Jan 20140122

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,809

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Reps in rowdy session over leadership positions From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Adamu Abuh and Terhemba Daka, Abuja BATTLE for supremacy by A members of political parties triggered a rowdy session in the House of Representatives yesterday.

Besides, on resumption yesterday, the Senate received a list of 12 ministerial nominees from President Goodluck Jonathan for screening and confirma-

• Senate gets ministerial nominees’ list • Gusau, eleven others for screening • Jonathan seeks confirmation of service chiefs • Asks N’Assembly to increase Diaspora bond by $200m tion.

Lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) bickered with one another over

which of the opposing political parties ought to be dominant in the lower legislative chamber.

The disagreement among the lawmakers who had just

reconvened after their month-long vacation broke out after the House Minority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, referred to the Deputy Majority Leader of

the House, Mr. Lea Ogor, as the “House Deputy Minority Leader.”

Reacting, Ogor warned his APC colleagues against threading the path of illegality in their desperate bid to take control of the leadership of the House of Representatives.

Warning the APC members not to misconstrue their quest for peace for weakness, he stated: “We are lawabiding citizens and we

believe in legality. We are ready to confront anybody or group fire for fire and illegality for illegality. Anybody who attempts to take over power through the back door will surely be repelled.”

The issue came against the backdrop of an order by an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola restraining the House of Representatives from effecting any change in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

FG to spend N300b on Lagos-Ibadan, airport roads, others

- Page 2 Bamanga Tukur congratulates Muazu, appointed Railway chair - Page 3

Gusau

Obanikoro

Haruna

Aminu

Eyakenyi

Badeh

Electoral Act to be amended before 2015 elections, says Jega - Page 7

Inequality, world’s biggest threat, tops agenda at WEF today

By Chijioke Nelson, with agency reports S the World Economic A Forum (WEF) starts today in Davos, Switzerland, rising global inequality, which has been assessed as the latest and biggest threat to the world, will top the agenda.

The yearly event, with the theme “The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business,” will bring together global influential figures in international trade, business, finance and politics, to deliberate

on the issue, which experts said might sweep the world suddenly like Tsunami.

According to WEF, the global threat has called for urgency in adequate attention even as economies hit by the financial crisis start to recover.

But to development experts and participants at the forum, the income disparity and attendant social unrest are the issues most likely to have a big impact on the world economy this year and in the next decade, adding that there was an observed ‘lost’ gen-

eration of young people coming of age in the 2010s, who lack both jobs and, in some cases, adequate skills for work, fuelling pent-up frustration.

WEF Chief Economist, Jennifer Blanke, said: “Disgruntlement can lead to the dissolution of the fabric of society, especially if young people feel they don’t have a future. This is something that affects everybody. This could easily boil over into social upheaval, as seen already in a wave of protests over inequality and corruption from Thailand to Brazil.

“So far, the massive fiscal and monetary stimulus that has helped stabilise and revive economies has had little impact on the poor, the unemployed and the younger generation.

“In the West, the young people are graduating from ‘expensive and outmoded’ schools and colleges with high debts and the wrong skills, while in developing countries around two-thirds of them are not reaching their economic potential.”

A new report unveiled ahead of the WEF meeting

by Oxfam International

said that “85 richest people on earth have the same amount of wealth as the bottom half of the population. Those wealthy individuals are a small part of the richest one per cent of the population, which combined owns about 46 per cent of global wealth.”

The Executive Director, Oxfam, Winnie Byanyima, said: “It is staggering that in the 21st Century, half of the world’s population own no more than a tiny elite whose numbers could all sit comfortably in a single train carriage.

“We cannot hope to win

the fight against poverty without tackling inequality. Widening inequality is creating a vicious circle where wealth and power are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the rest of us to fight over crumbs from the top table.

“In developed and developing countries alike, we are increasingly living in a world where the lowest tax rates, the best health and education and the opportunity to influence are being given not just to the rich but also to their children.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

4 | NEWS Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Senator flays Europe, America over pro-gay stance From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City EEVED by the threats of sanction over Nigeria’s ban on same-sex marriage, sponsor of the bill, Senator Domingo Obende, yesterday urged European and American countries to transfer technology, not “morals” on the rectitude of such cultural and religious aberration.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Edo State, Obende also commended the leadership of the Senate for its support throughout the period the bill was in the House. He said: “I have always said that the best thing they can give to us is technology transfer, not ‘moral’ transfer.

“We are traditional people, a people of culture. We are much civilised in the way we do our things here in Africa and Africa is naturally unique, and that is why we are totally different from the culture they keep. We are a sovereign nation and I do not think that a country will have to legislate for another sovereign nation.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation, we have the right to legislate on the governance of this country. We need technology transfer by which

P

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Mark flays political class over tension, primordial interest From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja

• Urges govt to resolve ASUP strike

RIMORDIAL goals other P than the quest for good governance, which hall-

country without shifting focus from constitutional responsibilities and duty to the nation determines their maturity as elder statesmen and women, democrats and patriots.

“Blinded by naked ambition, the political class has so painfully forgotten the lessons of our national history and has once again allowed the collision of vaulting personal ambitions to overheat the polity and undermine governance,” he said.

“Coming at a time our nation is still transiting amid tremendous strains and enormous social and economic challenges, the emphasis on primordial politics at the expense of governance is irresponsible, and even dangerous.”

He warned: “Our nation is watching to see whether distinguished senators will uphold the dignity of this institution and their oath of

marked the activities of politicians in the country in recent times, have created political tension in the country and undermined governance, President of the Senate, David Mark, lamented yesterday.

In his resumption speech, Mark expressed worries that governance appeared to have been sacrificed on the altar of desperate political manoeuvrings and feverish permutations aimed at outflanking one another ahead of the 2015 elections.

He reminded his colleagues that the prevailing political situation has extended their responsibilities beyond legislation; therefore, he called for wisdom in their handling of situations.

According to Mark, the manner they handle the challenges confronting the

office or whether we will allow ourselves to become mere tools in factional political disputes and intra-party rows.

“In fragile and young democracies such as ours, the cause of democracy is vastly served when statesmen and women refuse to sell the truth to serve the hour. Living true to our conscience as elder statesmen and women as well as distinguished senators is the challenge of this very hour.

And it is a challenge that will define the social and political fabric of Nigeria.”

And as they settled for business, Mark reminded them of legislative issues that demand the immediate and prompt consideration of the Senate. These include the 2014 Appropriation Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill, Customs (Amendment) Bill, Pensions Reforms (Amendment) Bill, further review of the Electoral Act, harmo-

nization of the Senate and House positions on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.

Nevertheless, he assured that in spite of the late arrival of the 2014 budget to the National Assembly, efforts would be made towards its early passage.

He added: “In line with the imperatives of collaborative governance and fiscal responsibility, we will immediately commence the consideration of the budget estimates in a most robust and meticulous manner.

“And in spite of the estimates not arriving as early as we had expected, we will work to see that the 2014 Appropriation Bill is passed as quickly as possible.”

While saluting the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for calling off its five-month strike, Mark tasked the Federal Government to apply same spirit of accommodation in dealing with the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics

HE Civil Liberties OrganiT sation (CLO) has dragged a vice chancellor (names

From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin OVERNOR Abdulfatah G Ahmed has requested the Kwara State House of Assem-

Senator Oluremi Tinubu (left); wife of Adamawa State Governor, Hajia Zainab Nyako; her Ekiti State counterpart, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Interim National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sharon Ikeazor and wife of Ogun State Governor, Funso Amosun, during the inaugural meeting of the APC women leaders at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. PHOTO: EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Catholic Church tasks leaders on good governance From Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin) and Charles Coffie Gyamfi (Abeokuta) OR the nation to realize its Fcharged dream, leaders have been to see the various positions they occupy as platforms for service rather than avenues to acquire illegal wealth.

To do this, they have also been challenged to practice integrity in the service for good of the nation. The Cathedral Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Monsignor Christopher Ajala, made the remark yesterday in Abeokuta at a ceremony to mark the diocese’s 16th anniversary.

He stressed that Nigeria needed to “build a culture that accepts integrity in the service of humanity, tolerate and respect the opinion of others and foster right orien-

CLO alleges embezzlement against VC From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu

Ahmed seeks Kwara Assembly’s nod for N206m loan

bly to approve for his administration a loan of N206 million, to be drawn from Ecobank Plc. According to the request, which was contained in a letter to the House and read by the Speaker, Mr. Rasaq Atunwa, the loan would be used to settle the counterpart fund for the execution of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects in the state, and would be repaid in 12 months.

In another message, Ahmed requested the Assembly to enact a bill on amendment of Cooperative Societies law, cap 19.

He further requested the House to enact Kwara State Monitoring and Evaluation System Bill to provide feedback on government activities

(ASUP).

As with ASUU, the Senate President said the upper chamber would always invest the full weight of its moral and constitutional authority in ensuring that further industrial actions were shelved even before they occur.

He also sympathized with Senator Magnus Abe, who was said to have been injured in the commotion that erupted during a political event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He added that when the incident was brought to his knowledge, he directed the chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs to carry out preliminary findings and report back to him.

“I have also instructed the Senate Committees on Air Force and Police Affairs to investigate the incidents involving Senator Ali Ndume in Borno State and Senator Gbenga Obadara in Ogun State respectively,” he said.

• CAN ex-scribe urges politicians to play by rules tation in politics.”

The church also called on the Federal Government to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is truly independent, stating that, as the 2015 elections draw closer, government agents must not be pushed by the “desire for selfishness or self-centeredness, which could propel them to see the electoral process as do-or-die affair.”

However, the church commended the Federal Government and the National Assembly for passing into law the bill against homosexuality, stating that legalizing gay marriage “will send out wrong signals to future generations who would deem marriages between a man and a woman unnecessary.

“If same-sex marriage is le-

galized, the institution of marriage will lose its significance. Traditionally, marriages are believed to be solemnized for the continuity of human race.

“A growing child needs the care and love of both a father and a mother in order to become a mentally stable and healthy adult. We believe gay marriage would have adverse effects on the personalities of the child and the society at large.”

Similarly, politicians have been urged to diligently follow “all laid down democratic rules” ahead of the 2015 general elections to save the nation from being plunged into chaotic aftermath.

According to the former secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara State, Dr. Olusola

Ajolore, preparations by politicians so far have shown too much desperation that could engender bitterness and serious crisis “if the expectations of some people are not met.”

Speaking with The Guardianin Ilorin, Ajolore urged politicians to shun egocentric tendencies and imbibe patriotic spirit, noting that the Nigerian Civil War some 46 years ago should serve as enough lessons to “desperate politicians.”

Calling for ceaseless prayers for the nation until it overcomes its present socio-political and economic crises, he urged the electorate to shun politicians who would not put the nation back to the track of glory.

Ajolore further urged both the Christian and Moslem leaders to imbibe in their followers tenets that would make them cast their votes for only

God-fearing persons in 2015, demanding that those seeking re-election “should show us their scorecards and those in need of votes for the first time should show us their manifestos.”

He extolled the virtues of the founding fathers of Nigeria, for the “solid foundation” they laid for the existence of the country. But he lambasted many present Nigerian political leaders for building defective structures on the foundation.

Meanwhile, Ajala insisted that for Nigeria to move forward, the country does not only need good hands but “people with good hearts.” He said: “We want to appeal to all in positions of leadership to take as a driving force the provision of services that will uplift our people and bring about meaningful and sustainable development to the

withheld) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged embezzlement and corruption.

In a petition signed by its Zonal Coordinator (South East), Olu Omotayo, and addressed to the commission, which was made available to newsmen in Enugu yesterday, the CLO alleged that the vice chancellor and his cohorts “swindled the university of billions of naira by awarding contracts to non-existent companies.”

The petition added: “It is unheard of anywhere in the world that a vice chancellor of a university will award contracts running into billions of naira to non-existing companies.

“Our findings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) shows that these five companies are not registered companies in Nigeria.

They are non-existent and are mere phantom companies through which the vice chancellor swindled billions of naira.”

According to the petition, “another medium through which the vice chancellor perpetrated massive fraud is the deduction at source of N2,000 from the salaries of all the members of staff of the university without their consent as internet charges.”

It claimed that “each member of staff pays N24,000 annually while students are made to pay N18, 000 for the so-called internet services.

These moneys are paid to an unknown account and diverted by the vice chancellor.”

Calling on the EFCC to urgently investigate the vice chancellor, the CLO said: “It is our belief that the Commission will not shy away from its responsibility but ensure that justice is done in respect of this matter.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 | 3

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

News FG redeploys five perm secs From Anthony Otaru, Abuja N line with the Federal Government’s tradition, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the deployment of five permanent secretaries.

A statement from the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation stated that Mr. Ossi Gorge, who until now was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, is to move to the Police Service Commission while his counterpart, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, in the Police Service Commission, takes charge in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments.

Similarly, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, who is the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (Career Management Office), now moves to the Ministry of Aviation, while his counterpart, Mai Abbas Mohammed, of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Political Affairs Office), holds sway in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (Career Management Office).

I

‘Ban on fish importation stays’ From Joke Falaju, Abuja ESPITE cries by some fish marketers and stakeholders for government to remove ban on its importation to make fish more available for the common man, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has insisted that government will not be deterred from the prohibition.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the minister pointed out that if there is anything the country has in abundance, it is water. “We have rivers, sea, lakes, among others, so Nigeria should not be importing fish; rather it should be self-sufficient in fish production.

“We are not going to celebrate bad things. We have all the resources in abundance; we will not allow this nation to be dumping ground for fishes produced by farmers from other countries. My job is to create wealth for Nigerian farmers and not the other way round. We have all that it takes to be self-sufficient in fish production and even export to other countries,” Adesina noted.

D

PDP, APC trade blame over raging violence in Rivers From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt

IVERS State chapter of the R Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are trading blame over the raging violence in the state.

Meanwhile, the state government has accused the Federal Government of declaring war against it, following alleged threat by hundreds of pro-President Goodluck Jonathan youths to shut down the Port Harcourt International Airport and oil facilities in Rivers, if the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, is redeployed.

Yesterday, in a statement, the PDP raised the alarm over the increasing spate of violence in the state, which it alleged, was being “masterminded by the Rotimi Amaechi administration, Save Rivers Movement and the All Progressives Congress (APC), to continue to create a state of insecurity to justify their call for the removal of the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu.” In the statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media, to the state PDP Chairman, Jerry Needam, the party denounced the trend while reacting to another round of violence that erupted on Sunday at Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people.

The crisis, which left two Ogoni youths shot whose conditions are very critical and unstable in a private hospital in Port Harcourt, according to reports, “followed a local resistance to

• Gov accuses FG of declaring war on state • ‘Amaechi is pushing Ogoni people to war’

Jonathan

Amaechi

Abubakar

the APC, Rotimi Amaechi and the Save Rivers Movement by the Ogoni people in Bori for coercing them into the APC against their will, and the refusal of Amaechi to pay them the N30,000 SURE-P monthly stipends.”

The Ogoni people were said to have earlier resolved to reject the APC and Amaechi in the area.

According to PDP, “the resistance to the rally by the Ogoni people prompted the Chairman of Khana Local Council Area, Mr. Bariledum Greg Nwiedam, who has lost bearing in the area, to resort to thuggery and violence by hiring thugs who unleashed mayhem on the people from 2 a.m. to about 11 a.m.

(Sunday, January 19, 2014).

“The heavily armed thugs came in their numbers and shot sporadically leaving in its trail two Ogoni youths badly shot. One was shot in the leg and another shot in

the stomach.

In another statement, the PDP said “media reports credited to Amaechi that in spite of security challenges in Bori, Ogoni, occasioned by the aborted APC rally on Sunday, he will dare the police and the people, and lead a rally in Bori on Saturday, January 25, 2014, is obviously pushing the Ogoni people to war.

The PDP, while reacting to the position of Amaechi, argued that rather than threatening to go ahead to hold a rally in Bori and provoke the people to another round of crisis, he should talk and for once act like a governor by seeking ways to bring about peace in the area and the state before he proceeds on rally to Bori or any other part of Rivers.”

Alleging that Amaechi has lost control of the state, the PDP advised that “the only thing proper in the circum-

stance to do is for him to resign and give peace a chance, rather than continue to incite and provoke the people.”

But APC, which blamed the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan for the unrest in Rivers, warned of the impending anarchy that may have far-reaching consequences beyond the state, “unless Jonathan urgently reins in his supporters who, backed by a gross-partisan police, have now resorted to bringing in former militants from neighbouring states to attack innocent people in Rivers.”

In a statement, APC said: “Having lost confidence in the ability of the police to protect them and keenly aware of the President’s deliberate refusal to allow peace to reign in their state, the patience of the people of Rivers is wearing thin and there is an increasing possi-

Medical workers begin nationwide warning strike today

By Joseph Okoghenun EALTH workers in federal, states and local governments’ health institutions began a three-day warning strike today, with a vow to make it total.

Essentially, the medical workers, who spoke in Lagos yesterday at a media briefing, stated that the strike would affect all health institutions and health-

H

• Say action affects NAFDAC, NDLEA, NIMR related institutions, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).

Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union

Tukur named NRC chairman, Bello heads NPC From Emeka Anuforo and Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has been named chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) while Ghaji Ismaila Bello was appointed Director General of the National Population Commission (NPC).

Meanwhile, the Supervisory Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has suspended the Managing Director of the agency, Mr.

T

bility that they may resort to self-help, which can only result in a blood bath”.

In the statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said: ‘’Because we abhor anarchy, which is the very antithesis of democracy, we hereby call, for the umpteenth time, on President Jonathan to act today to stop the looming anarchy in Rivers unless of course, he is bent on throwing the country he was elected to govern into chaos.’’

APC also warned that “the decision of the desperate pro-Jonathan politicians and their supporters in Rivers to resort to ferrying in erstwhile militants from Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states to cause mayhem in Rivers and make it ungovernable for Amaechi will have far-reaching consequences in the months ahead, most serious of which is that it will revive militancy not only in Rivers but in the entire SouthSouth. ‘’The former militants, who are being hired daily by the anarchists in Rivers today, will turn against them and the people tomorrow when, one way or the other, the present situation in the state is resolved. The outcome will be a resurgence of insecurity, including hostage-taking and attacks on oil and other infrastructure in the entire region.

This is why we are warning those who believe they are having a free rein today to tarry a while and retrace their steps”.

•Board suspends REA boss Kenneth Achugbu.

Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Wasaram has been immediately appointed in his place.

The appointment of Tukur came barely two days after President Goodluck Jonathan assured him of a bigger and “more challenging” responsibility.

In a two-paragraph statement issued yesterday in Abuja from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, and signed by his

Special Assistant (Media), Sam Nwaobasi, the two appointments are said to be approved by the President.

While Bello’s engagement is with effect from January 8, 2014, the date for Tukur’s resumption is not stated.

Briefing pressmen shortly after the Board’s meeting at the REA headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman, Senator Jonathan Zwingina, said the board made the decision to suspend the former boss over poor projects execution and failure to implement its budget between 2012 and 2013.

of Nigeria (MHWUN), Federal Area Council, Lagos, Ibe Stephen Nwokenta, stated that the workers had no option than to embark on the warning strike to press home the need for government to enforce all agreements it entered with them, as well as various court judgments in their favour.

Health workers, under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU)/Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations, had declared a three-day warning strike beginning from today after a meeting they jointly had with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in Abuja last week Thursday to discuss various agreements they had with government.

Declaring the strike last week, the workers said it is aimed to “protest the grave injustice and persistent industrial discrimination against our members” by the government, discriminatory practices against health professionals in

implementation of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in favour of doctors’ Consolidated Salary Structure (CONMESS), continued reign of impunity, arbitrariness and nonimplementation of duly approved schemes of service of members in hospitals and ministries and selective and discriminatory increases in wages and allowances of one group in a multidisciplinary sector without commensurate treatment to other members of the sector.

Nwokenta said all health workers and professionals, including medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, radiographers, physiotherapists, information and record officers would participate in today’s strike.

Others expected to participate in the warning strike, according to Nwokenta, include security personnel, gatemen, hospital engineers, hospital technicians,

hospital administrators and mortuary attendants.

The union leader warned that no health institution is expected to render skeletal services while the strike lasts, adding that sanction awaits any branch and union leader that allows skeletal services under its and his jurisdiction.

He called on well-meaning Nigerians to urge government to implement various agreements it entered with the union members, as well as various court judgments in favour of the workers to avoid indefinite strike planned to begin 14 days after the three-day warning strike that is expected to end on Friday.

Chairman of Lagos State chapter of MHWUN, Omobafemi Daini, noted that government’s willful stand to favour only medical doctors is not going to help matters in the sector, adding that all health workers and professionals across the federation have resolved to join the strike to fight the injustice that confront them all.

2 | NEWS Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Govt to spend N300b on Lagos-Ibadan, airport roads, others From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja HE Federal Government is to spend about N300 billion on the development of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the 2nd Niger Bridge and the approach road to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The funding for the three critical infrastructure projects is being sourced from the private sector.

Minister of Works, Mike Onolumeme, disclosed this when the Chairman of

T

the Board of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, paid him a courtesy visit.

Onolumeme, who said the Federal Government would launched the reconstruction of the approach road to the MMIA in Lagos and the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge in the first quarter of 2014, noted that government had successfully launched the re-

construction of the LagosIbadan expressway.

“Considering the infrastructure gap, government alone, considering the scarce resources and competing needs, cannot fully fund the infrastructures needed for economic growth in the country. We are bringing resources from the private sector to the tune of about N300 billion to these three road infrastructure development projects,” he said.

According to the minister,

Inequality, world’s biggest threat, tops agenda at WEF today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Without a concerted effort to tackle inequality, the cascade of privilege and of disadvantage will continue down the generations. We will soon live in a world where equality of opportunity is just a dream.

In too many countries, economic growth already amounts to little more than a ‘winner takes all’ windfall for the richest.”

She noted that in India,

the number of billionaires increased tenfold in the past decade because of a regressive tax structure, and Africa, where global corporations are exploiting natural resources, while local populations are left poorer.

However, Oxfam is calling on the group to support progressive taxation, and to challenge their governments to use tax revenue to provide universal health care, education and social

protection for citizens.

“I’m a big supporter of capitalism but there are moments in time when capitalism can go into overdrive and it is important to have measures in place - whether regulatory, government or tax measures - that ensure we avoid excesses in terms of income and wealth distribution,” the Head of Risk at Swiss Re, David Cole.

“the reality in our nation today clearly shows that without the mechanism of PPP, Nigerians cannot enjoy good road infrastructure. There is a huge infrastructure gap in the country today, that gap is an opportunity for private investors to tap into.

Therefore, PPP is the way to go especially for a developing country like Nigeria where about 14,000km of road is expected to be done every year in the next five years if we are to meet what is required to adequately drive our economic activities. Without the instrumentality of PPP, we will not get there.

“Considering the budget of the ministry, it may not be possible because we have about 180 projects struggling to get little from about N100 billion that is available to the ministry. One of the advantages of PPP is that it helps in the timely completion of projects”.

Earlier, Nnamani observed that the national budget cannot sustain all that is required to bridge the infrastructural deficit

in the country without relying on the Public Private Partnership arrangement, adding that the idea of being one of the top 20 economies by 2020 can only be realized if we get the equation right.

Nnamani stated that ICRC has been championing the development of a Green Paper for the Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy and appealed to the minister to give it a decisive push to get the document accepted by critical stakeholders and also approved by the Federal Executive Council.

He pointed out that the objective of the ICRC is to make PPP a procurement option that would compliment the transformation programme of the current administration.

Nnamani added that the commission would work with the ministry to turn the key PPP pipeline projects into a reality like the Design, Build, Finance and Operate of the 2nd Niger Bridge, financing of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the rehabilitation and upgrade of the

MMIA road in Lagos.

The Board Chairman urged the minister to in view of the dwindling budgetary funding, revisit the proposal to rebuild and manage other key federal roads across the country through PPP. He listed other expectations from the ministry to include: Establishment of a Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Inter-Ministerial Project Delivery Teams (PDT) for the 2nd Niger Bridge, LagosIbadan expressway and MMIA road for effective project management, share the work plan of all PPP consultants work on all outstanding OBCs with the commission to enable the commission incorporate them in their yearly plan and urgently submit to the commission a list of new PPP projects the ministry wishes to embark upon in 2014 to enable ICRC fulfill the legal provisions in the Act with requires the commission to obtain and publish such projects along with other projects from other MDA’s as a national PPP pipeline.

Jonathan sends ministerial nominees’ list to Senate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 composition of its leadership positions until the determination of a suit instituted by the PDP. Before the contentious issue came up on the floor of the House, the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who presided over proceedings, had informed the lawmakers of the decision by members of the House to defect from the PDP, APC and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

As a result, Haske Hananiya (Gombi/Hong) and Ganama Kwaga (Madagali/Michika) from Adamawa State who were hitherto of the APC defected to the PDP while Emmanuel Jime (Makurdi/Guma) formerly of the PDP from Benue State and Suleiman Yahaya Kwande formerly of the DPP from Plateau State decamped to the APC, which is believed to enjoy a slim majority of 174 to 172 of the PDP. A motion under matters of urgent national importance moved by Ali Sani Madaki aimed at ensuring the removal of the Inspector General of the Police (IG),

Mohammed Abubakar, over the role of the police in the deepening political crises in Rivers State fuelled the quarrel among the lawmakers.

Madaki (APC: Kano) while moving the motion enjoined his colleagues to call on Jonathan to remove the IG from office within two weeks, failing which the National Assembly would take appropriate measure necessary in the circumstances He also urged the Police Service Commission to dismiss Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, from service and for the Federal Ministry of Justice to initiate his prosecution.

Madaki wanted approval from his colleagues to mandate the Committees on Interior, National Security and Police Affairs to liaise with the relevant government bodies to ensure the implementation of the House resolution on this matter and report back within four weeks.

Moving the motion, he recalled that on January 12, 2014, the police violently dis-

rupted a peaceful rally in Port Harcourt, and that in the cause of doing this, the police used teargas and rubber bullets, which hit several persons including Senator Magnus Abe. He noted that a week after this, another political rally was disrupted on January 19, 2014 at Khana Local Council Area of River State by some militants allegedly with the connivance of the operatives of the police.

Expressing the concern that the unpleasant incidents in Rivers State could affect the nation’s democracy, he said it behooved all and sundry to stop the police authorities from abdicating their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property as enshrined in chapter four of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) But Leo Ogor who neither opposed nor supported the motion drew the attention of his colleagues to the need to reconsider the prayers sought in the motion since the IG would not be given the right of fair hearing if the House went ahead to elicit the removal of the IG. But trouble started after members of the PDP in the House felt angry when Gbajabiamila who referred to Ogor as “deputy minority leader” rose to speak in support of Madaki’s motion.

Sensing trouble, APC members who applauded the designation of Ogor as “deputy minority leader” formed a ring around Gbajabiamila as aggrieved PDP members of the House who shouted on top of their voices swarmed around Gbajabiamila menacingly.

It took about an hour before Tambuwal who was sighted consulting with various interest groups in the House to acknowledge that he was

privy to the Abuja high court order to restore orderliness on the floor of the House.

Tambuwal who directed the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice and Rules and Business to fine-tune the motion sponsored by Madaki and report back within one week implored members of the House that as lawmakers, it was incumbent on them to respect the law and work towards ensuring good governance.

Gbajabiamila who later addressed journalists described the court order as a strange one. According to him, the APC, which is believed to boast of 174 to the PDP’s 172 would surely take firm control of the House in a matter of days.

Flanked by APC members in the House, he assured that the APC members in the House who according to him enjoy over 20 members advantage over the PDP, have not only expressed willingness to respect the court order in the interest of the country, but would work assiduously to vacate the court order.

In a welcome address at the resumption of the session, Tambuwal specifically urged relevant committees of the House to hasten work on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the proposed Electoral Act among other bills to facilitate their early passage into law.

Among the ministerial nominees are Gen. Aliu Gusau Mohammed (rtd) (Zamfara State), Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos State), Boni Haruna (Adamawa State) and Amb. Aminu Wali (Kano State).

Others are Mohammed Wakil (Borno State), Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan (Osun State), Jamila Salik (Kano), Akon Etim Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom), Lawrencia

Labaran Mallam (Kaduna State), Dr. T.W. Danagogo (Rivers State), Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger State) and Dr. Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto).

Also forwarded for the confirmation of the Senate were names of newly appointed service chiefs.

They include Air Marshal Alex Badeh (Chief of Defence Staff); Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (Chief of Army Staff); Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin (Chief of Naval Staff) as well as Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosun (Chief of Air Staff.)

In the letter addressed to Senate President David Mark, Jonathan said the requests were in compliance with the provisions of Sections 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, respectively.

While hosting the Northwest caucus of the PDP recently, Jonathan disclosed that he would forward a list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly when it resumes this week.

The nominees were meant to fill the 12 vacancies created when some ministers were removed in a minor cabinet shake-up about seven months ago.

It was believed that the decision for a major cabinet reshuffle was the reason for the delay in naming replacements for the nine sacked ministers and the three existing vacancies that resulted with the removal of Mohammed Haliru Bello as Minister of Defence and Inuwa Abdulkadir as Minister of Youth Development, as well as the resignation of Dr. Ali Pate as Minister of State for Health.

The rather new development of the submission of

the names of military chiefs by the President to the National Assembly for clearance was primarily as a result of the legal battle led by human rights, lawyer Festus Keyamo.

A Federal High Court in Abuja in July last year ruled that the appointment of service chiefs without clearance from the Senate and House of Representatives was illegal.

Keyamo had in 2008 asked the court to hold that making such approvals was a violation of section 18(1) and (2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation On Wednesday January 8, 2013, Keyamo had written Jonathan taking strong exception to what he called the President’s refusal to sack the nation’s service chiefs – Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval Staff – five months after their appointments were voided by a court.

He claimed that since no one appealed the judgment delivered on July 1, last year, by Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the court’s decision remained valid and subsisting.

Jonathan has also sought the approval of the National Assembly to increase the country’s Diaspora bond by $200 million for the financing of development projects in the priority sectors of the economy.

The National Assembly had while endorsing the 20142016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) last year approved $100 million Diaspora bond as initially proposed by the President, but in the letter addressed to Tambuwal yesterday, Jonathan explained that going by the interest already demonstrated by Nigerians, the amount had to be increased to a maximum of $300 million in order to be able to service intending investors.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

5

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Bereaved parent urges Nigerians to shun Cyprus varsity From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu Benin City RIEF-STRICKEN Patrick Soriwei yesterday cautioned parents who are thinking of sending their wards to study in foreign universities to be wary of Cyprus International University, where he said he lost his 20-year-old first child, Gabriel Soriwei.

Soriwei gave this warning yesterday morning in Benin City, Edo State capital, when he narrated to journalists how his son died in Cyprus.

He said he was alarmed that the same school was still being allowed to come to Nigeria and scout for students. He lamented that it was only the House Committee on Diaspora, headed by Abike DabiriErewa, that responded to a series of petitions he sent to the Presidency, Senate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several other groups, including the Ijaw National Congress and the Ondo State government.

He said the late 20-year-old Gabriel Soriwei, a 100-level Electrical/Electronics Engineering student of the university, was allegedly knocked down by a drunken female-driver, but was surprised that Cyprian authorities handled it with such levity.

“The staff of Cyprus International University, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus, backed by their Nigerian collaborators, addressed a press conference in Abuja on the death of my son, Gabriel Soriwei, telling Nigerians tissues of lies in order to woo unsuspecting young students to that dangerous occupied territory.

“My 20-year-old son, Gabriel Peremiyentei Soriwei...who until his death on 07/09/2013 was a residential Part 1 student of Cyprus International University. Gabriel was knocked down by a drunken female driver on the 13/07/13 and eventually died on 07/09/2013.

“Till today, the government of that small occupied territory governed by Turkish Republic has completely shielded the killer, let alone prosecuting her.

G

NGO flays Kaduna council chiefs over overseas trips From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief NON-GOVERNMENTAL orA ganisation (NGO), Kaduna Salvation Movement (KASMO), has criticised the state local council chairmen for allegedly embarking on wasteful foreign trips.

Chairman of the Kaduna group, Alhaji Mohammed Soba, said KASMO “views the recent trip to China by some council chairmen as a waste of resources and abuse of opportunities”.

According to Soba, “successive administrations in Kaduna State, particularly under the current democratic dispensation, have been wasting public funds through the State/Local Governments Joint Account, which engage the council chairmen in pleasure trips abroad in the name of workshops and trade investments, which have not yielded positive results.”

Soba, who is also a human rights activist, argued that “Unfortunately, this negative trend has continued under the Governor Mukhtar Yero administration”.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 NEWS

7

Electoral Act to be amended before 2015 elections, says Jega From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief HAIRMAN of the IndeC pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said that the current Electoral Act would be amended before the 2015 general elections to enable the Commission deliver a free and fair exercise.

Jega, who spoke yesterday at the opening of a four-day retreat for INEC top officials and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on the

preparations for 2015 general elections, said that already, INEC has made recommendations to the National Assembly for the amendment of the Act. He said: “Sometime in December last year, we had a forum where we discussed the likely amendments to be made by the National Assembly committees on INEC. I can tell you that we expect that very soon, there will be necessary amendments to the Electoral Act, which will give us a more improved legal

framework for the conduct of the 2015 general elections.

“I cannot give you a specific date when this will be done, but we have received assurances that the National Assembly is committed to doing this and it will do it within sufficient time for us to be able to fathom it into our preparations for the 2015 elections.

“Let me add that quite frankly, it is not necessary to have a new Electoral Act every time you are going to conduct elections. We have been doing that because the legal frame-

work in the past was not very good enough. I can tell you that the 2010 Electoral Act as amended is a remarkable improvement on the legal framework for elections. All we need are additional amendments to make it even better. We don’t have to put aside the Electoral Act and do a new one”.

Besides, Jega foreclosed the agitation from some quarters for electronic voting, saying that “the constitution prohibits electronic voting”.

He stated: “There is a cate-

gorical provision in the Constitution that says electronic voting is prohibited. INEC is law-abiding, we will do what the law says. Unless the Electoral Act is changed to accommodate electronic voting, there is no way we can do that.

“Even if that provision is changed, we will still have to look and see whether it is feasible to do electronic voting.

So, to be honest, it is unlikely that we will do electronic voting in 2015”.

NBA wants states to steer clear of judiciary funds HE Nigerian Bar AssociaT tion (NBA), Minna branch, has warned state

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right), carrying one of the first set of babies delivered at the Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCC), Amuwo-Odofin, Festac Town; Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Council Area, Ayodele Adewale (third left), among others, after the commissioning of the facility in Lagos…yesterday

governments to comply with the Federal High Court’s ruling and steer clear of funds meant for the judiciary.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the NBA Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Taidi, who gave the warning in Minna, failure to comply with the judgment of the court would amount to contempt of court and that the judgment by an Abuja Federal High Court was binding on all the state governments.

He urged the offices of Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice to appropriately advise their respective governments.

Taidi said the 1999 Constitution was clear on direct funding of the judiciary without any interference by the Executive.

He noted: “Ordinarily, there is no need for the litigation at all. The 1999 Constitution has clearly stated its position on the funding of the judiciary.

Civil society group decries non-prosecution of perpetrators of political violence From Lillian Chukwu (Abuja) and Wole Oyebade (Lagos) HE Civil Society Legislative T Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed dismay over delay in the prosecution of perpetrators of the political and socio-economic unrests associated with the past year.

In a statement to the National Assembly (NASS) on effective legislative performance signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and made available to The Guardian yesterday in Abuja, the group said the ineptitude by government in prosecuting these offenders would be a major threat to the 2015

elections.

Rafsanjani insisted that the key perpetrators of these “blood-chilling massacres of innocent Nigerians” instigate these “heinous unrests to promote their selfish political goals.”

He lamented that the trend of political unrests and impunity has become more glaring as the nation marches towards another era of electioneering and elections in 2015.

The CISLAC director identified other national challenges that need urgent intervention to include the continuation of various forms of social upheavals occasioned by insurgencies, high level of cor-

ruption, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal vices, as well as “a near-standstill” in the education sector.

Rafsanjani urged the lawmakers to concentrate on issues that will benefit the generality of Nigerians, especially the quick passage of the 2014 budget.

Of particular concern to the CSO is the need for drastic measures to minimise the current high cost of governance in the country through total reduction in wastages in the 2014 Appropriation Bill, while also advising NASS to ensure that the 2014 Appropriation Bill is passed speedily to reflect Nigeria’s commitment to interna-

tional agreement in key sectors such as health, education and agriculture.

Rafsanjani said the level of poverty among ordinary Nigerians has not shown any remarkable improvement, even as the rate of unemployment continues to rise.

Continuing, Rafsanjani said: “This is so, partly because of the poor performance of the budget resulting in delayed passage of the appropriation, infrastructural deficit, high level of wasteful government spending, duplication and the inability of the national budget to meet with international standards on social sectors such as health, education and agri-

culture.

“Till date, the cost of governance in the country remained shrouded in secrecy and not open to public scrutiny as is expected in democratic societies,” he said.

Rafsanjani added that while these must be addressed in the 2014 budget, the lawmakers should also fast-track the passage of people-oriented Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as against the invested interest of industries; comprehensive National Tobacco Control Bill (NTCB) in accordance with Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and other pending Bills before the National Assembly.

Delta PDP chairman faults SSG on power shift From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba HAIRMAN of the Delta State branch of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi, has faulted the Secretary to the State Government, Ovouzourie Macaulay, over his vehement denial of an agreement for power shift among the three senatorial districts.

Stung by Macaulay’s recent disclosure, Nwaoboshi, an Anioma from Ibusa, OshimiliNorth Local Council, said that the scribe was not a founding member of the PDP in 1998 and so, was not in a position to speak on the authenticity of

C

the accord.

According to him, Macaulay, an Isoko from Owhelogbo town in Delta-South Senatorial District, was a practising journalist in 1999 when the military handed over power to civilians and so, was not in a vantage position to comment on the political arithmetic of the state.

Macaulay, a close confidant of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and a member of the G3, which campaigned vigorously for him in 2007, had in an interview, x-rayed the Anioma governorship project and claimed that all the potential candidates were merely

playing the ethnic card of power-shift instead of discussing developmental issues.

He also denied the existence of a power-shift pact among the three senatorial districts, emphasising that the next governor, so long as he is detribalised and has brilliant ideas, could come from any part of the state notwithstanding the fact that former Governors Felix Ibru and James Ibori are from Central while Uduaghan is from South.

However, Nwaoboshi remarked that the SSG was only appointed as commissioner towards the tail end of the first tenure of Ibori’s administra-

tion and so, was a neophyte when it comes to party administration.

Nwaoboshi said: “Macaulay is not in a position to know if there was an agreement on power-shift or not in the state.

He wasn’t there in 1998 when we founded the PDP and was only bought in towards the tail end of the first tenure of Ibori. He was a practising journalist in 1999 and does not understand party administration. His views are personal and of no consequence.”

He stated that Ibori won all the nine local councils in the

state in 1999 and 2003, a fact which he insisted, Macaulay should have taken into consideration instead of dwelling only on the re-run governorship duel between Uduaghan of the PDP and Great Ogboru of the opposition Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and the election of 2011.

Having had over 10 years’ stint in government, Nwaoboshi conceded that Macaulay may be an insider in government but was an outsider as far as party politics was concerned in the state, adding that it is on record that he lost his home council of Isoko-North in the re-run election of January 2011.

8 Wednesday, January 22, 2015

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

PHOTONEWS

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) congratulating the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu’azu, at the 64th National Executive Committee meeting at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja… yesterday.

Commissioner for Health, Lagos, Dr. Jide Idris (left); Chairman, Health Committee, Lagos House of Assembly, Suru Avoseh; Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Council, Ayodele Adewale and Deputy Speaker of the state assembly, Kolawole Taiwo, during the commissioning of the Maternal and Child Health Centre at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos… yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye (right) with Chairperson of the Selection Committee, Martin Luther King Award, Ms Madeline Lawson, after presentation of the award to Adefuye in Atlanta, USA. Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko (right); Regent of Akure, Princess Adetutu Adesida and the Lisa of Akure, Chief James Olusoga, during the governor’s visit to the regent in Akure.

Chairman, Oyo State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents Chapel, Bisi Oladele (left); guest lecturer, Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro and Secretary, Oyo State NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Osahenye Joseph, during the chapel’s monthly guest forum in Ibadan. PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Senior Brand Manager, Grand Cereals Limited, Tope Banjo (left); National President of Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Tayo Akingbolagun; Managing Director, Grand Cereals Limited, Layi Oyatoki and Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Steve Barko, during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Jos, Plateau State.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya (right) chatting with the Founder/CEO of Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi, at the CVL Role Model Forum in Lagos, where the Airtel boss was the guest speaker.

Public Relations Manager, GOtv, Efe Obiomah (left), presenting a gift voucher to Garuba Julius Olalekan. With them is Marketing Executive, GOtv, Tosan Edema (right), during the prize presentation to winners of GOtv GO Carry Am promo at SPAR Mall, Lekki, Lagos.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

9

WorldReport Iran accuses Ban of bowing to pressure over Syria FTERALL, the long-awaited A peace talks on Syria’s devastating civil war are set to go ahead today in Geneva after the United Nations (UN) withdrew an invitation to Iran.

But Tehran said yesterday the talks were doomed to fail, media reports claimed.

Iran specifically accused UN chief Ban Ki-moon of bowing to outside pressure, especially from Washington, to rescind Tehran’s invitation to the peace conference and said the forum was likely to fail.

“We regret that Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has withdrawn the invitation under pressure,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters, ISNA news agency reported.

“It is also regretful that Ban does not have the courage to provide the real reasons for the withdrawal,” he said.

“This behaviour is beneath the dignity of the UN’s secretary general.”

After strong objections from the United States and the

Rouhani

Ban

• Warns of failure after parley Syrian opposition, Ban on Monday withdrew his invitation to Iran, the Damascus regime’s main regional ally, less than 24 hours after it was issued.

Tehran participation in the peace talks has been one of the thorniest issues in the build-up to the talks opening today in Switzerland.

Iran refuses to consent to a transitional government in Syria, which was agreed at a first international Geneva

gathering in June 2012 to end the brutal civil war.

Aladin Borujerdi, chief of Iran’s parliamentary foreign affairs commission, blamed Washington for Tehran being struck off the invitation list.

Officials have expressed little hope of a breakthrough at the peace conference starting today in Switzerland, but have said just bringing President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the opposition to the same table will be a sign of progress.

Samba-Panza raises hope of end to bloodshed in C’ Africa ATHERINE Samba-Panza, C the newly appointed interim leader of the Central African Republic (CAR), has pledged to form a government based on skills rather than religion as she sought to end months of Christian-Muslim bloodshed.

A day after the Bangui’s mayor was elected transitional president by the interim parliament, residents said the capital was unusually calm, apart from isolated acts of looting by gangs of youths.

The city remained under

nightly curfew and was patrolled by French and African soldiers.

Saying she wanted a government of technocrats free of corruption, Samba-Panza told a French radio station that she would appoint people regardless of their religious affiliation.

The public and politicians alike hailed the choice of the first woman to lead the CAR after 10 months of spiralling violence between Muslim former rebels and Christian vigilantes, which has displaced a

million people in the population of 4.6 million.

Residents welcomed the “resounding appeal” by “Madame Catherine” for both the Christian self-defence militias known as “anti-balaka” (antimachete) and the Muslim fighters to lay down their arms.

A representative of the antibalaka forces, Levi Yakete, told Agence France Presse (AFP) that he had “passed on the ceasefire appeal to our fighters and it is being heeded up until now”.

“We had a goal to attain

Netanyahu threatens to teach Hamas lesson ‘very soon’ RIME Minister Benjamin ing a major Israeli confronta“This policy produced a P Netanyahu of Israel yestertion with Hamas in quiet year in 2013, which was day threatened to teach November 2012. the quietest in many years. If Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement a lesson “very soon” following a surge in militant rocket attacks on the Jewish state.

“We have a very clear policy.

We prevent terror attacks when we identify them in the making, and we respond forcefully against whoever hurts us,” Netanyahu told reporters at a press conference with visiting Canadian counterpart, Stephen Harper.

Hamas and the terror organisations have forgotten this lesson, they will learn it again powerfully very soon.”

His warning was issued shortly after Hamas said it had deployed forces in Gaza to “preserve the truce” following an uptick of rocket fire on Israel.

Over the past month, tensions have risen in and around Gaza after more than a year of relative calm follow-

Since December 20, four Palestinians and an Israeli have been killed in violence in and around Gaza, with militant rocket fire sparking retaliatory air strikes by Israel.

Army figures show eight rockets have struck Israeli territory since January 1, and another five were intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, sparking fears that a new confrontation with Gaza militants is looming.

Fugitive U.S. leaker, Snowden, expresses fear over his life NATOLY Kucherena, a Edward Snowden.”

Vladimir Putin last year.

A Russian lawyer of Edward The former National However, the 30-year-old has Snowden said yesterday that Security Agency contractor is the fugitive United States (U.S.) intelligence leaker has expressed fear for his life since reading of explicit threats against him by unnamed Pentagon officials.

According to the lawyer in an interview with Russia’s staterun Vesti 24 rolling news channel, “There are real threats to his life out there that actually do exist.

“These statements call for physical reprisal against

wanted by U.S. authorities on treason charges for disclosing details of a vast Washington intelligence operation that monitored millions of phone calls and emails across the world.

Snowden received temporary asylum in Russia in August – a move that infuriated the United States and was a key factor behind President Barack Obama’s decision to cancel a summit with Russia’s

remained in hiding but is believed to be living in the Moscow area and learning Russian.

Kucherena recently said that Snowden has also been working from home as an IT adviser for a major local website.

The Russian lawyer yesterday appeared to be referring to an article posted last week by the popular U.S. online website, BuzzFeed, entitled “American Spies Want Edward Snowden Dead”.

Assad There were stark reminders of the war’s impact in the runup to the talks, with a bombing in Beirut that left four dead and new evidence alleging that Assad’s regime has systematically killed and tortured thousands.

Preparations were under way in the Swiss town of Montreux for the start of the so-called Geneva II talks after the abrupt United Nations reversal on Iran averted a Syrian opposition boycott.

UN leader late Monday withdrew a surprise invitation to Iran, a major backer of Assad, less than 24 hours after he announced it.

Iran was quick to respond, with Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi telling state television there was little chance of peace without Tehran’s involvement.

Russia says Ukraine out of control USSIAN government has through the devastated R warned that the situation Grushevsky Street as protestin Ukraine was spiralling out ers banged sticks on metal of control after a second night of violent clashes between pro-EU protesters and security forces in the centre of Kiev.

The clashes raged in the centre of the Ukrainian capital until early morning yesterday, with demonstrators flinging Molotov cocktails and stones at security forces who hit back with stun grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas.

The situation remained tense yesterday, with thousands of protesters still facing down a line of armour-clad security forces blocking access to the Verkhovna Rada parliament.

A deafening din echoed

cannisters. But in a rare calm, clashes paused for several hours with some demonstrators even walking up to the police line.

Meanwhile, about 50 activists have been arrested in Ukraine over their roles in clashes with police in the last few days in Kiev, the interior ministry said yesterday.

It said that 26 of the activists have already been remanded in custody and 22 have been presented with the charges, without giving further details.

The arrests were part of a criminal case into mass rioting that the interior ministry said has left 163 police officers wounded, 80 of whom have

Zeidan stays as Islamists quit Libyan cabinet RIME Minister Ali Zeidan of P Libya has vowed to stay at his post after Islamist ministers quit his government in protest at persistent lawlessness that saw him briefly abducted last year.

Zeidan, a report by Agence France Presse (AFP) indicated, accused the Justice and Construction Party – the political arm of the Libyan branch of the Muslim Brotherhood that has been bloodily repressed in neighbouring Egypt since the

ouster of elected President Mohamed Morsi – of seeking to destabilise his government.

The resignation of the five ministers came after three weeks of wrangling over an Islamist-inspired censure motion against the premier.

The Islamists failed to secure the required 120 votes in the 194-member General National Congress to pass the motion.

And 99 members signed a petition of protest earlier yesterday.

10

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Politics Defection, a matter of lawlessness, says Senator Ahmed Aruwa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna and erstwhile governorship candidate, spoke to Northern Bureau Chief, Saxone Akhaine, on the intra-party crises in the party, the resignation of the former National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the platform’s political quagmire in Kaduna, leading to some members cross-carpeting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and issues in the nation’s polity begging for solutions.

OW would rate the leadership of your former H National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur in the PDP generally?

Rightly or wrongly, the party hierarchy took the decision to pick Bamanga as chairman of the party, and ever since, it had engendered turmoil.

Since he took over, I didn’t think there was any week of peace.

So, there is no room to assess his administration.

He had not been able to administer, other than troubleshooting, trying to resolve problems.

To be fair, it is difficult for anybody to say he is good or bad. For this reason, I don’t think I can pass any comments on Bamanga Tukur’s administration of PDP. As we speak, the PDP, particularly in the North, has lost four governors to the opposition APC. Even the Northeast zone, where Tukur hails from, has seen many lawmakers defecting to the APC. Do you think his ouster will bring back peace to the PDP and project the party to win elections in 2015?

He came and he’s gone. Now, if we are talking about governors defecting, and members of the House of Representatives, they are not doing this because of Tukur or PDP, but they are inviting chaos in the nation and it will affect every one of us, because it’s only in a country where there is no rule or law that you can take a mandate from party ‘A’ to party ‘B’ without regard to the electorate and you expect democracy to succeed.

So, talking about defection within a party, a ruling party and expecting it to be a minority through the whims and caprices of its own members, not the electorate; I don’t think anyone of you should even give credence or support unless you have resolved that the military should come back.

For example, if PDP today decided to recall each of those members — governors, senators or House of Representatives members, it requires only 5,000 signatories. Do you think that in all those states that the governors said they had left, the PDP will fail to get 5,000 signatories from its members?

The answer is no. PDP can always get those signatories. But what is the consequential effect of recall, if PDP elects to do that? If you look at what is happening, it’s like people, who have cooked in a pot, fed fat in the pot and are hell bent on breaking that pot so that nobody can cook in that pot again; it’s more or less in that direction.

There is nothing good about defection. If you want to defect, resign your elected office. But in this case, they are not resigning, and do you expect PDP to just sit and fold its arm? This is a question for each and every one of you. It affects all of us. It’s an invitation to chaos.

I don’t know what reaction PDP will take in this direction, but certainly, don’t expect it to sit down and not apply the rules governing such defections, and if that happens, it is politicians that have failed the country. It is nothing to write home about; it is not a fanfare sort of, as far as I’m concerned.

Can you point out what the constitution of the PDP says concerning defection? Secondly, there had been harvest of decampees in the past, when governors went into the PDP and the world did not collapse, nobody raised an eyebrow...

(Cuts in) Precedent is no rule. If precedent were established, it is not an excuse to totally abandon the rule and law. I’m not talking about PDP constitution, I’m talking about the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and the Electoral

Akande Act is very clear.

Let’s talk about (Governor Isa) Yuguda. He took a ticket from ANPP to PDP. I know how much we fought on that issue, but again, precedent is not greater than the law. So, if ANPP decided not to recall Yuguda, that doesn’t mean (we have follow the same road).

Try this in the Southwest. Any governor from the APC trying to go to another party, I don’t think (Chief Bola Ahmed) Tinubu will allow that, as it is clear in the Electoral Act and Constitution.

First, you must resign. Even INEC, within the law establishing it, supported by the Electoral Act, can declare all those seats vacant. Is that good for the nation?

Look at the sheer number; so, it is a very delicate balance. I’m surprised at the former Speaker (Alhaji Bello) Masari, announcing that any state where the governor decamped, he had automatically become the leader of the party in that state.

I mean Masari is a lawmaker and he should know what the law provides. If we cannot build on what the political establishment has built, we should be saved because it is the masses that will suffer.

Today, if people like me were still in the Armed Forces, we would have sent the politicians home long time because they have failed the nation.

No issues that the political party or body cannot resolve unless they want total destruction.

Let me be clear, PDP will not sit and just look at this thing. So, let’s be concerned and worried about what will be the reaction, in the coming weeks and months. We should all be very concerned because there is no two-way about this.

Let’s be honest and look at the problem of internal party democracy within the PDP vis-à-vis the leadership imposition by the same party. Don’t you look at this stance as what can definitely aid and abet defections in the party?

No. I don’t because I want to go back a little bit.

I thought we were honest ab initio (i.e., from the beginning); so, the point of let us be honest doesn’t arise. Ab initio, we should be honest with

There is nothing good about defection. If you want to defect, resign your elected office. But in this case, they are not resigning, and do you expect PDP to just sit and fold its arm? This is a question for each and every one of you. It affects all of us. It’s an invitation to chaos. Today, if people like me were still in the Armed Forces, we would have sent the politicians home long time because they have failed the nation. No issues that the political party or body cannot resolve unless they want total destruction. Let me be clear, PDP will not sit and just look at this thing. So, let’s be concerned and worried about what will be the reaction, in the coming weeks and months. We should all be very concerned because there is no two-way about this.

Mu’azu ourselves, and talk in that sense.

Internal democracy is lacking in all the political parties in Nigeria. Even in APC, Masari would not have said what he said two days ago. Does that give room for internal democracy?

Yes, interest groups abound in all political parties but no matter the problems, at the end of the day, you should sit as a family to resolve them. But where some insist that there will be no resolution, where do you go from there? This is the situation PDP finds itself.

Yes, there are lapses on the part of the management of PDP, no question about it. But two wrongs cannot make a right — like you said, to be honest; I’m returning that same question to you.

You see, democracy finds itself in Nigeria; do you think it is proper and right for democracy? You answer that. Here is a country that is yearning for democracy but the gladiators are not willing to resolve issues. Who suffers? Democracy!

The fanfare in the media — some of the media have not been fair — there is a lopsided reportage about all issues. Leaders are bound to make mistakes, which is genuine, or deliberate. Nobody has monopoly of knowledge, PDP inclusive.

But that is not to say in a State Assembly of 30 members, 27 will decide to change camp, leaving three on the platform that brought all of them into the House. Is there any sense in that, democratically?

Whoever is the leader ought to have stopped that because they are challenging democracy.

Democracy doesn’t talk. We should speak and talk on behalf of democracy. But when we see wrong, we beat the drum and dance about it; the resultant consequences will spare no one of us.

It is wrong for any leader to think that he wants people to decamp to his side; he would remove 27 out of 30 at a go and expect not to be hacking on the fabric of democracy! I don’t think it’s right. What do you think some of these legislators have actually said? ‘It is because there is a break (factionalisation) in their party!’ Maybe the constitution allows defection! The same legislators went to court — PDP did not go to court. Because of fear of being recalled, they went to court.

And what was the court’s verdict? It said there is no faction in PDP. INEC said there is no faction in PDP and you said they are legislators. So, what good are they when they don’t respect the law? They went to court and this is the verdict. I was not in the court and I read the verdict. So, it’s a matter of lawlessness, period.

HAT’S your position on the opinion in the North that the presidency should come back to the region in 2015, and how do you feel about the president and governors wielding more powers than the party under this dispensation?

Well, to start with the fate of Northern Nigeria, ask God, don’t ask me. The PDP giving ticket to Goodluck Jonathan and another party giving a ticket to another man had happened before, twice of thrice and still, a non-Northerner won.

I don’t believe that the North should fight, go out

W

Aruwa of its way for governing this country. The seat of power — I have said it and with no regret and I will say it again — the home of power in Nigeria remains in the North, no question about it.

Democracy is about number and election is about numbers. Whoever that is ruling today, even Jonathan, I don’t think he got to where he is without at least 25 per cent of votes from the North. So, make no mistake; no southerner can be president without the votes of northerners and no northerner without southerners.

For any northerner to go over his head, fighting that at so, and so point power should come here — I’m not with that thought. We have a country that belongs to all of us.

We have a non-northerner ruling today, it’s like that, and it should be allowed the natural movement. But to force your way just because you are in the majority, democracy still requests that you protect the interest of the minority.

Now, a southerner is ruling; eventually, it will come to the North and at that time, you can block it going out. But don’t say you will force your way and that it must be now, tomorrow and for that reason, hell must let loose.

If you, the northerners, believe that is the way to run the government or democracy — constitutional democracy for that matter, then good luck to you.

But that is not the fight we should embark on.

We should work towards reuniting the nation, working together. The wheel has turned the other way, but it’s coming back and it will come back in our lifetime or in our children’s lifetime. That’s what democracy is about; it’s not about you because you have the numbers.

And this is what I’m surprised at: the Buharis and the Atikus — all of those who converge — are doing it for themselves, and not for our younger ones, not for the future. If it was for the future, I don’t think it will be this intense; I don’t think so.

What will be your take on the position of some northerners based on the so-called gentleman’s agreement in the PDP and the tenure of Jonathan in office?

Firstly, democratically, it is wrong for them to go into that agreement, which doesn’t exist. If they are guided by the Constitution, they need not even talk about that so-called agreement, which, as far as I’m concerned, is verbal. You’re not a witness to it; the electorate are not witnesses to it.

All those northerners and elders — I don’t care if they escorted the earth to the world — none of them can present a copy of that agreement; they only talked about a non-existent agreement.

In any case, it is not democratic. The Constitution provides for two terms; the Electoral Act provides for two terms. So, the electorate are the ones that can deny and give

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

11

Why Senate will remain united under Mark, by Ugbesia

Aruwa you one term or even recall you, if the need be.

Who gave those elders you are referring to the mandate to negotiate this non-existing agreement, because if it exists, I don’t know, have you seen it? Has anybody shown you that agreement?

Let me draw your attention to the fact that Jonathan inherited two years from Umar Yar’Adua of blessed memory. Jonathan agitated for six years of one term. The time he’s referring to were the two years he finished for Yar’Adua and the four years he’s now on. But we said no.

Can anyone of you recall at the time he was agitating for a six-year single term? Where was our head at that time? Was our head over our shoulders or was it somewhere else?

There is nowhere in the Constitution that bans him from contesting, and he saw it fit that he wants to try it again. It is your votes that will decide, and not somebody deciding for you.

They arrogate to themselves all sorts of names — elders, stakeholders, which are not known by the Constitution of either the party or the federation.

If we had agreed to the six-year single term, today Jonathan would not be talking about contesting, but we said no and the Constitution says you cannot be elected twice in the same office.

The drafters of the Constitution are very clever; they didn’t say you could not be sworn-in. If it were swearing-in, he would have no reason to ask to contest. They say you cannot be elected twice in the same office.

Jonathan was elected once, and unless he, on his own, decided to say; ‘I am not contesting,’ no power, no group of persons or elders can stop him. This is the position of the law, Constitution and the Electoral Act. To we northerners, all I’m begging of us — the unity amongst us is so fragile. We need to work on that unity, to hold ourselves as a bloc and speak the truth, honestly, fairly and sincerely at all given times when it comes to the divide call Nigeria.

Today, there are lots of complaints by critical stakeholders, especially the PDP older stock, that the Kaduna State governor is playing politics of seclusion and that they have been edged out. Do you still feel very welcome in the PDP under this government?

I belong to the majority of the party that is ruling in the North and by extension Nigeria. I did not enter politics for the reason as others; it’s purely the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly within the northern divide.

I look at the political set up in Nigeria, and it’s only in the North we have pockets of political parties. I know for sure in the Southwest, there is only one party. Other parties only poach wherever they are, but in the North, we are divided not only by political differences, but also by religious differences and tribes. This is my number one reason for going there (PDP).

I did not go there as an archeologist or an auditor to audit qualities and proprieties of the personalities that were already in that office. I cannot tell you that I’m evaluating the qualities of (Vice President) Namadi (Sambo) or anybody else, but as a party, I can tell you where I believe PDP needs to make amends in order to satisfy some of its yearning members but not any individual.

In PDP, I belong to it now and forever; even if there is none, I’ll be the only one. I can assure you — and you better start thinking again because what you’re thinking will happen — unless you bring angels from heaven, PDP will still rule come 2015. I’m very much welcome in the party.

When I said PDP needed to make amends, frankly, some of the office holders in the party have distanced themselves from the electorate.

Quite a number of them, after elections, hardly even visit their constituencies. That is an amendment they have to make.

The exclusion within the family of the party, as is being practiced, needs to be amended; that’s what I’m referring to. Nobody can deny the fact that exclusion within a political party is the biggest and largest mistake, which could lead to defection within the party.

So, the party needs to look at those areas. Who and who are they appointing and for what purpose? I believe that is the amendment that needs to be done across the board within the PDP establishment. \

Senator Odion Ugbesia, representing Edo Central on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is not worried by the defections of lawmakers, and threats of further exodus to the All Progressive Congress. He told Bridget Chiedu Onochie in Abuja that the Senate, which resumes shortly from its Christmas and New Year break, is united under David Mark as its President. As the Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade, Ugbesia also threw more light on the business environment in Nigeria.

HAT is your view on the defection of PDP lawW makers to the APC? Well, those who think of possible effect are entitled to their opinion as Nigerians, but there are those out there who think also that it is a good riddance to bad rubbish.

This is a democracy. More than that, it is an evolving democracy. It must go through this process and rigours before we can come to what we consider to be a near-perfect and stable situation. We are not there yet.

These are all trying moments and these things are bound to happen. So, I don’t see any problem (in defections).

But what are the likely effects of the movement on the Senate’s leadership?

I don’t think their movement is going to have any effect on the Senate leadership. Between PDP members and APC members, I don’t think there is anybody that is not happy with David Mark. So, I don’t think that anything like that will even arise.

In the House of Representatives, yes; it may create some problems until it is stabilised. But here in the Senate, we are not worried at all because David Mark has been one person who has held this country together. He has saved this country in very critical situations.

For instance, when President Yar’Adua died, he (Mark) invoked the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’. That action alone saved this country from collapse.

Also, we enjoy stability in his time in the Senate unlike what we had during (the eras of) Okadigbo, Wabara and others.

He has held the Senate together so tightly and so neatly that I don’t see anybody that will not be happy with him.

Is there any constitutional provision for disciplin- Ugbesia ing defecting members of the PDP, or any other political party?

That is the problem with democracy. Anybody can I don’t think their (defectors’) movement is going to have any effect on the Senate leaddo whatever he or she likes. He can decides to go ership. Between PDP members and APC members, I don’t think there is anybody that is this way or that way. There is freedom of choice, not happy with David Mark. So, I don’t think that anything like that will even arise. In which everybody is exercising — the right to choose where to stay, the right to choose who to the House of Representatives, yes; it may create some problems until it is stabilised. follow and the right to choose, which political But here in the Senate, we are not worried at all because David Mark has been one perparty to associate with.

It is enshrined in the Constitution; it is inalien- son who has held this country together. He has saved this country in very critical situaable. Everybody is entitled to it and we are exercis- tions. For instance, when President Yar’Adua died, he (Mark) invoked the ‘Doctrine of ing it; we are taking advantage of that. So, you can’t fault them if they choose to go their separate ways. Necessity’. That action alone saved this country from collapse. Also, we enjoy stability What about the constitutional right of a political in his time in the Senate unlike what we had during (the eras of) Okadigbo, Wabara party to refill the seat of any defecting member?

The party has its own mechanism for discipline. If and others. He has held the Senate together so tightly and so neatly that I don’t see the need arises for the use of that mechanism, I anybody that will not be happy with him. think the party will, without hesitation, deploy such means. But I don’t see that now because nothing is sacrosanct, as it stands; we are still talking.

I have always believed that in politics, you don’t at their disposal. To deal with this issue, we must the MDAs in 2013?

I must confess that I am not personally fight to finish; you must leave a window of oppor- find a way through the Constitution.

We must realise that in the first place, the impressed with the level of implementation of tunity so that tomorrow, you can reconcile. The common thing about politics is that there is no Constitution does not even recognise the the 2013 budget. But I am not also surprised permanent friend and there is no permanent Governors’ Forum, which is the source of this because it had been like that. We must do someenemy. What is permanent is your personal inter- problem today. The Nigerian Constitution does thing about our style of budgeting. not have provision for Governors’ Forum. It is The question the National Assembly has about est.

Towards 2015, is there any possibility of appeasing alien to the Constitution. But that is where the budget is on the issue of constituency projects. problems of this country today are coming from. We are entitled to insert a given amount inside aggrieved PDP members?

So, if we are going to deal with them, we must the budget as our constituency project and once That is the point. There are things that are bound to happen. There is this saying in my native parl- find a way through constitutional means to that is done and reflected in the budget, it is then ance that the tongue and the teeth in the mouth reduce their powers, by reducing the resources left to the whims and caprices of ministers to do quarrel; the teeth will bite the tongue, yet, they at their disposal and how we can see a less power- implement, execute or abandon. ful 36 governors. That is how I see the situation And I have always said that most of these miniswill settle.

Yes, there is crisis in PDP but who says the APC is there. ters don’t know the constituencies; they don’t not crisis-prone? They will have their own crisis. Do you buy the prediction by the Western world even know their own constituencies. I don’t even This is what happens in a developing political sys- that there would be no Nigeria by 2015? think somebody like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Look, there are people who are naturally pestem. It is bound to happen. So, it shouldn’t bother (Finance Minister) ever voted in this country simists but there are people, who are also natuyou unnecessarily. before she was appointed a minister the first What have you to say about President Goodluck rally incurable optimists and I am one of such time.

Jonathan’s greatest enemies coming from his geo- people.

Yes, we may have some problems but the option There are a few of them like that; they probably political zone? before us — a better option before us — is to stay don’t know what pains our constituents have. I Who killed Jesus Christ? His people. So, why go home every weekend and I know that my peoshould it be different? My own greatest opponents together because I don’t see a situation where we ple, at a time, did not have water. are from my immediate family. It happens like can peacefully sit down and dissipate.

So, if I put borehole, as my constituency project that. That is human nature and it doesn’t bother If this country is going to dissipate or be divided and it is left for one minister to award that coninto many parts, that might not come peacefully. me at all.

What are the President’s chances for re-election in So, we must try to avoid it; we must avoid the sit- tract and at the end of the day, he does not award uation where we begin to talk about disintegra- it, you expect me to be happy?

2015?

But I must confess also that they are doing betLet the 2015 come. What is happening now cannot tion of our dear country. stay till 2015; it cannot. There are bound to be Do you support the proposed National Dialogue? ter now than a few of the ministers that came changes. And on a philosophical note, if God says Well, yes. I have also said in many occasions that and went. he is going to be, 100 governors over there cannot the banner of peace, the banner of dialogue, the What’s your scorecard? banner of negotiation is better than every other As at early 2013, I had dug 22 boreholes in my stop him. senatorial district. Between that time and But what I have been saying is that the governors option available. in this country have become too powerful; other- If Nigerians say that we need to sit down and talk December, we had added another 13. So, we are wise, why would the defection of five or seven gov- and to re-examine our rules and co-existence, looking at close to 36 boreholes in my senatorial ernors bother you? It is because they have become then we should do just that. There is nothing district.

We have built about 13 schools. This is what repwrong with that. too powerful.

But what is wrong is for people to just sit down resentation is all about — knowing the aspiraThe drafters of our Constitution did not envisage a situation where governors will be this powerful. in Lagos, Abeokuta or in Kano and begin to say tions of your people and be responsible to them. that there should be no Nigeria. That is not fair. I I have awarded scholarships to 140 students in They did not. am an unrepentant advocate of a unified Nigeria. tertiary institutions in the five local government Then, what is the solution?

Well, they are that powerful due to the resources How would you appraisal the performances of areas of my senatorial district.

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

12 | Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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 The same sex prohibition law RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s assent to the bill banning same sex-marriage P and same-sex partnerships in Nigeria, in spite of pressures from certain quarters of the international community, is a bold and praise-worthy gesture.

Ordinarily, the law was unnecessary since there are enough codes in the nation’s statute books to deal with such tendencies. But by this law, the President has demonstrably re-affirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty and right to protect the nation and its people from imposed practices that are inimical to its cultures.

As affirmed by the Presidency, signing the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 was consistent with the attitude of many Nigerians, who had been critical of homosexuality in all its ramifications.

The new law prescribes a 14-year jail term for anyone engaging in same sex marriage or civil union. It also stipulates a 10-year jail term for any person who directly or indirectly makes a public show of same-sex amorous relationships.

All persons, clubs, societies or organisations and those who register, aid and abet such unions, would be liable on conviction to 10 years imprisonment. The bill further specifies that where same sex marriage or unions had been contracted abroad, such contracts will not be recognized in Nigeria.

But this sentiment has not been well-taken by western nations especially the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. In their reaction to the new law, they have accused President Jonathan of signing a law which they claim discriminates against a negligible minority on the basis of sexual orientation and preference.

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, reportedly said the United Kingdom was disappointed that President Jonathan has given his assent to a bill which further criminalises same sex relationships in Nigeria. The bill, Hague said, also directly infringes on fundamental rights of expression and association, which are guaranteed by Nigerian Constitution and by the obligations of treaties to which Nigeria is signatory. Similar sentiments have been expressed by the European Union and the United States. Canada allegedly reacted by suspending a scheduled state visit by President Jonathan to that country.

True, the right to whatever sexual preference an individual chooses is a matter of individual choice. Similarly, too, it is plausible to argue that sexual preferences may not be unnatural, when viewed from the psycho-medical standpoint of brain hemispheric dissonance that leads to seemingly deviant behaviours.

Notwithstanding, the naturalness or otherwise of the homosexual relations is difficult to sustain logically with engaging in fruitless hair-splitting. If this is the case, it follows too that the outlandish sartorial preference, termed nudity or indecency, which the law of public decency frowns at, in many western countries, is an infringement of personal liberty.

But that has not been the mechanics of social engineering. The highest unit of society, the state, has often been somewhat paternalistic in its protection of the social contract with it. The freedom, with which all are endowed, is not one that gives one the liberty to do whatever one likes. Within the social context, liberty, as an index of freedom, is not the absence of any form of restraint, rather it is a redirection of human action and relationship with others by the imposition of imperatives that seek to protect the individual and the collective against injurious authorities, customs and opinions. Thus, liberty is the limit of freedom set on society over individuals.

It follows from the foregoing that, by the assent granted the bill, the President was invoking the Harm Principle, a liberty gauge articulated by the socio-political philosopher John Stuart Mill. According to this principle, “the actions of individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to other individuals”. In compliance with this principle, the President was enacting the powers of the state to legitimately interfere with the liberty of same sex defenders for the purpose of preventing harm to others, including the collective.

As basic jurisprudence teaches, beyond its value as a penal mechanism to control behaviour and conduct in society, law exists to preserve the ethos, norms, and values of a cultural milieu. It orders and regulates the conduct of individuals in a given society, their mutual interactions and their relationships with other units of society in the course of their historical evolution, in so far as these affect the social equilibrium of that society. In this regard, just as laws exist in certain Western cultures of Europe to preserve cherished Anglo-Saxon tribal customs, in the same manner do they exist in African cultures to entrench ethos, norms and values that positively portray that which is authentically and originally African. The West has laws against polygamy and bigamy which the African culture permits; yet, no one has forced the countries of the West to embrace polygamy against their culture. Also, in many countries of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the sentence for same sex conducts is summary execution. Yet the West has been condoning of the Arab cultural sensibility.

As it is, the attempt to systematically impose the culture of individualism, as demonstrated by the western countries’ outcry against same sex relationship in Nigeria, is, it seems, a ploy to capture the soul of Africa and to destroy the bastion of African civility. If these countries consider the gay culture good, they should keep it to themselves. Why force other countries to embrace it? Is it a case that the West is afraid of Africans’ freedom of choice to say no? Is it also a case of a deliberate attempt to subvert the African or Nigerian culture?

It is not out of the ordinary to assume that the criticism against the Same Sex Prohibition Law, and the threat of aid withdrawal, is a strategy to foist a super-

vening value on Nigeria and Africa , one that is so culturally upsetting and illtimed given the nation’s state of cultural evolution. For many critically minded Africans and pro-life enthusiasts, this suggests a hidden agenda that is inimical to Africa’s interest. Some have argued that this hyped alien culture, which includes anti-reproduction campaigns, is targeted at a transvaluation of Africa’s youthful population, a situation whose damaging effects are being witnessed in today’s Africa.

The African culture, by its ethos, worldviews, and communalist moral consciousness, advances the contrariness of homosexuality to natural tendencies, in the same manner the western culture denounces polygamous associations on the basis of the contestable Judeo-Christian western notion of equality. While the African culture retains the idea of man’s ontological basis of freedom as given, it sees in homosexuality a potential danger to the optimum realization of this freedom, in the same way other abuse of freedom offends society’s sensibilities. Besides, it is also wary of how the logic of freedom could be employed in future to justify some forms of weird practices such as bestiality or necromenia.

In a nutshell, what the African voice, represented by Nigeria’s Same Sex Prohibition Law of 2014, is saying is this: if for the sake of tolerance or the subservience to the moral anarchism of the western nations, individual freedom and its concomitant ambiguities triumph (as it has in many areas of life), it must not be allowed to “reach a degree from which they threaten the Nigerian or African cultural identity, that uniquely African age-old conviction of what is true and what is false, what is good and what is evil, what is properly human and what is contrary to man’s very nature.”

Under the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789, “Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights”.

The attempt to force Nigeria or Africans to accept the gay culture is akin to slavery. And slavery is the biggest evil against human rights for which Western nations have been repeatedly guilty. Colonisation and outright slavery are crimes for which these western countries still owe an apology to Africans.

The time has indeed come for Africa to seek reparation from the West for the serious human rights abuses perpetrated through slavery and colonisation. But while such penitence is still being awaited, slavery, in cultural, political, attitudinal or any guise, is a crime to which Africans are saying: Never again!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

13

Opinion Kudos on ban of same-sex marriage

By Omosefe Oseghale WILL like to commend the heroic decision Irespect taken by President Goodluck Jonathan with to the ban on same sex marriage. In fact, we are very proud of him because this shows that he is very much ready to stand up for the opinion of the masses, despite the pressure from the United States, to legalize gay marriages. We need more people like you, who can say no and mean no when the dire need arises for it (even though this, I am afraid, is one good thing you have done right in a long time).

It is a pity that there are still some who do not mind selling their birthrights for a plate of porridge, and not just porridge, but sour porridge.

How can a fully fledged Nigerian condone the fact of being bought over for just a couple of dollars, to push a bill which goes against the traditions, values and customs we hold dear? What legacy are we then leaving for the future generations to come, when we sign up

such garbage in order to get grants and aids?

I am very impressed that it has finally dawned on us what the West is trying to do.

It’s almost like asking a man to sacrifice his eyes in order to be rich. Of what use will the riches be, when he no longer has the eyes to admire them.

The U.S. was telling us earlier on that if we did not sign the bill legalizing same sex marriage, they will withdraw their aids and grants. Giving an Independent nation conditions, what guts! Good riddance to their aids and grants, we have been spoon fed for too long. We say we are a sovereign and independent state, and yet we are still grappling with the crumbs that advanced countries decide to throw at us.

When I first heard about same sex marriage, I wasn’t bothered at all, because I thought it was a disease of the West. While growing up, it was unheard of that a man wants to marry a man, talk less of a woman marrying her

When I first heard about same sex marriage, I wasn’t bothered at all, because I thought it was a disease of the West. While growing up, it was unheard of that a man wants to marry a man, talk less of a woman marrying her kind. kind. I was shocked beyond words to know that a topic of the sort could be brought to the house of Senate; it is undeniable that some people must have being bribed to forward such an awkward course, when we still have so many problems unresolved. For example, there is still the problem of kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, poor education, bad roads, poor electricity and water supply, poverty and a general low standard of living. Yet still, with these innumerable problems, there are still some misdirected people out there saying we should legalize same sex marriage, and spending so much money in pushing such a deplorable course. Is it that the U.S is insensitive to our pressing needs and problems? In

my village, when people run after such absurdities, we say it is overfeeding. But I think this is beyond overfeeding.

I think we have to sit up and be more alert in preventing errors like this from creeping into our society. I am very sure the U.S. will not give up so easily and will try again in the nearest future when the slightest opportunity arises. I will like to reiterate a comment made by someone, saying “na poor we poor, we no craze.” In fact I think the jail term should be increased to 20 years, so that when culprits emerge from jail, their sickness would have been cured.

Once more, I will like to commend the President for his decision. We are very proud of him.

We want more of this please…

• Oseghale wrote from Benin City

Same-sex marriage and Anglican Church (1)

By Sunny Isu ICTOR Oshisada’s interesting piece in The Guardian of FriV day, November 29, 2013 on the above captioned matter brings to mind the enduring memories of the past since 597A.D when Pope Gregory 1 sent St. Augustine (not of Hippo) who landed at Kent with 40 Monks to convert the English and made him the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 601. His article further reminds us that history is already repeating itself and that the travails of the Anglican Church started in the 16th Century when King Henry VIII (1495—1547) was excommunicated by the Pope for divorcing the wife he married in the Catholic Church and the resulting separation from the mother Church by the King culminating in a symbiotic relationship between Church and State which brought the headship of the Church under the monarch, a relationship that leading Anglican clerics are today calling for a fundamental constitutional reform to loosen the tie. As a result of King Henry’s disobedience against the Catholic Church, what used to be historically known as “Ecclesia Anglicana”– the Church in England as divinely instituted by the Pope, was through administrative fiat humanly changed by the King to the Church of England. The excommunication meant that the resultant English Church was stripped of its divine origin, and thus losing its “unicity, apostolicity, sacramentality and catholicity” in the process, and spreading its tentacles through colonial rule to former British Colonies (Commonwealth) like Nigeria where it is known as the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). The same disobedience has led to the proliferation of man-made churches because the proprietors have failed to recognize the Word within the word when Jesus prayed earnestly: “May they be one”(Jn17:10) and His insistence on “one flock with one shepherd”(Jn.10:16; Jn21:15-17).

Now that the supreme head of the Church of England, the Sovereign so to say, has joined in supporting the oddity of same-sex marriage and the Archbishop of the Church who is the spiritual head (appointee or proxy of the Sovereign) has remained indifferent, the veteran journalist (Victor Oshisada) in his piece, throws the nagging question at his readers: “Can same-sex marriage split the Anglican Church?” To answer this question candidly is to proffer two options as a way out.

Option 1. Let us commit the Anglican Church into prayers so that its hierarchy in England can have a change of heart and

Now that the supreme head of the Church of England, the Sovereign so to say, has joined in supporting the oddity of same-sex marriage and the Archbishop of the Church who is the spiritual head (appointee or proxy of the Sovereign) has remained indifferent, the veteran journalist (Victor Oshisada) in his piece, throws the nagging question at his readers: “Can same-sex marriage split the Anglican Church?” To answer this question candidly is to proffer two options as a way out.

retrace their steps from the vexed unnatural and ungodly issue of same-sex marriage as a way of setting a good example for others to follow and facilitate the yearning reunion of majority of its adherents with the mother Catholic Church as being spear-headed by the Catholic-Anglican Commission.

Instead of splitting to form another man-made church and still become a member of the World Council of Churches (the meeting point of all Protestant Churches) where the Anglican Church is equally a member, it still does not solve the problem of unyoking itself from the very stigma it is trying to get away from. Splitting in this sense will lead to further splitting and may continue to no end, and since the original splitting from the Catholic Church was unbiblical and ever since has remained so, all aggrieved Anglicans should follow the footsteps of other well meaning Bible believing Christians to retrace their steps back to the original Christian Church, the Catholic Church so to say as “a house divided against itself cannot stand”(Mark 3:25). This is the way to return to the Bible and make God happy and key into his original divine plan.

If a mistake had been made by King Henry VIII, the sensible thing to do is not to keep compounding such mistakes as part of a syllabus of errors but to return to the status quo ante as Catholic because a revolt against a divine mission cannot be mitigated or vitiated by nomenclature. And as the management expert, Peter Drucker once said: “There’s nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”

Did you get that? Yes, because Jesus did say, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted”(Mt15:13). St. Paul rightly pointed out: “No one can lay a foundation other than the one which is already laid” (1Cor3:11) by Jesus Christ.

Now judge for yourself as Peter Hedley, a prolific writer, in his journey to Catholicism did observe from the evidence of church history that there was only one Church at the inception of Christianity. Hear him: “In the early days of Christianity, there were congregation of believers but no Congregationalists: there were baptized believers, but no Baptists; there were Presbyters in the Church, but there were no Presbyterians; they trembled at the word, but there were no Quakers; they all shared the blessings of Pentecost, but there were no Pentecostals; there were brethren and Christians, but there were no Christian Brethren. They assembled to hear the word of God in the liturgy and to celebrate Mass in the breaking of bread and sacred worship, but there were no Assemblies of God. There was only one flock with one shepherd (Jn10: 16): the Catholic Church. This is incontestable! Or as they say in Latin: contra factum non datum argumentum (meaning: “Against facts, there are no arguments”); or res ipsa loquitur (“The facts speaks for itself”). St. Athanasius (297373A.D.), the Father of Orthodoxy and Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt alluded to this issue when he wrote: “It will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the Apostles and guarded by the Fathers; for upon this, the faith of the Church is built and if any one were to lapse from it, he would no longer be a Christian either in fact or in name.”

Today almost all the ancient and semi-ancient Christian communities (viz Jewish Nazarenes, Syrian Jacobites, Lebanese

Maronites, Iraqi Chaldeans, Greek Orthodox, Egyptian Coptics, Ethiopian Monophysites etc that went their separate ways after the great schism of the 11th Century, precisely in 1054A.D. have by the help of the Holy Spirit returned home to either in partial or full communion with the Catholic Church.

Twenty-two (22) of such churches are today currently under the Pope while the others are in partial communion with the Catholic Church with a view of full reunion as the recent meetings of Pope Francis and Archbishop of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, have visibly demonstrated. Even the Assyrian Church of the East that broke away on doctrinal grounds during the Council of Ephesus in 431AD where the Fathers of the Church reaffirmed Mary as theotokos, Greek word for “Godbearer” have since 2008 returned home to its mother Catholic Church.

Every now and then, we hear and read about new converts “coming home” returning to the original Christian Church in droves like the story of Alex Jones, a former Pentecostal Pastor in America who “felt constrained by the narrowness of Pentecostal beliefs” after digging deeper into the Bible, joined the Catholic Church with his wife, Donna, their three adult sons, his sister, a niece and 600 members of the Maranatha Congregation that entered with him. Some other converts, some of those self-ordained pastors who decided to relinquish that man-made position to work as lay apostolate or evangelists such as Randy Sly, a former Archbishop of the Charismatic Episcopal Church in America, who laid aside that funky ministry to enter into full communion of the Catholic Church.

Then Marcus C. Grodi, who after nine years as a Protestant Minister discovered the trustworthy guidance of the Sacred Magisterium in union with St. Peter and was led “home” with his entire family and congregation into the Catholic Church –“the pillar and support of the truth,” the Church that received first hand, the breadth (Jn20:22) of Christ at inception to forgive and retain sins (Vs.22-23), the Church that was given “all authority in heaven and on earth”(Mt28:18) by its founder Jesus Christ and with a divine authority to bind and to loose on earth as it is in heaven under the trustworthy guidance of the Holy Spirit.

As the President of the Coming Home Network, he counseled: “We must put our faith in Jesus Christ, not the theories of men.” Also, the example of Scot Hann, a former Presbyterian (a mainline Protestant Church) Minister in America (now a Professor of Theology and Scripture at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and founder and Director of Institute of Applied Biblical Studies) and his wife Kimberly. In their bestselling book “Rome Sweet Home – our Journey to Catholicism”, they saw that one church is not as good as another as they “recount their incredible spiritual journey back home into God’s world-wide Catholic family.” Before them were geniuses like Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) and Belloc Hillaire (18701953). Chesterton an English poet, novelist and essayist was a prolific writer, stimulating, epigrammatic and provocative.

He is associated with Belloc as a Catholic propagandist and apologist. Belloc, a British essayist, historian, novelist and poet of mixed French and English origin, wrote the “The Path to Rome” and other interesting books.

• To be continued.

• Isu, Fellow, Chartered Accountant, wrote in from Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

14 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Opinion Lessons from U.S. Reserve Bank

By Bayo Ogunmupe HE United States Federal Reserve Bank clocked T a century in December 2013. In the designated bank building called Federal Building, the outgoing chairman, Ben Bernanke performed a solemn ceremony marking the occasion of the founding of the banking system in 1913. Bernanke was flanked by his illustrious predecessors Paul Volker, Alan Greenspan and Janet Yellen, the person billed to succeed Bernanke in February 2014.

During the occasion, Bernanke praised his predecessors for their courage to withstand pressures and make tough decisions necessary for the survival of the union. The history of the Federal Reserve Bank is very important to Nigeria. This is because our federalism is modeled after the United States’. Therefore, we should imitate it, particularly because the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the biggest and most influential central banking system in the world. The FRB operations affect the whole world.

Moreover, the FRB monitors the dollar, the world’s reserve currency. Besides, the dollar is very vital to our sustenance because it governs the global petroleum transactions, which is our basic lifeline. In order to manage the economy of the United States more effectively, Senator Nelson Aldrich in 1910 conceived a plan to create a central bank for the states. The ensuing Aldrich Plan recommended a federal institution to be run by bankers. Because bankers are reputed to be very corrupt, the U.S. Congress jettisoned the bill.

But the courageous President Woodrow Wilson in power at the time persuaded the Congress to revisit the project. Wilson, being a retired university president, understood the importance of the bank. Within a month of his election as president, Wilson caused the Aldrich Bill to be passed into law.

As currently constituted, the FRB is an independent financial institution, with a board of governors having executive powers. It has about six other regional banks with some measure of independence from the centre. The primary role of FRB is to supervise every banking activity in the United States. It lays down monetary policy, con-

trols prices, ensuring growth and full employment.

The Federal Open Market Committee of FRB manages the monetary policies of banks. Indeed, the Federal Reserve Act of 1977 emphasized the dual mandate of FRB. It was charged with creating financial stability in the nation and ensuring full employment within the framework of financial stability and growth. In large measure, FRB has achieved its mandate in the last hundred years. To wit, it has succeeded in making the dollar the world’s strongest store of value, thereby succeeding to Great Britain’s imperial Pound Sterling.

Thus, FRB has become America’s indeed, the world’s think tank on monetary and economic policy. But it has made mistakes causing the world economy to wither between 1928 and 1940. Then, stock prices reached a high plateau, with a prolonged euphoria in Wall Street where the Dow Jones Industrial Index increased six fold in eight years. In a twinkling of an eye, the bull metamorphosed into a grizzly bear, culminating in the economic crash of October 1929. Within a week, millionaires became paupers. Unemployment soared to unbelievable proportions, reaching 40 per cent, plunging the whole world into recession.

Besides, by 1971, the gold standard had collapsed in the Republican administration of Richard Nixon just like the 1929 depression in the Republican administration of Herbert Hoover. The collapse of the gold standard was occasioned by a severe balance of payments crisis, forcing President Nixon to devalue and abolish Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate regime.

Another Federal Reserve gaffe was the housing bubble of the 1980s which ran the world economy into a crisis from where we are just recovering. This latest crisis uncovered large scale corruption in the banking sector. A 2010 Bloomberg poll found as many as 40 per cent of people believing FRB needed to be more accountable. It is believed that the operations of the Federal Open Market Committee are corrupt and should be overhauled.

Moreover, FRB imposes groupthink on econ-

omists, making it professionally dangerous for anyone to depart from the received wisdom of the Bank. That was why the Nobel laureate, Paul Krugman accused the bank of incompetence for failing to read the writing on the wall with regard to the housing crisis until the bubble burst. Indeed research by notable economists showed that the subprime crisis of 2008 and the great recession were evidence that we have not been as smart as we thought we were; which was why bankers engaged in fraudulent practices amounting to billions of dollars under the indulgent watch of the FRB. Thankfully, today we have a better understanding of the working of central banks. We now know that institutions such as the IMF, the G20 nations, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the World Bank have roles to play in servicing the economy and safeguarding global financial stability. But at the moment, creative monetary policies and fiscal forbearance are needed to ensure long term sustainable development.

In the case of Nigeria where there are no laws to govern financial transactions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must be imaginative in running the economy for the good of the people. Price stability cannot be the sole objective of a central bank. Growth, full employment and social security should be the purview of the CBN. Like the Nigerian Mortgage and Finance Company, which CBN jointly established to provide affordable housing for our people, CBN should also establish an Ebele Facility whereby small scale industrialists can access interest free loans for full employment in Nigeria. In the Nigerian Mortgage Finance Company, government and CBN sponsored loans for housing in the Federation. The scheme is also backed by a World Bank zero interest credit of $250 million with 40 years tenor, and 10 years of grace, a very attractive facility. The mortgage firm will further float an additional N50 billion bond as soon as operations begin. These bonds can thereafter attract institutional investors for subscription.

In the same vein, the proposed Ebele Facility can be tendered for state subscription and

adoption. As the American experience illustrates, successful central banking in the 21st century will have to be knowledge driven. In our case, the new CBN governor must be very knowledgeable.

He or she must be both an experienced banking official and a rigorous and up to date economist.

He needs in-house research analysts who will feed him with effective policy options.

Like the FRB of the United States, the CBN needs to take full account of regional economic realities and learn how to calibrate monetary policies to reflect our diversity while it expands the frontiers of social welfare in the Nigerian federation.

To be effective, the CBN must be run by self-confident governors able to manage politicians whose instincts never transcend the calculus of immediate gain.

The CBN must be led by men and women of integrity, courage and creativity, and who can manage knowledge while earning respect and trust. A good Central Bank is never subservient to the politicians, they are resolutely committed to accountability. They eschew secret, parochial agenda, while working for the common good.

In this turbulent world, mistakes are bound to happen, when they do, a responsible central bank official quickly owns up, setting out to make amends. When there are no clear cut powers, the responsible banker does what is proper and fair, creating a convention that could be legalized later. As Janet Yellen takes over as chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank, it is expected that she will consolidate on the achievements of Ben Bernanke, her predecessor.

She needs creativity to meet the challenges of a world in which the U.S. dollar may no longer dominate owing to the emergence of China as a world power. United States’ greatness had been rooted in its great institutions, its commitment to the rule of law, freedom of expression and the creative ingenuity of his people. With Yellen in the saddle, we look forward to a great 21st century with her entrepreneurial mindset and intellectual firepower. I urge her to lead the financial world with detachment communicating clearly, without allowing herself to be mesmerized by bureaucracy.

• Ogunmupe is a columnist with The Guardian

Time to call Amaechi’s bluff

By Adamu Gwazuwang N what can only be a confirmation of executive idleness in the Itheranks of the Amaechi-led group of governors, another call for investigation of the serially debunked allegation of non-remittance of $48.9 billion of crude oil revenue to the Federation Account has been made by the group of governors. Ever since the Nigerian Governors’ Forum split over purely political sentiments, the credibility of governors as leaders has dropped dramatically. With this latest outburst, it is doubtful if at all they can regain lost respect and relevance, although it is now easier to sort the wheat from the chaff of Nigerian Governors.

Incidentally, Governor Rotimi Amaechi had earlier talked himself into ridicule unbecoming of a leader and presumed role model when he raised the sensational but unfounded allegation that 5 billion dollars had been removed from the Excess Crude Account(ECA) without explanation in the heady days of the rebellious G7. That seriously misleading propaganda suited the agenda of running down the Jonathan administration, which seems to be the only remaining motivation for Amaechi and his group to meet and issue spurious communiqué.

It has since come to light, through the Coordinating Minister of the Economy Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, however, that Governor Amaechi “has been closely involved and actively participated in making requests to the Presidency for the ECA to be shared for the purpose of augmenting the regular allocations from the Federation Account whenever there is a shortfall”. The Rivers State Government received N56.2 billion, the second highest share among states from the supposedly missing money, for that matter!

So we are justified to regard Governor Amaechi as more of a pedestrian propagandist who can sacrifice facts for his concoctions of fictitious allegations than a responsible governor who should be taken seriously when he speaks, even without reference to his latest litany of rehashed, crude and unfounded statements about the non-remittance of 48.9 billion dollars by the NNPC. Governor Amaechi surely cannot claim to be ignorant of the discredited source of the second-hand sleaze he is bandying about under the otherwise distinguished platform of the gov-

ernors’ forum. It was his collaborator in a campaign of calumny against the Jonathan Administration in general and the NNPC in particular in the person of CBN Governor Sule Lamido Sanusi who gave undue publicity to this fairy tale by leaking his letter to the President containing the falsehood to the press.

It must be an uncomfortable task for him to also recall how the whimsical whistle -blower shamelessly recanted and even accepted that the so-called unremitted funds had in fact been duly deposited in designated accounts under his watch at the CBN! The facts of the ruse of unremitted funds still being bandied around by Governor Amaechi have been sufficiently publicized by the NNPC and the Minister of Finance and comprehensively understood by the generality of right thinking and fair-minded Nigerians as not to warrant repetition here. This is more so, given the now notorious fact that Governor Amaechi deliberately and unconscionably suppresses privileged accurate information at his disposal to give vent to pre-meditated political vendetta all in the bastardized name of opposition politics.

However, suffice it to point out that Amaechi misled his factionalized forum into declaring that “there is no record to show that the alleged missing $49.8bn was paid into the Federation Account or was duly appropriated”. How was it then that even the originator of the fabrication voluntarily backed down from that preposterous position to the point of accepting that only $10.8 billion remained in contention and is currently the focus of an inter governmental reconciliation exercise.

To be sure, this issue has been promptly cleared by the NNPC clarification as among others, part of the official purposes of settling subsidies and paying for storage capacity and other verifiable logistic expenses to which the amount was devoted.

It must also be emphasized that the process that led the CBN Governor into eating his words by admitting to deliberate negligence of available facts and figures in raising allegations against NNPC in a letter to the President, involved reconciliation of figures and records kept by the CBN, NNPC, Finance Ministry, Budget Office as well as review and testimony to the relevant Senate committee.

As a consequence of these detailed and all-inclusive processes, the matter has been practically dismissed as a non-event or-

chestrated solely for political capital and propaganda purposes.

We therefore wonder just who else or what else Governor Amaechi expects to be in possession of records contrary to those verified and subsequently declared by these concerned parties! Perhaps Government House, Port Harcourt?

The call by his Forum that the National Assembly should institute what they called a comprehensive forensic audit into the matter is both outlandish and outrageous in the circumstance. It should be an embarrassment to those who tag along Governor Amaechi’s path, most of whom are regarded with more respect that their reputations are being auctioned with ridicule and distrust to lend undue credence to the jaundiced perceptions of one of them. Their silence in the face of such assault on their persons and exalted offices can only mean that they are consenting parties to such dishonourable mischief.

This was how compromised sections of the Press continued to publish discredited statements and churn out cheap propaganda against NNPC long after their more objective and ethical colleagues had turned their editorial venom rightly on the disrobed CBN Governor and his fellow political collaborators. It is necessary to draw Nigerians’ attention to the extent people like Governor Amaechi can go in raising dust and heating up the polity.

The NNPC is an agency of the Federal Government which predates and will definitely outlive the Jonathan Administration which, at any rate, is a democratically elected government working for all Nigerians. If they cannot contribute positively and sincerely, people in Amaechi’s enclave should not jeopardize a national project for their clannish and unpatriotic ends.

The Rivers State Governor ought to be well occupied with the all time record he set a week or two ago in which in the full glare of a bewildered public, a kangaroo legislative session held inside the Government House, where ‘his excellency’ read the proposed budget for 2014, was simultaneously passed by the bewitched legislators and to crown it all signed into law by the Governor same day. Democracy indeed.

Governor Amaechi and his fellow travellers are reminded of the wise saying of physician heal thyself.

• Gwazuwang, an industry watcher, writes from Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

15

Business MPC bemoans depleting external reserves, excess crude account From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has expressed concern over the nation’s depleting external reserves and excess crude account, warning yesterday that the development could have dire consequences for the economy.

MPC has in the meantime, retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 12 per cent and liquidity ratio (LR) at 30 per cent.

At the end of its first meeting for the year, MPC increased Cash Reserve requirement (CRR) on pub-

T

Retains at MPR remains 12 per cent Calls for tighter fiscal control Sanusi refuses further comments on ‘missing’ $10.8b lic sector deposits from 50 per cent to 75 per cent with effect from February 4, 2014, while that of the private sector was retained at 12 per cent.

A communiqué from the meeting indicates that Nigeria’s gross external reserves stood at $42.85 billion as at December 31, 2013, representing a decrease of US$ 0.98 billion or 2.23 per cent compared with $ 43.83 billion at end- December

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister for Finance

2012.

The committee noted that the decrease in the reserves level resulted largely from a slowdown in portfolio and Foreign Direct Investment flows in fourth quarter of 2013 resulting in increased funding of the foreign exchange market by the Central Bank of Nigeria to stabilize the currency.

But the MPC was particularly worried and emphatically expressed concern over the

continued depletion of the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

According to the MPC figures, the ECA balance stood at less than S$2.5 billion on January 17, 2014 compared with about $11.5 billion in December 2012.

According to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who chaired the meeting, “this absence of fiscal buffers increased our reliance on portfolio flows

thus, constituting the principal risk to exchange rate stability, especially with uncertainties around capital flows and oil price.”

The MPC, Sanusi said, welcomed the sustained stability of the exchange rate and single digit inflation in 2013. It, however, identified four key concerns for policy in the short- to mediumterm.

These, he stressed, include depletion of fiscal buffers following the continuing decline in oil revenue, rundown of reserves and depletion excess crude oil savings; falling portfolio and

Sanusi

FDI inflows; widening gap between the official and the BDC exchange rates; and creeping increase in core inflation.

He added: “On the depletion of fiscal buffers, the committee decried the continuous fall in revenue from oil despite stable price of oil and production in 2013.

“Although, the committee acknowledged output losses due to theft and vandalism, this could not wholly explain the magnitude of the shortfall in revenue.

“As a consequence, accretion to external reserves remained low while much of the previous savings have been depleted, thereby undermining the ability of the Central Bank to sustain exchange rate stability. The Committee therefore, urged the fiscal authorities to block revenue leakages and rebuild fiscal savings needed to sustain confidence and preserve the value of the naira.

“The committee re-affirmed its commitment to a stable exchange rate regime while urging the fiscal authority to provide support by reducing fiscal leakages, improving controls around oil revenues and reviewing terms around production sharing agreements with oil companies, while awaiting the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The committee also noted the necessity for a complementary monetary policy response to ensure sustained exchange rate stability and convergence of rates in various segments”, he said.

Sanusi cautioned that there is a limit to how much MPR can go, there is a limit to how much CRR. Beyond the point, you have to let the Naira drop. We know the CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Nigeria LNG targets 2015 for Train 7 project’s take-off

By Roseline Okere ARRING any unforeseen B circumstance, the Train 7 expansion project of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), at Bonny Island, Rivers State would come on stream in 2015.

NLNG’s commitment to the project was made by its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Babs Omotowa on Sunday, in Marmara, Turkey, at a ceremony to mark the delivery of the company’s 3000th cargo to Botas Petroleum and Pipeline Corporation of Turkey.

The delay in the Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train 7 has been eliciting concerns about the stability of gas supplies from upstream operators in the Nigerian oil

. Delivers its 3,000th LNG cargo vessel in Turkey and gas industry.

Already, NLNG has long-term gas supply agreements with three Joint Ventures (JVs) for the supply of natural gas to the existing gas plant.

These JVs are Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Elf Petroleum Nigeria now Total Exploration Production Nigeria (TEPNG) and Nigeria Oil Company Limited (NAOC).

The agreements ensure efficient gas supply to the plant throughout the lifespan project.

Presently, with six trains in full operation, the total gas requirement of the company’s Bonny Island natural gas liquefaction plant is about 3500 million metric standard

cubic feet per day.

Gas is transmitted to NLNG complex through six independent gas transmission systems.

Omotowa added: “We hope to get assurance for gas supply by April this year. By 2015 or 2016, the Train 7 project may come on stream. Security of supply is necessary and we will continue to satisfy our customers. New projects are expensive with over 500 per cent increase. This is what we are seeing with Train 7 project”.

He said that despite the shale gas boom in the United States and some parts of Europe, demand for LNG would continue to grow globally. “We expect energy demand to

double in the next 20 years.

We also expect supply to increase. We see a situation whereby supply and demand will drive the market. The demand for NLG will increase and displace other non-environmentally friendly sources of energy”.

The delivery of LNG Lokoja to Botas Petroleum Corporation also marked the celebration for the 3,000th LNG export by the Nigeria LNG Limited.

Omotowa said that Nigeria LNG hopes to strengthen the existing relationship with Botas.

Speaking on the 3,000th LNG cargo, he said: “We value our relationship with Botas. We have a positive and interesting story to tell. We wish to

continue to the relationship we started with the company since 1999. We are proud of what we have been able to achieve over the years. We are looking forward for more rewarding relationship with Botas. We believe that despite the challenges which may exist today, the future will hold business opportunities for the energy industry globally.

“Today, we deliver our 3,000th cargo of LNG to Botas petroleum. We take pride in the fact that this delivery demonstrates the consistency and reliability of NLNG as a world-class energy supplier. It also underscores the excellent relationship we have with our customers.

“I also wish to recognize the diligence and dedication of

our staff, the kind support the government, our shareholders and our loyal customers. We remain fully committed to our aspiration to help harness the nation’s gas resources, and our vision to help build a better Nigeria” The Chief Executive Officer of Botas Petroleum Corporation, Mehmet Konuk, stated that delivery of the cargo was a culmination of almost 20 years of enormous collective effort and cooperation, which began in mid 1990.

“As we are gathered here to celebrate the NLNG ‘s 3000th vessel to be discharge, we are happy to express our utmost satisfaction and gratitude as a customer and we hope to see more fruitful business relationship in the future”,

16

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

BUSINESS Wednesday, January 22, 2014

ABB to build power equipment plant in Nigeria

By Roseline Okere BB, multinational electrical power solution company, has pledged to set up a local manufacturing electrical power equipment plant in Nigeria to contribute to the development of the power sector.

ABB made this pledge at a

A

recent training conference it organized in Abuja to help build capacity for top officials of Transmission Company Nigeria (TCN).

The Managing Director and Country Manager, ABB Nigeria, Nitin Desai said the management of ABB is working hard to ensure the

realisation of the initiative.

Desai disclosed that the new manufacturing plant, when operational, would help to develop and optimise electrical power systems in the country.

According to him, producing quality electrical products will help to upgrade

the power assets in Nigeria.

TCN officials at the training programme stressed the need for ABB to collaborate with all stakeholders in the power sector to bring about better management, automation, protection and better control of power generation, transmission and

distribution network by producing locally, quality electrical equipment.

Both ABB and TCN officials decried the activities of electrical power contractors and middlemen who have not been helping the efforts of the government to rehabilitate and over-

Managing Director CNOOC Energy Services, Nan Shan (left); Representative of the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), Tareowei Bufazi; Acting Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Fidel Pepple; Chief Executive Officer, Gas Group, Gliffet Wonuigwe; and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Zonal Coordinator, C.O. Sibeudu, during the opening of CNOOC/Gas Group JV Downhole tools warehouse at Kidney Island Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

Richards to become Promasidor Nigeria’s chairman succession process that A will culminate in Chief Keith Richards becoming a non- executive Chairman of Promasidor Nigeria Limited and Olivier Thiry emerging the Managing Director has begun.

A statement from Promasidor Group, signed by its chairman,Mark Rose, said: “Keith Richards has done an outstanding job as Managing Director since he started in November 2007.

His tenure will be recognized, not just for our results but also for the development of our brand portfolio

Thiry takes over in May as MD and our organization.

“Under his leadership, Promasidor Nigeria has become respected throughout the country for our brands, our people, our innovative spirit and our corporate responsibility.

“Keith had always signalled he would like to move on once he turned 60 but I am delighted that he has agreed to stay on as Chairman. In this part-time role, we will be able to take advantage of his understanding of the Nigerian regulatory, social

and political environment.

“He will be remaining in Nigeria and available to advise and support the board as well as be a mentor to the incoming Managing Director”.

The incoming Managing Director, Thiry, began his career with the Promasidor Group in 2002 in Algeria.

Originally, head of the supply chain function, he assumed the office of Deputy Managing director in 2004, and became the substantive Managing

Director in 2005.

Under his leadership, Promasidor became the market leader in the powdered dairy and beverage industries in Algeria. He left Algeria in 2009 and assumed the position of Managing Director for Ghana in January 2010, where he has been hugely successful for four years.

Before joining Promasidor Group, Thiry worked for Belgolaise Bank (Fortis Group) in Belgium in a number of roles. In 1999, he joined the company “Delta Informatique “leader’s in

banking information.

He began as head of projects and became responsible for the branch based in Ivory Coast in charge of West Africa. He worked here for two years prior to joining Promasidor Algeria in 2002.

Thiry graduated in 1995 with distinct Honours from the University of Brussels.

He will be joining Richards in Nigeria in the next few weeks for a substantial familiarization and will begin to take operational responsibility during the second quarter with a formal handover in May 2014.

haul the transmission infrastructure in the country.

These contractors were said to be importing substandard electrical power products into Nigeria.

According to them, to checkmate the unpatriotic activities of these contractors and minimise the importation of these substandard products, ABB has to set up a local manufacturing plant in Nigeria.

Desai pointed out that the company has in its portfolio; quality power solution equipment that meets the needs of all players in both regulated and deregulated markets.

He advised operators of power utilities in Nigeria to deal directly with ABB rather than dealing with some unidentifiable contractors who may tarnish the image of the ABB brand.

“As a cornerstone of electrical power technology, ABB offers full range of power solutions. These solutions fulfill the highest demands with respect to safety, reliability, real-time response and flexibility.

ABB has installed power solutions in over 140 countries. This experience and ABB’s portfolio of tried-andtested solution, is especially important in missioncritical applications such as protections signaling,” he said.

Sanusi refuses further comments on ‘missing’ $10.8b CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

consequences of that on the stock market, the consequences of that on inflation, the consequences of that on the banking system.

“And therefore, we have a stability that is very good, but that is fragile. But we can make it strong by improving our own fiscal position and building up buffers. That is all that I will say.”

Sanusi told newsmen at a briefing at the end of the meeting: “Now, as the inflows begin to slow down, we need to be able to retain our oil revenues. We need to be able to stop the theft, stop the vandalism, stop the leakages and basically, save our own money in order to build up the reserves. It is a fiscal issue, because oil prices are an average of $110 plus.

On how to address the declining excess crude savings, he noted: “ It is a fiscal issue, not a monetary issue.

All we have done is to point out a reality. We have $11.5 billion in excess crude saving at the beginning of 2013.

We have less than $2.5 billion at the beginning of 2014. That is a fact. It is a source of concern to us, and a source, I am sure, to the Finance Minister. I suppose ongoing discussions would begin to review some of the reasons for that decline.”

He refused further comments on the controversy surrounding the $10.8 Billion, preferring to describe it as ‘work in progress’.

According to him, “ It is work in progress. That is the position.”

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 17

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection Briefs

EFCC nabs fraudster for impersonating Okonjo-Iweala, Fashola’s wife, others From Abosede Musari, Abuja

HE Economic and Financial T Crimes Commission (EFCC), announced yesterday that it has arrested a sophisticated internet trickster who has been using the names of the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Aisha Bala Muhammed and the Director of the Abuja Geographical Information Systems, Jamilah Tangaza, to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians through the web.

The 34- year-old graduate of the Lagos State University, whose name was given as Anthony Ezechukwu, allegedly cloned the Facebook accounts of the prominent individuals before going ahead to give his fraudulent offers, which allegedly fetched him thousands of naira.

“In each of the instances, he devised clever baits to lure his victims. Once he successfully opened a Facebook account with the false identity of a Mrs Fashola, first lady of Lagos State, he began to send out messages.

Soon, requests for friendship flooded his account. He exploited the frenzy by the unwary Facebook crowd that wanted to be friends with a first lady, by directing some of them to meet with “her personal assistant”, who in turn demanded for various sums of money from them

Okonjo-Iweala in order to connect them with influential people in government and the society.”

“In the facebook account he opened using the name and photograph of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ezechukwu claimed he had job offers and directed interested job seekers to her schedule officer (he also doubles as schedule officer) who in turn asked them to make payments into a designated bank account”, the EFCC narrated.

It was the attempts he made by cloning the Facebook account of Jamilah Tangaza that eventually

Fashola opened him up for arrest and investigations. Ezechukwu had allegedly set about exploiting the office of the influential AGIS boss to have his cut of the lucrative Abuja property sector by sending out a message: “In my certified, endorsed and approved capacity, as the director general of Abuja Geographical Information system, AGIS, officially appointed by FCT minister (Senator Bala Mohammed) and his administration on presidency acceptance and approvals (sic) to take control of all lands and houses sales (sic) in FCT Abuja. Then I warned, using this

Tecno Talk & Clean campaign begins in Lagos ELECOMMUNICATIONS T firm, Tecno Telecom Limited, will tomorrow launch

medium to advised (sic) the general public those who wish to buy land and houses in FCT Abuja to channel all there inquiries, consultation and payment to me...”

According to the EFCC, some persons who were desperate to own land or houses in the FCT fell for it and began to wire money into his account. He was allegedly able to get some money through the facebook account he opened in the name of the wife of the FCT minister, Aisha Muhammed. He had allegedly claimed that the FCT had soft loan worth N10million for disbursement to individuals but offered forms to interested persons at the rate of N100, 000.

“Unknown to the public that it was a scam, a certain Usman Ahmed paid the sum of N100, 000 into a designed account with a new generation bank”, Commission’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said.

Ezechukwu was, however, nabbed following a complaint by Tangaza; and is currently assisting investigators probing the scam.

EFCC said he would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded.

The commission therefore, warned members of the public to be wary of relationships in the social media that come with solicitations of any kind, and circumspect in responding to gratuitous offers that look too good to be true.

FCID takes over investigation into alleged torture of Ejigbo market women • House rewards informants with N1.25m From Karls Tsokar (Abuja) and Wole Oyebade, Lagos

S the controversy over A the alleged torture of some women in Ejigbo

market accused of stealing pepper rages on, the case has been moved to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Abuja.

In a statement issued yesterday from the Force Headquarters, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, gave the order for the case to be transferred to Abuja with immediate effect “in a decisive resolve geared towards ensuring the speedy delivery of justice”.

The statement signed by Frank Mba the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), said further that it is in “promoting the rule of law, discouraging impunity and defending the fundamental human rights of Nigerians, particularly the alleged victims of the “Ejigbo pepper torture”, that the IGP has ordered an immediate takeover of the case, suspect(s) and all exhibits related to the matter from the Lagos State Police Command by a crack team of detectives from the Federal SARS, (Lagos Annex), Force Criminal Investigation Department.”

Recall that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ejigbo Police Station Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Oliver Abbey had ear-

lier said he sent out a team of investigators but they found nothing to report back, and the Council Chairman went ahead to place a reward to be given to whoever would give evidence that would bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to book.

While calling on Nigerians to always partner with the Police in order to curb crime with a promise to protect the confidentiality of the informants or whistle blowers, Abubakar commended the members of the human rights community led by “Joe Okei-Odumakin of Women Arise for Change and all members of the public whose patriotism, advocacy and concern led to the exposure of this atrocious crime”.

He assured families of the victims and Nigerians that the case would be thoroughly investigated and justice would be done in the case. Noting that constructive partnership with the Police has had a salutary effect on the ongoing investigation so far.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has presented the promised monetary gifts to those who made arrest of the suspects possible, yesterday.

Speaking at the presentation of monetary rewards to the informants at the Assembly premises, the Speaker of the House,

Adeyemi Ikuforiji said he couldn’t believe the incident happened in Lagos, when he initially heard about it.

Ikuforiji said: “It is a story we don’t want to remember. We pray it never repeats itself. It is ungodly and inhuman. I couldn’t believe it could happen in Lagos. When Dr Odumakin came up with the issue, I didn’t believe it, but I had to set-up a committee on the matter and I have been

proved wrong,” he said.

He thanked the House Committee for doing a good job on the matter, adding that their efforts show that all hope is not lost on Nigeria and “we will soon get there as a nation.”

The Speaker also thanked Okey-Odumakin for her efforts at ensuring that the perpetrators of the act were apprehended.

A sum of N500, 000 was subsequently presented to the first person that told

Briefs Absence of EFCC counsel stalls trial in N963.7m fuel subsidy fraud

By Bertram Nwannekanma HE absence of the counsel representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday stalled the trial of an oil marketer, Rowaye Jubril in N963.7 million fuel subsidy fraud.

Jubril is being prosecuted before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of an Ikeja High Court alongside his company, Brila Energy Ltd. over an alleged N963.7 million fuel subsidy fraud.

He was alleged to have obtained the money from the Federal Government for the purported importation of 13,500 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

But during the proceeding yesterday, the judge said the EFCC counsel, Mr. Seidu Atteh, had sent a letter to the court explaining and apologising for his absence.

Jubril’s counsel, Mr., Wale Ilesanmi, also confirmed that the letter was served on the defence.

Okunnu, therefore, adjourned the matter till today for continuation of trial.

T

the police about the matter, another N500, 000 was also given to the parents of the late victim of the incident, while the remaining N250,000 went to the traditional ruler, who helped the committee on the matter.

The identities of the victims, parents of the deceased victim and that of the first informant, who were all physically present, were concealed for security reasons.

Cyprian Onwubiko dies at 87 HE family of Osonduagwuike OnwuT biko of Ndiuche-etiti, Arondzuogu; Aro-Umuduru Autonomous Community in Onu-Imo Local Council of Imo State has announced the death of Mazi Cyprian Osonduagwuike Onwubiko at the age of 87.

A statement by one of his sons, Emmanuel Onwubiko, formerly of The Guardian Newspapers and a former Federal Commissioner of the Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), said their “lovely father was a man of truth who lived a happy, fulfilled and Christian life, full of virtues and love of God and humanity.”

“He was a respected community leaderand devout Christian.

Funeral rites will commence on March 7, 2014 in his country home, Ndiuche-etiti, Arondizuogu He is survived bysisters, Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Beatrice; many children, grand children and great grand children among whom are Mr. Christopher Enechukwu Onwubiko,a Lagos-based lawyer; Mrs. Patricia Okereke; Mrs. Justina Okeke; Sunday Onwubiko of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Emeka Onwubiko and Francisca Onwubiko.

Onwubiko

its maiden CSR campaign tagged “Tecno Talk & Clean” 7.00a.m. at the Computer Village, Ikeja. Lagos.

Tecno intends to use the forum to contribute to maintaining clean and healthy Lagos.

The Deputy General Manager of the company, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo stated that Tecno believes that a clean environment is very vital to the health and longevity of a business and its owner.

According to him: “Tecno wishes to pass the message, through this programme, that it is important to maintain a clean and healthy environment while doing the business of talking. Achieving a clean environment should not be left only to the government but the private sector should assist in this task. Tecno has decided to complement the efforts of the Government at achieving a clean Lagos. We wish to encourage people to desist from littering the streets and gutters with used recharge cards, empty phone packs, useless phone accessories and such similar items. There should be a culture of proper disposal of these and other litter through disposal bins. We intend to position these bins at strategic locations in and out of the computer village”.

Crusade at Ikorodu OICE of Salvation EvanV gelical Ministry will hold a five-day crusade tagged: Ikorodu fire crusade from Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, 2014, along Ikorodu Road, Agric Bus Stop, Lagos. The theme is: ‘Final Solution’.

The host, Evang. J. Olu Ayeni, advised all Christians to ttend the crusade as “God would meet everyone at the point of their needs.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

18 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

L’oreal West Africa supports ATF at January summit for women and youths

By Nike Sotade

HE management of L’Oreal West Africa has partnered with the Awesome Treasures Foundation (ATF) in its bid to fulfill the theme of the Foundation’s January summit tagged Metamorphosis 2: “Becoming All You are Born To Be.” The Metamorphosis II summit, which held last Sunday at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, had in attendance women from all over Nigeria, especially the South- South and South West Nigeria.

According to the Founder/Coordinator of Awesome Treasures Foundation, Mrs. Olajumoke Adenowo: “Metamorphosis 2 is all about youth and women empowerment and becoming all they can be.

Having the courage to pursue their dreams and fulfilling them whilst at the same time raising transformational leaders. It was an avenue where women were opportuned to join other entrepreneurial people of faith in prayer as they secure new heights of greatness in 2014.”

Awesome Treasures Foundation is a faith-based Non-

T

Governmental Organization that raises transformational leaders towards a National Renaissance in line with the Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) declared by the United Nations.

Recognizing that these goals cannot be met through the conventional organs of Government, ATF has employed the tools of advocacy and direct intervention to help Nigeria achieve these goals, which directly address the most glaring deficiencies in national life. The realization of these goals would form the basis for Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.

Present at the January summit was the General Manager Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal West Africa, Mr Sekou Coulibaly who spoke about why L’Oreal West Africa partnered with the Foundation. The Head, Education, Titilola Igri-Offor said the firm shared the same belief with the Foundation in that “in building confidence in women, it could have a broader impact on the Nigerian society by encouraging them to be all they can be.”

To show its support and also build confidence in women, the multinational company organized a free training session to advice women on the most suitable looks and hairstyle to complement their facial and body structure. The company also gave out gift packages to women that came for the summit.

She explained further that L’oreal West Africa is the largest cosmetics and beauty company in the world and has developed products in the field of cosmetics concentrating on hair colour, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfumes and hair care. The company is keen on helping women look good and building confidence in order to believe in themselves by bringing out their potential and also motivating others.

Some of the participants who came to Lagos from different parts of the country into to be part of the programme included Pastor Moji Alawiye from Ibadan, Mrs Victoria Owhorji from Port Harcourt and Olu Jesu Orisowoworin from Ife.

Mrs, Tara Fela Durotoye (left), Member, Advisory Board, Awesome Treasures Foundation, Founder/Coordinator, Awesome Treasures Foundation, Mrs Olajumoke Adenowo, Head, Education, L'oreal West Africa, Mrs Titilola IgriOffor, Omoni Oboli and Stephanie Okereke Linus during the Foundation's January Summit at the weekend

Mimiko solicits support for Akure regent NDO State Governor, Dr O Olusegun Mimiko, has charged the chiefs and people of Akure kingdom to extend their unalloyed support and cooperation to the new regent of the land, Princess Adetutu Adesida to make for more peace and development in the kingdom.

Governor Mimiko made the charge on Monday when he paid homage to

the regent in her palace. He submitted that the reign of the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida, although very short, brought unprecedented development to the land in the areas of sustainable peace and infrastructural development.

The Governor noted that the late monarch enjoyed tremendous support from his subjects, stressing that he was able to record more

Mimiko successes because of his tenacity of purpose and zeal

to develop Akure and make it a befitting state capital.

He, however, urged the regent to work closely with all stakeholders so that Akure can continue to witness more transformation.

His words: “We are all living witnesses to the fact that late Oba Adebiyi Adesida was truly a lover of his people and Akure. He would come to me many times and the only issue he

discussed was how to develop Akure.”

“As government, we’ll continue to support you to ensure that Akure continues to witness more development and peace. I enjoin our chiefs and the people of Akure to support the regent in her new role. She had the good training from home and she also had good training educationally,” said Mimiko.

In her remarks, Princess Adesida thanked Mimiko and his cabinet members for the commitment of the state government towards total transformation of Akure, the state capital, to a modern city.

The regent, who sought the support of the government and the entire people of Akure, prayed for peace and development of the state.

S-based group donates medical equipment to Imo community Ogun: Motorcyclists urged U. From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri problems as high blood such ailments have become sons, calling on all Nigeripressure which is attribto limit speed on highways a source of worry to them, ans to give government supORRIED by the number uted to kidney and liver fail- port to succeed. adding that the group was W of persons suffering ures.

HE Ogun State Traffic “Riders are vulnerable to making necessary arrangeReceiving the equipment from ailments ranging “We need to be doing medT Compliance and Enforce- all kinds of road accidents. ments to bring a medical on behalf of others, from kidney and liver failical check-ups at least once mission to the area, so that ment Corps (TRACE) has This is why the state govNjokuobi said they were decharged members of the Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) and Amalgamated Motorcycle Owners Rider Association of Nigeria (AMORAN) to reduce their speed on the newly constructed roads across the state.

Commander Ayodele Songofadeji gave the charge during a free distribution of over 100 helmets and other safety gadgets to the two associations in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Council of Ogun State.

Songofadeji, represented

by Area Commander Abeokuta 1, Omonayago Adedayo, said motorcycle riders are exposed road users, who are vulnerable to accident if preventive measures are not taken, adding that the motorcycle is a motorized two-wheel vehicle with no body shell to protect riders and designed to travel at a safe speed, with its operation restricted to urban access road where a bike lane is provided.

ernment will not relent in the aspect of crash trainings, knowledge of rules of the road, understanding of hand signals, signs and traffic signals and training on the enforcement of both the rider and the passenger putting on crash helmet while on motion,” Songofadeji said.

Chief Sesan Fagbayi, donor of the helmets, said it was necessary to complement efforts of the present administration, particularly on road infrastructure.

“With most of the roads in the state taking a new look, it is pertinent to enlighten motorcycle riders on the right usage of helmets to protect the riders and passengers from the high risk of head injuries,” adding that, “the use of inappropriate helmets like site helmet, paint container, patched helmet, helmet without chinstrap, excessive speed on both township roads and highways, competing with other high capacity vehicles and folding of the hand-bar should be discouraged.”

ures to diabetes and related sicknesses, culminating in disability to walk only with special medical aids, a group of professionals residing in the United States, under the aegis of the Uratta Development Association, New Jersey, United States, have donated some diapers, walking aides and other medical equipment worth millions of naira to the Uratta Development Association, Owerri North Local Council of Imo State.

The President of the U.S.based group, Mr. Augustine Chukwuemeka Njokuobi, made the donation to the President General of the Uratta Development Association, Nze Ralph Njokuobi, in Uratta, near Owerri metropolis recently, disclosing that the group held a special launch on May 25, 2013, in the New Jersey, where several members resolved to donate the items to the affected persons in the state in order to enable the victims move around.

According to Njokuobi, a social worker and management expert of about 20 years practice in the U. S., the growing incidences of

persons residing in several parts of the state would be attended to by the medical experts.

He urged people to make themselves available for comprehensive medical check–up, at least once or twice a year, to avert such

or twice a year. High blood pressure, food and exercises are key areas of focus,” he said.

He told Njokuobi, to ensure that the walkers and diapers and other medical equipment were distributed to the affected per-

lighted that the group in far away New Jersey, United States, remembered the sick persons in the area, thanking them immensely for the gesture. He assured that the equipment would be made available to the affected persons.

Agency ends open defecation in 28 Kaduna communities HE Kaduna State Water T and Sanitation Agency (WATSAN), yesterday, said it had sensitised 28 communities against open defecation as part of efforts to check the spread of communicable diseases.

The Project Manager of the agency, Mr Bashir Lere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the communities were spread across three local councils of Kubau, Lere and Chukun.

Lere said that the agency would continue to sensitise more communities on the dangers open defecation posed to their health and wellbeing.

“We intend to sensitise them to desist from such habit of open defecation as part of good sanitation habits in the state. “ It has been observed that some of our people in the communities have the habit of open defecation and have adopted this as a culture.

“Men defecate outside and the women use the toilet, so we are coming in now to discourage the habit of open defecation within the localities,’’ he said.

According to him, part of the agency’s mandate is to integrate sanitation in terms of safe delivery of human waste, and providing adequate and

affordable latrines in communities, schools, and other public areas.

To achieve the mandate, Lere said, WATSAN had also embarked on the provision of clean water to rural communities.

The project manager said wells, hand pumps and solar powered bore holes were being provided to communities to prevent residents from consuming unwholesome water.

He appealed to the government to enhance the budgetary allocation to the agency to enable it do more, noting that paucity of funds were constraining its activities.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

IFRSWatch

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 19

20 | Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

INTERVIEW

‘No big deal in PDP winning Chief Ighoyota Amori, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, in this interview told OBIRE ONAKEMU that there was no big deal in PDP winning the Delta Central bye-election in 2011, as it was a victory well-deserved. He also spoke on the pressure mounted on him to step down for the eventual winner of the election and other issues.

Excerpts: What is your assessment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) victory in the Delta Central Senatorial bye-election?

RUE, we give all thanks to God for the victory achieved by our party – PDP in the Delta Central Senatorial bye-election. No doubts, it is a victory well-deserved because we worked very hard for it. And all the parameters it takes for winning elections were available and duly observed. There is no big deal in PDP winning the bye-election; irrespective of what happened in 2011. So, I believe it is a victory well-deserved; we worked hard for it and we achieved the results.

Equally, can you throw some light on the nature of pressure mounted on you to stepdown for the eventual winner of the election?

Well, it is true that so many of us indicated interests to contest the bye-election under the platform of the PDP. But the leadership of the party has to streamed-down the files of those wishing to contest the election. But that didn’t worth any rancour for the primary but what was important is for everybody to work together and deliver PDP. It’s just like seeking first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and all other things would be added unto you.

No doubt, everybody who contested was qualified to win the election. There was no screening that disqualifies anybody. We were all qualified to contest; we have all it takes to contest and win the election. But everybody cannot contest. There must be somebody in the forefront and all others would support. It is not only the senatorial election; it happens in every election even at the highest level of politicking. At the presidential level, it happens; at the governorship level, it happens; at the federal level, it happens; at the National Assembly level, it happens; at the house of assembly, chairmanship, councillorship and every other level of election, it does happen.

There are so many people who are willing to contest or qualify to contest but if the leadership at every stage decided that to avoid too many people in the race, they concentrate on one person. And when such messages come, any reasonable and right thinking person should obey the directives of the leadership of the party.

It was at that point that we were asked to step-down and then, give our support to the eventual candidate of the party and we all did and he won handsomely everywhere. And this means that we agreed to these directives from the national leadership of the party.

There is nothing unusual; it does happen. At times, even at our level, we also mount pressure on people below us to allow some anointed candidates to contest election.

So, when such pressures are mounted on us, we don’t see anything wrong on it. At the presidential level, it does happen. When one looks at the National Convention of PDP and not just only in PDP but in all political parties, so many people may indicate interests to contest one position or the other – either for the national chairmanship or the national secretary but at the waves of the leadership of the party that everybody cannot contest even though you are qualify. That some anointed candidates should only be allowed to contest and that is why Allahji Bamanga Tukur became the national chairman of the PDP. So, there is really nothing wrong in stepping down for another candidate. What is important today is that we are all winners; PDP has won and we have won. So, in one way or the other, it is better to say that “we have won” than to say “ I have won”.

Now that the Urhobos have joined main-

T

Amori stream politics, what are your expectations from the Federal Government?

Well, the excuse for the apparent marginalisation of the Urhobos at several levels of administration in the country has been that the Urhobos, in a way, are playing opposition politics. And that is what we are set to correct because opposition doesn’t pay at all. And now that, that is behind us, the Urhobos need to be at the limelight at every level of governance in this country; not just at the national level but at every level of governance so that there would be no excuse.

We came out; took it as a challenge and we gave our maximum vote to the PDP in the Delta Central Senatorial Election which was so pronounced for everybody to see. And I know in the way the Urhobos have shown now, comes any other election, the Urhobos

would do more. This is how we used to do it and this is the way we have done it. There is no doubt that the efforts of the Urhobo people would be reciprocated by the people at the top level since we have done PDP proud!

What are your perspectives on the chances of an Urhobo man emerging governor in 2015 in Delta State?

The race for the 2015 governorship for Delta State is open to all senatorial districts. Any Urhobo man who is willing and capable is very much free to contest. At least, we have the votes and we have the population. So, whoever is willing and capable should come out to market and make himself available to the entire state and the country.

This governorship race is not just to be determined by a quantum of supporters that one has in his home or in his senatorial district.

The race for the 2015 governorship for Delta State is open to all senatorial districts. Any Urhobo man who is willing and capable is very much free to contest. At least, we have the votes and we have the population. So, whoever is willing and capable should come out to market and make himself available to the entire state and the country.

There are other external factors. So, one must be ready to build-up to expectations like any other candidates from Delta South or Delta North who is contesting. No one should be expected to sit at home and expected manna to fall down from heaven; whether one has the population or not and expecting people would give you the support. One must work hard for it. Victory can’t just be achieved on a platter of Gold; one must work very hard for it.

Just as we did for this last election, anyone who really wants to contest should make themselves available; get themselves ready; gird up their loins; reach out to whoever he wants to reach out to at both the state and national levels and commit the entire electoral race to God. And if God is really on your side, if He blesses and favours you, then, of course, you win.

How would you react to speculations that Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru may join the PDP? Yes, the symbol of the PDP is an umbrella; the umbrella is big enough to accommodate everybody. Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru is very much welcome to the PDP; we have enough heads at the PDP, especially at the national level.

So, he is welcome! Personally, I would advise him that he should join the PDP. And that is the truth; nothing, but the truth. If only he wants to make any marks in politics, he should join the PDP! He is very much welcome! We are all Urhobos; there is no need for us to disrespect and fight ourselves.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour says in my father’s house, there are many mansions; that if it were not so, He would have told us.

In the same vein, there are many mansions in PDP. His elder brother, Chief Julius Ogboru has come down to join the PDP; he was truly welcome and he has been given an appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on community matters. And that is to tell you that the umbrella of PDP is wide open for everybody.

So, Chief Great Ogboru is very much welcome to join the PDP! Then, what is your take on the controversies that greeted the Proposed National Conference?

I don’t see any controversy. It’s just that it is only the western part of Nigeria that is trying to blow hot and cold. One could remember that the issue of National Conference was heavily pre-dominated by the Yoruba people and is so tough in convening a conference.

Now, President Goodluck Jonathan has danced to their demand of convening a conference. The purpose of the conference is not to politicise. At any time, somebody must call the conference. If ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo didn’t call the conference then President Goodluck Jonathan can call the conference. The country cannot continue to live like this; at a point no, matter how the disagreement, we must sit down and talk.

The Yoruba want everybody to sit down and talk; now that the opportunity has come, let us sit down and talk.

Some people are of the opinion that this conference is being called by President Jonathan to score political point in 2015. At what point do you think this conference must be called?

We are in democracy! At anytime, somebody must call the conference. Let us sit-down and talk! The leadership of the Advisory committee is a Yoruba man. He was a senator and he is a man with a cool, fertile mind. So, there is no need over much ado about nothing. Let us sit down and talk on how do we want this country to be governed. Then, what is bad there! There must be a way out in this country.

When the conference was proposed, rights at an airport in the United States of America (USA), one of the APC members said that his party didn’t support the conference. And they were the ones calling for conference and now, the conference has come! So, as for me and those of us in the Niger Delta, we are 100% in support of the National Conference. It’s good for all of us to sit down and discuss our problems and find a solution. We cannot continue to throw stones at each other. We must sit down and talk; so, the conference is necessary; it is welcome and wholeheartedly supported by our own people.

Are you really sure that Mr. President is sincere on this national conference project?

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

21

INTERVIEW

Delta Central bye-election’ This is not issue of Mr. President; It is an issue of Nigerians. We are sincere! It is not Mr. President who is going to talk there; It is our collective wish. Let us sit down and do something. We should forget about the president; he is just an individual like all of us. Already, somebody has made a pronouncement that let us convene a sovereign committee to recommend the way we should live in this country.

So, whether the president is sincere or not, nobody force him to do it. If only we sit and by the time we finish talking and come out with a decision, we can now confront the president to implement the ways Nigerians want.

But if there is nothing for the president to implement, then, why do you hold the him responsible? One can’t hold the president responsible! Forget about whether the president is there! You ask yourself: I’m I sincere? If only you are sincere, the president is sincere!

But if you are not sincere, the president would not be sincere!

And now, do you think the 2015 election is feasible without national dialogue?

I don’t see any relationship between the National Conference and the 2015 election.

The 2015 election has been programmed to happen in 2015. Its not part of the condition that there must be a National Conference to precede 2015. It has nothing to do with it!

The country is developing. What we are doing now, the Americans did it long, long times ago. And even the British, the same thing. So, for us to propel forward, let us do something! We have been experiencing so many things. What has happened in the past is different from what is going to happen now. There has been no real conference of the Nigerian citizens before now.

All those committee set up either by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and others cannot be regarded as conferences. People refer to Oputa Panel and others, those are just panels; they are not conferences; they are just panels for a particular purpose but this National Conference is based on the entire country coming together to sit down and talk. It has nothing to do with the election of 2015. The 2015 election would take place while this conference would outline 2015 election.

And President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the decision of this conference would be committed to the National Assembly. How can somebody be more sincere than this? If this conference comes out to say that we should go parliamentary, the National Assembly would give it a stamp of authority.

What else? It is Nigerians who decided that this is how this country should be and not the president of the country. It is we – Nigerians who took the decision and that is why it has to have stamp and authority of the National Assembly to put a final statement before the president.

I don’t see how one can reconcile 2015 with the national conference. If it is because of 2015 we wouldn’t do anything, let us just go and sleep; that we wouldn’t eat, work or do anything because of 2015. Not many people who really care who rule them in Nigeria. Not many people care! What is important is that let us be properly governed. Whoever rule this country is free to rule; provided there is an atmosphere that is conductive to live our normal lives.

As an Urhobo man, what do you think your people should take to the conference?

Truly, I cannot say anything now! This is because a lot of meetings and committees are being considered by Urhobo people to come up with a position or a stand. It is not for one person to make a final proposal of what the Urhobos should take to the conference. What I know and of which I believe in the minds of so many Urhobo people is the issue of resource control that is of great paramount in our life.

The creations of more federal and state constituencies for the Urhobo nation are also of great value. And also of the issues of revenue allocation is also of great concern. And of course, states and federal constituencies should be created based on population. If one should look at it today, the Urhobos are cheated when it comes to the number of local governments and federal constituencies that we have; where people with more far less population, have more local governments and federal constituencies than the Urhobo and these are areas, in a way put us at a disadvantaged positions.

Amori These are some of the things that we need to present forward. And of course, the creation of state for the Urhobo is equally there. It is often said that the population of Urhobo people are more than several countries in the world. No doubt, it is clear that we go for creation of states, increase of federal constituencies in Urhobo land, state constituencies, resource control and many others.

Individuals and groups would come up with more demand! But these are the few that I think are agitating the minds of my people – the Urhobos.

What is your position on the security challenges in the country?

There are so many factors creating insecurity in this country. If only I go about addressing them, it is going to take a lot of time; but I believe that if we are able to provide jobs for people, most of our youths who are into crimes today because of idleness would not be there. It is well known that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Due to joblessness, a lot of people take to crimes. And the fact that they are not gainfully employed, the only way they believe they can make it is to take to crime.

We haven’t created an environment that has absolved a lot of our youths by removing them from the streets so that crimes can be reduced. And in addition, our lifestyles are too flamboyant and ostentatious that people try to copy from people who are living above their means. And as such, even if they don’t have the means, they want to live like that

and take to crimes.

But on the whole, transparency should be institutionised in this country so that people’s wealth can be traced. And if you are living above an income, then, such thing should be questioned. Once people know that any affluence in their wealth can be questioned, people would play down on ostentatious life.

In the developed countries, any kobo that enters the account is monitored; one cannot carry physical cash to the bank; in fact, the bank would be the one to report you. Physical cash, quantity of money deposited on the account or withdrawn anyhow can be subjected to questioning! And even your own money becomes a problem to you! And that is why Nigeria is even trying to introduce cashless economy.

When you see people with expensive cars and with several cars, when others don’t have and nobody query them for the source of all these stupendous wealth. People tend to imitate that if this man can make it through a means that cannot be explained, then, I too should

try to make it through that same means. This man was not caught and nobody queried him and so, let me do the same.

There are several things responsible for crimes in the society but the main one is the joblessness that has made a lot of our youths to stare at the future without hope and thus makes the opportunity of crimes opens to them. But if that job opportunity is there, the thoughts of crime would never occur to them.

Do you concur that kidnappers should be granted amnesty too?

My answer to that is no! There is no way kidnappers should be granted amnesty.

Kidnapers are not agitators; they are not freedom fighters; they are criminals. Then, why do you want to grant amnesty to criminals? If every criminal have amnesty, then, let all of us take to crime and be granted amnesty.

There is no way that any right thinking person would support the call for kidnappers to be granted amnesty. They are not freedom fighters; they are not agitators; they are criminals. Agitators and freedom fighters can have amnesty but kidnappers shouldn’t be granted amnesty!

Then, how do you see to the Uduaghan’s philosophy of ‘Delta beyond Oil’?

In the first place, it is a well thought-off programme by the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Ewatan Uduaghan. Now, the economy of the country and the states are dependant on oil. It’s like everybody believes that the oil will be there forever and so, let us continue to depend on it. But geologically speaking, one catastrophe that has happened in the past can wipe everything out. In times past, everybody in the North depended on groundnuts while in the West it is Cocoa.

And in the East, it is palm oil. Nobody saw North beyond groundnuts, “West beyond cocoa” and “East beyond palm oil”. They thought that was the end of life. But today, is that era of groundnut, cocoa and palm oil still in existence? They are no longer there!

This is what Governor Uduaghan has realised that makes him to meander into “Delta Beyond Oil”. And now, even the Federal Government can borrow a leaf from Delta so that it wouldn’t just be “Delta Beyond Oil” but “Nigeria Beyond Oil”.

There are assets that are there forever. The federal government can invest in agriculture, education, technology and others.

Whatever money that is being realised from oil, should be invested immediately. What makes Europe to be as it is today is not oil.

There was industrial revolution in Europe.

And everything around us and in the world us today is as a result of that industrial revolution in Europe. They were not dependent on oil. As at today, the United Kingdom (UK), even though they have oil is in everyway in small quantity compare to what they need.

One can never see fuel shortage in the UK because they have planned ahead, ahead, ahead. Not even one day would one experience fuel shortage; in fact, it is not in their dictionary. Children born 100 years ago have never had of what is called fuel shortage! It is the product of the industrial revolution that they used to stabilise their economy.

And that is why they have constant lights of 24 hours. They have good roads, good schools and every good thing one can think of. In fact, they are ready to develop again and that is why they are going to the moon –“Going Beyond the Moon”. They have conquered the world! Today, if one go to the United Kingdom (UK) and say that you want to renovate their schools; you want to tar roads; first of all, it would be a minus for you.

This is because roads had been tarred long, long ago; schools had been built long, long ago and in fact, everything had been done long, long ago.

And now, what is left for them is to conquer other places because they have really planned ahead and that is what Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan says that: let us not depend on only oil. And I believe that Nigeria should adopt same: “Nigeria Beyond Oil”.

There are so many people who are willing to contest or qualify to contest but if the leadership at every stage decided that to avoid too many people in the race, they concentrate on one person. And when such messages come, any reasonable and right thinking person should obey the directives of the leadership of the party.

22

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Insurance&You

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com Published in association with

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 25

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

i-Tech&Telecoms BPO as elixir for telecoms growth, capacity development Besides the fact that Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) tackles the challenge of increasing competition and lean resources available to a firm, it can also boost local content in terms of job creation as witnessed in the telecommunications industry.

ADEYEMI ADEPETUNwrites.

USINESS Processing Outsourcing (BPO) service in Nigeria is still at the developing stage and this could be attributed to lack of information about its modus operandi and benefits. It is mostly deplored in the telecommunications industry.

Outsourcing is an arrangement in which one company provides services for another that could also be or usually have been provided inhouse.

BPO is typically categorized into back office outsourcing, and front office outsourcing, which includes customer-related services such as contact center services.

Lack of reliable estimates has made it difficult for researchers to analyse the trend and predict the future of the BPO market, but globally today, Information Technology outsourcing/BPO industry is estimated to be worth over $600 billion, with a few countries benefiting from it. Nigeria is however, yet to explore these opportunities.

Indeed, reports have it that India is one of the leading IT outsourcing destinations in the world with about $10.9 billion revenues from offshore BPO and $30 billion from the IT industry yearly. India does not only control about six per cent of the global BPO industry, it also commands 63 per cent share of the offshore outsourcing, which represents those contracted outside a company’s country.

Other locations like Philippines and South Africa have emerged to take a share of the market. BPO firms include Tech Mahindra; Spanco among others.

Report has it that the South African call center industry has grown and directly employs about 74 000 people, contributing over 0.92 per cent to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).

China, accordingly, is also trying to grow from a very small base in this industry.

However, while the BPO industry is expected to continue to grow in India, its market share of the offshore piece is expected to decline. The Philippines has overtaken India as the largest call center industry in the world in 2010. After growing 20 per cent in 2012, the BPO industry of the Philippines is estimated to gross revenue of upwards to $25 billion by 2016. By these estimates, the Philippines’ BPO industry will account for approximately 10 per cent of the nation’s GDP. Analysts said that Eastern Europe was also an emerging BPO destination. Report has it that in 2010, 33,000 jobs were moved to Eastern European countries.

While the overall size of the industry and the number of developers in Eastern Europe is

B

A call centre owned by MTN Nigeria lower than India, the knowledge of European languages such as French, Spanish, German and Italian by many Eastern Europeans, as well as the overall high quality of education in these locations, allows the BPO industry in this region to continue to grow.

For example, the region has an estimated 17.2 million people with a tertiary education, compared to 13.6 million in India, making it an attractive choice for BPO, especially if more specialised projects are to be outsourced.

Nigeria is considered as having the potential of becoming a major BPO hub in West Africa but not much has been done by the government to harness this potential.

According to experts, Nigeria was blessed with both human and material resources, coupled with a decent English accent that could sell across the globe if the process was full explored. They argued that BPO could to a large extent bridge the growing armies of unemployed graduates in the country.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators (ALTON) and Group Chief Executive Officer of Communications Network Support Services Limited (CNSSL), Gbenga Adebayo, at a facility tour of CNSSL Contact Centre Limited in Lagos, a firm, which is into BPO, said the process helps increase a company’s flexibility, adding that in early 2000s BPO was all about cost efficiency, which allowed a certain level of flexibility at the time.

While advising governments to promote local content business process outsourcing, Adebayo said that such move would reduce the cases of capital flight in the country, reduce the rising rate of unemployment and help the country to earn some foreign exchange.

According to him, CNSSL had employed over 6000 Nigerian graduates across the six locations of the call centre, which the firm operates for MTN Nigeria. They included Lagos, which has three, Kano, Kaduna and Ilorin. He added that over two million in-bound calls were attended to daily at the centres.

Adebayo, who said that if other telecommunications firm in the country could also explore the process, there was ample evidences that the sector would further bridge the unemployment gap in the country and contribute significantly to the GDP. He added that the telecoms industry had provided significant support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to thrive, which had helped in job creation.

Adebayo said: “The industry is one of the highest employers of labour and of course the highest contributor to our national human capital

BPO can help a company to become more flexible by transforming fixed into variable costs. A variable cost structure helps a company responding to changes in required capacity and does not require a company to invest in assets, thereby making the company more flexible. Outsourcing may provide a firm with increased flexibility in its resource management and may reduce response times to major environmental changes

development.

“At CNSSL, for instance, we are contributing our little best to national economic development. We are one of the highest employers of labour in the telecoms industry today, with over 6,000 graduate employee workforces.

“We saw an early opportunity in business process outsourcing and over the past seven years since our establishment, we have developed the capacity and human capital to support the telecoms industry in Nigeria and other sectors requiring our type of serv-

ices in the economy,” he stated.

He said that the main advantage of BPO was the way in which it helped increase a company’s flexibility, saying that most services provided by BPO vendors were offered on a fee-for-service basis, “This can help a company to become more flexible by transforming fixed into variable costs. A variable cost structure helps a company responding to changes

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 i-Tech & Telecoms 29

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Buyam.com.ng drives online trading with merchant services

By Adeyemi Adepetun UYAM.com.ng, an electronic commerce platform, is championing a new dimension in online supermarket, involving the aggregation of merchants.

Buyam.com.ng, a baby of Morpheus Limited, said it decided to carve a niche for itself by aggregating several merchants on its platform and make their services available to the teeming Nigerian and other online shoppers.

According to the Managing Director of Mopheus Limited, Emeka Mordi, with the current Internet penetration in Nigeria, approximately 30 per cent and a growing rate of 85 per cent per year, such presents an ample opportunity for economic development.

Mordi said that the unveiling of Buyam.com.ng, an e-retailer, was born out of passion to take advantage of the potential in online retail business, where customers access goods and services directly from merchants on the platform at no additional costs.

He added that the platform currently had about 108 merchants, including Park ‘n’ Shop; CFAO; BIC; OUCH; Kachifo; McGraw Hill; Cassavarepublic among others.

He explained that the modality of the firm’s operation was to display the products and services of the various merchants on the platform and allow customers to make their choice from any of them and “such products are delivered. Our logistic is handled by DHL Express and supplemented by our own in-house logistics firm, Thanet Deliveries Limited.

“Merchants are not allowed to handle delivery themselves as this a key point of failure in the

B

Regional Operations Manager, South, MultiChoice Nigeria; Saliu Aliu (left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bayelsa State, Durban Whyte and Chief Eexecutive Officer, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Ltd, Mrs. Ronke Bello, during the launch of additional 10 MultiChoice Resource Centres in Bayelsa State.

MultiChoice resource centre debuts in Bayelsa ULTICHOICE Nigeria, M provider of premium pay-TV services on the DStv and GOtv platforms has extended its major Corporate Social Investment project in the education sector, the MultiChoice Resource Centre (MRC) initiative, which it started in 2004 to 10 additional public secondary schools in Bayelsa Sate. The CSR initiative, which kickedoff in Abuja and Lagos State will avail students of 10 public schools in Bayelsa State access to world-class learning facilities.

The intervention comprises a TV set, a HD PVR decoder, satellite dish, a power generator, uninterrupted power system (UPS), a set of chairs and desks for the laboratory, in addition to training for teachers. The MRC facilitates

teaching and learning enhancement by enabling school children access educational TV channels that include: Education TV, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, BBC Knowledge, BBC World, History Channel, Animal Planet and Mindset Learn, at no cost.

The novel intervention which has been introduced to 274 schools in 27 states of the federation and proven to make critical impact on the knowledge levels and understanding especially of technical subject areas by students, is now within the reach of students of the public secondary schools in Bayelsa State, bringing the total to 284 in 28 states across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

A commemorative commis-

sioning ceremony of the 10 new MRC in Bayelsa State held at Saint Jude’s Secondary School, Yenagoa, on Thursday, January 16. The launch in Bayelsa is in furtherance of the ninth Phase of the MRC project, which include scheduled, launches in other beneficiary schools in some select states to be announced by the company.

The Commissioner for Education, Bayelsa State, Salo Adikumo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Education, Durban Whyte, lauded MultiChoice and its implementing partner, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited, for the initiative which she described as a veritable tool for the provision of valuable learning resource components for public schools

BPO can boosts telecoms capacity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 in required capacity and does not require a company to invest in assets, thereby making the company more flexible.

Outsourcing may provide a firm with increased flexibility in its resource management and may reduce response times to major environmental changes.”

Meanwhile, despite the enormous opportunities the BPO could offer Nigeria, several reports and experts have stated that the country has not explored it.

Indeed, during his visit to Nigeria in 2012, the Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), Prof. Tim Unwin said the organisation was ready to provide support for Nigeria in policy formulation and regulation development in order to be able to tap into the bourgeoning global BPO industry.

Unwin said: “The BPO sector is increasingly being focused on by national planners for economic growth. India is one of the leading BPO destinations, while Sri Lanka has set a target of $1 billion by 2015. Recently, both Ghana and Kenya launched studies to map out strategies to promote their BPO sectors.

“Ovum estimates that the global BPO sector will reach

$93.4 billion in 2015. In that context, it makes immense sense for Nigeria to consider promoting this sector. If the country decides to do so, the CTO is in a position to feed into the policy and regulation development, drawing on the lessons of a number of global BPO leaders such as India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.”

However, in a paper titled: ‘Tranforming Nigeria into Africa’s Off-shoring Hub’, presented by the Lead Economist, Finance and Private Sector Development, Africa Region, World Bank, Ismail Radwan, he lamented that the country had yet to utilise opportunities available in the outsourcing market, while South Africa, Egypt and Ghana had emerged as successful players.

The World Bank said that low broadband, high cost of connectivity and poor infrastructures were among factors preventing Nigeria from entering into the global BPO industry.

Already, Etisalat recently announced that it had inked an outsourcing deal with Chinese equipment manufacturing company, Huawei.

Under the arrangement, Huawei will be responsible for the operational management of Etisalat Nigeria’s IT services across technical infrastructure, application

management and user support.

However, the business planning, architecture and governance shall still be retained

by Etisalat Nigeria.

Presently, Etisalat has over 15 million subscribers and invested about $1.2 billion in various network upgrades in 2013.

Announcing the outsourcing partnership, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, said that the decision to outsource aspects of the company’s IT function followed the adoption of a new model, which was effectively aligned with the corporate vision of creating more value for customers by improving quality, reducing costs, embedding innovation, and increasing the speed of delivery.

He added that the outsourcing arrangement would in no way led to the lay-off of IT staff as was often feared under such circumstances. “Our overall aim is to improve efficiencies, leverage capabilities and improve training and development for our employees. About 75 per cent of the current IT staff will be transferred to Huawei with comparable terms of employment and compensation, so that no one will be worse off,” Willsher explained.

across the country.

“The MultiChoice Resource Centre project, which provides valuable learning resource components for 10 selected public schools in the State of Bayelsa to support the government’s efforts especially at a time when the Chief Executive Officer of the State, Governor Dickson Seriake is leading a restoration agenda following his declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector, is a welcome development,” he said.

service delivery of many of them.”

Mordi noted that the growing middle class made up more than 23 per cent of the population presenting opportunities for entrants to create a safe and dynamic online retail service.

He explained that the site was essentially a platform to achieve one of the core objectives of the company, which is to create a web-based, global marketplace where a variety of products can be bought and sold.

Mordi who stated that the site covers Nigeria and will eventually expand throughout the African continent said: “Buyam.com.ngis basically an online shopping mall which officially launched operations in April 2013. With over a 108 registered retailers; stocking everything from electronics, books, to fashion and health care, we fully intend to meet the needs of our rapidly growing customer base.”

On customer security, he said: “Special efforts and measures have gone into fraud detection and prevention. Transaction repudiation and full consumer protection will be provided, so our customers can shop in a safe and secure environment.”

According to him, the growing eCommerce space was still underutilised, stressing that the significant opportunity driven by large consumer market (approximately 50 million people) and the lack of efficiency in current online portals in the country.

Mordi, who said that Nigerian businesses ware yet to capitalise on this opportunity provided by the Internet, “this is due to concerns relating to the reliability and security of business transactions online.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

26 i-Tech & Telecoms Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Etisalat hires bank to oversee sale of Nigerian masts

By Adeyemi Adepetun, with agency report ELECOMMUNICATIONS firm, Etisalat is said to be considering selling its Nigerian towers and to achieve this, has hired Standard Bank as its advisor for the proposed sale, according to Reuters.

Etisalat Nigeria owns about 2,500 towers worth $150,000 each, but is said to be keen on selling them due the high cost attached with managing telecommunications towers in the country.

“Johannesburg-based Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, has been hired due to its local presence and expertise in the African country,” two sources close to matter told Reuters.

Etisalat Nigeria is jointly owned by UAE-based Etisalat and Abu Dhabi equity fund Mubadala, controlling 40 per

T

cent and 30 per cent respectively.

Analysts are of the opinion that a potential sale could attract revenue of up to $400 million for the Gulf telecom giant.

Infrastructural deficiencies and poor security often raise the cost of operating towers in Nigeria, with companies forced to source alternatives to public electricity by acquiring generators, while cases of vandalized towers forces firms to spend more on maintenance or replacement.

Such additional costs is said to be pushing telecommunications operators towards trading off their assets to tower-focused companies such as IHS, Helios and Eaton Towers, with MTN selling 1,200 Rwandan and Zambian assets to IHS last year.

In an interview with The

Telecoms mast

Guardian, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mattew Willsher did say that a lot of transformation would be coming up to the Nigerian arm.

According to him, Etisalat currently controls 14 per cent of the Nigerian market with about 16 million customers with the hope of doubling that effort soonest.

He said the firm tracks the quality of service on the network, stressing that this is done to ensure the services are good, stressing that the mobile still remain huge access to the Internet, “by so doing we are going to ensure that our services are up and running. 2014 is a crucial year for us on service improvement; BTS upgrades; network expansion; eCommerce services and making ubiquitous broadband services available to Nigerians.”

China launches own smartphone operating system HINA has developed its C own Linux based smartphone OS in a move that the developers hope will reduce their reliance on Android and other foreign software platforms.

The China Operating System (COS) is the country’s second attempt to promote a homegrown smartphone platform though, following a little used OPhone platform.

This time, China’s ISCAS (Institute of Software at the Chinese Academy of Sciences) has

teamed up with a company by the name of Shanghai Liantong to develop what it said was a completely new smartphone OS. At the launch, the head of ISCAS critisised Apple for being a closed OS, and Android for the fragmentation of its different software platforms.

The big unanswered question though is not so much whether handset manufacturers can be lured into supporting COS, but whether app developers will support it. The

range of apps and availability of popular apps on a smartphone OS is increasingly the key selling point when a consumer chooses a smartphone.

COS has the advantage of being government backed, which in China means that local app developers will come under ever so subtle pressure to port their apps to the new platform.

One area of where the OS may gain traction over Android is that apps will have to go through an Apple-style valida-

tion process and can only be sold on the official app store.

That may reassure Chinese consumers in a market where Android apps are often pirated and infected with malware.

Although claimed to be homegrown, it is based on Linux, and shares a lot of common styles with existing smartphone platforms. In fact, COS has already been nicknamed Copy Other System by some skeptical consumers.

NIMC extends NIN registration to Saturdays

By Adeyemi Adepetun HE National Identity ManT agement Commission (NIMC) has extended the national identity card enrolment from weekdays to include Saturdays, beginning from January 18, 2014 in Abuja and Lagos.

According to the Director General of the Commission, Chris Onyemenam, the extension would avail the commission the opportunity to register more Nigerians.

Onyemenam said that NIMC was ``in a hurry” to meet the target President Goodluck Jonathan set for it.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has given NIMC the mandate to register all Nigerians and all legal residents from age 16 years and above by December 31, 2014.

“In a bid to meet the presidential mandate, therefore, NIMC has put all necessary measures in place to commence Saturday enrolment for the National Identification Number (NIN) in Abuja and Lagos from Saturday, January 18, 2014.

“This is to avail more Nigerians the opportunity to enroll.

We are soliciting the cooperation of all eligible Nigerians and legal residents in the country to make the project successful,” he said.

Onyemenam said that NIMC’s offices would continue to open to applicants from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm, while Saturdays’ enrolment would be from 9am to 4pm.

The Director General said that

the commission had set-up a pre-enrolment portal: www.ninenrol.gov.ng where applicants could fill their biodata online.

According to him, applicants could thereafter visit any NIMC enrolment centre nearest to them with the printed 2D barcode summary sheet for capturing of the fingerprints and the facial photo.

“In addition, applicants will be required to come with any form of identification like international passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, court certified declaration of age, or official work place identity card.

“Former national identity card, INEC voter’s card or signed letter of certification from a traditional ruler carrying the photograph of the applicant will also be accepted for the final enrolment process.

“However, the photograph of the applicant must be on any of the identification documents to enable the final capture of the applicant’s bio data at any of our enrolment centres nationwide,” he said.

He called on all applicants to take advantage of the enrolment centres in Abuja, the states and Local Government Areas to have their information captured in a single national database.

Onyeamenam explained that the new ID card had multiple benefits for the country and its citizens ranging from national security to improved international image.

i-Tech & Telecoms Wednesday, January 22, 2014 27

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Imoke lauds Smartgov intervention on IGR

By Taiwo Hassan OVERNOR of Cross River G State, Liyel Imoke has lauded the introduction of

Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson (middle), the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Peter Igoh (right) and Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, at a recent telecommunications forum in Lagos.

Globacom guarantees improved data connections in W’Africa ATIONAL Operator, GlobaN com has said that more West Africans would enjoy fast data services and better voice quality as the network continued to extend its fibre optic coverage and pushed the last mile connections of its submarine cable further hinterland in countries where the Glo 1 cable had landings.

Speaking at the 2013 edition of the Glo CAF Awards in Lagos, Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga jr. said that the firm had made arrangements to deploy the best telecommunications technology to sustain a robust network that would continuously offer customers worldclass mobile and data services.

Adenuga said that subscribers in the West African

sub region through the Glo 1 armoured submarine cable and roaming facilities were guaranteed seamless communications in Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.

“We want to assure you that we will continue to invest huge resources in developing and maintaining a communications technology that is second to none in Africa, just as we will not relent in our vision to support African football in the global football space,” he said.

Indeed, the firm informed that its intervention in the telecommunications sector in Africa had deepened broadband penetration and telecommunications infrastructure, putting affordable

voice and data communications at the fingertips of millions who otherwise would not have had quality connections.

Globacom said that it entered the telecoms sector in 2003 as the 4th operator and as second national carrier with superior technology, more advanced value added offerings and pocket-friendly services.

Being an innovative telecoms firm, Globacom hinted that it broke the tradition of joining a consortium to build a submarine cable network by single-handedly providing the high capacity Glo 1 optic fibre cable. This brought direct connectivity between West Africa, the UK and the rest of the world.

“The 9,800 km long cable pro-

vides huge bandwidth capacity on its 2-fibre pair system.

The Glo 1 cable provides excess bandwidth to all the cities connected to the cable. The outcome of this is the robust connectivity for voice, data and video and it has the potential to connect 16 West African countries through the branching units to the rest of the world. Some of the countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, among others Ghana are already benefiting from the Glo 1 revolution,” the firm added.

Smartgov platform, pointing out that it would help to generate more Internal Revenue Generation (IGR) for the state.

The governor made the announcement during the presentation of the 2014 budget to the state assembly in Calabar recently.

According to Imoke, more state governments in the country should endeavour to key in into the platform because of its usefulness in curbing monetary issues.

He, however, stressed that the state was proud to have embrace the service provider in solving its economic loopholes.

The Smartgov is an identity management and e-payment infrastructure for state governments, first deployed in Cross River State, which can be used to raise new revenues.

Smartgov was developed by Interswitch and deployed in 2011, in partnership with the Cross River State Government (CRSG).

The move reflected CRSG’s determination to improve governance, accountability and access to social services for citizens, and Interswitch’s position as the leading provider of e-payment technologies in Nigeria.

The initiative was delivered through the joint venture company Smartgov.CRSG Limited.

By using Smartgov, state governments are able to auto-

mate ministries, departments and agencies, identify all citizens and residents, track and monitor usage of social services, enhance internally generated revenue and automate disbursements and payments by government.

By doing so, enabling the state government to grow revenue, eliminate wastage, simplify governance and increase access to government services.

The Smartgov project has enabled CRSG to create a statewide identity management system for residents and corporate in the state (the first state in sub-Saharan Africa) while biometric-based identity cards have also been issued, providing cardholders with access to healthcare, pension, transportation, educational bursaries, social amenities and social benefits.

Besides, Smartgov has facilitated the automation of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) revenue sources and services and the reduction of government processing cost.

Speaking on the scheme, Jonah Adams, managing director, Smartgov.CRSG Limited, said: “We are extremely proud of our achievements to date in Cross River State and the renewed commitment from CRSG to extend the use of the Smartgov identity management and epayment infrastructure to eliminate wastage and grow revenues.

“It is our mission to help state governments to offer their citizens a more efficient service and better value for money,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

28 i-Tech & Telecoms Wednesday, January 22, 2014

2.3GHz auction: Giving broadband penetration a new drive

By Bankole Orimisan HE ongoing plans by the T Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to auction fresh spectrum in the 2.3GHz frequency band is set to lead to broadband explosion that would make high-speed Internet services more accessible to Nigerians businesses, government and individual telecoms consumers.

Nigeria’s telecoms industry is on the verge of witnessing another revolution that will speed up broadband Internet penetration in the country, a development that will be made possible by the ongoing activities by the Nigerian Communications Commission to auction new spectrum that will be used to deliver high-speed Internet services to Nigerians.

12 years after liberalising telecommunications sector in Nigeria, the sector has grown in leaps and bounds, but only mobile segment is the most active and fastest and fastest growing segment of the Nigerian telecommunications industry with a subscriber base of 121.3 million and a penetration/teledensity of 86.62 per cent as at the end of the third quarter of 2013.

As at 2001, telecoms subscriptions in the country stood at around 400, 000 fixed lines while teledensity stood at 0.73 per cent.

On the other hand, data or Internet services are still relatively underdeveloped despite having grown significantly in the past years.

As at 2004, Internet penetration, based on percentage of Internet users per population, was at only three per cent but as at the end of 2011, it was estimated to be about 28 per cent.

In 2012, percentage of Internet users moved to 32.9 per cent but industry experts said that that might have increased to more than 36 per cent at the end of December, last year, with more than 55 million people connected to the Internet compared to 121.3 million with active telephone subscriptions.

However, the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has declared that in spite of the steady growth in Internet, broadband penetration was still very low at six per cent.

This is in spite of the over 10 terabytes of bandwidth capacity available in the country, made possible by the landing of international submarine/ fibre optic cables such as Glo 1, Main One and the West Africa Cable System, but which are still heavily lying in the sea shores.

For instance, the Chief Executive Officer, Main One, Ms Funke Opeke, has disclosed that only about five per cent of the bandwidth capacity available on Main One undersea cable was used, leaving 95 per cent of the capacity redundant, though available for use.

Other cables are facing similar under-utilisation challenge as they are facing the problem of last-mile connec-

NCC Building tivity, especially without available spectrum to deploy the capacity to make broadband service variables and accessible to Nigerians.

It was this challenge of low broadband penetration that the NCC decided to address through its ongoing activities to license fresh spectrum that will be used in deploying broadband services, which will help businesses and individuals in the area of efficiency and productivity.

Throughout 2013, consultations on the best approach to license the remaining block of the 2.3 GHz spectrum in a way that would produce maximum economic value for government and the telecoms consumers, whose demand for broadband services had refuse to wane in recent years.

A spectrum auction is a process whereby a government uses an auction system to sell the rights (licences) to transmit signals over specific bands of the electromagnetic spectrum and to assign scarce spectrum resources.

Depending on the specific auction format used, a spectrum auction can last from a single day to several months from the opening bid to the final winning bid.

Though, some stakeholders have opposed NCC’s plan of auction to determine the licensee of the spectrum, the Commission has determined that an auction was a “fair, transparent and efficient process of assigning the spectrum.”

Licensing of the remaining

30MHz of the 2.3GHz spectrum, it was leant, was predicated on demands by operators for additional spectrum to enable the provision of wireless broadband services in line with international trends.

Though Internet users in Nigeria continue to grow, the Ministry of Communication Technology currently estimates the actual broadband Internet access penetration at about six per cent and for this to grow five-fold by 2017, licensing of the 2.3GHz spectrum has become imperative.

Already, the NCC had released the timetable on the auction process, which has begun in earnest, even as the licensee of spectrum is expected to merger by March 14, 2014.

In the meantime, the NCC had placed a minimum offer price of $23 million (about N3.6 billion) on the spectrum band to be auctioned to a sole provider of wholesale broadband services this year.

According to the NCC-released Information Memorandum, IM, which defines the process for licensing of unpaired spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band by the commission, the auction is in furtherance of the objectives of the federal government, as set out in the Nigerian National ICT Policy 2012 and the National Broadband Plan 2013, towards driving broadband penetration.

As a necessary prelude to the licensing process, the Commission had conducted series of stakeholder consultations to determine the demand level for spectrum, the ap-

proach to licensing and the potential interest of the consumers amongst other objectives.

As a result, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, said: “Based on the positive outcome of the consultations and the direction of the National Broadband Plan, the Commission has decided to undertake an auction to award a spectrum licence to build and operate networks in this spectrum band to provide Wholesale Wireless Access Services, WWASL in Nigeria.”

To qualify to bid in the auction process, the Commission said that applicants would not have to be licensed network operators in Nigeria.

“However, the successful bidder will be granted a WWASL and specified fee to be paid before the licence will be issued. The tenure for the WWASL licence will be 10 years, subject to renewal.

It would be recalled that the formal licensing process started with the issuance of Public Notice No. 1/2013 on November 15, 2013 and continued with the release of the Information Memorandum, inviting parties to participate.

The release of the IM, NCC noted, would be followed by a period for the submission of questions to the Commission relating directly to the licensing process defined in the IM. “All additional information including the answers to questions raised during the process will be made available through the Commission’s website and will form part of this IM. The identity of

questioners will not be revealed,” NCC says in IM. The spectrum is considered to be a valuable national resource for which commercials opportunities exist. The reserve price for a 10-year licence, which is set at $23 million, is the minimum commercial value of the licence.

According to the timetable of the auction process, the opening bid would be determined by the Commission as a reserve price plus the bid increments for the first round.

The opening bid shall be the minimum acceptable bid for the licence in the opening round of the auction.

On completion of the auction, the successful bidder will be deemed to have been awarded a provisional licence.

The successful bidder will, then, be required to pay the balance of the spectrum licence fee due to the Commission within 14 days from the date of the award of the provisional licence on March 14, 2014.

Since the deregulation of the telecoms sector, the NCC had chosen auction process as the transparent and fair way to allocate spectrum and not through arbitrary allocation to allocate spectrum to a particular region instead of another.

In 2001, the Commission licensed three digital mobile operators through an auction process that is widely adjudged to have been highly successful and transparent.

The licensing of a second national carrier and the fourth

digital mobile operator in 2002 followed this.

The Nigerian Communications Act was signed into law in 2003 to strengthen the regulatory framework as well as to enhance the independence of the regulator.

By the end of 2004, there were two national carriers, four digital mobile operators and 24 fixed telephony providers of which six were Fixed Wireless Access operators.

In 2006, the NCC introduced the Unified Access Service Licensees, UASL, regime, to enable operators to take advantage of convergence in services and technology in order to offer better service.

In 2007, the Commission awarded a further UASL and spectrum licence to Etisalat, bringing the number of parties with national mobile licensees to five.

In addition, in 2007, the Commission award licences to Visafone in the 800MHz band, Alheri Engineering Company Limited in the 2100MHz, Celtel Nigeria Limited (now Airtel Nigeria) in the 2100MHz band, Globacom Limited in the 2100MHz band and MTN Nigeria Communications Limited in the 2100MHz band.

In 2008, the Commission issued International Submarine cable Infrastructure and Landing Stations Services licences to Main One Company Limited and subsequently to MTN in 2010.

In 2009, the Commission awarded the 2.3GHz spectrum to Spectranet Limited and Mobitel Nigeria Limited.

32 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 33

34 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

34 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

i-Tech & Telecoms Wednesday, January 22, 2014 35

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

BlackBerry surges on continued Pentagon dominance LACKBERRY Ltd. (BB) surged the most in more B than three years after the U.S. Department of Defense said the company’s smartphones would account for 98 per cent of devices in one of its new networks.

About 80,000 BlackBerrys and 1,800 phones and tablets based on Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iOS software and Google Inc. (GOOG)’s Android operating system will start being hooked up to the Department of Defense’s management system at the end of this month, the Defense Information Systems Agency said in a statement last week.

BlackBerry rose 10 per cent to C$10.99 at 12:26 p.m. in Toronto. Earlier it jumped as much as 18 percent, the most intraday since April 2009. After tumbling 33 percent last year, the stock has gained 40 percent this year.

The Waterloo, Ontariobased company has been losing market share to Apple and Android devices for years as its devices failed

BB Q10 to carry the same features and range of consumer-focused applications as the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy range. John Chen, who took

PHOTO:BLOOMBERG over as chief executive officer in November, is reorienting the company toward its core of business and government users, pledging to

predominantly make models fitted with BlackBerry’s traditional physical keyboard in the future.

The report shows that

Nokia under pressure to boost network sales okia is expected to show a N steep fall in network equipment sales in its results this week, highlighting the challenge facing management after selling its once mighty handset division to Microsoft for 5.4 billion euros ($7.3 billion).

Improved profitability at Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) due to cost cutting have helped cushion the company’s declining handset business in recent quarters.

But with major projects in South Korea and Japan coming to an end, the NSN business, the bulk of Nokia’s entire business after the handsets sale, is expected to report a 19 percent fall in fourth-quarter sales to 3.2 billion euros and a 17 percent fall for the whole of 2013 to 11.4 billion euros. Results are due on Thursday.

The decline for NSN would follow a 26 per cent fall in third-quarter sales and come as scale has become increasingly crucial to competing against the industry leader for wireless networks, Ericsson, and China’s Huawei, particularly due to high research and development costs.

NSN’s chief Rajeev Suri, in an interview with Reuters in November, confirmed the company was now prioritizing revenue growth even if it

meant a trade-off in profit.

Analysts said NSN must demonstrate that shift in coming quarters, and that markets will accept a dip in margins as long as they don’t fall too far below 8 to 10 percent.

NSN’s fourth-quarter adjusted operating margin is still likely to be high. The company forecast it will be around 12 per cent, plus or minus 4 percentage points, compared with eight per cent in the third quarter.

That’s higher than most rivals such as Ericsson, which reported an 8 percent operating margin last quarter as NSN’s restructuring program launched in late 2011 cut a quarter of its workforce and took the business out of low-margin projects.

Nokia Lumia

“It is possible that we won’t be seeing such high margins this year, but I’d rather see them starting to grow again,” said Inderes Equity Research analyst Mikael Rautanen.

Nordea Markets analyst Sami Sarkamies said Nokia’s challenge will be to find new business to make up for a decline in sales in Asia, where a year ago it was busy building out highspeed wireless broadband networks. Asia, including Greater China, accounted for around 41 percent of NSN’s 2.59 billion sales in the third quarter.

That won’t be easy. While telecoms operators are expected to spend more on network equipment in 2014 due to strong demand for high-speed 4G mobile broadband technology, competition is set to remain fierce.

Analysts expect Nokia’s results this week to also show a fall in its handset shipments. Quarterly smartphone shipments are expected to have risen 53 percent from a year earlier to 10.7 million while still lagging behind market leaders Samsung and Apple.

But results from the handset business, where revenues last year were estimated to have fallen by 26 percent to 11.6 billion euros, will be counted as discontinued operations, with the Microsoft deal expected to close shortly, pending regulatory approvals in China.

That leaves Nokia investors to focus on how Nokia will operate the rump business and how much of the sale proceeds will be reinvested or paid out to shareholders. Company sources said last week that the board was still finalizing details of Nokia’s new structure and leadership.

NSN’s Suri is widely seen as a leading contender for the CEO role, with investors happy with his track record of having turned NSN around.

Some sources familiar with recent talks, however, said Nokia’s CFO and interim president Timo Ihamuotila is also a top candidate, favored by those who see a future in Nokia’s HERE navigation software and its store of technology patents.

Those businesses will account for just 10 percent of the new company’s sales, with the rest coming from NSN, but some believe they could be used to help turn Nokia into a patent powerhouse or develop wireless services of the future.

As CFO, Ihamuotila has gained experience in mergers and acquisitions, which could prove useful if Nokia decides to sell parts of the remaining business such as here.

Samsung Electronics Co. (SMSN), the biggest maker of Android devices, and Apple are not making the inroads into military smart-

phone procurement that many expected because they can’t always meet the security specifications the Pentagon wants, Doug Pollitt, a broker at Torontobased Pollitt & Co, said by phone.

“It’s a challenging specification and other vendors are having a tough time meeting it,” said Pollitt, whose brokerage owns shares of BlackBerry. “BlackBerry has already has got it.”

The defense agency known as DISA, which implements the U.S. military’s information technology policies, will introduce the first phase of a new system on Jan. 31 to make it easier for personnel to work on unclassified documents from wireless devices. A military app store will be included in the first phase and the program currently supports 16 mobile apps, according to DISA’s statement.

Adam Emery, a spokesman for BlackBerry, is looking into DISA’s statement and didn’t have any immediate comment.

Lenovo resumes talks to buy IBM unit HINA’S Lenovo Group Ltd C has resumed discussions to buy International Business Machines Corp’s lowend server unit, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The two companies were in discussions to buy the division last year, but no deal was made as they couldn’t agree on a price, sources have said.

It was unclear how far along the more recent talks were, or what prices were being considered.

An IBM spokesman said on Monday the company wouldn’t comment on the report, nor on similar reports in other media outlets.

Bloomberg, citing a person with direct knowledge of the matter, said Lenovo was in serious discussions to buy the unit and that a deal may be signed within weeks. The Wall Street Journal, also citing unnamed sources, said Dell Inc may be among the potential buyers, though it was unclear how serious Dell was.

Dell went private in a $25 billion deal last year, following prolonged troubles at the computer maker.

IBM’s x86 server business sells servers used to power corporate data centers. Last year, Lenovo put the value of the division at below $2.5 billion, according to the Wall

Motorola cuts cost of wooden smartphone covers OTOROLA Mobility has slashed the cost of the wooden M finish for the customised version of its Moto X smartphone, and also announced a wider range of wooden finishes to choose from.

The company used to charge a premium of $100 per handset shipped with the wooden covers, but is now charging just $25 for the customisation.

At the same time, they added Walnut, Teak and Ebony to the existing Bamboo finish.

Covering phones with wood decoration is not new — one of the most popular fascia designs back in the old days of the early GSM phones was a plastic wood effect.

Huge data theft hits South Korea REDIT card details from almost half of all South Koreans CThehave been stolen and sold to marketing firms. data was stolen by a computer contractor working for a company called the Korea Credit Bureau that produces credit scores.

The names, social security numbers and credit card details of 20 million South Koreans were copied by the IT worker.

The scale of the theft became apparent after the contractor at the centre of the breach was arrested.

Managers at the marketing firms, which allegedly bought the data were also arrested.

Early reports suggest that the contractor got hold of the giant trove of data thanks to the access Korea Credit Bureau enjoys to databases run by three big South Korean credit card firms. The contractor stole the data by copying it to a USB stick.

Regulators are now looking into security measures at the three firms - KB Kookmin Card, Lotte Card, and NH Nonghyup Card - to ensure data stays safe. A task force has been set up to investigate the impact of the theft.

The three bosses of the credit card firms involved made a

This theft of consumer data is just the latest to hit South Korea.

In 2012, two hackers were arrested for getting hold of the details of 8.7 million subscribers to KT Mobile. Also, in 2011, details of more than 35 million accounts of South Korean social network Cyworld were exposed in an attack.

Credit cards

public apology for the breach.

In a statement the Financial Services Commission, Korea’s national financial regulator, said: “The credit card firms will cover any financial losses caused to their customers due to the latest accident.”

Another official at the FSC said the data was easy to steal because it was unencrypted and the credit card firms did not know it had been copied until investigators told them about the theft.

This theft of consumer data is just the latest to hit South Korea. In 2012, two hackers were arrested for getting hold of the details of 8.7 million subscribers to KT Mobile. Also, in 2011, details of more than 35 million accounts of South Korean social network Cyworld were exposed in an attack.

36

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Maritime Safety, environment, others top priority list at Intels

Aerial viewq of Onne port

By Moses Ebosele HE management of Integrated Logistics Services (Intels) Nigeria Limited, key player in the Nigerian maritime sector has pledged to give priority to issues associated with Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in 2014 business year.

Reviewing its 2013 operations and projection for 2014, the company has also challenged its employees to drive NSE from “top down so as to achieve its purpose”.

According to Intels, managing health, safety and environment gives the organisation “a significant opportunity to reduce costs from damages and reduce risks to employees, improve standing among clients and stakeholders, better corporate reputation and increased productivity. It also demonstrates to the employees that top management is committed to the organisation’s health, safety and environmental policies.

“This type of leadership involves interaction between leaders and followers to safely achieve organisational goals and vision”, said Intels, adding that “workers look up to their supervisors and management for direction and guidance especially as it has to do with their safety in the workplace”.

The company said when leaders demonstrate commitment in this regard through visibility at the work site and leading by example, developing open, honest and trusting relationships with the workforce, paying attention to the welfare of the workers, establishing harmonious relationship with subordinates, setting realistic goals and maintaining performance level, “then the

T

organisation is bound to have an organisational climate where workers are confident of the organisation and will be willing to go the extra mile to sustain good HSE performance in the organisation”.

According to the current edition of intels publication, ‘Safety Guardian’, 2014 “will require our continuous proactive safety intervention to excel”.

The publication also outlined some achievements attained by the company in 2013 especially in the area of training.

For example, Intels Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Orlean Training Academy conducted several trainings (External and Internal) within the first and fourth quarter of 2013.

The company identified the “Aviation as training Telephony, Basic First Aid, Fire Warden, Defensive Driving, Slinger Signaler, Forklift Truck Operation, Working at Height, Crawler Crane and Lifting Equipment Inspection.

Others are “Rigging Loft Attendant, Confined Space

Awareness, Risk Assessment, Behavioral based Safety, Chemical handling, Handsfree Lifting awareness, Near miss Reporting, Material Cargo Handling, fall prevention, Cargo lashing, Forklift Safety, Hand injury Prevention, Operational Procedures, Train the Trainer, Excel, Word”, among others.

The Managing Director of the company, Simon Volpi, recently, explained that logistics companies need to be able to cater for three or four types of solutions. “The

demands of offshore operations have more to do with materials, while onshore operations face other problems such as community issues, environmental concerns, and the like.

“Intels position itself as a onestop shop. Our founder had us operating out of a base in Onne at the beginning.

Because of his shipping industry background, the initial plan was for the container terminal. At a certain point, we were asked if we could store some pipes and so on. We

began to expand our offerings to include storage services for oil and gas companies.

“To give you an idea, 20 years ago, a supply vessel with a five meter draft and a certain length capacity was enough to cater to the supply. Today, we have more and more deepwater operations in the industry. We have supply vessels with a 9.5-metre to 14-metre draft. The sailing time is longer, so they need to bring enough materials to continue operations”.

Customs targets N1.2tri revenue in 2014

By Moses Ebosele OR the year ending FNigeria December 31, 2014, the Customs Service (NCS) has proposed a revenue of not less than N1.2trillion.

The Comptroller-General of NCS, Abdullahi Dikko has also advised personnel to ensure integrity and compliance were adhered to.

Speaking on the current restructuring drive of the

Service, as well as the decoration of its newly promoted officers, Dikko said 2014 would be full of challenges.

He also used the opportunity to advise NCS personnel to be more diligent and dedicated to their jobs, adding that “NCS has never had it good in technological transformation than 2013, where we have developed NCIS (Nigeria Integrated Custom Information System) which

has started working smoothly.”

Explaining further, the Customs boss said: “Today, the modern Customs is about trade facilitation and want to prove to federal government that we have come of age and we have built the technological competence that can stand the test of time.”

The Customs boss had

CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Dikko

Group urge govt to grant Gelegele port national recognition From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City S part of activities to mark A the centenary celebration of the death of Oba Ovonramwen N’ Ogbaisi, whose death in 1914 gave way for the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates of the Niger to become Nigeria, the Justice Research Centre (JRC) has called on the federal government to revive the Gelegele Seapoort, an avenue through which European expeditionists first entered Benin.

Meanwhile another group; Benin National Congress (BNC) in a statement by its president, Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo said the planning committee on the national centenary celebration has not included the Benin history and due recognition for Oba Ovonramwen.

A statement by the Executive Director, JRC, Donald Inwalomhe said reactivating the Gelegele port would open up the business environment in the Edo State Capital and create “small import export related

businesses in licensed agents and massive employment for teeming unemployed youths in the state” But Edokpolo in his statement lamented perceived maginalisation of the Binis despite their enormous contributions to the Nigerian state.

“The fact that is paramount to the Binis is that the aspirations of Benin nation at the prealmagamation of the territories that became known as Nigeria was yet to be achieved 100 years after the forced marriage. It is sad that the genocide that was

inflicted on the ancient Kingdom in 1897 by the combined force of British regiments from India and West Africa, culminating in the brazen looting of our ancestral and priceless artifacts, raping of women, kidnapping of our endowed intelligentsia was yet to be addressed by way of restitution or reparation.

“As the last territory or Kingdom that fell into colonial rule, the Nigeria Centenary Celebration Committee ought to make Benin Kingdom its cen-

tre focus of planning and tourists exhibition if its mission is truly worth the collective objectives of Nigerians. It will be business as usual as far as the centenary celebration is concerned, because, the seeming ploy to reduce the Binis into an infinitesimal minority is a post colonial- elitist conspiracy, which is why the Bight of Benin and its auxiliary resources were appropriated in favor of Ondo and Delta states during the Babangida military regime.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Evergreen Ship

Customs targets N1.2tri revenue in 2014 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 recently in lagos pledged the commitment of the agency to ensure adequate enlightenment for the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) regime..

Making reference to the first PAAR issued under the new regime, the Customs boss said: “It is really encouraging and promising that we can issue a PAAR in 58 minutes”.

Dikko said: “What we expect from you is compliance. If you comply, you can never have problem with customs.

“There will no longer be room for payment of demur-

rage since your goods may have been released before the goods arrive. The strength of PAAR is to encourage the importers to do things by themselves while we merely supervise them.

“The initiative is dynamic so it can adequately respond to changes in government policies. It can be seamlessly managed.

“We will send a notification to you and your bank about the ‘Form M’ to know whether the form had been approved or not. (The form contains data on goods specification) You don’t even have to come to the Customs office for that. You can then commence process-

ing of your importation.”

He also made reference to the recent NCS board resolutions, which resulted in the elevation of senior officers to managerial positions, following the voluntary retirement of three Deputy ComptrollerGenerals (DCGs), who were also members of the board.

Dikko who spoke on sundry issues affecting the agency said: “I think from today we will start the arithmetic of how we are going to achieve that figure. It is when we ensure integrity and recognise compliance that is how we are going to achieve it.This year 2014 is going to be a different year. We are going to

try those people who are revenue offenders to serve as deterrent to others”.

According to information made available by Customs, the retired DCGs include Garba Markafi, Manassah Jatau and Yinusa Saka.

Already, five new DCGs had been appointed from each of the geo-political zones into the management boardbringing its total numbers to six.

They are John Atte from Bayelsa and representing the South-south; Ibrahim Mera from Kebbi( North-west); Musa Tahir who hails from Borno and representing the North-east.

‘Owners scrap 1,119 ships in 2013’

By Moses Ebosele CRAPPING of older vessels is Sowners still the best decision ship can make.

According to figures compiled by an international group, Shipbroker Lion Shipbroker, out of the 1,119 ships scrapped in 2013, majority was “bulkers, followed by general cargo vessels, containers, tankers and passengerships, while India held the lion’s share”.

The group explained that the year 2014 started ‘positively’, adding that breaking yards in subcontinent are hungry for new tonnage.

Apart from political activities in Bangladesh, levels and demand remain healthy, with expectations for prices being optimistic, mainly due to the

fact that yards remained empty during the last two months (due to political instability).

Meanwhile, Pakistan market remained stable while India is back, securing high profile tonnage.

Chinese market, according to Lion Shipbrokers is active “mainly due to the subsidies available to the yards for scrapping Chinese domestic owned tonnage and their renewal of licenses”.

In a separate report, another Shipbroker Golden Destiny noted that “2013 ended with scrapping business being at 26 per cent lower levels, in terms of number of vessels, than the historical highs of 2012, but still standing at robust amount as 968 vessels reported to have been headed to the scrap yards with accumulated dwt of more

than 44mil tons. During 2012, 1,309 vessels reported for disposal at total deadweight of about 61mil tons”.

It added that “with the opening of New Year, benchmark scrap prices in the Indian subcontinent region are standing at firm levels, with India being the most competitive by offering $410/ldt for dry and $440/ldt for wet. The Indian currency fundamentals and local steel prices are supporting the current high price momentum, while in Bangladesh; the upcoming elections have created confusion and lower activity.

“In China, prices have picked up by $10/ldt for dry and wet cargo and the recent government incentives for Chinese owners to scrap their vessels locally may boost further the price sentiment during the first quarter of the year”.

In total, over the past week, Shipping News worldwide explained that demolition activity was 71 per cent down on the week, with a 70 per cent decrease of dry bulk vessel scrapping and a 60 per cent decline in tanker and container ship scrapping.

“In terms of deadweight sent for scrap, there has been 67 per cent weekly decrease with one demolition deal reported for large vessel size, one panamax bulker.

“China is reported to have won four of the seven demolition transactions, two India, one Pakistan, while there was no reported activity for Bangladesh”.

According to Intermodal’s latest weekly report, it was noted that after the demolition market “pulled back as the year

Okonjo- Iweala

kicked off, it seems that some of the lost ground has now been covered and sentiment has started to strengthen across the Indian Sub-Continent once again.

“Indian breakers were confident enough to increase their bids on dry units on the back of the Indian Rupee behaving steadily and steel prices settling to levels that provided confidence to local buyers, who manage to snap the majority of vessels reported heading for scrap this week. At the same time, Bangladesh seems to have steadily started coming out of the political unrest as the existing government managed to stay in place after the general elections that took place on the January 5th, which restored some of the market confidence at least for now.

“The rest of the market

remained quiet with Pakistani and Chinese breakers choosing to sit on the sidelines, while both prices and activity reflected that very lack of interest from end buyers in both countries”.

Global shipping association, BIMCO, recently described issues facing the industry as ‘critical’, including regulatory burdens concerning the environment, maritime security and the supply and demand imbalance.

In its newly published “Reflections 2014” report, the association explained that the steady improvement of the global economy has improved outlook for shipping, as demand goes up and “fleet expansion growth cools off, the market fundamentals are expected to improve across the board”.

38 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Industry Trademark infringements: Real sector’s nightmare In 2013 alone, over N5 billion worth of goods and drugs were seized and destroyed by regulatory agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as the Nigerian Copyright Commission over the inability of importers and businesses alike to adhere to the nation’s intellectual property guidelines, especially in the areas of piracy, counterfeiting and inability to meet set standards. With the continued level of economic waste being recorded as a result these activities, the need to increase enlightenment and advocacy exercises alongside effective enforcement of laws guiding trademarks has become pertinent, especially in the face of growing online businesses and regional trade agreements between Nigeria and other African nations. FEMI ADEKOYA writes.

UT for the efforts of some regulatory agenB cies, Nigeria would have totally become a source of and a dumping ground for imita-

Aganga

tion, alongside sub-standard goods at the expense of both imported and locally manufactured brand-name products, a challenge that it is yet to overcome.

Indeed, companies have spent millions of Naira on the design, packaging, presentation and promotion of their products, but are being denied the usual benefits of a commanding and faithful market share.

For the real sector to survive, there may be a need for tougher new laws to stem the manufacture, importation and distribution of infringing products. Clearly, the country’s laws need to be strengthened to cope with new onslaughts in this fiercely competitive arena.

Globally, safeguarding a brand’s reputation, revenue and marketing investments offline and online has been identified to drive customer advocacy and help such brands stay ahead of the competition.

Concerns on brand protection, especially in a business environment like Nigeria where importation of sub-standard goods prevails just as counterfeiting thrives, however remain as many brands evolve by the day, with no inkling of how to design or implement holistic and focused brand protection strategies.

Often times, businesses work hard to establish a unique identity that resonates with consumers and adds value to the company’s portfolio of goods and services.

Unfortunately, some companies—deliberately or accidentally—can infringe on another firm’s brand and trademark, potentially leading to actual loss or confusion among consumers.

Essentially, a key aspect of a product’s identity is the reputation it has earned for quality and value. As a result, businesses commit significant resources to building their products to become a brand. At this stage, the consumers are able to identify the organisation’s goods, distinguishing them from others, and consequently, the products cultivate and enjoy people and customers’ goodwill.

Competition, therefore, becomes keen when rival products or brands become easily mistaken for each other. To avoid this, companies guard their trade names and trademarks jealously.

In Nigeria, it is mandatory that trade names are registered within 28 days of commence-

ment of business. The essence of this is to ensure that no trade name used deceives or causes confusion or even possibly misleads members of the public as to the distinctiveness between two separate trading entities.

According to the law, once a trade name is registered, no other entity can use such a trade name or attempt to register a separate and independent business, using the same or a similar trade name. An infringement is a serious offence that the Commission usually frowns on, just like there are legislations that back the enforcement of such rules.

A trademark according to the Commercial Law Department of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in charge of the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry, is a symbol or a sign which differentiates the goods and services of one business from another one.

According to the ministry, registering a trademark - a name, logo, slogan, domain name, shape, colour or sound with the Commercial Law department, legally protects a business’ trademark from use by a competitor.

The department explained thus: “A trademark provides protection to the owner of the mark by ensuring the exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services, or to authorize another to use it in return for payment. The period of protection varies, but a trademark can be renewed indefinitely beyond the time limit on payment of additional fees. Trademark protection is enforced by the courts, which in most systems have the authority to block trademark infringement.

“In a larger sense, trademarks promote initiative and enterprise worldwide by rewarding the owners of trademarks with recognition and financial profit. Trademark protection also hinders the efforts of unfair competitors, such as counterfeiters, to use similar distinctive signs to market inferior or different products or services. The system enables people with skill and enterprise to produce and market goods and services in the fairest possible conditions, thereby facilitating international trade.”

The Director of the Commercial Law Department of the ministry, Mrs Nima

Odumodu Salman Mann had at a recent forum noted that the automation of its processes is expected to raise the nation’s profile in the area of Intellectual Property protection, in a way consistent with best practices across the globe, adding that it would ensure convenience and efficiency in its operations, as well as discourage corrupt practices, necessitated by the cumbersome nature of the old process.

On the need to upgrade the TM Registry to the status of a full commission, Mann noted that there are Bills before the National Assembly in that regard, adding that the if the recommendations are given due consideration, the department would become more effective in the discharge of its duties.

For some stakeholders in the real sector, the establishment of transnational trademarks for ECOWAS region may need a review they noted that dumping and smuggling of cloned and counterfeited Nigerian brands was being perpetrated by foreigners through other African countries under the guise of the ETLS. The ETLS is the main ECOWAS operational tool for promoting the West Africa region as a Free Trade Area. It lies in tandem with the one of the objectives of the community, which is the establishment of a common market through the liberalisation of trade by the abolition, among Member States, of customs duties levied on imports and exports, and the abolition among Member States, of non-tariff barriers.

Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group MANEG, Tunde Oyelola recently decried the level of counterfeiting and cloning of Nigerian manufactured products in the ECOWAS and other African markets.

According to him, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) should look into working with the ECOWAS Commission to make national trademarks transnational within the sub-region.

“The level of counterfeiting and cloning of Nigerian manufactured products in the ECOWAS and other African markets becoming alarming and Nigerian manufacturers are losing to these counterfeited products. We have recorded cases where goods that have Nigerian trademarks are counterfeited in

Asian countries and exported back to African market with the impression that the goods are produced in Nigeria.

“Similarly, the issue of high cost of logistics especially within African markets and government foreign policy should be addressed if Nigerian goods would become competitive in the region.”

Meanwhile, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said despite the agency recording a major feat in the war against fake products during the year, with the level being reduced to about 50 per cent, it hopes to reduce it further to 30 per cent.

The agency also lamented the non-certification of about 90 per cent of products from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), as only 13 per cent of products by members of the association were certified in the country.

The Director-General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who said the level of substandard goods in the market was above 80 per cent in 2011, which was one of the worst in the world, expressed delight at the level of reduction.

He said: “Fake and substandard products chased away good products, which led to factories being closed down and hundreds of thousands, millions becoming jobless. Today, sub-standard goods in the markets have dropped and it is around 50 per cent; we are committed to reducing it to 30 per cent.”

He said the agency would continue its zerotolerance campaign against sub-standard products, adding that a new legislation is currently being worked on to penalise marketers of such fake products.

“SON needs to be strengthened to enforce compliance of many manufacturers and importers to quality standards. We are increasing advocacy for made-in-Nigeria products but also need many of them to stepup their games in terms of quality. A lot of products are still not registered.

“It should be noted that non-conformity to standards has made it difficult for SMEs to compete with established businesses, even as lack of linkages within the production valuechain continues to affect the growth of small businesses. SON would strive to change the sub-standard culture in the country through continued advocacy and enlightenment of consumers”.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 INDUSTRY 39

MAN commends govt over investment-friendly policies EMBERS of the Organised Private Sector M (OPS) have described as unprecedented the institution and implementation of some economic policies of the federal government which have helped in reviving the hitherto moribund manufacturing sector of the economy.

They said that the commitment to the effective implementation of the policies has led to phenomenal increase in the local production of commodities, which before now are imported into the country.

Citing the example of the national cement production, the manufacturers ascribed the success to the investor friendly policies of the government, which encourage local production not only to meet domestic demands but also for export.

The group, under the auspices of the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) gave kudos to the government of President Goodluck Jonathan for putting in place some broad based incentives generally geared towards reviving the moribund manufacturing sector, encourage industrialization and create jobs.

MAN in a statement signed by it President, Chief Kola Jamodu said that government’s incentive policy, which is designed to encourage industrialization, has been effective as it has been encouraging new investments and creating jobs and now benefitting the larger economy.

Jamodu also commended government for agreeing to the broad base incentives for the manufacturing sector instead of narrowing them.

Said he,“an important reform in the incentive policy, as sought by MAN, was to broad base the incentives to a whole sector rather than issuing discretionary waivers for individual firms. This

has brought transparency in the policy and created a level playing field for all players.

“There is a clear evidence of the positive impact of the sector based incentives.

Incentives and concessions given to the Cement industry have contributed to the phenomenal increase in national cement production from less than 2 MN tons in 2002 to over 20 MN tons in 2013. As a result, from being a net importer, Nigeria has become a net exporter of cement. This was achieved in less than a decade thanks to the enabling environment fostered by government policies.”

According to him, the incentive policy has been in place through several administrations but the President and his Economic Management Team deserve credit for streamlining the policy to leverage it for attracting investment in the priority sectors.

Chief Jamodu added that special intervention

funds of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disbursed through the Bank of Industry (BOI) have also helped revive a good number of ailing industries and SME’s. Incentives are also helping to boost trade and investment in the non-oil sector and generating employment in agro-allied industries.

Explaining how the incentives are impacting positively on manufacturing and the economy, he said, “Incentives are needed to generate investment in the productive sector – manufacturing and agriculture. Waiver of customs duty and VAT on import of plant and machinery is required to make our industries competitive. Duty and VAT exemption on equipment used in gas production has contributed to reduction in gas flaring and growth in gas-topower initiative aimed at boosting power supply.”

Meanwhile, the OPS leader decried the cost of

doing business in Nigeria, which he said remains very high noting that due to the prevailing infrastructural disincentives, companies have to generate own captive power and build surrounding facilities.

Therefore, he pointed out that incentives and waivers are required not only to attract investments but to also compensate for the public infrastructure-deficit. “Most developing companies give incentives to attract investment in priority sectors where they have a comparative advantage and Nigeria cannot be an exception”, the MAN boss argued.

The MAN equally affirmed its support for the implementation of the recently launched Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan and called on well-meaning Nigerians to be prepared to make their positive contributions to ensuring the success of the programme.

Ribena, Tetra Pak raise stake in CSR IBENA, in partnership with Tetra Pak West R Africa, has handed over 80 desk and chair units made from recycled empty packs of Ribena to the LOTS Foundation in Dustbin Estate in Ajegunle area of Lagos State.

Following the conclusion of its “Drink it, Flatten it and Bin it” recycling campaign with twenty schools in Lagos State, the Foundation in turn handed the donated furniture over to different primary schools in the dumpsite area.

According to a statement, Brand Manager of Ribena, a product of GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Olawale Akanbi said, “The recycle project with primary school children has proven a worthy effort for us as an organisation whose corporate vision is to help people everywhere, do more, feel better and live longer.

“The furniture we are donating is made from Ribena packs which ordinarily would have been lying somewhere constituting environmental hazards in the drainage system or landfill.”

The Ribena Tetra Pak “Drink it, Flatten it and Bin it” recycling campaign, was strategically executed through children in select primary schools in Lagos State.

According to the Ribena Brand Manager, “The project which has a ‘catch them young’ undertone, was designed to help children learn and imbibe the simple habit of taking care of the environment by disposing their waste items properly and also by turning their waste into useful items through recycling. We believe the lessons from the project will stay with the children as they grow into adults.”

A steel production floor

Architects laud West African Ceramics on quality products HE Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian T Institute of Architects (NIA) has commended manufacturer of porcelain, floor, wall and roofing tiles in Nigeria, West African Ceramic Ltd, for the quality of its products.

The commendation was made recently by the chairman of the chapter, Ladipo Lewis, during the opening ceremony of the showroom of the company located along Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

In his keynote address at the event attended by architects and building material dealers, Lewis described the new showroom as an interactive centre for the company, clients and building professionals such as architects and developers to collaborate.

He added that the showroom is an advantage that building professionals should leverage

on to deliver on designs to clients.

“This is indeed an interaction point for all of us.

Everybody knows that the availability of quality products for finishing any building project is crucial to the successful execution and completion of the project. We need to take advantage of this showroom to help us avoid scam and falling victims of fake products in the market.

With an established place like this, you can make your order and go to work with rest of mind.”

Lewis urged the management of the company to maintain its best practices, production of high quality products and design patterns to continually serve the needs of architects and reach out to building professionals with information and trends of its products.

“I want to encourage you and tell you that you

have the support of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Lagos Chapter in your endeavours to certify our needs for quality products,” he said.

In addition, Abimbola Ajayi, also an architect, representing Archiworks Associates said that West African Ceramics Ltd have been awarded on various occasions for innovation, high quality, local content, best practice, and high standards. She said that these awards based on merit have earned the company the trust and confidence of many architects and developers across the country.

Reacting, the General Manager, West African Ceramics Ltd, Bhaskar Rao thanked the chairman and members of the institute present for their support to the company and the realisation of the new showroom in Lagos.

WTO hails Basel decision on trade finance for developing countries IRECTOR-General of the World Trade D Organisation, Roberto Azevêdo, has welcomed a recent decision by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision as “of particular significance for the availability of trade finance in the developing world”.

According to the WTO boss, the decision by the committee is of particular significance for the availability of trade finance in the developing world, where letters of credit are a key instrument of payment.

He said: “I welcome the decision taken by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision on 12 January, which modifies regulations on bank leverage in a way that will support trade. This decision is of particular significance for the availability of trade finance in the developing world, where letters of credit are a key instrument of payment.

This is good news for developing countries, for

the expansion of their trade and for the continued growth of South-South trade flows.”

The Basel Committee had announced the modification of a key rule for banks — which goes in the direction of facilitating trade transactions in particular in favour of developing countries.

The revised Text (“Amendments to Basel III’s leverage ratio issued by the Basel Committee) indicates that the Basel Committee will now follow this new approach for trade: “For short-term self-liquidating trade letters of credit arising from the movement of goods (eg documentary credits collateralised by the underlying shipment), a 20 per cent CCF will be applied to both issuing and confirming banks.”

This revised approach means that the leverage ratio will be five times less expensive for trade instruments than originally envisaged.

According to the committee, a simple leverage

Basel III’s leverage ratio is defined as the “capital measure” (the numerator) divided by the “exposure measure” (the denominator) and is expressed as a percentage. The capital measure is currently defined as Tier 1 capital and the minimum leverage ratio is three per cent. ratio framework is critical and complementary to the risk-based capital framework that will help ensure broad and adequate capture of both the on- and off-balance sheet sources of banks’ leverage.

This simple non-risk based “backstop” measure, according to Basel, will restrict the build-up of excessive leverage in the banking sector.

Indeed, Basel III’s leverage ratio is defined as the

“capital measure” (the numerator) divided by the “exposure measure” (the denominator) and is expressed as a percentage. The capital measure is currently defined as Tier 1 capital and the minimum leverage ratio is three per cent.

The Committee will continue to monitor banks’ leverage ratio data on a semiannual basis in order to assess whether the design and calibration of a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of three per cent is appropriate over a full credit cycle and for different types of business models. It will also continue to collect data to track the impact of using either Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) or total regulatory capital as the capital measure.

Indeed, the implementation of the leverage ratio requirements has begun with bank-level reporting to national supervisors of the leverage ratio and its components, and will proceed with public disclosure starting 1 January 2015.

GUARDIANENERGY ENERGY /41

An uncertain year ahead for OPEC

OIL

ENERGY /42

Russia to keep oil output stable in 2014

GAS

ExxonMobil, Chevron top Platts ranking

POWER

WeDnesDAy, JAnuARy 22, 2014

www.ngrguardiannews.com; www.theguardianmobile.com

Gas-to-power woes in Nigeria, Ghana capacity development and vocational training which would stand the test of time.

“We have come to assess prospective mission in the edAFD delegates, $170 million was earmarked as the loan for ucation system because we regard skill development as a the transmission aspect of critical need” he said. the electricity industry.

Facini revealed that the AFD Responding on behalf of the was concerned about sustain- commission, the Vice Chairability; hence, it was looking man, Muhammed Lawal Bello at the risk of developing the disclosed that the Commission market alongside the present was already working with the reforms so as to guide its in- national board for technical education as well as other votervention. cational training institutions He said that energy effion capacity building for the ciency stands out as one of the key programs that has to power sector. He said that exbe realised, making it impera- pert support by the AFD would tive to engage with the Com- be most appreciated and demission to work out human scribed the visit as timely.

French agency pledges support for nigeria’s power sector Stories by Roseline Okere HAnA and nigeria are presently dealing G with the challenge of irregular electricity due to gas shortage in the country.

Already, nigeria has reduced its gas supply to Ghana from the contractual 400 million metric standard cubic feet per day (mmscf) to 45mmscf due to the poor supply of gas to Ghana through the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (Wapco).

For instance, electricity generation capacity of Ghana has dropped substantially in recent week, prompting fears that the country may soon begin to witness power rationing.

Also, electricity supply in nigeria has been going from bad to worse due to gas shortage resulting from pipeline vandalism.

Minister of Power, Chinedu nebo, blamed the current shortage of gas on the activities of vandals on power stations across the country.

He said major holes, which had been blown by dynamites where discovered at 20 different spots along the western gas pipeline in the Warri escravos axis.

He stated: “With regard to the challenges on gas, so long as vandals violate the integrity of the oil and gas pipelines we are going to continue to have problems,” “We now need a lot more gas than is actually being produced but the unfortunate thing is that even the one that is being produced, the lines are being vandalised.”

Ghana had suffered from rationing of electricity in the past due to the challenge of gas sup-

ply from nigeria through the West Africa Gas Pipeline.

WAPCo shut down the pipeline in August last year after the line was severed by a ship’s anchor in Togolese waters. The WAGP has now been repaired, recommissioned and back in operation.

The Force Majeure notice earlier issued in the wake of the pipeline incident, August 28, 2012 was formally lifted on 11th July 2013 and WAPCo resumed gas transportation on July 12th, 2013.

Meanwhile, the company is pursuing measures to forestall a re-occurrence of the pipeline breach incident.

WAPCo transports natural gas from nigeria to the VRA in Ghana, CeB in Togo and CeB in Benin, based on Gas transportation agreements between these entities and the shipper, (n-Gas).

He Agency, Francaise DeT velopment (AFD) has declared its intention to contribute to human capacity development in the power sector.

Chief of Project, Division of education of the agency, Betrand Facini and senior Programme Officer, Adesoji Ademola, disclosed the readiness of the agency to support the power sector at a meeting wit the nigerian electricity Regulatory Commission (neRC)’s commissioners.

According to the visiting

44

THE GUARDIAN

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

CNOOC invests N8b in Nigeria’s project

By Roseline Okere AS Group and China NaG tional Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Energy has

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited, Babs Omotowa and the Master of NLG Lokoja cargo vessel, Captain Bjornar Harneshaug, during the delivery of the company’s 3,000th cargo vessel to Botas Petroleum and Pipeline Company, in Marmara, Turkey on Sunday.

Nigeria bulk electricity trader to guarantee power purchases IGERIAN Bulk Electricity N Trading Plc, which acts as a clearing house for power generating and distribution companies, will guarantee all purchases in the market’s transitional phase, Chief Executive Officer Rumundara Wonodi has said.

During a trial period expected to last five to 10 years, the state-owned bulk trader will do “all the procurement on behalf of the market” to ensure stability of power supply, Wonodi said in an interview with Bloomberg in Abuja. “If somewhere along the line the distribution companies are unable to make payments to the generation companies, it has been provided for,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan in September handed control of 15 power generation and distribution companies spun out of the state-owned power utility to new owners including Siemens AG (SIE), Korea Electric Power Corp. and Transnational Corp. of Nigeria Plc., marking the start of a market-based electricity industry, where producers and distributors trade energy in the West African nation.

Africa’s most populous nation of more than 160 million people sold majority stakes in the Power Holding Co. of Nigeria, the former state-owned monopoly, to private investors in September to boost output and end blackouts in the country, where demand is al-

most double the 4,000megawatt capacity.

The bulk trader, created in 2010 and capitalized with $750 million, is the custodian of agreements authorizing transactions among power companies, Wonodi said. This enables it to receive payments on behalf of electricity generators from distribution companies, he said.

The government is working to fix problems of irregular gas supply and an unstable national grid to boost electricity to consumers in the coming months, Wonodi said.

“We will begin to address in the short-term issues of redundancy in gas transmission facilities and also cable transmission. We can break the jinx

IEA forecasts higher oil demand on developed nations’ economic recovery LOBAL oil demand will inG crease more this year than previously forecast, the International Energy Agency said.

A ban on U.S. crude exports may crimp output growth, the Paris-based group said.

World consumption will climb by 1.3 million barrels a day, or 1.4 percent, to 92.5 million barrels a day, the IEA said today in its Oil Market Report.

The increase of 90,000 barrels a day from last month is the first year of annual demand growth in developed nations since 2010, it said. U.S.

restrictions on exports may mean its surging domestic production hits a “crude wall” that curbs further expansion, the IEA said.

“Upside risks to oil demand growth are much more relevant this year than the same period last year, where concerns were for downside risks to materialize,” Miswin Mahesh, an analyst at Barclays Plc in London, said by e-mail yesterday.

“Demand-supply metrics in the oil market are moving toward a relatively better equi-

librium this year as further North American production gets on board.”

Brent crude has lost 4.3 percent in the past year, trading at $106 a barrel in London today, as burgeoning North American shale output curbs import from the U.S., the world’s biggest oil user.

Prices have also retreated as a temporary agreement on Iran’s nuclear program eased concern that tensions in the region could escalate and as Libya set about restoring production curtailed by protests.

on additional supply of gas and we can have a comfortable price level that makes suppliers willing to make investments with the comfort and confidence that they will be paid, he said.

The country plans to boost electricity output to 20,000 megawatts by 2016. The Bureau of Public Enterprises, the country’s privatization agency, plans to sell 10 stateowned gas-powered plants with capacity for 5,400 megawatts this year while investors are required to add 5,000 megawatts to the national grid every five years.

Incentives include a five-year tax break, a new electricity pricing system that allows for a progressive increase in tariffs and a $1 billion partial-risk guarantee backed by the World Bank, to provide liquidity to the power industry.

invested N8 billion and plans to invest additional N24 billion in downhole tools, logistics trucks, machine shop and rig assembly in Nigeria.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Gas Group, Gliffeth Wonuigwe disclosed during a tour of the company’s warehouse at Kidney Island in Port Harcourt Rivers State recently by officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and executive members of the International Oil Companies (IOCs).

He noted that the joint investment started with the signing of a strategic integrated agreement with CNOOC in Tiangin China 2012. “This agreement signed by Wonuigwe and the Chief Executive Officer of CNOOC Energy Group represented by Nan Shan covers joint operation of downhole tools stocking, fishing and well completion services and logistics.

“The venture is being executed through First Atlantics DrillingServices Limited, a subsidiary of Gas Group in collaboration with CNOOC Energy Group. CNOOC group is a Chinese group with over 30 billion dollar revenue in exploration and production and associated integrated services”, he added.

According to him, the second tier is the investment of $150 million in rig assembly plant at Kidney Island eastern area, which will be executed by Houston based IDE and Loadcraft,”he announced.

Wonuigwe stated that the initiative of the company would help to empower Nigerians and global oil industry. It will create over 5,000 employment opportunities in its rig assembly, oil field services.

He stated: “We have invested over $50 million in the first

phase as you can see physically on ground, which informed this facility tour. We took a delivery of $10 million worth of tools and trucks and another shipment of 40 million dollars will arrive Nigerian port at the end of March.

According to him, this strategic relationship was re-emphasised in Beijing during President Goodluck’s meeting with the Chinese President Shin Jin Pin last July to strength Nigeria/Chinese bilateral relationship. So, we hope that in the next six months, the milestone we are going to record will begin to look like a mini Houston,” he assured.

The Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Fidel Pepple, said the tour of the JV was the beginning of exciting activities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

He pointed out that there is need to encourage companies adding value to the implementation of Nigerian Content in the oil and gas industry. “I am here to participate in the facility opening because the company has been adding value to the oil and gas industry in terms of consistent empowering of Nigerians through the technical partners by providing expertise for the transfer of technology to Nigerians,” he said.

The South South Zonal Coordinator of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), O.C Sibeudu, noted that the launch of the JV relationship is a reflection of the confidence of the international business community on Nigerian economy.

She said that the alliance will receive the support of the DPR because it will help to boost incountry capacity that will reduce influx of expatriates and then help to open up additional direct investment in the country.

Russia to keep oil output stable in 2014 USSIA will at least keep its R oil production at recordhigh levels this year thanks to strong performance at new fields but there is little chance of significant further gains in output, analysts and officials said.

Russia, the world’s top oil producer, relies on oil export revenues to fill state coffers and keep its economy growing. Output rose 1.4 percent last year to a post-Soviet high

of 10.51 million barrels per day (bpd) thanks to greenfields launched a couple of years ago.

But the fields now ramping up production, such as Rosneft’s Vankor deposit in Eastern Siberia, were discovered

by Soviet geologists. Newer discoveries are years away from coming on stream and that will constrain growth potential.

And, although Russia is the

world’s second-largest oil exporter behind Saudi Arabia, its crude surplus is being squeezed by a massive round of refinery upgrades that will cut oil flows abroad.

The Energy Ministry predicts that domestic oil production will be at least unchanged this year, with so-called “old greenfields” such as Vankor or Surgutneftegas’s Talakan fields helping offset declines at older brownfields.

Kosmos Energy to sell eight Jubilee crude cargoes during 2014 UBILEE partner Kosmos EnJcrude ergy says it will sell eight cargoes from the Ghana oilfields during the year 2014.

Announcing the 2014 oil production outlook, the company indicated that its net interest in the Jubilee field’s 2014 production is approximately 24,100 barrels of oil per day (bopd), similar to the 2013 net production levels.

“Kosmos currently expects to sell eight crude oil cargoes during 2014,” it said in a statement.

Kosmos’ expected Jubilee cargo crude sale is based on a revised production forecast of 100,000 bopd for the full year 2014 which was recently an-

nounced by the operator Tullow Oil Plc. According to Komos, the new production forecast primarily stems from the recently completed third gas injection well which started up in the fourth quarter of 2013 and provided minimal relief.

The US oil firm also hinted of a potential two-week shutdown for regular maintenance at the Jubilee floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) during the year.

The Ghana government is expecting to raise GH¢1.7 billion from oil sales this year, according to the 2014 budget.

Global perspectives on the West Africa region show the additional potential of oil and gas production onstream by country between 2011 and 2015.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 45

46 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 47

48 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 49

50

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 21-01-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 MARKET REPORT 51

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 21-01-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Ade Bajomo (left); Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar Onyema; and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Haruna Jalo-Waziri at the NSE Yearly Review: 2013 Market Recap and Outlook for 2014 held in Lagos recently

Nestle, Dangote Cement, others lift NSE’s market capitalisation by N147billion Shareholders’ group lauds IHS price payment amendment

By Helen Oji RICE gains recorded by major highly capitalised companies on the equity sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, especially Nestle and Dangote Cement, yesterday pushed market capitalisation further by N147 billion, even as more blue-chip companies joined the league of gainers.

Specifically, at the closed of trading yesterday, the NSE All Share Index (ASI) improved by 460.35 basis points to 41931.63 points from 41471.28 points traded the previous day.

The market capitalisation of listed equities enhanced by N147 billion or 1.10 per cent to N13.436 trillion from N13.289 trillion.

36 companies appreciated in price, led by Nestle Nigeria Plc led the gainers table, appreciating by N19.94 kobo to close at N1174. 99per share, Dangote Cement followed with a gain of N4.98 kobo to close at N230.00 per share while Guinness Nigeria Plc appreciated by N2.50 kobo to close at N238.00per share.

Other stocks that recorded price appreciation were Mobil Plc and Larfarge Wapco which grew by N1.76 kobo and N1.00 respectively to close at N122.00 and N116.00.

Guaranty Trust Bank added 0.56 kobo to close at N28.80 per share, Glaxo SmithKline gained 0.50 kobo to close at N68.50 per share.

PZ Cussons and FBNH garnered 0.45 and 0.30 per cent to close at N38.00 and N16.10 per share.

Dangote Sugar Refinery added 0.27 kobo to close at N12.27 per share while Zenith Bank also gained 0.25 kobo to close at N25.11 per share.

The Nigerian Breweries on the other hand topped losers

P

What Happened?

The NSE All-Share index increased by 111bps (1.11%) and closed at 41,931.63. This represents a year-to-date performance of 1.46%.

Market Capitalisation also appreciated 1.11% to close at N13.436trillion. Total value traded decreased 32.51% to N3.05 billion and total volume traded decreased 10.46% to 276.44 million units.

Where?

At the close of trading, the banking sector represented 44.91% of the total market value traded, while the breweries sector represented 9.83%. The Top 5 stocks as a % of total market value traded were: OANDO (14.10%), ZENITHBANK (11.76%), FBNH (11.39%), NB (8.20%) and DANGCEM (6.65%).).

On a volume basis, the Top 5 most traded stocks for the day were: TRANSCORP (42.30m), FIDELITYBANK (24.92m), FBNH (21.80m), OANDO (16.20m) and WAPIC (15.60m)

chart, dropping by N0.30 kobo to close at N165.90 kobo, Livestock trailed with a loss of N0.25 kobo to close at N4.25 kobo while Oando Plc depreciated by N0.20 kobo to close at N26.50 kobo. Other companies that decline in price were Port Land Paint and UBA Capital loss N0.18 kobo and N0.11 kobo respectively to close at N50.01 kobo and N2.31 kobo.

Further analysis of yesterday’s trading showed that TransNational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) traded 42.293 million shares worth N173.654 million, Fidelity Bank Plc followed with account of 24.915 million shares valued at N63.576 million while FBN Holdings traded 21.762 million shares cost N348.311 million. Oando Plc also recorded 16.185 million shares valued at N431.066 million and Larfarge Wapic exchanged 15.592 million shares worth N17.427 million.

In all investors traded 276.437 million shares worth N3.056 billion in 5696 deals against 308.713 shares worth N4.529 billion traded by investors the previous day in 5530 deals.

Meanwhile shareholders’ group, under the aegies of Renaissance Shareholders Association of Nigeria yesterday commended the efforts of the board and management of IHS Plc on the amendment of its price payment per share to N4.35 kobo from N3.70kobo earlier proposed.

The group has last week, flayed IHS Plc’s proposed scheme of arrangement to cancel some shares at N3.70 and thereafter delist from the Nigerian Stock Exchange without making public, its IFRS audited accounts as at 31st December 2013.

52 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

54

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Thrills, frills of Africa’s football award

By Azeez Olorunlomeru HE 2013 Glo-CAF Awards, which T was recently held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, was not just an award event, but a tradition of reward for excellence. Since Globacom took over the sponsorship of the event nine years ago, the event has always been a rich mix of football and music. This year, Globacom took the annual event a notch higher, as guests were treated to a night of excitement and glamour with top Nigerian and international artistes performing.

The rendition of Nigeria’s national anthem by anomeba crooner, Chee the Voice and Ego Ogbaru, blew the audience away. The sonorous timbre of these nightingales gave the two-stanza national anthem a refreshingly different note that made Nigerians exceedingly proud. The complementary vocal powers of Ego and Chee the Voice set the tone for a memorable evening.

The mind-blowing performance also foreshadowed Nigeria’s domination of the awards, as the host country carted away six awards. Apart from the rendition, the divas’ colourful costumes also were eye-catching, stimulating and alluring. Also, the acrobatic display and nimbleness of Remi Martin and Eike in their stunts was too smooth to be true. It was a spectacle that would make anyone green with envy. The ease with which they climbed the poles coupled with the stunts excited the audience, which applauded the performance non-stop.

The Koko master and Glo Ambassador is not a stranger to mega events. He started the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards with his latest hit ‘Oliver Twist’. The founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development and Nigeria’s United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace thrilled the audience with up-tempo Afrobeat, which was accentuated by his female dancers. The audience could not have enough of D’banj.

Also, the soul-stirring performance by Lira, the South African singing jewel, had a calming effect on nerves. Her six dancers dressed in shimmering white dresses serenaded with their mesmerizing moves and beautifully choreographed dance steps. Her voice wafted through the hall and heightened the excitement.

The event will not be completed without the performance of the masked one, Lagbaja’s.

His performance at the 2013 Glo-CAF Awards was simply superb! He was simply unstoppable, what with his alluring gravitas. His performance was enhanced by his unique costume for the night, equipped with special kaleidoscopic flashing lights which was dazzling, as it brought out the colours of the rainbow. The icing on the cake in Lagbaja’s performance was the cloning of himself through his six drummers who hit the stage, dressed exactly like Lagbaja with the flashing lights.

South Africa’s Lira thrilling the audience Lagbaja capped his five-star performance with a prophetic special rendition tagged, Nigeria loko iya won!, meaning ‘Nigeria is the champion’.

After the award ceremony, Nigeria and Nigerian players won six awards, namely the CAF Platinum Award won by President Goodluck Jonathan; the Super Eagles won National Team of the Year award, Winners of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria’s Under 17 team, the Golden Eaglets were adjudged the Youth National Team of the Year while the 2013 FIFA U-17 MVP, Iheanacho Kelechi won the Most Promising Talent Award, and Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was adjudged Coach of the Year. Also, the inimitable Nigerian Supporters Club won the CAF Fair Play Award.

Also, Flavour’s performance at the 2013 GloCAF Award was sublime in every way. The ashawo crooner has really matured in his stage performance. His pivotal performance at the awards prefaced the announcement of the African Footballer of the Year Award. He sang three of his favourite numbers while the energetic dance steps of his four male and six female dancers put the audience in the mood for the announcement of the African King of Football. The incredible P-Square closed the 2013 Glo-CAF award with a superlative performance, as they looked resplendent in their costumes.

Mashariki Mix with Mutuma HINGS are undoubtedly T looking great for Nick Mutuma this year as he lands yet another job as a host for Mashariki Mix, a popular lifestyle show that airs on DStv’s Africa Magic.

Nick is no stranger to the camera and to the industry.

He has featured in the popular series Shuga, Tabasamu a local Kenyan drama series, Changes an M-Net series, and is also a radio presenter.

“I am grateful to M-Net for giving me this opportunity to speak to a Pan African audience. I have always looked up to M-Net and I am very excited to be a part of the family.” he said.

Mashariki Mix is a 30-minute weekly lifestyle series that will take you on a spectacular journey. Holiday destinations, exciting places to shop, access to VIP parties,

updates on the leading fashion brands, state-of-the-art tech gadgetry to trendy hotspots and dynamic lifestyles.

The contemporary magazine show also profiles personalities in the East Africa region and beyond with a wide range of activities from musicians and models to television divas and business icons.

Join Nick Mutuma and the gorgeous Sarah Hassan for the latest in the entertainment scene across the continent only on Mashariki Mix every Tuesday on Africa Magic Entertainment DStv Channel 151 at 18:00 CAT and 21:00 CAT and every Sunday on Africa Magic Swahili GOtv Channel 3 at 19:30 CAT. For more information log onto www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com

Nick Mutuma

Hassan, Moye, Essang to kick-start 2014 Abuja Literary Season HE Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF) T kick starts its 2014 literary calendar with two poets and a filmmaker – Sammy Sage Hassan, Michaela Moye and Solomon Essang appearing at the highly-acclaimed Guest Writer Session on January 25, 2014 at Nanet Suites, Abuja, A poet, writer, thinker, teacher and author, Sage Hassan is recognised as Nigeria’s premier spoken word poet embracing the genre and bringing it to the attention of the

art and music savvy populace. Born in Kaduna State, he got his secondary school education in Jos and Minna, and had become fascinated in writing stories as early as 13 and began exploring various genres.

His teenage dream was to make films and music and he got engaged in musical activities forming bands, studying groups like the Beatles, writing lyrics and poetry, performing shows and writing for a local newspaper back in Jos at 17.

Hassan has taken an inclination to performance poetry and has released three poetry albums and three poetry videos. He has appeared at numerous events like the Hip Hop World Award Shows, ThisDay Music Festival, Arts Alive’s Speak The Mind In Johannesburg.

He has also performed near a hundred brand poems - poetry specifically created for companies and products from UniLiever, Coca Cola, MTN, Celtel, NBL, Diageo etc.

Essang

Moye

Hassan

He has organised workshops and performances for schools and cultural organisations like British Council, Goethe Institut, Lekki British International and Green Springs International. His latest work is Dream Maker.

Michaela Moye is a writer and editor and has worked with various news publications including NEXT and Leadership newspaper. Her parents are from the South West of Nigeria and she was born and grew up in Kaduna state, where she attended Zamani College. Moye often contributed to the school’s magazine and once served on its editorial board. She studied law at the University of Abuja.

Moye’s early journalistic work primarily involved writing and editing entertainment stories, including interviewing Hollywood actors Danny Glover and Forest Whitaker.

Her humorous column, Taking the Mickey, ran in the Leadership newspaper intermittently from 2005 to 2010. She has contributed to TMC Box Office, a film magazine; and to the Goethe Institute’s newsletter for the iRep Film Festival (March 2013). Her short fiction has been

published in the Sun newspaper.

Moye briefly served as the Abuja bureau chief for online news publication, Daily Times Nigeria, where she wrote articles on women’s rights issues. Moye is also one of the writers of the fourth season of the syndicated radio programme on girl-child education, Gbagan Gbagan; and in October 2011, contributed to two BBC short films on HIV & stigmatisation.

In July 2012, she participated in Fidelity Bank’s Creative Writing Workshop and was tutored by the poet, Sally Keith. That same year, Moye contributed to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan: Champion For Women, a book highlighting the influential women in Nigeria’s political sphere. She has contributed to two reports on women and poverty issues for ActionAid Nigeria where she is currently serving as a communications consultant.

Her debut collection of poetry and short stories, Relieved, was publicly released in January 2014. She is a frequent contributor to Metropole Magazine.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 ARTS 53

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Midweek Arts

Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe; Chairman of 10th anniversary jury, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and 10th anniversary Brand Ambassador, Ms. Lydia Forsom

AMAA… 10 years of impactful commitment to excellence in filmmaking

By Gbenga Salau OR any organisation to celebrate 10 years of Fmean uninterrupted activities in Nigeria is no feat. This is more so if the entity is perceived to be doing better with each passing year. If anything, the initiator of the film reward system and her team should be commended for hosting the award over the years, especially in a country where corporate support for ideas is usually lacking in its formative years.

The Africa Film Academy, which gave birth to The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), is principally aimed at researching, training and propagating filmmaking in Africa. The reward system is an effort geared towards the mission to promote African culture, encourage professionalism in the movie industry and offer professional development and networking opportunities.

The award, which was established in 2005, seeks to facilitate the development and relevance of African film and cinema by providing a rewards as well as a recognition platform for filmmakers on the continent. And the award came at the right time because films from Africa were being appreciated outside of Africa in terms of viewership though there were complains about the quality of the content and the level of professionalism involved.

So, the birth of an award to appreciate quality would help provide the needed boost for practitioners to produce quality films.

A decade down the line, for an award system to move from being dubbed a Nollywood award to being described as Africa’s Oscar shows the award has really grown from its humble beginning to a brand that is of international standard. It therefore means that having formally laid the foundation firmly, it is time for the brand to be distinct, and carving a true identity for itself not operating under the shadow of any other award around the globe.

Also, in fulfilling its objectives of promoting professionalism and building capacity of young, aspiring filmmakers, the academy has been running teaching programme across Africa called, Film in a Box, film training courses, which are held in Banjul, Gambia, Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria, with the Module taking the shape of team-building and teamwork with over 21 days of intensive training.

This prepares the younger generation with

the right skills to produce good films thereby sustaining the award through having filmmakers who will constantly send in entries in the future and continually feed the award.

This could also help raise the standard of the award, as those who will submit entries would be people who are well schooled in the rudiments of filmmaking.

Some of the categories in the award are: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Most Promising Actress, Most Promising Actor, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Child Actor, Best Soundtrack, Best Screenplay, Best Film in an African Language, Most Outstanding Costumes, Most Outstanding Cinematography, Most Outstanding Make Up, Most Outstanding Edit and Heart of Africa Award.

In her remark during a press briefing recently, Chief Executive Officer of the academy, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe said that many of the misconceptions held about reward system is due to the fact that many do not understand what the project is about.

She, however, maintained that in spite of the criticism as it celebrates 10 years of its journey, it was time to look at the positives and negatives of the past in line with the philosophy for which it was set up and then move on.

Anyiam-Osigwe stated that part of efforts to ensure that they got it right was why members of the jury were major creators of African cinema. According to her, it was not out to compete with any award neither does it want to be like any other.

She further stated that anywhere there is a black African around the world, they were going to be part of AMAA 2014. She disclosed that the Africa Union had recognised what AMAA was doing and had done for Africa.

Anyiam-Osigwe revealed that the projection was to grow the project beyond Africa to a brand accepted around the globe.

She stressed the importance of the reward system being a success story, and commended corporate organisations in Nigeria for proudly supporting her, saying that nobody else could tell Africa’s story better than Africans, as cultural products from the continent currently did.

In highlighting the impact of the award, Anyiam-Osigwe noted, “The breakthrough film from Nollywood to the international scene came from this award”.

She also spoke about the training arm of the academy revealing that in 2013, it trained about 2,500 young people across Africa in filmmaking, adding, “These students are not paying us and we have to look for sponsors. I always have one major belief that nobody can write Africa’s story unless Africans write it.

And the most important way of showing people the difference is in making sure that we are able to tell this story through film - pictures and visuals. Many living in villages in Malawi do not know how to read but they watch Nigerian movies and they understand it”.

That the brand is respected internationally came to the fore recently, when one of the 10th anniversary Brand Ambassadors, Ms. Lydia Forsom, talked about how she was given a special treat in New York after a goggle search revealed she was an AMAA award winner. This, to her, was because the people felt she was Africa’s best, which was courtesy of AMAA. She, however, narrated how she had hectic time attending one of the events due to logistics’ challenges.

Also, chairman of the 10th anniversary jury, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who has been part of the award from inception, gave insight on how the winners emerge, noting that the criteria for the award remain the same, noting, “What we do basically in the jury and for those who have been covering the award will know that it is assessed by an international jury and not one assembled in a hurry. The interesting thing is that a good number of those who will be serving this year and next year have been there right from the beginning - Amaka Igwe, Shaibu Husseini, Hyginus Ekwuazi, Keith Shiri and June Giovanni”.

According to him, the award is meant to reward excellence although it was usually a neck-breaking process because there were about four to five screening stages to sift not less than 500 entries often submitted.

He added, “The process is usually to assemble different levels of screeners so that by the time half of the jury will be meeting in the third week of March, all the entries would have been whittled down”.

He said that by the first week of March only about 30 feature films would be left for the jury to work on, revealing that the chairman of the screening committee sits with the different levels of screeners to reduce the 500 entries to 30, which are presented to the jury.

Disclosing that the jury works to the last day

of the award so that it becomes impossible to predict the winners, Ayorinde said that by the second or third level of the screening, the chairman of the screening college decides where it would hold the screening exercise. “It could be anywhere so that they are doing nothing but having a little bit of food and sleep but a good dose of watching film. That is the way and that will be the pattern this year”.

Interaction with some stakeholders in the industry on the award revealed that the major minus seems to be the logistics around the ground finale. One of them, a popular filmmaker, refused to speak on the other minuses he has observed over the years claiming he was not willing to make enemies as an elder in the industry.

In reviewing the award 10 years down the line, a filmmaker, Mr. Femi Odugbemi, who commended the team, said it was good to celebrate 10 years of AMAA for its pioneering effort to create a platform to reward professional excellence in movie production in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, the award brought glamour to Nollywood and expanded the celebrity culture common in all thriving film communities across the world besides creating star brands in front and behind the camera who are now international faces driving Nollywood’s growth internationally.

“It connected government institutions and the international film communities to our industry and brought the private sector to the table. I am personally proud to have won an AMAA for my film Bariga Boy a couple of years ago. So, I know in very personal terms that the award has challenged my creativity and given me a sense of appreciation for my work.

“I believe the team is to be congratulated for a great vision and a commitment to grow the industry that they have shown. 10 years is a long time to sustain anything positive in Nigeria and I doff my hat to them for their rugged determination because that is what it has taken”.

On the need for it to create its own identity away from being labeled the ‘African Oscars’, Odugbemi felt such label is a complement for what it represents than an indication that it is not distinctive enough, adding, “It has built a good brand for itself internationally and needn’t reference any negativity on that score.

56 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 57

58 Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 59

60 | Wednesday, January 22, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Sports Atlas Lions can’t stop Eagles, Salami, Uzoenyi assure Nigerians HREE days to the quarterT final tie against the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Super Eagles have predicted a victorious outing against the North African at the Cape Town Stadium.

The Eagles bounced back into reckoning after defeating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 3-1 in the final group game on Sunday.

Some of the players who spoke to The Guardian yesterday at their Garden Court Hotel said that they were ready to give their all against the Moroccans and progress to the last four of the competition.

3SC’s Gbolahan Salami said he was looking forward to the game, as well as, contributes his quota to the progress of the team.

He said that this is the team’s chance to win the competition after edging out the host on Sunday.

“I believe we have a good chance against Morocco. We will not only play to win, but we hope to win well so that we can send a strong signal to our semi-final opponents. I have always given my best to the team and I hope to do more so that we can lift the trophy,” he stated.

Salami noted that the coach have taught them all they need to win the trophy, saying he has also improved since teaming up with Coach Stephen Keshi in the national team.

“Coach Keshi has instilled a lot of confidence in us and I am very happy to be working under him. He rarely blames the players but points out our mistakes and tells us how we need to improve.”

Ejike Uzoenyi, who had won two man-of-the-man awards,

was also sure of the Eagles’ chances against Morocco.

He said the team would take the games one after the other, expressing hope that the North Africans would be added to the list of casualties.

“I respect the Moroccans for what they have achieved so far in this competition but I don’t really care about them. What I really care about is how to stop them in Saturday’s game.

I have also not played against them but I am sure we will get the needed win to move on.”

After his disappointing stint at Rennes of France, Uzoenyi stated that the hurdle before him and his teammates is to beat the Moroccans.

“After my disappointing stay with Rennes, my biggest career move for now is to beat the Moroccans,” he said.

For those, who still believe that Nigeria could have presented a better team at the competition, the Rangers International winger said that it was impossible to have the best players from the league in the team.

Keshi plots Morocco’s fall UPER Eagles Chief Coach, Stants Stephen Keshi and his assisare already working on ways to defeat the Moroccans in the first quarter-final game on Saturday in Cape Town.

Keshi stated that meetings are held daily to fashion out ways to defeat their opponents apart from getting the players ready for the games.

He said that the game against Morocco is a must-win for the team.

“We are doing our best here to ensure that we emerge victorious. It will not be easy but we will take each game as it

Siasia cautions Eagles over Morocco

By Alex Monye ORMER Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia has called on the Super Eagles to guide against complacency when they tackle Morocco in the quarter-final tie in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Beijing Olympic silver winning coach, said that the team must work hard to curtail the rampaging North Africans, who are very fast.

“The Eagles were impressive in their last group game against South Africa. This performance has proved to the world that Nigeria is blessed with talented players. My advice to the team is to keep on with the winning spirit and approach the quarter-final tie against Morocco with caution.

“They should understand that battling a North Africa side needs a different

F

Moroccan and Ugandan players contest during their last group match on Monday.

approach and they should raise the standard to deter their opponent from having an easy ride over them. They must go all out like wounded lions to challenge every team that comes their way as the tournament progress,” he declared.

comes. The players are ready and we (the technical crew) are also working hard to win our games,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians to pray for the team, assuring that they would do their best to beat North Africans.

Goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu said the team knows the importance of the tie and expressed optimism that the players have the ability to win the encounter.

“We need to go out there and have a good game and leave the rest to Almighty God. We won’t discuss tactics, but we are going to watch the Lions match tapes and plot how to play against them.”

Shorunmu noted that the team would emerge victorious if the boys do what is expected of them. “We are not going to underrate the Moroccans and we will approach the game with the seriousness it deserves. For me, there is no cause for alarm.”

He said the team shaky start to the competition was due to

match rustiness, as the domestic league ended in November and the camping for the competition only began two weeks to the event.

He, however, commended Chigozie Agbim for rediscovering his form, saying the technical crew never thought of replacing him when he had poor performances against Mali and Mozambique.

Lagos International Scrabble Classics

Ethiopia confirms participation as organisers stake N4.8m prize money

By Olalekan Okusan HE list of countries expectT ed at the Lagos International Scrabble Classics continue to swell after Ethiopia becomes the latest team to be confirmed for the championship. Also, organisers have staked N4.8m

($30,000) for the tournament holding at the Molade OkoyaThomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

With top players from United States, England, Ghana, Scotland and Kenya already confirmed for the four-day championship, with the star prize pegged at N1.2m

CHAN appearance, a boost for my career, says Alampasu UPER Eagles third choice goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu has said his inclusion in the CHAN squad currently playing in South Africa would help improve his young career.

Alampasu, who emerged the best goalkeeper at the last FIFA Under-17 World Cup at the United Arab Emirate (UAE), said the experience he has got from being with the team is immense and would

S

help him become a better player and person.

While noting that it was every player’s dream to play for the national, he however, said that he didn’t know his opportunity would come quick.

“I didn’t know that my chance would come this quick. I was happy when I was invited to camp and did my best to make the team.

The experience I have got here from mixing with the

senior players would eventually help me in future.

Training with the team gives me confidence and the other keepers encourage me a lot.”

He also said that his former team-mate, Kelechi Iheanacho would have added value to the team.

He said the striker, who just signed for Manchester City of England would get another chance in future.

“If Iheanacho had stayed, I am sure he would have made

an impact at the competition because of his style of play. I am sure he know what he was doing by moving to England and I must wish him the best of luck.”

Alampasu, who expressed his love for the English Premiership said he would love to start his career in other parts of Europe since he has not fulfilled the condition needed to move to England.

($8,000), while winners in each category will smile home with mouthwatering prize money.

Winners in the intermediate and opens categories will get N.5m and N1m respectively, while the top 10 players will get cash reward.

Aside countries like United States, England, Scotland, Ghana and Kenya that have confirmed their participations; Ethiopia is the latest nation to join the fray for the championship.

Confirming this yesterday, Chairman, Lagos State Scrabble Association, Dayo Alao said Ethiopia is the latest country although Uganda has signified interest to be part of the tournament also.

Among the top players expected at the competition include Nigeria-born United States’ Sammy Okosagah, a two-time winner of the Akpabio tournament as well as Nigeria-born Scotland Lukmon Owolabi.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

61

Wawrinka ends Djokovic’s reign TANISLAS Wawrinka senSDjokovic’s sationally ended Novak 25-match win-

Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after victory in his men’s singles match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the 2014 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne…yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

ning run at the Australian Open as he finally got the better of the defending champion.

As the clock registered four hours, Djokovic placed a volley wide on Wawrinka’s first match point to give the Swiss a 2-6 6-4 6-2 3-6 9-7 victory.

Djokovic was bidding to become the first man since Roy Emerson to win four straight Australian Open titles, and he had not lost a match since the US Open final in September.

Twelve months ago Djokovic won a fourthround clash against Wawrinka 12-10 in the fifth set in Melbourne while the outcome was the same when they met in the last four at the US Open.

Wawrinka said, “last year it was really tough but this year I came back, it’s a new year. I did not start well, I was not feeling great on the court. I tried everything. He’s an amazing champion and he never gives up but I’m really, really, really happy.”

Their clash in the fourth round last year was arguably

the match of the season, so the Rod Laver Arena was primed for something special when the two men walked out under the lights.

It was something of an anticlimax, then, when Djokovic breezed through the first set.

But Wawrinka cut out the errors and found his form during the second set, ripping his one-handed backhand, and it paid dividends in the seventh game when he landed one on the line to break the Djokovic serve.

He nervelessly served it out, and in the third set the champion simply could not live with his opponent.

One thing that can be guaranteed from Djokovic, though, is a fight, and he let out an almighty roar when he broke the Wawrinka serve to lead 5-3 in the fourth set.

The Swiss had been 40-0 up but Djokovic somehow stretched to arc a return win-

ner into the corner to set up break point and took it when Wawrinka blazed a forehand well out.

Wawrinka had two chances to break back but netted a forehand on the first and Djokovic served an ace on the second, while a second ace on set point drew another roar.

It seemed Djokovic had done the hard work when he broke again for 2-1 in the deciding set but he then threw in a poor game to hand the initiative straight back.

Djokovic had more chances in the fifth and seventh games but Wawrinka showed exceptional mental strength, and no little skill, to hold his opponent off.

There was more drama in the 11th game when, with Wawrinka leading 40-15, it began to spit with rain and there was a short delay.

Murray won’t take Federer clash for granted Roger Federer is FwillACING something Andy Murray never take for granted.

The pair will meet for the 21st time in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open today, with Murray looking to extend his head-to-head lead to 12-9.

Asked if there was still something special about playing Federer, the Scot said, “I think there’s always going to be because of everything that he’s achieved in the game.

“Whenever Roger finishes, or Rafa (Nadal), I am not going to play against guys that have won 17, 14, 15 slams, however many Rafa has won, however many he’ll go on to win.

“So it’s always going to be special playing against him.”

Federer is looking for his 18th grand slam title, and the chances of him achieving that looked remote at best until he demolished JoWilfried Tsonga in the fourth round.

It was a vintage performance from Federer, who appears to have recovered from back problems that heavily contributed to his struggles in 2013.

This will be his first match against Murray since they met in the semi-finals here 12 months ago, a clash the Scot won in five sets for his first grand slam victory over the Swiss, who has beaten him in

Anelka considers charge response EST Brom insists striker W Nicolas Anelka will remain available for selection while he considers his options after being charged by the Football Association over his controversial ‘quenelle’ goal celebration.

The Frenchman has until tomorrow to respond to the charge for the gesture, which some say is an inverted Nazi salute and has anti-Semitic connotations.

Anelka has been charged with making an improper gesture and that it was an aggravated breach, in that it included “a reference to ethnic origin and/or race and/or religion or belief.”

Under new FA rules, such aggravated offences carry a minimum five-match ban and possibly a longer suspension.

In a statement West Brom said there would be no action from them until the FA had concluded their disciplinary process.

“West Bromwich Albion has noted The FA’s charge against Nicolas Anelka regarding the gesture he made after scoring his first goal against West Ham United on December 28,” said the club.

“Anelka has received a 34page document explaining the allegations against him and informing him that he has until 6pm on Thursday to respond. The player is now considering his options.

“Under FA rules, Anelka remains available for firstteam selection until The FA’s disciplinary process has reached its conclusion.

Following this, the club will conclude its own internal enquiry.”

The FA said in a statement, “the FA has charged the West Bromwich Albion player Nicolas Anelka following an incident that occurred during the West Ham United versus West Bromwich Albion fixture at the Boleyn Ground on 28 December 2013.

three slam finals.

“I’ve played him 20 times I think,” said Murray. “So all of those matches, it’s all experience. You know how you need to play against him, tactically things that work and things that don’t work.

“Obviously last year is pretty relevant because it’s on the same court and it will be under the same conditions.

But in an individual sport, any day is a new day.

Anything can happen.

“You play 10 per cent below your best, you can be off the court quickly. So whether my tactics are great or not, I need to play a great match to win.”

The clash will also be the first meeting between two of the super coaches, with Murray’s mentor Ivan Lendl coming up against his former 1980s rival Stefan Edberg.

Anelka

Edberg has committed to working with Federer for at least 10 weeks this year, and commentators were quick to put two and two together when the Swiss showed a particular willingness to charge to the net against Tsonga.

Murray said, “you would assume that’s something that Edberg would be able to help with. He was pretty good at that.

“But at the same time, they’ve been working together for a week. You’ll see how much the coaches have helped the players and the things they’ve been working on in three, four, five months’ time.”

Murray’s route to the last eight has been unusual, with the Scot beating three players ranked outside the top 100 as well as familiar foe Feliciano Lopez.

Isco

Isco still has a future at Real Madrid, says Ancelotti ARLO Ancelotti has admitC ted that Real Madrid’s change to a 4-3-3 formation hurts Isco’s chances of getting regular first-team action, but has insisted that the 21year-old still has a future with

the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The attacking midfielder impressed with a string of fine performances in the opening stages of the 2013-14 campaign, but has been struggling to replicate that form since Madrid moved away from its 4-2-3-1 setup.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has stressed that there is still room for Isco as he can also feature in a three-man midfield or on the right wing.

“The 4-3-3 system gives us more balance because the defensive job done by the three midfielders is very good and we will keep using this system,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.

“It is true that this change makes it more difficult for Isco, but I think he can play in (Angel) Di María’s or (Luka) Modric’s position as well.

“Plus I have not completely forgotten about the old system and we may still use it from time to time.”

Isco, who joined Madrid from Malaga at the start of the season, has scored six goals in 16 appearances for los Blancos in La Liga.

62

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

SPORT Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Okala thumbs up Eagles CHAN campaign, says Agbim’s improving

By Eno-Abasi Sunday from the slow JinUDGING start the Super Eagles had the ongoing African

Super Eagles’ striker, Gbolahan Salami

Why Willian’s form may trigger Mata’s Chelsea exit UAN Mata could be on the Jdespite way out at Chelsea and, Jose Mourinho saying earlier this season he preferred Oscar in the No. 10 role, it is the form of another player that has led to the Spaniard being ignored recently.

Oscar’s fellow Brazilian Willian made a slow start to the campaign after spurning a move to Tottenham Hotspur at the last minute in favour of a big-money transfer to Stamford Bridge from Russians Anzhi Makhachkala in August.

Eden Hazard and Oscar have always been first choices under Manager Mourinho in the formation of three players that operate just behind the sole striker in the London club’s 4-2-3-1 system.

In the last few weeks, however, the fleet-footed Willian has brought a dynamism to the attacking midfield that has had Mourinho drooling and helped lift Chelsea into third place in the table, two points behind leaders Arsenal.

The manager gives Willian, Oscar and Hazard a licence to thrill in possession but he also insists on a tigerish defensive approach from the interchangeable creative trio when the team lose the ball.

It has taken the three players a while to adjust to Mourinho’s demands but a run of six wins in a row in all competitions is tangible proof the approach is working.

“It is true that most of the time when I was at Shakhtar

Mata

Donetsk I played out on the wings but I also played No. 10 from time to time there,” the 25-year-old Willian told the Chelsea website (www.chelseafc.com) earlier this month.

“It is similar here, sometimes I am out on the right, sometimes out on the left, but also playing the No. 10 position.

“The No. 10 needs to have the quality to find space and make the right runs in the right positions. You have less space and there are more

people around you when you play there but the knowledge I have from playing wide does help,” said the mop-haired Willian.

“I am still settling into this particular position but I don’t see any problems with how I am playing at the moment.”

Mata is the darling of the Stamford Bridge crowd, having been voted Player of the Year when Chelsea won the Champions League in season 2011-12 and again last term when they lifted the Europa League under Mourinho’s

Vidic loses red card appeal left them 14 points off league ANCHESTER United leaders Arsenal and six off the M defender, Nemanja Vidic Champions League places. has been banned for three matches after losing his appeal against his red card at Chelsea, the Football Association has announced.

Vidic’s claim for wrongful dismissal was rejected by an independent regulatory commission yesterday. He was sent off in United’s 3-1 defeat on Sunday for a foul on Eden Hazard.

An FA statement read, “the player’s three-match suspension commences with immediate effect.”

The 32-year-old Red Devils captain will now miss the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland today and Barclays Premier League games at home to Cardiff and away to Stoke.

His absence is a blow to David Moyes’ struggling side, whose season suffered another setback in their comprehensive defeat by Chelsea, which

Nations Championship in South Africa, legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okala says he is satisfied with the steadied flight the team is experiencing at the moment.

He has also expressed satisfaction in the ability of the embattled Nigerian Captain and goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim to rise to the occasion and come out of his much publicised match rustiness, which has seen him commit numerous schoolboy errors.

Okala, one of Nigeria’s longest-serving goalkeeper and winner of the 1980 African Nations Cup told The Guardian in an interview, “I am very impressed with the way the team has progressed and shot itself up the graph.

So I can boldly say that we are making progress after what was a very bad start.”

He continued, “as a Nigerian and former international, it gladdens my heart that we are improving after every game and I wish the trend continues because that is what every well-meaning Nigerian prays for.”

He regretted that the very limited preparations that the team had affected it in its first match against Mali, stressing that there was the need for the country’s national teams to always put in sufficient preparations ahead of major championships in order to avert such embarrassing situations.

The retired goalkeeper, who showered praises on Agbim for overcoming the difficult situations he found himself in the first two matches blamed match rustiness as the reason the Eagles captain fumbled.

“As a former goalkeeper, I can say authoritatively that match rustiness affected Agbim and contributed to the bad outings he had early in the championship. I am very happy that he has improved with every match and made some daring saves in our last match against hosts South Africa. This has to do with the pep talks and advises he received from the technical crew especially Coach Stephen Keshi.

Without doubt, what really helped him is the confidence Keshi reposed in him when every one was attacking him and calling him names,” Okala stated.

While reacting to those, who attribute Agbim’s rough ride in the early stage to lack of confidence, he begged to differ, insisting that, “if Agbim were to be plagued by lack of confidence, he would have gotten from bad to worse when the pressure was really mounting after the first two matches, where there were very anxious moments in our goal mouths.

“But what we have seen here is, instead of deteriorating, he has scaled up his game. So I would appeal to Nigerians to always support their flag bearers in whatever situations they find themselves, as this is the only way they can serve us with pride.”

My son wants me to retire at Mallorca, says Eto’o C

HELSEA striker, Samuel Eto’o has revealed his son wants him to return to former club Real Mallorca and finish his career there.

Eto’o is out of contract in the summer after joining Chelsea on a one-year deal from Russian side, Anzhi Makhachkala last August and it remains to be seen where the 32-year-old will be plying his trade next term.

The prolific Cameroun international, who scored a hattrick in Chelsea’s 3-1 Barclays Premier League win over

Manchester United on Sunday, is unlikely to be short of offers but he does admit his son has been encouraging him to return to Spanish side Mallorca before he hangs up his boots.

Eto’o started his career with Real Madrid in Spain but it was Mallorca where he first shone during a four-year spell from 2000 before earning superstar status at Barcelona, and he still holds the Balearic Island club who were relegated from the Primera Division last season very dear to his heart.

Asked by Spanish radio station

Cadena Cope, which he likes out of La Liga’s three leading teams Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, Eto’o said, “I’ll always like Barca, but I prefer Mallorca.

“My son has pressured me to finish (my career) there. My son is from Mallorca.”

The three-times Champions League winner also admitted there was plenty he missed about life in Spain, adding, “I miss everything from there. I miss my team-mates, my friends, Barcelona, the weather, the ham, everything...”

Federer form thrills Rusedski REG Rusedski believes G Roger Federer will go into today’s Australian Open quarter-final against Andy Murray in his best form since winning his seventh Wimbledon title.

In the summer of 2012, Federer beat Murray under the Centre Court roof to collect his 17th grand slam trophy.

Since then the Swiss has managed just one slam semi-final losing to Murray in five sets in Melbourne 12 months ago and saw his run of 36 consecu-

tive quarter-finals ended at Wimbledon last summer.

But in a comprehensive defeat of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Monday, Federer looked back to his best, while Murray dropped his first set of the tournament against lucky loser Stephane Robert.

The Frenchman was the third of Murray’s four opponents so far to be ranked outside the top 100, allowing the Scot a gentle reintroduction to grand slam tennis following back surgery.

Former British number one, Rusedski, who is working as a pundit for Eurosport, said, “it was good for him to be tested and overall I think it was an excellent performance from Murray.

“I think he’s improved with every match he’s played throughout these championships. I thought the first two sets were absolutely brilliant, he dictated play and that’s what you like to see from Murray.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer during his men’s singles match against France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the 2014 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Monday.

PHOTO: AFP

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 63

TheGuardian

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Samuel Orovwuje ANUARY 1, 2014, the country marked 100 years anniversary of its artificial creation in response to the administrative and economic reality of the British colonial administration at the time. This creation in 1914 is called Nigeria, and its philosopher-king was named Lord Lugard. His country of dream today is among the very few countries in the Commonwealth that are still in search of true federalism and nationhood after 10 decades of existence. Many years later, this wonderful and beautiful country would become the subject of endless ridicule by national and international media on corruption, terrorism, kidnapping, inept leadership, religious and political intolerance, bad governance, and most recently open letters on the state of affairs!

Indeed some of these issues would have been unimaginable in Lugard’s days!

Today’s Nigeria would be unrecognisable to Lord Lugard if he were alive at this time for obvious reasons. One is the negative manifestation of the divide and rule politics he bequeathed to us and the manifest drawback to attaining nationhood and, above all, the increased agitation for the restructuring of the Nigerian state would most likely leave him bewildered. Does this mean that the fundamental principles of nation-building are not achievable in Nigeria?

The centenary celebrations provide Nigerians an opportunity to celebrate some important accomplishments particularly flag independence in 1960. The anniversary is bitter-sweet as it comes at the same time as the country’s selfish and self-centered political elite and power mongers are jostling for political superiority and relevance for 2015 general elections, which are likely to descend into chaos, if not well managed. Our leaders must tread on the path of caution and restraint in the interest of the nation.

The political cross-fire of the ruling elite and the unwholesome alliances and mergers for personal gains also paint a gloomy prognosis of a glorious future. In the same vein the overt politicisation of governance has hindered real development in the midst of plenty.

Furthermore, poverty and insecurity escalating at an alarming proportion are a sad reality of our country. This could worsen as most Nigerians lack access to shelter and means of livelihood and, above all, food security.

This article explores some of the salient and compelling building blocks for the reconstruction of a genuine national identity framework that can be a unifying factor for equitable and people centered national development. National values and ethos should be our watch words going forward and a clear mandate for the years ahead is the transformative shift that must underpin a new agenda driving common goals and related national targets to cover themes of inclusive and sustainable political re-engineering. It should be such as would focus on the strengthening of good governance which is collapsing rapidly and operating below average performance using international governance index and benchmarks. Nigeria at 100 years is still

J

The centenary celebrations provide Nigerians an opportunity to celebrate some important accomplishments particularly flag independence in 1960. The anniversary is bitter-sweet as it comes at the same time as the country’s selfish and self-centered political elite and power mongers are jostling for political superiority and relevance for 2015 general elections, which are likely to descend into chaos, if not well managed

Please send reactions and feedback for YOUTH SPEAK to:

editorial@risenetworks.org and 07067976667- SMS ONLY

Lord Lugard’s dream and Nigeria at 100: A sober celebration

plagued with high level of financial mismanagement. This is not good for sustainable development and national prosperity.

Governance and indeed the national and state leadership require careful monitoring, evaluation and vigilance by all. In short, performance indicators for our leaders would do the country good as we prepare for elections in 2015.

Social institutions like the church and voluntary organisations should be drawn directly into the tasks of nation building. A policy which places greater reliance on the people while drawing upon government resources as catalyst is imperative. Because most social organisations are already in involved in social

engineering and actions of various sorts, it has become very clear that the government alone cannot bring us to prosperity and development. Thus, public policy initiatives must increasingly embody high moral standard involving the press as watchdogs, trade unions as pressure groups as well as transparent private corporations and small businesses.

The ideals of Nigeria democratic capitalism must work in harmony with the three independent and interdependent systems, the political, economic and the moral-cultural systems. Therefore, Nigeria needs to capitalise on its democratic dividends and initiate policies for creating jobs. Inclusive and sustain-

The YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is an initiative of THE GUARDIAN, and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria’s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership at all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse on diverse issues especially those that are peculiar to Nigeria. Regarding submission of articles, we welcome writers‘ contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion pieces that are concise, topical and non-defamatory! All articles (which are not expected to be more than 2000 words) should be sent to editorial@risenetworks.org To read the online Version of this same article plus past publications and to find out more about Youth Speak, please visit www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak and join the ongoing National Conversations’’.

Also join our on-line conversation

RISE GROUP

@risenetworks

21676F3E

Published by Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos Tel: 4489600, 2798269, 2798270, 07098147948, 07098147951 Fax: 4489712; Advert Hotlines: Lagos 7736351, Abuja 07098513445; Circulation Hotline: 01 4489656 All correspondence to Guardian Newspapers Limited, P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria.

E-mail letters@ngrguardiannews.com; www.ngrguardiannews.com

Editor: MARTINS

OLOJA

.

ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)

Nigeria at 100 years is still plagued with high level of financial mismanagement. This is not good for sustainable development and national prosperity.

Governance and indeed the national and state leadership require careful monitoring, evaluation and vigilance by all able growth must be a part of the economic transformation agenda. If Nigeria can properly mobilise its young workforce, it can also enjoy the benefits of a great nation like the Asian Tigers are doing. It is evident from findings and reports of international agencies that Nigeria is one of those fast-growing and large-population economies in the world, but the challenge, however, remains the ability of the Nigeria government and the economy managers to generate and galvanise resources to trickle down development path that will sufficiently create jobs. Put differently, Nigeria over the next 15 years should rely on its ability to generate sufficient quantum of job opportunities for its restive youths.

The future is not ordained; it depends very much on what we decide today as a country and a people. In any case, it is certain that we need a Nigerian dream and vision to create a clear and coherent system of policies, programmes, institutions for both the public and private sectors.

In my view, the common ground between the government and the people, regardless of political, religious and ethnic sentiments should be a genuine commitment to moving the country forward with a purposeful agenda. This requires transparency and clarity of mind on the fundamental issues of federalism and national rebirth. We must also recognise that strength can be found in diversity and the need to develop strong relationship with the people is paramount at all times. Striking the right balance of diversity, developing national leadership compass and striving for the highest moral and ethical values will help to secure the future of this great country.

While Nigeria’s landmark anniversary of 100 years provides an opportune moment to reflect on the challenges and the various changes that have taken place in the political and governance landscape over the years and the necessity to adapt to new realities in our nation building efforts, it is also important to bear in mind that change is constant and as a people we must rise to the occasion to retooling our nation for a better future. The desire and ambition to uphold the constitution of Nigeria and human dignity should be uppermost as we forge ahead from fragmented and chaotic state to nation-state where pride and patriotism is the common factor for its unity in diversity.

Lastly, we must make conscious effort to relaunch the Good people, Great Nation initiative of the former Minister of Information and Communication – Dora Akunliyi. Beyond the Millennium city project in Abuja and the highly politicised centenary country report on women in celebration of the 100 years anniversary, I will like to propose that January 1 every year be instituted through an act of parliament as Harmony Day in celebration of our common heritage and national aspiration agenda. The day should be used as national reconciliation mechanism to heal the wounds of the evil seeds of mistrust and the divide and rule politics that was bequeathed to us by the British high command which was carefully executed by Lord Lugard and his mistress. Nigeria can be great again and the time is now!

• Orovwuje is the founder of Humanitarian Care for Displaced Persons, Lagos.