejuoso of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Senator Tayo Alasoadura of Ondo Central Senatorial District visited Makun in Sagamu, KekereEkun, in Ijebu-Ode and Adigbe in Abeokuta areas of the state. Senator Tejuoso described the committee’s visitation to the state as urgent and timely, adding the ad hoc committee was set up principally because of the numerous petitions received by the Senate on ecological disasters from the people across the country.

Stanbic IBTC shareholders seek probe of FRCN’s activities

Shareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc have called on the Federal Government to take a cursory look at the activities of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). This call was a follow-up to the FRCN allegation that there were discrepancies in the operations of the Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. The shareholders, under the aegis of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described as an anathema the procedure carried out by the FRCN and urged the government to intervene in order to forestall more damages to the operations of business and the larger economy. Boniface Okezie, president of the association, in a press statement issued by Messers xlr8,the public relations consultant to Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, expressed shock and disappointment at the approach deployed by FRCN, saying, “we would have expected to recognise that circumspection ought to be its guiding standard,” stressing that the role of the FRCN is to help enhance the quality of financial reporting in Nigeria. It added that “FRC is not a regulator of banks neither is it a regulator of the capital market.” The shareholders stated that FRC should have weighed the implications of such pronouncements on the operations of the financial institution. According to the release, Okezie said, “unfortunately, this recklessness has already made this happen as we have recorded losses in our share price over the last two days on account of the misguided actions of the FRC.” Affirming confidence in the leadership of the board and management of Stanbic IBTC, Okezie stated that “we have always commended the transparency and commitment by the board to conduct business only in line with worldclass corporate governance principles. It is on account of this that Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc is the only bank in Nigeria that has an AAA Fitch rating.” He added that shareholders support the bid to expand the operations of the bank as this would “guarantee optimal returns on our investment.”

business

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

DAILY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) FOR FRIDAY, 30 OCTOBER, 2015

TOP 5 GAINERS

TOP 5 LOSERS

13 news

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Ooni: Lafogido ruling house withdraws suit against kingmakers, Osun govt Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

OPE of a litigation-free process leading to the coronation of the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi brightened at the weekend, as the Lafogido Ruling House perfected moves to withdraw the suit, challenging decision of the Ife kingmakers and the Osun State government to restricting the occupant of the stool to Giesi Ruling House.

Credible source close to the ruling house informed the Nigerian Tribune that Lafogido Ruling House had already mandated its counsel to withdraw the case in the interest of peace

and tranquility. As a result of this development, counsel for the Lafogido had received the mandate of the ruling house to discontinue with the case for peace in Ile-Ife.

Speaking on the decision to withdraw the case, head of Sookos in Lafogido Ruling House, Chief Adeleke Adewoyin, confirmed the development, explaining that “since a new monarch has

been named by kingmakers and state government, there is nothing the ruling house can do again rather than to discontinue with the case.” While recalling that the initial claim of the ruling

Late Emir of Borgu buried amid tight security Adelowo Oladipo - Minna THE remains of the Late Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Mohammed Dantoro, Jikantoro III, were on Sunday committed to mother earth amid tight security at his palace in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The body was interred in his palace after a congregational prayer, led by the Chief Imam of New Bussa, Alhaji Ahmed Shehu. President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, including governors of Niger and Kebbi states; members of the national and states assembly; traditional rulers from across the country, as well as business community, led by foremost businessman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, in conjunction with Colonel Sani Bello (retd) attended the short, but historic burial ceremony. The president later took time out to condole with the family after the burial. An aircraft in the fleet of Arik Airline marked 5N-JEA, which conveyed the body of the late emir, touched down at the air strip of the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kanji at about 11.00 a.m. and was removed from the plane at about 11.20 a.m. into the waiting arms of the executive governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello. The body of the late emir was contained in a brown mahogany casket and was placed in an ambulance and taken in a convoy of cars to the emir’s palace at New Bussa.

Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran (second right); Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (middle); Evangelist and Mrs Abel Sobanjo (left) and Evangelist (Mrs) Bisi Agbaje, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Sunday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

house was to seek the intervention of the state government and other stakeholders to correct the lopsidedness in the rotational ascendancy to the stool of the Ooni, he lamented that his ruling house had been marginalised for a very long time. Adewoyin, a former deputy governor of Osun State under Chief Adebisi Akande-led administration, expressed the readiness of the ruling house to work with the new Ooni to ensure that lopsidedness was corrected, so that succession to the throne might not attract litigation in the future. According to him, “since the state government said that we are late in our agitation, then we have no option than to work with the new Ooni to correct the inbalance in the ascendancy processes to the stool. “There is popular saying in Ile-Ife that it is against the Ife Tradition to fight with Ooni. If you fight with sitting Ooni, you bear the consequences. So, we have advised our lawyer to withdraw the suit from the court,” Adewoyin added.

HID didn’t discriminate against any race, ethnic group —Ndi-Igbo By Wale Akinselure EULOGIES continued on Sunday, as Chief HID Awolowo was singled out for her non-discrimination against any race or ethnic group. Ndi-Igbo Youth Association, Ikenne, who gave this remarks at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, evidenced this assertion on her loving gesture towards the Ndi-Igbos and other ethnic groups in the country. The group, led by its chairman, Chief Nwankwere Ndu-Godwin, said Mama Awolowo was the first lady of the old Western region, noting her contributions to Ikenne, her immediate community, state, regional and national development. Acknowledging her as the unalloyed “Jewel of inestimable value,” the group also celebrated her as a grandmother of impeccable and stand-out characters. “Nye-anyi was a loving mother, a grandmother of impeccable characters in the community; her presence and loving gesture to us all as Ndiigbo youth did not only bring peace and tranquillity within the Ikenne community, but also a sign that our mother, Nye-anyi, loved every man and woman, young and old, irrespective of your race, co-

lour or ethnicity,” he said. Furthermore, the Ndi-Igbo association beckoned on Nigerian youths to emulate the virtues of Mrs Awolowo, acknowledged by Nigerians and the world over.

Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, who received the association, urged all Nigerians to actively partake in the burial programme scheduled to commence on November 15.

While acknowledging the support for the family thus far, she asked for continued prayers for the success of the forthcoming burial ceremony, as preparations were on top gear.

Also, Evangelist Abel Sobanjo, in his Sunday homily at Awolowos’ residence, harped on the need for the family to sustain the good legacy of Chief Obafemi and HID Awolowo.

Bailout fund: APC accuses Wada of deception APC exhibiting ignorance —Wada Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, on Sunday, accused the state governor, Captain Idris Wada of deceiving the people of the state over the issue of bailout fund to the state, saying the state government never applied for the lifeline. Head of the media/publicity of the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation, Dr Tom Ohikere, while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital, said the state government did not apply for the loan like some other financially distressed states across the country. According to him, the people of the state, particularly civil servants, should not expect the bailout fund, because Wada never applied for the fund, accusing the governor of misleading the people of the state that

it was Audu who advised the Federal Government not to grant the loan. The state government, however, through the chief communication manager to the governor, Phrank Shaibu, described the allegation as exhibition of “wretched illiteracy, outright ignorance or mischief” by the party, saying this had confirmed that the APC and its candidate were the ones playing politics with the lives of the same people they wanted to govern. But the APC had conducted investigation and discovered that the state government did not apply for the bailout fund due to the backlog of loans hanging on the neck of the state, adding that out of 27 states which applied for the bailout fund, 24 had received N222 billion, remaining only Borno, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers states. Ohikere, therefore, chal-

lenged the governor to disclose to the people of the state the resolution of the state executive council which authorised the borrowing and resolution of the state House of Assembly approving the bailout as required by the law setting up the fund. According to him, the director, corporate communications of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Ibrahim Mu’azu and other sources at both the CBN and Debt Management Office, had revealed that Wada never applied for the bailout fund. The state government, in its reaction said: “If the Kogi State government did not apply for the bailout find, how did the CBN publish the name of the state and the approval for N50.8 billion? It smacks of wretched illiteracy, outright ignorance or mischief for a party that is seeking to govern a state be

trading on lies and fiction. “Of a truth, we took advantage of the low interest window that the bailout fund provided and applied for about N80 billion to take care of salary arrears of local government workers and primary school teachers which stood at N45.8 billion and another N5 billion for salary arrears for workers in the state civil service, while the remainder was meant to cater to the pension and gratuity for all our retirees from when the state was created till date. “But after we submitted all the documents required by the CBN, including, but not limited to workers’ payroll, BVN of all members of staff, biometric verification of workers, the CBN only approved N50.8 billion for salary arrears, leaving out about N29.2 billion meant to take care of the pensioners.”

14 news

Monday, 2 November, 2015

South Africa to return seized $9m arms deal to Nigeria Nov 30

OUTH Africa has said it will return seized $9.34 million (R129.5 million) arms deal to Nigeria on November 30. That’s the result of a deal finalising a year-long international wrangle after South African customs officials and police stopped a man who flew into Lanseria Airport from Nigeria carrying bags stuffed with $9.34 million cash for a “humanitarian” arms deal. Two weeks ago, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) agreed to hand over the cash to the defence adviser at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, and this agreement was made an order of the court. The high court in Pretoria order technically declared the money forfeited to the state, but also refers to the Nigerian government as “the innocent victim” and excludes its interests from the forfeiture order, which means Nigeria gets the money. The handover, according to Sahara Reporter, would hold on November 30, if there was no further

legal challenge. NPA spokesman, Luvuyo Mfaku, said the Nigerian government had, in February, applied for its interest in the money to be excluded from the order, which was done. “There is no criminal prosecution arising from this matter,” said Mfaku. He, however, would not explain further. The court papers outlined what happened after the flight landed on September 5, last year. The man with the money was Israeli arms dealer, Eyal Mesika, of ESD International, based in Cyprus and Nigeria’s involvement emerged only later. Over $10,000 must be declared, but Mesika did not declare it until after officials scanned the bags and asked him to explain. All the paperwork indicated that the cash was for an arms deal that would not have been legal in South Africa. The cash was confiscated at the airport. Nigerian officials said Mesika had procured armaments for the Nigerian government for 24 years and had the government’s

cash to buy “humanitarian aid in the form of personnel, helicopters and equipment, as well as military arms” for Nigeria. This included buying six “civilian” helicopters from a South African company, Tier One. Mesika had an end-user certificate (to identify the ultimate buyer) to buy armaments, including rockets, guns and drones “for the use of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” but Nigeria said the weapons were to have been bought in another country.

Nigerian officials admitted that using cash was a little odd, but would expedite the deals and said Nigeria was battling terrorist group, Boko Haram and provided Wikipedia explanations on Boko Haram for the court. The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) said the cash was “linked to the illegal purchase of weapons and ammunition and/or money laundering.” AFU officials said the end-user certificate and the seller at the airport with an

invoice proved a planned arms deal in South Africa, the certificate differed from the invoice; the use of cash was suspicious; the sale agreement was signed only after the cash was seized and Nigeria did not initially try to claim the cash. Nigeria admitted to “procurement errors” in South Africa, but said as a result of this incident, Nigeria and South Africa “have agreed that Armscor, the official arms procurement agency of the South African government and an organ of the

state, secure arms of behalf of the Nigerian government going forward.” In an official note to the AFU, asking for “early release” of the cash, the Nigerian High Commission claimed that the South African Presidency “has directed that litigation against the seized money should be withdrawn” as it was for hiring “humanitarian helicopters.” By January, Nigeria found that diplomatic channels would not work, so the High Commission applied to the court for the seized cash.

DPR warns petroleum dealers against hoarding Tunde Dodondawa - Lagos THE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has warned petroleum marketers and dealers against hoarding ,which may lead to artificial scarcity of petroleum products. The agency stated that it realised some marketers had chosen not to dispense products during the day, but preferred to dispense at night, with the aim of selling at above recommended

price of N87 per litre. The agency, which stated on Sunday, made available to the Nigerian Tribune that “some unscrupulous filling station owners are evading inspection of their station by DPR’s monitoring officials, because they sell petroleum products above the pump price and are under-dispensing same to customers. “These activities are illegal and criminal and, therefore, all dealers of such stations are warned.

Henceforth, DPR would suspend the licence of any station found to be using their facilities for illegal sale of Premium Motors Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol and HouseHold Kerosene (Kerosene) responsible.” The agency also expressed concerns over alleged construction of unapproved filling stations in the 36 states of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It said unapproved and

illegally constructed petroleum filling stations were used to perpetrate other illegal and criminal activities, such as the sale of adulterated petroleum products and under-dispensing quantities. DPR, however, solicits the cooperation of relevant agencies of the government, not only in nipping the practice in the bud, but also in restoring sanity and order to oil and gas operation in Nigeria, in line with global best standards.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

10TH JESUS FESTIVAL HARVEST THANKSGIVING

PHOTOS: Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TOYIN

9 1. Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph O. Akinfenwa, the Archbishop and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (middle), his wife, Mrs Comfort Oluyemisi Akinfenwa (second right); Chief (Mrs) Phoeba Ajayi Obe (SAN) (second left) and Olori Elizabeth E. Andu (left), during the Jesus Festival 2015 programme for the Needy and Less Privileged, held at Cathedral of St James, Oke Bola, Ibadan. 2. Bishop (Dr) Joseph O. Akinfenwa (left) praying for the beneficiaries on the occasion. 3. Most Reverend Joseph O. Akinfenwa, the Archbishop and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (left), his wife, Comfort (second left), Dr Aladekugbe Williams, Lord Bishop of Oyo Diocese (second left) and Reverend Oduntan Olugbenga. 4. Cross section of Bishops. 5. Bishop Akinfenwa (right) and Right Reverend S.O. Ogundeji, Bishop of Egba West Dio-

cese (left). 6. Bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wives on the occasion. 7. Bishop Akinfenwa presenting the award to the royal father of the day, Oba Samuel Adegboyega Osunbade, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, while other guests look on. 8. Bishop Akinfenwa presenting award to chairman and distinguished guest of honour, Right Reverend Rufus M. Okeremi (second right); his wife, Mrs Olufunmilayo Okeremi and Engineer Olu Abogun (left). 9. The Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph O. Akinfenwa (second left), Justice (Mrs) Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, Chancellor, Ibadan Diocese (left), Prince Diran Adeyemo, Registrar (second right) and Barrister Tunde Olupona, legal secretary (right). 10. Cross section of clerics.

INSIDE LAGOS

Monday, 2 November, 2015

pixmart

1. Founder and Director-General, African- British in Diaspora Returnees Organization, Mr. Alja’afaru Momodu Braimoh, presenting a certificate and plaque to Princess (Mrs.) Mojisola Oloyede, while Regional Director for Africa, BEN TV, Mr Lanre Ijaola, watches during the decoration of Princess Olyede as the Grand Matron International of African- British in Diaspora Returnee Organization at BEN TV Premises, Ikeja, on Friday. 2. From left, Secretary, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC), Mr Adewunmi Adisa; Vice-President of the club and Chairman, LLTC 120 years Anniversary Planning Committee, Prince Gbenga Lufadeju; a former President of LLTC, Mr. Isaac Yinusa; guest lecturer and Dean, Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos, Professor Solomon Akinboye and President, LLTC at a public lecture organised by LLTC in Lagos on Thursday. 3. Head, CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Chinda Manjor; President PRCAN, John Ehiguse; Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Tony Ojobo; Media and Digital PR Manager, Erhumu Bayagbon; and MD/CEO, CMC Connect, Yomi BadejoOkusanya at the 4th PRCAN breakfast meeting hosted by Airtel Nigeria on October in Lagos on Thursday.

Alaba Igbaroola: 08155975474

sylvester okoruwa: 08115708541

4. Godwin Obaike, winner of a refrigerator; Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Gulder, 33, Life, More and stout category, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Sylvester Obinna, winner of a generator, Funso Ayeni; Senior Brand Manager, Stout Category & Life Lager, all of Nigerian Breweries Plc and Daniel Samuel, winner of a refrigerator at the Legend Extra Stout Taste and Tell night “Wave 2” held at Kuwait Field Gowon Estate, Lagos, recently. 5. From left, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Gulder Brand Ambassador; Edede Ndubuisi, winner of a brand new Hyundai Elantra salon car in the ongoing Gulder Ultimate Promo, Folarin Falana (aka Falz the bahd guy), special celebrity presenter; Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager, Gulder, 33, Life, More and Stout Category, also of Nigerian Breweries Plc., during the prize presentation ceremony, at the NB headquarters, on Wednesday. 6. Registrar, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Mr Sidney Ogodo (left), President, Mr Ganiyu Koledoye (right) and Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Tunde Oyeyode (middle) during the press conference on Bayelsa Opinon Poll on Coming Election held at CMD, Shagisha, Lagos.

18 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 2 November, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Devaluation: No to Emir Sanusi’s suggestion

AST week, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and now Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had advised the Nigerian government to devalue the naira due to the economic challenges we are facing at the moment. As an economist, I want to disagree with the emir, and I want to commend the swift response of the CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, when he said our currency would not be devalued again. First, devaluing the naira again would reveal to the international community that we are struggling economically, and this is not the best step to take for now. When global investors sense there is a problem with a country’s economy, they withdraw their funds.

This is the problem we are having at the stock exchange; foreign businesses that had invested in Nigerian stocks are now selling their shares because they are not certain of what would happen next. Therefore, further devaluing the naira tells these business people that the economy is still not stable, and it will lead to further speculations on the naira. Again, for some time now, the naira has been stable at N197 to a US dollar on the official exchange rate, and N225 on the parallel market. If we are to devalue now, it will send the economy crashing, with the naira likely to exchange for N500 to a US dollar. Do we, therefore, want our economy to be like that of Zimbabwe? In this Southern African country, their local currency is now worthless, to

the extent that one needs a basket to carry an equivalent of a $100. Is this what Emir Sanusi wants for Nigeria? Devaluation may be a good option for exporters,

but Nigeria is an importdominated economy; we import over 90 per cent of our needs. It is so bad to the extent that we import toothpicks, water, and even fruit juices.

If the country follows Emir Sanusi’s suggestion, then the cost of basic items will go up astronomically, thereby making life more difficult for the people. I, therefore, want to com-

mend the Federal Government and the CBN for rejecting this advice. •Dr Bisi Oluwole, Lekki, Lagos.

Appeal to Buhari on Brigadier-General Ransome Kuti PERMIT me to use this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to pardon Brigadier-General Enitan Ransome-Kuti and the other officers convicted for the fall of Bama to the Boko Haram terrorists in January. After some soldiers had been pardoned, one would have thought the trial of Brigadier-General Ransome-Kuti would also be halted, but this was not the case. The military has its traditions, and it knows why

it is prosecuting these officers, but at the same time, I hope President Buhari would intervene in

this situation, thereby reversing the convictions. This will a long way in making the officers re-

dedicate themselves to the service of the country. •Tuoyo Henry, Port Harcourt.

On proliferation of light arms I was shocked when I got to know recently that Africa absorbs the largest percentage of illegal ammunitions manufactured in other parts of the world. According to a report, about 75 per cent of the weapons end up in West Africa, with a significant number making its way

into Nigeria. We should not forget that it was this same influx of small arms and light weapons that made the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to sign a treaty in 2010, thereby encouraging member states to launch a campaign against the acquisition of illegal weaponry. In Nigeria, nothing much has been done in this area; there is already a bill in the National Assembly which will make this project to be legal. I am, therefore, calling

on President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to start the campaign against the acquisition of illegal light weapons. This will go a long way in reducing the rising crime rate in the country. I also hope the National Assembly will expedite action towards the passage of this bill. •Sunday Oyetunde, 7, Ilupeju, Agbowo, University of Ibadan.

Attention, Lagos police I am using this opportunity to reach out to the Lagos State Police Command to curb the rising crime rate in the state. For some time now, residents have not been having it easy due to the activities of men of the under-world. With what we are experiencing on a daily basis, criminals are becoming more daring in their activities, robbing people as if there are no law-enforcement officers in the state. I want the governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, to call a security meeting in the

state without further delay. The governor, as the chief security officer of the state, is already doing all he can, but much still needs to be done if we want to make Lagos an unconducive place for criminals. I want the governor to first hold a meeting with his predecessors to discuss how best to tackle the rising security threat by criminals. •Victor Ogude, Ikorodu, Lagos State. vic2k_4@gmail.com

Congrats, Gov Ajimobi THE victory of the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the election tribunal has shown that he won the governorship election without resorting to any under-hand tactics. The people of the state gave him their mandate to

lead the state to greater heights, and now, I hope the governor can settle down to governance. We want him to perform more than he did in his first term. •Sule Akano, s_akano@yahoo.com

editorial Countering Boko Haram’s recruitment strategy Monday, 2 November, 2015

key insight from the history of global terrorism is that if states’ efforts to combat it are to have any chance of success, such efforts must combine the ‘hardware’ of direct confrontation with terrorists, with the ‘software’ of direct engagement with the philosophies and ideologies that enable and nourish terrorism. If the recent statement by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, while receiving the US Special Envoy and Coordinator for Strategic Counterrorism Communications, Rashad Hussain, is any indication, the Federal Government seems determined to embrace this conventional wisdom. Addressing Mr. Hussain, the vice-president revealed the Federal Government’s plan to establish a crisis communication centre that would, among other things, articulate and defend a narrative that runs counter to what he described as the “completely mindless and almost insane” ideas that fuel the extremism of the Boko Haram insurgency. It is a welcome development that the Federal Government has realised the failure of past efforts at curbing the recruitment of young people into the Boko Haram fold. In fact, during the meeting with the US special envoy, the vice-president expressed shock at the rate at which young boys and girls were being indoctrinated and recruited by the terrorist group. With the failure of the National Orientation Agency, the Federal Ministry of Information and other agencies saddled with the task of giving the right orientation to Nigerians to do the right things, probably due to paucity of funds or even lack of initiatives, it was clear that the Buhari administration must think out of the box to stem the tide of recruitment of young Nigerians by Boko Haram. The Federal Government’s plan, though still skeletal, is hugely welcome. It is a direct acknowledgement that all battles are, in the end, about ideas. The establishment of a crisis communication centre may not be a silver bullet as far as finding a definitive solution to the Boko Haram insurgency is concerned. But it does mean that a new vital front has been opened up in this deadly conflict, and that the insurgents will no longer have the battlefield of ideas to themselves.

Nigerian Tribune

In order to win this war of ideas, the Federal Government needs to be more forthcoming about its intentions, and how this new proposal squares with its larger strategy to combat Boko Haram and its affiliates. For instance, the Nigerian public would definitely appreciate some flesh on the bones of this worthwhile idea. Some pertinent questions arise: When is the centre going to be inaugurated? Where is it going to be located? How is it going to be funded? Who is going to run it? Finally, what measures does the Federal Government propose to put in place in order to avoid the not unlikely danger of a genuine effort to undermine the lies and ruinous ideologies of terrorists becoming another puerile propaganda machine? Furthermore, while a crisis communication centre is a good idea and should be doggedly pursued, it goes without saying that it will eventually peter out if the Federal Government and state governments across the North continue to ignore an inconvenient truth as far as the whole of Northern Nigeria is concerned. This inconvenient truth is as follows: Northern Nigeria, especially the North-East is massively undereducated as evidenced by, for instance, the number of children in school, dropout rates, teacher-student ratio, girl education, and other traditional measures of literacy. By every standard measure, the northern part of the country lags behind the rest of the country, and while this is by no means the exclusive reason for the success of Boko Haram, there is no denying that widespread illiteracy in the North or anywhere for that matter provides a favourable ecology for the antediluvian ideas of terrorism such as Boko Haram’s, to germinate and spread. The Federal Government’s plan is laudable, and it ought to be supported by and all and sundry. But ultimately, very little will be accomplished if there is no concerted effort to tackle the problem of endemic illiteracy in Northern Nigeria. In the long term, the real territory that the Federal Government must aspire to conquer is not a physical one. It is mental, and no weapon is more effective and empowering than sound education.

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opinion

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Lasisi Olagunju

Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

esterday was November 1. By the end of next month, we would have lost one whole year playing ludo with our collective destiny. Since January this year, politics of elections and appointments has been the only activity of interest to all of us. Nothing has worked. We passed a budget in April which no one has bothered to look at for implementation. Nothing has been made to work and none of us is worried. We carry on as if we have all eternity to do our bit and hand over the baton to the next leg in this relay race called life. We have wasted one whole year in the stupor of Change as if Change for its own sake is the goal of this democracy. Is this country like the fabled wealthy man of Baghdad whose bad luck robbed him of his entire riches? And, I will retell the man’s story if it will make any meaning to anyone. This man’s poverty was so extreme that everyone he called lover and friend left him as he laboured and scavenged for subsistence. One night, as he slept, he had a dream: “Your riches are in Egypt. Go now and seek them.” He listened to his dream and went to Egypt but was so unfortunate that the night he landed there, there was a major robbery and all eyes were out looking for the criminals. The strange man from Baghdad was an instant interest. He was beaten. He was broken. He was bloodied. He was arrested and thrown into jail. But his story has not ended. The third day, he faced an interrogation by the head of the police who was interested in the strangeness of his face and fate. “Where are you from?” “I am from Baghdad.” “And what brought you to Cairo?” Tears in his eyes, the man from Baghdad told his riches to rags story and, now, freedom to jail. He recounted how a few days earlier, he slept, empty-stomached in his house in Baghdad and saw a man in his dream who told him: “Your riches are in Egypt. Go and seek them.” Then he wept even more bitterly. “Now, in obedience to that voice, I came here and instead of the fortune the man promised me, what I got were beatings and a possible sentence of jail for an offence I did not

Buhari’s rich man of Baghdad

commit...” He barely finished his story when the police chief burst into a great laughter and then sneered at the man before him. “You fool. You mean you left the comfort of your home to come to Egypt because of a silly dream? Now, what have you found here? Look, had I been as silly as you are, I would have journeyed too to Baghdad because of dreams. I have dreamt three times and seen a man who told me: ‘There is a house in the middle of Baghdad beside a stream with a tree planted by its entrance. Under that tree is a treasure pot. Go there and take it.’ And, now, because I knew dreams are meant for fools like you, I did not go, otherwise, maybe, I would be in great trouble like you are now...” Then, with a steady hand and a stern voice, he gave the man enough money to take him back to his home in Baghdad with a serious warning never to step the land of Egypt again because there is no treasure there for any stranger suffering from “illusion of sleep.” Now, the house the police chief had described was actually the beaten man’s own house in Baghdad. He got the message clearly and returned home. The poverty of his present had already got him used to hard labour and so, it wasn’t so difficult for him to uproot the tree and dig

deep. And there, at the threshold of his home was buried a huge pot of gold. “God gave him a great fortune,” the storyteller concluded. You and I know that not all stories end happily. And not all dreams of positive change come true just as not all who dream work to make their dreams come true. The man from Baghdad did and his story experienced Change; the police chief did not and he merely became a helper of the destiny of a stranger from Baghdad. Nigerians have always dreamt and voted Change. We did it in 1999 easing out the military. We just did again in April this year showing the PDP the way to the cold desert of powerlessness. Nigerians consciously left the Egypt of the PDP for some promised land of abundance - and of change from the boring ordinariness of the party that was. For them, leaving Egypt was the dream road to salvation. It was also the case with the children of Israel. But going to Egypt for salvation was earlier the case with them. They crossed the Nile when they were imperiled by the existing order in their God-given land of birth. There was famine of food and hope and so they had to search for what eluded them in some strange land where they got what they wanted and soon forgot all the years of locusts. But every birth of freedom comes with chains. Egypt, their dreamland of succor soon became their place of indescribable suffering. And, they had to cross the Nile again. Now, we have seen how fast this Change train can take us to experience the change we voted for. Can we be interested in knowing on time how far the train can go on this march to Canaan? The 2015 budget of Africa’s biggest economy suffered total lack of implementation and every home, every life is threatened. Businesses are closing down, workers are either not getting paid or are actually losing their jobs. Ministers are just about coming in to start preparing the 2016 budget proposal which may not be passed before May next year. Then, the cycle will continue till we start another round of campaigns for posts and positions as if all we exist for is the politics of elections. It will be sad if at the end of this journey, we realise that the Egypt we left holds the treasure we seek.

What will the new INEC chairman bring on board? By Suleiman Abubakar

There have been a couple of opinion write-ups and articles concerning the announcement of the appointment of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). First, a lot of the arguments canvassed by the writers are either borne out of sheer ignorance or at best, limited knowledge about the man under reference. While some opinions have it that President Muhammadu Buhari shouldn’t have appointed somebody from his geopolitical conclave, others couldn’t just rationalise why the choice of Professor Yakubu; even when they have not taken time to understudy the credentials of this great Nigerian and veritable academic, to underscore the merit of his appointment. As an avid monitor of contemporary discourse in the public space, I have my quarrel with the positions canvassed by these writers most of whom anchored their arguments on ethnicity as opposed to merit. If a qualitative mind like that of Professor Yakubu does not fit into the bill of our present day leadership by merit, one wonders what then could qualify one for any serious position in the country. The job of an INEC chairman is so serious a task, that the issue of ethnicity should not dominate the discourse in getting a qualified hand to handle the responsibility. The concern should be about merit, competence, capacity and ability to discharge the responsibilities without any partisanship. Professor Yakubu comes across as a very distinguished scholar whose contribution to the intellectual infrastructure of the country is not only remarkable but profound. A professor at 33, he is a man who has a network of influence across the country in the area of impacting knowledge. He held the students and staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University spellbound in 2009 when he delivered the university’s convocation lecture and also a colloquium at the 30th Anniversary of Olabisi Onabanjo University, at Ago-Iwoye in 2013. He did not only display his intellectual capacity by his superlative delivery, he did the university proud by his rare show of researched-based intellectual indulgence. As an academic who is not cocooned into his geopolitical conclave of North-East, he has a broad-based cosmopolitan worldview about the Nigerian nation. This broad-based national out-

look can be gleaned from the number of honours to his credit from different parts of the country. The job of the National Chairman is essentially that of supervision, because every department is headed by technical staffs that conduct its statutory responsibilities within the limits and bounds of the electoral law. Every geopolitical zone is also represented by Commissioners, while the states have Resident Electoral Commissioners. It therefore gives a fair balancing in terms of Federal character and prevents anyone the opportunity to singularly determine what happens in INEC. It is a collective responsibility monitored by well-respected appointees handling various portfolios in the electoral body. Aside the fact that the new Chairman comes from Bauchi State, in the North-East part of the country, while President Buhari comes from North-West, merit and competence should be the motivating credentials in getting anyone to preside over this allimportant body. Since no one has queried Mahmood’s credentials, it goes to suggest that he is eminently qualified meritoriously to preside over INEC in the next five years. As a country trying to get on the super highway of sound and credible electoral conduct, we should begin to recruit solid and intellectually-endowed Nigerians to key into the high demand of utility-driven leadership that could deliver the much-needed elected leadership at the various tiers of government. Putting sentiments at the front burner in a manner that tends to deride merit and quintessence is to me a deliberate disincentive to deny the country the opportunity of her best brains to preside

over sensitive and critical sectors of the economy. Given the fact that INEC is gradually earning the respect and confidence of the electorates especially judging by the commendable conduct of the immediate past Chairman of the Commission, Professor Atahiru Jega, we need another thoroughbred professional with a knack for excellence to fill that void created by Jega’s exit. In keeping with that tradition of commendable performance, Mahmood Yakubu will no doubt come into the job with a burning desire to surpass the achievements recorded by his predecessor in office. He will more than ever before showcase his competence and capacity to initiate new ideas and models to make our elections more credible, attractive and demonetised in order to get more people interested in democracy. The beauty of democracy will flourish better if it is all inclusive, provides a level play field for all participants, creates equal opportunities for all contenders and punishes every offender with the legal parameters set out in the Electoral Law. It is an all-comers game with specific rules of engagement and modus operandi. The less the number of cases decided at the tribunals, the healthier the operations and outcomes of electoral conduct and the less cumbersome the entire process leading to election outcome. This is an area that the new INEC ombudsman must look into as we collectively buy into a greater desire by majority of Nigerians to get things right in order to move the country forward. He must as a matter of urgency carry out a complete personnel overhaul and reforms to change the attitudinal mindset of most INEC personnel about election and the whole essence of electoral conduct. He must put square pegs in square holes with a strong determination to damn the consequences of whatever criticism that may greet such exercise. There are quite a number of personnel that are perpetually holding unto one office simply because of what they called “juicy nature” of the office. If Professor Yakubu must succeed, it must not be business as usual. Though he is coming anew but familiar with the country and its electoral elements, his ability to present a truly unbiased electoral umpire in the Kogi and Bayelsa elections will go a long way to show Nigerians symptoms of what to expect in future. •Abubakar writes from Asaba and can be reached on suleabubakar@yahoo.com

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor

tribune

business

Sulaimon Olanrewaju

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

Costs, opportunities as CBN, NCC enforce regulatory compliance

President Buhari

Market confidence in the financial system was battered last week by news items about unimpressive corporate earnings releases and regulatory sanctions on companies. It eroded market confidence to the point that there were selloffs on the bourse of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) leading to a 2.8 per cent shedding of benchmark equities indicator. Chima Nwokoji examines the reasons for the sanctions, its costs and benefits for organisations in Nigeria.

N a bid to ensure that companies comply with rules, regulators of the Nigerian financial system as well as the communications sector came down heavily on operators, handing them a total cumulative fine of about N1.045 trillion in less than 10 days. Though some stakeholders are divided on the appropriateness and timing of the penalties, other financial experts considering corporate governance implications of the

offences, believe it is a good omen in Nigeria’s corporate landscape. They are also impressed that it is a shift from the era when regulators take money and look the other way while companies engage in unethical practices. Mr Ayodele Ebo, head of research and investment at a top investment banking and advisory services, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, leading other experts, agreed that the sanctions are good, though it came at a time the Nigerian economy is giving market participants tough time. “Although, we believe the timing of the above unsettling news flow is rather bad for the market, given the mammoth of macroeconomic headaches besetting the capital market at the moment, we opine that the series of regulatory sanctions dished out on Monday (26/10/2015) is positive for regulations and corporate governance in Nigeria if these companies are found liable as indicted,” the experts from Afrinvest suggested. Business lawyers have explained that the flow of new rules and regulations across regional, national and international borders has continued to intensify. “No matter how large, small or diversified your organization, almost every part of it is touched by a complex web of constantly evolving regulations—and subject to enforcement actions and fines,” a business

CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele lawyer observed. The costs of sanctions Looking at compliance from the operators’ perspective, analysts are concerned that as companies strive for compliance, they take decisions in order to streamline data management and curb costs. Some businesses have turned to costly automated processes which sometimes multiply the problem because even the best automation solutions still have the potential for error, which could result in regulatory compliance violations. Some stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, on Friday, decried the N1.04 trillion fine imposed on MTN Nigeria. Mr Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said fine or penalty was not good for anyone. Adebayo said that the fines being imposed on telecommunication operators by NCC had not removed the problems being encountered in the industry. “Otherwise, the amount we are hearing will cripple the entire industry. It is an issue of concern, and I think stakeholders need to handle it very carefully. It is not an issue that calls for public celebration. “We are not just looking at it as to how it will affect the company being fined but the implication on the entire industry, and that

is our major concern,’’ the chairman said. But speaking on the sidelines of an event, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Mr Jim Obazee, expressed the belief that sanctions should not be interpreted with sentiments. He, therefore, revealed that financial institutions that misrepresent their financial statements would be made to pay fine of between N500 million and N5 billion, depending on the gravity of the offence. Obazee also disclosed that certain types of offence may even attract jail terms. Last week, National Communication Commission (NCC) said MTN, whose biggest market is Nigeria, has not denied the infraction and that its enforcement team deactivated 5.1 million unregistered lines to ensure compliance. MTN was fined N200,000 for each of the 5.1 million customers that were disconnected following the SIM card registration fiasco. This amounted to N1.04 trillion. Though most financial analysts believe that this is the biggest corporate fine ever imposed by a regulator in any sector of the Nigerian economy, they are equally convinced that the Nigerian government’s decision to impose such excessive fine on a multinational company is not out of place. Their reason is that this is not the first time, citing the imposition of a $10 million and $3.9 billion fine in 2010 and 2014 respectively on Shell for oil spillage and environmental damage to the Bodo Community. Stockbrokers said the effect of the fine has hit hard on MTN, as its share price fell by more than 12 per cent, the biggest one-day decline since November 1998, to 167 rand, also regarded as the lowest closing price since June 2013. They also mentioned reputational risk, which explains why corporate leaders everywhere are more focused on managing risk than ever before. According to the commission, the telecommunication company failed to comply despite being given a 12-month warning on the importance of ensuring that only SIM cards with valid SIM registration details should be active on telecommunications networks. MTN Nigeria may likely face further sanctions from other agencies as a result of the alleged breach of SIM registration law but the company is currently negotiating with the NCC to reach a lower settlement. However, it is feared that if this penalty stands, it would wipe out more than two years of MTN’s annual profit. Also, there are fears that it may affect the company’s operating licence renewal due for next year, this imposition signals escalating tensions between the South Africa-based company and Nigeria. “Nigeria stands to lose as much as MTN does if the fine stands as it is. If MTN decides not to renew its licence or pull out of Nigeria, it would be detrimental for Nigeria’s communication infrastructure and image among foreign investors,” said Kate continues pg22

tribunebusiness

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Implications of compliance enforcement on banks, telcos continued from pg21

Turner-Smith, BPI Capital Africa’s analyst. Similarly, First Bank of Nigeria Limited says it has paid the N1.877 billion fine imposed on it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its failure to totally comply with regulations regarding the Treasury Single Account (TSA). In line with its threat to sanction commercial banks that failed to comply with the federal government’s directive on the remittance of government revenue to the TSA, the CBN penultimate Friday also fined United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc the sum of N2,942,189,651.45 for its failure to comply with the Federal Government’s policy. An industry source explained that FirstBank concealed N37,548,198,102.41 belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) instead of remitting it to the TSA as directed. On the other hand, UBA concealed N58,843,793,029.05 of NNPC funds, which attracted the penalty. Still on the implication of the sanctions, traders at Afrinvest observed that the Nigerian equities market closed southwards on four trading days of the week as this string of sanctions triggered another round of sell off in the market. Consequently, the benchmark index-NSEASI tumbled 2.7 per cent week on week (W-o-W) to close at 29190.54 points. Thus, month-to-date (MTD) return settled -6.5 per cent for October and yearto-date (YTD) return worsened to -15.8 per cent. Similarly, Market Capitalisation contracted by N370.1 billion, to close at N9.9b trillion. Another offender In the same vein, OANDO Plc’s shares have since tumbled by 40 per cent as at last week while the circumstances surrounding the monumental loss posted by the company is understandable, market participants believe the oil and gas firm should have submitted its 2014 and 2015 quarterly results earlier in accordance with the guideline of the Exchange, as waiting for over seven months post-regulatory deadline raises a number of corporate governance questions. By the NSE rule, contravention of the rule on timely release of accounts attracts a fine of N100,000 per week from the due date until the date of submission. By Afrinvest’s estimation, OANDO’s 206 days, 176 days and 85 days delays of the three reports would have implied a paltry cumulative fine of N6.7 million but the cost in terms of investors’ confidence in regulators and corporate governance of quoted companies poses a greater challenge to the capital market performance. Opportunities and benefits of compliance The most fundamental principle of corporate governance is transparency and the principles of disclosure. Corporate gurus are unanimous that practising corporate governance is beneficial for a company and its stakeholders as well as for the economy as a whole. Apart from ensuring that a company survives for long time, there are a few other benefits of corporate governance. With the regulatory environment continually changing, compliance remains a moving target they contend. Lead consultant, Kasher Quality Consulting, Mrs. Dayo Oloyede, while leading a discussion on running a sustainable business, had linked sustainability to observance of good corporate governance by organizations. According to Oloyede, “doing the right thing like paying appropriate taxes, proper remunerations, keeping good ac-

Bisi Onasanya, Firstbank MD

Phillips Oduoza, UBA MD

Regulators are meant to guard institutions from collapse and not to bring them down as our regulators are doing.

counting records, among others is a way of positioning for expansion. “Commitment to sustainability is a journey, not a destination; a commitment to innovation; a commitment to partnership; a commitment to organizational growth; a commitment to effective risk management and getting prepared for the unknown,” Oloyede stated. Corporate lawyers said companies that follow a set of best practices attain the trust of the community and its stakeholders and this eases the task of raising capital, when needed. As the business is easy to assess and evaluate due to its high level of transparency, many investors and financial institutions prefer funding these companies than those that are not following the core principles of corporate governance. At this period when the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is laying emphasis of transparency, managers should remember that when a firm acts in the best interest of its stakeholders, it ensures greater success as the goal of the management will now be aligned with the goals of the company. The result of this will be greater profits and faster growth which will benefit the company and all the stakeholders. Corporate governance promoters believe that practice of good corporate governance followed by firms will allow them to gain the trust of investors, the customers and the community at large. A company following good corporate governance will be able to achieve the trust of the community and hence, success in the long run, they said. Compliance is about more than prevention. It’s also about navigating opportunities. Regulatory compliance is not just about

playing defence. It also offers an opportunity to consistently strengthen organizations through strategic, proactive measures— such as best practices, employee training, internal controls, and benchmarking appropriate for a particular industry and size. Another opportunity identified by some economic analysts is that, if a fine of $5.6billion is eventually paid, it would not only serve as a deterrent to others, but a form of income for the Nigerian government as it represents a quarter of the government’s $22.6billion annual budget for 2015. Drawback to Corporate Governance A major drawback on the entrenchment of a corporate governance culture in Nigeria is the multiplicity of codes of corporate governance with distinctive dissimilarities emanating from the various regulatory authorities. As the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Mr. Jim Obazee, observed: “As you are well aware, our nation currently boasts of six different persuasive codes issued by six different regulators to meet the need of the entities they regulate. The six different persuasive codes were issued and are currently being applied by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Insurance Commission, National Pension Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission. “However, modern society believes that the era of very weak and persuasive corporate governance codes is long gone due to stiff competing environment for foreign direct investment; of which binding regu-

lation is a major factor being considered by investors and stakeholders,” he added According o him, having different persuasive codes has a negative impact on national development because although all the codes contain the key elements of corporate governance, there are often disparities in the content of their provisions and enforcement mechanisms. It explains why Stanbic IBTC Bank is struggling to explain the Directorate of Inspection and Monitoring Guidelines Regulations 2014. However, the steering committee constituted by the federal government to develop a National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) for the country has finalised work on the draft document to harmonize all the codes. Obazee explained that NCCG is in three parts: private sector, public sector and not-for-profit. Obazee explained that the Directorate of Corporate Governance of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria is further empowered to organize and promote workshops, seminars and training in corporate governance issues; issue the code of corporate governance and guidelines, and develop a mechanism for periodic assessment of the code and guidelines; provide assistance and guidance in respect of the adoption or institution of the code in order to fulfill its objectives; and establish links with regional and international institutions engaged in promoting corporate governance. Some stakeholders are concerned that FRC has not been properly carrying out this role and has been sleeping only to wake up after it received a petition from another group of shareholders of Stanbic. National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Boniface Okezie, berated the manner in which the FRCN had addressed the Stanbic IBTC issue, saying “it takes a little thing to destroy confidence in the market and in a bank and when there is no confidence, there will be a run on that bank and ultimately the collapse of the system. “Regulators are meant to guard institutions from collapse and not to bring them down as our regulators are doing.” He wants regulators of the market, including the FRC, to be cautious in their utterances so as not to further erode value in the market.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 2 November, 2015

+ entrepreneurship

anchor Ruth Olurounbi

m:0811 695 4637 e:ruth.olurounbi@tribuneonlineng.com t:@Olurounbi

Sam Adeyemi:

7 reasons to start a business today I f you’ve listened to the message mentioned above you may already have some great notes. This article can serve as another helpful resource to help you start your business or start thinking about embracing an entrepreneurial mindset today. Here are the 7 reasons why you should start your business today: Flexibility – When you start your business, it gives you flexibility. You can work and develop it at your own pace. This doesn’t mean you should be lax about working. Business owners work harder than you might think. Starting your business will give you more time to help your family, will allow you time to develop yourself and much more. Financial Freedom – You are not totally free until you are financial free. The story of God setting the Israelites free from Egypt included them being financially sufficient. In Exodus 12, the Egyptians gave the Israelites gold. Building wealth is part of God’s plan for your life and starting your business is one the best ways to do just that. Become an employer – Most times being an employer is about being your own boss which sounds great. However, when you employ people you are responsible for adding value to their lives, as well, and over time. you are building your nation’s economy. How powerful is that? Let your business pay your bills – Most business owners can allow their business to take care of them financially. Imagine how much stress you are taking off yourself and your family by letting your business handle your monthly expenses! Pay yourself what you believe you are worth – Owning your business also allows you to pay yourself. Most employees can’t decide this. A company will pay you what they believe you are due or what the going rate is. This isn’t a terrible thing, but if you want to decide your monthly income and your own value, then start your business today. Be the last person to get fired! – When you own

your business, you are the last to get fired. This is simply because it’s your You are in control of your own career. While you take more of the risk, you get to decide your future, as opposed to someone else. Your Business works for you while you sleep – At a certain point, business owners can take a break a n d still

Efficiency:

earn income. An average employee only gets paid when he or she works. Business owners can hire people to run the business and make it profitable – even if they are not present. I hope these few reasons will get you are fired up to start your own business! Start with what you have where you are. Do not be discourage by the finances or the risk involved. This article first appeared on samadeyemi.com

We become what we think about — Earl Nightingale

5 ways Google helps your business

—P24

Identifying your value proposition —P25

+ entrepreneurship

4 ways Google helps your By Ruth Olurounbi

business consultant once said: “efficiency is important for profitability” and “effectiveness is important for growth.” The truth of the matter is, business owners constantly look for ways to increase profitability, through several means possible. Some of these avenues include: documenting business processes and systems, involving and engaging teams in developing strategies that help the company become more efficient, as well as effective. There are several books on how business owners can make their businesses more efficient. These books, in this digital age, serve complementary roles

Learn more... A lot of people have called in regarding the ongoing promotion on Entrepreneurship+ seeking clarification on some things. I thought it would nice to answer the questions here, to aid other potential advertisers that may be seeking more clarifications going forward. Yes, you can advertise on Nigerian Tribune’s Entrepreneurship+ for less than N50,000 a month. This is because, the Nigerian Tribune, in its customary gesture of supporting small business (SMBs) owners in Nigeria, is offering special discount packages to SMBs to advertise their products and/or services for as low as N50,000 per month or less, depending on the

Monday, 2 November, 2015

phone!) By just opening the app, you can translate the foreign text into your natural language. How to use: Open the app, click on the camera and point it at the text you need to translate - business proposal, a street sign, and instruction manual, or whatever. As soon as you do that, you’ll see the text transform live on your screen into the other language. The most interesting about this is that your phone does not require internet connection or cell phone data to use this tool. Google Translate is a free multilingual statistical machine translation service provided by Google to translate text, speech, images, or real-time video from one language into another. This tool, as of October 2015, supports 90 languages at various levels and serves over 200 million people daily, Google said.

business efficiency (some of the time) to business owners’ heavy reliance on network technology that helps their business work more efficiently, cut costs, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition. Some valuable tips on making business more efficient include giving employees secure, consistent access to information, service/content delivery on the go, creation of effective business pro-

package they are subscribing to. How it works How this works is that interested business owners on the promo package will have their business adverts on Entrepreneurship+ every week until their subscription runs out. Note that this does not mean that your advert placements will run every day of the month until your subscription runs out, but weekly. As you know, the Entrepreneurship+ magazine is published once a week, therefore, that is when your advertisement comes out. The N50,000 subscription covers the offline (paper version),

cesses with partners, making it easy to work together, and more importantly, reducing unproductive time. A combination of these gives the business owner “an advantage over larger competitors” as the small business owners to respond and react quickly to business changes. Without a doubt, being efficient, as well as effective, gives businesses a competitive edge over others and this is why it is impor-

while the online platform of the Nigerian Tribune attracts different fees – again, depending on the package you are subscribing to. Benefits Nigerian Tribune is an international newspaper, with a website metrics that boasts of five million unique visitors per month, while Entrepreneurship+ boasts of 35,000 views per week and the paper version which reaches across Nigeria. I hope this answers your questions but if you have any other questions, please contact me through 08116954637 and ruth.olurounbi@ tribuneonlineng.com.

tant that small businesses (SMBs) inculcate this culture into their organisational operations. Now, one of the greatest challenges SMBs face is time. The race against time and the perpetual lack of it, is so paramount, forcing Jayson DeMers, founder of AudienceBloom declared: “As a small business owner, I’ve learned that my single greatest challenge isn’t coming up with compelling ideas, finding profitable clients, or hiring talented staff. Instead, it all comes down to one factor that underlies my ability to meet the range of challenges I face as a CEO – the lack of time.” This seemingly race against time demands that SMBs find ways, and if you will, tools that guarantees their efficiency and effectiveness. Google Inc, the world’s number one technology giant and big supporter of SMBs, did find ways to help business owners to not only be efficient, but to also be well equipped to compete favourably in the world. These solutions comes in form of Google tools. Some of those tools were: Google Trends, Google Drive, Google Analytics, Google Docs, Google My Business, Google Hangouts and Google+. Most recently, during a two-day #googleinnairobi event, which Entrepreneurship+ was part of, it learnt some more tools that aid business efficiency for SMBs. They include Google Maps, Google Translate, Google Maps, Google Calender, and Google Docs. These tools are explained below. Google Docs Recall that one of the tips for efficiency “on time delivery, on the go”? This tool allows business owners do that. A key feature of Google Docs “is its ability to enable real-time collaboration. If you’re on a conference call discussing changes to a document, you can make them in real-time and watch every change as it’s made. The ability to check the edit logs and compile in-line comment threads between multiple users makes it easy to collaborate and figure out what changes have been made to a document,” DeMers said of the tool. As probably imagined, Google Docs allows business owners create, store, and share documents online. Google Docs include word processing application, spreadsheet, databases, presentations, etc. Google Translate App Why is Google Translate important to a business owner? That it “lets you have a natural, smoother conversation—even with a slower mobile network,” according to Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communication Manager for Google Africa, is am important reason. To explain how handy this tool is to your business, imagine you are on a business meeting with your foreign partner, or you’re a business trip to a foreign country and all you can see around you are foreign texts (some of which you cannot even begin to type into your

Google Calendar For those who are wondering why Google Calendar is important to their daily, as well as business lives, here is why. This tool is a time-management web and mobile application that helps you turn events in your Gmail automatically into calendar. It also assists you by making suggestions that save you the time you’d have spent creating events manually in your

A Google rep explains Google tools

calendar. The tool also allows you share calendar with multiple people, which means the calendar can be shared, either as read-only or with full edit control, and either with specific person (business partners, clients, etc) or with the members of the public. What is also great about this tool is that it prompts you, telling you the time to leave your office for an appointment so that you can get there in time, among other things. Basically, what this tool does for you is help you save time. Google Now Maybe you are a small business owner who cannot afford to have a personal assistant. Relying on Google Now, an intelligent personal assistant, helps simplify your life and keeps you on track. This tool, available within the Google Search mobile application for Android and iOS, as well as the Google Chrome web browser on personal computers, uses a natural language user interface to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions by delegating requests to a set of web services. Along with answering user-initiated queries, Google Now proactively delivers to users’ information that it predicts what users may want, Kola-Ogunlade said.

Identifying your value proposition By Tom Ewer In this article, we’ll cover both the essentials of what a value proposition is and, more importantly, step through four great tips for putting together a killer version of your own. By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a clear plan of action for making sure you’re putting the best possible foot forward in your business. Before we get on to concrete steps, let’s start with a quick review of the basics. What is a value proposition? Put simply, your value proposition is what makes people buy from you. It tells them, in no uncertain

terms, the exact value you will be delivering to them as a customer by doing three key things: It tells your clients how you can solve their problems or improve their lot. It explains the unique benefits you bring to the party as a solutions provider. It makes clear why clients should go with you rather than your competition. Your value proposition should be the first thing visitors see on your site and be repeatedly stressed in any sales and marketing literature or face-to-face meetings. We’re not talking about a catchy slogan like “Maybe it’s Maybelline” here. Your value proposition should be a chunk of text including some or all of the follow-

ing: A headline featuring your key benefit, a paragraph of two or three sentences going into your offering in more detail, two or three bullet points explaining the benefits you provide and if possible, an attention-getting graphic. Why is a value proposition important to me? When you’re searching for work, it’s absolutely critical that you explain to potential clients exactly why they should choose you. The vast majority of freelance markets today are incredibly competitive – and only getting more so. Standing out from the crowd is critical, and a solid value proposition goes a long way to helping you do that. A cleverly crafted value proposition can make the difference between success and failure. It’s that simple. Identifying the value proposition is the tough part. Let’s move on to the steps to do so. Keep it simple Whatever you plan to write, remember that technojargon and flowery phrases won’t cut it. You need people to understand what you offer. It’s very easy to assume that blinding people with science or big marketing phrases will somehow shock and awe them into buying from you. Wrong. Your value proposition needs to be accessible. Steer away from rash hyperbole like “the best in the world” – it just looks fake. If you really want to know whether your value proposition is clear and simple enough, try it out on a partner or friend. Ask them to explain what they think it’s saying – and if they come back with something that describes your work rea-

sonably accurately, you’re on the right track. Ask the right questions When you set about writing your value proposition, you have to ask yourself some key questions: Does my business solve a critical need?Does that need absolutely have to be addressed? Is the need a top priority for my potential clients? Is there a shortage of people available to meet that need? If you can answer “yes” to some or all of the above, you’re in great shape for the future: demand is there, your services are essential for clients, the need is immediate and reliable solutions are thin on the ground. Most of us have to dig a little deeper, of course. If you’re in a competitive field, you not only have to be able to meet a need, you’ll have to go further and offer some added value that sets you apart from your competitors. That’s where you turn to a second set of questions: What, if anything, about my service, is unique? What benefits, above and beyond my basic work, do I offer? How easy is it for customers to use and access my product or work? These are all really important issues that affect your chances of success, and of being able to create a really compelling value proposition. If you are finding it hard to work out what these unique points and benefits may be, have a look at some competitor websites. It’s not that you want to copy them – far from it. But seeing what they do (or don’t) say about themselves will give you clues as to value gaps which can be exploited.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 2 November, 2015

moneymarket

anchor Chima Nwokoji

m:08032637535 e:chimatitus@yahoo.com

JP Morgan completes removal of Nigeria’s bonds from index •As Emefiele replies Sanusi on devaluation Stories by Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

onds closed on Friday with yields on benchmark instruments closing flat, despite the final phase-out of Nigerian bonds from the JP Morgan index on Friday. This is just as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in response to calls for devaluation of the naira by former CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido, ruled out further devaluation of the local currency. Mr Emefiele told journalists that the last devaluation took place in February and would remain so for now. Meanwhile, JP Morgan Chase and Co. delisted part of Nigeria bonds from its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) in the middle of September for alleged lack of liquidity for transactions and transparency in the determination of exchange rate. It had earlier announced that it will fully remove Nigeria from its Index by the end of October. Nigeria became the second African country after South Africa to be listed in JP Morgan’s emerging government bond index in October 2012, after the Central Bank removed a requirement that foreign investors hold government bonds for a minimum of one year before exiting. Hence, investors said the average yield on benchmark bonds declined 22basis points (W-o-W) to 13.4 per cent. “We do not anticipate any major distortions in the pricing of bonds post-im-

DG, DMO, Abraham Nwakwo

NIFEX March 20, 2015 Bid

Offer

Change

Spot($/N)

199.0000

199.1000

Government Securities 0.00

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Discount

28-Jan-16

6.84

6.95

-0.39

Change %

28-Apr-16

9.73

10.23

-0.08

20-Oct-16

10.09

11.20

-0.02

6.59 6.69 9.48 9.95 -0.08 ▼ 9.84 10.89 -0.02 ▼

The International Monetary Fund and Sanusi, recently called for the depreciation of the currency. According to Mr Emefiele, “the president has been very clear on this; the Vice President has been very clear on this and let me further reiterate our position at the CBN that we are not considering any further depreciation of the currency.” He said the focus of the bank was how to deepen the foreign exchange market to make it viable. “What we are trying to concentrate on right now is how to improve and deepen the foreign exchange market by improving supply of foreign exchange into the market. “And to do so, we are trying to encourage people to export and earn your export proceeds and use your export proceeds to import whatever you need to import.” “We are also concentrating on how to reduce the import of items that we can produce in the country today,” he said. Mr Emefiele said soon the CBN would be launching a campaign called PAVE, which means “Produce locally, Add Value and Export your product and earn your foreign exchange for your imports.” He said the campaign was the only way

plementation of the JP Morgan phase out as most of the effects have already been priced in, whilst demand for government instruments will continued to be supported by domestic money managers,” one dealer said. In the interim, market participants said there are ebbing investors’ confidence in the equities market due to weak earnings results, corporate governance and regulatory compliance concerns, interest of domestic investors in fixed income securities Liquidity inflows to the financial system on Thursday from maturing open market operation (OMO) bills buoyed activity in bonds market with total value of bonds traded put at N88.1billion whist yields declined 8bps to 13.5 per cent on average across benchmark bonds. According to Emefiele, “There has been a lot of talk on whether or not we want to depreciate our currency again. “The truth is that we had adjusted the currency by depreciating it from N155 to N197 in February this year. “There is no intention to depreciate or adjust the currency any longer,” he said. There had been calls for the devaluation of naira in the face of economic crunch.

Auction Date

10/21/2015

Security Type

NTB

Tenor

Auction No

21-10-2015-91 Day

Auction

Primary Market

NITTY October 30, 2015 Tenor 1M 2M 3M 6M 9M 12M

Rate (%) 3.0636 6.4172 7.1229 9.9056 10.6880 11.5387

CBN Rates as at 10/29/2015 Currency US DOLLAR

Selling(NGN) 197 300.7008 215.8923 198.9698 1.6288 0.332 274.7515 30.9836 52.5179

Date of Auction Security Type Tenor Maturing On 2/13/2020 2/13/2020 3/14/2024 3/14/2024 2/13/2020 2/13/2020 7/18/2034 7/18/2034 Amount Offered (N mn) Subscriptions (N mn) Tot. Successful (N mn) Net Sales (N mn)

DANISH KRONA 28.799

28.8724

28.9459

SDR

273.7442

274.4407

Range of Bid Rates Successful Bid Rates Marginal Rate

POUNDS STERLING

WAUA

YUAN/RENMINBI

RIYAL

273.0476

NIBOR October 30, 2015 Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 1.2917 13.6050 15.3583 17.4242

Change (%) -1.96 -0.04 0.06 0.18

FGN Bonds

Central(NGN) 196.5 299.9376 215.3444 198.4648 1.6246 0.322 274.0542 30.9045 52.3846

EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA

Buying(NGN) 196 299.1744 214.7964 197.9598 1.6205 0.312 273.3568 30.8254 52.2513

Change (%) -0.04 -0.57 -0.10 -0.16 0.01 0.02

10/14/2015 FGN Bonds 204.7868 5 Year 180 10 Year 180 5 Year 82227 20 Year

10/14/2015 FGN Bonds 205.4112 170.7672 1.4001 0.3028 240.1376 26.7946 15000 4161

9/16/2015 FGN Bonds 206.0355 171.2862 1.4044 0.3128 240.8675 26.8765 5000 2740

9/16/2015 FGN Bonds

1155 1155

17019 40 102.71 40.00

4161 40 82.17 40.00

2740 40 67.10 20.00

30 54.11 25.00

12.0000 - 16.0000 12.0000 - 13.1110 13.111

12.0000 - 16.5000 12.0000 - 13.8700 13.87

13.5000 - 20.0000 13.5000 - 15.9500 15.95

14.5000 - 20.0000 14.5000 - 15.9700 15.97

producers could support the efforts of CBN in intervening and providing

foreign exchange in the market to meet the import needs of the people.

weeklyreview Money Market Review The money market remained broadly liquid last week as Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) continued to maintain a high level of excess reserves, resulting in single digit interbank rates, lower Nigerian Interbank Borrowing Rates (NIBOR) and treasury bills rates. Dealers at Afrinvest West Africa said liquidity balance of DMBs opened higher at N494.7billion on Monday, relative to N329.2billion it opened with Friday before last. This was after the central bank made refunds for unsatisfied Naira provisions DMBs made ahead of the currency auction held last Thursday. Consequently, “we observed that the borrowings of DMBs at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) discount window declined N40.5billion to NN33.6billion on Monday, although interbank rates were broadly flat as the Overnight (O/N) and secured Open Buy Back (OBB) instruments closed at 5.3 per cent and 5.8 per cent.” “Rates dipped further on Tuesday as liquidity balance of DMBs slightly expanded after more banks received refunds for the Foreign Exchange (FX) provisions,” dealers at the investment banking firm, Afrinvest stated. However, the announcement by the CBN that it would be making another FX auction on Thursday led to a squeeze in financial system liquidity as banks made provisions ahead of the FX auction, hence rates trended higher midweek with the O/N and OBB and NIBOR average closing at week-highs of 6.0 per cent, 6.6 per cent and 13.6 per cent on Wednesday respectively. Repayment of N187 billion worth of maturing Open Market Operation (OMO) bills on Thursday and further inflow from Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee (FAAC) distribution which hit the system eased liquidity conditions in the market. Hence, rates fell on Thursday and Friday. The O/N and OBB instruments declined 4.8 per cent and 3.9 per cent week on week (W-o-W) to close at 0.9 per cent and 1.3 per cent on Friday respectively. Activities in the treasury bills market mirrored the liquidity dynamics in the money market during the week. Rates were little changed at the start of the week but started trending downwards from Wednesday due to improved buying interests in short to mid-term tenors in expectation of liquidity inflows from FAAC and OMO repayments. Average rates across tenors fell 32 basis points (bpts) to 8.1 per cent on Friday. Dealers at Afrinvest noted that there are no maturing bills next week expect interbank rates to stay at current levels “as we expect refunds of FX provisions made this week (last) and the FAAC funds to keep the market liquid.” Foreign Exchange Market Similar to previous weeks, the exchange rate at the interbank market was little changed as it stayed within the CBN administrative corridors of N199.07- N199.10/ US$1.00. The CBN adjusted the currency by 30kobo to N196.97/US$1.00 on Monday but eased it to N197.00/ US$1.00 on Thursday when it held a major currency auction to DMBs to fulfil some of the backlogs of FX demand. Against the backdrop of further calls for devaluation to reflect market real market situation, (amplified last week by the former CBN Governor Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II) the CBN has maintained that, “there will not be further devaluation of the Naira”. The Vice President further reinforced the position of the CBN on Thursday when he stated he does not support devaluation and instead suggested easing of macroeconomic policies, highlighting the Continues on pg27

moneymarket

Monday, 2 November, 2015

FBN Holdings unifies Merchant Banking, Asset Management under new identity Stories by Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

BN Holdings Plc, has announced the unveiling of a new brand identity called ‘FBNQuest,’ which is a unified identity for its

seven subsidiaries. The unified subsidiaries which brings its merchant banking and asst management business under one umbrella include: FBN Merchant Bank Limited, FBN Capital Limited, FBN

Securities Limited, FBN Capital Asset Management Limited, FBN Trustees Limited, FBN Funds Limited and FBN Capital Partners Limited. At a press briefing in Lagos heralding the 2015 in-

vestor conference tagged: “Reinventing the Nigerian economy; beyond the rhetoric,” Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of FBN Capital Mr Kayode Akinkugbe said the unified entities remain the same

From left, Deputy Managing Director, FBN Capital, Mr Taiwo; Managing Director, FBN Capital, Mr Kayode Akinkugbe; Group Chief Executive Officer, FBN Holding Plc, Mallam Bello Maccido and Acting Managing Director, Kakawa Discount House, Mr Gboyega Fatoki, at the 2015 FBN Capital Conference and unveiling of FBNquest held at Intercontinental, Lagos recently. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Forex: CBN should limit PTA, BTA businesses to BDCs — ABCON Bureaux De Change (BDC) owners under the umbrella of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make foreign exchange transactions relating to Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA) exclusive businesses of BDCs. This call was made during the second BDC Owners Forum’s meeting held in Lagos last week. Presently, banks and BDCs are allowed to sell foreign exchange for PTA and BTA. The BDC owners however stated that, “The CBN should disengage banks from the sales of PTA and BTA and make it an exclusive preserve for BDC operation.” The BDC owners also called on the CBN to extend the deadline for use of BVN as criteria for foreign exchange transactions. Consequently, they mandated the leadership of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) to write a position paper on the CBN’s re-introduction of the BVN. “The position paper should seek for an extension in the deadline for compliance on the use of the BVN while emphasising the resolve of ABCON members to comply with the CBN circular and that we are indeed ready to

partner with the regulatory authority on its monetary and fiscal policies”, they stated. The meeting, however, lamented the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates and resolved to take measures to reduce the gap drastically.

The gap between the two exchange rates as at Friday October 30th was N20 with the interbank market rate at N197 per dollar and the parallel market rate at N227 per dollar. The measures include publication of the names, addresses and contact details

of BDCs in national dailies and publication of foreign exchange rates in national dailies. To complement this, the BDC owners also agreed to constitute a price control mechanism committee for the purpose of ensuring price and market stability.

in terms of legal status and corporate governance structure. He added that the rebranding is in line with the investment banking and asset management business of FBN Holdings’ as well as its commitment to improve service delivery to clients and position the group at the forefront of the emerging merchant banking and asset management sector in Nigeria. He said: “As we prepare to commence Merchant Banking services on the 2nd of November 2015, this evolution to one brand is important for the alignment of business and brand strategy. The unification of all these subsidiaries under a single identity, FBNQuest, allows us to offer our broad range of services to our clients in a simplified way. It also conveys a more unified company ethos and vision that seeks to create value- driven connections with clients and build lasting relationships. “We wanted a name that is unique and identifiable. We aim to be the leading Merchant Bank and Asset Manager in Africa, a trusted and inspirational partner, with deep local roots and global insights. This client-centric approach allows us to provide services more efficiently and effectively.”

Stanbic IBTC gets support from parent Standard Bank Group Ltd., the South African parent company to Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has thrown its weight behind its Nigerian subsidiary. In a statement on Friday,Standard bank said the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) exceeded its powers when it ruled that Stanbic IBTC Bank had made material misstatements in its financial accounts and recommended a fine. Lawyers have advised the bank that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria’s notification and “an associated purported” fine against Stanbic of N 1 billion ($5 million) don’t comply with proper processes, the Johannesburg-based bank said in a statement on Friday. Bloomber reported that the Nigerian unit’s auditor, KPMG, has confirmed it stands by its opinion on the 2013 and 2014 financial statements, the bank said. The Nigerian FRC on Oc-

tober 26 suspended the registration to sign off on financial statements of four past and current Stanbic, including Chief Executive Officer Sola David-Borha and Chairman Atedo Peterside. The issue under dispute is how to account for cross-border payments, according to Standard Bank, which said Stanbic has been treating payments to units of the lender in other African countries as liabilities. The payments “should continue to be reflected as liabilities, given the increasing difficulties in obtaining regulatory approval for cross-border payments,” Standard Bank said Friday. The Nigerian unit said Oct. 27 that its directors “have not been ousted.” Stanbic maintains that there were no material misstatements in its financial accounts for 2013 and 2014, Standard Bank said. The potential financial effect of the Nigerian regulator’s action is not material,

according to Standard Bank. Its shares advanced 0.1 percent to 143.15 rand in

Johannesburg by 4:29 p.m. Stanbic dropped 4.8 per cent in Lagos.

Nigerian Tribune

SCIAN commends CBN staff

Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), has commended the board of directors and management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for building and handing over to it a multi-purpose hall which it hopes will enhance the welfare of members. The Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria, Mr Obioma Ononogbu while commending the staff of CBN, said the association is also grateful to the Lagos State Government, both past and present, for its numerous contributions towards the growth and development of the rehabilitation centre. “With particular reference to today’s occasion, the relationship started in 2010 when a team from CBN Staff Union visited our centre. At that meeting, the team expressed their interest in assisting SCIAN. “They wished to have an enduring positive impact on the association and its members. We therefore encourage staff of the union of other corporate bodies to emulate this laudable gesture of CBN staff, “Ononogbu enjoined. The CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele who was represented at the official commissioning ceremony by the Director, Human Resources Department of the bank, Chizoba Victoria Mojekwu disclosed that through employees’ personal and individual contributions to the CBN Staff Alms Fund, the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the fund approved the request to build a multi-purpose hall for SCIAN and conveyed same to the promoters.

weeklyreview Continues from pg26

need for the government to “start spending more” to “ease up a bit”. Although we acknowledge that the CBN’s FX demand management measures have successfully reduced FX demand and currency utilisation by DMBs by about 30 per cent between Quarter one (Q1) :2015 and Q2:2015, the current level of external reserves (which gained US$73.3m during the week to US$30.13m) can only cover 6.8 months of import by Afrinvest’s estimation. Analysis of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members’ personal statements for the last policy meeting held in September suggests that most members continue to back the CBN’s administrative FX

measures and polices, with one member (Professor Uche Chibuike ) suggesting the imposition of capital control measures to curb disruptive speculative capital flows. “We expect that the CBN will in the coming months appraise its current tradeoff of FX stability for internal growth. In the interim, we expect demand for FX to increase against the backdrop of the scheduled final phase-off of Nigeria from the JP Morgan Emerging Market Bond index this week,” dealers at the investment research company said. Bond Market Review Dealers said the Bond market opened last week with mixed sentiment across the term structure.

There was some initial sell-down pressure which soon dissipated as buying interest in mid-term tenured instruments and the benchmark July 2034 bond pushed average yield across tenors benchmark bonds down slightly by 6bps to 13.6 per cent. Activity level was however weak with just N40.5billion worth of bonds traded all day. Activity level improved the following day although selling pressure intensified with average yields on benchmark bonds increasing 9bps to 13.7 per cent. The trend was sustained on Wednesday with activities concentrated in instruments that are to be phased out of the JP Morgan Index (January 2022, March 2024 and July 2034, driving 52.7 per cent of total value traded of bonds.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

capitalmarket

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Tunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

Stock market: As the losing spree spreads… Kehinde Jaiyeoba -Lagos

they are taking their money back.”

he Nigerian Stock Exchange revealed a 6.69 per cent decline in performance in the third quarter of 2015, indicating a loss of market turnover in the exchange with 31,217.77 basis points compared with the increase of 5.39 per cent recorded in the second quarter. This has raised questions on the viability of the market in some quarters and the uncertainty and indecision on the part of investors as to what the future of their investment would be. Analysts believe that the change in the market, being a reflection of what is happening in the economy, is expected as it is natural for trading on the Exchange to be on the high and low. However, a persistent bullish trend is seen as trouble looming. The stock market in September, being the last month of Q3, closed negative with 6.69 per cent decline as against the 5.39 per cent gains in Q2. Though, the NSE All-Share index remained a key parameter to help gauge market performance among other indices; other key sectors of the market which had contributed to the negative market performance recorded in Q3 need to be looked into. A breakdown of the Q3’15 performance review of NSE Sectoral Indices revealed that NSE Banking index recorded the highest loss to top other indices, losing 13.35 per cent in Q3’15 and closely followed by NSE Pension index with 9.73 per cent. Other indices that closed negative were NSE 30 with 7.29 per cent, NSE Oil & Gas with 6.82 per cent, NSE Lotus Index, 5.98 per cent, NSE Consumer Goods, 4.20 per cent, while NSE AseM and NSE Premium indices recorded the least losses of 0.42 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively. The only index that closed the quarter positive with 6.59 per cent is the NSE Main Board index, which was newly introduced to the market when the NSE premium board was launched on 25 August, 2015 along with the premium board index. Market has not been particularly favourable to companies in the banking sector as a majority of the banks had in recent times experienced losses, even in their third quarter financial report. Bloomberg, in a report last week, said the stock of Firstbank Nigeria Plc recorded a 10-year low fall, which it attributed to the fine of N1.88 billion paid by the bank for running foul of a directive to transfer deposits of ministries, departments and agencies to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Although the announcement took a toll on the trading as the market reacted to this, the bank on the Exchange closed at N5.10 kobo per share at the end of trading on Friday, shedding 90 kobo in 10 days of trading as it opened market with N6 on Monday, 19 October. Firstbank is a reflection of the experience of many listed companies as the plunge in the market cuts across sectors. Oando, in the past week, also had a taste of the general downturn as the market reacted to the huge loss after tax it presented during the company’s fact behind figure at the

Uncertainty of government structure There was a change in the country’s leadership recently which has made investors uncertain of what is ahead. Before the elections investors were skeptical and unwilling to place their investment in an environment charged with political instability. After the peaceful election, uncertainty persists as there has been no cabinet put in place. “The market can deal with risk but can hardly deal with uncertainty. We have not had a team in place in the government. Investors have been thinking about the outcome of the elections. They adopted a wait and see approach about their investment. Election came, a number of foreign investors who want to invest in Nigeria’s real sector, who want to stay for a long time, did not come because they want to wait for the outcome of the elections, election came and it was successful, we had a change of leadership and people are expecting changes. “But between then and now we have not had a cabinet in place. It affected the capital market because we need to plan. Capital market is a market for long term capital. It is not just coming to the market today and taking a short term; three months to four months’ decision. The action of the government can alter the economy so much and this affects the market. Investors, both foreign portfolio investors and local ones, are waiting to know the direction of the government in addressing the issues we have in the country before they take decisions. Investors are waiting for specific pronouncements to know exactly what the government is going to do to address issues and for them to plug into the opportunities and policies that are presented,” he added.

Oscar Onyeama, NSE boss

Nigerian Stock Exchange. Oando Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu, while giving an explanation of the N183.9 billion naira net loss, said increased interest expenses from borrowing to finance the company’s COP acquisition, running to N10.6 billion; higher administrative expenses driven by increase in acquisition cost of the COP and provision for bad debt expenses relating to receivables; foreign exchange loss and fair value loss on financial instrument contributed to the loss experienced. Following this disclosure by the management, Oando share price at the exchange experienced a free fall, which analysts said could reach as low as N1 to 50 kobo per share if the management does not take a proactive step to address the issue. The stock, within two weeks, shed N3.76 kobo to close at N6.01 per share last Friday. While these two major companies are a reflection of the activities in the market, analysts believe they are not alone as majority have experienced their fair share of losses as seen in the third quarter financial reports of major quoted companies with a few above the plunge. The following have been identified as reasons for the general poor performance of the market. Poor economy The performance of capital market globally, according to analysts, is a reflection of the state of the economy of the country. Charles Fakrogha, Chief Relationship Officer, Foresight Securities and investment Limited, explained that the market does not operate in isolation, noting that the economy of the country at present is far

from stable. Recently, the mainstay of the economy, crude oil, has been battling with declining prices. Global oil prices have fallen sharply over the past seven months, leading to significant revenue shortfalls in many oil-exporting nations. “Our main export is oil and gas, so whatever happens to oil price affects the government’s revenue directly thus affecting the citizens and, of course, the capital market is affected. The issue is more of our revenue comes from oil and gas; that is why we say the economy is mono. The contribution of other sectors in the country is very minute,” he said. In addition to the crude oil price impact on the economy, the unattractive exchange rate was identified as a cause for poor performance in the Nigerian Stock Exchange as foreign investors are of the view that the nation’s currency, naira, is over-priced and are, therefore, calling for its devaluation. The devaluation of the naira to the increase of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 100 basis point from 12 per cent to 13 per cent, the adjustment of the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for Private Sector Deposits, all took their toll on the financial sector of the country with attendant effect on the stock market. Mr. Ayodele Akinwunmi, Head Research, FSDH Merchant Bank, explained that the devaluation of the Nigerian currency gave foreign investors a big scare as they risk a loss. He noted that foreign investors believe that the country’s exchange rate is not appropriately valued. “The implication is that if foreign investors are coming to Nigeria and the currency is devalued, they lose that ratio of devaluation when

Poor corporate governance structure Citing the Oando experience, analysts said that the corporate governance structure of a particular quoted company would affect the activities of the market. Akinkumi believes that the capital market is not particular about the fact that a company made a loss but about knowing what is happening to their investment. “It is about weak and poor corporate governance structure and poor communication. Companies need to improve on their corporate governance structure and to engage the market more.” According to Fakrogha, for a quoted company to do well with investments in its care, there should be a good investor relationship. “These companies, as long as they are listed, on the Exchange are not private and everything they do must be made transparent and open. So whether you are an investor or not you have access to this information. Because the information you have can make you to decide to invest in this company. These companies are supposed to be engaging their investors on a timely basis so that investors know what they are doing,” he said.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

labour

OTUWA rejects EPA document, says it is skewed in favour of EU Stories by Soji-Eze Fagbemi

he Organisation of Trade Unions in West Africa (OTUWA) has condemned and rejected in its totality, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) document, declaring that the agreement was skewed in favour of the European Unions (EU). In its resolution at the end of its 3-day congress held in Abuja, OTUWA Congress-in-Session, said it was very strange that the content of the EPA document was still hidden and not yet in public domain. EPAs are trade and development agreements negotiated between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) partners, engaged in regional economic integration processes. The organisation said the EPA document affects millions of lives and should, therefore, not be a secret document. “The Congress-in-Session observes that the agreement is titled and skewed in favour of the EU members. The Congress-in-Session condemns and rejects the EPA document in its totality. “The Cogress-in-Session urges trade unions member countries that have signed the EPA document to put pressure on their legislatures not to pass bills for ratification of the agreement,” it said. OTUWA further condemned what it described as the divide and rule tactics of the EU in dealing with Africa on the issue of EPA. The resolution said: “The Con-

gress-in-Session, notes that, the African countries are not treated as a block, the conference therefore calls on EU to treat African countries as a block. The Congress-in-Session observes that the EPA document is meant to enslave the African countries and it is rejected in its totality. It notes that the aids attached to signing and ratification of the agreements are baits to further enslave the African countries.” The organisation called for fair play in the negotiation, signing and ratification of agreements and rejects imposition of agree-

ments on the African countries. On the issue of social security, OTUWA observed that there is an obvious capacity deficit for workers to address social security issues, in the sub region. To this end, the organisation stressed the need to build workers’ capacity in this direction, adding that the unity of trade unions in the sub region is very paramount to achieve this. However, the organisation said the proliferation of trade unions in the sub region, especially in the Francophone countries was a threat to trade union unity and

development. OTUWA lamented the state of insecurity in the sub region, especially political war and terrorism and stated that this poses a great challenge to the West Africa sub region to achieving the objective of a regional integration. “Congress-in-session observes that workers suffer hardship and are always victims of conflict and hostilities. It, therefore, condemns in strong terms the activities of Boko Haram and called for a sustained regional collaboration to defeat insurgency and terrorism,” it said.

NLC President, Dr Ayuba Wabba

11 companies sign to include persons with disabilities in workplace Eleven major international companies have become the first signatories of the newly-created “ILO Global Business & Disability Network Charter,” in a ceremony held at ILO headquarters in Geneva. The Charter expresses their commitment to promoting and including persons with disabilities throughout their operations worldwide. It covers a wide range of areas, from protecting staff with disabilities from any kind of discrimination to making the company premises and communication to staff progressively accessible to all employees with disabilities. “The lack of equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities often means lives of poverty and social exclusion,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.

“By honouring the commitments of this Charter, the private sector will be showing real leadership in making it possible for people with disabilities to have productive work and to live in dignity. “The first signatories companies to sign the Charter will help us spread a simple but essential message: employing persons with disability is not just a good moral cause, it is also good for business. This new Charter can also make a substantial contribution to realising many goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” Speaking on behalf of the signatories, the network steering committee chairperson, Wendy Orr, said: “We are proud to be among the first companies to sign the Business Charter on Disability. This is one step further in demonstrating our commitment

for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market. We believe and have experienced how an inclusive and diverse workforce provides opportunities for employers, employees and society overall.” “We encourage other major companies to join us and sign the Charter in the coming months,” she added. All signatories are members of the ILO Global Business and Disability Network, which brings businesses together to promote disability inclusion by highlighting the business advantages of employing people with disabilities. It also facilitates the exchange of knowledge and good practices between companies, company networks and the ILO. Created in 2010, the network acts as a facilitator and responds to requests from members to develop tools, share knowledge,

and facilitate business-to-business meetings and dialogues around disability issues. It combines the interests of the ILO employer constituents and of multinational enterprises. Its steering committee is composed of representatives from eight multinational enterprises, a global organisation representing people with disabilities and two employers’ organisations. The network has produced a self-assessment tool which allows companies to assess how well they are doing in a number of areas regarding disabilities. The Charter will be provided to national employers’ federations and national business and disability networks as a way of promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities among their member companies, including small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).

FG moves to address social security needs of informal workers The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr Clement Illoh has called on Nigerians, both in the public and private sectors, to support the efforts of the Federal Government at providing social security protection to the vulnerable groups. Dr llloh, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mr Felix Ogenyi made the call in Abuja, while declaring open a stakeholders’ meeting on: “Addressing the Social Security Needs of the Informal Workers through Cooperative Delivery System.” He said: “The challenges of social security in our society today cannot be over looked. A dynamic system to conquer the many constraints to social security delivery can only be attained through both public and private cooperation. “There is the need to establish management of social security programmed at meeting the aspiration of people with special needs, households below poverty line, vulnerable and elderly persons.” Dr Illoh said the ministry has devised means of addressing the social security needs of the informal workers through cooperative system, adding that every member of the society has the right to social security and entitled to its realisation through national effort and international cooperation. He expressed optimism that the stakeholders’ meeting would create a stronger social protection system which will have all the requisite tools and technology required to deliver and complement the government’s mandate to alleviate the pains of the informal and vulnerable people in the country. In her remarks, the Director, Social Security/Cooperative Development Department, Mrs Mojisola Sonubi explained that over the years, the Nigerian government at various levels has adopted policies aimed at enhancing the performance of the informal sector including entrepreneurship development and international financial assistance. She stated that the purpose of the meeting was to further consolidate on the achievements made by using cooperatives as an avenue to meet the social security needs of the informal workers. She reaffirmed that the fundamental objective of the government according to the constitution is security and welfare of all people; which means that the informal sector which accounts for as much as an estimated 57.9 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) according to the United Nations, should enjoy social security cover.

labour NUPTE calls for immediate passage of Postal Reform Bill 30

Stories by Soji-Eze Fagbemi

he Nigeria Union of Postal Telecommunication Employees (NUPTE) has called on the National Assembly to immediately pass the Postal Reform Bill. In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meet-

Monday, 2 November, 2015

ing, the union appealed to the legislators to expedite action on the passage of the bill, which they said is very critical to the sector. The communique, signed by NUPTE President, Comrade Sunday Alhassan and the General Secretary, Comrade Onakpo Chris, also kicked against the planned privatisation of the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMAST) by the Federal Government.

The union vowed to vehemently resist any attempt to sell the company. The communique said: “We shall resist any move by government to privatise the national heritage and common wealth of this country. We urged the Federal Government to instead inject more funds to the organisation. This will enable it launch a second satellite which will assist in improving the social security and economy wellbeing of

Nigerian Tribune

the nation.” On the issues of expatriate quotas and work permit, the union advised the Interior Ministry to check the gross abuse of expatriate quota and work permit by foreigners in the private sector, especiall in the telecommunication Industry, adding that this was unacceptable. It called on workers in the telecommunication industry who are yet to be members to join in the struggle to free workers from the management’s anti workers policies. On other national issues, the union called on the Federal Government to do all within its powers to rescue the Chibok girls; while it commended the anti-corruption crusade and the war against insurgence by President Muhammadu Buhari led government.

Be a pacemaker, bridge builder, TUC urges new Ooni of Ife

From left, the paramount ruler of Kagoro in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, His Royal Highness, Ufuwai Bonet; Business Executive, Retail-North Central, Sterling Bank Plc, Umar Suleiman; wife of the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs Ladi Bala Bantex and Service Manager, Kagoro Branch, Chukwuka Amangbo, at the formal opening ceremony of Sterling Bank’s Kagoro branch recently.

Workers’ positions on devaluation of naira, subsidy removal It is obvious that majority of Nigerians workers from the market place to shopping malls, to private and public offices and the streets, were strongly opposed to the ideas of further devaluation of naira and fuel subsidy removal, as been canvassed by some privileged few in the country. Represented by the two labour centres in the country, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigerian workers have given their positions and reasons for their strong opposition to further devaluation of Naira and removal of fuel subsidy. According to them, Nigeria is a non-exporting but import-dependent economy, and any further devaluation of its currency would take away more jobs and “sound the death knell” on the economy. President of the TUC, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama told Nigerian Tribune, that the value of the naira has already been drastically rubbished, adding that further devaluation will render totally useless the income of Nigerian workers, which has already been eroded with the current exchange rate. Besides, he said devaluation of naira will increase the cost of domestic production, fuelled inflation and undermine the ability of local industries to survive. As a result, Comrade Kaigama said it will worsen the nation’s critical growth and development and increase the poverty level in the country. Describing the call by the privileged few as unfortunate, he said: “The TUC feels particularly pained that while the impoverished masses of the country are still grappling with myriad of daunting challenges, ranging from high cost of living, the current dollar/pound sterling rates, outra-

geous electricity bills, and high rate of unemployment caused by unfriendly policies of successive governments, a privileged few are supporting and proposing naira devaluation. Some even advocate fuel subsidy removal despite the fact that the government is yet to meet the necessary palliative pre-conditions.” While proferring solutions, the TUC president called for the diversification of the economy and strict monitoring of the nation’s borders which have continued to allow the influx of goods that have local substitutes. He decried the reliance on oil, regretting that Nigeria has lost the opportunity to diversify between 2009 and 2014 when the exchange rate was relatively stable and oil prices as high as $110. He also lamented that the leaders did not demonstrate the requisite sense of responsibility, even while the price of crude oil was above $100 per barrel. Comrade Kaigama pointed out that agriculture and industrialisation are two areas the present government must not pay lip service to. He added: “We have lots of solid mineral resources which, if properly harnessed and developed, would place the country in the comity of industrialised and progressive nations. Deriving from this, the government must encourage Nigerians to patronise local products in order to stimulate local industry.” In his own position, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba also said as an import driven country, the effect of devaluing naira further would be more on the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt of high cost of goods and services. He said the purchasing abilities of both

industries and individuals will be dwindled and this will affect jobs in the long run, leading to unemployment and loss of jobs. According to him, those who are calling for further devaluation of naira are speaking only for international finance capital who are the direct beneficiaries of the pains of the poor in countries, “that have been unleashed with policies rammed down the throats of visionless and unpatriotic leaders blinded by the overbearing strengths and blackmails of the Breton Woods institutions.” He pointed out that these institutions have added no value to our national economy as they have used previous Nigerian governments to decimate the lives of our people as they gaggled our national economy to doldrums. Comrade Wabba said the NLC was not only opposed to it the devaluation of Naira and fuel subsidy removal, but have provided written details of how the petroleum industry can be managed to the benefit of our collective interests. He called on the government to revisit the reports of all the panels and committees that probed the industry following the organised labour 2012 mass protests, especially the reports that indicted individuals and firms that diverted subsidy funds to private interests. The NLC president emphasised tha the success of the strikes and mass protests against previous attempts to remove subsidy on petroleum products indicates mass rejection of the policy and “we believe the Buhari government will not yield to pressure from those who insist on privatising our collective wealth by removing subsidy on petroleum products.”

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has called on the newly elected Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to emulate the good works of his predecessor, Oba Sijuwade Okunade Olubuse II, whose indelible mark as a peacemaker and a bridge builder in the annals of Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. In its congratulatory message to the Ooni-elect, the TUC also commended the Osun State government for playing the role of a good umpire by ensuring a rancour free selection and succession process. It equally appealed to the ruling houses of Ife and citizens of the kingdom to support the new Ooni, to ensure that he succeeds. Signed by the TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, the message said the country today is grappling with ethnicity, religious conflicts and other ills which can only be overcome with love and understanding. Comrade Kaigama stated that this is the time for the political and traditional leaders to team up to reposition the country for accelerated and enduring growth, development, peace and security. While congratulating the Ooni-elect on his ascension to the throne, the congress stated that it finds it gratifying that Prince Adeyeye is of relatively young age and has never been found wanting in his social conduct and career. The message also read: “The role of traditional rulers in nation-building cannot be overemphasised. The Ooni of Ife’s throne is especially notable and highly revered as one that wields much influence, and exudes much wisdom and courage, all of which are fundamental attributes of quality leadership. “As he ascends the exalted throne of his forefathers, the congress joins members of his family, his friends, proteges, the good people of the historic kingdom of Ife and other well-wishers to fervently pray for God to guide, guard and grant him wisdom to lead. “The responsibilities of his new office are doubtlessly challenging, but we are confident that God has equipped His Royal Majesty with all he requires to rule well. “We urge the new monarch to see his appointment as a call to service and upliftment of not just the Ife people but of the whole of humanity.”

Monday, 2 November, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 taiadis@yahoo.com

The facts about Rivers, A/Ibom judgments —Yusuf Ali Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) has handled a number of high profile cases in his more than 30 years in legal practice. In this interview, he speaks on the critical issues arising from the elections petitions tribunal judgments in different states across the country, attitude of members of the political class to elections, among other issues. BIOLA AZEEZ brings excerpts.

the other.

Does the whole process indicate we’ve made progress against the background of what we experienced litigation-wise after general election? Oh yes! I think we’ve made a lot of progress. Our elections are becoming better. Better sanitised, and the impunity of the old is fast fading. At least, speaking for myself, I’ve been lucky to have been deeply involved in all these electoral disputes, resolutions since 1999. Of course, before then I had been a sole judge of election tribunal in Kwara State before. I know what it used to be and what’s happening now. So, I think we’ve made tremendous progress. And that’s in accord with my theory that the more transparent our elections become, the less will be the litigation. Of course, we must give room to the penchant of the average Nigerian politicians not being good sportsman. I don’t know why people believe that when people go to a contest, somebody will not win and somebody will not lose. Once you know from the beginning that a winner and a loser will emerge, I think it should also moderate level of acrimony. And the fact that the time units put in the determination of election, I think all of us will now see that it is far better. Because I remember after we finished in 2011, some journalists also asked me about that, and I said if you can’t prove your matter in six months, you won’t prove it in six years. And it’s better for us for certainty that within a year all electoral disputes that had to do with elections are put behind us. A situation, where people are using almost three and half years to fight a seat of a four-year tenure, is not good for anybody.

HAT would you consider as the emerging core issues from the judgments of the various election petitions across the country? I have been involved in quite a few. I was the lead counsel that did the Buruji Kashamu matter for the petitioner, Dapo Abiodun. Of course, the issues thrown up there are different from the issues in some other petitions. The core issues in that one are the issues of cheating, bribery, electoral violence, etc, which the tribunal held for nullifying the election in 110 polling units; the same thing with the House of Representatives and state House of Assembly. But, one thing that is coming up in the governorship election tribunals is the issue of the card readers. At least, in the one I am involved in, it was central in Rivers, the governorship and House of Assembly elections. It was raised tangentially in Yobe, where I was also involved for the respondent. In Rivers, I was part of the team for the petitioner, which included Chief Akin Olujimi, Akinola, etc. In Yobe, the issue of card readers featured. In Oyo, the issues were the normal general issue of electoral violence, rigging, and so on and so forth. In Nasarawa, similar issues were raised. So, for me, the things that are emerging from tribunals now is the introduction of the card reader machine. From what had happened now, it’s likely to play a determinant role in future elections and litigation arising from election matters. I can foresee a future for election matter,where issue of violence, etc will be at the back burner. And the issue of what was the result on the card readers vis a vis the declared result will become central and its going to be easier than normal old allegations of election malpractices, and so on. Because the card reader is designed in a way that it captures the failed accreditation and the successful accreditation, so, I can foresee that. Although, the dangerous trend that I found in what is going on is that for party that lost to start to make wild allegations against judiciary. I found it a bit disconcerting and alarming too. People should

Alli not make corruption allegation except you have incontrovertible evidence. My own challenge is that any of the party that lost, who believes that something had gone

wrong, should please approach the security agencies with hard facts. People should not scandalise other people’s parents and their names just because a case went one way or

The introduction of the card reader maching likely to play a determinant role in future elections and litigation arising from election matters... The issue of what was the result on the the card readers vis a vis the declared result will become central and its going to be easier than normal old allegations of election malpractices.

How would you rationalise the divergence of reactions trailing the judgments, some of which nullified the election of some governors and lawmakers? Unfortunately, Nigeria is one country where even someone who has not read a judgment will be condemning or be praising it. And that’s why I take a position when you ask me about a particular judgment, as a journalists asking me as a lawyer, I would tell you I have not read it and I won’t react. Most Nigerians react out of ignorance, sentiment, bias and stratified position. Most Nigerians don’t believe they can lose free, fair and square. And Yoruba have a saying that, “ole lo maa n mo ese ole e to lori apata.” It takes an evil person to think that somebody else is evil. That’s just the way I see it. So, the entire hullabaloo, the appellate system is there. Why do we take up arms immediately we lose an election? Are we saying we don’t have hope in appeal system? I think we should be mature in our reactions. And I also want to appeal to journalists speaking with people who have not read a judgment, it is better you uncontinues pg32

politics&policy

Monday, 2 November, 2015

‘Why Jega is not culpable’ rather told that part of our thing is that we should encourage people to settle. And 30 years of practice; I’ve never done it in my life. In fact, I encourage people not to resort to court if it’s possible. If you can make peace, why going to court? After all, what you are looking for by going to court is to look for peace. So, if you can make peace by other means, so be it. I am not aware that lawyers are behind all these people doing these litigations. Lawyers will sit in their offices, and people will go to them. The only problem is that we as lawyers should be able to tell our clients the truth. If you form an impression that this matter is not likely to fly, and that’s also in the book of professional ethics, we must be candid to your clients. We should tell the matter they want to pursue has no hope of success because of this and that.

continued from pg31

derplay whatever reaction they have. They don’t know the basis of the decision. Like I always tell people, judgments, of course, are based on law and facts. So, somebody that has not read judgment and is just taking a position because he’s biased in favour of one of the parties, they’ll say that a judgment is the worst judgment I have ever seen in life. Something you have not seen! Oh, it’s the best judgment. Something you’ve not read! But, are you not surprised that the tribunals ordered rerun, fresh poll or barred some politicians from contesting for life? I am not aware tribunal barred anyone for life... It happened in Adamawa. It was because, if you are not qualified, ab initio to contest election, of course, you’ll be excluded and in fact, that’s what has been happening before too. But, I am not surprised about ordering of fresh elections. You see like I told you, if you have proved your case, you are home and dry. If you are unable to, that’s too bad. In those places where rerun elections were ordered, it must have been that the tribunal found that the elections were not properly done in accordance with the principles and tenets of electoral act. And in places where elections were upheld, it means the tribunals were satisfied that the elections were conducted in substantial compliance with the electoral acts and guidelines of the elections. So, for me, I believe that you have to situate this within each of the cases. You can’t put the judgment in a strait jacket issue. Like I told you in the Buruji Kashamu and Dapo Abiodun matter, it was not the elections in all the centres that were annulled; it was the elections in 110 of the poling units. And in Akwa Ibom, elections were re-ordered in about 18 out of 30 plus local governments. So far, in governorship, only in Rivers those elections were ordered in all the wards, polling units and local governments. So, I believe tribunals have their reasons. Anybody who’s dissatisfied can appeal to test the correctness or otherwise of the case. So, nothing is cast in iron. If it’s a governorship election, until the Supreme Court pronounces then the matter is rested. For senatorial, House Assembly and House of Reps, the court of appeal makes final pronouncement. Do you subscribe to a call that retired judges should be allowed to head election tribunals, and why? Now, we should not be dancing back and forth on this matter. You’ll recall for those who remember well. During the time of the military, when 1996 local government elections were conducted, there were allegations that retired judges were corrupt. Then we should not use serving judges so that they won’t be pandering to people in power etc. Then they say let’s pick lawyers in private practice. That was when I became a sole judge for the election tribunal. Then appelate tribunals were also constituted of lawyers. At the end of the day, that experiment had to be disbanded because the same allegations against judges were raised against lawyers. And then for lawyers, people now came up with argument that there’s no disciplinary procedure for them for acting as judges in election tribunals at that time. And that it’s better we start using serving judges, who can be sanctioned since they are in service. And that was when in 1999 we came back to

Alli

A candidate that does not score up to 50 per cent of the winner of a particular election should not have right to the tribunal.

this same position. And I think it has been working well. Some judges had lost their appointment because of proven allegations of corruption as a result of election matters. So, the fear that the NJC could sanction serving judges is there. A judge that is retired, you can only hand him over to God and you won’t be there when the punishment will be meted out to him. So, I believe quite honestly, that we should just be consistent. We will we get out of the wood. I expected that the idea that the judges serve in states other than their own is working well. What kind of electoral reform would you say we need to smoothen the system and why? I think we should activate the electoral act that deals with pre-and post-election violence. People should be made to know that violence before during and after election will not go unpunished. But it’s already in the law. We should just implement it. Two, I believe quite honestly, that a candidate that does not score up to 50 per cent of the winner of a particular election should not have right to the tribunal. If the winner scores 100,000 votes, and you score 10,000 votes, for God’s sake why should he waste everybody’s time? So, there should be some limitation to go to the tribunals in terms of vote. If you are so unpopular to extent you are defeated in your own polling station, why do

you insult us by now coming to the tribunal. What if it was due to violence like it was alleged in Rivers? Then, that’s a different ball game; violence in your polling station and violence everywhere! In truth, people can hardly except when you deploy violence. Normal rigging or manipulation of votes hardly takes place except you are popular. Violence is a different ball game, when people are not even allowed to exercise their franchise. But to do normal paper rigging, like people normally do in those days, you still must have a level of popularity. But, I am talking of very stark ones. For example, you want to challenge election in, if it’s not tied to percentage of elections. How many number of House of Representatives did you win? If there are 20 members of a state House of Assembly, and your party did not win any, why should you come and be troubling us? There are claims that lawyers are sometimes behind the huge number of petitions/litigations, as they tend to encourage politicians to go to tribunals even when there is ample evidence that they do not have a case. I don’t know about that. I’ve never done that before. That’s called champerty. It’s unprofessional for you to encourage people to go to court, to promote litigation. We are

What other reforms in the electoral system you would like to see? Of course, I think there’s something that I am looking forward to, that is, a day when we won’t have to see security men in the polling stations. You watch elections in other climes; you don’t see security people there. Even if they are around the place, you won’t see them. Nobody knows. But unfortunately, preparing for elections here is like preparing for war; war by other means, which is wrong. To me, what that tells me is that members of the political class are not struggling because they want to serve us but to serve themselves. Because there should be, no force in I want to serve you, don’t serve us. If truly it’s for service, if I say I want to assist people, and people say don’t assist us. I’ll sit down quietly in my house. So, the nature of struggle, almost internecine struggle, that goes into power acquisition in Nigeria only points that the members of our political class are out to serve themselves than us. That’s the pointer, and of course, because of our perception that the easiest way to banish poverty is through political office, which is quite unfortunate; whereas political office should be such that it’s seen as a place to etch your name in gold and in the hearts of the people. Isn’t it a big dent on the INEC leadership that some elections, which it claimed to have been free, fair and won by certain candidates are being invalidated by tribunals? No! There are no perfect elections anywhere in the world. Even America elections are not devoid of dent. We have living memory of Al Gore against Bush. If the Supreme Court had not stopped manual counting of the votes, Al Gore would have defeated Bush. So, there’s no perfect election, because it’s a human thing. And all of us will not be the same. In an organisation, where you have three or four people, the level of honesty, dedication, integrity will not be the same. And don’t forget we are human. We have our foibles. We have our Achilles heel. We have our preferences. No matter how neutral you say you want to be, you have your preferences. And people work towards the attainment of their own preferences. Given the fact that the name of INEC kept recurring in some allegations over the conduct of the 2015 elections, do you not think that the commission is INEC culpable like the direct beneficiaries of some flawed polls? Well, you can’t say they were culpable except you have glaring cases of a situation that INEC sabotaged. The commission has no control of people hijacking ballot boxes. continues pg34

politics&policy

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Why Tribunals’ verdicts on Rivers, A/Ibom won’t stand —Aduwo Olufemi Aduwo is the president, Rights Monitoring Group (RMG)/Executive Director/CEO, Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity (CCDI) and member, World Bank MGDs Assessment Civil Societies Forum. He speaks with DEPUTY EDITOR DAPO FALADE on the recent tribunal judgments on the election petitions in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, among other issues.

OURS was one of the accredited observer groups in the last general election. What is your view on the verdicts of the elections petitions tribunals as they affect Akwa lbom and Rivers states? Section 138 (1) of the Electoral Law (as amended 2011) stipulates that an election may be questioned on any of the following grounds: that a person whose election is questioned was, at the time of the election, not qualified to contest the election; that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices or non-compliance with the provisions of this Act; that the respondent was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election; or that the petitioner or its candidate was validly nominated but was unlawfully excluded from the election. From what the law says, the issue of card reader is not one of the grounds and before the general election, we issued press statements to warn on the danger of the card reader that was unknown to the law. You may be surprised to know that card readers were not used in the North during the last elections. Don’t get me wrong. What l mean is that more than 85 per cent of voters during the presidential election in the North did not pass through the card reader and many of the returning officers in the North were state civil servants, whereas that was not the position in the South. You have not really talked about the Akwa Ibom and Rivers judgments. Yes, I know; I was only trying to lay the background for you to know where I am coming from. The judgments in both states, as they affected the governorship election are laughable. For instance, four voters/witnesses said they could not vote and, because of that, the confused tribunal declared the votes in more than 1,900 polling units cancelled, whereas many other people also testified that election took place. That showed the tribunal was biased and l believe the appellate court would upturn such judgment. In the case of Rivers State especially, the tribunal chairman was not only unfair by having the audacity to challenge the superior courts’ judgments on the issue of card reader as a ground to cancel an acceptable election. The juggling of judicial officers and members of the governorship elections petitions tribunals of Akwa lbom and Rivers states also showed that there was an alleged external influence. I am not saying an election cannot be cancelled by the court or tribunal if the ground is genuine. But, don’t forget that Rotimi Amaechi would perform better to retain Rivers State for the All Progressives Congress (APC) than become a federal minister because the allegation against him is overwhelming. What has former Governor Amaechi got to do with the issue at hand, more so, when he said he was not indicted by the Judicial Commission

ing to the state and stashed away in some places were returned, while those found culpable should be prosecuted. l also read that both President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki already have copies of the report of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, indicting the former governor. That was why many people wondered why President Buhari wanted Amaechi as a minister. My advice to the APC and Mr President is that we should be careful; the democracy in the country is young. It was a great mistake made by the then Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), a political party which did not realise the fact that our democracy during the First Republic was young, allowed self-interest to destroy the effort and we paid dearly for that silly mistake. Are you now saying the Rivers election was free and fair and should not have been upturned by the tribunal? Nowhere in the world can you have free, fair and credible election. l was a member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delegation that observed the 2009 United States presidential election and l was also in the United Kingdom in 2010 for the general election. You will remember the Al-gore versus Bush election; it was not free but it was acceptable.

Aduwo

If the court finds the issue of card readers inconsequential in the Jimi Agbaje vs Akinwunmi Ambode case in Lagos State, why did the same issue become consequential in the case of Rivers State?

of Inquiry set up by his successor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to probe the financial spending of his administration? Amaechi should be my age mate, or l am older than him. The man is being economical with truth. Before the Senate, he

declared that he was not indicted by the judicial commission. Maybe, he does not understand what an indictment is. The chairman of the judicial commission, Justice George Omereji, recommended that Governor Wike should swing into action and ensure that billions of naira belong-

Many people know that 1.9m voters did not truly vote for Buhari in Kano State. Why is the government silent on the killing of the Kano State Residential Electoral Commissioner (REC) immediately after the presidential election? Who killed the man, his wife and children? A foreign mission claimed that more than 800,000 illegal votes were added to Buhari’s votes in Kano State. Don’t forget that the difference between former President Goodluck Jonathan and Buhari in the presidential election was less than 2.7m votes and the five PDP governors, who joined the APC gave more than 3.8 m votes to Buhari. I learnt that some APC stalwarts allegedly want to declare a state of emergency in Akwa lbom and Rivers states in case the APC did not get what they want through court by creating confusion. Nigerians will not allow that to happen again in this country. What exactly is your grouse against the judiciary in respect of the judgments? With due respect to the Bench, it is a fact that it is not all benchers that are men of honour, though not only in Nigeria. You will recall that the late Justice Kayode Eso, (an erudite legal luminary), in an unpublished Panel report, recommended many judges for dismissal. But former President Olusegun Obasanjo did sack many of them. So, you will still have bad eggs on the Bench working hand-in-hand with their collaborators at the Bar. Let us assume that the tribunal is the final court in the case of Rivers in respect of the governorship and House of Assembly elections and both the governor and Speaker of the state legislature were sacked, what then happen? There will be anarchy. continues pg33

politics&policy

Monday, 2 November, 2015

‘Card reader, precursor to electronic voting’ way they asked questions, like some people will come and they asked them questions on education, health, economy. To some it’s mixed grill. You can see the snippet that they probably have the knowldege. It’s not impossible if the president had affixed specific ministries to each prospective nominee.

continued from pg32

What can INEC do? There’s little INEC can do to control ad-hoc staff who compromised themselves because it’s a human thing. So you can’t foreclose all sorts of permutations and wrong doings that may come. By and large, INEC did really try during last elections, especially with the deployment of card reader machine. It is quite innovative that the American ambassador said that Nigeria had beaten America to that. That’s a good innovation. And I think with future perfection of card readers by the new leadership of INEC, we should be getting ready for electronic voting in this country. With what you saw during the screening of the ministerial nominees, would you say it’s business as unusual? My own understanding of the Senate President was that he should be more thorough. That’s the way I see it. You would have seen some germane questions thrown at the nominees. There were some nominees that spent more than two hours on the stand. There were two or three cases that were simply told to go home because they’ve rendered services to Nigeria before. You can’t also say that that’s totally out of place. It’s like if you get to a Guild of Editors now, if Chief Segun Osoba comes to Guild of Editors, what can you say to him? You know what I mean? It’s not perfect. I hope we get there one day when the screening in the Senate will be such that people’s background, and what they said when they were ten-year old will come to the fore. But where is the record even if you want to do it? So, we must be able to build a body. And we’ll also be able to assist the system. And there’s something journalists can do. When somebody is nominated as a minister, you can go to your archives and exhume all the things he has said before, at interviews and interactions. So, that’s how to do it. So, we can all contribute to a more dynamic

Alli screening system. But, by and large I think the last screening exercise was an improvement over what it used to be. And I think we can keep on improving, especially when you are the custodians of facts of individuals can say we have this information about this person. If somebody had preached hate before, and tribalism, you are the people who can know. People read newspapers and just throw them somewhere. But you have the copies. So that’s where I think all of us can assist the system. Some people believe that the screening exercise would have been more robust if ministries had been assigned against prospective nominees.... From the questions, you would have seen that the senators had inkling into likely ministries of the nominees. And I know that since the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the senators had not been insisting that ministries should be behind the name of the ministerial nominees. With the

The Federal Government gave out bailout to states to pay salary of workers, at a time the volume of revenue has consistently nosedived…. As long as we refuse to put our thinking cap on, we’ll be in the doldrums. Nigeria is the only country I know in the world where at every month, you go to the centre to be distributing money like armed robbers distributing loot. You know when armed robbers go on operation, they sit down to share their loot, apportion the money. That’s how we are doing here. Money comes in into the Federation Accounts, people go to Abuja and they sit down. The thing is even corrupt. It has a corruptive influence. You hear stories that to bolster your allocation, you have to do this. And even to get your money released, you have to do that. It’s so sad. Whereas in other places, monies are generated by the states and they give a portion of it to Federal Accounts. And we have too many potential. The way to start is to make sure people pay taxes. And government must ensure that taxes work for the people. People must see what the tax money is used for. You see, if our revenue had been largely based on taxes, the level of corruption would not have been this deep, because if I pay my tax, and I don’t see result, I can take up wahala with anybody. But we are not concerned. People don’t feel it’s our money when these monies are embezzled. People think it’s from our commonwealth, vessel. If it’s tax money, we’ll be more vigilant to ensure that it’s used properly. “Oil money is nobody’s money”, so they say. It’s quite sad. States should raise their IGR almost to the level of what they’ll earn from

the federal allocation. Lets put in place efficient tax collection system. But let’s do it in a way that people will be encouraged to pay tax. First, to ensure that its not back-breaking or else few will be paying, and majority won’t. Two, let people see the result of tax money they’ve paid in operation. Tax must work for the people. Three, people should be given incentives to pay tax. For instance, if you set up a place and you employ three to four people, if you are supposed to pay N1,000, you pay N500 since those you are empowering would be paying tax. How do you see the idea of giving the bailout fund or loan to a governor whose case is still in the tribunal? The money will be accounted for. If any governor now uses such money to pay for his case in tribunal, he will account for it. If you have a case in the tribunal, it’s your personal case and not state’s case. You are not entitled to use states fund to pay for your personal case. Speaking for myself, I have always been insisting that your attorney general will not speak with me. No, because it’s your personal case. So, it’s you that must pay. And what that tells you clearly is that virtually all states in Nigeria are not economically viable. And that’s why I say that no patriotic Nigerian should ask for state creation. I have suggested in the past that at least for those agitating, a moratorium should be placed in the constitution for at least 20, 25 years. We should not even be wasting our time talking about it. When you create additional states, you increase overhead. You don’t have enough money to do capital projects. You’ll be spending most of the money on recurrent items. A new House of Assembly, new speaker, new deputy speaker, and money for capital projects. Look at Ife-Ibadan road, it’s been on now for about 10 years. Abandoned! Lokoja-Abuja road, abandoned! And it’s in Nigeria we are constructing new roads of four lanes. It’s a waste of everybody’s time.

‘The issue of card readers’ continued from pg33

I heard that the APC is determined to have three oil-producing oil states in the South-South: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, through the tribunals. The consequence of such an action, if it is true, may be devastating as it will affect the image of the government in the comity of nations and the people’s confidence in the judiciary will evaporate. Such act will be a dangerous signal and a bad omen for the judiciary in the country. The Eso Panel had noted this ugly situation long time ago; a corrupt judge is more harmful than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street. When a tribunal is giving a judgment that is opposite to a superior court’s position, as it was done in the Rivers State governorship case, then there is room for doubt. It is a high time psychiatry test was made compulsory for public officials in this country. What has informed your hard stance against the tribunal? One of my major grouse with the members of the tribunal has to do with its verdict on the issue of card reader as it affected the election in Rivers State. If the court finds the issue of card readers in-

consequential in the Jimi Agbaje vs Akinwunmi Ambode case in Lagos State, why did the same issue become consequential in the case of Rivers State? Why should a tribunal have the audacity to contravene a judgment given by a superior court? Ask the observers the mess that happened in Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and many states in the North during the elections, where civil servants from the states served as returning officers. It is clear that the SouthSouth and South-East zones are PDP enclaves. l was in Rivers for the World Bank assessment exercise a few weeks ago and we visited rural areas in the state. I can assure you that the PDP government is on ground in the state. Let me advise the

APC leadership and its members to manage what they have and allow the nation to move forward, rather than taking actions that can cause chaos. The present Federal Government has been in office for five months now. What is your assessment of the administration? Some people are becoming restless and confused because the government’s direction remains unknown. Mr President did not hide it that past government officials were corrupt, stashing away the nation’s resources in foreign banks. To be precise, Mr President recently appealed to world leaders, in whose domain stolen

I heard that the APC is determined to have three oilproducing states in the South-South: Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, through the tribunals... The consequence of such action may be devastating.

funds and assets are being kept by corrupt individuals, to help return such. You will recall that the Swiss Ambassador in Nigeria met Mr President immediately he was declared winner and he told the president that the newly discovered Sani Abacha loot is waiting for repatriation. He encouraged Mr President to put forward the necessary demand documentation. l don’t know if anything has been done in that direction. With due respect, Mr President did not prepare for the office and APC did not believe the party will win. Don’t forget that the leadership of the ruling party is a collection of strange bedfellows. What brought them together was not an ideology; it was the quest for power by any means necessary and how to wrestle power from former President Jonathan. That was the only inspiration behind APC. After the elections, all the promises both the APC and Buhari made were disowned. But you and l know that there were promises of millions of jobs that will be created; there were promises of social welfare programmes and nobody is talking about them anymore. I belong to the class of people who expected nothing from Buhari government, for we shall not be disappointed.

Monday, 2 November, 2015 Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 08111845048

features

Ibadan tanker explosion: It’s been one year of pain, loss —Survivors About a year ago, a tanker fell, exploded and turned the popular Molete bus stop in Ibadan to death zone. GANIYU SALMAN and PAUL OMOROGBE sought victims and survivors of the incident to find out how life has changed for them ever since.

Scene of the explosion

NARGUABLY, to some of the victims of the Molete fire tanker incident in Ibadan, Saturday, October 11, 2014, will take a long time to be forgotten. Aside from the property destroyed through the inferno, it also claimed lives, while some who survived are yet to get over the unfortunate incident. Mr Murtala Adedeji considered himself lucky after sheer providence saved him and his two daughters from the jaw of death on that fateful night. ‘I became jobless after the inferno consumed my car’ The 60-year-old cab driver was not however, lucky as he lost the Micra car with registration number KSH 173 XA then in his possession to the inferno. “I was not the owner of the car. Somebody gave it to me and my partner, Kehinde Ganiyu so that if we were able to pay for the car, it would belong to us. Kehinde was on morning duty that day while I handled the afternoon session and it was the first day we even got the car from the owner. “After closing for the day, I went home (around Molete) to park the car, but my children said they would follow me out again when I decided to eat amala (yam flour) instead of rice prepared at home that night. So, I took them along to the amala joint and that was about 8.25pm. After I parked around the Molete bridge, I negotiated with a vulcaniser

to change one of the tyres and he also agreed to sell another fairly-used tyre to me. The vulcaniser even jokingly said being a new car, he would collect N500.00 and I said there was no problem. The car wash boy charged me N200.00. “On getting back to the amala joint, it wasn’t quite long when we saw one boy and girl already on fire. They were echoing fire, fire and we quickly rescued them by pouring water on them. By then everybody including the amala shop owner had run away for safety and when I stepped out of the vicinity, I saw that my car had already caught fire. I tried to open the door with the car key but I couldn’t. There was fire virtually everywhere. In fact, the vulcaniser who wanted to work on my car tyres was

I can’t use my hands to eat, I can’t bathe myself. I don’t know what to do now because my children are the ones taking care of me.

consumed by the fire. “It was divine favour that saved me and my two children from death. Had it been I left them in the car, I don’t know what would have happened. My driver’s licence and that of my partner got burnt in the car as well as my mobile phone and some amount of money,” said Adedeji. On how he overcame the trauma, Adedeji said he later got a succour about four months ago saying “I was jobless for almost eight months before a fried of mine who is a mechanic gave me another MICRA car for cab.” “I have lost my hands; my wife has left me” Ganiu Lukman has been deformed. His fingers are crumpled. His grip is gone. The burns on his face and the rest of his body make it a painful experience to come out in the sun. He must wait till the weather is cool before he goes out. He recounts the events that changed his life for worse a year ago. “I started out on that day to work for what my children and wife would survive on. I was a taxi driver for over 20 years. That day I parked the Nissan Micra I had just finished paying for two months ago at Molete under bridge to pick passengers. I had picked three passengers and was waiting for the fourth when the tanker fell. Some tricycles had blocked me; as soon as I tried to start the car, it was fire I saw. The passengers at the back were completely burnt. “I was about running away when I saw

someone else on the ground beside my car. I stopped to help the person. When I lifted the person, he said I should put him down because fire was on my body. I looked and saw it was true, and so I ran and jumped into a nearby body of water and that was how the fire was put out. “When I got home, my wife took me to the hospital. I was taken to Temilade Hospital at Oja Oba that fateful night. The next morning the doctor said he couldn’t treat me anymore because he didn’t think he was capable. I was transferred to Ona-Iye at Olomi where I spent all what I had including my relatives’ money on my hospital bills. Soon, we ran out of money. “When I was discharged, my hands began to fold up because of inadequate care and lack of money. During this ordeal, my wife ran away leaving me with five children during the Ramadan period in May. She used to feed me; I can’t use my hands to eat, I can’t bathe myself. I don’t know what to do now because my children are the ones taking care of me.” ‘I carry a bag of drugs everywhere I go’ A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God who spoke without mentioning his name is one of the survivors of the Molete fire disaster. “Out of 13 persons taken to the University College Hospital (UCH) only two of us survived. I am alive because of God and the people around me that supported me with money. “I left my office on that fateful day to buy food at Molete. I had been on a fast and decided to break. I had sent someone earlier to buy food, but I felt a check within me so I asked him to come back and I went by myself. No sooner had I alighted from the ‘okada’ I took there when I had a loud bang and I began to run. Before I knew it, fire had engulfed me. I protected my face and jumped into a canal where I rolled in the water inside it to quench the fire,” he said By then the damage had been done. He had suffered third degree burns on over 25 per cent of his body on his head, back, both arms and thighs. “I was taken to a private hospital in OkeAdo. But I was transferred to UCH the following day for proper treatment. The doctors and nurses were shocked to find out that GV (Gentian Violet) was used in treating my burns. “The major troubles I suffered apart from the pains were the itching and pepperish feeling. We were given moderate shots of morphine to combat this. On getting home after months of treatment I had to consume 15 eggs every day,” he said. Today, he is fast recovering but still on medication. He carries a bag along with him containing drugs he takes daily which he noted were quite expensive, a lotion and a wrapper he uses in order for pus not to stain the furniture he uses. He currently undergoes physiotherapy to keep his arms and wrists’ joints from getting stiff due to the damages.

features

Monday, 2 November, 2015

After the glamorous entry of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi of the Giesi ruling house into Ile-Ife as Ooni- elect, VERA ONANA speaks with Ife indigenes eager to air their expectations and hopes for the years that would follow his succession to the throne of the Oonirisa.

n expectant people, hungry for leadership and willing to render unwavering followership took to the streets of Ile-Ife with contagious smiles, spontaneous laughter and widely opened arms to embrace the entrance of their new monarch, the Oonielect, Prince Ogunwusi. Aside the glitz, the expectations of Ife indigenes are high. He should give Ife a face-lift—Beadmakers In an interaction with Nigerian Tribune, one of the bead-makers at the Iyalode Kosere royalty accessories home in Ife stated that “This is a new era for Ile-Ife. Our land will shine brightly like a star in the darkest of nights. We are deeply satisfied with the choice of the gods, surely they have picked the king Ife needs. I am very optimistic. I believe that Prince Enitan will deliver. I personally hope that he revamps Ile-Ife and give the town a completely new look. “It is also my deepest desire that he industralises the town as well so that businesses will boom. Based on the rich cultural history that Ife has as the cradle and the source of the Yoruba people, outsiders come to Ife with big expectations but usually their hopes are dashed when they see that it is just a little town striving to develop. I want him to change that and I believe that he can. He must bring in industries and factories so that jobless indigenes can be gainfully employed.” ‘We need rapid development’ Another beadmaker, Adeyemo Comfort, picked up from where Eniola stopped. For her, “We need serious development in Ife because it is the source of the Yoruba people. Ife should no longer just be called the source, it should look the part and that is why we need drastic and rapid development. That way, Ife children that are away from home will be eager to visit and we will be proud that truly we are the cradle of the Yoruba people. I am very excited about the reign of Prince Adeyeye and I anticipate great things.” We believe art and craft will flourish under him— Drummers’ association The atmosphere at the premises of the Egbe Omo Onilu (association of drummers) was contagiously gay, filled with so much euphoria. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, the leader of the group, Ayanremilekun Ajibona, Baale Onilu of Ife Central, said “We

Leader and members of the Drummers’ Association in Ile-Ife

Ooni-elect: He should bring in industries, employment —Ife indigenes ushered in Prince Enitan into town with our talking drums. The talking drum is considered a bride of the king so this group believes that the king will not treat his bride badly. Therefore, we are certain that this group will flourish under Prince Enitan’s reign but we also wish that he will change the face of Ife. We want industries, companies and factories where our children can work. I personally like the fact that he is young and has strength so he can pick up the baton from where the late Ooni Sijuwade stopped and run with it.” ‘Ife should not be synonymous with lack’ John Abiola, chairman of the Olofin Okada Park in Ife said “by the grace of God, I believe all that has been taken away from Ife will be restored and the glory of Ife will

Yeye Oge of Ilode, Omolajaiye

radiate throughout the earth in Prince Enitan’s regime. Every inhabitant of the land whether indigene or non indigene will eat the good of the land as Prince Enitan’s reign continues. I am an indigene of Iji-Oke and my greatest desire is that Ife becomes highly industralised. I wish to see big companies coming to Ife so that there will be more jobs for the people so that poverty will be drastically reduced in this town. Ife is the cradle of the Yoruba people and should not be synonymous with lack and poverty but affluence.” ‘He should pursue peace’ Elder Akinsola, also of the Olofin Okada Park shared his expectations with Nigerian Tribune. “I thank God because the emergence of Prince Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi was totally accepted but I do not want

Okada riders’ at the Olofin Okada Park

Prince Enitan to regard himself as the best among all the contestants who contested for the stool of the Ooni. God chose him not because he is perfect and that is why he must first reconcile with all the other contestants and ensure that there is no bad blood between him and them. “He must learn to bring them close in friendship because a tree cannot make a forest. Ife is bigger than all of us and whosoever sits on the Ooni stool becomes the father of everyone and must display that fatherliness by showing love and kindness to everyone including those that contested the stool with him. A great Ooni must not hold grudges or show any form of bitterness and that is the kind of Ooni we want Prince Enitan to be so that more good can come into our land.” Chief Mulikatu Olafare, the Iyalode Okerewe of Ile-Ife shared her hopes and expectations with Nigerian Tribune thus: “I am really excited about the emergence of a new king. “I hope that he industralises this town because that is what Ife needs now- industries and big companies. The late Ooni did his best but I hope that Prince Enitan would establish industries that will end joblessness among the Ife youths and reduce poverty in the town. Most of the buildings in Ife are the old and very ancient buildings but if Ife is industralised and big companies come into town, better buildings will be constructed and the town will wear a better outlook. He is young, educated and filled with strength. In fact he distributed transformers to Iloromu, Opa, Ondo Road, Ilode, Iremo, Parakin and Eleyele and they are all working. If he can do that, he can make Ife the Ife of our dreams.” A group of young men who wore customized T- shirts sat at an open court at the left wing of the Ooni’s palace. Their heads were half shaved and the inscription at the back of their shirts read ‘Emese’. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, one of them who claimed to be their lead, Sule Elempe, said “we sit at the feet of the king and do his bidding. The process for the coronation of the Ooni has begun and it is a long one. Right now, he is in 21 days seclusion. We are a huge part of his kingship. We follow him everywhere, even on trips. We are like his policemen. Prince Enitan has been chosen for Ife at this time for a purpose and his reign will further expand the land and attract good tidings from all over the world.” Omolajaiye Omolola, the Yeye Oge of Ilode Ile-Ife said “I am extremely excited about the emergence of Prince Enitan Adeyeye as Oonielect and I have been praying for the success of his coronation and installation as the new Oonirisa of Ile-Ife. True he may be young age wise but he became an elder the moment he got elected as Ooni. “He will become the father of all the Yoruba people after his coronation so we are not excepting him to do things for only the Ife people. His name already tells us the kind of king he will be – Adeyeye is who the crown fits and Enitan means great history. One can tell that in his reign, great and beautiful histories will be recorded in Ile-Ife.”

Sule Elempe, Head, Emese Ooni

Monday, 2 November, 2015

2ND ANNUAL INTER-HOUSE SPORTS ATHLETICS COMPETITION OF HAPPY CHILDREN NURSERY & PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MARIE CURIE ACADEMY, TEKOBO, IDI-ABA, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

4 1. Blue house, winner of the march past competition. 2. Pupils during the pick the balls event (male category). 3. Director, Happy Children Nursery & Primary School and Marie Curie Academy, Mr. O. K. Morenikeji (second right); Green house captain/Overall winner, Inter-House Sports Athletics Competition (second left); Pink house captain/2nd position (left) and Blue house captain/3rd position (right). 4. Proprietress, Happy Children Nursery & Primary School and Marie Curie Academy, Chief (Ms.) E. O. Sodeinde (middle) with the pupils, house masters and mistress during the competition.

news

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Buhari playing politics with Ogoni clean-up —Ogoni youths

RESIDENT of the National Youth Council of the Ogoni People, Dr Young Nkpah, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of deceiving Ogoni people over his pronouncement on Ogoni clean-up.

President Buhari had, immediately after assumption of office, announced his readiness to implement the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report on cleaning of Ogoni land. In a statement by Dr Nkpah, however, the youth

said “after a study of the approach, loud pronouncements and long delays adopted by the government on the globally celebrated implementation, the Ogoni people are not persuaded about the sincerity of the President Buhari-led gov-

Shehu Sani attacks el-Rufai again Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

THE senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, on Sunday, called on opposition forces in the state to turn Kufena hills in Zaria to a meeting place for good governance, accountability and government without arrogance. Sani was apparently reacting to a recent statement credited to Governor Nasir el-Rufai that those who were not happy over political appointments in the state should climb the hill and fall. The senator, while speaking with newsmen on the current happenings in the state, noted that the statement was highly irresponsible from a governor who came to power through the people’s mandate. “The fact about the Governor el-Rufai’s Kufena Hill proclamation is that he has put it on a national discourse and I hope as a state, Kufena Hill will become a tourist attraction and destination for people who wants to see where opposition suppose to go and climb, fall and die. “In a serious sense, it is an irresponsible statement to have called on the people

Catholic Archbishop admonishes Christians By Chinweokwu Ugwuanyi

ARCHBISHOP of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Reverend (Dr) Gabriel Abegunrin, has admonished Christians to be Christ-like. Delivering a sermon on Sunday, at the Church of Ascension, Bodija, to commemorate this year’s All Saints Day, Abegunrin charged the congregation to live their lives in accordance with God’s dictates, just like the saints did. He also enjoined Christians to learn from the exemplary lives of the departed saints. “The disciples in Antioch were called Christians because they followed the ways of Christ. If Christians of today will love one another, the world will have less evil,” he said.

who voted us into power to go and climb such a hill and to fall and die. “My advice to all the opposition forces in Kaduna is that they should turn Kufena Hills into a meeting place to demand for good governance, accountability and government without arrogance,” he said. Sani also berated the elite in Southern Kaduna as being responsible for the total

neglect the area had witnessed in the last 16 years. While receiving officials of the Southern Kaduna Youth Mobilisation for Peace Forum, led by its chairman, Mr Friday Jangado, in his campaign office on Sunday, Sani noted that the Southern Kaduna people had been abandoned by past administrations and neglected by the present administration under el-Rufai.

Oyo guber: Accord Party goes to Appeal Court By Dare Adekanmbi

CCORD Party governorship candidate and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has described the judgment delivered by the Justice Mohammed Mayaki-led tribunal as “a travesty of justice, full of contradictions and legal somersault.” Ladoja, who said he had left members of the tribunal to their consciences, vowed to challenge the verdict at the Appeal Court, expressing conviction that he would get justice at the higher court, despite what he called the miscarriage of justice by the tribunal. He spoke through the Director-General of his campaign organisation and former speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Adeolu Adeleke, at a press conference in Ibadan, on Sunday. Adeleke said the same tribunal, which dismissed the petition because the presenter of evidence was not an expert, had ruled against such claim in a motion by counsel to Ajimobi and the All Progressives Congress

(APC) during the hearing of the petition. “It has been observed with dismay the series of verbal attacks launched by Ajimobi against Ladoja for exercising his fundamental human right of challenging the April 11 election. “We wish to state unequivocally that no amount of attacks will stop Ladoja from retrieving his mandate through the instrumentality of law. The denial of justice at the lower court cannot make Ladoja to lose hope in the judiciary. The former governor thanked the people of the state for heeding his directive not to embark on any form of protest against “the questionable judgment,” while assuring them of justice at the Appellate Court. Meanwhile, Adeleke has asked the people of the state to ask Governor Ajimobi how he spent the N47.6 billion that accrued to the state in the last five months. Adeleke said the state received N21 billion as federal allocation and N26.6 billion as bailout for the payment of salaries owed workers in the state.

ernment, whose earlier promises were designed to score cheap political points.” He said after the July 28 consultative meeting held in Abuja and chaired by the immediate past head of service, Danladi Kifasi, the Federal Government was yet to release any funds to kickstart the process. “Since the announcement by President Buhari of immediate action and release of funds, the Federal Government has seemingly

dozed-off on the programme without regard to the health hazards and increasing mortality rate resulting from the long polluted Ogoniland. “The silence by President Buhari’s administration has raised strong suspicion among the Ogonis that the Federal Government, in collaboration with Shell, has opted for their usual primitive strategy of divide and rule to set the Ogoni leaders and the people against themselves and also employing

gradual frustration of the oil clean-up programme to force the collective loyalty of the Ogoni nation to join the ruling party in the country,” the statement said. The youth leader said the Ogoni struggle had gone beyond being politicised and warned that “any attempt to break the formidable rank of the united Ogoni people will be vehemently resisted by the National Youth Council of the Ogoni People and the entire Ogoni nation.”

Ex-commissioner lauds Buhari over Shittu By Yemisi Aofolaju

CONFIRMATION of Mr Adebayo Shittu as minister designate of President Muhammadu Buhari administration by the Senate, last Thursday, has been lauded. Reacting to the confirmation, a two-time Oyo State Commissioner, Alhaji Gbadegesin Adeleke Alesinloye, said “This confirmation by the Senate last Thursday is an indication that the highest legislative house is ready to work in synergy with the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.’’ Adeleke, who spoke in

Ibadan, at the weekend, noted that the time for APC to work together is now, adding that “Going by the brilliant performance of Mr Shittu at the screening, the time for the ruling party to work together, forget their differences, work for the progress of Nigeria and Oyo State in particular is now. “I can only ask both Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Mr Shittu to close ranks and work for the progress and development of Oyo State since there is unity in oneness that guarantees progress,” Alhaji Adeleke stressed. Another Oyo State businessman and politician,

Alhaji Adeyemi Jalaruru, also commended President Buhari for picking Mr Shittu as one of his would-be cabinet member, saying his choice was not a mistake. “I can equivocally say that the choice of Shittu is the right step in the right direction as the nominee has proved over years to be man of integrity. “We are privy to his antecedence. There is no cause for fear as we know that the Oke-Ogun born politician will once again prove his worth as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is ready to assist the needy,” Alhaji Jalaruru said.

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news Fasoranti resigns as Afenifere chairman 40

Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

HE leader of the Pan Yoruba socio- political group, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, on Sunday, voluntarily resigned his appointment as the leader of the group citing old age among other factors for his resignation. Fasoranti stated this in a letter addressed to the Secretary General of the group, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa and some other leaders of the group, including Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Supo Sonibare and all state chairmen of Afenifere, informing them about his decision to step aside as the leader of the group. The octogenarian stated in the letter “Our organisation, Afenifere was formed in 1951 under the leadership of our leader; Chief Obafemi

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Awolowo. The organisation was formed to serve as an umbrella to be used to actualise the dream of a great nation and the Yoruba race. “Over the years, Yorubas have tried to focus on a common goal. Chief Awolowo tried to ensure the oneness of our people with a lot of efforts notwithstanding the challenges he faced in the process. Unfortunately, he passed on without actualising this dream. “I joined Afenifere from inception with the following leaders of our race, Pa Onasanya, Alhaji Ganiyu Daodu, Pa Abraham Adesanya,

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Sam Sonibare, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire and so on. “The mantle of leadership fell on late Pa Adekunle Ajasin and subsequently Pa Adesanya and then my humble self. As events have been unfolding in the past few years, the focus and goals of the founding fathers of our great organisation ‘Afenifere’ were gradually eroded. “This therefore made it herculean task for our members to work in unity. Several efforts were made to ensure the actualisation

of the Afenifere goals, but it appeared that we have not succeeded in achieving this. This is basically due to reasons best known to our members individually. Fasoranti also explained the motive behind supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan in the last election over his promise to implement the report of the conference and expressed no regret over the group’s decision. “Let me state clearly that the issue of adoption of the national conference report had always been the focus and goal of our people in

Afenifere even long before the National Confab was set up. The support of a leader who promised to implement this report was therefore not a mistake and inevitable despite all public insinuations. “Considering my age, efforts and selfless dedication to my country, my state (Ondo), my political parties, my past leaders and my members in Afenifere both in Nigeria and in Diaspora, I hereby wish to inform you all that I have decided to step aside as leader of our great organisation Afenifere.”

Oyo NUP, NUT congratulate Ajimobi By Oluyomi Fashakin

OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has been congratulated on his victory at the election petitions with a prayer that God give him guidance and wisdom to be able to steer the ship of the state successfully for another four years. This was contained in a press release by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State chapter and signed by its vice-chairman, Pa Gbadegesin Akande and the secretary, Mr Olusegun Abatan, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune. The union urged Governor Ajimobi to be magnanimous in victory and as the sun, be generous to all and sundry, and shun temptation to see some as loving or having voted for him while others are seen as having not voted for him. However, they advised the governor that the composition of his next cabinet be all-inclusive of shades of opinions irrespective of political or religious affiliations. The union also appealed to the opposition as well to remain calm and be law-abiding and work assiduously to make Oyo State a true pacesetter state. Meanwhile, leadership of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State wing, has expressed pleasure over the declaration of the Oyo State governor, Senator Ajimobi, winner of the April 11, governorship election in the state as affirmed by the Election Petition Tribunal in Ibadan, on Tuesday.

From left, newly appointed Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Lagos State, Mr Rotimi Ogunleye; Bishop, Lagos West Missionary Diocese, African Church, Right Reverend Akin Ajayi; former chairman, Lagos State Market Development Board, Mr Bode Ogunleye and the Vice LayPresident, Lagos West Missionary Diocese, African Church, Mr Adebayo Ogunleye, at a thanksgiving service for the commissioner, at African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Quick justice dispensation our priority —Lagos CJ Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

THE Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring quick and effective dispensation of justice in the state. Justice Atilade stated that once issues of delay in administration of justice is eradicated, the state will move on in other areas, adding that the Lagos judiciary is committed to excellence, as a foremost judiciary with numerous pacesetting achievements. The Chief Judge, who was speaking at the 2015 Annual Lecture of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, at the weekend, said that more than ever, the Lagos State Judiciary remains focused in the discharge of its responsibility. Justice Atilade, who was

represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR), Legal, Mrs A.O. Okunnuga, said the theme of the Lecture, “Effective Justice System as Panacea for Change,” is apt and in tandem with her administration’s programme and desire for growth and transformation

in the state Judiciary. “Our various reforms and innovative programmes are geared towards advancing the course of justice and to ensure quick and effective dispensation of justice,” she said. While congratulating the organisers of the lecture,

which was chaired by Mr Layi Babatunde (SAN), represented by Mr Yinka Farounbi, the Lagos State Chief Judge noted that journalism has over the years made impact on sustainable growth and human development in the society.”

Chieftaincy title: Ruling houses call on Ajimobi to stop imposition By Tunde Ogunesan

THE three ruling houses of Bagii chieftaincy title in Saki, a town in OkeOgun area of Oyo State, has urged Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State not to approve the imposition of one Kasali Rashidi as the Bagii-elect, saying it contravenes the tradition of the area. The three ruling houses of Bagii chieftaincy of Saki,

called on the governor not to approve an illegal selection that contravenes the traditional selection process of Bagii chieftaincy title in Saki kingdom. The ruling houses- Soledolu, Ladubu and Kujenya, according to a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, on Sunday, stated that “at a meeting held on October 17, 2015 critically considered the purported selec-

tion of Kasali Rashidi as the Bagii-elect at the palace of Apeki of Oke-odo and resolved to reject the socalled selection or election for the following reasons; The statement was signed by the representatives of the three ruling houses, which include Prince Sunday Jolasun (Ladubu ruling house), Prince Alhaji Raimi Olabode (Kujenya ruling house) and Prince Mathew Olawuwo Adesola.

Nigerian Tribune

Jigawa signs MoU with 3 Chinese universities on medical training Adamu Amadu - Dutse

THE Jigawa State government had entered into agreement with three Chinese medical training institutes to offer admission to the state’s indigent students. This was disclosed by the state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakre, while addressing newsmen on the outcome of his two weeks trip to China, said “three medical tertiary institutions agreed to give admissions to our students to study different courses in medical profession.” Alhaji Abubakre explained that the schools included Shanyen Medical College, Yuney Medical University and Zainhun Medical University. According to him, “Commissioner for Health, Dr Abba Zakari Umar, is left behind to discuss more and formalise the agreement with the universities, and the agreement would take effect within short period of time.” The governor maintained that “during the discussion we discovered that studying medicine in China is cheaper by 60 per cent than here in Nigeria and the countries that the state government had been sending students to study medicine.”

Olofa knows fate November 17 Biola Azeez - Ilorin

THE Supreme Court, Abuja, will on November 17, 2015 decide the age long chieftaincy tussle between the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, and Olugbense ruling house. It is recalled that Oba Gbadamosi had challenged the judgement of the appellate court at the Supreme Court after the Appeal Court judgement ruled against his obaship on July 2013. To this extent, one of the ruling houses in the ancient town of Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, the Olugbense ruling house, has described as untrue, the speculation that the Olofa chieftaincy dispute had been resolved by the Supreme Court. Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, at the weekend, Prince Saka Keji of the Olugbense ruling house tasked traditional institutions in the country to always promote peace by obeying court judgement.

Monday, 2 November, 2015 41 news appoints We want to liberate Kogi people from disunity —Wada Mimiko Akinkugbe, Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

overnor Idris Wada of Kogi State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, on Sunday, called for votes from people of the state, warning that a vote for the

All Progressives Congress (APC) may bring about disunity in the state. A statement issued by the chief communications manager, Mr Phrank Shaibu, said no governor in the history of Kogi State had championed ethnicity and other primordial sentiments like Audu did during his four-year reign as

the governor between 1999 and 2003. Wada said recent utterances by the APC candidate, Abubakar Audu, especially while in Kabba a couple of weeks ago, asking APC supporters to kill any PDP hoodlum offers a window into Audu’s innermost mind. Wada stated that Au-

du’s statement in Kabba was to incite APC supporters against supporters of the PDP, thereby causing disaffection in a state where people of all ethnic groups had been living together in harmony for years. “The governor which Kogi State needs is a man who would see the whole

state and indeed members of all political parties as his constituency, a governor who will not whip up ethnic and religious sentiments, which some people have always used to divide our people, and a governor whose word will be his bond.” In reaction, the state secretary of the APC, Salaam Adejo said the party and its candidate were men of peace and honour that cared for the development of the state. He said, “We are a peace loving party, what do we gain from mayhem? The people of Kogi are with us and we will never break their hearts, we have a focus, which is liberating our people from the decay in the state. If we ruin this chance, posterity will not forgive us.”

Initiative for Global Development’s Frontier 100 forum draws attention

From left, Ms Dehab Gbebreab, acting United States Consul General; Mr Steven Feldstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, US Department of State, Mr Jon Temin, Policy Planning Staff, Office of the Secretary, US Department of State; Dr Joe-Okei-Odumakin, Corodiantor, Women Arise; Mr Todd Chapman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, US Department of State and Mr Tom Hines, Political/Economic Section, US Consulate, at the discussion on human rights in Nigeria with US visiting diplomats, organised by the US Consulate General, on Thursday.

Igbo community support Wada’s re-election Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

AS the governorship election in Kogi State draws near, the Igbo community in the state has declared its support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant and incumbent state governor, Idris Wada, citing the peaceful business environment and non violence approach to governance as the major reasons for the support. The community therefore, pledged to mobilise its members across the 21 local government areas of the state to ensure the reelection of the governor. Speaking during a town hall meeting with the governor in Lokoja, the state capital, the president general of Ndigbo in 19 northern states, Chief Joseph Enyeama, said the people had been able to go about their commercial activities because of the peaceful atmosphere in the state. He noted that the state had witnessed peaceful coexistence among the various tribes in the state during the last four years of Wada’s administration. He said, “We thank God

for you because you are the architect of this peace which has boosted the moral of the Ndigbo to diversify their investment in Kogi State.” According to him, the Igbos living in Kogi State had in the last four years followed the programmes being put in place by the governor, saying they were capable of aiding the economic development of the state.

The people, however, informed the governor about some of the challenges that had been inhibiting their activities in the state. Wada, however, commended the Igbo community for the peaceful coexistence with their host community, stressing that they had contributed immensely to the economic development of the state. He said his administration would strive to meet

the demands of the people, adding that the PDP would not engage in electioneering campaign with the aim of deceiving the people. The governor, who urged the people to vote for the PDP said, “We only say things that we can do. If there is anything we can not do, we will tell you we can not do it because we believe the government and public service is meant to serve you people.”

Asset declaration: Minister-designate denies media report Akin Adewakun-Lagos

A minister-designate, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, has denied a report which appeared in one of the national dailies on Saturday, quoting him and some of his colleagues as saying they would not be ready to toe President Muhammad Buhari’s line by publicly declaring their assets. In a statement, signed by the minister-designate and made available to Nigerian Tribune, he denied speaking to the newspaper, nor had a media aide in the

person of Ibrahim Umar, whom the paper claimed made such statement. While insisting on the retraction of the story by the media organisation, the minister-designate, however, called on the media to always cross-check their facts before going to the press, as stipulated by the ethics of the profession. “While I’m unable to ascertain at this time whether my colleagues quoted in the story spoke to the paper, I can say categorically, without any fear of contradiction that I did not, at any time, speak to anyone

from that newspaper. “The paper quoted a certain Ibrahim Umar, who it described as my media aide, as speaking to it on my behalf. I, however, have no such aide or associate. So it is either the quote was manufactured or it was given to the paper by an impostor. “While I remain ever available to respond to media enquiries about my service to my country and its people, I would continue to insist that the media deal with me with utmost professionalism and transparency,” he said.

The rapid development of Africa’s private sector and emergence of a new class of leading African companies were highlighted recently at the Initiative for Global Development’s (IGD) Frontier 100 Forum. IGD is a United Statebased organisation that harnesses the power of the private sector to create inclusive growth and alleviate poverty in Africa. Under the theme, “African Business in the WorldClass Space,” global business leaders were gathered at the IGD Frontier 100 Forum, which was held from October 19-21, in Washington, DC, where they examined the tremendous opportunities and challenges that African companies face in reaching the world-class space and offered business strategies to successfully operate in the global marketplace. The biannual event brings together CEOs and senior executives from IGD’s Frontier Leaders Network of U.S., African, European and South Asian companies. More than half of IGD Frontier Leaders hail from the African continent. Dr Mima Nedelcovych, IGD President and CEO pointed out at the event that “Today, Africa’s private sector is poised to become a major force for growth on the continent,” adding that African born and bred businesses create more than 80 per cent of jobs in their countries.

Akingba, Ojomo, others Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has appointed Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe as chairman, Governing Council, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. Akinkugbe became a professor at the age of 35 and was appointed professor of medicine at the University of Ibadan in 1968. Appointed as members to run the school’s council with Akinkugbe are Mrs Funmilayo Amodu,High Chief Johnson Olusola Adeduro, Dr Kofo Odusote, Professor Fola Esan, Dr Bisi Jagun and Professor Tolu Odugbemi. In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Aderotimi Adelola in Akure on Sunday, other appointments approved by the governor for the governing councils of Tertiary institutions in the state include, Dr Amos Akingba, Chairman, Ondo State University of Science and Technolgy, Okitipupa. In the same vein, Honourable Lad Alaba Ojomo has been announced as the Chairman governing council of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

Winners emerge at Crudwire Coding competition Aliyu Adepoju from Lagos State has been rewarded with a sum of 500 US Dollars, Internship program and brand new laptop, after emerging as the winner of the Crudwire Coding Competition. Crudwire, an Information Technology based initiative, in collaboration with Needle Technology had in the past few weeks opened up a platform to hunt and help harness talented Nigerians who have devoted their passion to building of computer Programs and Software. The Program had about 150 Nigerians, who registered to showcase their ingenuity out of which not less than 44 were picked to finally participate in the Coding Competition. Three Nigerians, Aliyu Adepoju, an application developer from Lagos; Kingsley Ogbonnah, a programmer from Imo State and Khadija Muhammad, a software Engineer from Baze University have emerged winners of the technology communication competition and earned an internship program with the Needle Technology, including various profiting opportunities and brand new laptops.

news

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Falae’s kidnap, ploy to destabilise Nigeria —Northern group Leon Usigbe - Abuja and Bola Badmus -

HE North East Solidarity Forum has observed that the recent kidnap of prominent Yoruba elder and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, was a ploy to destabilise the country. Rising at a meeting in Bauchi, at the weekend, the leadership of the group said in a statement made available to the media in Abuja, on Sunday, that after a careful review of the development, it was constrained to believe that the kidnap might have been staged to blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari. Signed by its Co-ordinator General, Usman Abdulkadir, the statement commended human rights activist, Chief Femi Falana and the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, for condemning the threat for secession by the yoruba social cultural groups, over the kidnapping of Chief Falae. The statement noted: “However, after a careful and thorough investigation into the conflicting security reports by the agencies that contradicted that of the family of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the kidnapping, we are forced to believe that the kidnapping of Chief Olu Falae in the early hours of September 21, 2015 may have been masterminded by the Yoruba social cultural group to blackmail the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. “The South West region of Nigeria in today’s administration still occupy a strategic position as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the person of His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.” Meanwhile, a group, Save Lagos Group (SLG), has

cautioned an Islamic organisation, Muslim Ummah of South- West Nigeria (MUSWEN) to stop using Islamic religion to support and encourage criminals and dastard acts perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in the South Western region.

According to the SLG, the warning became necessary because there is nowhere in the sections of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith of the Prophet that encourage inhumanity to fellow humans on earth as being perpetrated by the Hausa/Fulani against

The Ondo State Police Commissioner, Mike Ogbodu, at the weekend, initiated a peace move between farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in the state. Ogbodu said the peace meeting became imperative to foster harmonious relationship between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen in all parts of the state, and also to ensure peaceful co-existence between the two groups. The police boss, who also played host to the president and executive members of a security outfit in the state, known as the “Miyatti Allah”, stressed the need for a cordial rela-

resolution of the Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, regarding the recent abduction of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Falae and incessant attacks of farmers by the Fulani herdsmen in the region.

Assistant Editor, Nigerian Tribune, Mr Christian Okeke, receiving the Most Supportive Print Media Award for the Nigerian Tribune, from the Director, Inter-Governmental Affairs, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Abuja, Dr Rufai Attahiru, during an award night marking the 10th year of lottery regulation in Nigeria, organised by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Abuja. Photo: Bayoor Ewuoso.

Tribune wins media merit award Christian Okeke - Abuja The Nigerian Tribune has been honoured with a media award for its contributions to nation building.

It was specifically conferred with a media merit award as the most supportive print media organisation in the development of lottery industry in the country.

The award, which was conferred on the foremost newspaper established in 1949 in Abuja, by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), came

DSS holds peace parley with Afenifere, herdsmen in Osun Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

AS part of the moves to avert possible crisis, the Department of State Security (DSS), on Sunday in Osogbo, brokered peace parley between

the leadership of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere and Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association, over the unfriendly relationship between the two groups in the South West.

Farmers/Fulani clash: Police initiate peace meeting in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

other ethnic groups in the country, under the guise of propagating religion since independence. The group said this in reaction to the position of the MUSWEN, through its Executive Secretary, Professor Daud O.S. Noibi, on the

tionship between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen in all parts of the state for peace to reign. He said the visit by the leadership of “Miyatti Allah” would enact a synergy between the state police command and the security outfit, saying the relationship would ensure security of lives and property in the state. Ogbodu, who hailed the co-operation of all security outfits in the state, called for the support of individual towards helping and supporting the police in the combat against crimes to ensure security of lives and property. He appealed to Fulani herdsmen and farmers

not to take laws into their hands on issues relating to their works, and urged them to allow the police to intervene in any matter relating to security. Speaking during the peace meeting, the national president of Miyatti Allah, Alhaji Muhhamudu Adronsuru, commended the police for securing the freedom of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae and for subsequent prosecution of the suspected kidnappers He assured the police boss that the security outfit would work hand in hand with the police to ensure security of all the residents in the state.

Credible source in Osogbo hinted journalists that the Director of DSS in Osun State, Mr Andrew Iorkay, organised the peace meeting to douse growing tension between the leadership of Afenifere and Fulani herdsmen as a result of the recent abduction of Chief Olu Falae. Nigerian Tribune learnt that the peace parley organised by the DSS boss was part of the strategy aimed at averting imminent clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state. At the meeting, former Attorney- General of Osun State, Mr Niyi Owolade, represented the Afenifere while the Miyetti Allah team was led by its chairman, Salihu Ismael; secretary, Aliyu Kamilu and Sarkin Hausa, A. Ahmadu were part of the peace meeting. According to the source, "the DSS boss maintained that it was imperative for the two groups to co-exist peacefully and urged their members, including other stakeholders to sustain reigning peace.”

after the Director-General of the commission, Mr Adolphus Joe Ekpe, stated that the government agency had, over the years, noted with delight, the immense support by the newspaper towards development of the country's lottery industry, especially by the newspaper's Abuja Bureau. Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr Jamila Shu'ara, also confirmed that the newspaper house, in addition to other awardees, was carefully selected for the award. Ekpe, while speaking at the award ceremony to mark the 10th year of lottery regulation in the country, disclosed that the commission was able to weather the storm in what he described as its bumpy and rough journey to success. He recalled that both lottery regulation and the industry were not known and appreciated as at the time the commission was created in 2005. The Director-General further disclosed that even after five years of existence, public perception of lottery remained negative and viewed as a venture not for decent members of the society, necessitating the aggressive nationwide enlightenment, sensitisation and rebranding campaigns embarked upon by the commission.

Scription Union celebrates 25th anniversary in Abuja Christian Okeke - Abuja

VICE President, Yemi Osinbajo and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, are invited distinguished guests at the 25th anniversary hosted by the Scripture Union (SU) Nigeria in Abuja, on Saturday. The event also featured meritorious awards to some members that were pivotal to the planting, growth and development of the SU ministry in Abuja. The Ministry, which is an international interdenominational and nondenominational Christian movement used the event to celebrate God’s faithfulness in growing the work. Gowon was invited as chair of the event, with Osinbajo as the special guest of honour. A statement issued ahead of the event, noted that the Scripture Union Nigeria, Abuja Area, is part of the global Christian movement that began in Islington, London on June 2, 1867 by Josiah Spiers. The movement, according to the statement, developed from Children’s Special Service Mission (CSSM) to ‘Scripture Union’-that partners with churches across the world with operations in over 120 countries.

Senator Alasoadura wins Yoruba Man of the Year award By Tunde Ogunesan

Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, Senator representing the Ondo State Central Senatorial District in the Senate, has been declared winner of 2015 Yoruba Man of the Year award. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the project co-ordinator, Adekunle Ayegbe, made available to the Nigerian Tribune. Ayegbe said it was imperative to establish that the selection panel for this prestigious award comprised well-meaning professionals drawn from all walks of life, who objectively considered without bias or favoritism, the public recommendations of nominees, through a fair and transparent process. According to Ayegbe, "Senator Alasoadura’s sterling credentials as a chartered accountant and fellow of the professional accounting body, his public and private comportments in several public offices held typified the ethos of wellbehaved Yoruba son and more recently his public spirited standpoint in the National assembly."

communitynews Lawmaker empowers women, students in Ondo 43

Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

O fewer than 70 women and three indigent students from Akoko North West Constituency II of Ondo State have benefited from the empowerment programme instituted by the lawmaker representing the area in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Gbenga Araoyinbo. Speaking during the distribution of cheques to beneficiaries in Irun Akoko, Honourable Araoyinbo explained that the empowerment programme was part of his electioneering promise to put smile on the faces of the people of his constituency. While disclosing that the empowerment programme would be organised periodically, he stated that the next phase of the programme would be for youths and students. He said “during my campaign, I promised that I will be a good ambassador and chief servant to the great people of this constituency. I also promised

Monday, 2 November, 2015

that I will at all times embark on programmes that will make life better for

you.” He, however, advised beneficiaries to make good

use of the token given to them by injecting it into their business, saying: “I

understand that all the students we assisted with JAMB forms passed the ex-

Secretary-General of Offa Descendant Union (ODU), Chief (Mrs) Wosilat Atinuke Macarthy, addressing members of the union during the celebration of ODU’s 80th anniversary, at Offa Ultra Modern Hall, recently.

Indigent students get scholarship in Omu-Aran Biola Azeez-Ilorin

About 102 indigent students of Omu Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have benefited from a scholarship scheme instituted by an educational foundation in the area. Speaking with journalists during the disbursement of N2 million for the scheme, the founder of the foundation, Engineer Sunday Babalola, said he was motivated to institute the scheme because of the desire to contribute his quota to the educational advancement of students in his community. “The future of these children is critical and important. If we do not raise them up well, they can become deviants, kidnappers, armed robbers, rapists, and

so on. But if we train them well, they will become good citizens of this country”, he said. Babalola, who said beneficiaries are students from all levels of academic institution, added that the students were selected by their principals, after they had applied and were interviewed. He said measures had been taken to ensure probity in the scheme, adding that principals of secondary schools were made to collect the money directly to ensure it does not go to individual pockets. “We are starting from this community, it will later be extended to the local government and, God willing, the state level,” he said. He called on corporate organisations, international

donors, humanitarian bodies as well as philanthropists to invest more in education, saying that educational growth is the springboard for societal advancement. The founder, who said government at local, state and federal levels had not done enough to ensure quality and accessible education in their respective areas of jurisdiction, added that a visit

to many schools and tertiary institutions presented a pitiable sight. “In Kwara State, many of the schools have not only become dilapidated but are death traps with leaking roofs, damaged doors and windows and corroded floors. Pupils and students in primary and secondary schools sit on bare floor, while there are no

No further extension of time, Fayose tells market women Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said there would be no further extension of time for market women and traders to quit the Ojaba Market, Ado-Ekiti to

give room for the reconstruction of the market. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor, in a broadcast to the people, said

Offa people benefit from free health services Biola Azeez-Ilorin

About 2, 000 people in Offa town, Kwara State have benefited from a two-day free medical service organised by a nongovernment organisation, Offa Sheltered Foundation. Speaking with journalists in Offa during the free health programme, the founder of the foundation, an indigene of the ancient town who works in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Abdulganiyu Oluwe, said drugs, including eye glasses worth more than

a million naira, were distributed free at the programme. The programme, which witnessed a large turnout of people in the town, saw medical doctors being assisted by nurses and other health officials to attend to the medical needs of both adults and children. Also speaking, the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, commended the founder of the foundation for his act of patriotism, describing him as an illustrious son of Offa. The monarch also im-

well equipped laboratories for science and even arts subjects. “Many of the students/pupils attend schools hungry as their parents, due to the economic downturn, cannot feed them adequately. Some of them even come to school with torn and worn-out uniform while some do not have sandals, books, lockers and chairs?,” he said.

amination and are on the point of getting admission into various institutions of higher learning. We will be encouraged to do more with this progress.” Speaking at the event, one of the beneficiaries, Felicia Ogunsuyi, a petty trader, commended the lawmaker for initiating the empowerment scheme. She urged the lawmaker to sustain the empowerment programme which she said would go a long way to change the economic situation of the people of the constituency and assist indigent students in their studies. She also assured Araoyinbo that the money would not be diverted, but judiciously utilised to boost their businesses. Also speaking after receiving his cheque, Jide Adesuyi, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, said the lawmaker had set a record in the constituency. Adesuyi, who is studying Banking and Finance, called on wealthy individuals and other politicians to emulate Araoyinbo The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Jumoke Akindele, also commended the lawmaker for giving back to his constituency through empowerment of women and support for students from the area. Akindele, who was represented by Honourable Olamide George, said Araoyinbo had displayed what democracy is all about by; “giving dividends of democracy to the people.”

plored him not to rest on his oars, urging other spirited individuals and groups to emulate him. Oba Gbadamosi, represented by the Asanlu of Offa, Chief Abdulyekini Bambi, said the exercise gave the needy opportunity to access free medical service. Some individuals and groups spoken with during the exercise also lauded the financier of the programme for his love for Offa, and prayed for his long life, sound health and prosperity. The people also called

on other wealthy individuals and groups to emulate the gesture of the donor. In his speech, the financier of the programme said the exercise was his contribution towards addressing the health needs of his people, especially the poor. He said he was impressed with the large turnout and discipline exhibited during the exercise, adding that he would continue with the programme, among other projects.

the November 8, 2015 deadline for the people to quit the market would not be changed. “The ultimatum given to the traders to quit the Ojaba Market, Ado-Ekiti to pave the way for the reconstruction of the market has been shifted a number of times in the past, but this time, the ultimatum will not be shifted. “I have met with traders and their leaders on many occasions and it was agreed that come November 8, the demolition of the old structures in the market for work to begin. I implore all of them to comply with the arrangement put in place. “The state government will not tolerate a situation where some traders will be here and others

will be there. Everybody will move to the place provided for them at Awedele Market, AdoEkiti. We have marked the new place for traders. “There is no reason for the state government to shift the deadline after we have paid nearly N150 million as compensation to the affected landlords. “The pulling down of the old structures will start on the said date and hopefully that would be completed by the year end and actual reconstruction will start by the beginning of next year. The delivery date is within 14 months and we hope to deliver a befitting and ultra-modern market to the people of the state,” the release said.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

From what I know of Clinton and her main rival, Sanders, I think...

—Dr Heather Mendick, British researcher, education expert for the Democratic nomination, Bernie Sanders, I think Sanders would be better for women.

Dr Heather Mendick, a British researcher, education expert and a freelance academic, who has worked in education sector all her adult life, starting as a mathematics teacher in secondary schools and post16 colleges in England, after seven years teaching, decided to go for MA in Gender Studies, then completed a PhD in Education, in 2003, after which she bagan working as an academic exploring young people’s educational aspirations and choices, likewise exploring the ways that gender, social class and race impact on them. In this e-interview with SEYI GESINDE, she speaks on issues bordering on education development, gender balance, radicalisation of youths, among other sundry issues. Excerpts:

You are a freelance teacher, what do you intend to achieve with this and what are the rudiments for whoever wants to become one? My decision to be freelance was a practical one. I decided to leave my last post without another job because I’d experienced bullying. I do not know if I will remain freelance in the longer term. My intention is to earn money doing research and teaching focused on education and equity. Currently my main work involves teaching doctoral students and evaluating a university employment mentoring scheme. My advice if you’re thinking about going freelance is to have some money behind you first and to try to line up some work in advance of making the shift because it can take a while to build up a reputation in your field as a freelancer.

he fight for gender balance is forcing many women who feel relegated to compete with men, especially in leadership positions, should there be fight for gender equality? For me, the fight for gender equality should not compel women to compete with men. From the beginnings of the feminist movement, the struggle for gender equality has been about changing society rather than making women fit into existing roles. Though I agree that this has not always been put into practice. But while gender inequalities remain in the distribution of wealth, political power, domestic labour and much else, we cannot give up the fight for gender equality. Feminism also needs to be tied to other struggles, including against racism and homophobia, and for economic and environmental justice. For gender balance, are there specific roles which the male and female can naturally fit into and handle successfully which should be their exclusive reserves? As a sociologist, I don’t see anything as simply ‘natural’ but look to the social

Dr Heather Mendick construction of gender to understand how some things come to be seen as naturally male or female reserves. For example, a lot of people see physics and computing as areas where men fit more naturally. But if we look at the beginnings of computing in the 1940s or the beginnings of nuclear physics in the early twentieth century, then, these fields had lots more women working in

For me, whether a leader is male or female is less important than what policies they have to tackle sexism and to support women.

them than they do now. So there’s nothing natural about their current male dominance. Looking at candidates for the forth coming US presidential election, there are very few women, and one of the top contenders, Hillary Clinton, is being faced with many opposition, do you see America ready for a female president or what do you think are her chances? I’m saying this as an outsider to the US. Hillary Clinton faces much sexism in the media but I think the US could elect a woman as president. No one thought that the US was ready for its first black president until they elected Barack Obama. The UK elected Margaret Thatcher its first female Prime Minister in 1979 but women remain under-represented in politics here 36 years later. For me, whether a leader is male or female is less important than what policies they have to tackle sexism and to support women. Thatcher had a bad record on this. From what I know of Clinton and her main rival

Now that many students neglect schools in the Western world, and are being radicalised as agents of terror groups, do you blame this on parents, education managers or wrong government policy on education, or what is the cause? I think the cause goes beyond parents, education managers or government policy on education. We need to look at the wider social and political context. I was one of 360 academics who recently signed a public statement against the UK government’s ‘prevent’ strategy which takes a narrow view of radicalisation. In it we said: “The way that ‘prevent’ conceptualises ‘radicalisation’ and ‘extremism’ is based on the unsubstantiated view that religious ideology is the primary driving factor for terrorism. Academic research suggests that social, economic and political factors, as well as social exclusion, play a more central role in driving political violence than ideology.”

other

NEWS

Islamic State takes over town in Syria

Islamic State fighters seized the Syrian town of Maheen in Homs province from government forces on Sunday, a monitoring group said, expanding their presence in Syria’s west despite a Russianbacked bombing campaign against them. Islamic State’s strongholds in Syria are in the north and east, but it has increased its territory in Homs province since taking over the historic city of Palmyra earlier this year, and then Qaryatain, 15 kilometers east of Maheen. The group began its attack late on Saturday using two suicide car bombs and by Sunday morning had taken over Maheen, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The assault brought Islamic State to within 20 kilometers (13 miles) of the main highway that links Damascus to Homs and to cities further north, Reuters said.

Women walk past damaged buildings along a street in the old city of Homs, Syria. PHOTO: REUTERS.

Turks vote in crucial snap elections Turkey is heading to polls for a second time in five months amid instability spilling over from neighbouring Syria and renewed tensions over the 30-year-old Kurdish conflict. More than 54 million people are registered to vote at 175,000 stations on Sunday. Polls in eastern provinces closed at 4pm, local time. Those in the western provinces will close at 5pm. The June 7 elections, according to Al Jazeera, had seen the social conservative Justice and Development Party (AK party) lose its 13year single party rule, but four political parties that made their way to the parliament failed to produce a coalition government and snap elections were called.

With that, African students seem to be taking more educational advantage abroad than their Western counterparts, what do you think is responsible for this? Speaking from the UK experience, I would suggest two possibilities. First, black immigrants face discrimination in the labour market. GainContinues pg 45

A woman casting her vote in Turkey’s election on Sunday. PHOTO: AL: JAZEERA.

foreig naffairs

Monday, 2 November, 2015

‘Rankings of universities are systematically biased’ Continued from pg 44

ing qualifications can be a way of countering this, increasing their chances of getting a good job despite racism. Second, in the UK we have found that different immigrant groups have different relationships to and success within education and that social class can help explain these differences. So it would be interesting to look at the social class backgrounds of black immigrants. But why is it that no higher college in Africa, is rated among the best in the world, yet, most of its graduates perform well as foreign students, even in Ivy League universities, what can you give as an explanation for the unfavorable school ratings contradicting high students performance? I think that the rankings of universities are systematically biased being set up to favour US and UK institutions. For example, measures related to research impact and publications are much easier for universities in these countries to score well in. The rankings also seem to favour countries which have very hierarchical higher education systems with a huge gap between the ‘top’ universities (the Ivy League in the US) and the ‘bottom’ universities (many of the community colleges in the US). The foregrounding of research in the top-ranked universities also means that the teaching there is often worse than at lower-ranked places. Together I think these factors help explain why school ratings contradict students’ performance. Mathematics which you have so much interest in is a big issue among students, as many consider it too tough to tackle, how can teachers successfully correct this notion among students? The idea that mathematics is hard is widely embedded in many societies and cultures so it’s not easy to challenge. One way of beginning to challenge it is to move away from a narrow right/wrong version of mathematics. For example, teachers and students can explore the relationship between mathematics and other subjects or use mathematics to investigate local or wider political issues. This means using problems which are open and don’t have just one approach or a single solution, they need a range of skills to tackle them, including ones that we don’t often think of as mathematical like team work and communication. These kinds of approaches can challenge stereotypical ideas about mathematics and who can be successful at it, giving more students a way to connect to the subject. It has been said that the best way to teach a child is with the mother’s tongue. For instance, it is said that in China, students do well because they are being taught in their local dialects. Can it then be established that foreign language is an hindrance for knowledge acquisition in some students? We have a lot of different first languages spoken by London school students. The re-

search evidence from here shows that when a child has to use a second or third language in school it can negatively affect their progress. The best approach is not to stop teaching another language (English in this case) but to continue to allow the child to develop intellectually through their mother tongue while they are becoming fluent in the new language. Is it possible to have a global curriculum for students to avoid disparity in certificate rating or low quality of education as the case may be? Even if this were possible, I think there’s a real tension. On the one hand, we want everyone to have the same entitlement to education. On the other hand, knowledge is not neutral and so any curriculum will fit the cultural experiences of some students better than others. We have this problem even within countries where children come to school from a variety of backgrounds, with different skills and knowledge. Those whose experiences fit best with the school’s curriculum are most likely to be successful. This would be exaggerated with a global curriculum. I’m not against trying it but am suggesting it would need care to ensure it didn’t increase rather than decrease existing disparities. In England, one of your research findings states that there are more boys than girls in advanced mathematics classes, what has gender got to do with interest in mathematics? This finding comes from my doctoral research. In this, I looked at why post-compulsory mathematics remains male dominated. It came out of my experience of teaching mathematics and finding that there were persistent gender patterns in who studied the subject. In England, for a long time now advanced mathematics courses taken between the ages 16 and 18 have only around a third female students. In my thesis, I argued that when we make choices we are saying something about who we are. Since mathematics is culturally linked to masculinity, choosing the subject fits better with young men’s than young women’s gender identities. For further details to this question, you can find it in my 2006 book ‘Masculinities in Mathematics’ published by Open University Press. What is your counsel for parents, guardians, education managers and government on development of education, especially in African countries? This is a huge question and not one I feel qualified to answer in detail but I will make one point. In working with MA and PhD students from Africa, I find they often look to the British education system as a model of good practice. We have some great teachers. But as an insider, I know that there are many things that are wrong with current educational policies in England, including the obsession with examination results and punitive testing and inspection regimes. So I wouldn’t want our policies to be taken as a model by anyone in Africa, but perhaps you can learn from our mistakes.

Russia mourns plane crash victims, grounds airline’s A321 fleet Pope offers prayers, condolences to victims’ families

People lay flowers and toys at an entrance of Pulkovo airport outside St.Petersburg, Russia, during a day of national mourning for the plane crash victims, on Sunday. Inset: Prime Minister’s office, Sherif Ismail (right), looks at the remains of a crashed passenger jet PHOTO: AP.

USSIA, on Sunday, observed a national day of mourning for the 217 passengers and seven crew members killed in a plane crash on Saturday in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Nearly all of the passengers were Russian tourists returning to St. Petersburg from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Three Ukrainians are also among the dead, VOA said. Emergency crews have recovered at least 129 bodies so far, along with both of the plane’s black boxes, which record all moments of the flight including communications among the pilots. Experts hope the data recorders will give them vital clues into what caused the plane to crash. The Egyptian branch of Islamic State claimed responsibility for shooting down the plane. But aviation and military experts say that would be impossible. They say the plane was crushing at 9,100 meters before

it crashed and say Islamic State does not have missiles that can reach that high. Two major European airlines, Air France and Lufthansa, said they would stop flying over the area for safety reasons. Also, Interfax news agency reported on Sunday that Russia has grounded Airbus A321 jets flown by the Kogalymavia airline, after one of its fleet crashed in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board. The A321, operated by the Russian airline under the brand name Metrojet, was carrying holidaymakers from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg when it went down soon after daybreak on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pope Francis has offered “the assurance of his prayers” for those who died in the Russian plane crash in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, the Vatican said on Sunday. The Vatican said in a statement on Sunday that

LEADERS from China, Japan and South Korea met for the first time in Seoul, on Sunday, in three-and-ahalf years to restart stalled regional cooperation and end their diplomatic standoff over the contentious issues that divide them. “Through trilateral cooperation I believe that we will contribute to the peace and prosperity and security

of not only our three countries but the region and the international community.” said South Korean President Park Geun-hye at a news conference following the summit. President Park hosted Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for talks that all three leaders described as in-depth and frank.

Refugees and migrants travelling from the Turkish coast to the Greek island of Chios, near Cesme, Turkey. PHOTO: AP.

ELEVEN migrants including six infants drowned when their boat capsised off the Greek island of Samos, trapping most of them in the cabin, the coast guard said on Sunday. Fifteen others were rescued when the six-meter boat sank in the early hours near the coast of the Aegean

Francis “learned with sadness about the tragic crash” and in a telegram conveyed his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people. Francis is also praying for those mourning the loss of their loved ones. The Metrojet charter flight crashed Saturday 23 minutes after it took off from Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board. Also, Egyptian and Russian investigators said they would begin examining within hours the contents of two “black box” recorders recovered from the airliner, which crashed into a mountainous area of central Sinai shortly after losing radar contact near cruising altitude. Three carriers based in the United Arab Emirates airlines - Emirates (EMIRA. UL), Air Arabia (AIRA.DU) and flydubai said on Sunday they were re-routing flights to avoid flying over Sinai.

otherNEWS China, Japan, South Korea agree to end diplomatic stand-off

From left, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at a business summit in Seoul, on Sunday. PHOTO: AP.

6 infants drown as migrant boat capsizes off Greek island island. The death toll from drowning among thousands of refugees making the short but dangerous crossing from Turkey to Greece’s eastern islands has risen in recent weeks as autumn weather has set in, bringing high winds and falling temperatures.

Monday, 2 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Ighalo battles Toure for EPL award

igeria striker Odion Ighalo will battle Yaya Toure of Manchester City and Sadio Mane from Southampton for the English Premier League African Player Award for October. Ighalo’s goals have seen his promoted Watford hold their own in the English top flight.

Previous Nigeria winners of this award included Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi. Awards director Tunde Adelakun noted the unrelenting performance of previous winners, which showed that their award recognition was no fluke. “Riyad Mahrez has been a revelation in this league and he keeps getting better

and better,” Adelakun said. “We have also seen great showings by our August winner Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan who seems to be settling down now, albeit in challenging circumstances in his club.” Fans, African football followers and journalists are expected to cast their votes for their choice of the eventual winner, which will be announced very soon.

NSCDC wins 3rd CCSF Open By Nurudeen Alimi THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), taekwondo team has emerged the overall winner of the 3rd Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Open held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Abuja last week. At the end of the 3-day championship, NSCDC finished first with nine medals consisting of 4 Gold, 1 Silver and four Bronze medals. The Corps also won the Best Team award, while NSCDC’s Chimazum Nwosu won the Best Female Athlete award. Eight countries participated in the competition, namely: Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Gabon, Niger Republic, Congo DR, Mali and Cameroun. While 17 states, 5 universities, 11 clubs, 11 individuals, 5 uniform agencies (Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) were also represented. In his remarks, The Director of Sports, NSCDC, Ayo-

dele Titus, described the feat as the continuation of the corps’ resolve to be a force to

reckon with in the world of sport, both at local and international level.

NRFF releases 14-man list for Olympics qualifiers by Niyi Alebiosu

In line with their promise and drive to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation Technical Committee has released a strong 14 man list for next month’s qualifiers in South Africa. Arising from their technical meeting held in Lagos, the federation listed Nigeria’s rugby golden boy and speedster, Christian Ogar (Cowrie RFC), Nuhu Ibrahim Samaila (Barewa RFC), Alfred Oche (Jos RFC), Onoru Oyiza Jatto (Cowrie RFC), Samuel Ekpo (Cowrie RFC), Hafis Ayinla (Cowrie RFC) as part of the team to be captained by Azeez Ladipo (Cowrie RFC). Determined to have a blend of homegrown and foreign base players, 3 players were

invited from the United Kingdom, 2 from the United States of America and 1 from South Africa, most of whom were discovered at the recently held President Cup international invitational tournament The Onwukanjo brothers may be in line to feature for the national team together for the first time following the decision of the federation to extend an invitation to Onyinye Onwukanjo (Davenport University Rugby, USA) and Ike Onwukanjo (USA Northeast Olympic Academy). Other foreign based players are Omotohunola Odulaja (Old Blues RFC, UK), Ayomide Joseph Mogaji (Doking RFC UK), Danjuma Mshelia (Richmond RFC, UK) and Thankgod Okafor (Sharks RFC South Africa).

From left, Godwin Kienka, Director, International Tennis Academy; Honourable Edward Ubosi, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly; Tony Ojobo, Director Public Affairs and Reuben Muoka, Head, Public Relations, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) during the second day of the first semi-finals of the NCC Tennis Tournament in Enugu, Enugu State.

Ighalo

Bankers Games: Sterling seeks Redemption as Heritage, Stan Chart Clash Sterling Bank must play the game of their life to stave off possible matchup with former champions, Skye Bank when they file out on Match Day 5 for the last group fixture against Group A leaders, First Bank. Heritage Bank also has a mammoth challenge in facing Standard Chattered as both teams play to avoid a tough quarter finals pairing with the big teams of Group A. For Sterling Bank, their stinging defeat to Fidelity Bank on Match Day 4 was least expected but that is football and as explained by the team’s Coach, Adedeji Da Silver, football is definitely not mathematics

where figures are add up. Da Silver said his side was already looking beyond that blip in their campaign and are focused on the last tie against First Bank which he also admitted posed a high hill to climb. “Our loss to Fidelity Bank was unfortunate because we did put in our best especially in the opening moments but failed to capitalize on the opportunities we created. “It was not our lucky day but then, football is not one plus one, it comes, such days do happen when you do all you can but cannot win. “But the good thing that we are happy with is that we are still in the race,

we are going to play First Bank and we are still going to play the quarter final because we have qualified and are just looking for who will top the table”, Da Silver. Against First Bank, the group leaders, the Coach declared, “We definitely have learnt from our mistakes and fine-tuned our game plan. We are determined to win and see who we meet in the quarter finals” Standard Chartered Bank and Heritage have all to play as both have drawn their previous games and a possible win for either side will bring the winner at par with former champions and group leader, Skye Bank.

tribunesport

Monday, 2 November, 2015

2016 CHAN draw now to hold Nov 15

AF have brought forward the draw for next year’s CHAN in Rwanda to November 15. CAF announced the draw in Kigali will now be staged three days earlier than the originally slated. All 16 finalists are now known after Cameroon outscored Congo on aggregate on Saturday. The other qualifiers for the 2016 CHAN are hosts Rwanda, Angola, DR Congo, Gabon, Ethiopia,

Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Both defending champions Libya and last year’s runners-up Ghana failed to qualify for the 2016 CHAN. The tournament reserved for players featuring in their home leagues will be played from January 16 to February 7 in three Rwandan cities of Kigali, Gisenyi and Butare.

Justin Thomas wins maiden PGA Tour title American Justin Thomas won his first PGA Tour title with a one-shot victory over Australia’s Adam Scott in the CIMB Classic at Kuala Lumpur Golf Club. Former world number one Scott was the clubhouse leader after a nineunder 63.

But Thomas, 22, who posted a course-record 61 on Friday, birdied the 15th, 16th, and 17th then par on the 18th to card a 66 and finish on 26 under. Scotland’s Russell Knox was tied for 21st on 14 under with England’s Paul Casey a shot back in 24th place.

Thomas

Super Eagles striker, Gbolahan Salami

FIFA presidency: Odegbami should face up to reality —NFF The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), race has chastised former Nigerian international player, Olusegun Odegbami to stop his campaign of calumny against the NFF and prominent Nigerian football figures and face up to the reality that he undid him own campaign for a slot in the FIFA Presidency race. Former Green Eagles’ captain Odegbami failed to secure the statutory five nominations needed to put him on the ballot for next year’s FIFA Presidential election, and has been relentless in throwing salvos against the NFF and prominent figures like Dr. Amos Adamu and Chief Orji Uzor Kalu. “We are thoroughly disappointed at the conduct of Chief Odegbami since his failed bid,” Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, stated. “He was his own big problem, with the letter he wrote castigating the leadership of FIFA and CAF, which he brazenly copied to these eminent figures. “We consider Chief Odegbami an elder statesman in Nigeria football, but he has been throwing a lot of tantrums lately. He has been accusing very prominent and illustrious persons of so many things, and pretending to be a saint.” Yahaya-Kwande, also a ranking member of the House of Representatives, said the onus was on Odegbami to secure his five nominations outside NFF’s

endorsement. “The NFF is aware that Odegbami reached out to the Football Associations of Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Zambia. How is his failure the fault of the NFF? They told him to his face that they were opposed to him because of his statements against the President of CAF, who is now Acting FIFA President. “He said the NFF wasted time in endorsing him. As far back as September 8, we set out conditions for himself and Chief Orji Kalu to meet before we could endorse ei-

ther of them. We always emphasized extensive consultations by the aspirants. It is outrightly mischievous for him to give the impression that the NFF was his problem. The NFF President was in Cairo, Egypt to campaign for him for the five nominations, but where was Odegbami himself on the day that mattered? “Let it be said that Nigeria was the only country where more than one person showed interest in the race. Odegbami was a great football player and brought honour to Nigeria, but Chief

Kalu also brought honour to Nigeria through extensive support for Enyimba to win top laurels. It is also true that Kalu announced his interest before Odegbami did.” Yahaya-Kwande emphasized that none of the candidates who eventually got on the ballot relied solely on their National Association to get the five nominations for them. “Odegbami has this strange idea that everyone else is tainted and he is not! He worked against himself. It is not NFF’s problem; it is his problem, entirely.”

Ferguson nearly signed Ronaldo before retirement —Evra Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra says Alex Ferguson was “99 per cent” sure of re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo and staying on as manager just weeks before announcing his retirement. Ferguson, having led United to the 13th Premier League title of his reign in 2012-13, assured the French defender he would remain in charge at Old Trafford. And the Scot was apparently confident of bringing Portuguese superstar Ronaldo back to the club from Real Madrid, having sold the prized asset to the Liga giants for £80 million in 2009. None of that came to pass, though, with Ferguson announcing his retirement on May 8 2013. Evra stayed for David Moyes’ lone, ill-fated campaign in charge the following sea-

son, before joining Juventus in July 2014, and the leftback, speaking to the Sunday Times, has revealed how different United’s recent history might have been had Ferguson opted to continue. “I remember we talked maybe two weeks before and he said, ‘Patrice, I will be here another five years’,” he said. “I said, ‘Yes boss. Let’s do it.’ I was so convinced. He

was looking younger and younger, amazing. He even told me ‘99 per cent, Cristiano Ronaldo will come’. I was like, ‘wow, we are ready to bounce back and to even win the Champions League again. “After that everyone knows what happened. You know when you are lost and you feel like the world is crumbling? It was a big trauma, I felt lost.”

Ronaldo (left) with Ferguson

SIDELINES

no 16,361

MONDAY, 2 november, 2015

ET me state from the outset that I am once again breaking my promise of not wanting to give any thought, significant or not, to the subject of Boko Haram. But why should I keep quiet as the supposedly already doomed creatures called Boko Haram dare-devils keep telling us now and again that our compatriots in the North East of our country are the doomed ones. Since the Muhammadu Buhari presidency came into being, the Boko Haram creatures have been changing their style and tactics in such a manner that compels our North East compatriots to be getting a little meaning and order into their view of their destiny as Nigerians. Of course, the tactical and stylistic change of Boko Haram’s spirit that keeps the dastardly, cruel and violent sect to be creating chaos in their zone of destruction and terror is not really strange or new to my thought. In fact, in several pertinent writings here I foresaw the chameleonic daredevilry the sect has been displaying since the Buhari presidency – and I said so, just before the presidential elections, and after the elections. But I clearly did not see the coherency with which the sect keeps on embarrassing the Buhari presidency. Say what you will – or what we will – Boko Haram has proved - and is proving – too tricky for President Muhammadu Buhari to handle, cage or subdue –so it seems as I am now re-reading Boko Haram. In fact, Boko Haram is becoming an old and at the same time a new book we keep reading and re-reading since PMB, our PMB, boasted and vowed on his presidential inauguration that he would finish Boko Haram within a specified time-frame. It seems that PMB’s promise and vow of hope and optimism – which we must always interpret as wellintentioned – are becoming paradoxical creatures that are committing and creating more dangers and sufferings for our North Eastern compatriots in a quest – we are made rightly or not to believe – for peace and security. Let me explain. Since PMB’s presidential oath, he has embarked on different peace and security missions abroad, but his detractors are seeing

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After all the theatrics at the Senate over screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees, some of them may not even get a portfolio, as hinted by President Muhammadu Buhari. May God help the “unlucky ones” because they may soon be derisively referred to as ‘ministers without porfolio.’

in&out with Tony Afejuku

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A new reading of Boko Haram them as extravagances that the Boko Haram creators of deaths are cashing-on to unleash more than a handful chaos before our very eyes. The Boko Haram bombers and fighters, who have obviously outreached themselves, somehow still outwit our soldiers and have seemingly given them offers that have rendered them and their war-gadgets totally meaningless, worthless, confused, and clueless. The recent newspaper report – I think I read it in the Daily Sun – that South African mercenaries have been engaged by our military high command to help quell the Boko Haram insurgency indicates to me that our proud officers and gallant soldiers have reduced themselves to such a state of helplessness despite the impression they have been giving the public that Boko Haram has been rendered severely, even totally, useless. We must ask: How many times have we not been told that the enemy called Boko Haram cannot disable anywhere in the land again by throwing a few switches called bombs? Our well trained officers and bold soldiers don’t seem to know the difference between pitched battles and harassing switches. Fabian strategists avoid pitched battles and employ harassing switches to outwit, delay, embarrass, confuse and weaken their more endowed opponents – by at times preying and feeding/ feasting on what our security experts call “soft targets.” Now the public has just been told that

I dare end by predicting again that Boko Haram is a reckless book of infidels whose recklessness will keep on tasking our wisdom and intellect there is nothing sacrosanct about PMB’s December deadline to vanquish Boko Haram and PMB will not resign if the December deadline fails to consign Boko Haram to the dust-bin of history. What this must means to us is that Boko Haram is still too powerful for Nigeria. And ex-President Goodluck Jonathan maybe should count himself lucky after all. Indeed, I remember too well how we made a jest of Jonathan for hiring South African mercenaries the other day. We must not fail to note here that ex-President Obasanjo was reported to have said recently that it took Columbia fifty years to rout Columbian terrorists – meaning that we must be patient with the PMB regime as it tries to prove to us that it is not totally helpless with the enemy of enemies creating a near-state of Nagasaki in North Eastern Nigeria. General Gowon, our second

military head-of-state and commander-inchief and three years’ civil war prosecutor similarly echoed his former junior officer’s sentiment by pleading with Nigerians to be patient with PMB’s method of fighting Boko Haram regardless of the new president’s December deadline that may not eventually be feasible. One more pertinent tale, alas! Some Muslim fellows were reported recently as well to have requested PMB to hire them for the purpose of employing traditional method and Muslim mythology to vanquish Boko Haram. Their jinni – or better their jinn – will rout the evil creators of the creatures that are disabling the North East before our bold officers and courageous soldiers march to the next frontier of a pitched battle. Can the traditionalists stop the wily Boko Haram from letting everybody know still that it is not a jipijapa or shrub that our soldiers can pluck at will to make post-battle or post-war victory hats? Only PMB and his military high command can answer this question. I dare end by predicting again that Boko Haram is a reckless book of infidels whose recklessness will keep on tasking our wisdom and intellect in our proud endeavour to grasp it well and fully. We patiently await PMB’s new weapon of war that will enable us to understand our new reading of our subject, our familiar old subject that every now and then offers us new insights into how we are prosecuting an insurrection on the terms of the dare-devils.

Mourinho may be sacked before Wednesday —Report The future of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho remained clouded in doubt on Sunday following the Premier League champions’ latest setback against Liverpool. Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat on Saturday, their sixth in 11 league games, left them four points above the relegation zone and prompted more lurid newspaper headlines about the possible fate awaiting Mourinho. Citing sources in Portugal, The Sunday Mirror said that Mourinho was “on the brink” and could be sacked before Wednesday’s Champions League home game against Dynamo Kiev, while The Sun on Sunday claimed that he has been given two games to save his job. The Independent on Sunday, meanwhile, reported that he will be given until the end of November to get Chelsea back on track. Mourinho was defiant after Saturday’s

game at Stamford Bridge, dismissing suggestions that he had presided over his last match as manager and saying that he expected to be given more time by owner Roman Abramovich. Chelsea gave Mourinho a public vote of confidence last month, but the team have won just one of their five matches since and saw their defence of the League Cup ended by Stoke City. Nevertheless, Mourinho appears to retain the support of the club’s supporters, who chanted his name throughout the defeat against Liverpool, which was the club’s third home loss of the campaign. “The fans aren’t stupid,” said Mourinho, who returned to Chelsea for a second spell in charge in 2013 and last season led the club to a league and League Cup double. “They know how much myself and the players are trying.”

Avram Grant, who succeeded Mourinho after he was sacked by Chelsea in September 2007, only to be himself dismissed eight months later, believes the end is not yet in sight for the Portuguese. “Normally Roman gives the manager space,” Grant told BBC Radio 5. “He’s not day-by-day wanting to know what’s happening. He’s not a guy who will pick up the phone every five minutes and ask what you are doing. “Even when the situation is not so good, he will want to show everything is calm.” Mourinho was expected to take training as scheduled on Sunday, having told reporters after the Liverpool game that he would soon begin preparations for Wednesday’s match with Dynamo. Chelsea’s Brazilian playmaker; Oscar said that the only way to turn the situation around was to string a run of wins together.

RESULTS

Globacom Premier League Abia Warriors 0 Enyimba

Warri Wolves

4 Bayelsa Utd

Rangers

2 Akwa Utd

El-Kanemi

Kano Pillars

Kwara Utd

Taraba Utd

Wikki

2 Dolphins

Heartland

3 Giwa FC

Shooting Stars 2 Ifeanyiubah English Premier League

Everton

6 Sunderland

Southampton

2 FC Bournemouth 0

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