Wednesday 13 Mar 2013 The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,494

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Govt inaugurates ‘reconstituted’ supervisory board for TCN • GENCOS, DISCOs, NERC, MAN dropped from new team • Sam Egwu makes list From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HREE months after a superT visory board was announced by the Federal Government for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the members were sworn in yesterday with some major amendments to the original list.

The board is to work with the Canadian firm, Manitoba Hydro International, for the realisation of a robust grid with little or no system collapses and to actualise government’s objectives of delivering quality, reliable and efficient electricity to Nigerians.

True to two exclusive stories The Guardian published this week, the new board is a significant amendment to the one announced in December by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Some members were dropped from the initial list while two persons were CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

AND SO THE ELECTION FOR THE POPE BEGINS: A cross-section of cardinals praying for divine help hours before a conclave to elect a new Pope at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican… yesterday. Black smoke showed no Pope elected at the first conclave vote.

Oshiomhole battles Adoke in Aso Villa over Oyerinde’s murder From Madu Onuorah , Abuja TILL smarting from the SStatemurder of his aide, Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole did not mind that he was at a hallowed meeting with the nation’s top leaders.

The governor broke into a hot exchange of words with the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, at the meeting of the National Council of State, Nigeria’s highest advisory body comprising the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, 36 gover-

• Govs, ministers, others stunned at council of state meeting nors, former Heads of State and Presidents and serving and former Chief Justices of the Federation.

The thorny issue between the Edo State governor and Adoke was the manner the Federal Government handled the investigation into the murder of Private Secretary to Oshiomhole, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde.

The full meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, was attended by among others, the Senate President, David Mark; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; former President Shehu Shagari, and erstwhile Head of Interim National Government (ING), Ernest

Shonekan.

The incident between Oshiomhole and Adoke started during the pre-meeting interactions when the AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice left his seat and moved to meet Oshiomhole. An open argument then ensued between them over the handling of Oyerinde’s death. The feistiness of the altercations

almost degenerated into fisticuffs. But the quick intervention by Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe and the President’s Speech Writer, Matts Aikhionbare, saved the day.

After the meeting, Oshiomhole initially refused to speak to journalists about the inci-

Senate rejects immunity for N’Assembly members – Page 4

dent, but later spoke up when he was told it was already an issue. open Continuing his tirade against Adoke, he berated the Attorney- General and Minister of Justice over the investigation into Oyerinde’s murder.

He stated that the result of the investigation was wrongfully referred to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) inState’s the of stead Attorney-General and ComJustice. for missioner CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

2 NEWS

PDP govs deny planning to join APC From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Karls Tsokar (Abuja) and Kelvin Ebiri (Port Harcourt) EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governors have, after a poorly attended meeting yesterday in Abuja, debunked a claim by former Zamfara State helmsman Ahmed Sani Yerima, that plans have been concluded to receive en-masse some of them and their supporters to the new opposition coalition, All Progressives Con(APC). gress

P

• Amaechi not shunning meetings, says commissioner They met late Monday night under the aegis of PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) whose chairman, Akwa Ibom’s Godswill Obot Akpabio, told reporters that the claim “is not true, and is false in its entirety.” Instead, he said plans were in top gear “to bring other states’ governors into the fold.”

Senator Yerima (representing Zamfara West) told a national daily in an interview

last month that about 19 PDP governors had secretly contacted him and other senior APC members in a bid to join the new mega party.

Attendance at the meeting was poor as major proponents of the PDP-GF were absent. Katsina’s Ibrahim Shema who is being allegedly tutored to take over from Ro-

timi Amaechi of Rivers State as the chairman of the umbrella Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) sent his deputy, as did Bauchi’s Isa Yuguda and Benue’s Gabriel Suswam.

Of the 23 PDP governors, no fewer than 15, including their deputies, attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Amaechi has de-

nied insinuations that he shunned the PDP governors’ meetings.

Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, told The Guardian in Port Harcourt yesterday that prior to the meeting, Amaechi had been invited to speak at the Commonwealth Observance Day celebration held at Westminster Abbey in London on Monday.

Also, PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, has advised governors to pay serious attention to intelligence gathering in spending their security votes.

In his address at the second meeting of the PDP-GF in Abuja on Monday night, Anenih, noted that perpetrators of insecurity live among the people.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Govt inaugurates ‘reconstituted’ supervisory board for TCN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 added. The board now has an executive member as exclusively reported by The Guardian.

Following the resolution of the issues around the contract for the management of the TCN, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba Hydro International, Mr. Don Priestman, was brought in as the only executive member of the board.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, had last December announced the constitution of the supervisory board of the TCN. Anyim said that the constitution of a supervisory board for TCN was part of efforts by the government to reposition the transmission company towards the attainment of the goals of the electricity reform programme of the Federal Government. The supervisory board of TCN will be led by former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC),

Hamman Tukur, as Chairman, while Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa is Vice Chairman.

Other members of the original list initially announced by the SGF included the Director of Human Resources Management, Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE); a representative of the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance; Director of Power, Ministry of Power; and a commissioner from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The TCN board was also to have the representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), representative of the generation companies (GENCOS), and a representative of the distribution companies (DISCOS) as members.

But the board inaugurated yesterday did not have NERC, DISCOS, GENCOS and MAN. Instead, as reported by The Guardian, a politician, Dr. Sam Egwu, was included on the list.

Egwu is a former Governor of Ebonyi State and a member of the ruling party. The Guardian had reported that part of the delay for the inauguration of

the board was the need to add an executive member to the board, and that government was secretly shopping for a politician to be its ‘eyes and ears’ on the board, and by extension that of the ruling party.

The Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo, who inaugurated the board in Abuja, did not state why some members were dropped from the original list and why a politician was added to the list, but it was learnt that NERC voluntarily asked to be excluded from the board to enable it perform its sector’s regulatory roles independently, while the positions that would have been occupied by representatives of MAN, GENCOS and DISCOs would now be occupied by Egwu as “representative of the private sector and the industry generally.” He was introduced as ‘independent’ member of the board.

Nebo said that while the supervisory board would provide oversight to the management contract with Manitoba, the Federal Ministry of Power has the overall

oversight of the Power Sector.

“The Supervisory Board reports to the Honourable Minister of Power on policy issues and matters as it relates to its assignment,” Nebo said.

He described the TCN as the ‘fulcrum’ of power service delivery.

His words: “ The Goodluck Jonathan administration recognised the need to revamp and restructure TCN to make it more efficient, commercially-viable and comparable to global transmission companies. The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) with the BPE adopted management contract strategy in line with the 2010 roadmap to inject private sector expertise into the operations of TCN. “Consequently, Manitoba Hydro International of Canada was offered a three-year management contract for TCN in September 2012 after due process, to work with in-house team and take control of the daily operations of TCN, which will include major functions such as Market Operator (MO) and System Operator (SO), among others.”

Oshiomhole, Adoke trade words over Olaitan Oyerinde’s murder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 According to Oshiomhole: “I don’t think it is an issue I want to talk about. The issue is that he was saying my attorneygeneral should have known what to do; that he has nothing to do with the matter. And I simply asked him who referred the matter to him. Was it my attorney-general? The matter was referred to him by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and I asked him who should know better? If the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) referred a matter to the Minister of Justice that he ought to have referred to

the state, who is the one dragging him into the matter?

Who is the one politicising the matter?

“Should we assume that the DIG did not know that the offence of murder is a state offence? And if he knows it’s a state offence, why did he refer it to the Federal AttorneyGeneral? He should complain to the DIG who referred the case to him. The rest you witnessed. The point is that some of these guys, I am a governor, I am elected. He has to respect my office even if he doesn’t respect my person. In any event, we are dealing with factual issues. If a case

was wrongfully referred to the Federal Attorney-General by the Nigeria Police, who is to blame?”

Continuing, Oshiomhole stated: “It is like the case of a he- goat. When the family is happy, they sacrifice the hegoat to celebrate. When the child is sick, the native doctor says sacrifice he-goat so that the child will be well. So, head or tail, the he-goat is in trouble. Here I am and my private secretary is killed. Nobody seems to bother. Am doing my best to raise the issue because that is the least I owe to someone who gave his life.

And someone else does not think life is important. For him, it is a matter to trivialise and joke about. When it comes to death, I don’t joke.

You don’t joke with life and death. The essence of governance is to protect life and property. That is fundamental. Even in poverty, people need to feel safe and secure.

Nobody has a right under our constitution to take life of another, except if it has been confirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction. I was surprised that for the attorney-general, it is something he can afford to joke with, telling me that my attorney-general didn’t know what to do.”

Accosted later in the day by journalists to speak, Adoke hesitated until he was told that Oshiomhole had earlier spoken to the media on the issue.

Adoke said: “I will not disregard his (Oshiomhole) office.

He is my personal friend. I have the highest respect for him. He is a governor of this

country. But I will not join issues with him. I did not trivialise his office and I have no reason to trivialise his office.

He is at liberty as a governor in this country to say whatever he wants to say. But I will accord his office the highest respect. And I will not join issues with him.”

Oshiomhole also spoke to journalists on the ongoing plans by opposition political parties to merge under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said: “We have merged to form APC, All Progressives Congress; so, if people choose to trivialise it, it is up to them.

I know that INEC will register APC because if they don’t, they leave themselves open to accusation. Everybody knows that this has been in the national discourse over the period. It is not a new issue. And if people want to play these cheap games, first, it shows that they are panicky. And I don’t see any reason why people should be panicky over the alliance. In a genuine democracy, it is in our interest; those in power and those out of power, to create viable alternative platforms for people to make an informed choice. No party is too good to rule forever nor is any party too bad to be out of power forever. We have seen what is happening around the African continent. Nigeria must live by example in many respects. And if for some people, these are things to trivialise, it is not about me. It is not about you. Party is not indigeneship. It is a platform of ideas. It is about Nigeria.”

NEWS 3

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

News

ICPC plans fresh way to report graft From Abosede Musari, Abuja

HAIRMAN of Independent C Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta has disclosed that the Commission was launching a voice-based platform that would enable Nigerians to report financial crimes to it free of charge.

Speaking on a live television programme yesterday in Abuja, the ICPC boss noted that the plan was a good opportunity for Nigerians to help by exposing crime even in positions of anonymity if they so wished.

According to him, the projects, which would soon be completed and the number made public; would help to curb crime greatly and the service would be accessed toll free to users.

He explained that officials would be on ground to answer calls all the time and that even at night, voice messages can be recorded by machine so that no information would be lost.

Presidency, security agencies mute over alleged slain hostages From Madu Onuorah, Abuja HE cloud of silence by the T Presidency, Defence and security agencies on the fate of the seven hostages allegedly killed by elements of the Boko Haram terror sect continued yesterday in Abuja.

Neither the Police, which statutorily is saddled with maintaining law and order and the military, which is increasingly involved in internal security operations, were

willing to talk.

Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, during a briefing on the activities of the Army referred journalists to Defence Headquarters as it “coordinates what the services do.”

But Director of Defence Information, Col. Mohammed Yerima kept mum on the issue.

Attahiru told journalists in Abuja that henceforth, all

Nigerian Army units earmarked for Peace Support Operations (PSOs) must undergo pre-induction training to ensure they perform their duties in line with best practices.

And as part of measures to ensure increased combat efficiency and improved Contingent Owned Equipment (COE), the Army has procured about 35 dessert terrain vehicles for deployment to the African-

led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).

Also, a team of Army electrical and mechanical engineers has carried out repairs on the COBRA Armoured Personnel Carriers deployed in Darfur, Sudan.

Attahiru said that the new pre-induction training for all peacekeepers include law of arms conflict, counter terrorism and counter insurgency.

He also confirmed that the final report for the 2013

National Defence College selection under which participants of this year’s course will be picked from has been submitted to Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Onyeabo Ihejirika.

Until the introduction of the selection examination, nomination as participant in the Defence College was “arbitrarily done.”

On this maiden examination, out of the total number of 131 that participated, 114 scored 50 per cent and above.

Reps seek hospital at Abuja estate From Terhemba Daka, Abuja ORRIED by the rate of acciW dents and other ill-health related cases occurring along the Airport Road in Abuja, the House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Health to immediately take steps to ensure that a general hospital was approved and established in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Estate in Lugbe which is located near the airport.

The Chamber had while adopting the prayer of a motion introduced by Yusuf Manu Swa, observed that the location of government hospitals in Abuja was a distance from the Airport, a situation it said had denied essential health services to the people.

It further noted that the FHA Estate in Lugbe and other settlement along the airport road were without a hospital to serve emergency situation on the road.

‘Over 50,000 babies born HIV positive yearly’ From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja REPORT on efforts at eliminating new HIV infections among children which was released in Abuja yesterday puts the number of babies born with HIV in the country between 50,000 and 100,000 yearly.

The report, which was presented by the National Steering Group of “Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive”, stressed that the government’s target would be to reduce the number of new HIV infection in children related deaths in children by at least 90.

National Coordinator of the HIV/ AIDS Division of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, who spoke at a meeting with the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, stressed that global target was to reduce the number of new HIV infections among children by 90 per cent and reduce the number of AIDS-related maternal deaths by 50 per cent.

A

Ex-militants, during the investigative public hearing by House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions on the exclusion of Akwa Ibom ex-militants from the Federal Government Amnesty Programme in Uyo …yesterday

Stakeholders fault NCAA chief’s removal

By Wole Shadare and Chika Goodluck -Ogazi ARELY 24 hours after the B Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren was removed from office by the Federal Government, a well of opposition has mounted over the action.

President Goodluck Jonathan, acting on recommendation from the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah-Ogiewonyi, while announcing the NCAA chief ‘s removal said, “this is consequent to a careful consideration of Demuren’s unsatisfactory response to the numerous concerns of stakeholders in the aviation sector.

But in his reaction, Assistant Secretary General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur said Demuren was removed for his uncompromising stance of safety and other issues that affected the aviation sector.

Also, President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore, said: “What Nigeria has done is very immoral, what we would have done is to appreciate him. It shows that Nigeria actually kills his own heroes. We murder our own heroes; rather than appreciate

them, we kill them. It is very sad, because I believe that Demuren has done a very good job. He should have been encouraged, he does not deserve to be disgraced the way they have done.

In the same vein, an aviation expert, Oluminde Ohunayo, said that Demuren exit was the end of an era. We can build on his legacies in the industry. We must not forget his footprints

in elevating our safety status.

The mode of exit is not appropriate but we must continue to elevate safety.”

Speaking to The Guardian, former President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Captain John Obakpolor (rtd) said the manner of his removal was unfortunate, describing his contribution to the sector as phenomenal.

Also, an aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo described Demuren’s removal as the end of an era. He called on whoever takes over to consolidate on the ex- NCAA boss’ landmark achievement, stressing that safety must be made uppermost in the heart of his successor.

Before his removal, Demuren and the National Assembly had

running battle over safetyrelated issues.

The Senate Committee on Aviation led by Senator Hope Uzodinma had blamed the crash on the NCAA’s poor safety oversight even though preliminary investigations conducted by the Accident Investigations Bureau (AIB) did not find the agency guilty of any wrongdoing.

Reps probe Yerima’s arrest, deportation of Israeli From Bridget Chiedu Onochie and Terhemba Daka, Abuja

• Senate declines action over alleged gender bias

ITING abuse of power, the C House of Representatives has mandated its Committee

(NCS), Mrs Inimfom Chris, who alleged her sack was based on gender discrimination.

The Senate said its helplessness stemmed from the Federal Government’s official Gazette, which restricts married women from securing employment in military and paramilitary agencies in the country.

The resolution followed a motion brought by Ibrahim Gusau (ANPP-Zamfara), which was adopted by the House at its plenary session.

Specifically, the former governor was on March 9, arrested, detained and questioned by the police for allegedly making

on Police Affairs to investigate the arrest and detention of former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima by the police.

Also, the House has begun probe into the deportation of an Israeli construction worker, Yaniv Dabah for making clarification over a road project in Benin-City.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday said it was handicapped over a petition brought before it by a former employee of Nigerian Customs Service

inciting remarks.

He said: “If a serving senator could be treated this way by the police, what would be the fate of the ordinary Nigerian.”

Gusau explained that he was merely expressing his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

But the House Committee Chairman on Health, Ndudi Elumelu punctured the arguments, saying: “The man involved is already having a fair hearing from the police, there is no need to raise dust over the issue.”

However, an attempt by the

House Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor to give credence to Elumelu’s argument was resisted by members.

The Chamber’s decision to investigate the deportation followed the adoption of a motion, introduced under matter of urgent national importance by Razak Bello-Osagie (ACN, Edo), who expressed regrets over the development.

Bello-Osagie, in his lead debate explained that Dabah, who works with RCC, a construction company handling the renovation of five Junction in Benin City, Edo State ran into trouble after making clarification on the status of the reconstruction, flood control and beautification of the project.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

4 NEWS

Rivers IGR hits N9.5 billion IVERS State’s internallyR generated revenue hit N9,591,046,990.43, last month, the highest since the commencement of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s tax reforms.

It is also the first time in the history of the state that its government has achieved the feat.

The new tax regime being implemented in partnership with Skye Bank had yielded a

Amaechi denies shunning PDP govs’ meetings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Akpabio, who spoke with journalists at the Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, venue of the meeting, also hinted that it would be imperative to amend the NGF’s constitution, but he did not elaborate on the aspects or nature of the amendment.

He emphasised that the proposed amendment was to strengthen the forum, and not to witch-hunt anybody.

But sources said it was part of the PDP’s agenda to curb the NGF chairman’s powers.

Akpabio also announced the formation of a Security Committee by the Forum. The fiveman advisory committee is to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling security challenges confronting the country.

Headed by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, its other members are Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Theodore Orji (Abia).

On the crisis in the SouthWest zone of the party, Akpabio declared that Governor Uduaghan has submitted an interim report on how to resolve the crisis to the forum, which is now awaiting the full report, which will be transmitted to the PDP’s national leadership.

He reiterated that the PDP-GF was not in rivalry with the NGF but rather would strengthen the latter through its (the former’s) contributions.

monthly average of between N5 to N6 billion, before the N9.5 billion in February 2013.

Prior to Amaechi’s tenure, the IGR had never grown beyond N2.5 billion, and even sometimes, it was well below N2 billion but he began the tax sector reform and the figure has gradually increased over the years.

His spokesman, Mr. David Iyofor, in an interview with reporters said: “Governor Amaechi is happy with what our partners in the tax project - Skye Bank - is doing with the state government and has urged them to continue on this path. He believes that the state can do even better than this figure of N9.5 billion and has clearly told them to improve on it.”

Iyofor urged Rivers people and corporate bodies to continue to support the State’s Board of Internal Revenue and Syke Bank by promptly and accurately paying their taxes for sustainable growth and development via execution of more developmental projects.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left); former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Ernest Shonekan and former President Shehu Shagari, during the Council of State meeting at the State House, Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Senate rejects immunity for N’Assembly members From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja

T

HE Senate yesterday rejected a bill from the House of Representatives, which seeks to confer immunity on lawmakers, same as that enjoyed by state governors in the 1999 Constitution.

The House had last week presented a Bill requesting for the inclusion of Legislative Powers and Privileges Act in the Constitution.

Senate Spokesman and Chairman of the Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Enyinnaya Abaribe, conveyed the decision of the nation’s upper legislative chamber to newsmen yesterday.

He explained that though the immunity Bill was yet to be presented to the Senate, it would be a surprise for any lawmaker to seek immunity outside the chambers of the National Assembly.

“I will be very surprised if

• Confirms five civil service commissioners somebody is asking for immunity outside the chambers of the National Assembly. Why would anybody ask for such? We do not want to grant anybody such immunity. I don’t think that will pass any floor”, he said.

The Senate also applauded the Executive over removal of the former Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren.

The National Assembly joint committee last year requested President Goodluck Jonathan to relieve Demuren of his job over negligence

and incompetent, following the crash of Dana aircraft in June last year, which killed all board. on passengers Abaribe, however, expressed belief that the Executive was only taking its time to take action on the demand of the Assembly.

National “But I have also cleared the air here to say that when we pass things to the Executive, we have to give them time to work through their own processes and necessarily, those processes may take a little while, but there is no doubt that the Senate has taken a stand on the aviation

sector and sets of resolutions were taken,” the lawmaker said.

Abaribe maintained that nobody is indispensable in the country. According to him, professionals abound in every aspect of the country’s national life.

The Senate again refuted speculations that it has been treating the Executive with kids’ gloves. According to Abaribe, it is not true that the Executive has not been alive to its responsibilities to administer the country. He said the relationship between the two arms of government

has been that of mutual respect for the interest of the country.

The Senate also confirmed five nominees for appointment as Federal Civil Service commissioners. They include Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Agatha Etolue (Anambra) representing Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states; Hope Odhuluma Ikiriko (Rivers State) representing Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states as well as Prof.

Aminu Diyo Sheidu (Kogi State), representing Kogi and Kwara cluster. Others are Mr. Emmanuel Chimezie Ihedioha (Abia), representing Imo and Abia bloc and Mr. Joseph Olufemi Akande (Osun State), representing Osun and Oyo bloc.

Akpabio tasks FG on ecological issues, ex-militants OVERNOR Godswill AkG pabio of Akwa Ibom State has enjoined the Federal Government to intervene in respect of ecological issues and proper engagement of former militants from Akwa Ibom State who had laid down their guns to embrace the amnesty programme.

He made the appeal on Monday when the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Emergency

and Disaster Management, Ifedayo Adekunle and his counterpart on Public Petitions, Uzo Azubuike, paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Office, Uyo. Akpabio remarked: “We have not had the intervention of the Federal Government on ecological issues for six years now since my inception in office. So, I appeal for the intervention to assist flood victims in the state. But I believe this

visit would speed up Federal Government’s assistance to the state, bringing succour by changing the lives of all those that were affected by this disaster. I also believe that the National Assembly would work with the Federal Government and do more to make the country united”.

“I call on Federal Government to intervene on ex-militants who had dropped their guns to embrace amnesty and

should not wait until youths carry arms before seeking to train or empower them”.

He recalled how more than 500 youths from the Akwa Ibom who claimed to be exmilitants once blocked Government House gate in Uyo to lodge a complaint of their neglect by Abuja, while their counterparts from other states had been sent overseas for entrepreneurship and vocational training.

YCE takes campaign against Yoruba marginalisation to UK, U.S. From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta ORUBA Council of Elders Y (YCE) has concluded plans to take the campaign against the alleged marginalisation of the race to the international arena.

The group hinted in Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday that it would inaugurate the Europe and America chapters of the organisation before the end of this year.

YCE has been alleging marginalisation of the Yoruba race in the appointment of political and public office holders by President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The Chairman of the group in Ogun State, Dr. Muiz Adeleke Omonayajo, who

spoke to journalists, said the planned launching of the international chapters is to “further sensitise all sons and daughters of the race in the Diaspora on the level at which the Yoruba have suffered marginalisation in Nigeria.”

Also at the briefing were the YCE’s national executive member, Mr. Kadiri Adebisi, as well as the group’s Public Relations Officer in the Diaspora, Mr. Gabriel Aramide.

According to Omonayajo, the inauguration of the international chapters would witness a two-day celebration of the Yoruba Day in London later this year.

He lamented that the region has been sidelined in the scheme of things in the country by the Jonathan ad-

ministration, a development, which he ascribed to the defeat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West.

The YCE leader said: “We don’t want to take the quota for the Igbo man, we don’t want to take the quota for the South-South, we don’t want to take the quota for other regions like the Middle Belt, North-East, North-West and so on, what we are saying is that Yoruba should be given their dues.

“The point is that, according to the information made available to us, politically, at the centre, the Yoruba are not in PDP, the South-West did not vote for PDP but what we are saying now is that the moment somebody becomes a President, he is a

president of everybody, the good, the bad and the ugly.

“We now want a consideration that will make the federal character meaningful, we want unity. If you look at the federal agencies, you will see that we are not there. We are not fighting, we are pleading that consideration should be given to the South-West people to have their dues.”

Omonayajo added: “We have so many children who are graduates that have no jobs, what are we talking about. If parents struggled to send their children to school and they get certificate but do not get jobs, whether self-employed or government jobs, how do you then prevent youths’ restiveness?”

NEWS 5

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Fashola unveils JSC complex, urges federal judicial workers to end strike

Akeredolu’s conduct draws judge’s ire From Niyi Bello, Akure HAIRMAN of the three-man Ondo State Election C Petition Tribunal, Justice

By Kamal Tayo Oropo HE Lagos State Judiciary got T a lot better yesterday with the unveiling of a multi-purpose building for its Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in Ikeja by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who also appealed for a quick end to the on-going federal judicial workers’ strike.

Commissioning the building, which was named after the second Chief Judge of the state, Justice Joseph Adetunji Adefarasin, the governor said he was making the plea on behalf of litigants and people who seek justice in the courtrooms. He noted that whatever issues might be at dispute, negotiations would make a way.

According to Fashola, who spoke before a gathering of senior members of the Bench, including former chief judges, magistrates, lawyers and widow of the honouree, Mrs. Hilda Adefarasin, the strike does the country no good because it does not afford services to the people on whose behalf the elected representatives exercise the privilege to be in government.

Group urges Jonathan to address alleged marginalisation of S’West

By Isaac Taiwo

Business activities resumed at Ladipo Spare-parts Market yesterday after it was locked by Lagos State government for two weeks PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Obasanjo seeks review of port charges, faults NNSL liquidation

By Moses Ebosele ORMER President Olusegun FFederal Obasanjo has advised the Government to

• Jonathan pledges to transform sector are going. One was sold as scrap for half a million dollar.

Government later bought same ship for $2 million. It was repaired for a million dollar. ” Earlier, President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, said the number of agencies at the ports have been streamlined from 14 to seven while a 24-hour ports’ operation has been introduced.

“We have equally awarded the contract for the rehabilitation of 1.6km access road in the Apapa Port Complex, which has reached over 70 per cent completion.

“In addition, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently carried out some rehabilitation work on the Creek and Wharf roads to ease traffic to and from the ports,” Jonathan said.

Referring to the theme of the 2013 Expo, Nigerian Maritime: Invest Now, Jonathan said it was apt and in conformity with the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

He noted: “As part of government’s commitment to transforming the economy, numerous reforms were introduced.

“In the maritime sector, government has undertaken comprehensive port reforms that have made NPA a landlord and regulator, delineated the ports into terminals and concessioned them to private investors. This has led to steady improvement in operational efficiency.

“Government has also committed substantial resources in dredging and maintenance of channels in Lagos and Bonny and a channel management company has been formed following approval by the President for managing the Calabar channel, while procurement processes for the capital dredging of the channel is in progress.

“In the same vein, government is poised to provide additional infrastructure in Apapa, Tin-can, Warri and Onne Ports.”

According to him, the annu-

al event initiated in 2011 has provided an ideal forum for displaying an assemblage of various maritime products, new technologies, services and expertise, and also provided a platform to open up various business opportunities in Nigeria’s growing maritime sector.

Nigeria, the President said, generates about 70 per cent of the ship traffic, cargo throughput and volume of trade in the West and Central Africa sub-regions, while Nigeria’s volume of trade has steadily risen from 82 million tons of cargo in 2008 to 93.7 million tons in 2009 and 100 million tons in 2012, with container volume of 1.4 million TEUs in 2011.

In her welcome address, Chairman of NIMAREX Planning Committee, Mrs. Margaret Onyema Orakwusi, said the annual event - now in its third edition - offers a holistic business experience by combining conference and exhibitions that will update the audience on the state of the maritime industry in Nigeria and connect key companies in the maritime sector to international operators.

GROUP, Christian Welfare Initiative, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to address without delay the alleged marginalisation of the South-West region in his administration.

A press release signed by the chairman of the group and President, Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, referring to earlier newspaper publications on that issue, read: “We read with utmost dismay in some of our national dailies that SouthWest region of Nigeria has been completely marginalised by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“When we study the last presidential election in 2011 region by region, the South-West overwhelmingly voted for President Jonathan. In fact, he won convincingly in five states in the South-West and in Osun State, he was placed second with a little margin to the ACN candidate.

address high charges and congestion at the Lagos seaports as part of strategies to curtail diversion of cargoes to neighboring countries.

Speaking in Lagos yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX), Obasanjo said that despite the concessioning, port users were still facing some challenges.

Also, he criticised the liquidation of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL), noting that a viable maritime sector plays an important role in the development of the economy.

According to him, indigenous ship owners should be commended for their steadfastness and commitment despite various challenges.

He recalled how the 19 ships that were in the NNSL fleet when he left office in 1979 were sold, lamenting: “20 years after in 1999, there was no ship left. Where are the 19 ships? If we are going to get it right, we must refer to history.

History points to where we

Court hears N249m suit against Anambra May 6

‘Specialist police grossly unutilised, marginalised’

A

From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka HIGH Court sitting in Awka has fixed for May 6, 2013, the hearing on a case filed by the Anambra Solid Waste Management Mulch-Purpose Society against the state government over its refusal to pay it its contract money.

In the suit filed through its counsel, K.C. Emeruwa, the group prayed the court to grant that the defendant, Anambra State government and three others pay the sum of N249,053, 230.00 being the balance of cumulative debts owed it.

It also prayed the court to compel the state government to restore its members to their waste evacuation contract in the state.

The plaintiff furthermore called for an injunction restraining the first and second defendants henceforth from evacuating solid waste in the state pending the determination of the substantive suit.

When the suit was mentioned

A

By Odita Sunday

• Officers seek better forensic laboratory

HE Federal Government’s T heavy investment in crime control equipment and

behalf of his colleagues, urged the Federal Government to compel the police management to involve them in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and other heinous crimes bedeviling the country.

“I write to bring to the fore the unprecedented act of sabotage being perpetrated by the management cadre of the Nigeria Police Force. On April 19, 2010, the Police Service Commission recruited specialist cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to be trained at the Police College, Ikeja, and Cadet Inspectors to train at the Police College, Maiduguri,” the officer wrote.

“The recruitment and training was the right step and was accepted by Nigerians and the international community. The aim of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in this regard

deployment of huge financial resources to fight criminal insurgencies notwithstanding, specialist police officers have alleged that they are idling away and are mainly discriminated against, as well as being unutilised.

The officers, who blame the management of the Nigeria Police for not optimally engaging their services, thereby making them idle within the police circle, are mainly the ballisticians, finger-print analysts and handwriting analysts.

Preferring to remain anonymous, they said the management of the law maintenance agency does not offer the Federal Government good value for the money it invests in their training.

One of them, who spoke on

was to employ more hands to wage war against crime and ensure a peaceful society, which will enhance steady economic growth leading to the actualisation of Vision 20:2020.

“Regrettably, however, the management of the Force in all ramifications has refused to acknowledge this fact. It is very unfortunate that since the commissioning of these young officers, forensic specialists, who include handwriting analysts, ballisticians and finger print analysts, have not been allowed to handle any serious task.”

According to him, “the specialists remain idle and redundant at various divisions and state commands at this crucial moment that the country is besieged by Boko Haram terrorism other violent crimes. It is quite astounding that while President Jonathan yearns for

international support to contain the Boko Haram insurgency, about 1,000 police officers have been disarmed and rendered redundant in the guise of being specialists.”

The specialists further alleged: “The discrimination in the force by the General Duty (GD) personnel against the specialists is so evident that a Junior General Duty officer is usually appointed commanding officer over a senior specialist officer. This attitude has given rise to gross insubordination and other acts of indiscipline.

“Additionally, the specialists are not allowed to head teams, even within their area of specialisation, minute on files or carry fire arms, thereby exposing them to danger any attack.”

Painting a gloomy picture of young officers, who had sworn allegiance to serve Nigeria with all their strength

Andovar Kaka’an, yesterday asked a petitioner and candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to demand the court’s dissolution if he was dissatisfied with the way matters were being handled.

The advice came after a 20minute altercation between Akeredolu and members of the tribunal following an objection raised by the ACN candidate over the recording of proceedings by the judges.

Akeredolu, who sat among his lawyers on the front row of Court 2 of the Akure High Court, raised objections as the declared winner of the election, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Labour Party (LP), commenced his defence with the parade of witnesses.

Mimiko had called in Benson Aluta from Ward 10, Unit 1, Ondo-East Local Council, to testify and he was led in evidence by the governor’s counsel, Abayomi Akanmode.

Aluta was later cross-examined by counsel to Akeredolu, Lasun Sanusi (SAN), whereby the witness told the court that election went on perfectly in his unit without any rancour or violence.

However, controversy arose among counsels over his evidence and the tribunal’s chairman decided to read to the witness what was recorded as his evidence before the court.

After it was read, some people in the court, particularly the counsels, murmured in disapproval.

Irked at their murmuring, Kaka’an told them that the court was not for side-talks but to do justice to the petition at hand. However, he declared that members of the tribunal were not afraid of being disqualified. Rather, anyone with contrary view about the handling of proceedings could petition higher authorities.

However, Akeredolu addressed the court, insisting that what the tribunal recorded for the witness was not what he said. His stance apparently angered the tribunal chairman, who retorted: “We are not here for side-talks, we are here to do justice to the petition before us.

“Anybody that is not satisfied with our activities can petition the appropriate authorities, ours will not be the first tribunal members to be disqualified.”

and ensure a crime-free society, the group added: “The commonest complain by senior officers regarding the forensic specialists is that they were not properly trained.

“This is absurd. The police authority was charged with the responsibility of training, why should they fail to train them properly? Does it mean that GD officers are meant to be trained properly while specialists are not, or is it that other police training centres other than Police College, Kano, cannot give professional training to officers?

According to the spokesman, “When the Federal Government decided to send these forensic specialists overseas for training, some senior officers at the top echelon quietly handpicked overnight their siblings in the force (some of whom are GD personnel).

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

6 NEWS

STF denies manhandling Plateau women

Aturu warns against pardon for Alamieyeseigha, others

From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos

By Bertram Nwannekanma

HE Special Task Force (STF), T Operation Safe Haven, deployed to Plateau State to keep

operate with the security agents and even their elders.”

Mustapha said the operation was necessitated following intelligence reports of suspected arms around the area and also due to some sporadic shootings going on around the village, which the villagers are crying about.

“More so, the operation was

conducted concurrently in three other surrounding villages of Rim namely; Diyan, Rugga Fulani Rim and Rangwei. The operation was successful in the other three places except Rim where the women did not allow their places to be searched. This is disheartening and uncivilised coming from the

same people whom these weapons might be used against.”

He stressed that their stay in the state has been purely based on a call to national duty as an uncompromised security outfit whose professional and ethical engagements stand incorruptible and also beyond sentiments.

“The STF therefore, reiterates that as an integral part of the nation’s security, it shall continue to discharge its duties of protecting and securing the lives and property of Nigerians impartially and with unbiased minds, by conducting such operations when ever and where ever it deemed necessary.”

the peace has denied allegations by some civil groups that some women were manhandled by its personnel in Rim, Riyom Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, March 10.

A statement yesterday by STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha categorically debunked what he called “malicious, misleading and unwarranted lies that were purposely made to tarnish the good work and image of the STF and its operations which are aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

“What happened in Rim was meant to be a usual random cordon and search operation that has been conducted by the Task Force in recent times all over the state. The operation started smoothly at about 7a.m. for some time before suddenly, the women mobilised themselves, prevented the personnel from doing the work and started calling for the withdrawal of the troops from Rim. “This does not end at that, they became violent and started hurling insults, stones and other dangerous objects at our men injuring about six personnel. All efforts aimed at warning and discussing with Representative of the Governor of Lagos State, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Oluwaseyi Williams, the 48th President of the Institute of their leaders proved abortive Chatered Accountants of Nigeria, Doyin Owolabi and 2nd Deputy Vice President, Otunba Olufemi Deru at the symposium programme of Federal Governas the women refused to co- ment budget 2013 implementation at the International Airport Hotel Ikeja, Lagos… yesterday.

PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO.

NANS threatens mass protest against killing of EKSU student From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, South West Bureau, Ado Ekiti) HE National Association T of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday threatened to stage an “unprecedented mass protest” at Police Headquarters, Abuja if the Inspector General of Police (IG) Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar did not call for a thorough investigation of the alleged police killing of Seyi Fasere, a student of the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

The students’ body also criticised Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sotonye Wakama for his alleged failure to apprehend and present to the public the police officer from Oye Police Station who was alleged to have shot Seyi, a 400 level Business Administration of EKSU arrested after a robbery operation in a first generation bank in the town.

NANS Chairman, Ekiti axis, Comrade Damilare Bewaji, who read the petition addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan at a press conference held in Ado Ekiti said the students’ body give the police 72 hours to make public the killer of Seyi and commence his prosecution without any delay.

The petition was also copied to the I-G and Na-

tional Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.

NANS demanded that the Inspector-General of Police should set up a panel of enquiry to conduct unfettered investigations into the heinous crime to serve as deterrence to others.

Bewaji pledged the body is ready to volunteer useful information to the panel in a bid to get to the root of the matter.

Also speaking in the same manner, the EKSU Transition Committee Chairman, Comrade Adeoye Aribasoye, urged the I-G to devise means of curtailing the killing of innocent Nigerians by his men.

Aribasoye suggested that comprehensive psychiatry test should henceforth be conducted on policemen and prospective cops in Nigeria to ascertain their mental stability before enlistment.

He said the senseless killing “has taken us back to the primitive ages. Even in the primitive ages, there were no cases of extra-judicial killings like we have today”.

Aribasoye said, “We have made our findings, and everything pointed to the fact that Seyi was never an armed robber. He only went home to collect his school fees and ran into a robbery scene on his way to Ado Ekiti. Even the

N100, 000 he was given by his mother while returning to school was not found on him after death.

“With the photograph we saw, Seyi’s hands were tied to the back while he was stripped naked before he was shot. With this, it was apparent that he was arrested at the robbery scene while scampering for safety and taken to the station to create the impression that he was a robber.

“After his arrest, we expected the police to prosecute him rather than to resort to summary execution”, he concluded.

According to reports, late Seyi had gone to Ilupeju-Ekiti to meet her mother, Mrs. Florence Fasere to collect his school fees and on his way back, the commercial vehicle he boarded ran into a crossfire between the police and the armed robbers that just operated at a first generation bank in Oye-Ekiti. All the commuters ran into the bush to escape being hit by the bullet, but Seyi was said to have been arrested where he was hiding on the fateful Thursday, February 28, and

by Friday he was already a dead man.

Seyi’s mother who just gave her son N100, 000 as part of his school fees being a part-

time student of EKSU did not know what has happened to his son but another commuter, who boarded the same vehicle with Seyi, Mrs. Victoria Adewuyi, went to inform her of the incident and asked her to contact his son if he survived the incident.

At that moment, the 65-year old mother began to search for his son and later heard that his son was arrested by the police but by the time she and her husband living in Ado Ekiti got to the police station, they found Seyi already a dead man. The couple said while they were asking questions about the death of their son, they alleged that they were thoroughly beaten by the police who also detained them.

According to Seyi’s mother, “In our presence when we insisted that our son was not an armed robber, the police started beating us and we were detained. We learnt that one of the robbers sustained serious gunshot during the gun duel with the police and escaped with it and the police shot Seyi as a cover up. But as God will have it, there was a heavy downpour on that night and the erosion washed out the robber out of his hiding and was later arrested by the police.

“We heard one of the police officers (names withheld) boasting how he shot Seyi on the neck. “It was sad and bad for the police to have caught Seyi where he was hiding, tied his hands and detained him from Thursday till Friday before being shot just to create the impression that they had caught a robber. They even spread the news into town that he was a member of the robbery gang.

But the second day, a heavy rain fell and the robber, who sustained injury during the gun duel, was washed out of

the culvert where he was hiding before the police now realised that their game was up.

Mrs Fasere added that the injured robber, who is now receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti also disclosed that all the members of the gang are from Kogi State and that Seyi was not a member.

The 72-year old witness, Mrs Adewuyi, who corroborated Mrs Fasere’s explanation, said the deceased was never a member of the robbery gang, saying he was just a victim of circumstance, adding that she boarded the same car with Seyi before they ran into the robbery gang.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr. Victor Babayemi, who confirmed the story said the police was able to smash the robbery operation owing to the ingenuity of his men.

Babayemi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, added that Seyi ‘s corpse was discovered in the bush the second day when his men combed the scene of the incident, thereby dispelling the insinuation that he was arrested and shot by his men to cover up.

The PPRO said, “One of the robbers who was shot and arrested said he could not identify Seyi because he was not among the team that attacked the station. He said that he was part of the team who attacked the bank.

He also explained that their gang leader recruited them separately. So we do not know if he was one of the robbers or he was caught in the crossfire. But we are still investigating.

But Mrs. Fasere has called on the Inspector General of Police, to investigate the alleged extra-judicial killing of

AGOS-BASED human rights Ladvised lawyer, Bamidele Aturu has against granting presidential pardon to some convicts including the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Diepreye Alamieseigha, who was convicted for acts of corruption perpetrated while in office.

According to Aturu, who said he learnt of the move from very credible and knowledgeable sources from the Presidency, added Nigerians would have no choice but to declare war against the government and the state in general.

“Presidential pardon to those who were convicted, not of political offences but for dipping their dirty fingers in the common till and pauperising hard working Nigerians in the process is nothing but jail break by the state.

“It will signal the end of the existing phony war against corruption.

Unless the government wants to be remembered as the one that officially institutionalised corruption, then the most honourable thing for it to do is to withdraw the provocative and shameless proposal before the Council of State.

Stop harassing Ezekwesili’s aide, HURIWA tells ICPC From John Okeke, Abuja HE hierarchy of the IndeT pendent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been upbraided by the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) for allegedly allowing themselves to be used by the Presidency to harass an Abuja–based journalist, Mr. Tom Chiahemen over his connection with former Education Minister, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili.

In a statement endorsed jointly by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA said the recent incessant questioning without the presence of his legal counsel of Chiahemen by the ICPC is a clear subterfuge by the anti-graft body.

HURIWA cautioned ICPC against being used for political witch-hunt of perceived political opponents of the current administration, but should rather tackle the unprecedented cases of corruption that pervade federal ministries and the 36 states of the federation including Abuja.

Olumba urges prayers over 2015 elections From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE Spiritual Head of BrothT erhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Olumba Olumba Obu, has warned Nigerian politicians to seek God’s face to guarantee peace in the 2015 general elections.

Obu said this at the pre-event press briefing for the ``Hidden Manna 2013 Celebration’’at the BCS World Headquarters, Calabar, adding there was growing mutual suspicion in the country because of corruption and advised corrupt leaders to mend their ways to avoid the wrath of God. He said, “As Nigerians strategise ahead of the 2015 polls, we hereby warn all those jostling for election and re-election in the country to seek God’s face first or damn the consequences.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

NEWS 7

Edo LP carpets Oshiomhole over non-inclusion in new exco From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City ABOUR Party (LP) in Edo LtheState yesterday carpeted newly-inaugurated exec-

Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State (left), welcoming the Emir of Shonga and Team Leader of Northern States’ Governors’ Forum Committee on Reconciliation, Healing and Security, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, to his office in Jos…yesterday

utive committee of the state government, saying that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has betrayed it by not including any of its members in the executive council.

Vice Chairman of the party, Patrick Eholor, told journalists yesterday that members of the party were surprised that there was no member of the LP in the new cabinet, adding that they have been used and dumped by the governor despite the support the party had given to his administration.

But the state Commissioner

for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, reacting to the issue yesterday, denied that the state government entered into any pact with the Labour Party, adding that LP as a party fielded a candidate during the July 14 governorship election.

But Eholor said: “It is very

Soludo, others join Anambra governorship race their interest to join former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) HE political space for the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Anambra State 2014 gov- Soludo, who is believed to ernorship polls is getting still be interested in the covposition. crowded daily with Senator eted “We are looking at it critiAnnie Okonkwo, who represented the Central District cally. You know am still the during the last Senate; as standard-bearer of the Peowell as Tony Nnacheta, a fi- ples Democratic Party (PDP). nance expert, signifying If I am going to contest, it will be on the party’s ticket”, the versatile economist said yesterday.

Soludo flew the flag of the PDP in the February 6, 2010, governorship election in the documentation. With these state but was beaten to the statements, it is clear that INEC third position by incumbent, has always had a constructive Mr. Peter Obi and Senator knowledge of the All Progres- Chris Ngige. sives’ Congress (APC) since the Senator Okonkwo, one of merger plan started, and that the leading All Progressives the emerging party did not Grand Alliance (APGA) chiefhave to do anything until all the tains to the on-going merger component parties have held talks with other equally protheir conventions and ratified the constitution, manifesto and gressive-minded politicians logo of the APC. from parts of the country, ‘’We are therefore using this which resulted in the formamedium to assure the millions tion of All Progressives Conof our supporters within and gress (APC), has revealed his to vie too. outside Nigeria that there is no intention Nnacheta, a three-time sencause for alarm. The merger process is on course. The All Pro- atorial candidate and former gressives’ Congress that is the governorship aspirant of the legitimate people’s APC will PDP, with versatile political berth safely and deliver Nigeri- pedigree, also confirmed his ans from the oppressive yoke of intention to contest. But he the PDP. admitted to be currently ‘’We also wish to seize this op- deeply engaged in consultaportunity to thank the thou- tions, adding that he would sands of concerned Nigerians soon make a public declarawho through text messages tion. and e-mails have overwhelmed Already, Akachukwu us with their advice and words Nwankpo, a reported close of encouragement in the last confidant of President Goodtwo days. luck Jonathan and his aide Your support has been invalu- has declared his intention to able to us and we shall not let vie for the state’s numberyou down,” the party said. one citizenship seat. He is reIt, however, called for vigilance puted to be a great tactician, on the part of all progressive hence the President’s firm forces across the country, “es- hold on him since his days at pecially because we have it on the Bayelsa Government good authority that a top offi- House. Both were also said to cial of INEC has boasted that the be classmates and know each emergence of the All Progres- other very well.

From Chuks Collins, Awka

T

Controversy over All Progressives Congress rages • ACN faults INEC’s claim, accuses agency of connivance with PDP • Buhari’s, Tinubu’s coalition gets more supporters in Kwara, S’East From Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) and Emmanuel Ande (Yola) MID claims and counterA claims over application for the registration of the African Peoples Congress (APC) and the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday faulted the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The All Progressives’ Congress (APC) specifically accused INEC of manipulating facts by claiming that the African Peoples Congress had applied to the commission for registration.

Also, the Lagos State chapter of the ACN has said that the INEC leadership is corrupt, partisan, hugely compromised and therefore cannot organise the 2015 general election.

The party called for the implementation of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Panel recommendations, especially as regards the National Judicial Council’s constitution of an independent and impartial INEC leadership to organise credible elections in Nigeria.

In a statement by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, the party said the connivance of the INEC leadership with the PDP was not surprising to Nigerians who were aware of the complicit role the INEC leadership had been playing to further the interest of the PDP. “We are shocked that the Jegaled INEC should indulge in such brazen, dirty and inordinate tricks as stealing in a fraudulent registration for a ‘shadowy’ political party for the purpose of denying the APC its just registration…”, the party said.

Besides, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) yesterday said it had received applications of over 20,000 members of the PDP who had signified their interest in joining the newlyformed political party in Kwara State.

According to spokesman of the state’s chapter of the APC, Kayode Olawepo, at a press briefing yesterday in Ilorin, the PDP members, “especially those of the same ideologies with the APC”, would “very soon” be presented to the public.

But the state Secretary of the PDP, Yemi Afolayan, in an interview with The Guardian encouraged the APC to publish the names and addresses of the PDP members who had filed in their applications, “in order to

confirm or authenticate their claims.”

The All Progressives’ Congress (APC), South-East, said yesterday that the zone had embraced the new platform as a result of the failure of the PDP to address the infrastructural imbalance in the country.

In a statement issued in Enugu by its Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, APC said it was outraged by a recent statement credited to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu where he described as “madness”, moves by the South-East to identify with the merger of parties.

But the Adamawa State ruling PDP chairman, Mr. Joe Madaki, has commended the merger of opposition political parties, pointing out that the formation of APC would make the PDP to deliver democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Madaki, who spoke yesterday in Yola during the inaugural meeting of his executive and kick-off of sale of forms for the House of Assembly by-election in MayoBelwa, the Constituency of Governor Murtala Nyako, said the merger of the political parties should be seen from a constructive, rather than a negative point of view.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN said INEC’s claim, as articulated by Mr. Kayode Idowu, the spokesman for the Chairman, was not supported by the relevant sections of the Electoral Act regulating the registration of a political party.

According to ACN, the truth of the matter is that no party today with the acronym APC has applied to INEC to be registered, adding that “even phantom African Peoples Congress - which is being sponsored by the PDP to lay claim to the acronym - has only written a letter of intent, which has not even been discussed by INEC, not to talk of the commission taking any decision on it.”

It continued: ‘’The statement credited to Mr. Idowu is therefore reckless and provocative and clearly betrays INEC as truly having merged with the PDP to frustrate the merger of the progressives under the banner of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC). One wonders who the spokesman is speaking for and what interest he represents. He should therefore be called to order before he sets the country ablaze.’’

The party said in order to debunk INEC’s claim that the African Peoples Congress had applied for registration, it was calling the attention of all the good people of Nigeria to the

sections of the Electoral Act that are relevant to party registration: • Part V Political Parties of the Electoral Act, Section 78 (1) says: “A political association that complies with the provision of the Constitution and this Act for the purposes of registration shall be registered as a political party, provided that such application shall be duly submitted to the commission not later than 6 months before a general election.”

Section 78 (2) says: “The Commission shall on receipt of the documents in fulfilment of the conditions stipulated by the Constitution immediately issue the applicant with a letter of acknowledgement stating that all necessary documents have been submitted to the Commission.”

The ACN said: ‘’In this case, the applicants on behalf of the phantom African Peoples Congress, the clients of Legal World Chambers, have not submitted any of the documents stipulated by the Constitution to the Commission. They have only written a letter of intent and therefore INEC could not have issued them any letter of acknowledgement, not to talk of starting the process of verifying the documents ‘’At this point, they cannot even be regarded as applicants. Why then did INEC through its spokesperson gleefully go to the media to proclaim that another political association has applied to be registered as African Peoples Congress using the same acronym APC? Clearly, INEC is on a mission of mischief and its paymaster is PDP who has been having sleepless nights since the merger arrangement was announced.’’

The party further called attention to Section 78 (6) of the Electoral Act, which says: “An application for registration as a political party shall not be processed unless there is evidence of payment of administrative fee as may be fixed from time to time by the Commission.”

The ACN said it was aware that the applicants in question had not even paid any administrative fees and therefore INEC could not have started processing their application because there was no application before INEC as they had only written a letter of intent. ‘’The INEC spokesperson who announced to the world that another political association has applied to be registered as APC is therefore definitely being paid by the PDP to mislead Nigerians, subvert extant regulations and scuttle the proposed merger of the ACN, ANPP, APGA and CPC. He should immediately be called to order before he sets the country ablaze,’’ the party said.

It said what had emerged over the registration issue was that INEC was collaborating with the PDP to stampede the merging parties to commit errors and also intimidate them to drop the acronym APC. But ACN said: ‘’This has failed because as of today in accordance with the provisions of Section 78 (2) and Section 78 (6) of the Electoral Act as explained above, there is no applicant on record for the acronym APC, contrary to the deceit being spread by the INEC spokesman.”

The ACN also said that INEC had had a constructive knowledge of the merger plan and the existence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for a long time, going by statements credited to the INEC spokesman both in the print and the electronic media.

On February 17, 2013, Idowu was quoted to have said in The Punch of that date that the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) remained a political association, even though it was yet to be recognised by the commission.

“By law, we do not expect APC to come to INEC. The political parties that are fusing into another party will individually and respectively come back to INEC, notifying us that they are fusing into a party with a new identity,’’ ACN quoted Idowu to have said. ‘’The same Idowu also told TVC news on February 8, 2013, that INEC was expecting the leadership of the All Progressives’ Congress to apply for formal

clear now to the Labour Party and our followers; it is also clear to TUC, NLC, which Mr. Oshiomhole represented, a lot of people before now referred to him as Comrade Oshiomhole, we are disappointed and now wonder what is comrade in Mr. Oshiomhole”.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

WorldReport Kenya’s democracy on trial, says Raila Odinga Text of Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s speech after IEBC declared Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s president-elect E again stand at a very W pivotal moment in our history. We have created a

Handout picture released by the Venezuelan presidency press office showing Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (right) offering his condolences to the mother of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Elena Frias, during his funeral in Caracas, on March 8, 2013. The picture is causing controversy among social media, Iranian lawmakers and clerics who considered Ahmadinejad’s way of giving his condolences to Chavez’ mother quite inappropriate and that it violated Islamic rules which say unrelated men and woman are not supposed to touch.

PHOTO: AFP/PRESIDENCIA/HO

Black smoke shows no Pope elected at first Conclave vote HE hope of thousands of T faithful who massed at St. Peter’s Square for an early election of a new Pope was dashed as thick black smoke billowed into the night sky from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney yesterday.

It signalled an inconclusive first vote in the Conclave to elect a new leader for the church at a time of strife and scandal for the Roman Catholic Church.

Reuters reported that the faithful had huddled at the square to watch the smoke pour out of the narrow flue in the rain-laden gloom following a day rich in ritual and pageantry.

After praying for divine guidance, the red-hatted cardinals took a solemn vow, in Latin, never to divulge any details of their deliberations. They then secluded themselves behind the chapel’s heavy wooden doors.

No Conclave in the modern era has chosen a pope on its first day, and some cardinals speculated this week that it might take four or five days to pick the man to replace Pope Benedict, who unexpectedly abdicated last month.

The so-called “Princes of the Church” will spend the night in a Vatican hotel before returning to the frescoed Sistine Chapel today to continue their votes, with two rounds set for the morning and two for the afternoon.

Until they chose a new pontiff, their only communication with the outside world will be the smoke from the Chapel chimney – black when voting sessions end with no result and white when a pontiff is elected.

Whoever becomes the 266th pontiff in the Church’s 2,000year history will face a daunting array of problems, including sex abuse scandals, infighting within the Vatican bureau-

Whoever becomes the 266th pontiff in the Church’s 2,000-year history will face a daunting array of problems, including sex abuse scandals, infighting within the Vatican bureaucracy and the spread of secularism in its European heartland and beyond. cracy and the spread of secularism in its European heartland and beyond.

No clear-cut front runner has emerged, with some prelates pushing for a strong manager to control the much criticized central administration, known as the Curia, while others want a powerful pastor to promote their faith across the globe.

Italy’s Angelo Scola and Brazil’s Odilo Scherer are spoken of as strong contenders. The former would return the papacy to Italy after 35 years in the hands of Poland’s John Paul II and the German Benedict XVI. Scherer would be the first nonEuropean pope since Syrianborn Gregory III in the 8th century.

However, a host of other candidates have also been mentioned as “papabili” - potential popes - including U.S. cardinals Timothy Dolan and Sean O’Malley, Canada’s Marc Ouellet and Argentina’s Leonardo Sandri.

Latin chants accompanied the cardinals as they processed into the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s depiction of Christ delivering the Last Judgment on the back wall and his image of the hand of God giving life to Adam on the ceiling.

The doors were shut at 5.34 p.m. after the master of ceremonies, Guido Marini, said “Extra Omnes” (Latin for “Everyone Out”), asking all those not associated with the gathering to leave the room.

Maltese Cardinal Prosper Grech, who at 87 is too old to participate in the voting, remained inside to give a sermon to remind the 115 cardinal electors of the gravity of their responsibility.

Crowds of tourists and Italians soon gathered in the vast square to catch a glimpse of the famous smoke, including former European Commission president, Romano Prodi.

“I have just come as an ordinary citizen to see this,” he told Reuters, accompanied by his family. “And isn’t it beautiful.”

Police detained two women who staged a brief topless protest against the Church before the massed ranks of television crews who have come from around the world to follow the conclave.

Earlier, at a pre-conclave Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Italian cardinal Angelo Sodano called for unity in the Church and urged his brother cardinals to support the future pope.

“My brothers, let us pray that the Lord will grant us a pontiff who will embrace this noble mission with a generous heart,” he said in his homily.

The faithful gathered in Rome hoped their new leader would bring change after Benedict’s difficult eight-year reign.

“He must be a great pastor with a big heart, and also have the capacity to confront the Church’s problems, which are very great,” said Maria Dasdores Paz, a Brazilian nun who attended the Mass. “Every day there seem to be more.”

In the past month, the only British cardinal elector recused himself from the conclave and apologised for sexual misconduct.

new Kenya out of the ashes of the one that was nearly destroyed by the terrible violence, which followed the tainted last election. It took five long years to rebuild this beautiful country, and foster reconciliation among those divided and traumatized by those events. Our people have passionately embraced an unprecedented new order of reforms and economic vibrancy that will deliver a more prosperous and equitable society, encapsulated in a new Constitution that is the envy of the world.

And so on March 4, we all watched with utter gratitude the massive turnout as Kenyans waited patiently amidst hours-long delays to fulfill their desire to vote for the people they want to lead them. Despite the hiccups the IEBC experienced in implementing a smooth and transparent run-up to Election Day, Kenyans were convinced that the IEBC would translate their faith in democracy into a completely credible election, which would unite the country.

What Kenyans witnessed instead was the failure of virtually every instrument the IEBC had deployed for the election, The poll books, the servers, the telephonic transmission, the BVR - they all failed despite the billions spent on acquiring them.

Two days after the vote, the electronic tallying was discarded and fresh counting begun afresh via a manual c o u n t .

That too turned out to be a flawed exercise in which, among other things, there was massive tampering with the IEBC Final Register of Voters. Voter registration numbers were reduced in our strongholds and added to Jubilee strongholds! To give just one example, Ndhiwa constituency had 61,339 voters listed in the IEBC Final Register. But in the votes and election results that IEBC announced, it indicated Ndhiwa had only 48,535 voters! At the same time other constituencies saw the numbers of registered rise.

In Laikipia North constituency, on Friday the IEBC announced the results of the Presidential vote there - I had 11,908, and the Jubilee candi-

date had 11,361. But the Laikipia North results had already been announced by the IEBC the day before! The result then was different - I had 11,596 votes while my opponent had 9,707. Where did these extra votes come from? This is not the time to point to other examples of rampant illegality.

There had been a massive public investment in the IEBC to ensure that this first post2007 election would firmly entrench democracy and the rule of law. The commissioners criss-crossed the world to study how best Kenyans would have a credible election which would allow them to support their new President, whether they voted for him or not.

It is clear that the constitutionally sanctioned process of electing a new set of leaders to take us to the next level has been thwarted by another tainted election. This is not the IEBC that Kenyans and Judge Kriegler envisioned.

This crisis is not just about the IEBC. It is a crisis in the very workings of the faith that Kenyans have placed in their institutions to respect their democratic rights and the rule of law.

As I said repeatedly during the campaign, I would have readily conceded if IEBC had attempted to deliver a reasonably honest election. Or even if it had addressed the serious concerns the CORD team led by the Vice President formally presented to the commission three days. I only want to lead if Kenyans want me to. I have no other vested interest.

Both Judge Kriegler and ECK chairman Kivuitu acknowledged that it was not possible to know who won the 2007 election. We thought this

would never happen again. It most regrettably has.

But this time we have a new independent judiciary in which I and most Kenyans have faith. It will uphold the rule of law, and I will abide by its decisions. I will therefore shortly move to court to challenge the outcome that the IEBC announced a few hours a g o .

I want to appeal to all Kenyans to respect the rule of law and the Constitution of which they are so proud. Let the Supreme Court determine whether the result announced by IEBC is a lawful one. I am confident the court will restore the faith of Kenyans in the democratic rule of law.

Any violence now could destroy this nation forever.

That would not serve anyone’s interest. Please therefore look upon each other as brothers and sisters whose national bond should not again be brok e n .

This communication may contain information, which is confidential, personal and/or privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), please note that any distribution, forwarding, copying or use of this communication or the information in it is strictly prohibited. If you have received it in error please contact the sender immediately by return e-mail. Please then delete the e-mail and any copies of it and do not use or disclose its contents to any person. Any personal views expressed in this e-mail are those of the individual sender and not the organisation.

Prior to taking any action based upon this e-mail message, you should seek appropriate confirmation of its

Odinga

Queen Elizabeth cancels more events over illness UCKINGHAM Palace yesterB day announced that the British Queen Elizabeth II will miss two more events this week despite making a good recovery from an illness that saw her hospitalised last week.

The 86-year-old was unable to attend the Commonwealth Day service in London’s Westminster Abbey on

Monday as she was still suffering symptoms of gastroenteritis.

She was admitted to hospital for the first time in 10 years last week and was discharged after an overnight stay.

“The Queen continues to make a good recovery following her recent illness, and today she presented The Queen’s Gold

Medal for Poetry and held a series of Audiences,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

But it added that “regrettably,” she would no longer attend an engagement at the so-called Tech City area of today or the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scriptures Association Service at the Guards Chapel tomor-

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

10 |

Politics 2015 Presidential Poll

Enough is enough, Clark warns Aliyu

From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja

Says no agreement between Jonathan and northern governors over tenure

ORMER Minister of Information and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan did not enter into any agreement with the 19 northern governors over a single term in office contrary to the claims by Niger State governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.

The governor claimed recently that President Jonathan struck a deal with the 19 governors, to deliver their state at the 2011 presidential poll on the condition that he (Jonathan) would run only a single term in office as president.

But at a press conference in Abuja, where Chief Clark read out an open letter to Governor Aliyu, he said the only agreement President Jonathan entered into was with the Nigerian electorate.

He described the agreement as a covenant of performance and not an agreement on how many terms he would stay in office.

Clark said by Aliyu’s admission, if there existed any agreement of the sort, he had failed to even keep his own part by not delivering his state to Jonathan at the presidential poll, and therefore he (Aliyu) had rendered such an agreement invalid.

The elder statesman said he would ordinarily not join issues with the Niger State governor, but for the direct attack against him (Clark), which, he said, was “unfortunate and ridiculous.”

In the said letter, Clark stated: “As a rebuttal to your statement, I wish to repeat that there was no agreement between the governors of the nineteen northern states and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“But it appears that the Chief Servant does not understand the correct meaning of agreement.

For the records, according to the online edition of the Legal Dictionary, the word ‘agreement’ simply means: ‘a mutual understanding between two or more legally competent individuals or entities about their rights and duties regarding their past and future performances and a consideration

F

Jonathan that they must perform their own obligation in order to be bonded by the agreement. Thus, agreement is the art of agreeing or coming to a mutual agreement.’

Thus, Clark said it was laughable that Aliyu would claim that because Jonathan was anxious “to contest and win both the PDP Presidential Primaries and 2011 Presidential Election, that he and his counterparts from the other eighteen northern states agreed to help him achieve his ambition by voting for him provided he remains in office for only one tenure, from 2011-2015.”

“In your permutation, that was the agreement,” Clark said. “Having emphasised that there was no such agreement, but in defence of the concept of agreement and for the sake of argument, if there was such agreement, did you (Aliyu) keep to your own side of the said agreement?

“Was that why you directed your state delegates at the PDP primaries to vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the primaries and when he lost the ticket, you and your state went ahead to vote for a

rival political party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the presidential election, as shown in the result outlined below?

Clark added: “You will recall that in the PDP presidential primaries held at the Eagle Square, you (Aliyu) directed your state delegates to give Alhaji Atiku Abubakar 94 votes and a paltry 16 votes to President Jonathan.

“Again, with the defeat of your candidate in the primaries, your state voted overwhelmingly for Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) of the CPC, who scored a total of 652,574 against President Jonathan’s 321,429 in the presidential election. Paradoxically, in the gubernatorial election that followed, you defeated the CPC governorship candidate.”

Clark declared: “This clearly shows your (Aliyu’s) insincerity and dishonesty to the purported agreement, which, to my mind, existed only in the figment of your own imagination and by extension a product of your obsession with the Northern agenda in Nigeria.

“In fact, President Jonathan won convincingly in the North Central States except your own state.”

Clark accused Governor Aliyu of “blindly criticising the Federal Government and attempting to give the false impression that he (Aliyu) will do better if given the opportunity in 2015.”

He noted that the only qualification the governor has over the President Jonathan in seeking to run for the presidency is the fact that he is a northerner.

He said Jonathan was eligible to seek a second term in office, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and wondered why some unpatriotic governors and northern elements would be so hypocritical to seek to breach the president’s constitutional right.

“To lend credence to the fact that a sitting president is entitled to a second term, the ambitious and unpatriotic governors and some northern

Time for the Disability Bill is now

By Mourtada Deme

IGERIA ratified the United Nations N Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in September 2010 along with its Optional Protocol. According to Article 4 of the Convention, Nigeria is bound to pass national legislation that would give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

But for over a decade, persons with disabilities and civil society organisations have been advocating the passage of a national legislation that would guarantee the inalienable rights of persons with disabilities.

On two occasions, the first in 2005 during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the second in 2010 under the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly passed the bills but the presidents never assented to them.

The House of Representatives has already passed the bill, though without the establishment of a commission. Four weeks ago, the Senate deliberated and adopted the second reading of the Disability Bill with a commission and mandated the committees concerned (Women Affairs and Human Rights) to ensure that the proposed provisions of the bill adequately address its subject matter.

A public hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, to seek further contributions and inputs from major stakeholders.

This is certainly most welcome, as it will provide an avenue for people with disabilities to be fully involved in the affairs of their country. It will also make the country’s democratic institutions stronger and more responsive to the rights of people with disabilities.

The bill is also an important step in

the right direction, because it places the issue of disabilities in a human rights context. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

Equality, and the related principle of non-discrimination are central to the international human rights regime.

One of the most hopeful developments of the age we live in is the acceptance of the fact that everyone has certain fundamental rights irrespective of where they live, whether they are rich or poor, what colour they are, what religion they practice, what ethnic group they belong to, or what disabilities they live with. These rights are spelled out in detail in 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since the 1970s, there has been increasing international concern about the need to advance the human rights of persons with disabilities, culminating in the Declaration of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1982-1993), followed in the same year with the declaration of December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Several international strategies, including the Minimum Standard Rules on Equalisation of Opportunities, aimed at achieving the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of socio-economic and political life, have since followed. For example, the Standard Rules were adopted unanimously by the General Assembly, providing all countries with concrete guidelines on how to deliver the promise of equal rights for persons with disability.

To strengthen and monitor the protection of the human rights of persons with disabilities, the United Nations passed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Nigeria signed this landmark convention in 2007 with ratification and adop-

tion of the optional protocol in 2010.

Therefore, establishing that persons with disabilities are entitled to the same basic human rights as the rest of the population is important.

Ensuring that the barriers are removed is a major challenge worthy of our effort. So, what are our global responsibilities?

First, there must be a clear recognition of the special needs of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Second, measures must be taken to promote the realisation of the rights of People with Disabilities. It is not enough for governments to refrain from actions that could have a negative impact; governments have the obligation to take positive actions to reduce disadvantages and give appropriate treatment to vulnerable groups, so as to ensure full participation, equality and inclusiveness.

Third, adequate resources, including access to education, must be provided. But the responsibility of governments does not end with the public sphere. There is also a duty to exercise proper supervision and regulation in the private sector, through legislation and raising awareness about the rights, needs, potential and contributions of People with Disabilities.

Fourth, all forms of discrimination should be combated. There is, unfortunately, a long history of discrimination against those perceived as being different. The tools to fight this are, once again, a combination of legislation, allocation of resources, and awareness rising.

Persons with disabilities need legislation that protects their dignity and safeguards their rights. In this, the role of the legislator is key. Efforts to identify benchmarks, standards and best practices have been undertaken by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (of which

conservative politicians confirmed this constitutional provision by saying that it was the second term of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua that the North wanted to complete in 2011,” Clark said.

“In other words, the late President Yar’Adua was entitled to 8 years in office, but Dr. Jonathan is entitled to only a single term contrary to the 1999 Constitution. Is that not double standard? What a shame!”

He said it must be emphasised, that for the umpteenth time, that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, as enshrined in the nation’s Constitution.

Clark recalled that in the 52 years of Nigeria’s independence as a nation, the North has ruled for over 38 years while all other Nigerians remained patient and loyal.

“The Yoruba have ruled for over 12 years, and the Igbo for only 6 months. The minority ethnic groups, now known as the South-South, had never ruled this country until the unfortunate death of President Yar’Adua after an unnecessary constitutional crisis,” he said.

Clark insisted that the same Nigerians, who voted “massively” for Jonathan in 2011, would be prepared to vote for him again in 2015 “if he performs to their satisfaction and presents himself for reelection.”

“It is therefore unacceptable for any group of people to gang up to intimidate and frustrate him out of office by engaging in series of despicable crisis where people are killed and houses and properties destroyed,” he said.

Concluding the letter Governor Aliyu, Clark stressed that as a people, “we must remain united and be patient to wait for our turn and not intimidate an incumbent President to abandon his constitutional right to seek a second term in office, as provided in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) just because he is the minority. Enough is enough, my dear Governor.”

Nigeria is a member) and the Inter-parliamentary Union, among others.

The Handbook for Parliamentarians on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol provides practical rules to assist “parliamentarians and others in efforts to realise the Convention so that persons with disabilities can achieve the transition from exclusion to an inclusive society for all.”

That is because the free participation of citizens in the affairs of their country may never be conditioned on physical ability, just as it may never be conditioned on any discriminatory basis. This is consistent with the explicit declaration contained in Article 18 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights of the African Union, which “recognises and respects the rights of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence… and inclusion in the life of the community.”

It further states that the legislature shall make every reasonable effort to accommodate the special needs of persons with disabilities. I call upon the Nigerian legislators to act now to give full effect to the equal opportunity bill, to ensure that ALL citizens make a greater contribution to policy making, reform, and participate in the democratic process without discrimination.

Having signed and ratified the UNCRPD and its optional protocol, it is now time to pass national legislation that would guarantee the rights enshrined in the Convention for Nigerians with Disabilities, especially Article 29, which enjoins member states to guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to participate effectively in political and public life. We need the bill and the time is now.

In addition to the legal framework, it is imperative to consider the process of inclusion of people with disabilities in

light of the “no gap-policy,” which means that no entity, be it a government ministry or a non-governmental organisation, can achieve the goal of inclusiveness on its own. That is one of the objectives that last Wednesday’s hearing intended to achieve.

All entities need to ensure that their respective spheres of responsibility provide the necessary opportunities and access to all persons on an equal basis. It is imperative that persons with disabilities be increasingly represented in the planning and management of development activities and organisation at all levels, so that they can achieve the transition from exclusion to equality and inclusion.

Equality and non-discrimination are the principles par excellence on which human rights are built. The struggle to advance equality and an inclusive society for all remains a fundamental element of the promotion and protection of human rights for all.

But frankly, it is more than law. It is about our common moral obligation to build real communities of shared opportunities, shared responsibilities, shared values and a sense of belonging. We hold common hope; we all want to move toward the same direction, toward a better society for all. In a society, we should be one another’s well-wisher, removing stumbling blocks that keep others from living a full life.

Some years ago, during a trip I met some groups that have their unique way of greeting each other. When someone say hello, the response is I see you. Think how much better, how inclusive our society would be if we actually saw each other.

• Mourtada Deme is Project Director for Democratic Governance and Development (DGD).

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wenesday, March 13, 2013

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TheMetroSection Dafara, where MDGs’ water doesn’t flow From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja

Their appeal is for the President to help them instruct the MDG office to come and rectify the faulty borehole they sank three years ago HEN in 2010, the people of Dafara 1, Dafara W 11 and Bamshi villages located at Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) rolled out the drums to dance, luck had smiled on them at last, they thought the Federal Government through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) project has decided to sink bore-holes in the three communities and others around them.

The basic problem the three villages and those in their environs has is lack of potable water, as they drink from dirty streams dug in their communities. Their cattle too drink from the same source and so when the MDGs came with the laudable project of providing water for them, their joy knew no bounds.

The work commenced in earnest with the communities in their excitement and, as part of their communal efforts, providing food for the workers drilling the bore-hole at no cost to the drillers. After all, the communities were the beneficiaries of the project and not the drillers.

The drilling job in Dafara 1, for instance, was completed with the close supervision of the community’s representative in the person of Mr. Victor Emmanuel. He is more educated and enlightened than the villagers, so they saw him as their mouthpiece.

The project was not completed without frictions between Victor and the drillers. Victor told The Guardian that he was not comfortable with the project as the water got dried up

Kids playing at one of the sites water is supposed to flow

within two hours after completion when it was being pumped, so he raised an alarm.

The initial problem between them was the location of the drill. Victor saw the drillers were not getting to the water table and he advised them to change the location of the borehole, the MDGs operatives saw this as an affront and since then, they and Victor never saw eyeball to eyeball.

In any case, the location was changed as suggested by Victor on the long run, but the new location was no better as the entire water dried up after two weeks of completion. The villagers told The Guardian that it was the same story in other villages around them. All the water projects the MDG’s embarked on in the area have dried up.

There were eight locations for taps around Dafara 1 and the same figure in Dafara 11. These points were supposed to be service points for people to fetch water but The Guardian only noticed some kids playing away at some of the tap points.

The same story is replicated in Dafara 11 and Bamshi, villages that were just about 10 kilometres from each other. At Dafara 11, the people formed a cooperative and dug a borehole for themselves, it is still working till date but villagers have to buy water from there. Anyone who cannot afford to buy from the co-operative borehole resorts to a stream in the village.

Dafara 1 did not bother to sink borehole, it simply could not afford it and so the one pond located in a bushy area in the village serves as

LSPWC commences repair of roads in Ladipo, others

By Tunde Alao intola on Monday, directed his men to embark on the rehabiliARELY two days after the reopening of the Ladipo SpareParts tation exercise to ensure that after the reopening of the market, BMarket, men of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation “motorists and other road users would be able to transact their (LSPWC), have begun work on the network of roads in the axis. businesses under a conducive environment”.

The corporation has also put in place a plan to carry out maintenance activities on 45 roads in 16 local councils of the state, between Monday March 11 and Saturday, March 16, 2013.

The repair of roads in Ladipo was not unconnected with the appalling situation of the environment that necessitated the closure of the market two weeks ago.

However, in line with the policy of Lagos government that every road must be motorable, the Chairman, LSPWC, Mr. Gbenga Ak-

According to him, “the work being carried out on these roads shall be comprehensive and extensive as it involves drainage work and base preparation works, which are already on-going, while it is anticipating that other adjoining streets would also receive attention later.”

Upon completion, these major roads are expected to complement commercial activities in that axis by aiding free movement of people, goods and vehicles.

their only source of water.

The pond is algae -infested, giving it a green appearance. The Guardian met a group of people who came to fetch water from the pond, but on sighting a camera, they took to their heels, except for a lady who did not mind her image being captured.

The Guardian reliably gathered that the representative of the area in the House of Assembly was contacted but he told them he did not know anything about MDG projects. The chairman of the council, too, said it was not his council that did the project in the first place, so there was no way he could intervene. Now the people are at a loss, saying they don’t know who to contact to rectify the problem of the dry borehole, as they do not know the MDG’s office or who to contact to assist them.

A solar panel that was supposed to serve as power generating set for the purpose of pumping water from the borehole had fallen. The panel itself is lying on top of the overhead tank at the borehole location.

The people told The Guardian that their appeal is for the President to help them instruct the MDG office to come and rectify the faulty borehole they sank three years ago.

Goal seven of the Millennium Development Goal is to halve by 2015 the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinkable water around poor countries,especially the sub-Sahara Africa.

Come 2015, heads of government would be expected to give account of how far this had been achieved as agreed on during the millennium summit held in 2000. President Goodluck Jonathan too, alongside his counterparts in other 100 countries of the world, would be expected to give a scorecard on the MDGs’ projects in Nigeria.

Also included on the list are the night maintenance works that would be carried out on Mushin-Itire Road, Surulere and Opebi Roads, Salvation-Uturu axis, Ikeja. This is to enable a smooth takeoff of repair work on these roads as a result of high volume of vehicular activities experienced during the day.

The work schedule indicates extensive progress on five drainage systems currently undergoing construction in four local councils in the state. The drainage facilities under construction include Love of Fatherland/Crystal Avenue Oba Ogunji Road (Agege Local Council) Sapara Williams/Idowu Martins Victoria Island (Eti-Osa); Randle Road (Apapa Local Council ) and Akinsulere/Odogbolu/Iyarere Streets in Surulere.

Senior citizens protest alleged outrageous bills from PHCN

By Odita Sunday citizens under the StralENIOR aegis of Satellite Town CenResidents Association (STCRA) of Lagos are protesting erratic billing by the Power Holding Company (PHCN) in spite of poor electricity power supply to the community.

The association has also raised alarm over a petroleum tank farm built close to a residential area and Nigerian Navy Armament depot.

Addressing newsmen yesterday at the Federal Civil Service Club House, Satellite Town in Lagos, they alleged that residents were being erratically billed by the PHCN. The President of the association, Mr. Felix Egbamuno and the Vice president, Mazi Tony Ohakwe said that residents did not understand why they were placed on estimated billing despite their payment for PHCN pre-paid meter.

The association alleged that PHCN has been sending estimated bills to the residents for the past three years in spite of total blackout suffered by the community, where over 200,000 retired senior Federal civil servants, military officers, permanent secretaries and directors reside.

Majority of the residents who were present at the briefing

were mainly septuagenarians who had served their fatherland at various capacities.

According to Egbamuno, “Ours is a community populated by senior citizens who had, in various capacities, served this nation meritoriously, made sacrifices and paid their dues to the nation. Ours

is an enlightened community, which is responsible, law-abiding and peaceful. We believe in dialogue in resolving issues. We believe in fair-play and justice.”

He also lamented the poor state of social facilities in the entire town.

He said: “Practically, there is no functional public facility

A ciross-section of the residents...yesterday

ranging from electricity supply, drainages, potable water, public transportation, security in Satellite Town. Some residents pay as much as N14,000 per month without having electricity up to 20 hours in one month. We have reported the case to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission

(NERC) and PHCN authorities.

Besides, representatives of the community have complained to the Eko Electricity Distribution Zone, but to no avail.”

“We make bold to say that, except for a few months in 2012, no section of Satellite Town received more than 40 hours of electricity in any one month.

PHOTO: ODITA SUNDAY

Despite this abysmal supply, most consumers receive astronomical bills based on estimates by PHCN, even when there is no supply at all and the bills keep rising each month,” he lamented.

He added: “As if these neglects and deprivations are not enough, the granting of licenses to build nine petroleum tank farms in neighboring Ijegun is a matter of serious concern to residents in this densely populated areas and Satellite Town.”

“We are all aware of the environmental pollution that the tank farms can generate. Our experience of tank farms operations around Lagos State informs us of the attendant nuisance. We do not have the facilities or infrastructure to support petroleum tank farms where they are sited.

Most importantly, siting tank farms in a residential community is a serious threat to life and property as one accidental fire outbreak can completely eliminate the community.

“We, therefore, use this medium to appeal to Lagos State and Federal Government to urgently review the licenses for these tank farms operation to avert dire consequences to our lives, property and environment. ”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Photonews

METRO 13

Briefs Chevron condoles with The Guardian over Ogbodo’s death HE management of T Chevron Nigeria Limited has commiserated with The

Exhibition by students of Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo at the Commonwealth Day celebrations in Abuja...in Monday

Guardian over the death of its Assistant Political Editor, Mr. John-Abba Ogbodo.

A statement signed by the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, A. O. Haastrup, read: ‘ On behalf of the management and staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the death of Mr. John-Abba Ogbodo, your Political Editor. “ Our sympathy also goes to his family for this great loss.

We pray that God will give you, your team and his family the strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss. “ Once again, please accept our sincere sympathy.”

St. Leo begins revival Leo’s Catholic CharisStionAINT matic Renewal in conjuncwith Daily Strength

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Baabatunde Fashola SAN (right), presenting a souvenir to the Comptroller, Lagos Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Rasheed Olusola Odupeyin (left), during a courtesy call on the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja... on Monday

Devotional Outreach yesterday began its five-day revival, with the theme, ‘ Let God Arise, at Saint Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos.

Rt. Rev. Monsignor John Aniagwu is the chief host.

A statement by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Nwosu Sylvanus, said: ‘The revival comes earlier than it should. This is deliberate in line with the mood of the times in our nation, Nigeria and the Roman Catholic Church in particular.’

Meanwhile, at a pre- event forum, Fred Iribohgbe, General Coordinator of the Movement, Ikeja, Denary, revealed, ‘ this retreat would be rounded off on Saturday with a vigil.’

Speakers expected include Rev. Dr. Anthony Maria Ozele, Rev. Fr. James Urien, Rev Fr. Panachy Ogbeche and Rev Fr. Dr Mark Omorovie Ikeke among others.

Monsignor Aniagwu, who is also the Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said: ‘Nigeria belongs to all of us, therefore, it is our responsibility to work towards a common destination which is love, peace, unity and progress.”

Book launch RUSADE For Jesus Christ C Ministry will tomorrow launch a book entitled Who do

Co-author, Brian Browne (left); Bimbo Atta; Senator Bola Ahmed Tinibu; Mrs. Veronica Eghosa; Prof. Osaghae (the reviewer); Yomi Oguntuase and Chief Molade Okoya at the launch of a book entitled Financialism: Water from an empty well in Lagos

men say I am? at the Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at noon.

Statement by the Co-ordinator, Mrs. Ola Toyo, said the launch would be chaired by the Vice Chairman, Institute of Personnel Management, Prophet S. K. Korode while Chief Presenter is Rt. Rev. Oluranti Odubogun.

It is powered by the Bible Society of Nigeria.

Umeh, 82, passes on rites for Mrs. EuF(neeUNERAL nice Nwachukwu Umeh Nwuba), who died at the age of 82, on December 18, 2012, begin witha Christian wake on Monday, April 1 and funeral service on April 2 at Achina in Aguata Local Council of Anambra State.

She is survived by children, aunt, grandchildren, cousins among whom is Stella Umeh.

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi (left), Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu (second left), Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo (right) and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide atthe commissioning of 10 free 43-seater buses for workers and students of the state...on Monday PHOTO: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Umeh

TheGuardian

14 THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011)

Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial Surveillance camera at border posts IGERIA Immigration Services’ (NIS) proposal to install surveillance cameras at border posts is, on the surface, reasonable. The exercise, according to the Acting Comptroller General of the NIS, Rilwanu Musa, is to enable NIS officers and men ‘effectively monitor’ activities in the border areas from its Abuja headquarters. Good enough, the proposal contains precautionary measures against vandalisation. It is such that all border control posts will be connected to the Nigerian Satellite Systems (NISS), which will guarantee visibility from Abuja. Given that these are testy days for Nigeria’s national security, especially against the background of the menace of terrorism, any programme to salvage the situation cannot but look appealing, especially as the porosity of borders has been identified as one of the weakest links in Nigeria’s security conundrum.

However, the proposal, as appealing as it seems, raises more fundamental questions. The first and most basic relates to the practicability of the proposal on a number of grounds. One has to do with the cost of procurement and installation of the cameras, which will, without any doubt, be very huge. If not well handled, the project can easily be abused, becoming another source of patronage and looting. Two, if recent experiences are anything to go by, there is little or no basis for Nigerians to be overly optimistic and enthusiastic about the new proposal. Already, there are installed cameras within many capital cities, most especially around public facilities such as airports. Sadly enough, Nigerians are yet to see their positive impact on the security landscape for a number of reasons. Many have even been reported to be dysfunctional.

Among other factors, the infrastructural base required for the effective functioning of such cameras, particularly constant power supply, has been very poor. In some other cases, the cameras were not well installed, thereby undermining their use. Worse still, there have been cases of vandalisation of cameras, as was the case at Banki in Borno State. In extreme cases, some of the installed cameras were not working at all. Yet they were installed with billions of naira of taxpayers’ money.

These are genuine concerns that must be thoroughly addressed before embarking on the new project. Else, the seemingly good initiative may, like several others before it, soon become another white elephant project. From the level of information available in the public domain on the subject, there is little or nothing to suggest that the government has leant from the contradictions of the past. In the absence of such, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to improve on delivery by the new initiative.

As matters stand now, the proposal may need to be suspended until all necessary measures are taken and institutionalised. In the meantime, the money involved should be deployed to other more meaningful ventures that can positively affect the human security of Nigerians. Of particular significance are issues of job creation, poverty eradication and health care delivery.

N

Court verdict on oil pollution an embarrassment that the Federal Government’s reluctance to enforce ItheTtheisInternational ruling of the ECOWAS Court has recently provoked the intervention of Commission of Jurists. The Commission drew the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan to the government’s obligations to enforce the judgment in a suit brought by a non-governmental organisation over the activities of oil companies in the Niger Delta, whose operations were identified as the cause of severe pollution of water, land and the general environment of the region. In its letter, the organisation drew the attention of Mr. President to previous court decisions, including that of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and wondered why in spite of these judgments, the conditions of living and the respect for the rights of the people in the Niger Delta have not substantially improved.

It is certainly not right for government to wait to be told that it must respect court order. It is Executive lawlessness if court judgments and orders against government beg for enforcement. The beauty of democracy lies in its principle of separation of powers and its inherent checks and balances, which allows for judicial review of government actions and omissions.

Where government is dissatisfied with any judgment, the dissatisfaction is not expressed by ignoring the judgment but by exercising the right of appeal, which every litigant enjoys. And where there is no appeal or right of appeal, it means the judgment is final and to that extent demands prompt compliance.

The nonchalant disposition of government to the rule of law particularly its obligations under international laws and treaties, especially in the days of Gen. Sani Abacha made Nigeria a pariah state in the comity of nations. This cost the nation a fortune. Nigeria cannot afford to toe the same ugly path at this time. Whenever the government submits itself to the jurisdiction of a court, it must respect the outcome of the legal battle, even when unfavourable. That is the way to deepen democratic culture and credentials.

LETTERS

Nigeria Police, the unsung heroes IR: Being a regular listen- Despite his tedious sched- What is expected of a man Sdiary er on the weekly police ule, a policeman does not who has put in 20 years of programme on Radio have a conducive place to service in the institution Nigeria network and hearing about the plight of policemen in service and lately the embezzlement of the police pensions funds, I summarily conclude that the “Nigeria Police is indeed one to admire”!

For days and nights they are on duty, making traffic orderly. Often times we hear that some of them get killed in protests or communal clashes while on duty.

lay his head to relieve tiredness. Why? A trip to the barracks will provide an answer.

The living standard at police barracks is unenviable, but I would rather conclude that their valour in living in those conditions is extra-ordinary and heroic. Is it not heroic for a man to go to his farm without his farming tools and is stil expected to till the soil?

with holes in his roof and has made complaints to the authorities but got only excuses? His children do not enjoy any form of scholarship, he is not even sure of his pension and entitlements when he leaves the service but he is expected to put in his best in service to his fatherland. Really, he is a hero.

• Emmanuel Afunwa, Enugu, Enugu State.

Passenger safety and Nigeria Railway’s indifference Even the most ardent StheIR: of fatalists would fear for safety of commuters who crowd the trains that shuttle between Iddo Terminus in Lagos and Ijoko in Ogun State in the morning and evening. It goes without saying that Lagosians that transit between the metropolis and the hinterland have found in the train the cheapest, fastest and safest mode of transport hence the number of people that throng railway stations daily to avail themselves of its services, overlooking the inconvenience that results from the overcrowding.

However, the attributes often flaunted by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) will be opened to question soon going by the manner commuters to get a ride on the

train while paying no attention to the immense risk, which their action portends.

Yet there is no denying the fact that many have lost lives or limbs carelessly through this habit. Granted that head-on collision between locomotives is rear in this clime but this cannot entirely be ruled out and in the unfortunate event that it occurs the casualty figure would be shocking.

In 2008, one of the wagons attached to a train that was making a return trip to Ijoko broke off from the locomotive at Oshodi one night whereupon an oncoming train collided with it. The impact would be catastrophic if the train was over-crowded with passengers hanging loosely from all sides. Again, sometime early last year the early morning train from Agbado

Station collided with a truck at the level crossing at Ilupeju Bypass near Oshodi, dragging the heavily laden vehicle along the rail line for quite a distance. The incident passed quietly for the reason that no casualty was recorded.

The reopening of the LagosKano route late last year further led to depletion in the stock of wagons available to the NRC, Lagos District.

Safety demands that the NRC authorities should discontinue the Lagos intercity train service pending the time the organisation is able to procure additional wagons to lengthen the trains and stop gambling with the lives of the common people.

The NRC owes its passengers a duty of safety.

• Akido Agenro, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

15

Business MaritimeWatch P36

Energy P43

Fresh worries as Onitsha port remains dormant

Catching oil thieves through electronic applications

‘Nigeria loses N90b to tax evasion in auto industry’

By Taiwo Hassan HE country may have T lost over S550 million (N90 billion) to tax evasion through gray market operators in the automobile industry, since 2008.

The loss figure was contained in a report just released by Lagos-based

Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC),after a survey of the nation’s import profile, during the period under review.

FDC’s managing director and chief executive offic e r , B i s m a r k Rewane,described the loss as”mind boggling”,saying

In some cases, automobiles that are destined for land-locked nations such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and trans-shipped through the ports find their way to the Nigerian market and custom duty payment avoided in the process the figure was equivalent to 4.5 per cent of the total exports of Kenya or four

per cent of the total exports of Ghana.

“This amount could fund

Managing Director, HP Africa, Alaa Alshimy (left); Managing Director, HP Nigeria, Ime Umo and Business Critical System Manager, HP Africa, Marks Phocasi at a media briefing on the operation of HP in Lagos.

Cocoa processors seek protectionist policy for value-added industry

By Femi Adekoya S the Federal Government A prepares to adopt a policy to boost consumption of made-in-Nigeria products, Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), has called on the administration to adopt a consumption policy model, like that of Ghana and Brazil, to boost cocoa consumption in the country.

Besides, the association reiterated the need for the government to enhance value addition in the sector, while enhancing local capacity through cocoa processing in

the country.

The body noted that despite the rising profile of the country’s cocoa export business, the need to enhance the country’s processing capacity is imperative.

Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, the Chairman of the association, Dimeji Owofemi noted that value addition to raw cocoa has been decreasing due to dearth of policy support with export of raw beans on the rise.

The body also raised concern about the procedure in facilitating the acceptance of the Export Expansion Grants

(EEG).

“We commend the review of the hitherto policy of bank guaranty for 50 per cent equivalent of the EEG claim before collection of the certificates by the introduction of the alternative of a pledge of 50 per cent of the certificates.

“However, we will like to point out that this variation is only half of the desire.

Government must take immediate step to end this policy and strengthen and trust the process of approval of the claims now that the substantive Board of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council has

been appointed and sworn in.

“Going forward, all existing guarantees and pledges should be promptly discharged to enable the claimants have access to the grants and funds tied down within thin bank and the Council.

“Furthermore, government should satisfactorily review and trust its own processes and release all future grants to beneficiaries unconditionally as to do otherwise is inequitable. Timely and unconditional release of all earned and approved grants

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

the construction of one petroleum refinery or a modern power station with 1000 Mega Watts capacity”,he said.

Rewane explained that gray market thrives when goods are imported inappropriately into an economy without the manufacturer’s consent, thereby short-changing the authorised dealers.

The authorities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had claimed to have surpassed the projected revenue over the same period due to some stringent measures put in place to check leakages of revenue.

The Comptroller-General OF NCS,Abdulahi Inde Dikko had attributed the feat to the stringent measures he put in place to closely-monitor revenue performance and block leakages.

These measures,according to NCS comptrollergeneral,Abdulahi Inde Dikko,included the creation of a System-Audit Unit in the headquarters to monitor duty payment in all ports; the automation of the entire customs clear-

ance procedure which allows for faster and smoother clearance;and the improved quality of customs workforce.

However, Rewane said the revenue loss was too staggering when viewed on a leveraged basis of one is to three,saying it can finance the rehabilitation of two seaports and two modern airports.

According to him, while direct tax loss comes from the reduced sales and profit in the legitimate automobile industry, indirect tax loss comes from the custom duties and excises.

“The bulk of the loss comes from the indirect taxes based on FDC’s survey. Recent data from the CBN shows that a fall in customs and excise duties was one of the reasons the Federal Government nonoil receipts declined by 30.3 per cent to N589.98billion in the last quarter of 2012.

“From our investigations, the continuous decline in government customs receipts can be due to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

16 BUSINESS

IFC announces N3.5 billion risk-sharing facility

By Helen Oji

. Patners Access Bank on SMEs’ funding

HE International Finance T Corporation (IFC)- a member of the World Bank

to finance for thousands of women entrepreneurs in Africa and other emerging markets.

Under the joint initiative with Coca-Cola, IFC will work through its network of local and regional banking institutions to provide financing and business skills training for SMEs that are owned or operated by women entrepreneurs across the Coca-Cola value chain, starting with an IFC investment in Access Bank, Nigeria.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Managing Director of Access Bank, said, “Access

Group, has yesterday announced a N3.5 billion risk sharing facility.

Also another $50 million loan would be given to Access Bank of Nigeria Plc to enable the financial institution expand lending to Small and Medium Enterprises, a quarter of which would be used for Women empowement.

The risk sharing facility was part of the $100 million, three-year joint initiative with the Coca-Cola Company to provide access

Under the joint initiative with Coca-Cola, IFC will work through its network of local and regional banking institutions to provide financing and business skills training for SMEs that are owned or operated by women entrepreneurs across the Coca-Cola value chain, starting with an IFC investment in Access Bank, Nigeria.

Bank has been a leader in supporting Nigerian women and their business enterprises. We are committed to finding new ways to serving this valuable client base and remaining at the

forefront of making financial services more inclusive in Nigeria.”

IFC’s latest transaction with Access Bank extends a relationship that began in 2006.

Access Bank was a pioneer

in taking up an IFC program aimed at increasing loans to women entrepreneurs. It was recognized as the most active among IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program issuing banks in Africa in 2009, and was the regional winner of the Financial Times/IFC Sustainable Bank of the Year Award in 2011. Access Bank is ranked in the top five banks in Nigeria, with subsidiaries in eight African countries and one in the UK. IFC’s Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, said: “IFC is committed to supporting financial institutions that understand

the business value of creating new opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Access Bank has been an important partner for IFC in that process in Nigeria and it is once again leading the way.”

The IFC financing marks the first “blended” funds to be distributed by IFC under its Global SME finance facility, supported by donor funding from the United Kingdom. The facility aims to reduce the risks and costs of lending to SMEs by sharing risks with banks, improving their ability to identify and underwrite SMEs, and strengthening critical financial infrastructure.

Cocoa processors seek protectionist policy in for local products CONTUNUED FROM PAGE 15 will enable them put such into productive use promptly and increase or at least sustain the capacity utilisation of their factories in the overall interest of the national economy.”

With about 10 cocoa processing companies struggling to remain in production in the country, Owofemi decried inadequate protectionist policy for the processing firms.

“Cocoa processing/grinding

entails highly sophisticated, complex and capital intensive manufacturing process. It involves the conversion of dried raw cocoa beans into a variety of value-added cocoa products namely cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa cake and cocoa powder.

Nigerian cocoa processors mainly sell/export their products to buyers, including trade houses and chocolate manufacturers, in the United States and Europe Asia and South Africa.

“Of all the links in the cocoa value chain, processing is the most capital intensive accounting for at least 90 per cent of the total direct investment in the cocoa economy. An average medium-sized cocoa processing factory (10, 000 metric ton capacity) requires a capital outlay of not less than N2 billion in plant and machinery and another minimum of N1 billion as working capital.

“The estimated total direct investment in the eight facto-

ries in operation in the country today is put at about N27 billion. Other Investments include infrastructure development like power generation and water supply. A processing factory runs a 24-hour operation in three shifts.

Given an average of 20 per cent public power supply, an average factory spends about N10 million per month apart from the high maintenance costs.”

According to Owofemi, cocoa processors , who have invested heavily in the country, pay an average of 30 per cent duty, whereas those who export the raw cocoa beans completely knocked down form pay only 10 per cent duty.

Also, one of the association’s members, Akin Olusuyi, stated that despite the production capacity of the sector, there is an under-utilisation of

‘Nigeria loses N90b to tax evasion’ CONTUNUED FROM PAGE 15 either a reduction in national import, or to increased importation through the gray market, leading to avoidance of duty payment by gray market operators and corruption at the ports.

“Data collected from the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and through independent survey of the automobile industry shows that grey import is striving and almost at par with official import volumes. Loss to government from grey import is N85.2bn between 2008 and 2011.”

Rewane said in some cases, automobiles that are destined for land-locked nations such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and trans-shipped through the ports find their way to the Nigerian market and custom duty payment avoided in the process.

According to him, the FDC Lagos urban inflation rose by 1.39 per cent to 12.77 per cent in February from 11.38 per cent in January.

He said the increase was mainly attributable to a rise in the prices of a few items with higher weights in the index.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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21

MoneyWatch Sustainable banking principles and financial system’s stability CBN recently released the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP) to promote sustainable way of doing business, especially in the banking industry. What are the principles all about? CHIJIOKE NELSON writes.

S it possible to remain socially responsible Irising and attentive to environmental issues, with profit level? What is the link between nations banking operations and the environment in which they operate? The Sustainable Banking Principles seem to be an all-inclusive approach to identifying and handling issues that hitherto, were hidden or neglected by banks, which along the line of their activities become the bane of their very existence.

Maybe, this is anoManaging Director of Sustainable Finance Advisory, Carey Bohjanen,ther strategy to strengthen the financial system.

Many times, the issues outlined by the principles become a disincentive to investments by other banks, which may have learnt their lessons from what happened to their peers.

Environmental and social factors have been identified as some issues that affect banks, but it may be mistaken to think that it is only the oil companies that are involved. For example, how do oil companies finance some of their projects? How are certain investments/projecst costs determined?

The Bankers’ Committee, as a commitment to sustainable development adopted NSBP, with particular focus on the development of agriculture, power and oil and gas. The adoption of the principle means the integration of social and environmental considerations into its operations, policies, processes, procedures and strategies, as well as provision of structural mechanism to support implementation at the industry level.

NSBP is anchored on nine over-arching principles. These were, managing environmental and social risk in business decisions; managing the bank’s own environmental and social footprint; safeguarding human rights; promoting women’s economic participation and empowerment, and promoting financial inclusion of communities and groups with limited or no access to the formal financial sector.

Others were, meeting the imperatives for good governance, transparency and accountability; supporting capacity building in the sector, promoting collaborative partnerships to accelerate sector’s progress, and reporting to take stock of sector progress and attendant needs.

At a workshop organised by The Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), some environmental issues were identified in a case study of a typical pipeline construction project financed by a bank, which included possible displacement of local residents’ homes, food sources and livelihood in fishing communities, extensive environmental damage, infringement on religious shrines and deities, controversy around local employment opportunities. The main problem was that the Environmental Impact Assessment only identified three of the 28 communities that would potentially be impacted by the pipeline. So, failure to anticipate/manage environmental and social issues led to community complaints and disputes, project delay, which escalated project costs.

To minimise and mitigate adverse impacts to the environment and local communities, the client had to develop a resettlement plan and provided compensation for all 28 communities along the pipeline, re-configured the project plan to include underground pipelines to avoid crossing rivers and wetlands, negotiated and agreed the level of local unskilled and

Sanusi semi-skilled indigenous employment and numbers of jobs and additional costs of N3.6 trillion.

The implications for the bank’s failure to understand the environmental and social risks and client’s lack of capacity to manage them resulted in many years project delay and loss of cash flows, client fell behind on payments and was in arrears, leading up to risk of default and write-off, additional costs to client N4.4 trillion which could have been avoided or minimised.

NSBP will help create opportunities for clients to get it right and thus reap rewards like securing operating license, retention, productivity, long-term investors, shareholders export markets, community relations, reputational benefits, upgraded evaluations, reduced premiums (for insurance), stable markets, premium pricing, among other things.

Getting it right will definitely create upside for banks as event of default will be less likely, revenues will be timely, reputation safeguarded, brand value protected or enhanced, higher levels of employee engagement, customer loyalty, stock price maintained or enhanced, attracts more investors as opposed to repelling others with bad reports, enhanced market confidence, less business interruptions, less fines or litigation, social/regulatory license to operate maintained, brand value/reputation safeguarded, increased access to finance. The NSBP and over-arching principles included: Principle one: Our Business Activities Environmental and Social Risk Management This holds that the bank or organisation or firm will integrate environmental and social considerations into decision-making processes relating to business activities to avoid, minimise or offset negative impacts.

Principle two: Our Business Operations Environmental and Social Footprint The bank or organisation will avoid, minimise or offset the negative impacts of business operations on the environment and local communities in which it operates and, where possible, promote positive impact.

Principle three: Human Rights The bank or organisation will respect human rights in its business operations and business activities.

Principle four: Women’s Economic

Bohjanen Empowerment The bank or organisation will promote women’s economic empowerment through gender inclusive workplace culture in our business operations and seek to provide products and services designed specifically for women through our business activities.

Principle five: Financial Inclusion The bank or organisation will promote financial inclusion, seeking to provide financial services to individuals and communities that traditionally have had limited or no access to the formal financial sector.

Principle six: E & S Governance The bank or organisation will implement robust and transparent environmental and social governance practices in its respective institutions and assess environmental and social governance practices of its customers.

Principle seven: Capacity Building The bank or organisation will develop individual institution and sector capacity necessary to identify, assess and manage the environmental and social risks and opportunities associated with our business activities and business operations.

Principle eight: Collaborative Partnerships The bank or organisation will collaborate across the sector and leverage international partnerships to accelerate its collective progress and move the sector as one, ensuring our approach is consistent with international standards and Nigerian development needs.

Principle nine: Reporting The bank or organisation will regularly review and report on our progress in meeting these principles at the individual institution and sector level.

Strict compliance to the principles was assured of resulting to: • Moving the banking sector as one to drive development that is economically viable, but socially relevant and environmentally responsible; • enhanced collaboration and cooperation between the banks to achieve transformational change; • consistency with international standards and good practice, signalling enhanced governance; and • leading the way for banks in Africa and beyond as well as other sectors.

The rationale for Sustainable Banking

The rationale for Sustainable Banking Principle was hinged on the fact that it is the right thing to do for Nigeria. Risk management is enhanced, it fosters good and lasting relationships, ensures steady flow of revenues, the organisation’s reputation is portrayed in good light, and the regulator requires it, hence there must be compliance.

Principle was hinged on the fact that it is the right thing to do for Nigeria, risk management is enhanced, it fosters good and lasting relationships, ensures steady flow of revenues, the organisation’s reputation is portrayed in good light, and the regulator requires it, hence there must be compliance.

RIMAN said that the only way to ensure sustainability in the nation’s banking and remain socially responsible is to embrace the new policy on Sustainable Banking Principles by the CBN. It also said that given the rising profile of environmental risks associated with banking operations, there is an urgent need for greater investments in risks management by various organisations.

The association’s President, Dr. Greg Jobome, who disclosed this during its quarterly roundtable and training workshop for the risk mangers on Sustainable Banking Principles, said that risks management had become far more important now than it used to be five years, especially with emerging environmental and social issues that pose real risks in business and project financing.

The Director of Risk Management, CBN, Ms. Folakemi Fatogbe, represented by Joseph Angaye, noted that there were incentives to compliance with issues concerning the development of the nation’s financial system, while penalties awaited those who failed to do so, even as the apex bank had fixed September for deadline.

Explaining the rationale for the principle, the facilitator of the workshop and Managing Director of Sustainable Finance Advisory, Carey Bohjanen, explained that it was the right thing to do given the global best practice requirements.

According to Jobome, “knowing that most of the bulk lie with risk managers in various banks and organisations, that is why we RIMAN is at the forefront for the campaign on the adoption of the new principle, while ensuring capacity building of our members through training of this kind today. True, the risks associated with some transactions, as identified by the principles are there to be managed and tManaging Director of Sustainable Finance Advisory, Carey Bohjanen,Managing Director of Sustainable Finance Advisory, Carey Bohjanen,hat is why risk managers are keenly following the issues, so that we can deal with them appropriately.

“The principles are what can be readily seen in countries that are ahead of us and that is why we are going to strive to imbibe them for our risks management here. Since the financial crisis in 2008, best practices are being adopted in banks, some of which are still being improved upon or developing to the next level.

Compliance is supposed to help everyone concerned to imbibe the principle quickly.

“Beside, there is really business sense in the principle and in doing it. Even if CBN is not driving it, either through persuasion or stick, there is good common sense in doing the right thing it.”

The challenges we have in the country also included the issue of compliance and the time lag it takes to readjust mindset and where applicable, the operating system. Many have argued that the difficulties were results of sheer lack of will and sometimes, personal interest ahead of national economic ones. But it is worth emphasizing that a good policy, beside standing the test of time and producing good effects on the economy, is also one that is enforced, though with equity in view.

Therefore, the apex regulatory authority should stand on what it knows is right thing at the right time. Though deadline may be set, guidelines to easy understanding of the matters should be given, capacity building organised on a sustainable basis, while the benefits of adoption should be reinforced in the form of awareness and periodic circulars.

If possible, our usual carrot and stick approach for compliance to issues may still be sounded clearly, especially for an important national economic policy like this.

22

THe GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

BUsINess

sanusi seeks all-sector reforms for sustainable development Stories by Chijioke Nelson He Governor of the central Bank of Nigeria (cBN), Mallam Lamido sanusi, has called for the overhaul and audit of all the sectors of the economy, to actualise the government’s transformation agenda on a transparent profile.

He said such initiative would cleanse the Augean stable, on a sustainable basis, as already effected in the banking sector. sanusi, who made the declaration during his lecture at the Metropolitan club, in Lagos, said that the issue of accountability and transparency has been long overdue for enforcement, noting that in every decent society, there must be certain lines that cannot be crossed without consequence.

“We cannot deny that there is need for serious governance review on accountability and transparency, especially in oil and works sectors. Using excess crude account for subsidy and its sudden rise from N300 billion to over N2 trillion in a few years should call for question.

“We need to go beyond reforms, because bankers are not the only people in Nigeria that are committing offences.

In the works sector, there is need for accountability, as bad roads continue to break down vehicles all over the country.

“Presently, there are certain things that one can do in the

T

financial sector that will send the person to jail and the stakeholders are aware of them. The same should be done in all the sectors and the appropriate sanctions should be meted out without compromise,” he said.

He explained that there is only one foreign reserve, but noted that when a certain amount is earmarked for distribution at the Federation Account Allocation committee (FAAc), the bank only exchanges the dollars for Naira and by that, takes ownership of the dollars.

“What is sold over and above the benchmark, is saved in the excess crude Account, which is owned by the three tiers of government and that is the one that is owned exclusively by the Federal Government. sanusi said that the nation cannot talk about development without aggregating issues on education, health-

care, infrastructure, Gross Domestic Product and the quality of food.

“We cannot continue ignoring the issues of social environment that we operate in, women empowerment, financial inclusion, governance, accountability and transparency and capacity building.

“Fixing the economy means getting the textile sectors working, fixing the bad roads, ensuring electricity supply and the issue of security. Average Nigerian manufacturer provides these things for itself and this is why production has not been cheaper.

“Lest us start from where we know. Let us produce for the population we have, which other countries are targetting.

We can process tomato paste instead of importing it. We can produce leather goods, textiles and fabrics.”

Group Managing Director, Courteville Business Solutions, Bola Akindele (left); and The Mayor of Kingston, Jamaica, Angela Browne Burke, during a meeting between Courteville and the Caribbean Trade Mission, in Kingston, Jamaica.

Access Bank integrates trading platform with e-Form M portal ccess Bank Plc has concludA ed the integration of its online trading platformAccessTrade, with e-Form ‘M’ portal introduced by the central Bank of Nigeria (cBN) in conjunction with Nigerian customs service and Messrs.

Webb Fontaine consortium.

The move was part of its strategies to support the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, while intimating its

customers who are engaged in importation on the new modalities and issues that may emerge along the implementation period.

The bank’s executive Director, Financial Markets Division, ebenezer Olufowose, who disclosed this at its customer engagement Forum on e-Form M, in Lagos, said the scheme would enable customers to initiate and execute online trade

transactions across the globe anytime, irrespective of time zone differences.

He said: “We have integrated our AccessTrade platform with the e-form ‘M’ portal so that transactions initiated by customers on it are fed into the eform M portal. We have also trained our customers on usage and benefit of this online trading platform to ensure that they leverage on

the possibilities of hitch-free foreign trade transactions available for users of the platform.” speaking at the event, cBN’s Director of Trade and exchange, Batari Musa, said: “This is a welcome development that other bank’s should emulate, to ensure that the project enjoys a seamless transition with little or no challenges.”

“The initiative has so far shown remarkable results with the pilot scheme, as its use of tax identification number makes the process fool-proof. Form M is the most significant document in foreign exchange transactions for importers.

Before now, it is done manually, with attendant time wastages, while some had to duplicate the form or travel to Abuja to obtain it”.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

23 In partnership with

Shipping UPDATE

INTERACTIVE

COMMUNIQUE

EVENTS

SNEPCo, NAPIMS Partners with NCS for “Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Upstream)” Program.

LL is now set for the take off of the A upstream training initiative of the Nigerian ….NIMASA, NPA, ISAN, OGFTZ expected at Interactive session Chamber of shipping “Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Upstream)”. The 4-day program which is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Maritime/Oil and Gas upstream business in Nigeria now has SNEPCo and NAPIMS coming onboard as partners.

SHELL who won the Most Local Content Friendly IOC of the Year 2012 has agreed to partner with the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping in this human capacity development initiative. The program will provide indigenous operators with the knowledge of offshore vessel acquisition, vessel financing, understanding contracts and investments in the sector, gain knowledge of the litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes in this sector, have a grasp of the fundamental knowledge of the maritime/upstream oil and gas business, and help them deal confidently

with the International Oil Companies which will eventually lead to good understanding of international best practices.

The last day of the program will be an interactive session which will afford participants with the opportunity to meet and interact with Key Maritime/Oil and Gas stakeholders and regulators. Expected at the interactive session are DG NIMASA, DG Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Chairman, Oil and Gas Freezone Authority, Chairman, Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria ISAN, and the MD NPA and foremost Maritime Lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba.

THE KEY MODULES AND FACILITATORS INCLUDE: 1: The development of the Maritime industry in Nigeria/Legislation, Course facilitator:Dr

Chris Asoluka, Chairrman Oil and Gas Freezone Authority, Onne.

2: Overview of the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Operations in Nigeria. Course facilitator, Mr Austin Uzoka, Manager Local Content- SNEPCo SHELL. 3: Finding a Vessel. Course facilitator:Rob Goodwin, Production Operations Marine Lead, SNEPCo SHELL 4: Vessel/Offshore Equipment Survey.Program Facilitator: Dr I.E Douglas, Head, Department of Marine Engineering, RSUST 5: Vessel Registration and Working within Regulatory Framework (Cabotage & Local Content)- NCDMB 6: Contract Financing. Course facilitator, Peter Olorunfemi, Ship Finance Analyst 7: Understanding Marine Insurance. Course facilitator, Barr. Ekeoma Ezeibe

8: Maritime Law and Arbitration. Course facilitator, Agbakoba and Associates.

9: Ship Management. Course facilitator, Rob Goodwin, Production Operations Lead, SNEPCo SHELL. 10: Environmental Issues in Upstream Operations 11: Maritime Security. Course facilitator, R/Adm G. Ombo (Rtd) Interactive session: DG NIMASA, MD NPA, Chairman ISAN, Chairman Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority and NAPIMS. The program is slated for Monday 25th – Thursday 28th March, 2013 at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos Interested participants should indicate interest by sending a mail to brendan.dumpe@nigerian-shipping.org, info@nigerian-shipping.org or call 018922289, 08083763498, 08060504587, 08068844822, 08033861289.

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OVer VIeW The first series of the Structure and Analysis of Shipping course for this year was conducted recently on the 20th – 21st February, 2013 at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Secretariat 6b Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi Lagos. The General Manager of the Chamber Mr. Nnamdi eronini welcomed the participants who were drawn from different fields of endeavour, but work directly or indirectly with the Maritime/Shipping industry. They include Ship Managers, Freight forwarders, Ship Captains, Oil and Gas operators, other professionals.

TRAINING REPORT ON STRUCTURE AND ANALYSIS OF SHIPPING (Within the Nigerian Local Content Development) 20th – 21st February, 2013

OBJeCTIVe: The objective of the course was to provide an in-depth understanding of the Shipping/Maritime guide which will be useful for both beginners and experts in the Maritime industry, ensuring that they receive a complete and up to date overview of the Maritime trade and to also bring about professionalism in the industry.

The course covered a wide range of issues relating to Contract Structuring within the Maritime Sector, Shipping, Local Content and its requirements, the target audience was intentionally wide, including those who had no previous experience in shipping and Maritime.

The course format was based on a series of lecture in the morning and afternoon, Lectures were done through powerpoint presentations explanations and case studies, participants received a comprehensive study material with folders and on completion of the course a certificate of attendance.

THe TOPICS OF THe COUrSe INCLUDe: Fundamentals of Contract Structuring within the Maritime Sector: Meeting Local Content requirements • Overview of Port and Terminal Operations.

Health, Safety, Security and environment in line with International best practices.

• Contemporary issues in Maritime Law. Vessel Acquisition.

• Protection and Indemnity Club (P&I) /Nigerian Maritime Insurance: Issues and Challenges.

From the Desk of the DIreCTOr GeNerAL Dear Readers , ere we are once again with another ediH tion of our bi monthly maritime journal.

This month of March has been a very busy month for the maritime industry as it prepared for the Nigerian Maritime expo (NIMAreX 2013) which just commenced and will run for three days at the eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Theme of this year’s edition is, Nigeria Maritime: Invest Now. I hope that you are reading these shipping pages from the exhibition grounds as the Nigerian Maritime expo is undoubtedly the biggest maritime event happening in Nigeria today!

Also in this month of March, the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping will be hosting the inaugural edition of our quarterly 4-day Workshop which is a collaborative programme with Shell and NAPIMS. The theme of the Workshop is; ‘Understanding Cabotage and local content in the oil and Gas industry (Upstream)’’, and it will hold from the 25th- 28th March, 2013 at Civic Centre, Victoria Island.

The workshop is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Maritime/Oil and Gas upstream business in Nigeria as an invaluable advocacy for the Maritime/Oil & Gas industry.

The faculty ranks amongst the best that the industry can muster!

The Chamber is expanding the scope of these collaborations. recently, a delegation led by the General Manager visited the Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amasoma, Bayelsa State to inspect facilities and further the cause of our working relationship to institute a training programme in Marine/Oil & Gas Logistics. The highpoint of that very successful trip was the submission of an MOU for the co-running of the Professional Diploma. enjoy the report and pictorials from that visit.

I am pleased to announce that we have a liaison office in PortHarcourt. This is courtesy of one of our members, Dr. emi Membre-Otaji, MD/CeO, elshcon Marine Ltd. We also have a training facility as well. This will enable us to meet our numerous prospects in the Southern and eastern parts of the country.

We will always need to hear from you on a variety of issues. That way, we can strive more to satisfy you.

Have a good read.

Mrs Ify Anazonwu-Akerele Director General

Participants at the just concluded training program • Introduction to Marine Logistics • Investment Opportunities in the Inland Water Transportation in Nigeria Generally, the participants were pleased with the quality of the training, though some of them suggested that many things be put in place for the success and growth of this course.

Create more awareness of the course.

OFFICIAL CLOSING AND AWArD OF CerTIFICATeS At the concluding session the Technical Operation executive of the Chamber, Mr. Brendan Dumpe briefly addressed some issues raised by the participant, he encouraged them to join the Chamber and also attend the forth coming workshop titled Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil

and Gas Industry (Upstream). At the end, the Marketing/Public relation executive, Mrs. Azubuike Vivian on behalf of the Chamber distributed Certificates to the participants and group pictures were taken. report by: Uzoka Love Admin/Training Officer

Nigerian Chamber of Shipping gets Port Harcourt Liaison Office He Nigerian Chamber T of Shipping is set to take its activities to the garden city of Port Harcourt. The increased call from stakeholders in the maritime sector informed the need for the Chamber to the call to set up a liaison office in Port Harcourt to meet the needs of its members in the Southern part of the country.

The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping was formed in 2002 with the primary objective of ensuring that the domestic shipping industry participates fully in all commercial services in the Nigerian Coastal Waters and beyond. The body has grown to become an umbrella body for all stakeholders in the Maritime / Shipping industry in Nigeria and secures for its members, maximum participation in Nigeria’s domestic and international trades.

The Chamber has attained a unique position in the Nigerian Maritime industry, as a bridge between stakeholders: operators (indigenous and foreign), Government, International organizations and local regulatory agencies and also enjoy a close relationship with National Maritime Authorities around the world.

The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping represents the Shipping and Logistics sector in the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum NCCF of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB. It is also a dedicated member of the Oil

and Gas Trainers Association (OGTAN) providing world class cutting edge maritime training to the upstream oil and gas industry.

The office which is located at 3rd Floor, Deborah Lawson House, F6 Abacha road, GrA Phase 3, Port Harcourt Nigeria was

donated by one of the Chambers’ key member elshcon Nigeria Limited. elshcon Nigeria Limited is a first choice and truly Nigerian Indigenous Company in energy and Marine Services with focus on optimizing Nigerian Content to create value while serving

the Oil and Gas Industry.

Some of their services include Fabrication/Piping, Marine Services, Marine equipment Construction, Material Procurement and Supply, Jetty and Marine Logistics, Swamp and Offshore Support Marine Vessels, Project

management etc.

We are grateful to Dr. emi Membere-Otaji for this laudable and commendable gesture towards the development of the Maritime Sector. The Chamber will bring its ten years of experience to bear as we bring our services to the garden city.

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CompuLife Addressing funding gaps in Nigeria’s broadband deployment

Ford Ciso Executive

Globally, countries are putting in place various strategies to deepen broadband penetration, for economic growth. For Nigeria to tap into the immense benefits of broadband, stakeholders believe that the challenge of funding must be adequately tackled.

Against this backgrand, key sector players gathered last week, in Lagos, to address the issue headlong and proffer solutions.

ADEYEMI ADEPETUN was there. Excerpts HE World Bank research indicates that the contribution of T broadband to the GDP is 1.38 percentage points for every 10 per cent increase in penetration, for low- and middle-income

countries.

Indeed, investments in broadband have a vital role to play, both in moving the global economy back onto a higher growth trajectory, and in generating sustainable social and economic growth.

Like water, roads, rail and electricity before it, broadband is of fundamental importance to the social and economic development of all nations. Arguably, investments need not be solely focused only on infrastructure development - they must also provide for advanced online services, locally relevant content and services, and support for media and information literacy development to address inequity and deliver broadband inclusion for all.

Today, it is no more news that networked Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play an ever-increasing role in all societies, with 2.4 billion people using the Internet, more than a billion mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide, and telecommunications service revenues now exceeding $2 trillion dollars yearly, Nigeria cannot afford to walk in other nations’ shadows. It must brace up to overcome its challenges of providing its citizens ubiquitous broadband.

Though, the Federal Government last year inaugurated a broadband committee, headed by Former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and assisted by the founder of Visafone Communications Limited, Mr. Jim Ovia, government must play a key role – for example in helping to put in place pro-competitive and pro- investment policies for communications markets, lowering barriers to entry, as well as direct investment, where appropriate – the business sector remains a fundamental part of the equation.

Indeed, speakers at the Broadband ExPro Forum organised by Telecoms Answers Associates in conjunction with the , the theme: “Access to funding is a critical requirement of extending Broadband Internet Access to Nigerians”, noted that limited broadband infrastructure and high cost of service has created issues of affordability.

Speaking on: “Mapping the broadband investment in Nigeria”, Prof. Adekunle Suraj of the Department of Communications Technology and Broadcasting, School of Communications, Lagos State University, noted that there were vast broadband infrastructural investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Suraj listed two broadband infrastructure investment options in Nigeria, which were the access network and the backhaul and core network facilities.

According to him, access network comprised the connection between the end user and the nearest network node, while the other provide links between network nodes to allow connectivity over large distances.

Suraj noted that partnership and alliances with Mobile Network Operators (MNO) because of their firm grip on the consumer mass market could deepen penetration, stressing that this could involve ISPs, large corporations, and other wholesale users incorporating into broader long term partnership that goes beyond sales and purchase agreements.

He said, based on universal service targets for broadband access, investment in high-speed backbone networks to rural communities (schools, hospitals and other public institutions as anchor points for high speed connection in the community) may be more efficient than projects that pay for lost-mile connection to homes.

In the presentation of Fidelity Bank Plc, the firm noted that

Johnson with improved infrastructure, the industry could deliver converged services (that is, voice, data, video streaming, IPTV and online gaming) with the aid of next generation equipment.

To this end, Fidelity Bank noted that the country required in addition about 16,100 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and 15,000km optic fibre to be able to improve broadband services.

To fund this gap, Fidelity Bank revealed that with an average sum of $200,000 per base station and $4,500 per km of fibre, the total sum of $3.9 Billion (N585 billion) was required to fund the gap.

According to the convener of the forum, Titi-Omo Ettu, the major issue hindering expansion revolves around Right of Way (RoW) issues, which required urgent government attention.

Omo-Ettu, in what he described as the “Bill of Request” to the government, advised that government should deploy Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to support the payment of RoW for Service Providers.

He also emphasized the need for service providers to be encouraged to approach the USPF and other institutional funding mechanisms in convenient cooperative groups to seek funding support for broadband related investments.

While appreciating the Ministry of Communications Technology for its achievement so far including the provision of an ICT Policy for the country, though in draft, significant work on issue of resolving the RoW guidelines, the creation of a critical infrastructure bill that will protect communications infrastructure and the Student PC Ownership Scheme, the establishment of ICT incubation Centres to facilitate software development, IT Innovation Capital Venture Fund among others, “using all these as realities, we can only take advantage of them if we bring to attention of our people to them and attention of government to the major hindrance which lack of access to investment funding is capable of throwing in to slow the march towards realising these goals.

In MainOne Cable Company’s presentation, Nigeria and other countries must secure their position in the global digital economy.

Jumoke Akande, who presented on behalf MainOne, said that submarine cables had significantly impacted broadband penetration in Nigeria, claiming that there had been over 80 per cent reduction in wholesale prices on International bandwidth.

By and large, in her response, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson noted that providing country wide, demand driven ICT services at reliable broadband speeds and

Omo-Ettu

at affordable prices positively impacted several of the pillars by which the country’s global competitiveness is judged.

Johnson noted that with over $25 billion invested in the industry by the private sector to date and a healthy number of participants in the market, “I think you will agree with me that government has played her part credibly well.”

However, she said that with low broadband penetration rates and high cost of access significant work still remained to be done and signifi-

cant investments are still required to be made.

“The industry landscape has changed since the early days of liberalisation – the competitive landscape has changed, the technology continues to evolve consumers are getting more demanding for bandwidth and industry priorities for infrastructure are now more focused on broadband employment raising new challenges for our network operators and infrastructure providers.

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COMPULIFE

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GLOBAL payment technoloVisa, SA Tourism initiate challenge A gy company, Visa, and MTN plans upgrade of 5,528 sites in Nigeria South African Tourism have for Africa’s top travel app

By Adeyemi Adepetun

S part of its 2013 targets, telecommunications service provider, MTN said that it would upgrade about 5,528 of its sites across the country.

MTN, which claimed to have already modernised and upgraded 4,615 sites, explained that the new upgrading was aimed at improving the various services it offered in the country.

According to the Corporate Service Executive, MTN Nigeria, Akinwale Goodluck in an interaction with journalists in Lagos, MTN also planned to build 5000 2G and 4000 3G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in the country.

Goodluck disclosed that despite investments in various infrastructures by MTN and other telecommunications service providers, they are not enough to carry the present level of traffic. He said that the

A

VConnect boosts website with ‘Get Suppliers’ feature

By Bankole Orimisan CONNECT Global Services, V Nigeria’s largest local search engine, has introduced a new feature on its website tagged “Get Suppliers” which allows users to get instant and specific quotes of products and services from various suppliers, thereby reducing the cost and time spent to receive desired information.

This new web feature is beneficial to consumers in personal and professional life. It provides the consumers/users a platform to easily access over 500,000 businesses listed on its website while also creating massive opportunities for SME’S to generate voluminous business transactions thus creating a win-win situation.

Speaking on this latest development, the General Manager, VConnect Global Services, Mr. Deepanker Rustagi stated that this feature was to support millions of people who wanted to buy thousands of things on a daily basis. Making their lives simple and convenient.

Group partners NCC to host parleyon disabilities HE Nigerian T Communications Commission (NCC) and the Lagos Civil Society Disability Policy (LCSDPP) have announced partnership to convey the first telecommunications conference on the people with disability.

The event, which comes up tomorrow-in Lagos, has as its theme: “Making Telecoms Services accessible to persons with disability”, according to LCSDPP is targeted at aiding the understanding of telecommunication operators and other players to take responsibilities towards the implementation of principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) as well as provisions of the Lagos State social people’s law which provides accessibility for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in telecoms service delivery.

Furthermore, the conference hopes to discuss legal frameworks that support accessibility of persons with disabilities to telecoms services and products, as well as strategies through which such services can be made accessible.

various damages and destructions to fibre cables, BTS and other facilities recently across the country compounded the challenge of improved quality of service.

The MTN Executive said that about 13.1 billion rand (around $1.5 billion) of the total MTN Group’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) of 29 billion rand (over $3 billion) for this year would be spent on network expansion for its Nigerian market.

The group’s allocation to its Nigeria operation for 2013 is the highest in all its over 20 countries of operations.

Goodluck, who recalled that $1.3 billion was used as CAPEX for MTN Nigeria in 2012, said that Nigeria was still favoured in the current year with by taking the lion share of the group’s total capital expenditure.

According to him, the current $1.5 billion was directed at net-

work expansion such as the building more base stations and fibre transmissions across the country.

He also said that the fresh investment would allow the over 45 million telecoms subscribers on MTN Nigeria’s network to enjoy improved access voice and data services with better coverage.

Goodluck informed that MTN Nigeria did not only fully capitalise its $1.3 billion CAPEX for 2012 but also used the $300 million carryover CAPEX for 2011 to embark on its soon-tobe-completed network modernisation and swapping exercise which began early last year.

Speaking on the firm’s data business in the country, which according to leading network infrastructure provider—Cisco would present huge opportunities for service operators in Nigeria and other African markets,

unveiled a $10,000 contest for developers across sub-Saharan Africa to build the continent’s best travel app. To this end, entries are being expected.

First announced at the eTourism Summit in Cape Town last year, the Africa App Quest is built on the growing use of apps for travel and to capitalise on the continent’s growing popularity as a global

By Bankole Orimisan

average is 4.1 per cent.

“As a proud partner of South African Tourism, Visa is excited to collaborate with the organisation on initiatives such as the Africa App Quest that has the potential to reach a global audience and strengthen inbound travel,” said Jodie Schorn, head of Cross-Border Marketing for Visa sub-Saharan Africa.

Schorn added: “We encourFirm to focus on data centre’s infrastructure ARRING any unforeseen, the concentrated on resolving the age all developers – whether Titans of Tech 2013 problem of ICT infrastructure up-and-coming or already established in the industry Conference scheduled for April particularly of the sort that to get involved in the Africa 12 2013 in Lagos would centre drive availability of broadApp Quest. This is a great way on the critical issues around band and enables the estabfor developers to make a broadband service provisionlishment of data centres in name for themselves in the ing and the urgent need to the country. drive the establishment of data He noted that this is why the global travel and tech comcentres in the country.

2013 edition of the annual ICT munity.”

Entries can include anyMr. Don Pedro Aganbi, conference, on ICT thing from online safari Managing Consultant of Infrastructure challenges in guides and urban directories Technology Africa, organisers of Nigeria. The theme of to game spotting and recordthe premium Titans of Tech the conference is; Conference, has said that for “Broadband, Data Centres and ing apps, online booking and shopping tools, or apps interNigeria’s digital economy to the Quest for Inclusive preting local cultures. become vibrant, efforts must be Society”.

B

tourist destination.

According to research commissioned by the World Bank, even with the economic slowdown, sub-Saharan Africa’s travel and tourism industry is expected to achieve an annual growth rate of 5.5 per cent over the next ten years. The world

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MaritimeWatch Fresh worries as Onitsha port remains dormant

By Moses Ebosele IGHT months after it was E commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan, the N4.6 billion Onitsha River Port Complex is yet to commence operations.

Located in Anambra State, the port, which has never really functioned since it was first commissioned by former President, Shehu Shagari in 1983, was rehabilitated by the present administration through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as part of efforts to boost economic activities in the South Eastern part of the country.

Commissioning the port in August, last year, Jonathan said that the Federal Government decided to embark on the development of the country’s inland waterways transport as a way of exploiting all avenues of enhancing both road, rail, air and water transportation in the country.

“The river or marine transport must be enhanced and to do it, we need inland port like the one in Onitsha. Our target is to link all the ports by roads and rail so that doing business in Nigeria becomes easy. The river ports must be linked up to other areas of resource. Today, the process is being started and others on the drawing board must be completed,” said Jonathan.

But, observers are of the opinion that except ‘something unusual’ happens, Onitsha port may face similar challenges, which confronted ports in Calabar, Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Koko, which are currently being underutilised.

Indeed, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, recently bemoaned the dormant state of Calabar Port, adding that the gateway was originally created alongside Warri and Koko Ports to help the nation cope with congestion problem at the Lagos ports.

The Obong pointed out that the Calabar Port had suffered a number of set backs in the past including failed attempt to dredge the port’s shallow channel.

Also, stakeholders who lamented the unfolding scenario in a chat with The Guardian advised the federal government to revisit feasibility studies on port operations

Obi

Onitsha Port and desist from giving political consideration when putting in place port facilities.

But NIWA’s Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Tayo Fadile, in a chat with The Guardian, explained that the ultimateaimofthefederalgovernment was to allow the private sector drive the process through a concessioning arrangement.

According to Fadile, plans had reachedadvancedstagetoconcession Onitsha Port, adding that NIWA recently allowed its ferries to operate from Lokoja to Onitsha.

Explainingfurther,Fadilesaid: “We (NIWA) are appealing to the private sector to key into the programme. Private investors should invest in the port. We expect the private sector to drive the process.”

Also speaking during a chat with The Guardian, the President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, explained that no port could operate efficiently without the

patronage of industries.

He advised promoters of new ports to make modern facilities available and do everything possible to attract bigger vessels, pointing out that Nigeria was in competition with some West African countries.

“We should be talking about millennium ports. Any port that must attract vessels from Lagos must have the facilities for bigger vessels. The role of industries cannot be ruled out.

Industries need modern ports to move their equipment. Apart from Lagos, how many states can boast of the presence of industries? You can not rule out the role of industries in port operations and efficiencies,” Amiwero said.

A prominent port user who preferred to remain anonymous advised state governments in the southsouth and southeast zones to form an alliance aimed at developing one or two ports, pointing out: “That is the most viable option”.

The source said: “It is not possible to have ports in all the states and expect them to be

Habib Abdulahi

viable. The states in the socalled south south and southeast zones can develop one or two ports in the interest of the zones. Economic activities are very low in the two zones. The question is how do you make the ports viable?”.

Akwa Ibom State government, recently, urged the organised private sector to take advantage of its proposed deep-sea port scheduled for commissioning in 2015.

The state Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah said that fine-tuning of all necessary modalities would be implemented this year. Government said that fine-tuning of all necessary modalities would be implemented this year.

He said that the port was the first stage in the overall development of Ibaka, adding that the “partnership with NPA (Nigeria Port Authority) was on course.

Explaining further, Umana said: “We (Akwa Ibom State) welcome private sector partnership. The state is conducive

for business and industrialization.”

Already, the state government has issued the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the over 5580 Square meters of land area for the new port to the NPA with a pledged to provide all necessary assistance.

When completed, according to the state government, Ibaka Seaport is expected to enjoy huge maritime traffic.

The seaport is expected to servicetheexportprocessingzones in Ibaka, Ikot Abasi and Calabar, Sea-borne traffic bound for Tinapa and the southeast market.

The state Governor, Godswill Akpabio, explained recently that the Ibaka Deep Sea Port project was capable of creating about 70,000 job opportunities for unemployed youths in the country when completed.

He also appealed to all Nigerians to support the project, adding that it entailed convergence of ideas and finances, “wealthcreationisallaboutjob creation. We need to take our youths away from all kinds of

Umar

vices.”

According to him, the Deep Sea Port was a Nigerian project and is neither for state or local government. “I don’t even see it as a federal government project. For me, any project that is capable of creating about 5070,000 jobs is a project that all Nigerians should support.”

The Ibaka port is said to be between 17 and 18 meters draught without dredging and its quay area will span over two miles (length).

According to Maku, multinational companies especially in the power sector needs deep sea ports to move heavy equipment, adding that international investors gave priorities to locations where essential infrastructures such as deep sea ports were readily available.

Speaking when the National Good Governance team visited the Onne port, Rivers State, Maku said that the federal government had made tremendous progress in ports development through partnership with the private sector.

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Industrywatch Driving economic, MSMEs’ growth through effective financing

By Femi Adekoya HE statement that “finance follows where T enterprise leads” is often quoted, when it comes to arguing that the causal relationship runs from the real sector to the financial sector (demand- following finance). This hypothesis often times, regards financial development as endogenously determined by the real economy or its needs.

In Nigeria however, there seems to be a great challenge in the ability of the real sector to attract adequate finance to the sector, especially in some key sectors and by micro, small and medium enterprises. The recent alarm raised by opposition parties and stakeholders on the state of the economy, has once again brought to the fore the need to address challenges hindering real sector growth in Nigeria.

It is generally argued that the financial system plays a growth-supporting role and also takes on additional market functions. This is mostly true especially when the system performs its function of credit creation for growth of the real sector.

Although, trade liberalisation coupled with opening up of the capital account has made it easier for the flow of capital in the real sector across the border, the bulk of such capital are often times diverted to the capital market for easy access to adequate return on investment than to the real sector.

A critical factor maligning the ability of the real sector to attract funds to it is its nature of having a higher gestation period for effecting into economic growth. Despite its tremendous potential for direct and indirect employment generation, which is critical for the emerging market economies, experts wonder why such a sector remain almost neglected.

With the internationalisation in all spheres of economic activities, the real sector also has implications for global changes. For instance, the capital surplus economies have been investing heavily in real sector in emerging market economies and this has enhanced the financial vulnerability.

The creation of credit through the banking system was an essential source of entrepreneurs‘ capability to drive real growth by finding and employing new combinations of factor use. The importance of innovation and its determinants is also a focal point of endogenous growth in any country.

Financial institutions develop out of the need to deal with transaction costs and overcome information problems. They influence the real economy by enhancing capital accumulation and innovation. This approach builds on the fact that markets and intermediaries perform very different functions reflecting the heterogeneous needs of the respective clients and client industries willing to invest. Borrower characteristics are of particular importance for potential access to various financing instruments, whereas project characteristics primarily (though not exclusively) influence companies‘ financial choices. The organisational structure, the reputation, the availability of collateral or the sheer size of a company may limit its access to certain financial instruments.

Already, 77 per cent of global trade is in the form of manufactured goods; food and agriculture account for nine per cent of global merchandise trade, followed by fuel with eight per cent, while ores and minerals account for three per cent of world trade. This further places emphasis on the need for manufacturing to be given the desired attention by government.

Hitherto, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce of commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) had called for the establishment of specialised banks that can grow the real sector. About to years after President Jonathan ordered the recapitalisation of the Bank of Industry ((BoI) and directed that its equity be opened up to attract investors, stakeholders in the real sector still await the realization of this objective as they decry dearth of funds to drive industrialization.

In his paper, “Financial Sector Liberalization and Challenges of Real Sector Financing in

Aganga Nigeria: The World Bank Perspective”, Lead Economist, Financial and Private Development Network, African Region, World Bank, Ismail Radwan noted that the key threat to increased SME lending is the burgeoning fiscal deficit.

He observed: ”Government spending has climbed inexorably since 2006, while revenues have been volatile. The excess crude account has been depleted and government has borrowed increasing amounts (largely financed from domestic sources) to finance the shortfall. If these trends are not reversed the private sector will continue to be crowded out, interest rates will rise and banks will continue to be tempted to focus on buying government paper rather than starting to expand lending to the real sector.

“It is widely accepted that the private sector is the engine of growth. The creation of an enabling environment will make it achievable.

Three major challenges have been identified as constraints to doing business in Nigeria; the lack of power, poor roads and lack of access to finance as well as the cost of finance. Providing finance to Nigeria‘s real sector especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be a key component of future job creation. Nigeria‘s banks have never successfully lent to the nation‘s SMEs. “Capital is a vital input to any business.

However, for most of the years analysed, the real sector is starved of formal sector credit. Of the more than 80.0 per cent of businesses that wants to access a bank loan, only 1.0 per cent is successful. These figures are in stark contrast to more dynamic economies such as China, India and Indonesia where more than a fifth of businesses are able to secure bank loans and India and South Africa where more than one-third can. The situation is especially dire for Nigeria‘s SMEs and informal businesses.”

With the emergence of the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank,

Oputu which emerged from a merger between various public sector forerunner banks; the Small and Medium Enterprises Equity Investment Scheme; CBN Agricultural Fund; CBN SME guarantee facility; and the CBN Microfinance fund, there are calls on why government is taking too long to pool available resources to a particular entity for ease of disbursement to relevant enterprises and sectors.

Bank of Industry’s Managing Director, Evelyn Oputu said: “If you look at all what BoI has done, it is still a small bank. We are not big at all because we don’t have money. The CBN gave BoI the money at zero per cent. We then gave it to the banks at one per cent. The banks in this case are meant to use the money to restructure all the small businesses that came to them.

“The truth is that if the small businesses are borrowing at 20 to 25 per cent, they cannot survive due to so many competing factors, leading to the death of firms. As a result of this, the leadership of the CBN knew that something had to be done. They restructured the loans for 20 years with a responsibility on the bank that the loans must get to the genuine beneficiaries. But since the conventional banks cannot do it themselves, they said BoI should take up the responsibility.

“So, we had to take and screen all the applications from the commercial banks to ensure that those companies actually exist and that when they restructure the loan portfolio, they will go back into businesses because some of them are traders. That was how we got involved.

“For the intervention, we monitor it on a quarterly basis. Though, we don’t monitor it alone, we do it along side the CBN. We go around each and every customer to see the impact. For SMEs intervention, it was a complete success. There is no free money in BoI. You must meet terms and conditions. And if one does not meet it, they

It is widely accepted that the private sector is the engine of growth. The creation of an enabling environment will make it achievable. Three major challenges have been identified as constraints to doing business in Nigeria-the lack of power; poor roads and lack of access to finance as well as the cost of finance. Providing finance to Nigeria‘s real sector especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be a key component of future job creation...The truth is that if the small businesses are borrowing at 20 to 25 per cent, they cannot survive due to so many competing factors, leading to the death of firms. As a result of this, the leadership of the CBN knew that something had to be done.

can’t have access to it. But when people come with a sense of entitlement that the money is there and should be given out, we can’t. You must meet the criteria. If you don’t, you won’t get it.”

President of NACCIMA, Dr. Herbert Ajayi, lamented on the present state of power supply in the country noting that it has continued to strain capacity utilisation in industries and also increased cost of doing business.

"The economy will move faster and record a higher percentage in implementation this year, if security and power challenges are addressed. Many businesses, especially the MSMEs are groaning under the high tariff of electricity, while continuing to spend more on generating power through fuelling of generators."

Ajayi listed some of the challenges currently facing operators to include poor and high cost of infrastructure, insecurity and dumping of sub-standard goods into the country, stressing that a lot still needed to be done in areas such as power supply, modernisation and expansion of the nation’s railways, inland waterways and urban metro network, for rapid mass transit and rapid industrial development.

He added that lack of adequately equipped enterprise zones, industrial clusters and parks at both state and local government levels have also been hindering the growth of the private sector.

He identified lack of patronage of Nigerian products and services, as an issue that urgent attention.

He urged government ministries and parastatals to show example of encouraging local production through the patronage of locally produced goods, stating that the economy is heavily import-dependent, both for industrial raw materials and finished products.

The NACCIMA boss also stressed the need for the government to put in place necessary policy and bail-out mechanism that can minimise the attendant impacts of the harsh operating environment being experienced by operators noting that it could be suicidal to the economy.

He emphasized the need for Government to continue to ensure improved public-private sectors consultations on policy conceptualization, formulation, implementation and monitoring of projects nationwide by constituting relevant Committees.

According to him, the private sector should always be carried along in formulating policies that concern their businesses to enable them contribute positively.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

41

Report on the Technical Visit to Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Team took the team round the Entrepreneurship center. The center was majorly funded by the Education Trust Fund (ETF). One of the center building (where the program is scheduled to hold) houses two seminar halls, a conference hall, four classroom, a library and offices.

Other facilities in the center include; • A Boat Building Workshop • A Diving pool of 21 fts depth • A commercial sized towing tank for conducting physical model experiments • Classrooms and Lecture theaters • 46 flats for lecturers with a one bedroom boys quarters • Guest houses for students • Business area • A secondary school Pictures were taken of the facilities and the team was also shown the site for the proposed NIMASA sponsored Institute of Marine Studies.

Everyone was confident that our proposed program will effortlessly feed into the NIMASA program in the long run.

At the end of the tour, the NCS team retired to the Vice Chancellor’s office where the GM NCS presented the MoU to the VC. The VC was happy that the collaboration with the Chamber had gotten to this point in a very short time. He then said he would forward the MoU to their legal department after getting inputs from the other member on his team and then get back to the NCS.

his words “We welcome the idea to collaborate with the private sector to develop the industry.

Our terrain is a maritime environment and Technical/Operations Executive II, Mr Brendan should be able to produce people that will offer job satisfaction to the industry. Training is very Dumpe visited the Niger Delta University necessary to put this country at peace and we Amasoma, Bayelsa State on Tuesday 26th welcome it. This university has one of the best February 2013. The purpose of the visit was to entrepreneurship centers in the country even inspect the facilities in the University for the commencement of the proposed Professional though it is a young university. Manpower and equipment is not a problem, I therefore hope Postgraduate Diploma in Marine/Oil and Gas that the program can kick off in a short time.

Management Technology.

The Vice chancellor was full of praise for the On arrival at the Port Harcourt International Director General of NCS for choosing to collaboAirport, the team was conveyed to the University where a brief meeting was held with rate with the University. the Vice chancellor. The GM NCS who spoke on Present in the meeting were: behalf of the Chamber, sent the DG’s love and NDU TEAM stressing that she wanted to attend but for Prof. Humphrey Ogoni Vice Chancellor some urgents assignments. He further SA to VC representinformed the Vice chancellor of the purpose for Mr kenikayaro, Eduogha the visit and also gave the University souvenirs ed the Registrar Mr Allagoa Public Relations from the Chamber.

Officer The Vice chancellor welcomed the NCS team Dr E.A Ogbonnaya Associate Prof. and assured of their unwavering support Dept of Marine Engineering towards the commencement of the program.

Dr E.M Adigio Head, Dept of He assured the team that everything that will Mechanical/Marine Engineering make the program successful will be put in Cord. Marine place and that during the tour; the team would Dr S.C Darei see some of the facilities on ground already. In Department TECHNICAL team from the Nigerian A Chamber of Shipping led by its General Manager Mr Nnamdi Eronini and the

Capt. C.A.N Johnson Engineering Engr Poku Robert Engineering Department

CONCLUSION The visit brought us a step closer to the commencement of the proposed Professional Diploma in Marine/Oil & Gas Management Technology, thus putting the Chamber in the fore front in human capacity development drive in the marine/oil & gas sector amongst other related service provider. The visit also presented an opportunity to further cement the relationship between the Chamber and Niger Delta University. It also provided a platform to increase our reach to the South-south zone of Nigeria; an effort that will efficiently boost the Chamber’s activities in the South-south.

It also afforded us to know the capacity and strength of the University. We can comfortably join the VC to say indeed, NDU has one of the best entrepreneurship centers in the country.

Marine Marine

NCS TEAM Mr. Nnamdi Eronini Manager Mr. Brendan Dumpe Technical/Operations Executive II

General

The visit continued the next day 27th February, 2013 with a visit to the Dean of Engineering. The team was received by the acting Dean, Prof.

Dau Zubokere. He welcomed the NCS team and was happy that the NCS was bringing development to Bayelsa in form of manpower development.

The team was taken through the departments of Mechanical and Marine Engineering, the laboratory, technical workshops, ICT hall and other facilities. The GM NCS Mr Nnamdi Eronini was impressed with the facilities on ground in the university. He noted that the workshops and labs were well equipped.

At the entrepreneurship center, the team was introduced to the University’s Director of Physical Planning Dr Gagariga Taridouye who

RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the information gathered and the experience gotten from the visit, we make the following recommendations: The University expressed fears over our need to follow the collaboration through to completion as they are doing everything in their powers to provide a world class learning environment.

Therefore we strongly suggest that NCS should follow this project through to completion.

With the NIMASA and federal government attention in NDU, it is very necessary for the NCS to tap in early. As a higher level program, this course will be the next line for professional development and graduates from the NIMASA training will easily fit in the program.

That a delegation drawn from between NDU and NCS pay a courtesy visit to a couple of agencies and governments aimed at introducing the course and soliciting for sponsorship of candidates. Some of the suggested include; Governor of Bayelsa State, Chairman Governing Board NDDC Dr, Tarilah Tebepah, Managing Director/CEO NDDC Dr, Christian Oboh, Mr Kingsley Kuku, to mention but a few.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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New Course Introduction

NIGERIAN CHAMBER OF SHIPPING SHORT COURSES AND TRAINING TIME TABLE (JAN - DEC 2013)

A thorough knowledge of the increasing technicalities involved in the upstream oil and gas sector and its associated support structure is needed for one to successfully engage in any form of business in this sector.

The wake of the Coastal and Inland shipping act and the Nigerian Oil and gas industry development act are indicators for a much needed training in line with these regulations.

To bridge the need for the much needed training, the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping is introducing a week long course titled:

Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Upstream).

The course is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Maritime/Oil and Gas upstream business in Nigeria. Whether as a Bank who wants to finance the acquisition of offshore vessels, or an indigenous operator who wants to build upon existing knowledge, a new entrant that needs the fundamental knowledge of the maritime/upstream oil and gas business, an International Oil Company dealing with Local Operators or individuals who have a purely academic interest in gaining knowledge that will assist with their own personal and professional development; you will find the course very comprehensive and valuable. In the end, you will have a broader knowledge of Contracts, Investments and Vessel Financing in the Upstream Oil and Gas sector.

Core Modules include: 1. The Development of the Maritime Industry in Nigeria/Legislation 2. Overview of the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria 3. Finding a Vessel 4. Vessel/Equipment Inspection (Physical and Classification Surveys) 5. Vessel Registration and Working within the Regulatory Framework (Cabotage & Local Content) 6. Funding your Contract 7. Understanding Marine Insurance 8. Maritime law and Arbitration 9. Ship Management 10. Environmental Issues 11. Maritime Security Our facilitators are seasoned professionals with enormous experience in the industry, some of them are; Chief Chris Asoluka (PhD.): Managing Consultant, FM&T/Consulting Nig. Ltd Olisa Agbakoba and Associates: Maritime Law Dr. I. E. Douglas: Head- Department of Marine Engineering, RSUST. Mr. Toby Eve: Maritime/Shipping Expert and MD Maritime Transactions.

Mr. Rob Goodwin: Master Mariner, Production Operations Marine Lead, SNEPCo Mr. Austin Uzoka: Manager, Nigerian Content Development, SNEPCo Rear Adm. GSA Ombo (Rtd) OON: Maritime Consultant Mr. Peter Olorunfemi: Maritime Finance Consultant, Peter Maritime Consulting Services Facilitator from NCDMB / NAPIMS We are confident you will find that this unique course provides you with the much needed knowledge that will benefit you and your company as well as give you the needed skill in contract sourcing, financing and execution.

Kindly indicate interest by sending us an Email to: info@nigerian-shipping.org, brendan.dumpe@nigerian-shipping.org, Or call: 01-8922289, 08033861289, 08060504587, 08068844822.

Visit our website www.nigerian-shipping.org or follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/nigerianchamberofshipping

SNEAK REVIEWS ON THE MODULES: UNDERSTANDING CABOTAGE AND LOCAL CONTENT IN THE NIGERIAN OIL & GAS INDUSTRY (UPSTREAM) FUNDING YOUR CONTRACT CREDIT POLICY AND FINANCE DEFINITIONS Credit Policy Definition Factors Influencing The Choice Between A New Built And A Second Hand Vessel Vessel Charter SENIOR DEBT Types of Senior Debt – Overview Financing Vessel Types Lending Methods Borrower Structures Transaction Assessment Why Do Banks Need To Have This Information?

Documentation Ship Finance Options SHIP FINANCE Introduction To Hedging Introduction To Securitisation Mezzanine Project Financing Introduction To Leasing Introduction To Islamic Finance SHIP MORTGAGES Details Of The Ship The Mortgage Transfer of Mortgage Discharge of Mortgage LOAN DOCUMENTATION Compiled and Edited by Nnamdi C. Eronini

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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Energy Catching oil thieves through electronic applications Stories by Roseline Okere HAT NIGERIA is the largest oil producer in T Africa and the eleventh largest in the world is saying the obvious. Indeed, crude oil remains the mainstay of the country’s economy is the petroleum sector, contributing about 90 per cent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings and about 25 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.

A significant proportion of the nation’s oil is produced onshore and is subsequently transported by pipelines, although recently oil production has witnessed increased activities in the offshore.

Over the years, the amount of oil produced and transported between points of production, processing and distribution or export terminals has greatly increased as the demand of and dependence on oil increased.

Although this increase in oil production level contributes to the national economic growth, it also presents increased potential for environmental pollution and degradation due to activities of pipeline vandals.

While some people blamed the incident on the ruptured pipelines, the affected oil companies, in their defense, always attributed it to the activities of the pipelines vandals.

The activities of the vandals in recent past had led to the unplanned exit of some oil companies in the region, which in turn has affected the economy of the region and the country.

It is worthy to observe that while the 21 Petroleum pipelines and product marketing company limited (PPMC) in-land depots across the country have remained largely under- utilized due to their near epileptic state, the operations of the PPMC has been seriously encumbered by the activities of pipeline marauders- thus making the task of conveying petroleum products across the over 5,000km of vast network of pipelines- a living nightmare.

Lamenting the situation recently, Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke, said that the spate of vandalisation of Nigeria’s 5,120 oil pipelines across the country has become a serious threat to national security structure and a sabotage of the economy in view of the constant losses and extra costs it brings to bear on the nation.

The Minister said that the loss of lives and burden of environmental remediation from such vandalisation, which the country ordinarily should not have to bear was becoming enormous.

She stated that such unwholesome practice was inimical to the advancement of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, adding that proactive and collective measures must be sustained to stem the alarming rate of pipeline vandalisation in the country.

According to the minister: “We are all witnesses to the killing of staff members of the NNPC at Arepo last year by suspected oil vandals as well as the amount of environmental remediation that was done as result of that singular act. The loss of lives and burden of environmental remediation from pipeline van-

General Counsel Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Barrister Joe Ujomu; Director-General BPE, Ben Dikki; Director Interstate Electrics, Mr.Kester Enwereonu, at the agreement signing ceremony with Interstate Consortium-, he bid winner of the Enugu Zone of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). dalisation has come with enormous cost to the country and this is also threatening our national security”.

The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu said recently that the corporation had over 774 break points within three months from August to October 2012 from Atlas Cove to Ilorin depot. Between Atlas Cove and Mosimi depot, we recorded 181 break points, from Mosimi to Ibadan, “we had 421 raptured points and from Mosimi to Ore, we recorded 50 vandalized points. Also between Ibadan and Ilorin we had a total of 122 break points”.

The converse of using -trucking as alternative means of moving products comes with a massive cost, which makes the undertaking not only expensive but far less effective with the attendant operational hazards. Records indicate that with the incessant attacks on the nation’s vast artery of pipelines about 70 per cent products distribution is through trucking or what is known in the industry parlance as bridging into the hinterlands.

This requires massive fleets of petroleum product trucks of up to 1,212 trucks load out from the depots every day to meet the daily estimated national consumption.

At an average vehicle turnaround of about 8-10 days from the South to the North and re-turn, a minimum of 10,000 trucks are required to ply

the roads daily.

So far the aggressive facilities rehabilitation program has witnessed the revamping of the hitherto comatose PPMC Benin Depot - re-commissioned complete with the rehabilitation of the 89.9km Warri-Benin pipeline; Aba Depot has also been re-commissioned with the recovery of the Port Harcourt - Aba pipeline to restore product supply to the depot. Also the Okrika PPMC Jetty has also been rehabilitated and recommissioned while rehabilitation and expansion of the Atlas Cove Jetty is also ongoing.

Yakubu, visited Arepo on an on-the-spot assessment of the ruptured System 2B Pipeline which had caught fire as a result of the activities of oil thieves who hacked into it.

On that occasion, the GMD assured Nigerians that the incident (the third in a series of attacks on the System 2B Pipeline that supplies products to Mosimi, Ore, Ibadan and Ilorin Depots) would not cause fuel scarcity in any part of the country.

The NNPC boss also unfolded short and long term measures to redeem Arepo from the hands of oil thieves and pipeline vandals, some of which include: mobilization of engineers to site to clamp and fix the ruptured points to restore pumping of petroleum products in keeping with his promise that no part of the country would suffer fuel scarcity on account of the incident; Clearing of the Pipeline Right of Way to

make the area accessible and difficult for oil thieves and vandals to carry out their nefarious activities in hiding; Provision of platforms for security men to effectively monitor movements in and around the area; Deployment of a technology to make the pipeline inaccessible to oil thieves and vandals; and collaboration with the State Government and other stakeholders for the effective security of the pipeline.

Yakubu revealed that already an indigenous engineering firm, ENIKKOM, has been mobilized to redirect the pipeline from the reach of vandals with modern technology to monitor the pipeline on a regular basis.

“The engineering firm is bringing modern technology to bear on the system by burying the pipelines much deeper. New pipelines will be used to change the configuration in order to keep pipeline vandals away from the Corporation’s critical infrastructure,”. Yakubu informed.

He said in matching words with action and to continue to improve the right of way of the pipelines, the NNPC has also built a watch tower, police post, and would ensure that the hot spots would be completely secured, adding that this would also prevent the loss of lives.

NNPC will also build a long wide platform that will ensure easy access at anytime for the security forces over the swamps.

Sahara Energy earmarks N31.6bn for power projects AHARA Energy has earmarked $200 million SNigeria’s (N31.6 billion) for the development of the power sector.

The company, which won bid for the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company recently, hinted in Lagos last week, that it would be investing heavily on new meters to ensure that consumers within the Ikeja distribution zone feel the impact of the energy company.

Speaking at the Akindelano Legal Practitioners Seminar Series in Lagos, the Executive Director, Sahara Group, Tope Shonubi, lamented the impact of irregular power supply in the country.

According to him, Nigerian’s is spending over N17.5 billion yearly on generators due to inadequate power supply and this is affecting the

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) negatively.

“Self generation of electricity cost five to ten times more than Power Holding Company of Nigeria generated power and lead to lack of profitability of SMEs sector due to high self generational costs.

He noted that only 36 per cent of the nation’s populations have access to electricity.

He assured that consumers would, within the Ikeja Electiricty Distribution Company begin to feel the company’s impact in electricity distribution in Lagos state.

He said that funding requirement for the Nigeria power sector is high, adding that,” I am not convinced that Nigerian banks are ready to as-

sist.

“Egbin investment started in 2007 and yet to be completed. It took a lot of efforts to convince foreign investors into investing in the country.

There is need for government to utilise the capacity being utilized for growth in the power sector. There is need to increase support for other sectors’ of electricity requirement; decrease cost of living as financial provision is being made in the household sector for power supply at homes; decrease cost of business thus discouraging reducing business profits; encouragement of foreign capital and investors and increase impact on growth in national Gross Domestic Product thus, increase rate of economic development as a nation. The domi-

nance constraint is lack of an enabling economic framework.

The Sahara Energy is at the forefront of the trading business locally (Nigeria), regionally (Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire), and internationally (US Gulf Coast, Europe and Asia). The company services a wide range of customers including independent marketers, major marketers, industrial customers, Exploration and Production companies.

The company’s strength lies in its understanding of the regional and global market place and ability to identify supply and demand opportunities. Effective management and synchronization of Trade, Finance and Operations enables it to maximize efficiency and profitability, while minimizing risks.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Oil & GasWeekly Remi Aiyela, Editor-in-Chief

editor@NOGintelligence.com www.NOGintelligence.com

UPSTREAM NEWS

Eland Oil Secures OPL 452 Option

will reopen for operations.

There has been a recent upsurge in crude theft activities on the NCTL, resulting in frequent production shutdown and massive oil spills blighting the environment, SPDC said, calling the amount of oil theft they had experienced lately "unprecedented."

Between the 22nd and 25th of February, 12 flowstations producing into the pipeline were shut down by safety systems three times due to oil theft. Each incident has resulted in the deferment of 150,000 barrels of oil per day. The leak on Sunday occurred directly on the NCTL, SPDC said in the statement.

According to SPDC they spent $1.1 billion replacing the pipeline in 2010, but crude oil thieves have repeatedly targeted the pipeline since it was commissioned.

In December 2011 it was shut down following a spill caused by two failed crude theft connections. It reopened in January 2012 and again suffered multiple trips caused by pressure drops resulting from the illegal off-take of crude oil from the pipeline. Eventually, the NCTL was shut down on 2nd May 2012 to allow for the removal of more than 50 crude theft points.

Even pipelines buried underground, are not safe from the determined oil thieves. According to the company, last month, they found that some unknown persons had drilled a hole on a gas pipeline which was buried underground some 2km from Soku Gas Plant.

The line had to be shut down for repair leading to a force majeure declaration on gas supplies to NLNG on 5th February.

The Managing Director of SPDC and the Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu is now threatening a permanent shutdown of the NCTL due to the incessant attacks. "It is getting to the crunch that rather than allow people to continue to attack my pipeline and devastate the environment, I may actually consider shutting down the pipeline completely," he said.

Nan interesting development, which demonstrates IInvestment its increasing appetite for Nigeria, Alternative Sunmonu: Impassioned Plea For Market (AIM) listed Eland Oil has secured an option on Oil Prospecting Licence 452 owned by Amalgamated Oil Company of Nigeria (Amocon). The exclusive option will enable it to acquire a 40 per cent stake after technical due diligence on the onshore block which is located on the eastern side of the Niger Delta.

OPL 452 is a "sole risk" licence which is 100% owned

by Amocon. The licence covers a total area of 668 square kilometres with a mix of firm terrain and estuarine areas at the mouth of the Cross River. The encouraging thing about the licence is that it is located close to some large discoveries including OML 114 (immediately north) owned by Moni Pulo and the Addaxowned OML 123. This reduces the risk on the exploration asset in which no single well has been drilled

by Amocon. Like many indigenous licence holders, Amcon has been unable to develop the asset, having neither the technical or financial capability to do so.

CEO of Eland Oil and Gas, said of the development: "We are delighted to have entered into an option agreement with Amocon for the exclusive right to acquire a 40% equity stake in OPL 452. OPL 452 has the potential to be a significant asset to the Company and we look forward to building on our already successful relationship with Amocon over the coming years."

Eland will develop the asset although its costs, including the costs of the evaluation process, are recoverable from production should they make the acquisition. Eland expects the development to progress quickly after acquisition in view of the proximity of the asset to existing export infrastructure.

Established with the intent to acquire and develop upstream assets in West Africa and with a principal focus on Nigeria, Eland Oil is also involved in another more high profile Nigerian asset. In August last year, in conjunction with its joint venture partner, Starcrest, the company acquired a 45% stake in former Shell asset OML 40 for $154 million. The joint venture vehicle is Elcrest Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited in which Eland holds a 45% interest.

In the last few days, Eland has updated its investors on the progress of work on the OML 40 asset. The news was a mixture of good progress and some delays. They have concentrated their efforts on the restoration of production from the two existing wells. However, progress of that has been delayed beyond its completion target of end of the first quarter of this year. Once that work programme is completed, the company intends to drill two development wells 2013 and has already secured the services of a swamp rig, which has been relocated to Nigeria to service OML 40.

Commenting on OML 40, Blair said: "Our strategy remains focused on developing OML 40 with its worldclass reserves and resources, and to continue in our efforts to build a portfolio of exploration and development assets in Nigeria and West Africa." He added that the company was excited by what lies ahead.

"All to Join Hands" in Fight Against Crude Theft

HE relentless spate of crude oil theft from the T nation's pipelines has prompted the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell aCompanies in Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu to make a direct appeal to the nation.

"What we are seeing is an environmental tragedy caused by crude oil thieves who have no regard for the impact of their criminal activity on people now and generations to come," said Mr Sunmonu. "Some 95% of the revenue from each barrel of oil goes to the Nigerian state, and the continuous theft has an immediate impact on the economy as well. This is a serious attack on the people, the economy, and the environment."

The devastation caused by oil theft to the environment is immense the company has pointed out saying in a statement that large swathes of land have been affected with water bodies polluted as a result of the leaks caused by oil thieves. Furthermore, the company said, many creeks, especially in an area between Krakama and Awoba have been affected.

The company says sabotage and crude oil theft were the causes of some 24,500 barrels spilled from SPDC facilities from 140 incidents in the same period, accounting for about 95% of oil spilled.

Mr. Sunmonu added: "Urgent action is needed against the widespread sabotage, crude oil theft and illegal refining activities to prevent further damage to the environment and the nation as a whole."

This has led Mr Sunmonu to make an impassioned plea for action this dangerous trend. He said: "This is a very dangerous phenomenon. ... We have now witnessed a significant upsurge in the activities of crude oil thieves. The situation in the last few weeks is unprecedented. The volume being stolen is the highest in the last three years; over 60, 000 barrels per day from Shell alone. So, that for me is a great concern." "... Over time, this whole crime has gotten a lot more sophisticated and you could see that the perpetrators are now setting up barge building yards, they are setting up storage facilities, they are setting up tank farms for storing the crude, prior to shipping out. So, if you look at all of these, it is very clear to me that this is not just an act by desperate individuals trying to make a living. This certainly is a well-funded criminal activity, probably involving international syndicates."

MIDSTREAM NEWS

FTER issuing a warning that it might close its A Nembe Creek Trunkline (NCTL) which carries supplies of its Bonny Light Crude, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has finally declared a Force Majeure on the much sought after crude. The company issued a statement on Tuesday saying that it had been forced to shut the vital pipeline following a leak in the NCTL. The company said in the statement on Tuesday that the leak was noticed on Sunday and that a Joint Investigation visit would be scheduled once access to the leak point is escavated. Following the investigation, SPDC also said in the statement that it intends to mobilise a team to repair the line, which supplies 150,000 barrels per day, after which the NCTL

known recently, said the government keeps putting obstacles in the ways of private refiners to ensure none of them takes off.

Ilori, a retired Chief Judge of Lagos State, said those in power are keen on ensuring that no new refinery springs up in the country because of the benefit derived from fuel subsidy. He said: "For the past five years, the association has been lobbying the Federal Government to guarantee the investment of our foreign partners as demanded by them but to no avail."

"Each licensee has gone abroad to look for creditors and spent a lot of money in searching for foreign partners, which we eventually found. But they are not willing to release money to us because we failed to obtain government's guarantee as a condition for investing," he added.

Eight years ago, the government granted licenses to 18 private firms to build and operate refineries after paying $1 million each, altogether amounting to $18 million to the government as stipulated in the guidelines. Besides, each of them spent between two to three million dollars on site development. However, the licences have now been revoked by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for their failure to meet the 18-month deadline to build the refineries.

Ilori described the fiscal incentives rolled out by the DPR as half-measures. For instance, the DPR has stated that the international market price would be maintained for Nigerian crude procured by refiners - meaning that the crude oil price discount would not apply to the local refiners. The APRON leader considers this policy as discriminatory because, according to him, those who buy crude oil in Nigeria get a discount, therefore, why must local refiners buy at international prices, he asked.

He also criticised the crude oil allocation formula, which stipulates that the "government will guarantee crude oil requirement of refineries up to the maximum turn down ratio, that is, 60 per cent processing capacity of the plant to the extent that crude is available." He argued that it should be 100 per cent to serve as an incentive to private refiners. To ask them to source for 40 per cent of their crude needs may be problematic, he said.

The APRON Chairman said because of the state of insecurity in the country, foreign investors are asking for sovereign guarantee from the government and a guarantee that their investments would not be nationalised. Ilori, who is also chairman of Atlantic Petroleum Limited, said that his company has spent $3.8 million on their project. In spite of the obstacles in the ways of private refineries, he gave the assurance that Atlantic is still pursuing the project.

its oil reserve base.

This is said to be necessary if Nigeria is to achieve its planned 40 billion barrels of oil reserves as well as 4 million barrels per day oil production target in the next few years.

Between 1990 and 2006 the country's oil reserves grew 117% from 17.1billion to 37.2 billion. Since that time no growth has been recorded in Nigeria's proven oil reserve base, however production has continued.

This trend can be attributed to the fact that no significant investment has been recorded in oil exploration in the last five years and the number of oil wells drilled has also been on the decline since 2006.

But if oil is so valuable why is Nigeria not spending more in looking for it. Besides, why is the FG not subsidizing the financing or spending on exploration?

This is definitely a food for thought.

An analyst with Rystad Energy, Per Magnus Nysveen said it is interesting that despite the current upstream spending levels in Nigeria, a lot of investment opportunities still abound in deepwater exploration.

He said in the offshore Niger Delta for instance there are thick and rich, sweet sediment spots which provides a high rate of returns on investment for investors and huge financial gains for the government.

Specifically, he said, the largest deepwater discoveries have the capacity of generating about $3bn yearly to investors and about $6bn to the government adding that right now the USAN project is the most profitable.

DOWNSTREAM NEWS

issues in the bill. The most controversial provision was the one that provides for a Host Community Fund to be set up and paid to host communities from 10% of net profits of the oil companies. This provoked very robust contributions, the most controversial being that of Senator Ita Enang representing Akwa Ibom North East, as he made the startling, though unsubstantiated allegation that leaders and businessmen of Northern extraction own over 83 per cent of Nigeria's oil blocks.

He named a number of Northerners who are beneficiaries of oil licence awards but quoted reserves and production figures some of which NOGintelligence is aware are inaccurate. Enang urged the Senate to cause the immediate revocation of all oil blocks licences and their redistribution, in accordance with the Federal Character Principle.

He said: "My submission is that when you look at the distribution of those who own oil blocks and the amount of money that comes from the different oil blocks to the Federation Account and you see the owners of these oil blocks, you will agree with me that there is inequity in the distribution of oil blocks."

He went on to explain that the Host Community Fund is not just for the oil producing communities but is also for communities that host oil infrastructure, which includes oil pipelines, refineries, gas pipelines and anything that is capable of causing danger.

"If we had the Host Communities Fund, the danger that we have been having in Arepo in Ogun State, the area would have benefited from the ... fund," he said.

Other areas, such as Kaduna and some other states, will also benefit from it he said.

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on the other hand, stressing the need for urgent reform in the Petroleum Industry, said: "The last thing we will do is not to do anything at all, that is worse than where we are" . "We are here debating about Community Host Fund provisions and the likes, while we do not even know how much we are producing!" he said. Highlighting the irony of the situation, he said: "The Oil Companies are the ones that give us figures of how much we as a nation produce!"

"What is the need of debating on 10% and 13% derivatives when we are loosing thousands everyday in unaccounted barrels of Oil, we loose everyday?" he asked.

He added: "Then all hands must be on deck to produce a worthwhile document which will effectively govern our Petroleum Industry, and make for transparency and accountability in the sector".

Closing the debate after a second reading late on Thursday, Senate President David Mark said lawmakers were jointly opposed to the sweeping powers granted to the oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the current version of the bill.

"We are very united on the fact that too much power is given to the minister, particularly ... where the minister can grant leases unconditionally," he said, adding, "By the time it comes back there will be amendments, additions and subtractions."

OPEC Daily Basket Price Recovers As Output Soars HE price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at T $107.31 dollars a barrel on Thursday, compared with $107.64 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC basket price is recovering from its downward trend over the last month. The basket price reached a recent peak on the 14th of February when it stood at $114.67. OPEC output has grown in spite of decreases in Nigeria's output. The country is saddled with rising crude oil theft, which is affecting output.

Introduced on 16 June 2005, the new OPEC Reference Basket is currently made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

FINANCIAL NEWS

Analyst Proffer Solutions To Creating Value In Oil And Gas Industry OME analysts have called for the need to have valSty trading ue created by investments in exploration and equiwithin the highly capital-intensive oil and

Shell Declares Force Majeure on Bonny Light Exports

APPRON: FG Policies Frustrating Private Refineries' Take-Off he Association of Private Refineries Owners of T Nigeria (APRON) has accused the Federal Government of frustrating the take-off of private refineries by introducing policies that are not favourable to the projects. The Chairman of the Association, Justice Samuel Ilori, who made this

in association with

gas industry for the industry to grow and develop like others with similar characteristics. They spoke at an Information Session on value creation in the oil and gas industry in Lagos recently.

The event which was put together by Rystad Energy and CBO Capital Ltd afforded participants, including operators, investors, lenders and license holders the opportunity of getting these analysts' informed views and perceptions on the issue for the purpose of aiding operators' decision-making processes for investments in the industry.

In exploration for instance it is reported that based on 2011 production reserve figures, Nigeria has a reserve to production ratio (RPR) of 42.1 years indicating the remaining lifespan of Nigeria's oil resource and clearly highlighting the need for Nigeria to diversify its exploration programme in order to increase

REGULATORY AGENCY NEWS

Petroleum Industry Bill Passes Second Reading in Senate N Wednesday, the Senate began their debate on O the provisions of the PIB. The debate was very heated as the lawmakers grappled with contentious

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Opinion The economics of a National Quality Policy

By Joe Anatune NATIONAL Quality Policy (NQP) is composite, A capable of touching all areas of national life positively and lastingly. The economics are holistic and far-reaching. The NQP is the fabled cure-all without which the medicine man suffers ridicules because every day a new affliction rears the head to show that something fundamental is yet untouched.

Speaking with a national newspaper recently, the Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ikemefuna Odumodu, said that despite the determined efforts of the agency to curb the menace and which resulted in slashing substandard goods prevalence from 85 per cent across board two years ago to below 50 per cent currently, the main objective of the agency to help Nigeria-made goods gain some foothold on the global market and make the nation a respectable member of the international trades community has been marred by the absence of a National Quality Policy.

The economics of an NQP devolve around five core sections: act as catalyst for local productivity and quick adaptation of best global standards and practices towards enthroning quality culture; improve management and process systems and work environments; attain efficiency and products competitiveness, increase gross domestic products and consumption, reduce importation and increase exports, improve citizens’ living standards and ensure a more stable economic performance and forecasts. And these parameters at the same time anchor a stronger global authority and dependability – global relevance.

It pays a nation to produce goods and services and sell to another even at a fee below the production costs if, in doing so, it provides employment to the citizens who would otherwise have been idle and would form a threat to national health and security. Of course, the cost to the consumer nation whose workforce is thereby denied primary economic activities in productions, skills development and livelihood are far more – for social costs often exceed the economic.

When a nation lets other nations fend for it through high dependence on foreign goods

and services and there is no NQP to act as a checkpoint, then a plague is let loose with the avalanche of substandard and dangerous products.

The health of citizens is put at higher risks; the social costs are immense but the stress and ruin on local industries can and often are unbearable.

To start taking the NQP discussions seriously, we need to take cognizance of some delimiting factors; of stakeholders who have genuine fears for their circumstances in a Nigeria under an NQP. In all human endeavours, in group, national and global engagements, politics takes the front seat and from there sways the interplay and final outcome of issues. In reality, politics is the oil, pepper and salt with which economics, religions and social relations are consummated or consumed!

Some stakeholders with long established benefits in the old or existing orders now at risk of disappearing in the NQP proposal deserve to be enlightened on the necessity and inevitability of the nation to make a real start on global trades with the NQP. The main advocate of this system change, the SON, must be clear and strict. Some stakeholders would want exemptions and deals here and there but often, there are two options available: trade offs or no deals. And in the case of a National Quality Policy, there is nothing to trade. For Nigeria either has a National Quality Policy or none, therewith continues with the current laissez affairs policy! Without apologies, Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and Odumodu must bring the issues to national centre stage. The NQP is their baby and they have a responsibility to sell it but they can rest certain on the worth: it will mark the turning point in our national industrialization agenda and international trade relations; for once Nigeria has something worthwhile to sell, it would be in a position to negotiate. Today, with nothing other than petroleum which is largely controlled by OPEC, Nigeria has little elbow room for better trade deals elsewhere.

A National Quality Policy gears to bring sanity to an insane system that is at the same time highly profitable to the actors. And mark well: actors; because outside of their spheres of madness, these actors really want order to prevail! The predominance of substandard goods and services, the massive corruption by which the nation loses

billions daily in both the formal and the informal trades, in the public and private sectors are clear indications that the NQP and therewith sanitization agenda would hit primarily at the economics. But in Nigeria, as in most African nations, there is no business like politics! Therefore, the political class or sponsors in particular are potent opponents and this cannot be wished a w a y .

And yet, this class must be able to look up and see what lies ahead; that it is in their best interest to institute NQP now, being the privileged class and if they let laissez affaires to prevail, they would be the greater losers. History bears witness to this fact.

The high sea piracy of the old Western economies, the buccaneer economies typified by American cow boys culture proved to the doubters a fact of life: that the sands heaped by one storm are washed away by another and the wealth stolen by one gang is quickly taken over by another gang and the security of life and property was like the words spoken in the winds.

These realities were real and forced a rethink and the birth of a new order and a new nation.

The lesson of the buccaneer culture shows that it is in the best interests of the political and mercantile class that the NQP comes alive and soon too!

Nigeria’s manufacturing sector suddenly fell into bad times as foreign made goods mainly of dubious quality invaded and took over our market places. In the absence of a National Quality Policy, it was each operator on his or her own. Of course, local operators could not stand the storms.

The dreaded AIDS pandemics have ravaged more African nations with poor job opportunities than societies where jobs are more readily available. The Internet and events around the world show clearly that the Western world is more depraved than Africa but it is here that AIDS has had its worst impacts. For the devil finds jobs for idle hands. Crimes, including social perversions such as stealing and robberies, prostitution and child abuses, broken homes and delinquency are high prices that Nigeria pays with an import-dependent economy. But it could be worse and is actually worse than these.

Today, the nation’s agriculture and manufac-

turing sectors, the textiles and fashion and transport groups are devastated by the deluge of foreign products that pour in mainly due to the absence of a national quality and standards policy to checkmate collateral damages brought by the onslaught of unscrupulous international traders.

In the 60s, the United States waged a steel war on Asian nations and the Soviet Union that targeted the U.S. market with cheap steel products. The Asians and the Soviets were shipping steel to America at prices far below the American-made products. From steel, the Asians inched their way into the automobile and America was on the verge of losing the overbearing control it had enjoyed on the global markets. Today, American automobile industry is a shadow of the old but notwithstanding, the U.S. largely and effectively uses NQP to her advantage.

A National Quality Policy transcends quality goods and services regime to lay the solid foundations necessary for the emergence of a nation ready to stand on its feet and contribute their quota in the comity of nations.

Cost efficiency in simple economics means the ability to produce goods and services and deliver them at price comparative to others in relative terms. But in Nigeria, the distinction between purely economic, political and sociomoral businesses have long been eroded by the overriding culture of the balance sheet; people might invest a few hundred million naira and become local government chairman so they can access hundreds of millions that they would not necessarily have to account for; the cost of state governance is astronomical; education is expensive and certainly ignorance is costlier. And all these are reflections of one defect and deficiency: The lack of a National Quality Policy that allows the substandard to hold sway!

Essentially, a NQP lays the frameworks and underlining values, objectives and processes and infrastructures by which a nation seeks to inculcate and drive a new culture of excellence in the productive sectors and which operations induce quality consciousness and adherence across boards to impact positively in all areas of national life.

Papal vacancy and chances of the Third World

By Charles Anekwe N February 28, an estimated one billion people the world over O watched and listened as retiring Pope Benedict XVI declared, “I will only be the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church until 8.00pm and then no longer”. He concluded that he would be “a pilgrim starting the last phase of his pilgrimage on earth”. He flew on live television to Papal small Italian retreat town of Castel Gandolfo.

When the chopper landed, Benedict then went upstairs, appeared in the balcony of the building, blessed the world, his last act and public appearance as Pope. His Coat of Arms was pulled away to be destroyed, as would his ring and power to issue Papal Bull at 8.00pm, his papacy becoming history.

As the world awaits the convocation of the conclave of Cardinals to elect the successor of Pope Benedict XVI, the social networks and newspapers are awash with guesses that someone from the world’s South will next occupy the Chair of Saint Peter, the commemoration of which Catholics just observed. These guesses and conjectures need not bother us as we hardly can influence the outcome of that secret voting whose result will be known on or before March 20.

As the seat of the leader of the nearly one and a half billion member Roman Catholic Church falls vacant now that Pope Benedict (now Bishop Emeritus of Rome) is gone, billions of people are in shock as to what led to this unprecedented action. Benedict left due to what he described as his discovery that physical and spiritual, not moral, strengths could no longer meet the demands of his office.

Several reasons have been adduced as to why the Pope resigned.

According to an Italian daily newspaper, La Repubblica Benedict is ‘running’ to avoid a possible backlash of the cover-up of several sexual scandals by the clergy in Europe and the Americas. The other is related to the leakage of confidential Church documents last year.

This betrayal, now known as Vatileaks, concerned the stealing of those notes by his fellow German, confidant and butler, Paoblo Gabriele who received a two-year jail term although the pope pardoned him shortly after. Yet another is that he was appalled at the discovery that there exists a network of gay clergy in the Vatican of all places.

Last week, the Church was assailed in Britain when its most senior Cardinal, Keith O’Brien was accused of making inappropriate advance on three priests in early 1980s. Cardinal O’Brein promptly resigned his position and declared he would not be attending the elective conclave so as not be a distraction. As if choreographed for

maximum impact, Roger Cardinal Mahoney of Los Angeles, United States faced accusation that he did nothing to punish priests who abused minors in his Archdiocese. Both incidents happened decades ago but the complaints were filed the same day.

In a way suggestive of losing the battle to rubbish Benedict, the Sunday February 24 online edition of The Independent of London carried a story of more attacks on the Church. Three Cardinals were blackmailed against attending the conclave to elect a new Pope this March. They are Timothy Dolan of New York who was asked to account for his stewardship when he was Archbishop of Milwaukee. Someone woke up to demand that Cardinal Sean Brady of Ireland should not go because he failed to punish a pedophile Father Brendan Smyth. Cardinal Brady’s accusers partially achieved their aim as Cardinal Brady resigned his seat as Archbishop. Belgium’s Godfried Cardinal Daneels is under pressure over failing to sanction a priest under him for similar transgression in 2010.

So, why are all these accusers waking up now? Why didn’t they wait for Benedict’s successor to assume office, knowing he did not have time to handle all the accusations in the 17 days he had from date of signaling his intention to go? Did this period of turmoil provide anti-Catholics an opportunity to vent their hatred for the Church or did the Church bring it upon itself? Are there saboteurs within who are being egged to help push the Church into disrepute? Certainly there are unseen hands hurt by Benedict’s unwavering stand against EuroAmerican modernists bent on making his remarkable reign end in controversy, thereby forcing his successor to bow to the three evil brothers (or sisters) of homosexuality, female ordination and married clergy! Whatever critics may say of the Emeritus Bishop of Rome, Benedict the Professor, Theologian and contemplative had a remarkable reign.

Among the front runners to the seat of St. Peter is Nigeria’s Francis Cardinal Arinze. The former Archbishop of Onitsha, Cardinal Arinze is the oldest of the electable candidates from the Third World. At 80, he is expected to be embraced by the European majority who may see him as a hold-over Pope to assuage the South before the throne of St. Peter returns to them. He is also viewed as a conservative and likely to preserve the long history of the Church and its opposition to gay marriage and the other three issues. He is Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Graduating Ph.D Summa Cum laude in Sacred Theology, Arinze at 32 is the youngest person to be consecrated a Bishop. When Archbishop Charles Heerey of Onitsha died in 1967, Arinze at 34 became the first native African to head his Diocese. Currently, he is

the Cardinal Bishop of Velletri Segni, vacated by then Joseph Ratzinger on becoming Pope in 2005. But the most experienced Third World Cardinal now stands disqualified because he is over 80 years.

Then comes 65 year-old Ghana’s Peter Cardinal Turkson. If age, charm and popularity have any weight, the relatively young prince of the church will have an easy landslide victory against all candidates from the Third World. As President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Turkson will be backed by the Cardinals who mull the rapid turnover of pontiffs (four) in the last 30 years, if he surmounts the torrent of criticisms that now trail his perceived fame.

Regarded more as coming from South America than elsewhere, Marc Cardinal Quellet of Canada is 68. He could be an escape route to all the voters who would say they took the papacy away from Europe but who will be happy that the Pope stayed a white man.

He is the President of the Congregation for Bishops, a position that makes him vet bishopric candidates from around the world and advise the Pope as to who fits into which vacancies. Cardinal Quellet may have shot himself in the foot when in 2011 he said he would not touch the position with even a long pole, describing being a Pope as a nightmare.

Tepid or timid or terrified, Quellet’s professed reluctance may be attributed to his eight turbulent years as the Archbishop of Quebec, as he failed to investigate accused clerics under his charge.

One is therefore at a loss to read how his native remote village of La Motte with its 450 people is agog at the mention of his name as one of the front runners. However, his reluctance may attract for him attention. On the negative side, Cardinal Quellet is being assailed by the largest continental American advocacy group, the Survival Network of those abused by Priests, (SNAP). This pressure group says that, “electing him would be the worst choice in terms of protecting kids, healing (sex abuse) victims and exposing corruption”.

John Onaiyekan, a Cardinal and Archbishop of Abuja is on the list of the Papabiles as possible candidates are called. He is 68 and seen as easy going. His setback is that he does not reside in the Vatican as the above mentioned. Cardinal Polycarp Pengo of Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania, along with Wilfrid Napier, 72 of Durban, South Africa and Gabriel Wako, 71 of Khartoum, Sudan are also mentioned, but like Onaiyekan, they all live outside Rome. Live in Rome or not, there is a popular joke in the Vatican that those who enter the Sistine Chapel as Pope come out as Cardinals, meaning that being favoured to win can become a disadvantage.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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Opinion Obama: Engaging Africa (2)

By Boima Rogers Continued from yesterday HAT does Africa expect from America, that is, U.S. commitments in the engagement with Africa? Obama should have a vested interest in Africa from where his father hails. America’s Euro-centric foreign, trade and investment policies were partly based on the fact that most Americans trace their origins to Europe. It was another Democratic Party colleague of his who initiated a grand gesture in the form of Peace Corps, President Kennedy. Peace Corps have and continue to play an important role but Obama needs to shift the emphasis to trade and investment. He needs to try to build on if not surpass the good work of his predecessor G.W Bush who irrespective of his faults, initiated and supported aids programmes and trade with Africa; Bush also made 10 visits to the continent.

America needs to tap into the continent’s resources for the benefit of both parties. This should include investments in farming, agribusiness, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure and tourism.

The U.S., particularly with the preferential access given to goods processed and manufactured in Africa, has a policy that aims to move Africa up the product chain. Engaging Africa in investment and trade is an attractive policy for the U.S. The continent has an impressive array of minerals. It offers opportunities for agri-business and processing of its raw materials and the U.S. will be diversifying its supply base. Africa is geographically close to America and the U.S. has an impressive network throughout the continent based on language, aid programmes and the millions of Africans who have studied, lived and are residing in the U.S. American companies are hampered by U.S. legislation, notably antibribery laws. Investors from many other countries do not have such handicaps, a crucial factor in African countries with high corruption levels.

Obama needs to further develop and market

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AGOA and the benefits and advantages noted above while pressing Africa on its commitments to ensure a level playing field for U.S. investors.

While Obama’s emphasis on good governance and democracy is a good thing, he needs to load the dice in Africa’s favour and play some real politic. This means that the rewards to African countries that score high on the engagement criteria must be very high. Visits to Ghana and other countries that score high on the American score sheet must be backed by concrete efforts to promote trade, investment and other links.

Strong links should be established with political and civic groups to encourage and train them and exchange information on good governance. This will be a strong incentive to other countries. America must engage the whole continent and in particular, it must build a rapport with regional powers such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. Such a policy will acknowledge the importance of these regional powers, who are major trading partners, but it should also be noted that engagement is an effective way to get those countries to clean up their acts with regard to corruption, democracy and the rule of law, with the U.S. stressing that there will be significant benefits if this is done.

The president needs to practice tough love. His speech in Cairo was one of the catalysts for the revolution in that country and other Arab states.

He needs to do the same when he visits these regional powers and all other African countries.

The relative decline of American interests in Africa is shown when comparison is made with the new kid in the block, China, which has been very keen on engaging Africa over the last 15 years. While the US-Africa trade is significant, it is increasingly dwarfed by that between China and Africa. Trade between China and Africa increased from $8.9 billion in 2000 to $127.3 billion in 2011, an increase of 1,423 per cent over that period. The Chinese are major investors in infrastructure projects on the continent.

From an African perspective, America should

have an edge over China. American investment and trade are more favourable to Africa relative to China’s in a number of ways. American companies are more likely to employ African workers, who will be trained in new skills and generate spending in the community. This is largely an economic issue because the high cost of American personnel means that American companies would need to hire Africans.

America has made attempts to move Africa up in the production chain through its Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) programme. America has a record of outsourcing production and manufacturing, which could benefit Africa.

While the Chinese have undertaken major infrastructure projects, African countries have often had to pay a high price and the way Chinese projects are structured has resulted in problems in their long term viability. Chinese infrastructure and investment projects typically involve Chinese workers at all levels, equipment, support and even food. The multiplier effect to the economy and capacity building are therefore minimal. Africa has had a raw deal from China in counter trade infrastructure projects where China makes investments and is paid in raw materials. One of the most obscene project was the agreement in the Democratic Republic of Congo in which that country accepted £3.5 investment in its infrastructure and in return China stands to make as much as £75 billion from the mining concession according to the Daily Mail newspaper.

China wants Africa’s raw materials and minerals but makes little or no investment in processing and manufacturing.

America faces a formidable challenge from China awash with U.S. dollars after running up huge trade surpluses, unencumbered by corruption laws, with low cost consumer goods and low labour costs. Furthermore, the political elite of many African countries, who gain from bribery and cheap consumer goods are

often on the side of China and do not look at the long term issue, namely, that China is stifling development by keeping Africa as merely a source of raw materials and denying the continent the chance to rise up in the production chain into processing and manufacturing. Obama can counter this in a number of ways. He needs to ram up the AGOA programme, encourage U.S. companies to increase investment and trade with Africa and push for improvements in governance and democracy. The most effective of these measures is the last, governance and democracy. A free press will provide a critical assessment of these projects, anti-corruption legislation will deter politicians and bureaucrats from making bad deals, a strong judiciary will penalize crooked politicians and bureaucrats. And the democratic process will allow parties to run against bad deals. This will create a level playing field for Chinese, American and other investors, resulting in effective competition to the benefit of Africa.

My wish is that President Obama makes a grand tour of the continent. The president needs to make U.S. policy on Africa a high priority because of his heritage, the benefits to both America and Africa, the fact that American investment and trade can be more favourable than other competitors, the fact that the continent needs all the support it can get and in the interest of world peace. Europe got the Marshall plan after the Second World War; the Israelis get the highest U.S. aid per capita in the world, followed by the Palestinians. Africa can do with support but with a different twist. The focus must be on trade and investment. Africa on its part must create the conditions for this engagement to take place by investing in the economic, political and legal framework and its infrastructure to make the continent more attractive and facilitate a productive relationship with the U.S. • Concluded.

• Rogers is the principal consultant at Media Event Management Oxford (MEMO).

Why bill on disabilities is now imperative

By Mourtada Deme IGERIA ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights N of Persons with Disabilities in September 2010 along with its Optional Protocol. According to Article 4 of the Convention, Nigeria is bound to pass national legislation that would give effect to the provisions of the Convention. For over a decade, persons with disabilities and civil society organisations have been advocating for the passage of a national legislation that would guarantee the inalienable rights of persons with disabilities. On two occasions, the first in 2005 during the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, and the second in 2010 under the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (2010), the National Assembly passed the bills but the presidents never assented to them.

The House of Representatives has already passed the bill, though without the establishment of a commission. A couple of weeks ago, the Senate deliberated and adopted the second reading of the Disability Bill with a commission and mandated the committees concerned (Women Affairs and Human Rights) to ensure that the proposed provisions of the bill adequately address the subject matter of the bill. A public hearing was even scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, to seek further contributions and inputs from major stakeholders.

This is certainly most welcome, as it will provide an avenue for people with disabilities to be fully involved in the affairs of their country. It will also make the country’s democratic institutions stronger and more responsive to the rights of people with disabilities. The bill is also an important step in the right direction, because it places the issue of disabilities in a human rights context. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Equality and the related principle of non-discrimination are central to the international human rights regime.

One of the most hopeful developments of the age we live in is the acceptance of the fact that everyone in the world has certain fundamental rights irrespective of where they live, whether they are rich or poor, what colour they are, what religion they practice, what ethnic group they belong to, or what disabilities they live with. These rights are spelled out in detail in the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since the 1970s there has been increasing international concern about the need to advance the human rights of persons with disabilities, culminating in the Declaration of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1982-1993), followed in the same year with the declaration of December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Several international strategies, in-

cluding the Minimum Standard Rules on Equalisation of Opportunities, aimed at achieving the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of socio-economic and political life, have since followed. For example, the Standard Rules were adopted unanimously by the General Assembly, providing all countries with concrete guidelines on how to deliver the promise of equal rights for persons with disability. To strengthen and monitor the protection of the human rights of persons with disabilities, the United Nations passed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Nigeria signed this landmark convention in 2007 with ratification and adoption of the optional protocol in 2010. Therefore, establishing that persons with disabilities are entitled to the same basic human rights as the rest of the population is important. Ensuring that the barriers are removed is a major challenge worthy of our effort. So what are our global responsibilities?

First, there must be a clear recognition of the special needs of the most vulnerable people in our society. Second, measures must be taken to promote the realization of the rights of People with Disabilities. It is not enough for governments to refrain from actions that could have a negative impact; governments have the obligation to take positive actions to reduce disadvantages and give appropriate treatment to vulnerable groups, so as to ensure full participation, equality and inclusiveness. Third, adequate resources, including access to education, must be provided. But the responsibility of governments does not end with the public sphere. There is also a duty to exercise proper supervision and regulation in the private sector, through legislation and raising awareness about the rights, needs, potential and contributions of People with Disabilities. Fourth, all forms of discrimination should be combated. There is, unfortunately, a long history of discrimination against those perceived as being different. The tools to fight this are, once again, a combination of legislation, allocation of resources, and awareness rising.

Persons with disabilities need legislation that protects their dignity and safeguards their rights. In this, the role of the legislator is key. Efforts to identify benchmarks, standards and best practices have been already undertaken by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (of which Nigeria is a member) and the Inter-parliamentary Union, among others. The Handbook for Parliamentarians on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol provides practical rules to assist “parliamentarians and others in efforts to realize the Convention so that persons with disabilities can achieve the transition from exclusion to an inclusive society for all.”

That is because the free participation of citizens in the affairs of their country may never be conditioned on physical ability, just

as it may never be conditioned on any discriminatory basis. This is consistent with the explicit declaration contained in Article 18 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights of the African Union, which “recognizes and respects the rights of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence… and inclusion in the life of the community.” It further states that the legislature shall make every reasonable effort to accommodate the special needs of persons with disabilities. I call upon the Nigerian legislators to act now to give full effect to the equal opportunity bill to ensure that all citizens make a greater contribution to policy making, reform, and participate in the democratic process without discrimination.

Having signed and ratified the UNCRPD and its optional protocol, it is now time to pass national legislation that would guarantee the rights enshrined in the Convention for Nigerians with Disabilities, especially Article 29, which enjoins member states to guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to participate effectively in political and public life. We need the bill and the time is now.

In addition to the legal framework, it is imperative to consider the process of inclusion of people with disabilities in light of the “no gap-policy,” which means that no entity, be it a government ministry or a non-governmental organisation, can achieve the goal of inclusiveness on its own. That is one of the objectives that the today’s hearing intends to achieve. All entities need to ensure that their respective spheres of responsibility provide the necessary opportunities and access to all persons on an equal basis. It is imperative that persons with disabilities be increasingly represented in the planning and management of development activities and organization at all levels so that persons with disabilities can achieve the transition from exclusion to equality and inclusion. Equality and non-discrimination are the principles par excellence on which human rights are built. The struggle to advance equality and an inclusive society for all remains a fundamental element of the promotion and protection of human rights for all.

But frankly it is more than law. It is about our common moral obligation to build real communities of shared opportunities, shared responsibilities, shared values and a sense of belonging.

We hold common hope; we all want to move toward the same direction, toward a better society for all. In a society, we should be one another’s well-wishers, removing stumbling blocks that keep others from living a full life. Some years ago, during a trip I met some groups that have their unique way of greeting each other.

When someone says hello, the response is I see you. Think how much better, how inclusive our society would be if we actually saw each other.

• Dr. Deme is Project Director for Democratic Governance and Development.

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Midweek Arts

Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Walter Drenth (right); winner of Industry Merit Award, Olu Jacobs; Managing Director, M-NET Africa, Mrs. Biola Alabi; and Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe at the post event press conference of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held at Eko Hotel... last Saturday

By Chuks Nwanne (with Agency report) KECHUKWU Chukwudi Ukeje and Ivie O Okujaye shone brightly among the galaxy of movie and TV stars that assembled at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel for the first edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards last Saturday.

While Ukeje carted home the highly coveted Best Actor in Drama medal for his role in the movie, Two Brides And A Baby, Okujaye won the Industry Trail Blazer award.

Incidentally, the two screen sensations were past winners of the now rested Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show. Ukeje attained prominence when he emerged winner of the 2007 edition of AMBO. This earned him a lead role in the movie White Waters for which he won the highly coveted Best Upcoming Actor award at the 2008 edition of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Okujaye emerged the AMBO winner in 2009 and won the prize for playing the lead role in the movie, Alero’s Symphony. Ukeje edged out Fabian Adeoye Lojede (Jacob’s Cross), Kenneth Uphopho (Down & Out), Edward Kagutuzi

Ukeje, Okujaye… AMBO winners step up with AMVCA medal Olu Jacobs tasks youth on how to realise dream (Mirror Boy) and Jafta Mamabolo (Otelo Burning) to emerge the best actor in drama.

A highly elated Ukeje showered encomiums on the Amstel Malta brand in his acceptance speech, when he said, “I’d like to thank Amstel Malta for giving me the platform to be on this stage accepting this prestigious award today. It means a lot to me because the fans actually voted for the winners in this category. I won Amstel Malta Box Office in 2007, and I am grateful for that platform.”

Okujaiye was also short of words when she was

announced winner of the Industry Trail Blazer of the inaugural AMVCA, a special recognition category. She said she did not realise her efforts in filmmaking were being noticed. According to her, two of her films were directed by popular actor, Desmond Elliot, while she was currently working on a short film.

Amstel Malta is the lead sponsor of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. While speaking at the post-event press conference, Mr. Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the inaugural edition of the AMVCA as

Sales Team of the Year award... new feather on Transcrop Hilton’s From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja T was yet another feather on the cap of Iweekend Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja, as it was at the emerged winner of Hilton Worldwide prize for 2012 Group Conference & Events Sales Team of the Year for the Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region.

The award, which was announced at the Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific Sales Conference in Vienna, Austria, recognised hotels with highest performing sales team in specific Hilton Worldwide in line with conference and events sales measurement metrics.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja beat sister hotels in the MEA region in all metrics, including Business Development Research Consultants (BDRC) Test Calls, Third Party Transactions, Building Great Relationships for Win-win Transactions, Strong Follow-ups as well as Business Conversions, to clinch the prestigious award.

The hotel’s General Manager, Etienne Gailliez, attributed the feat to hard work and dedication of members of staff. He said the award marks a great start for the outfit for the year 2013.

His words: ‘It is great to see the hard work and dedication of our team recognised by Hilton Worldwide in what was acknowledged as a difficult year. The award makes a great start to 2013 and we are proud to achieve this important recognition”.

Also speaking, Director, Business Development, Vikram Jamwal, who was present in Vienna to receive the award on behalf of the hotel, was elated that international recognition was bestowed on the hotel. According to him, the award was only a reminder on the need to continue in their zeal for hard work and commitment to quality and efficient service delivery.

“We are delighted to get international recogni-

Director of Business Development, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Vikram Jamwal (left); President & CEO, Hilton Worldwide, Chris Nassetta; MD/CEO Transnational Hotels & Tourism Services Ltd. (owners of Transcorp Hilton), Valentine Ozigbo; and President, Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa, Rudi Jagersbacher... at the presentation of 2012 Sales Team of the Year Award to Transcorp Hilton Abuja at Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Germany

tion for the outstanding conference and meetings product we provide to guests. Our team is delighted with the award and determined to keep the momentum to consistently exceed the expectations of our guests”, he said.

The award plaque was presented to Vikram Jamwal by Hilton Worldwide President & CEO, Chris Nassetta at a ceremony in Berlin, Germany.

Also at the event were the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Transnational Hotels & Tourism Services Limited, owners of For the Public Relations Manager, Mr. Shola Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Valentine Ozigbo as well Adeyemo, Transcorp Hilton Abuja has remained as the President, Hilton Worldwide for Middle the choice hotel for local and international confer- East & Africa, Mr. Rudi Jagersbacher. ence and events.

In his remark, Mr. Ozigbo thanked commended “The hotel’s location, quality of accommodation Transcorp Worldwide for the strong partnership and the level of service delivery all combine to over the years, which he said, is set to deepen with make it the preferred venue for group conference the proposed establishment of more Hilton and events”, Mr Adeyemo stated. brands in Nigeria by Transcorp Plc.

one of a kind. He lauded the efforts of the African television and movie practitioners for the immense growth and development witnessed in the sector.

On Amstel Malta’s decision to sponsor the AMVCA, Mr. Drenth said: “The industry is developing; you can say that it is time to celebrate the efforts of the practitioners. We are deeply pleased to be at the forefront of this spectacular event that celebrates truly talented individuals whose valuable contribution to the African film and television landscape is immeasurable. When we heard about AMVCA at Nigerian Breweries Plc, we said this was something that we want to associate with; it’s something we would like to support.

And we chose Amstel Malta as the brand to support the AMVCA because a lot of the values which have been reflected tonight are also the values shared by the Amstel Malta brand.”

Drenth added: “The Amstel Malta brand’s pay-off is Be The Best You Can Be. Over the years, Amstel Malta has provided a platform for budding talents to leverage on for growth in key areas of entertainment. So as a brand, it is very important that we celebrate, recognise and give support to talented individuals because we believe they deserve the platform. What we’ve seen tonight is a fantastic show and we are very happy just to be a part of it.”

He pledged the support of his company for the second edition of the awards next year.

In an emotional tone after being presented with the Industry Merit Award, veteran Nollywood actor Olu Jacobs charged young Africans to hold unto their dreams despite challenges, noting, “Sometimes, you don’t get things right, but this award has taught me that I got most of the things right. Several times, I was rejected in the United Kingdom, but I continued pushing until the break came. In whatever you do, keep on trying your best; if you fail, don’t hesitate to try again.”

The AMVCAs, held in association with MultiChoice and sponsored by Amstel Malta, recognised Africa’s best film and television talent in a glittering three and a half hour ceremony. The pre-event red carpet saw the stars dazzle, flaunting the finest continental fashion.

Capturing all the glamour of the gala event was a team of on-air personalities, including Big Brother alumni Uti Nwachukwu and Nic Wang’ondu alongside Eku Edewor, Dolopo Oni, Sarah Hassan and Helen Paul.

Besides Ukeje and Okujaye, other big individual winners on the night included Nigeria’s Mercy Johnson (Best Actress – Comedy) for Dumebi – The Dirty Girl; Ghanaian Jackie Appiah (Best Actress – Drama) for Perfect Picture; and Nigeria’s Hafiz Oyetoro (Best Actor – Comedy) for House a Part.

Category wins for Best Supporting Cast in a

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Sports It’s not mission impossible against Bayern, says Wenger

Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifier

Keshi rues Dike’s absence, explains Yobo’s omission

RSENE Wenger will not A accept he is sending Arsenal into a “mission impossible” at

Replaces injured Umar with First Bank’s Ajah From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja UPER Eagles Coach, Stephen Steam Keshi has confessed that his would miss injured United States of America based striker, Bright Dike, who has been ruled out for six months.

The Super Eagles began training for the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Abuja yesterday.

Speaking to the players before they began the morning training session, Keshi, who told the players not to be carried away by the team’s triumph at the 2013 Nations Cup and concentrate on picking a ticket for the World Cup, confessed that he found it difficult to decamp some of them from the team’s camp in Portugal when he made his final list of players for the South Africa 2013 AFCON. He also told The Guardian that with Nations Cup hero, Emmanuel Emenike, knocked out by injury, Bright Dike would have been a perfect replacement for the Russia-based star, adding that he would be missed in the March 23 clash in Calabar.

On dropped Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, and others not listed for the Kenya clash, Keshi said they were not needed for the match, adding that it did not mean that they were completely out of the team.

He said he would invite them to the team when he has roles for them, insisting that he would not be compelled to recall all the 23 players he used for the Nation’s Cup. “The spirit is there, we just started today and everybody is excited to be back after the Nation’s Cup victory to kick off the preparation for the World

Cup qualifying matches.

“Some players are not on the list because I don’t need them now. I had 23 players in the Nations Cup, and I don’t think you should expect me to return all the 23 players for this qualifier.

“There are those that I don’t need for this game so I have to leave them out and look out for the other ones who would want to use this opportunity to showcase their talents at the national team too. I believe it is good for the team.

“Yobo is my captain and still remains my captain, but he is not on that list because I don’t want him for this game against Kenya. That does not mean that he is no more in this team, but simply that I don’t need him for this game.”

On Dike, Keshi said he faced a big dilemma while he was deciding to drop him for the Nation’s Cup. “Ikechukwu Uche is probably one of the talented strikers that we have, but Dike has something he brought to the team I would have loved to have at the AFCON. It was very difficult, as I had Brown, Musa, Moses, Uche, and Emenike. It was difficult to take him before any of these ones, so I had to explain to him why I decided to leave him out.”

Meanwhile, Keshi has decided to replace injured Zango Umar of Kano Pillars with First Bank of Lagos central defender, Festus Ajah.

Ajah is said to have impressed national team scouts in some of his club’s games and now has an opportunity to make an impression at the national team level. He was expected in camp yesterday evening on time for this morning’s training session.

…As Cross River rallies support for Eagles From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE Cross River government T has called for massive turn out of supporters for the Super Eagles as the World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar on March 23 draws near.

Cross River Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Patrick Ugbe, made the appeal yesterday in a chat with newsmen in Calabar ahead of the clash at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

The state government said a large crowd was important for the match because the Super Eagles would also showcase the African Cup of Nations trophy it won in February this year.

“We want the supporters, Eagles fans and residents of Calabar to prepare to come out to support the team, the African champions that will be coming.

They should not forget that the team is bringing to Calabar the trophy they won at the last

African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.

“The cup will be displayed at the stadium on match day, so they should come out en masse to be a part of the AFCON experience and history by witnessing the cup that the Eagles are bringing to Calabar,” Ugbe said.

He said that the state government was doing everything within its means for a successful hosting of the World Cup qualifier, adding, “we are preparing, we are doing the normal thing to ensure that the stadium is ready for the team.

“At the last friendly between the Golden Eaglets and Diamond Zebras of Botswana, we used the U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar to test run the facilities.

“We think we are ready to host the Super Eagles versus Harambee Stars match on March 23. The Stadium was lush green; it is part of our culture to ensure that we maintained it regularly.”

Dike celebrates after scoring Nigeria’s equaliser against Catalonia in an international friendly just before the 2013 Nations Cup.

NSC bill passes second reading at House of Reps BILL seeking to authentiA cate the National Sports Commission (NSC) yesterday passed its second reading at the House of Representatives, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

When passed, the bill would give the NSC the responsibility of overseeing the administration and development of sports in Nigeria, and also encourage and promote sporting activities, recreation and physical fitness amongst Nigerians.

Leading the debate in Abuja, House Committee on Sports Chairman, Godfrey Gaiya (PDP-Kaduna), said the intent of the bill was to ensure that the commission remained a statutory body, adding that it would also address the issue

of funding of sports in Nigeria if passed, as well as, provide an enabling environment for the private sector to invest in sporting activities.

According to Gaiya, it is essential to give a legal framework to the commission, with the passage of the bill.

In his contribution, Zakari Mohmmmed (PDP-Kwara), aligned himself with the submission of Gaiya, saying the NSC needed a legal framework to carry out its functions without let or hindrance, describing the proposed legislation as timely.

Sekonte Davis (PDP-Rivers) also expressed support for the passage of the bill, as it would enhance proper coordination of the activities of the commission.

“The bill will also encourage the private sector to come in and invest in various sports after the heart,’’ he said.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa (ACNLagos) stressed the need to provide a legal backing for the commission, adding that the bill would create room for the growth and development of sports in the country.

“This is a bill we must have, if we want to improve the standard of our sports and produce world class sportsmen and women,’’ she said.

The bill passed the second reading after it was unanimously adopted. The Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, referred the bill to the Committee on Sports for further legislative inputs.

NUGA Zone F preliminaries starts in Unilag March 15 HE preliminaries for the T 2013 Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Zone F will begin on March 14 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), according to the event’s co-ordinator, Owoyemi Idowu.

Idowu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that the four-day preliminaries games would be to select the athletes that would represent the zone at the games.

He said the 15 events were scheduled to hold at the Obafemi Awolowo University

(OAU) Ile Ife, Osun, between June 3 and June 17.

Idowu, who is also the badminton coach of the Lagos State University (LASU), said that UNILAG was chosen because it had all the needed facilities for the qualifying series.

According to him, the preliminaries are essential to select the most talented athletes for the zone in the 15 approved events for the games.

“So, the four-day preliminaries at UNILAG will be used to select the best athletes from

the zone,” he added.

Idowu said two universities would qualify for each of the 15 events at the preliminaries to represent the zone at the games.

“It is not an all comers affairs, the preliminaries will be used to select those that will represent the zone in NUGA proper,” he said.

Bayern Munich today.

Arsenal trail the Champions League tie 3-1 from the first leg and therefore face a tough task in Bavaria to deny their hosts a place in the quarter-finals.

Bayern have conceded twice on just two occasions this season and go into the game on the back of 11 straight wins.

Arsenal, meanwhile, travel without Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sagna, but Wenger told the club’s official website: “It is not mission impossible.

“It can be done, but first of all you need 100 per cent commitment, attitude and things to go your way. But usually football goes your way when you have the right attitude.

“There is a kind of feeling of ‘let’s really play with freedom’.

Let’s start strong. We have to create doubt in their mind and you only do that if you have a real go.

“The chance you have is to make insecure the certainty Bayern have at the moment.

That you can only do if you perform at your best.

“We can have a real go without being silly. We can’t think that the game lasts 30 minutes and throw everything forward from the first minute on. We want to be positive but also intelligent.”

Arsenal have not played since defeat at Tottenham nine days ago left them seven points behind their neighbours in the pursuit of Champions League places for next season.

Wenger said, “we have practised a lot and prepared for this game. It came out of a very stressful period.

“Mentally it was good to have a little breather and refresh. And on the other side, on the football front, we could mix up recovery and preparation.”

Moreover, Olivier Giroud hopes Arsenal can breach Bayern Munich’s defence early on and be mistake-free in Wednesday’s Champions League clash to overcome the odds and advance to the quarter-finals.

The Gunners face a daunting task at the Allianz Arena after conceding three away goals in the last-16 first leg at the Emirates Stadium, with Lukas Podolski’s second-half strike giving Arsene Wenger’s team something to cling on to in Bavaria.

“We need to score an early goal,” Giroud told German sports magazine Kicker.

“In football you never know.

We need to believe and stay focused. But we need to correct our bad defensive behaviour as well.”

Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller put the visitors 2-0 ahead after 21 minutes in north London before Podolski pulled a goal back.

However, Bayern scored again as Mario Mandzukic restored their two-goal lead, the scoreline meaning Arsenal must win by three clear goals and not concede to be included in Friday’s draw for the last eight.

Giroud believes Bayern’s approach will give Arsenal

Today’s Fixtures Bayern Malaga

v v

Arsenal Porto

19:45 19:45

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CricketWeekly Nigeria has highest non-ICC income among associate members, says Sagoe

By Christian Okpara RESIDENT of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Kwesi Sagoe has revealed that the country has the highest non-International Cricket Federation (ICC) income among associate nations.

Speaking during the federation’s recent board meeting at the Savannah Suites, Abuja, Sagoe said, “our non-ICC income has grown steadily since the commencement of this Board and I make bold to say that in Africa, apart from possibly Namibia and Kenya, Nigeria has the highest NonICC Income among Associate members.”

He described the NCF’s current major challenge now was to continuously nurture its senior team to improve its 37th ranking closer to the 21st ranking achieved in administration to create a ranking equilibrium.

“Another major success story for the Federation was the efficient manner in which the Cricket events of the 18th National Sports Festival hosted

by Lagos State were scheduled and implemented.

“For the first time ever, cricket was competed for in two versions of the game, the One-Day (50 overs) and the T20 versions. A host of new talent was also discovered in these games, which featured over 30 matches played at three venues.”

Sagoe, who is also the chairman of the African Cricket Association (ACA), added that a major domestic development was in the U-17 boys wherein four zones, covering 12 states, were featured leading to screening of new discoveries at an elite camp in Ibadan for 10 days.

He revealed that there is a proposal the zonal champions of the process be matched against each other to “establish the pioneer U-17 national championships that will set the tone for the other national age-grade tournaments in future.

“This should be considered an important part of the NCF vision in the ensuing years.”

P

Still assessing the performance of the board so far, Sagoe said 2012 was a successful year for the NCF, adding that Nigeria retained the following rankings 37th out of 104 cricket playing countries ranked by the ICC for ODI (fifth in Africa), fourth in Africa in the T20 version of the game, seventh in Africa in the U-19 version, fifth in Africa in the Women’s T20, and 21st out of 104 cricket countries in administration.

“I am particularly excited by our ICC scorecard ranking of 21st out 104 cricket-playing countries in administration, which reflects the correct focus of this board and management.

“When the ICC Scorecard matrix is presented by the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, you will observe that the ICC has slightly amended its funding policy towards members.

“From 2013, $100,000 will be allocated to associate members as annual grant, instead of the previous $160,000. In addition to that is a scorecard grant based on productivity and compliance.

“For 2013, NCF has been allocated $190,000, which will be distributed quarterly based on proper rendition of returns, thus bringing the total grant from ICC for the year to $290,000.

“In 2012, NCF received a total of $285,000 from the ICC broken down into $160,000 Annual Grant and $125,000 Capital and Development Grant.

“At $290,000 total grant, we are in the company of Guernsey, Tanzania, Hong Kong, Fiji and Japan with the first three ranked above us on the ICC ODI table,” he enthused.

He said the establishment of senior leagues across the country, including the Club Cricket Committee League in Lagos, Arewa League in Kaduna/Abuja, Edo League in Benin and SouthEast Cricket Championship in the East, has given the country good “senior men’s playing numbers that ranks us well under senior playing.

Senior national team star, Endurance Ofem, during a recent international championship.

NSC hails standard of South-East championship HE National Sports T Commission (NSC) has commended the organisers of the third South-East cricket tournament, which ended on Sunday in Awka, saying that the standard had really improved.

A Senior Sports Officer in the South-East Zone 1 Office, Ben Ezema, who represented Director-General of the NSC, Patrick Ekeji said he was impressed with the efforts of the Anambra Cricket Association (ACA).

He, however, rued the absence of standard cricket ovals in the zone and called on the state governments to build on the efforts of the private sector by providing

infrastructural support.

“Cricket is growing rapidly and with what happened here today, I can say cricket has come to stay in these parts.

“We can now use Anambra as a reference point, and we are calling on all the states to take a cue from here.

I agree with the organisers that there are poor facilities, and join them in appealing to the state governments to help provide them because it can best be handled at that level,” Ezema said.

Meanwhile, sponsor of the championship, Chuma Anosike, lauded the states that participated in the event, and congratulated

the overall winners for making the event more competitive.

Anosike, who is also chairman of ACA, said that efforts being made in Anambra over the years had started yielding positive results, as most cricketers that were developed in the state had gained national recognition.

“The growth is wonderful, unlike two years ago when we started, then I was embarrassed with the standard but now, I make bold to say that we can compete anywhere in Africa.

“The only challenges are the absence of standard pitches and lack of equipment, which is expensive and we

have made our request for pitch space to the government and the response was quite encouraging.

“I will continue to do my best, extend the Anambra experience to others states and regions that show interest in cricket,’’ he said.

In the final match, Unity Cricket Club, Awka, defeated Royal Club also of Awka by three wickets, with 65 runs to 64, to lift the coveted trophy.

In the third place game, defending champions and two-time winners, University of Nigeria Cricket Club, proved superior to their Heartland opponents, winning with 148 runs against 76 in 10 overs.

ICC WCL Division Seven Play-Off

Nigeria will push into ICC World League Div. 6, says Ofem OP national team star, Endurance Ofem, yesterday said the team’s focus would be on qualifying into Division 6 of the International Cricket Council (ICC’s) World Cricket League.

The country has over the last five years been in Division 7 and is seeking to improve on its ranking. Nigeria would be competing against hosts, Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Ghana and Vanuatu in the 50overs, One-Day International format from April 6 to April 13, in Gaborone.

T

UNN battling with the Unity Cricket Club of Anambra State during the justconcluded South East Championship.

Ofem told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on telephone that the team was focused on its goal and was currently camped at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), ahead of the event.

He said that the team had not allowed its dismal performance at the Pepsi International Cricket Council (ICC’s) –Africa T20 tournament in Uganda to dampen its enthusiasm to progress.

“We are focused currently on training well so that we will be able to correct our flaws at the

Pepsi ICC-Africa T20 competition in order to avoid a repeat performance,” Ofem said.

Nigeria was placed fifth at the competition after a stiff contest against Uganda, Kenya, Namibia and Ghana, where the country was eventually relegated to Division 2.

Ofem noted that after the forthcoming World Division 7 tournament, the division would be scraped.

“Nigeria cannot afford not to qualify to the next division.

We are currently in Division 7 and will have to emerge first

or second in order to move to Division 6, so as not to leave the world stage.

“And everything now is geared towards achieving that goal because failing to do so will greatly affect the development of the sport in the country,’’ he said.

Ofem added that the team was not allowing the fact that it would be competing against countries like Ghana, Germany and Fiji to disturb their psyche but would strongly focus on qualifying.

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60 | SPORTS

MTN Director, Tunde Folawiyo, President of Ikoyi Polo Club, Habeeb Fashinro, Events and Sponsorship Manager, Dola Bamgboye and another MTN Director, Gbenga Oyebode, at the MTN co-sponsored Lagos Polo Tournament, which ended at the Ikoyi Polo Club, Lagos…on Sunday.

Our expectations in sports must align with commitments, says NASCOM boss

By Olalekan Okusan HAIRMAN, Nigeria C Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM), Yemi Idowu believes to arrest the dwindling fortunes of sports, stakeholders must match their expectations with commitments for sports to thrive again.

Idowu told The Guardian that things would change for better if dedication becomes the watchword by those concerned.

“I think we have a problem with our expectations. The best way to get disappointed is to expect more than you have invested in training. We need to align our expectations with our commitments. It is not good enough to gather in front of a screen at a viewing center for a match. The good results come from hard work undertaken months or years before the match. We need to start enjoying sports for what it is and also understand that “winning is not everything.”

“Already many Nigerians support some English Premier teams, who will never win the league title and they are loyal to their teams. This is what we

need to understand. You cannot win every U-17 World Cup at all costs.”

For him, NASCOM is ready to change the fortune of sports at school level, but admitted that the body needs to work with bodies like the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) and Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) to achieve its objectives.

On London 2012 Olympics, he said, “please allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate all the athletes that participated in the London Olympics.

I will also say thank you to all the sponsors and individuals, who gave their best to the country in supporting all the athletes. We are all very grateful to them all and I pray that they will not be discouraged and that they will all come out again to support Nigeria in the next Olympics.

“Unfortunately their best at the event was not good enough to win the coveted medals. However, many of the athletes achieved personal bests and they all gave a good account of themselves.

Continuing he said, “attending and participating in the Olympics is a feat that should

never be sniffed at and we should always celebrate the participation of Nigeria and the flying of the Nigerian flag at the event. We also need to understand that athletes hoping to compete in the next Olympics have started training while we are still discussing the London Olympics.

“If we start with the 10 to 15 year-old now, we should be ready to deliver world-class athletes for the 2020 Olympics.

Of course, other people will take the glory at that time but we will all have the pleasure of knowing that we started it now. This is how we can change things, we need to start early, we need to be supportive of the athletes and we need to align our expectations with our commitments.”

He, therefore, concluded by saying, “we need to start from the schools. We need to get parents involved in sports. We need to get inter-house and inter-school sports competitive again. We need to utilise our sports infrastructure more efficiently for the children. We also need to get more people to support this mission. Finally we need to understand that “winning is not everything.”

Erico commends Maigari’s CAF executive membership attempt FORMER Super Eagles goalA keeper trainer, Joe Erico, has commended Aminu Maigari’s efforts in contesting for a seat in the CAF Executive Committee, which he lost gallantly.

Erico told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that in spite of the defeat, the country will not relent in its drive for the coveted position.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lost his bid for a seat in CAF’s executive committee on Sunday.

Maigari lost to Anjorin Moucharafou of Benin Republic, in the run-off ballot, after both candidates failed to get the required majority in the first round of voting.

“Maigari has done well to have attempted the contest.

Even when he did not win, I believe it’s a step in the right direction for sports in the country.

“We are making progress, and I am certain that we will make a more meaningful impact in the next CAF election,” he said.

Erico, who was a member of the Green Eagles squad that

won the country’s first-ever bronze medal at the 1976 AFCON in Ethiopia, added that Issa Hayatou’s re-election was expected.

“Hayatou’s win is not surprising because he has been in power since 1987, and with the situation surrounding the

election, it was clear that he was unopposed,” Erico said.

It will be recalled that Dr. Amos Adamu was the country’s representative in the CAF Executive Committee before he got caught up in the FIFA bribe scandal that earned him a ban.

Kogi, Sokoto win at national junior handball tournament

By Adeyinka Adedipe OGI State female teams K had a good day yesterday winning their games in the national U-12 and 15 Championship holding in Isanlu, Kogi State.

The under 12 team defeated Lagos 31-3 while the under-15 beat Ondo 35-7 to brighten their chances of picking the top prize.

In other games decided in the U-15 girls, Edo and Abia played 7-7 draw, Benue defeated Anambra 19-10, while Kano beat 0sun 12-5.

In the U-12 girls, Kwara beat Ondo 23-11 while Kogi made amend for their opening day lose to Ondo with a victory over Lagos.

Sokoto State U-15 boys defeated Yobe 42-13 while Anambra lost to Ondo 12-18.

Results of the opening day on Monday saw Lagos losing to Kwara 0-34 in the under 12 girls. In the under 12 boys, kogi beat Kano 25-2 while Sokoto lost to Niger state 8-10 in a keenly contested game.

Lagos teams have found the going tough losing scandalously in their games.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Dr. Udendeh Ijiirvihi Gabriel UNIVERSITY system is that institution which A operates at the tertiary level of the country’s educational system. Regarding which level of government should run a university system, the Nigerian constitution places university education on the concurrent list; implying that both the federal and the state governments can establish and run a university.

Drawing from the above analogy, one could say that a university established and run by either the state government or the Federal Government is generically referred to as a public university. A private university on the other hand, is one established and run by entities other than a State or Federal Government, which may include those run by faith-based organisations, individuals, community development associations, etc. In our land now, faith organisations, group of individuals and individuals largely constitute ownership of private universities. Whether public or private universities, the Nigerian educational policy requires that both should come under the regulation of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The latter was established in 1962 as an advisory body, but upgraded to a statutory body in 1974 with the following mandate: • Granting approval for all academic programmes run in Nigerian universities; • Granting approvals for the establishment of all higher educational institutions offering degrees; • Ensure quality assurance of all academic programmes offered in Nigerian universities; and • A Channel for all external support to the Nigerian universities.

The purpose of this paper is not to appraise the NUC as an institution but rather to attempt an evaluation of the contributions of the private university system to the Nigerian educational development in particular and the economy in general. It is also to identify possible constraints to the development of private university in this country and propose a way forward. This objective cannot be achieved without reference to the NUC as a central agency charged with the onerous mandate of ensuring university system development in Nigeria, hence the review of the agency.

To discharge its regulatory responsibilities effectively, the NUC is structured into 12 departments each headed by a director as follows:

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Enhancing environment for private university contribution to economic development in Nigeria (1)

Prof. Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary, NUC

(Please, note that the classification is purely the writer’s opinion) An appraisal of the components (departments) of NUC would show that though belatedly, quality assurance, physical planning & development and open as well as distance education departments could not have come at a better time than they did. If open and distance education department had come before the ill-advised wholesale proscription of outreach centres also, known as “satellite campuses” in 2001, the agency would probably have handled it a bit differently to preserve the right of Nigerians to higher education, while pursuing their daily bread. For the wrong decision, Nigeria lost huge foreign exchange to foreign universities who run same programmes without much difference.

It is pertinent to comment that the agency’s structure is well designed; however, its whole essence would have been better served if the liaison offices were replicated across the geo-political zones of the country for ease of access and impact.

I believe that the non-core departments can be consolidated into one or two, while more strategically focused ones are created, including: • University Development Strategy Department; • Equity and Dispute Resolution Department; • Bonded Scholarship Department; and • Academic-Professional Bodies Linkage Department.

The envisaged Development Strategy Department (DSD) will work with proprietors of a new university to develop a road-map, including governance principles, resource base and infrastructure over a period of five to 10 years. Equity and Dispute Resolution Department (E&DRD) will

ensure equal dispensation of university system development funds to be created under an arrangement, while working to resolve or minimise union (ASUU, NASU, NANS, and Host Community) conflicts that often result in long strikes. Bonded Scholarship Department (BSD) will identify brilliant students for scholarship to higher education to broaden the pool of academics, while Academic-Professional Linkage Department (A-PLD) will build synergies, seek collaboration and create room for practical experiences to make education more functional.

Evolution of private university in Nigeria What would appear as the first major policy thrust on private university education was muted by President Shehu Shagari in 1983 following a pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria that it was constitutional to allow individuals to establish private universities.

Consequently, 26 private universities were established. These were inexplicably abolished subsequently by the military regime that overthrew Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1984. The Abuja-based Correspondence and Open University system was also closed down under the pretext that it was a cost-saving measure to Nigerians. The new regime (military) instead, proposed a countrywide Open University to reach Nigerians in their neighbourhood, which did not materialise until 2003 (Awe, 1998:72).

Following the return to civil rule in 1999 (generically referred to as Second Republic), General Olusegun Obasanjo rekindled the issue of private participation in university education to complement the efforts of the government, which led to the establishment of Igbenedion University, Okada in Edo State; Babcock

University, Illisan- Remo, Ogun State; Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State in 1999 (Ajadi, 2010). These were closely followed by several other ones in quick succession and by 2013, Nigeria has had 52 private universities as against 78 (38 States and 40 Federal), implying that growth in private university system in Nigeria is very high.

It must be noted that of the 40 Federal Universities, nine were established in 2012 and three in 2013 by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan whose policy suggests that every state should have a Federal University.

Before the establishment of these universities, admission into the Nigerian universities was quite tasking for the teeming youths’ yearning for university education. Demographically, Nigeria has a population of over 170 million which weighs heavily on the age bracket (10-25) years and overtime, the available universities could only admit about 20 per cent of eligible candidates out of over one million that sat for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. This implies that about 80 per cent (or 800,000) failed to have the opportunity to read for their university education in Nigeria. With about 10 per cent sourcing their university education outside Nigeria, it means 70 per cent or (700,000) had to wait for the subsequent year, which is itself the reason for the prevalent examination malpractices. Prof. Rufai (2013) puts the number at 1.3 million aspirants with only 200,000 admitted. The advent of the private universities, therefore, provided some kind of relief.

Contributions of private university Since the coming of the private universities, there has been a moderating influence on public

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universities in terms of reduction in strikes, improved quality of teaching, infrastructure development and students’ welfare. This is possible because of the availability of credible alternatives as parents now realise that though costly, private universities are more cost-effective and it is better to sacrifice and pay the child’s school fees in a private university where there is a guarantee of consistency of academic activity programmes and reasonable predictability of graduation timelines.

In most private universities, courses are offered to candidates as required provided they meet the requirements, lecture handouts by teachers are non-existent, it is the school and not the teachers that stipulate school hours; libraries are properly equipped with modern text books and resources to access e-books. Other contributions of the private universities include: Freewill to express opinion A university system is an environment where teaching staff expect mental liberation to freely express opinion on societal issues, including the manner of governance and policies being implemented. My good friend and mentor, Zakari Gunde had to leave ABU, Zaria, and eventually Benue State University because of his outspokenness on issues that bordered on the society and mis-governance. The concern about freedom by intellectuals to express opinion on governance of the society has been an evolving phenomenon from what existed in medieval time when the great philosopher, Socrates, told the Greek Lords that since they would not allow the liberal minds to rule the society, such minds would remain in the ivory towers but would continue to resonate criticism against mis-governance in the society.

Access to courses of choice In the days of public universities, candidates’ choice of a career in life was speculative as the university reserved the right to assign any course to the candidate without any apology. Instances abound where those who applied for medicine were given microbiology, while those who applied for law were admitted for political science. At some point in time, public universities had quota system whereby admission to read certain courses (medicine, law and accountancy) were reserved for indigenes whether they achieved the stipulated cut-off JAMB marks or not. All these have been addressed by the private universities. A young girl who was given philosophy to read in a state university declined and skipped a year after which she gained admission to read Business Administration in a private university.

Interestingly, she graduated and did her one year national service before the set she was to join at the state university eventually graduated.

Employment generation Empirical evidence shows that each of the private universities has staff strength of not less than 1,000, while the well-established ones have over 5,000. Given an average of 3,000 (for simplicity sake), when multiplied by 52 private universities this will come to 156,000 employees. Besides other externalities, viewed against a multiplier factor of 0.25 per cent (1/4) one could see that the private universities are hypothetically catering for 624,000 people and at the same time, contributing to income tax revenue of the host states.

Relevance of education to economy Sometime in December 2011, I was in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., for a course on financial institutions analysis. The greatest lesson of note was the use of locally generated live data to simulate scenarios and the use of solutions emanating from it to typify ideal circumstances in the economy. Also relevant was the study of key players in the financial industry whose activities formed the basis of case studies used for the programme and the localisation of study materials made internalisation quite easy and achievable. What this portends to us is that when students are made to study for a university degree outside their operating environments, they find it difficult to appreciate certain fundamentals within the environment that renders policy tools effective. By broadening the horizon of university education in Nigeria, the private universities have localised university education within the context of Nigerian environment, thus providing opportunity of enhancing insight into the economy as well as the process of an enduring research in the economy.

Curricula geared towards professionalism This is one of the most interesting innovations that private universities have brought about in Nigeria. Most of them that offer courses that require professional certification such as accounting (ICAN), banking (CIBN), stockbrokers (CIB), medicine (NMA), law (NBA), engineering (NSE), etc., have endeavoured to secure accreditation from relevant professional bodies. This was not the case with public universities, which wrongly felt their government ownership status insulated them from professional affiliation especially where the latter was seen as having private sector orientation. In certain circumstances under the era of private universities, core professionals of relevant bodies form part of the university faculty for necessary accreditation, which has proved very useful. It has provided a loop between academic knowledge and professional qualification, which affords the beneficiary greater opportunity to play a role in the emerging economy.

TO BE CONTINUED Dr. Udendeh, Ijiirvihi Gabriel is a Management Consultant and trainer based in Abuja.