Wed 10 July 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,613

www.ngrguardiannews.com

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Uproar in Rivers House over fake mace, move to impeach Speaker From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt

T began with banters. And it promised ending on a comradely note. But allegations and counter-allegations culminated in scuffles during the legislative session of the Rivers House of Assembly yesterday. A fake mace allegedly smuggled into the legislative chamber to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba

• Amaechi leads security detail to restore order • Lawmaker allegedly asks police to shoot gov • Dep governor attacked, legislators injured Amachree, sparked a fight between lawmakers loyal to Governor Chibuike Amaechi and five others opposed to him. Some lawmakers had arrived at the legislative chamber yesterday morn-

ing and they were exchanging pleasantries. But suddenly there was an altercation between the House Leader, Chidi Lloyd and Okechukwu Chinda over a fake mace in the House when the speaker

had not arrived. Amid the altercation, one of the anti-Amaechi lawmakers representing Ogu Constituency, Mr. Evans Bipialaka, walked up to Lloyd and allegedly slapped him. And in a bid to prevent

the ensuing crisis from descending into violence, the speaker who had just arrived at the chamber and another lawmaker, Azubuike Njoku tried to intervene but were also allegedly attacked by Bipialaka and this led to a free-for-all. In a statement yesterday, Lloyd said when they got to the House in the morning, they saw over 50 policemen and thought that this was in response to the Speaker’s

request. He explained that shortly thereafter, he noticed that the five anti-Amaechi members were discussing and calling on their boys to come into the chamber. According to him, initially, the policemen were searching everybody who would come to the premises. But suddenly the policemen stopped searching people. Alleging that he was heavily assaulted, he added: “I CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Four Boko Haram members get life jail over Suleja bombings • Sagay, others hail verdict • Vigilance group captures terror suspects • UN, others deplore Yobe killings From Laolu Akande (New York), Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi (Jos), Lemmy Ughegbe, JohnOkeke (Abuja), Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) and Kolawole Timothy (Lokoja) (with agency report) HE Federal High Court, T Abuja Division, yesterday slammed a life sentence on four of six persons brought before it for trial on a fivecount charge of terrorism following their alleged complicity in the bombing of an office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 8, 2011 and at a political rally on March 3, 2011 in Suleja, Niger State. Those sentenced to life imprisonment are Shuaibu Abubakar, Salisu Ahmed, Umar Babagana-Umar and CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (left), Chief Afe Babalola, his wife, Modupe, Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti State) and Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo State) and former Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni, during the 50th law practice anniversary of Babalola in Ibadan… yesterday. PHOTO: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

N’Assembly divided over constitution amendment From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Bridget Chiedu Onochie and Terhemba Daka, Abuja NLIKE other matters where both the Senate and the House of Representatives readily agree, the amendment of the nation’s constitution may have pitted the two chambers of the National Assembly against each other. Besides, the House yesterday urged the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently caution universities which are applying higher cut-off

• Senators seek retention of two terms of four years for president, govs • Want immunity clause to stay • Back councils’ autonomy, others • Reps caution varsities against cut-off marks’ disparity marks for candidates of the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), other than those the Federal Government ap-

proved for their ongoing post-UTME screening. During the Senate’s debate on the amendment of the constitution yesterday,

members of the upper chamber rejected some proposals that were earlier made by the House. Senators rejected the single-

term tenure proposed by the Ike Ekweremadu-led committee on constitution review. But they endorsed the

Jonathan, others urge prayer for peace, unity at Ramadan - Page 3

House’s proposal for local council areas’ financial autonomy. Senators who contributed to the debate declared that allowing for single tenure would amount to entrenching dictatorship and a regime of disrespect for transparency. Many senators also rose against the House committee’s recommendation that the immunity clause should be removed from the constitution. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

NEWS

Senators seek retention of two terms of four years for president, govs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Senator Clever Ikisikpo (PDP, Bayelsa) disagreed with the insinuation that the immunity clause leads to impunity by governors and the president. According to him, removing the clause would only result in distracting the afore-said officials from performing their duties. On the controversial sixyear tenure for the president and governors, Ikisikpo said: “I don’t agree with the issue of single term of six years. It is undemocratic. It will also encourage corruption because the president will feel that he has only one term and he would be massively corrupt.” Ahmed Lawan (ANPP, Yobe State) argued that “a single term of six years is an investment in disaster, invitation to chaos, anarchy and corruption. “A president should be reelected if he is worthy of it. I want to urge the Senate to throw away completely the baby and the bath water as long as the six-year single tenure is concerned.” Matthew Nwagwu (Imo North) said: “My people do not support the six-year single term. We supported it when we thought we had zoning in the constitution but since it is not there, we want to go with the four-year

term.” Victor Lar (PDP, Plateau State) said: “My people rejected the proposal for six-year single term because it enthrones dictatorship and institutionalises corruption. It will entrench impunity by elected officials.” Some of the proposed changes that enjoyed overwhelming support of lawmakers include financial autonomy for the auditorgeneral, which Lawan described as “a worthwhile amendment.” He added that they should be empowered to fight corruption. Ikisikpo urged his colleagues to throw away the proposal which sought to remove the president from performing the role of signing the amendments made to the constitution. “If we finish the constitution and refuse to allow the president to sign, it would appear one-sided as if we were arrogating power to ourselves. However, if the president refuses assent to a bill, we have the power in the constitution to veto it,” he said. However, Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia State) cautioned his colleagues against the danger of removing the joint account between the states and local councils. He remarked: “Let me take us back to ask ourselves a simple question. Why are we

doing this amendment? Since we started this democracy in 1999, we have tried amendment several times. We still came back to deal with the very thing we tried to amend and the question we need to ask ourselves is whether this amendment would stay or we will still do more. “On state and local council joint account, the constitution stipulates that once the fund comes into the account, each state government should add 10 per cent of its own fund and distribute to local councils. But it has been an opportunity for them to hijack the fund. We should ask ourselves if it is possible for us to make the amendment. “Is it possible for us to make law for every aberration in human behaviour? The problem is not the constitution; the problem is the operators of the constitution, who have refused to do the right thing. Until we use our constitution to empower an institution, we would continue to visit our constitution for amendment.” Minister of Education, Prof. Ruquayyat Ahmed Rufa’i, had on June 17, 2013 at a public event involving stakeholders in the tertiary education sector in Abuja announced that the Federal Government’s approved cut-

off marks for admission into universities as 180 and that of polytechnics and colleges of education as 150 for the 2013/2014 academic year, urging them to comply with the approval. But the parliament expressed surprise that some institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) had their postUTME screening test cut-off mark pegged at 200 and above. Similarly, the Federal University of Technology, Minna and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) put theirs at 190 and 200 for science courses respectively. In a resolution on a motion moved under matters of urgent public importance by Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Ogene, the lower chamber further mandated its Committee on Education “to interface with both the Ministry of Education and the authorities of federal universities and allied institutions, with regard to ensuring strict adherence to government policy on education, especially when it is not in conflict with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.”

Amaechi leads security detail to restore order CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

didn’t just utter a word until Hon. Ihunwo graciously asked me to run for my dear life because they have brought people with guns and of course when I looked at the gallery they were shouting who is the Chidi Lloyd, who is the Chidi Lloyd? “ The five anti-Amaechi lawmakers climbed on tables and allegedly destroyed some of the computers in the legislative chamber even as they shouted and grappled with proAmaechi colleagues. The contending lawmakers threw chairs and punched one another. Amid the pandemonium, someone called the governor who came in with his own security detail because the policemen in the House were said to be standing helplessly, watching what was going on. The governor was reported to have gone to the House and one of the lawmakers opposed to him was allegedly screaming aloud “shoot him, shoot him.” But the governor was not deterred as he walked into the chamber. Amaechi’s security detail rescued 23 members, including the Speaker. And after a while, three anti- Amaechi lawmakers, namely Bipialaka, Kelechi Nwogu and Victor Ihunwo, held a mock session and pronounced Bipialaka as the ‘new’ Speaker.

While the anti-Amaechi lawmakers were sitting, with what the Leader of the House described as a fake mace, some of the governor’s loyalists led by Lloyd went back to the House and seized the mace. In the process, further fighting ensued. As soon as the governor left, the three lawmakers met again, with Bipialaka addressing his two other colleagues. Shortly after the governor’s departure, 22 lawmakers, led by the Speaker, reconvened and received the Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, who then presented a bill for an amendment of the 2013 Appropriation Law to them. But before presenting the bill, the deputy governor had requested that the antiAmaechi lawmakers should come into the chamber if they so wished. Bipialaka who had earlier pronounced himself the new speaker later returned and allegedly almost attacked Ikuru but was held back by the Government House security detail. As Ikuru was driving out of the House, some former militants hurled stones on his convoy. Several lawmakers were badly injured in the brawl. Lawmakers punched one another and chairs were hurled. Chinda had a blow on the head as a result of the mace that was slammed on his head and

was taken to the hospital with blood streaming down his face. As at the time of filing this report, he and Chinda were in the hospital. Reacting to his purported impeachment, the Speaker and 22 of his colleagues who spoke with journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said: “I am the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and all the other officers and the clerk are here with me. The leadership of the House is intact and what Evans Bipi told you is pure fallacy, lie.” “Can five members sit to impeach the Speaker? We are about 27 members here. We don’t know what their aims were but today; in fact, we did not know there would be chaos in the House. So, we went to the House as usual and we were exchanging pleasantries. But we quickly arrested the situation and started our deliberation.” The Speaker said he was shocked that the police failed to intervene and restore peace. He said the motive for writing to the police commissioner for protection was to prevent the repetition of what happened on May 6 when some hoodlums invaded the House. “We didn’t want a repeat of that, so I directed the clerk to write to the CP and also the Brigade Commander, but to my great-

est surprise I did not see one single security operative there (House). The police I saw were acting funnily. One of my colleagues was even beaten by the police. The computers in the hallowed chamber were all destroyed. In that hallowed chamber, honourable members can do anything there. It happens in every parliament. What we are concerned about is for a member to bring in hoodlums to attack his fellow members, but as colleagues we can fight in the chamber. But outside the chamber, it is unfortunate that the police will also be there and watch hoodlums attack members,” he said. Amaechree explained that the House would formally write to the National Assembly to complain and would continue to sit irrespective of the crisis. But the Felix Obuah-led faction of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated Bipialaka. The party’s spokesman, Monday Oyenzeowu, said that lawmakers who elected Bipialaka as their Speaker had once again demonstrated the unity and sense of purpose that characterised the hallowed chamber before the crisis. However, two federal lawmakers, Senator Magnus Abe and Dakuku Peterside, have described the attack on Otelemaba as an assault

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

News Court decides on NLNG, NIMASA feud Friday

House committee tasks govt on research institutes’ funding By Gbenga Akinfenwa OR Nigeria to attain Vision 20:2020 in food stability and employment, the Federal Government and research institutes need to fulfill their mandates in order to reposition the country. Speaking on Monday during their visit to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology, Abiodun Akinlade, said it was crucial to renew advocacy for funding of science and technology in the country. He noted that no meaningful development could come out of any country that does not invest or pay attention to the sector, and promised to ensure that funds appropriated to agencies and institutes were promptly released to aid their projects.

By Joseph Onyekwere

Court adjourns suit against Newswatch to Sept 17 By Joseph Onyekwere FEDERAL High Court, A Lagos yesterday adjourned further proceedings in the suit filed by two minority shareholders of the Newswatch Communications Ltd, (NCL), Mr. NuhuWada Aruda and Prof. Jibril Aminu, against the company and its new management led by businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, to September 17. The trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned the suit following the absence of the petitioners’ witness, Mr. Elvis Onuorah, a chartered accountant and the petitioners’ third witness in the case as well as the prayers of the petitioners’ counsel, Mr. Adekunle Oyesanya (SAN) to that effect. Oyesanya said: “We are very sorry for the absence of the witness; I think maybe he is stuck in the traffic on the way to the court, I feel inclined to urge your Lordship that the matter be stood down. But failing that, we would be asking for an adjournment of the matter.”

USTICE Mohammed Idris of JLagos the Federal High Court, yesterday said he would

President Goodluck Jonathan; and his wife, Patience being received by the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, Le Yucheng on the arrival in Beijing International Airport China for state visit … yesterday.

Jonathan, others urge prayer for peace, unity at Ramadan From Muyiwa Adeyemi (AdoEkiti); Mohammed Abubakar (Abuja); Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin); Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri); Sulaiman Salau and Abdulwaheed Usamah (Lagos) HEAD of today’s comA mencement of the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan, President Goodluck Jonathan has enjoined all adherents of Islamic faith in Nigeria to imbibe the spirit of peace, tolerance and togetherness. The President’s goodwill message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati in Abuja yesterday. It reads in part: “As they (Muslims) join the global Islamic community in undergoing the spiritual purification of Ramadan, President Jonathan urges all Nigerian Muslims to offer special prayers during the period for greater peace, security, unity and rapid socio-economic development in the country. “The President calls on all

• Saraki votes N135m to feed poor faithful • Shettima’s wife donates food items Nigerians, Muslims and nonMuslims alike, to strive to imbibe in greater measure, the virtues of piety, self-discipline, tolerance, equity, fairness and sympathy for the less privileged, which the Ramadan fast promotes. “He also urges all persons of the faith who may have been misled by extremists and agents of international terrorism into taking up arms against their fellow countrymen, women and children to re-open their minds, during

this Ramadan season, to Islam’s true lesson. “The President prays that God Almighty will grant the prayers of the faithful during Ramadan, reward them bountifully and grant Nigeria greater peace, security, unity and national harmony.” Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State congratulated Muslims for witnessing another season of Ramadan. Ahmed charged them to use the month to do more for the

less privileged members of the society in order to close the ever increasing wide gap between the rich and the poor. He also urged the Muslims to intensify prayers for the continued peace and unity of the country especially with the security challenges across the country. In a pre-Ramadan tutorial during last Friday prayer sermon, by Chief Imam, Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdulkeem Abdullateef, described Ramadan as a month in which whatever good human put up with is expected to continue till same month of another year and it is the essence of the period.

Reps Caucus removes Bamidele as leader From Terhemba Daka, Abuja NGRY Members of the Ekiti A state Cuacus in the House of Representatives yesterday announced the suspension of their leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele over his declaration to contest and go for the Oke

Bareke job in 2014 as Governor of the state and other alleged sundry anti party activities. Bamidele Chairs the House Committee on Legislative Budget. According to a statement endorsed by the five lawmakers including Robison Ajiboye,

Bamidele Faparusi, Bimbo Daramola, Dr. Ifeoluwa Arowosoge, and Oyetunde Ojou, Bamidele has the constitutional rights to vie for any position in the country, “but he cannot ventilate that against the philosophy of our party.”

on July 12 rule on the lingering dispute between the Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Both organisations are in court over alleged failure of NLNG to pay some statutory charges due to the Federal Government, which subsequently resulted in the seizure of their vessel by NIMASA. Trial judge will on that date rule on two preliminary objections filed by a private firm, Global West Vessels Specialists Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL), joined as defendant by NLNG. GWVSNL is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to adjudicate on the suit in addition to the propriety of commencing contempt proceedings against it by NLNG. GWVSNL was sued as an agent of NIMASA alongside the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Bello Adoke. Counsel to GWVSNL, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), while arguing on the objection, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that proper parties were not sued as defendants. He said the court has been robbed of jurisdiction owing to the fact that the suit was incurably defective. According to him, the Supreme Court has held in a plethora of cases that this kind of case cannot go on against them in the absence of NIMASA, which was not listed as defendant in the suit. He said: “The deliberate failure of the plaintiff (NLNG) to sue NIMASA is aimed at circumventing Section 53 (2) of NIMASA Act which mandates them to file a pre-action notice. At this stage, that error is fatal to the case of the plaintiff and it cannot be rectified by amendment or joinder. My Lord, even the AGF is not a proper party to this suit as the Supervisory Minister for NIMASA is the Transport Minister. So, in essence, NLNG has failed to sue the proper defendants.”

Appeal Court dethrones Olofa of Ofa, orders installation of rival By Anietie Akpan (Calabar) and Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin)

• Tussle over Calabar throne moves to S’Court

HE Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Kwara State yesterday ordered the removal from office of the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye, and ordered prompt installation of Abdulrauf Adegboyega Keji as the new Olofa. The development came as the tussle over the throne of the Obong of Calabar moved to the Supreme Court. Five of the litigants led by former Minister of Finance,

Etubom Anthony Ani, are challenging the July 4, 2013 Appeal Court judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba and two others which nullified the selection of Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu as the Obong of Calabar, ordered fresh selection with Otu cleared to contest but disqualified Ani from contesting on grounds that he was not capped by an Obong. Ani through his counsel, Mr. Joe Agi (SAN), is seeking a stay of execution of the judgment in an order that all parties

maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the Appeal against the judgment. He argued that if the said judgment of the Appeal Court is not stayed, “the appellants/app will be paralysed (and) if the appeal succeeds, it will create a situation of helplessness and make the judgment of the Appellate Court nugatory”In the lead judgment by Justice Hussein Mukhtar, the Court of Appeal faulted ‘ab initio’ the proce-

dure that led to the appointment of Esuwoye, noting instead that a laid down tradition of installation in the ancient town since some 43 years ago allowed only for rotational system between the existing two ruling houses, Olugbense and Anilelerin. The rotation principle had been established since 1969 through the intervention of the state government, citing the need for peace when the late Oba Keji (from Olugbense Ruling House) agreed to step

down from the throne and allowed the late Oba Mustapha Olawore Olanipekun (from the Anilelerin Ruling House) to ascend the throne. Esuwoye is from Anilelerin Ruling House while Keji, the appellant, is from Olugbense Ruling House. The appellant, in his 16 prayers through his counsel, John Bayeshea (SAN), urged the court to set aside the judgment of the lower court, which had earlier upheld the status of the defendant as the Oba of the town. The prayers included a decla-

ration that: • Ascension to the stool of Olofa of Offa is rotational between Olugbense (male) Ruling House and Anilelerin (female) Ruling House of Offa; • Anilelerin Ruling House, having produced the late Oba Olawore Olanipekun (who ruled for over 40 years), it should be the turn of the Olugbense to produce the next Olofa on the basis of the established rotation; and that • Anilelerin Ruling House is precluded from producing the candidate to fill the vacancy created by the death of Oba Olanipekun.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

NEWS

Jonathan, Obasanjo, others extol Babalola’s virtues From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan T was tribute galore for leI(SAN), gal icon, Chief Afe Babalola as President Goodluck Jonathan, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other eminent Nigerians yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, extolled his virtues. They spoke at Babalola’s Golden Jubilee celebration of Call to Bar, with Jonathan describing him as a product of courage, perseverance, doggedness, determination and humility. President Jonathan who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Ahmed Abdulahi, said “the celebrant is a family man, community leader, pillar of support and inspiration and had served the country well with determination to leave the country better than he met it.”

Obasanjo, who recalled that he was accused of making a great mistake with Babalola’s appointment as University of Lagos (UNILAG) Pro-Chancellor during his first term in office, said he was happy with his actions. Obasanjo, while recalling the strings of successes that Babalola had made of the two-term appointment, added: “When I was looking for somebody to take the leadership of UNILAG and I picked Babalola, some people said I made a mistake. If it was a mistake, it was a successful mistake.” He noted that while some people go through life without anything rubbing over them and without making any impact, the legal luminary made UNILAG the best while piloting its affairs. “During Babalola’s tenure, the Vice Chancellor was ad-

judged the best while the Pro-Chancellor himself became the best in the country. The mother of all the ‘mistakes’ was that the exposure and involvement of Babalola in the affairs of UNILAG led to the establishment of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). “If you have not seen ‘instant wonder’, go to ABUAD, I have been there on many occasions. Babalola used the Pro-Chancellor of UNILAG experience to decide to build what today is the best and fast-growing private university in the country”, he added. In his remarks, Babalola lamented the state of the nation and called for an urgent intervention to save it from collapse. He listed some of the problems confronting the nation to include mismanagement

of funds, corruption, poor planning as well as poor execution, among others. The legal luminary canvassed the introduction of a new constitution, describing the present document as a unitary one. In his lecture, titled “The Future of Law in Nigeria”, former Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, lamented that a situation where constitutional amendment was designed as a means of strengthening vested political or economic interests rather than the quality of governance and improved socio-economic welfare of the people called for serious concern. Earlier, in his goodwill message, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi however

expressed regrets over the non-siting of ABUAD in Ibadan despite the great success the legal luminary made in the Oyo State capital.

Vigilance group captures terror suspects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Mohamed Ali. Meanwhile, some prominent lawyers yesterday in Lagos lauded the jailing of the Boko Haram members. In a related development, the Vigilance Youths Group (BVYG) in Borno State has captured nine terror suspects and recovered arms in Bolori, Zajeri and Mairi areas of Maiduguri metropolis. In the same vein, the United Nations (UN) and the Christian Association of NigerianAmericans (CANAN) yesterday urged the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators of last week’s killing of school children and teachers in Yobe State. Similarly, a fact-finding team of senior officers from Defence Headquarters is in Yobe State for an on-the-spot assessment of deployment of troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state. To mitigate their hardship, Taroh Students Association has donated some relief materials to those displaced during Magama Karakashi and Bolgang violence in Langtang South Local Council of Plateau State. And, an appeal has come from the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) to Boko Haram to implement its ceasefire pact and embrace peace in the national interest. Moreover, a civil society group, National Working Group on Armed Violence (NWGAV), has pledged to ensure that the menace of violence is reduced to the barest minimum. The trial judge, Justice Bilikisu Aliyu, was more lenient with Umar Ibrahim as he bagged a 10-year jail term, while another accused, Musa Adamu, was freed for want of sufficient evidence to link him to the crime. According to the charge preferred against them by the Department of State Security (DSS), they caused the death of 16 persons at the INEC office in Suleja and Dakna Village in Bwari through the use of an improvised explosive device on March 3 and May 23, 2011. They were also charged with the July 10, 2011 explosions at All Christians Fellowship, Suleja, killing three and injuring others; March 3, 2011 explosion at a political rally in Suleja, where three people died; and May 23, 2011 explosion in Dakina Village, Bwari, Abuja, killing three policemen. They were equally charged with engaging in illegal training in weapons handling and unlawful possession of weapons for the purpose of engaging in terrorism. They were charged under Section 15(2) and (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) Act. However, Aliyu discharged them on the charges relating to the explosions at All Christians Fellowship and killing of policemen in Dakina on the premise that the prosecution failed to establish a nexus between the accused persons and the criminal act. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Lagos Assembly summons five councils over poor accountability By Wole Oyebade AGOS State House of Assembly has summoned five Local Council Chairmen and their Heads of Units over poor handling of funds. Sources revealed that the councils and their Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) were unable to account for project funds, leaving auditors with huge deficits in the ongoing probe into capital projects in Lagos councils. The summoned councils are Agege, Bariga, Ayobo-Ipaja, Apapa and Amuwo-Odofin. They were the first set of councils to appear at the ongoing probe by the Lagos Assembly. Apparently unconvinced with the books, the House Committee on Public Account (Local) said the five councils and their officials must re-appear before the committee to balance their accounts. Chairman of the Committee, Dayo Fafunmi, said: “We have evaluated the councils and we have come out with a resolution that if we want a different result, we need a more pragmatic approach; that is why we have decided to include the heads of units to be part of the representation.

INEC appoints new secretary HE Independent National T Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the appointment of Mrs. Augusta Chinwe Ogakwu as the new Secretary to the Commission. Her appointment was approved at the meeting of the Commission yesterday, July 9, 2013 in Abuja. She succeeds Abdullahi A. Kaugama, whose five-year tenure expired on June 26, 2013. A statement by Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, said Ogakwu will assume the new office from her present position as Director, Legal Services Department in INEC. She had assumed that position in April 2013, after serving as the Head of Unit/Director, Alternative Disputes Resolution, since May 2009. She was also Acting Director, Legal Services Department, from May 2003 to September 2005. She joined INEC in 1998 as Chief Legal Officer from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) where she rose to the position of Assistant Chief Legal Officer.

Court remands journalists in prison over N14.1m fraud ORMER Chairman and SecFof retary of the Nigeria Union Journalists Correspondent Chapel, Abuja, Timothy Elerewe and Adegbuyi Ayodele, were on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, remanded in Kuje Prison by Justice Suleiman Belgore of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following their arraignment on a five-count charge that borders on conspiracy and criminal breach of trust preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The duo is alleged to have in 2006 informed their members of 33.32 hectares of land purportedly allocated to the NUJ Chapel by the Nasarawa State government.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

New rules threaten aspirations of past PDP NWC members From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja

Police arrest 179 physically-challenged persons From Hendrix Oliomogbe (Asaba) and Sunday Odita (Lagos) HE demonstration by physically-challenged persons who besieged Delta State Government House, Asaba on Monday, to protest against their neglect is taking a new turn as 179 of them were whisked away by men of the state Police Command as they barricaded the Asaba end of the busy Benin-Onitsha Expressway. However, the state government has ordered their release. Several of the furious pro-

HE 21 national officers of the T Peoples Democratic Party T (PDP) who resigned last month for a fresh election are facing tougher times in their bid to get re-elected. Apart from the sudden change in guidelines, which threw open the contest to all, some powerful forces in the party opposed to the return bid of many members of the immediate past National Working Committee (NWC), have begun serious lobbying for fresh people to be elected into those positions. As the party prepares for the special convention slated tentatively for next month, the fresh aspirants have begun open campaigns as some old NWC members languish in helplessness and hopelessness. A gentleman agreement was struck within the party before the emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) last month to the extent that every NWC member would resign and be re-elected in another convention to enable the party address the issues raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the election of the former NWC members.

Bill to prohibit emergency false alarm scales second reading By Wole Oyebade HE proposed law to prohibit and punish false alarmists using emergency call lines in Lagos has scaled through second reading at the Lagos State House of Assembly. And if the Bill comes through, offenders shall be liable to a fine of N500,000 or three years’ imprisonment. The Hoax Caller Prohibition Clause is contained in the Lagos House of Assembly Motion Number 29 titled: “A Bill for a Law to establish the Lagos State Emergency Command and Control Centre, regulate the making of telephone calls to the centre and provide for other connected matters”. Debating the motion at another late plenary sitting on Monday, the lawmakers were unanimous that the bill is strategic to enhance security, safety and rescue operations in the state.

Govt names pioneer DG for FEMA By Babatunde Oso HE Federal Government T has appointed Mallam Abbas G. Idriss, an insurance broker, as the pioneer Director General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A professional insurance broker with over two decades’ experience, Mallam Idriss will bring to bear on the new agency his remarkable experience in insurance, risk management and human resources. In a congratulatory message, President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Laide Osijo, described the appointment of Idriss as well deserved considering his robust pedigree as an economist, insurance professional and risk manager.

NEWS 5

• Delta orders their release testers were arrested by the police and immediately whisked away to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), raising fears that they may be charged to court. Delta State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Obruche Isaac Omor, said over 1,000 of his members, whom he insisted engaged in a peaceful protest, were arrested by the police. Vowing not to give in until

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan met their terms, which among other things, called for the quick passage of a Bill for an Act to set up a Commission for Persons with Disabilities by the state House of Assembly, they had continued the street demonstration right up to 12 midnight on Monday and resumed in the early hours of yesterday before the police moved in to disperse them. In its reaction, the Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, said allegations by the group are not true. Ogeah said: “Delta State gov-

ernment, under the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has a comprehensive package to enhance the welfare of the physically-challenged. One of such is the reserving of a minimum of five per cent of employment into the state civil service for physically-challenged persons. Since the policy was adopted, over 85 physically-challenged persons have been employed into the civil service while Uduaghan only recently approved the employment of additional 50 persons.” He said in addition, the 25 local council areas in the state through which the SURE-P

funds are being disbursed, are under instruction to proportionately include physically-challenged persons in their list of beneficiaries. Under the state Rehabilitative Interactive Skills Empowerment (RISE) and skills acquisition scheme, up to 300 physically-challenged persons have benefitted from various training schemes in hair dressing, photography, fashion designs and other crafts after which starter packs such as hair dryers, sewing machines, grinders, cameras, printers, filing machines and mobility aids were distributed to the beneficiaries.

Taraba sacks SSG, commissioners for mismanaging relief funds From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo ARABA State House of AsT sembly Ad-hoc Committee report has indicted some

President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Professor Victor Wakwe (left); President, Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Roseda Marshall and President, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Professor George Brobby, during the Quadripartite Meeting of Postgraduate Medical College of West African Sub-Region in Lagos… yesterday PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

Vigilance group captures terror suspects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 While sentencing the four, Aliyu said: “They used explosives meant for blasting rocks for mining purposes, to kill human beings who had done nothing against them. Human life is sacred. There is no human life that is more sacred than the other. The convicts have shown lack of respect for human life. They deserve to be removed from the society.” For Umar Ibrahim, who got 10 years, Aliyu observed that the evidence led by the prosecution showed that he was a common errand boy for others, who engaged in the illegal weapons training. On that score, she reduced his offence to aiding and abetting the illegal trainees as he could have refused to run errand for them if he was not in support of their activities. A constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the judgment would help stem the tide of impunity and wanton killings. Sagay said: “This is an exceptional case in which the state has finally restored order and authority because people believe that they can kill for any reason and get away with it.” Also, Executive Director, Access to Justice, Mr. Joseph Otteh, said the judgment was a timely judicial response to the upsurge of terrorism. He added: “In some ways, it is a vindication of the rule of law and it will dissuade the use of terrorist tactics to fight ideological causes. “Even though the sentencing will not bring back any of the victims, it will create some semblance that we still live in a state where we have laws.” The president, Voters Awareness Initiative, a non-govern-

mental organisation, Mr. Wale Ogunade, said: “We have always clamoured for quick dispensation of justice because we believe that justice delayed is justice denied. It was a very good judgment and the time was very fast.” The BVYG chairman, Abubakar Mallum yesterday in Maiduguri told The Guardian: “With the co-operation our members are receiving from both residents and the JTF in Maiduguri metropolis, we are able to make more arrests in Bolori, Zajeri and Mairi areas of the State capital. Our boys were also able to recover some guns on Monday. “In Bolori ward, one of the arrested suspects (name withheld) was also found with a list of those to be killed during the Ramadan and was written in Hausa language. The arrested suspects were handed over to the sector commanders of JTF for further investigation.” Also, the JTF’s spokesman, Lt.Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the arrests by the vigilance group. According to a statement from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, the global body “strongly condemns the violent attack on a school and the targeted killing of students and their teachers over the weekend in Yobe State, in North-eastern Nigeria.” The statement, which called for a prompt investigation and accountability by serving justice to the perpetrators, warned “that the killing and maiming of children, as well as attacks on schools, teachers and school children are serious violations of international law.” It demanded that “the Nigerian Government investi-

gate these heinous crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable.” Also, CANAN said in a statement that the “massacre,” is a setback in the fight against terrorism and “calls on the government to urgently do the needful by investigating exactly what happened and ensure justice is done swiftly.’’ According to Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the team is to pay particular attention to the security circumstances around the attack on Government Secondary School, Mamudo near Potiskum. The team, led by the Chief of Research and Development in the Defence Headquarters, will visit troops deployed in remote locations in Yobe State to verify the effectiveness of patrols and cordon and search operations directed at forestalling any further breach of security and tracking down perpetrators of the weekend attack. He said that the team is expected to brief the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in respect of any requirement for additional troops and logistics for the operation in Yobe State. The FIDA’s Country Vice President, Mrs. Evelyn Hauwa Shekarau who made the call yesterday while speaking during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the federation held in Lokoja, noted that crisis would stall national development. According to her, “we in FIDA strongly condemn the level of insecurity in the country which had led to the wastage of innocent lives especially women and children which FIDA is established to protect. We are calling on the leadership of Boko Haram to drop their arms and embrace peace”.

state government officials of allegedly misappropriating funds meant for the 2012 flood victims. The Secretary to the State Government and five commissioners have been sacked over the development. The House Ad-hoc committee made the aforementioned recommendation yesterday while presenting their report to the entire members of the House at the chamber. The Ad-hoc committee comprised the Deputy Speaker, Tanko Adamu Maikarfi, Edward G. Baraya, Yahaya Abdulrahaman, Ibrahim Adamu Imam, Yohana Iratsi Adaki and Shuaibu B. Adani, as secretary. Members of the committee unanimously agreed that the indicted members of the

flood committee, which was chaired by the SSG, should be made to pay severely for deliberately refusing to dole out the relief materials and the funds to the flood victims. Parts of the report read: “It is our strong belief that serious actions ought to be taken against those who used their privileged positions at the detriment of the masses of the state. The action of the flood committee members, as described by the ad-hoc committee, is “indeed an abuse of office and the confidence reposed in them.” They further observed that the Federal Government intervention fund “for the victims of the flood disaster in the state and the state funds released for logistics were not properly used to provide succor to the victims of the flood disaster in Taraba State”, hence the need for disciplinary actions.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

6 | NEWS

NIS repatriates 387 illegal immigrants from Jigawa From John Akubo, Dutse N continuation of its drive to flush out illegal immiIgrants, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Jigawa State Command, yesterday repatriated about 387 out of the 697 suspected foreigners that were arrested about a week ago, after thorough screening. Comptroller of the command, Abubakar Aliyu Bamalli, disclosed after the phase one mop up exercise that those repatriated were found to have entered the country without valid travel documents as stipulated by the ECOWAS treaty. He noted that about 310 persons among those arrested were discharged after they presented their required travel documents, stating: “In line with the ministerial directive regarding the present security challenges in the country, the Nigerian Immigration Service, Jigawa State Command, finds it necessary to determine the status of immigrants operating in the state.”

Court rules on Sule Lamido’s suit Friday From Abosede Musari, Abuja FEDERAL High Court sitA ting in Kano is expected to rule in the case of money laundering involving Aminu Sule Lamido, son of Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, on Friday. A statement from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), read that Justice Fatu Riman will deliver the judgement. It would be recalled that Aminu was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on December 11, 2012 on his way to Egypt and had allegedly under-declared the money found on him. In the course of trial which got underway April 19, 2013, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted as exhibits. One of its witnesses, Sanusi Ahmed who is an operative of the EFCC, told the court that the accused person only registered $10,000 in the Nigerian Customs Declaration Form only for a search to reveal that he had $50,000 on him.

Lamido

This is to “ascertain their nationality and determine whether their stay has not violated the extant laws of the country.” According to him, it is in their interest to engage in lawful activities, as government will equally appreciate their contribution towards peaceful coexistence and economic development of the state and the country at large. Bamalli reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all non-Nigerians registered their stay in the state with complete valid documents. He warned them to stay away from all national activities and as well desist from uncontrolled preaching, unwholesome practices like rape and defilement of minors. He further enjoined them to pay their taxes as due, register their businesses, births and deaths for proper government planning. Bamalli said the mop-up exercise has been successful except for some resistance his men encountered at Babura, where seven of them were attacked and sustained matchet cuts. Meanwhile, he described the NIS as the most neglected security outfit in the country, lamenting that it was the state that provided five Toyota Hilux vans for their operations, while the arrested foreign nationals were transported to Dutse in commercial buses.

Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, Dominic Barton (left); Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Foluso Phillips; Director-General, NESG, Frank Nweke Jnr; President/Chief Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Director, Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya, during the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Breakfast Meeting with Dominic Barton, on Global Business Trends and Implications for Africa, Lagos on Sunday

Oshiomhole defends stance on capital punishment Lampoons the West for hypocrisy, meddlesomeness From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HE barrage of criticisms, both locally and internationally, that have greeted his confirmation of the death sentences on two convicts and their eventual execution notwithstanding, with another awaiting the hangman, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said he would apply fully the Nigerian Constitution. He stated that he subscribed to that constitution and not the laws of a “European country or the whims of some activists.” A statement yesterday in Benin City by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, quoted the governor as saying that the international community cannot dictate to Nigeria that values it should adhere to, adding that there

was “so much hypocrisy by the international community on the issue of human rights.” Okhiria said the governor declared his position in Abuja at a seminar on “The Role of the Public Complaints Commission in a Democratic Government in Nigeria,” where he quoted him as saying that Nigeria as a sovereign nation has a right to define its national values. According to Oshiomhole, “no national interest is defined by others. As we speak, nations and humans are involved in the battle of ideas on the basis of different value system and it will be abuse of my own value system if someone chooses to assume that his values are superior to my values. “As a Catholic, I am more fanatical about the sanctity of life. The foundation for human right is the rule of law,

not rule of resolution, not rule of communiqué, not rules of recommendations.” According to him, Nigerian values are not “less elegant, less human and therefore not less acceptable. In trying to understand how best to protect the sanctity of human life, if you carry out an act and you confess to it, you shall go. You have no right to tell me that your values are superior to mine.” Citing same sex marriage as one of the European Union laws offensive to the African culture, Oshiomhole said: “Now they are canvassing same sex marriage. If they think it is right to marry a man in the West and we think it is a crime to marry a man in Africa, African values are superior to European values and we have to push for them to interrogate their own values.”

Ogun West PPN denies endorsing candidate for 2015 guber polls By Seye Olumide EADERS of Ogun West SenaLscribed torial District have deas a ruse the media reports that they endorsed the People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN) governorship candidate in the 2011 election, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka, as their candidate for the 2015 polls.

Speaking with newsmen in Lagos yesterday, Ogun State former commissioner for works, Chief Waliu Taiwo, who also chaired the gathering where they purportedly signed the communiqué endorsing Isiaka, said that neither he nor the other leaders present at the parley, which was organised by Isiaka at

Imeko, ever read or signed any communiqué. In similar vein, Isiaka, while reacting to the issue yesterday, denied being endorsed or having sought any endorsement from the leaders during the Sunday parley. Taiwo stated: “I was surprised to hear that we read and signed a communiqué after

last Sunday’s meeting at Imeko. There was nothing like communiqué, talk less of any form of endorsement.” “Gboyega Isiaka invited us (Ogun West leaders) for consultation on his ambition in 2015 and we went to Imeko. How can you turn invitation to express your intention into endorsement?” he asked.

FRSC intensifies enforcement against traffic offences By Wole Oyebade OWARDS achieving its reT solve to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) by 30 per cent, and the attendant deaths by at least 20 per cent, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has increased its law enforcement regulations on major roads in the country. Consequently, no fewer than 13,000 drivers have been arrested for various traffic offences that attracted penalties, including fine, impounding of vehicle and detention of driver. Meanwhile, the agency also plans to open six new drivers’ licence registration centres in Lagos to complement the services currently rendered by six offices and ease the

Plans more licensing offices in Lagos pains of applicants in the state. Speaking at the weekend during the commemoration of the agency’s 25th anniversary and 20th of the Lagos Country Club Special Marshals Unit 06, the Lagos FRSC Sector Controller, Nseobong Akpabio, said that aggressive measure and awareness creation were necessary to further check human factors that are culpable in 80 per cent of all road crashes in Nigeria. Akpabio noted that since the creation of FRSC in 1988, the agency had reduced road accidents from 40,000 to about 7,000 and 10,000 deaths to

4,000 yearly, but that the agency was not satisfied with those figures and was working towards zero crash “with the support of every Nigerian.” He explained that while there are mechanical and environmental factors responsible for crashes, human factors, like over speeding, dangerous and aggressive driving, over-confidence, Driving Under Influence (DUI), distracted driving and fatigue account for crashes on the road. Therefore, “enforcement also needs to be on the high side, otherwise crashes would continue. Our reduction of

crashes is as a result of aggressive enforcement of traffic laws. These days, we tell our men not to look at faces before effecting arrests. We issue tickets that cannot be withdrawn. “The prohibited phone calls while driving on LagosIbadan Expressway now attracts prosecution in the court and the offenders could face several days in detention, and because of the nature of the road, we have mobilised our men en masse such that rescue services are also made available in less than five minutes of any crash. “Similar offence on Lagos roads will lead to vehicle being impounded for some days and continuous enlightenment of the driver involved.”

We cannot alter boundaries, says LASIEC By Tunde Akinola HE Lagos State Independent T Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has told the residents of Badagry that the commission has no power to adjust or alter boundaries of various communities, as that is the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The clarification came yesterday at the Badagry Town Hall following various and counter-claims by some residents of the council and their counterparts in Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) over the ownership of some communities. According to LASIEC Chairman, Justice AbdulFatai Afolabi Adeyinka (rtd), the commission embarked on the delineation of wards and creation of additional polling units to give more political power to the people and also alleviate their sufferings.

Politicians mourn Gombe PDP boss From Ali Garba, Gombe OLITICIANS across northP eastern Nigeria are grieved by the passage of the Chairman of Gombe State’s Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jack Gainako Gumpy, who died early yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe. Gombe Deputy Governor, Mr. Tha’anda Jason Rubainu, who led top government functionaries to the deceased’s family, described him as a refined politician whose loss was not only to Gombe but the nation at large. Equally, many prominent politicians from neighbouring Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and Borno states have been trooping into Gombe to condole the family of the late chairman, who would be fondly remembered for his figurative speeches, especially at political rallies. Born 72 years ago in Nyuwar, Balanga Local Council, Jack had led the state’s PDP since 2005 but had been bedridden since 2011 due to kidney failure. A renowned teacher, he rose to the post of National Auditor II of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and holds a bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Ohio, United States.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Group tasks Igbo leaders on youth development, forthrightness

Rivers oil areas seek direct payment of derivation fund From Anthony Otaru, Abuja

From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki GROUP, Movement for the Revival of United Peoples of Eastern Nigeria (MORUPEN), has reminded Igbo leaders of the need to carry the youth along in their programmes as the best way to ensure leadership development for a better tomorrow. MORUPEN National President, Mr. Ndubuisi Igwekani, in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, argued that the loss of direction among the youth of SouthEast Nigeria was traceable to the type of leadership being paraded by the Igbo nation, stating that a new awareness could improve the people’s socio-economic status. While decrying the penchant of some Igbo leaders in Abuja to deceive the masses at home, Igwekani regretted that though he formed the World Nd’Igbo for Jonathan (WN4J) in 2011 to work for President Goodluck Jonathan’s election, none of the prominent Igbo leaders that associated with the group has cared to know the fate of the youth after the election.

NEWS 7

ORE resolute voices were M yesterday added to the clamour for direct payment of 13 per cent derivation to their communities with the inclusion of the Rivers State bloc, which also wrote to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) asking for a national derivation committee. A letter by the leader of the communities, Chief Opaks Hary, and 13 other members indicated that the group also proposed the setting up of state management committee for the funds so that it

could be received by the national derivation committee and disbursed to the states. “The national derivation committee will not award contracts but will supervise and monitor the use of the 13 per cent derivation fund on constant basis in all the state management committees,” the letter read, adding: “The state management committees will execute projects and services for the oil and gas producing committees.” It added that the chairman and members of the committee should be appointed by the Nigerian President on the advise of the leaders of the oil

and gas producing communities, and a member of RMAFC, while each state would select the chairman and members of its management committee. The group warned that the communities would sanction any erring or defaulting member of any of the committees, as there would be enough checks and balances in the administrative committee system, similar to the one used in the past by the Federal Government to implement the fund in oil and gas producing communities. “The 1.5 per cent derivation was never paid through any

state government account, it was utilised through the administrative committee system,” the letter noted. “This is our renewed position on the direct payment of 13 per cent derivation fund to oil and gas producing communities. “This is the best option that will ensure greater sense of belonging and patriotism in the oil and gas producing communities for greater participation in the protection of oil facilities and flow stations that bring the 13 per cent derivation fund”, it added. Signatories included Harry, Chief Betterlands Daves, Chief

PDP commends Yuguda’s developmental projects From Ali Garba, Bauchi AUCHI State chapter of the B Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Isa Yuguda for his developmental projects in the state, which they said, have direct bearings on the downtrodden in the society. The party’s state Public Relations Secretary, Alhaji Alin Hardo, told newsmen yesterday in his office that Yuguda’s administration has built schools and hospitals, employed the youth and women and extended road network to all parts of the state. According to Hardo, Bauchi is enjoying relative peace and harmony because of government’s conscious efforts in security matters, as he stated that no state or nation would grow without peace. He stressed that the government was doing everything possible to attract willing investors to the state and pledged the party’s continued support to the administration.

Imo refutes alleged feud with Abia

Gridlock along Ikorodu Road, Anthony, caused by protesting students in Lagos…yesterday

PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

Asimebo Fiyasiri, Chief Agiobu Fubara, Chief Seneri Asein, Chief Diepriye Briggs, Chief Okriye Quege, Chief Odiari Amachree, Chief Opune Macs, Mr. Osaka Dickabbi, Mr. Couplings Alasia, Mr. Fubara Amas, Mrs. Nimi Idoniboye and Mrs. Moudlyn Jaja.

Fayemi, Babalola for ISMN confab KITI State governor, Kayode E Fayemi, and legal luminary, Afe Babalola (SAN), are among the dignitaries expected at this year’s national conference of the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN). With the theme: “Strategy and Leadership: Panacea to our National Malaise,” the conference is scheduled for today till Friday at the LCCI Convention Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. According to a statement jointly released by the ISMN President, Dr. Otive Igbuzor and Registrar/Chief Executive, Mr. Adeyemi Mapaderun, the theme underscores the critical importance of strategic management and leadership in arresting the drift in Nigeria and points the way to national greatness. The conference session would be chaired by Babalola, with Fayemi as keynote lecturer, the statement added, listing other speakers to include the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Eze Madumere; the Executive Director, European Council for Business Education (ECBE), Mr. Bryan Holden; Prof. Aja Aja of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, and the Founding President of ISMN, Dr. Austin Uwandulu.

Judge defers ruling on Babalakin’s motion to quash charges By Bertram Nwannekanma N Ikeja High Court judge, A Adeniyi Onigbanjo, yesterday deferred ruling on the applications filed by the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin, and his associate, Alex Okoh, in which they sought to quash corruption charges against them. The duo are being prosecuted alongside their companies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly transferring N4.7 billion on behalf of the convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori. Named as co-defendants in the charge were Stabilini Visioni Limited, Bi-

Courtney Limited and Renix Nigeria Limited. The court had fixed yesterday for ruling on separate applications filed by Babalakin and his co-defendants asking it to quash the charges on the ground that the EFCC had no valid fiat to prosecute them before a state High Court. However, the trial judge yesterday informed parties that the ruling on the four separate applications was not ready because he wanted to rule on the applications the same day. Consequently, he adjourned till September 23 to that end. Earlier, Babalakin’s counsel, Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN), had apologised for his client’s absence from the

dock. According to him, Babalakin was within the court premises but had a temporary health challenge that restricted his physical mobility. Babalakin’s lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had in that application argued that the defendants were charged to court with a fiat issued on May 12, 2004, under the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2003, and Criminal Procedure Laws of Lagos State 2003, and “does not qualify as a fiat any longer because both laws under which it was made have been repealed.” He drew attention to a ruling on April 29 by Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson of a Lagos State High Court, Ig-

bosere, in a case involving FRN and Olayinka Sanni, adding that the judged ruled that the said 2004 fiat was no longer valid and the case was dismissed. Similarly, Okoh’s counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), argued that since the fiat had been nullified, “the defendants have the right to insist that they cannot be prosecuted with it.” Counsel to Stabilini Visioni Limited, Mr. Roland Otaru (SAN), and Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), also argued that the proceedings were commenced in a manner inconsistent with the laws regulating the commencement of criminal proceed-

ings in Lagos State. “It is an abuse of court process because it did not comply with the provisions of Sections 70 and 77 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State 2011,” they argued. However, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), had urged the court to dismiss all the applications on the grounds that the exercise of prosecutorial powers is governed by Sections 174 and 211 of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, the sections empower the EFCC as a state agency to institute criminal proceedings against any defendant and before any court, even without a fiat.

From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri ONTRARY to interpretaC tions that their retaliatory measures against each other’s agencies were due to an existing feud, Imo State government has refuted the claim that it was at daggers drawn with the Abia State government. Fielding questions from journalists in Owerri yesterday, the Commissioner for Information, Strategy, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Chinedu Offor, said the issue bothered on the recent directive by Governor Rochas Okorocha to the operators of loading bays of Abia Transport Company, Rivers State Transport Company and Peace Mass Transport Company to relocate to suitable areas in order to decongest the capital city.

INEC releases timetable for Nov 16 Anambra governorship polls From Chuks Collins, Awka

• PPA urges security boost ahead election

HE Anambra State goverT norship election will hold on November 16, the Inde-

tion, state Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), M.N.C. Ameke, has frowned at what he called inflammatory utterances by some highly placed citizens, which tend to incense the present fragile security situation in the country. According to the INEC statement, “activities for the election will commence on August 13, 2013, while the ban on campaign by political parties in public is hereby lifted with effect from August 18, 2013.” The conduct of party primar-

pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said in its timetable released yesterday. This was contained in a statement from the Commission’s Public Relations Office in Awka dated July 8, 2013 and signed on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner by Mr. Frank Egbo, an assistant director. And with the hope that things would go better as the state prepares for the elec-

ies, including resolution of disputes arising from same, will end on September 2, while submission of Forms CF001 and CF002 to INEC ends on September 17. Campaigns end on November 15. And, in accordance with Section 179 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it pointed out that run-off election (if any) would hold within seven days of the announcement of the result of the election. “Interested members of the public and political parties are advised to check for de-

tails on the Commission’s notice board in the state office, Awka, and all local council areas in the state,” it added. Already, the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), through its Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, has fixed the council election for October 5, 2013, which is now exactly two weeks from the governorship election. Ameke told journalists in Awka on Monday that the citizens could only have confidence to come out and elect persons of their choice if safety was guaranteed. Therefore, it was imperative for law

enforcement agencies to be properly briefed on protecting lives and property during and after the elections. Meanwhile, he urged those overheating the state’s polity, as well as ANSIEC chairman, to guard their utterances. According to him, “it is barbaric for any right-thinking person to think of burning down the state again after all we had gone through.” He regretted that hoodlums had become bold and audacious in making another threat because known perpetrators of the first mayhem were still walking the streets free.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

AfricanNews Mandela still ‘critical but stable,’ says govt LOBAL icon and first Black G President of south Africa, Nelson Mandela, remains in a “critical but stable” condition, the South African government said yesterday, after more than one month of intensive hospital treatment. President Jacob Zuma thanked members of the public for their prayers and “dignified gatherings outside the hospital” in Pretoria where the 94-year-old apartheid hero was rushed on June 8. Zuma also thanked the international community “for ongoing messages of support to Madiba and his family,” using the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s clan name. Meanwhile, friends and family have offered an upbeat assessment of Mandela’s condi-

tion. “With less than two weeks to go before the old man’s 95th birthday on 18 July, it’s time to celebrate his life. The old man is very much alive,” said grandson Ndaba Mandela outside the hospital. “When I speak to him he responds. Let us not be in a spirit of sadness but a spirit of celebration because the old man is still with us today.” Granddaughters - Zaziwe and Zamaswazi – took to Twitter to reassure followers that Mandela was responsive. “He is communicating with us, we are staying positive,” said the granddaughters via a joint account. “He smiles,” they said, adding that he also moves his eyes.

South Africa’s Zuma overhauls cabinet, axes tainted allies OUTH Africa’s embattled Sreshuffled President Jacob Zuma has his cabinet with less than a year to go before elections, axing tainted allies and Tokyo Sexwale, a long-time big-hitter of the ruling ANC party. “I have decided to make changes to the national executive,” Zuma said in a terse announcement of five senior ministerial changes, which he said was aimed at taking South Africa’s transformation forward. Zuma announced that Sexwale, who defied the president in a recent ANC

leadership battle, would be removed as minister for human settlements. The departure of 60-yearold Sexwale – who served prison time on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela and is now one of South Africa’s richest men – consolidates Zuma’s power base and removes a potential rival. He was replaced by ANC member of parliament Connie September. “Twenty years of democracy have changed the face of our country, and the last five years have pushed that

change forward,” Zuma said, thanking Sexwale and others for their service. Sexwale, once a commander of the ANC’s armed wing, has long been tipped as a potential leader of the party and of the country. After the 1994 elections he served as the premier of Gauteng province, which incorporates Johannesburg and Pretoria, but relinquished this post in 1999 to become a businessman. In the private sector he picked up a string of directorships and assets spanning the mining, engineer-

ing and energy sectors, earning most of his wealth in the diamond sector. Zuma also axed communications minister Dina Pule, who has been embroiled in a corruption probe over favours to her alleged lover. Meanwhile, the ministers of energy and transport traded portfolios. But the biggest surprise may have been the ministers who survived. Basic education minister Angie Motshekga survived despite a scandal that left kids in one province without textbooks for a year.

Mozambique soldiers detained for highway robbery OZAMBIQUE security M forces have detained three soldiers for ambushing and robbing foreign travellers on a main highway, the defence ministry said Monday. “The three military suspects are held in Gorongosa pending further investigation and prosecution,” defence ministry spokesman Amelta Muiquija said in a statement. The soldiers masquerading as a former rebel group attacked civilian vehicles in central province Sofala early Saturday morning, one of their victims told independent newspaper O Pais. “They said they were Renamo fighters and demanded we give them everything of value we had with

us,” a unnamed victim said. After the attackers drove off with around $1,000 in cash and other goods, the victims reported the case to the nearest police station. The victims identified the culprits in an identity parade, according to the newspaper. The robbery happened on the same day armed forces attacked a smaller Renamo camp near where gunmen killed two civilians in raids on the main north-south highway in June. Simmering tensions between Renamo, which is also the official opposition, and the Frelimo-led government erupted in violent clashes again in April — over two decades after a bloody civil war ended.

Three Somalis convicted of piracy, murder in yacht attack HREE Somalis have been T convicted of piracy, kidnapping and murder in the 2011 shooting deaths of four Americans sailing in the Indian Ocean off of Oman and could face the death penalty, according to court documents. The three men - and eleven others who previously pleaded guilty - boarded the Americans’ yacht armed with assault rifles and planned to sail it to Somalia and hold the Americans for ransom. Instead, the hostages were killed by the pirates as they were being trailed by U.S. military forces. A federal jury, which has been hearing the case since early June in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, found Ahmed Muse Salad, Abukar Osman Beyle and Shani Nurani Shiekh Abrar guilty on all 26 counts against them, according to court records. The jury will be hearing more evidence during the sentencing phase of the trial later this month.

Scott and Jean Adam, retirees from Marina del Rey, California, and their friends Phyllis Macay and Robert Riggle, both of Seattle, were killed aboard the California couple’s 58-foot sloop, Quest. Prosecutors have said all four passengers were asleep when the boat was boarded on February 18, 2011, by the armed assailants. Negotiations at sea by U.S. Navy officials to free the Americans failed after four days, according to the indictment. Navy SEALs subsequently raided the yacht, killing two of the hostage-takers and capturing the rest. Some of the most emotional testimony during the trial came from Elizabeth Sem, daughter of yacht owner Scott Adam. She was quoted in press accounts as saying her father, who had worked on the production crew of movies and TV shows including “The Dukes of Hazzard,” and “The Love Boat,” had attended a theological institute after he retired.

Thembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo (middle) flanked by chiefs, arrives yesterday to visit former South African President Nelson Mandela at the MediClinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, where the anti-apartheid hero is hospitalised and is in a critical but stable condition after his June 8 admission for an obstinate pulmonary infection. PHOTO: AFP

Egypt warns over disruption of transition, appoints new PM GYPT’S Defence Minister E Defence, Abdel-Fattah alSisi, has warned against any attempt to disrupt the country’s “difficult” transition. His statement came almost a week after the army deposed Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and appointed top judge Adly Mansour as interim leader. Supporters of Morsi have been holding demonstrations against his ousting. Meanwhile, Mansour has been trying to shore up his position by appointing Hazem el-Beblawi as prime minister. El-Beblawi served as finance minister during the period of military rule in the aftermath of Hosni Mubarak’s overthrow. He told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Arabic that he would be choosing his ministers based on experience and efficiency, but said it was “difficult for me to specify

when” he would finish forming the government. Mansour has also appointed liberal politician Mohamed ElBaradei as deputy president with responsibility for foreign affairs. He has issued a temporary constitution and a timetable for transition leading to new elections early next year. The ultra-conservative Nour party said it was still studying the nomination of ElBaradei, a former head of the UN nuclear agency. His candidacy as prime minister foundered earlier in the week when Nour objected. The party withdrew from talks to form a new government, but reports yesterday suggested it was back on board. In a televised speech, alSisi said the “future of the nation is too important and sacred for manoeuvres or hindrance, whatever the jus-

tifications”. He said that neither the army nor the people of Egypt would accept “the stalling or disruption” of this “difficult and complex” period. According to the BBC, emotions are still raw and compromise is a word many people are still not ready to use. Egypt has been in turmoil since Morsi was overthrown last week, with protesters both for and against the ousted president massing on the streets. On Monday, at least 51 people - mostly pro-Morsi supporters from his Muslim Brotherhood movement were killed outside the barracks where he is thought to be held. The families of the dead have said they have been told they will only be allowed to have the bodies returned if they accept official post mortem examination reports. At the main morgue, BBC

reporters heard allegations that the army and its supporters in the media were deliberately covering up what had happened. That is not the only problem facing the new interim administration. The Muslim Brotherhood has rejected the interim government’s new timetable for elections, saying it is illegitimate. Even the Tamarod protest movement - which led the anti-Morsi protests - has said it was not consulted on the election plan and has asked to see Mr Mansour to discuss the situation. Morsi was Egypt’s first freely elected president. His removal last Wednesday followed days of mass protests by people who accused him of becoming increasingly authoritarian, pursuing an Islamist agenda, and failing to tackle Egypt’s economic woes.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

WorldReport Leaked report criticises Pakistani govt’s failures on Bin Laden HE late leader of Al Qaeda, T Osama bin Laden, lived undetected in Pakistan for nearly a decade due to incompetence and gross negligence by the authorities, according to a new report detailing how he was once stopped for speeding and wore a cowboy hat. The leaked report from a Pakistani governmentappointed commission, which Pakistani officials have so far declined to comment on, reveals fascinating details about his life on the run and the U.S. Navy SEALs raid that killed him on May 2, 2011. The raid near a military academy in the town of Abbottabad was one of the most humiliating episodes in Pakistan’s history, exposing the country to allegations of collusion with Al-Qaeda. The government appointed a judicial commission to investigate how bin Laden hid for so long and how the U.S. raid unfolded to fend off fears that a military investigation would not be independent. The panel interviewed more than 200 people, including government ministers, intelligence chiefs and members of bin Laden’s family before they were deported to Saudi Arabia. But its findings were kept secret until the Al-Jazeera news network published a leaked copy of the report on Monday. “Culpable negligence and incompetence at almost all levels of government can more or less be conclusively established by the testimonies of witnesses,” the report said. The commission said it had found nothing to support allegations of complicity but

neither could it rule out the possibility of “‘plausibly deniable’ support” from current or former officials. The 336-page report coined the expression “governance implosion syndrome” to explain the extent of the failures. It said bin Laden arrived in Pakistan in the spring or summer of 2002 after the 2001 USled invasion of Afghanistan. He stayed in Afghan border areas, spent six to eight months in the northwestern district of Swat, lived in a spacious home in Haripur and then settled in Abbottabad in August 2005.

Culpable negligence and incompetence at almost all levels of government can more or less be conclusively established by the testimonies of witnesses. Maryam, the widow of one of two Pakistani couriers who provided his core support network said they – including bin Laden – were once all stopped for speeding on a visit to a market in Swat. Her husband “very quickly settled the matter with the policeman and they drove on”, the report said. In Swat, bin Laden was said to have met Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, the master-

mind of the 9/11 attacks, in February 2003. Muhammad was arrested by Pakistani authorities a month later but in 2005, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) agency closed its file on the hunt for the Al-Qaeda boss. It was a decision that showed “its lack of commitment to eradicating organised extremism, ignorance and violence which is the single biggest threat to Pakistan”, the commission said.

In Abbottabad, it was an austere life and bin Laden paid the courier brothers just $90 a month. Bin Laden occasionally complained of pain in the heart and kidneys, but never visited a doctor. If he felt ill, he treated himself with traditional Arab medicine and “whenever he felt sluggish he would take some chocolate with an apple”, the report said. He was nicknamed Miskeen Kaka, or “poor uncle” by other children in the house after they were told the reason he never went to the market was because he was too poor to buy anything.

as three trucks carried the remains of 409 newly identified victims of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre to their final resting place. The convoy was taking the coffins to the small village of Potocari near Srebrenica, where the victims will be buried in a ceremony tomorrow – on the 18th anniversary of Europe’s worst atrocity since World War II. In a silent tribute, relatives carried pictures and pillowcases with embroidered names of many of the 8,000 Muslim men and boys who were killed by Bosnian Serb forces in the eastern Bosnian town in July, 1995.

N what was described as the Istronghold most serious incident in the of Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah movement since the start of the Syrian conflict, a car bomb rocked south Beirut yesterday, injuring about 53 people. The blast came amid spiralling tension in Lebanon over the civil war raging in Syria, where Hezbollah fighters have joined President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in facing down a revolt by mainly Sunni rebels. “A car bomb exploded near a commercial cooperative called the Islamic Cooperation Centre in Bir alAbed,” which lies in the heart of Hezbollah’s Beirut stronghold, the military source said.

PHOTO: AFP

• Migrants storm border from Morocco into Spain The immigrants were grouped in a grove of trees on the Moroccan side and carried out a massive coordinated assault which the Civil Guard managed to partially abort. port of entry for immigrants trying to get into Europe. Meanwhile, around 100 African migrants stormed a border fence from Morocco into Spanish territory yesterday, leaving five police officers injured, Spanish authorities said. Officials said about 40 of the migrants managed to cross the fence separating the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco on the Mediterranean coast, in the latest in a wave of such attempts. The migrants stormed a section of the six-metre (20foot) fence near the airport in Melilla yesterday morning, Spanish government

officials there said in a statement. “The immigrants were grouped in a grove of trees on the Moroccan side and carried out a massive coordinated assault which the Civil Guard managed to partially abort,” the statement said. “In their efforts to defend the border fence, five civil guards were injured, none of them seriously for the moment.” Authorities have reported hundreds of Africans trying to enter the territory over recent months, by sea or over the fence, prompting clashes that have left migrants and security forces injured.

On March 11, some 25 people were injured as they sought to breach the fence. A Moroccan human rights group said that one of them, a Cameroonian migrant of 30, died of his injuries in Morocco. The EU’s executive, the European Commission, warned Malta yesterday that it could not expel migrants landing on its shores in boats leaving from Libya. “I have learnt with great concern the statements from the Maltese Prime Minister about the possibility to send back persons recently arrived in Malta,” the EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said in a statement. Under European Union and international obligations “all people arriving in EU territory are entitled to file an asylum request and to have a proper assessment of their situation,” she said. “Any return operation has to respect in full these obligations,” she said, in particular

British lawmakers recall Murdoch over police comments RITISH lawmakers yesB terday recalled Rupert Murdoch to testify after a

Greek coastguards rescue 142 migrants off Crete Crete after their boat began to take on water. According to the Athens News Agency, the coastguards rescued 77 men, 24 women and 38 children of Syrian and Afghan origin. “They have disembarked at the port of Ierapetra (in southeastern Crete) and have been taken to an indoor gym, no injuries were reported,” a spokeswoman for the Merchant Marine Ministry told AFP. She did not identify the migrants’ nationalities. The coastguard on the south of the island said the migrants had raised the alarm by radio early yesterday, after their boat began to take on water. Several boats were involved in the rescue operation that followed. Greece has become a major

OURNERS, in their thouM sands, silently lined Sarajevo’s avenues yesterday

Car bomb wounds 53 in Shiite’s suburb of Beirut

Firefighters and residents gather at the site of an explosion in Beirut’s southern suburb neighbourhood of Bir al-Abed…yesterday.

HE Greek coastguards yesT terday rescued 142 migrants off the island of

Thousands mourn Srebrenica victims in Sarajevo

the principle of not pushing backing migrants. “The European Commission will use all the tools at its disposal to make sure member states fully respect their obligations in this regard,” Malmstroem added, saying the EU executive however stood ready “to increase our support to Malta if it should face growing migratory pressure”. Hundreds of migrants were intercepted earlier yesterday by Italian, Libyan and Maltese border guards on several boats leaving from Libya, a day after Pope Francis called for more solidarity with the refugees. Italy’s coast guard said in a statement it had scrambled cargo vessels that were in the area to help out during the nighttime operation to rescue 303 migrants on three boats that were in difficulty. The Italian navy said it had also rescued a fourth vessel that had found itself in a “critical” situation, with around 40 people on board.

tape recording emerged of the media tycoon slamming the police investigation into alleged phone hacking and bribery by his journalists. Scotland Yard said it would also assess the comments by the 82-year-old News Corp. chief, in which he calls the police probe a “disgrace” and claims that paying officers for tip-offs had been “going on a hundred years”. Australian-born Murdoch appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons, or lower house of parliament, two years ago at the height of the hacking scandal that closed the News of the World tabloid. A spokeswoman for the scrutiny panel confirmed that it would ask Murdoch to appear again to discuss his comments on the police probe, adding that it was expected to happen in the autumn although no date has been agreed.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Politics Constitutional amendment

‘Nigeria sitting on time bomb’ Before members of the National Assembly went on a two-week recess, the Senate promised to begin amendment of the 1999 Constitution as soon as it resumes, having agreed on areas to be reviewed. As the Senate began the exercise yesterday, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) a constitutional lawyer and a civil rights defender, in this interview with ABIODUN FANORO undertook a critical analysis of the scheduled amendment and came with the verdict that the National Assembly is just embarking on a futile exercise.

Fundamental Objective And Directive Principles of State Policies, which has outlined the socio-economic rights of Nigerians. Where the danger lies is that those provisions are deliberately made injustice-able. Failure to make these provisions justice-able is what I likened to a keg of gunpowder on which the country and the criminally wealthy are sitting on.

HE Senate has finally made public areas to T be covered by the on-going amendment of the 1999 Constitution. What is your take on this? I’m worried that the political class does not take the country serious. In the struggle against military dictatorship in Nigeria, it was agreed on one hand that a new constitution designed by Nigerians to take care of the interest of the country and generation, yet unborn would be drafted once civil rule returned to the country. Unfortunately, the PDP (People’s Democratic Party) led federal government has taken the decree imposed on the country by the defunct military dictatorship as the country’s constitution liable to be amended on a regular basis. Within the last 14 years, this is the 5th amendment to the constitution. That cannot be a document that would stand the test of time. With profound respect to the members of the National Assembly, something keeps on telling me that this attempt would fail again. Is the constitution a state that could fail? What I mean is that the political class in Nigeria is too casual, and too short sighted to the extent that it does not know how to protect its own interest. The constitution of a country is the grund norm of that country. If you have a constitution that is premised on fraud, surely it can’t last. The preamble to the constitution claims that it was designed by Nigeria, but everybody knows that the Constitution was not written by Nigerians, it was imposed on Nigerians. Do you keep on amending it when you could have a wholistic review through a people-led and transparent all inclusive approach. There is no modern constitution anywhere that does not have the input of the people at least through a referendum. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) once suggested that the review be taken through a referendum for the collective endorsement by Nigerian. It is the height of provocation and contempt against the people of Nigeria when the National Assembly said that there was no provision for referendum in the Constitution. The question is, whose Constitution? The military dictatorship that wrote the Constitution had no respect for Nigerians so you can’t expect them to include referendum provision in the Decree (Constitution). What is incumbent on the National Assembly now is to enact a law that would provide for a referendum, this would now lead to the writing of a new constitution. Another reason why the Constitution would fail is the fact that it was not designed to cater for the interest of the greater majority of the people of Nigeria. The most important provisions of the Constitution are contained in Chapter 2 otherwise referred to as the

Falana “Fundamental Objective And Directive Principles of State Policies,” which has outlined the socio-economic rights of Nigerians. Where the danger lies is that those provisions are deliberately made injustice-able. Failure to make these provisions justice-able is what I likened to a keg of gunpowder on which the country and the criminally wealthy are sitting on. It is just a matter of time before it explodes. Which parts of the Constitution appear problematic? It is not about any part, it is about the entire document, which apart from lying against itself, lied against the Nigerian people. Let me ask you, which of the provisions did we discuss as a people? Which of these provisions was taken to the people in form of referendum? Take for instance, this costly presidential system of government we are running as well as the bi-camera legislature we operate. The presidential system of government was a mere suggestion by the late former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed to the Constitution Review Committee headed by late Chief Rotimi Williams (SAN), without considering the far reaching implications. Did Nigerians agreed to run a presidential system of government? Did we agree to have a bi-camera legislature? These are serious issues that we have to take to the Nigerian people through a conference whose resolution would be bidding on everybody. You may not like to call it a Sovereign National Conference. But there must be a conference of the Nigerian people, which would take cognizance of the divergent interest of the generality of our people. Was there anywhere it was agreed that after the return to civil rule a new constitution would be written? In the struggle to terminate military dicta-

torship, there were discussions along that line. Between 1996 and 1998, there was a nation-wide agitation for a Sovereign National Conference. That demand was accentuated as a result of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by late M.K.O. Abiola. To ease out the military, it was then agreed that whatever (constitution) they put in place, let’s take it so that the junta could just quit the leadership stage, we (the country) would re-organise ourselves once they have gone. If the powers that be continue to block the way of a new people’s constitution and this defective one holds sway, what may happen at the end of the day? Even the most optimistic member of the ruling class knows that the country is currently sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Time is not on our side. That is why all those who are genuinely committed to the unity, stability and order in the country have to put aside political arrogance and allow a democratic process that would allow the emergence of a legitimate and truly people’s constitution in Nigeria. I am not talking about a legal document. What we have now, that is being amended is a legal document; it is not a legitimate document. You keep raising the fear that we sit on a keg of gunpowder. But is constitution the problem or failure of institutions and leadership? The constitution is vital in the resolution of the crisis of political instability, of underdevelopment, of rights abuse, of ethno-religious violence, terrorism, kidnapping and the rest of them. The resolution of the national question, is about who gets what, how and when. If the Constitution in Chapter 2 has said there shall be gainful employment, and whoever is not employed shall be given employment benefits, that there shall be free

education, that the resource of the country shall not be corned by a privileged few. All these fundamental provisions of the Constitution are deliberately made not justice-able by a selfish ruling class. It is because these laudable fundamental provisions are made not justice-able that you have armed robbery, kidnapping, pipe line vandalisation, stealing and all other sorts of criminalities on the increase, now more than before challenging the stability of the Nigerian state. People have gone to schools, school leavers; including graduates are idly roaming the streets of Nigerian cities and towns. So, it is because this Chapter is not justiceable that criminalities are on the increase? Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which should have banished poverty, given empowerment to Nigerians, outlaw ignorance and illiteracy, cannot be enforced that is the reason. Strangely, the Chapter is not part of the provisions slated for amendment, yet members of the National Assembly know how crucial it is. By this, these lawmakers are they patriots or villains? I am not interested in branding anybody. What I do know is that paying lip service to the most crucial aspect of country’s constitution is a postponement of the evil day. Those who thought enriching themselves in the country would guarantee them peace, in the country, are now endangered. It has now been discovered that those who made it impossible for the ordinary people in Nigeria to live a decent life are today having sleepless nights. So the areas penciled down for amendment are not priorities? Yes for sure. Members of the National Assembly are merely dancing around the problem, they are simply begging the question, and not addressing it. They have deliberately abandoned leprosy to treat ringworm. The Olusegun Obasanjo Administration wasted close to three billion of Naira on the amendment of the Constitution and at the end of the day the whole thing ended in futility. Between 2010 and 2011 four constitutional amendments were carried out. What do you make of it that most of the areas penciled down for amendment are being resisted by the same benefactors of the ruling class? That was why I said it would fail and that it is not going to work. The ruling class’ bases in the North and in the East are already resisting them. This may be the worst attempt at amending the Constitution; because the country is currently going through a lot of suspicion based on the manipulation of ethno-religious and primordial sentiments. All these have led to loss of conference in the system and those who are operating it. Today, there are irreconcilable differences among the ruling class on how to tackle terrorism, on what federalism is all about, on whether we should have devolution of power, on whether we should decentralize security apparatus etc.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

POLITICS

‘Odimegwu wrong on 2006 census claims’ From Adamu Abuh, Abuja FORMER member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, has A faulted the newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Festus Odimegwu, for stating that some part of the country was short-changed when the 2006 census was conducted. Aliyu, who was chairman of the House Committee on Population when the 2006 head count was conducted, also questioned the renewed moves by the NCP boss to introduce religion in the 2016 head count. Fielding questions from The Guardian, he wondered why Odumegwu is undermining the last head count, which had been adjudged as credible by the United Nations. According to him: “It is really sad that a person of such standing in Nigeria would make such unguarded, unsubstantiated comment or allegation that the 2006 census was flawed. This clearly shows that he did not sit down to study what happened or he did not look at his handing over notes. “If he did, he would have found that the census that took place in 2006 wasn’t perfect but certainly, it met all international standards because when it happened, the National Population Commission had technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and from UNIDO, from the EU and other donor agencies, which had and still have interest in this country. Aliyu recalled that the chief technical officer of the programme was sent by the UN and “we had seven zonal centres with offices headed by seven technical staffs from the UN and there were also the former President Obasanjo should be commended.” “I make bold to say that President Obasanjo did everything humanly possible to be on top of the situation, to have briefing from both the NCP and us in the National Assembly on a weekly basis to the build-up to the head count. “I remember also that President Obasanjo said that he did not want to be the first to know the result; that he would want to know the result like any other Nigerian the same time to show that there was no interference either from the executive, legislature or anywhere for that matter.” Aliyu argued that for the new chair of the NCP to say that “INEC has nothing to learn from the NCP also is not true; it is totally untrue.” “If I remember very well, the NCP of that time when I was chairman of the House Committee on Population provided what was

Odimegwu

Aliyu

called Finger Identification System (FIS) all for the purposes of enumeration in this country and it was put to use, which INEC can also use in the conduct of elections,” he said. “The country was virtually shut down for six days, if you can remember and also the donor agencies contributed 47 per cent of the total cost of the census. So, it was not even all Nigerian money that was used. Alleging that the NCP chairman had tinkered with the results of the census in some constituencies from his state, Imo, Aliyu said, “clearly, the man has an agenda; clearly the man does not want peace in this country and clearly, the man knows very well that if he had given time to study what he was supposed to do there, that this kind of thing can only be tinkered with by a tribunal.” “Tribunals are set up for aggrieved communities to put claims and if you follow what happens in this country, some results of communities were upturned.” He listed the communities, which Odimegwu reportedly tinkered with their population figures as Umuodom, Umungbeke, Ofukoche, Obah, and Umuezem, insisting, “we have the records as he was tinkering with their population; he has no authority to do that whatsoever.” “For him to make utterances that certain

Osun aspirant calls for upstaging of ACN From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo OVERNORSHIP aspirant G in the 2014 election in Osun State, Mr. Wole Oke, has called for a generational shift in the choice of gubernatorial candidate to enable the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) upstage the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He said that if given the mandate by the people of the state, he is mentally and physically prepared to surpass the performance of the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Fielding questions from journalists Tuesday after addressing members of the party at the state secretariat in Osogbo on his ambition, he noted that successive administrations in the state had done their best in the development portfolio, but that he was ready to use his exposure to change the face of governance in Osun. “I believe that all the past governors have done well,” he said. Chief Bisi Akande and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola also did well as governors of the state during their tenures.

Oke “The incumbent governor, Rauf Aregbesola, is also trying his best but I can assure you that I have what it takes to surpass the achievements of Aregbesola.” Oke, a former chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, said he had prepared a blueprint that would take the state to the next level. He said he came to the PDP secretariat to further reaffirm his commitment to his ambition and seek supports of party leaders and stakeholders. He promised members of the party that if he was given

the ticket to represent the PDP in the 2014 governorship election in Osun, “the will win the election.” “I came to reaffirm my commitment to my ambition to contest for governorship position in this state next year on the platform of our great party, the PDP and to win the election,” he said. “Please, give me the ticket and allow me to send Aregbesola away from the Government House in Osogbo.” He said his educational qualification, political experience and understanding of the challenges facing the people qualify him to contest and win the election. He added that his mission is to liberate Osun, declaring that he would resolve all the alleged debts incurred by the present administration in order to relieve Osun from the burden of debts. While presenting Oke to members and leaders of the party, the state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, maintained that the party has what it takes to take over from Governor Aregbesola and the ACN.

part of the country is cheated it is not true. I remember very well that during the census, we travelled to every state of this country. “We encountered problems in Enugu and Anambra States where MASOB in particular — I remember an area called Nike Lake in Enugu — where MASOB members came out to say ‘we are not Nigerians’ and that they didn’t want their people to participate in the exercise. “I remember that the governor had to personally intervene, by telling them that this was a national thing and they could not do that. And in Onitsha, we had the same problem of MASOB asking people not to come out. “So, if there are pockets of places that have

not been counted, whose fault was it? The census was a de facto census — you must be seen before you are counted. If you are not seen and you are not counted, you have nobody to blame.” On whether the NCP could have implied that the North cheated the South in the last head count, Aliyu noted: “I think that is what he (Odimegwu) is implying. Let me also put it to him that we feel this man has an agenda. “Recently, somebody came out all over this country, the media, the YouTube and all over the airwaves to say that the northern part of the country is an arid zone; that there are no people, nobody and that if we claim we have the number, how come Mali and Niger are not populated. So, with these kinds of comments, we think Festus Odimegwu is working in tandem with those kinds of people.” Aliyu added: “You cannot make an argument without backing it up scientifically. In the northern part of the country, you find that when you go to a family, you find one man married to three wives or four wives producing children. “It is the belief of we Muslims that we can marry up to four wives and Christians in the South and even some Muslims in the southern part of the country do not believe in polygamy. “So, if you look it per household, you would find out that per square area, the amount of people you find in the North are by far more than those you find in the southern part of the country. This is just maybe what I know. “But it was checked during the census where we had people from different parts of the country transferred to sections other than their own — we had people from Anambra taken to Sokoto, people from Sokoto working in Akwa Ibom. “You would find the fact and more or less, the generality of Nigerians accepted the census and those that were aggrieved went to the tribunals.”

Controversy trails 2013 council polls in Ebonyi From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki HERE are concerns that the local council elections T scheduled for September 28, 2013 may be stopped by litigation. This is sequel to the decision of Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to adopt the open-ballot system (Option A4), contrary to the Electoral Act for the election. However, some appointees of the state government, especially the coordinators of development centres, have resigned their positions to beat the 90-day deadline placed by the EBSIEC for eligibility to contest the council polls. Indications series of litigation are in the offing to truncate the elections emerged when the state chairmen of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Sylvester Nwambe and Mr. Alphonsus Chinedu Nwali, respectively reacted to EBSIEC’s plan to use open-ballot system in the September exercise. Nwambe said that if the electoral body failed to reverse to the generally accepted electoral system of open-secret ballot system, the opposition parties in the state would either head to court to stop the elections or boycott the balloting entirely. He insisted that the open-ballot system “lacks credibility and prone to insecurity.” His words: “How can somebody be voting behind in the 21st Century? It is not done anywhere. It is also contrary to the Electoral Act. And they can as well appoint people into

these offices instead of election. “Other parties will also boycott the election because the election will lack credibility. Nobody will accept a situation where people will have to fall behind a candidate. It can also lead to many things including assassination.” On his part, the APGA state chairman, Nwali, said that his party would not expose its supporters to assassination, intimidation and other unhealthy treatments that might be meted out to them by the ruling party, should the electoral body insists on the Option A4 system of voting. He recalled that the ESIEC in 2010 adopted a similar process and intimidated the people against voting the candidates of their choice, pointing out that the APGA would formally meet with other opposition parties “with a view to finding a common ground to tackle” the problem. Meanwhile, the EBSIEC

Elechi

Chairman, Mr. John Nkwuda, while releasing the guidelines for the conduct of the elections, insisted that the commission would go ahead with the electoral system and urged the opposition parties to seek court redress if they felt aggrieved. “We are not empowered to make laws; if we are empowered to make laws, we are not empowered to execute such laws; otherwise, separation of power will be murdered,” he said. Some of the government appointees that had resigned to contest the council polls include Mr. Nwode Etche of Ikwo Development Centre; Mr. Paul Iganga (Echiaba); Mrs. Franca Okpo (Abakaliki); Mr. Joseph Obasi (Akaeze); Mr. Ihebunandu Okorie (Okposi); Mrs. Maria Okohu (Imoha); and Mr. Peter Nwaogbaga of the Amachi Development Centre.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

TheMetroSection Twins, 25, invent Made-in-Nigeria appliances • Seek support for mass production, to create employment By Tope Templer Olaiya, Assistant Lagos City Editor

ELEVISION personality, Oprah T Winfrey, once told her audience: “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” Smarting from the burden of a broken home and the challenge of lacking maternal care after being raised by their father without a silver spoon, Taiwo and Kehinde Ilesanmi at a very young age decided to brave the odds and act on their inquisitive minds. It is little wonder then that most of their inventions are solutions to the intractable power problems the country has been grappling with for decades. Walking past them on the road, they could easily be mistaken for one of the numerous destitute children pounding the streets of Lagos, but today, at age 25, they are proud owners of some innovative wholly madein-Nigeria products that are sure to meet a dire need in most parts of the country. Patented under their registered trademark Tikemade, some of their fascinating products include a rechargeable desktop that can be used to charge one’s phone for at least two weeks and a wireless extension connected to home appliances that can be remotely controlled by a mobile phone from anywhere in the world. It’s not ended, in their bag of inventions are a security foot-mat that immediately notifies you on your mobile phone when someone steps on it in your absence, rechargeable lamp and a device that automatically switches off your generating set once electricity is restored and also change over the electrical switchboard from the generating set to PHCN. Explaining the magic of their products, which are miles ahead of the imported China or Japanese appliances that flood the Nigerian market, Taiwo said once the rechargeable desktop is charged for about two hours, that is what the

The twins Taiwo and Kehinde

small bowl-like device needs to charge at least 10 mobile phones of different charging ports at a time for upwards of two weeks. “This device is highly needed in areas where access to electricity or generating set is scarce and such communities abound in this country. There is also a USB cord to connect it with modern gadgets and a space for desktop battery charging. The chargers of all major brands of phones are also attached to the device.” “For the wireless extension, it is an extension box where all home appliances can be connected to. The extension box can be controlled with a mobile phone. In the event that you are not around and you forgot to switch off your appliance before leaving home, you can dial a code on your mobile phone and all the appliances connected to the extension would be switched off with-

out the network service provider deducting any money from your credit.” “It is free on any network and it is universal, meaning it can be operated from any part of the world. We are already working on our next project, which is a Nigerian-made FM radio,” Taiwo boasted. Interestingly, all the materials for their products are sourced locally. Apart from a version of the regular rechargeable lamps, which can be found in most homes in Nigeria, also in their kitty is a security foot-mat. Anywhere it is placed, once activated, it will immediately notify you on your mobile phone if someone steps on it, especially in your absence. These gifted twins hail from Ondo State, but live in Ejigbo, Lagos State. They have since their tender ages at St. Jonah Nursery and Primary School, Daleko Ejigbo, been interested in technological discovery. As

kids, they would dismantle little handheld devices to satisfy their curiosity and couple them back. Never far apart from each other, they proceeded to Ajumoni Grammar School, Okota and in no time joined the school’s Junior Engineering Technology (JET) club. Once settled in the club, they explored their inventive minds and helped win some laurels for the school. Their efforts didn’t go unrewarded, as they were bestowed with the Best Student in Creativity award before concluding their secondary education. It was at this point they got stuck. With no funds to further their education, they enrolled in a School of Aviation based in Ikotun, while devoting their energies to their fast fingers and taking the brave effort to push out some of their products. “Our major concern now is marketing these products. They are useful, sellable and a solution to many people’s problems. All our products have warranty and we can be reached anywhere if there are problems with it. We give six months warranty on all the products. After the warranty period has elapsed, we would still repair the products at a reasonable cost because we are the manufacturers, this is the edge our products have over China products,” Taiwo said. “Many of those who have seen these products are responding positively by demanding for more but we are unable to meet up with the rising demand because of the financial burden of mass production. We, therefore, need partners that would support us in mass-producing these products for the benefits of all Nigerians. Also, this will reduce unemployment in Nigeria, as it will create jobs. We need technology to advance the country and encourage other people with similar ideas too,” Kehinde noted. The twins can be reached on 07045285650 or ilesanmitaiwo45@yahoo.com.

OR over 23 years I have waited on the Lord to “F be a mother,” says Omobolanle, “now, everything has worked together for my good.” At 53, she is a proud mother of twin boys. Laid-back in her bed at the St. Ives Specialist Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Omobolanle wore the happiest look anyone could imagine on the afternoon. It was some days after her “heroic” delivery. And occupying the foot of her bed was her husband; working his wife’s foot like a newlywed. The couple, who preferred anonymity, had met since they were 12 years. They share the same age though different month. And since they first met, nothing had come between them – not even decades of childlessness! Omobolanle, herself a staunch believer, had learnt the virtue of patience from Biblical examples of Sarah and Hannah in waiting for God’s time. “I kept on believing there was nothing impossible for God. With man, it might be impossible but with God, all things are possible. If God can do mine at 53, then there is no case that is impossible or concluded,” Omobolanle said. Continuing, she testifies: “For the shame of my life, God has given me double glory. It is more than a miracle. For the management of St. Ives, I’d keep praying for them because they if they were after the money, I would not have been registered.” She had conceived through In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – an assisted reproductive

technology. But at 53, it is another IVF record. She had sometimes last year stumbled on the IVF services during the yearly promo by St. Ives. It was not the first timeout with the artificial procedure though. About eight years ago, Omobolanle made attempt but could not commence the processes because, “mysteriously, the large sum of money I had gathered for IVF trial just disappeared. Everything.” “At the end, I told myself that was not the way to go. I closed that chapter,” she said. But by commission or omission, she was somewhere last year September where it was again mentioned. According to her husband, “The IVF idea, though not new, was like a light from the pitchdark and she acted on it. Even at that time, it was not as if she had the resources. But she met owners of the hospital who considered giving a trial and she could pay the subsidized fee later. Everything, indeed, has its own time!” In defining the situation and the search for solution, he reasoned that “everything was wrapped up in the spiritual realm and she walked through praying and fasting.” “May be it is the persistent fasting that made her not to grow in size. You know that if you fast too much, you cannot be pot-belly like me. “I once read the story of a woman who had her first child at 57 and later had another at 59. The woman reduced her church activities when she got pregnant, then later completely stopped. I told her to take a clue from that. But those are the kind of stories that gave us inspiration.”

HE family of Imoke Edoki, T of Ano Edogi-we Agbara, Igbo-Ekureku in Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State, has announced death of a retired WO2, Elder Samuel Imoke Edoki. Aged 76, Pa Edoki, who died on April 17, was an Intelligence Officer with the Nigerian Army, where he worked with the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, 34 FAB Obinze Owerri, Imo State and different formations of the Army Intelligence. A devout Christian and elder of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, he will be buried on July 13, at his hometown, Igbo-Ekureku in Abi Local Council, Cross River State. He is survived by his wife, brothers, children and grandchildren among whom is Richard Edoki, a News Editor with Silverbird's Rhythm 93.7 FM in Lagos.

Edoki

Delta Peers Club meets ELTA Peers Club, Lagos, D meets on Sunday, July 14, at the home of Richard Otobrise, No. 10. Omuaran Street, Unity Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, at 3.00 p.m. If in difficulty, please call: 08023276287.

Publishers resolve crisis HE crisis rocking Edo State T chapter of Association of Community Newspaper Pub-

‘At 53, I’m a proud mother of twins’ By Wole Oyebade

Briefs Edoki dies at 76

He added that Omobolanle had really managed the situation well, until some few years ago when deep worries set in. “We are all humans and it worried her. But it has been trying times for everyone. At the beginning of the procedure, I’m not sure she had much confidence in the outcome but at each step of the way, it was all success. The whole idea is just to encourage us all to be patient in our attitude to life and things we are looking for,” he said. Omobolanle believes it is the purpose of God that has become manifest. She advised every woman in similar situation to hold on to God, in whatever way that they serve Him – be it Moslem or Christian, even a non-believer. “If it is working for you, hold on to it. Even my matron could not believe my age; she thought I was under-40. That is what the book of Joel says: all years that the cankerworms had eaten, He would restore in seven-folds. They used to call me Big-Mummy but now, I’m a mother of twins.” Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Tunde Okewale noted that the delivery was another breakthrough in IVF, though they had earlier had a woman of 57. Success rate of IVF is dependent on the age of the woman. Chances of pregnancy at the first attempt are between 60 – 80 per cent among age 30; it drastically drops to about 25 – 30 per cent in 40s, while women between 45 – 50 years, have 10 – 15 per cent success rate. “After 50, it is practically more or less, zero. Generally, our success rate was 35 per cent as at last year. Any age above 40 is a breakthrough, but this is at 53,” Okewale said.

lishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) has been resolved by the acting National President, Dr. Prince Orhomonokpaye and the Secretary, Delta State chapter of ACNPN, Chief Gabriel Choba. The duo, who stormed Benin, last week, for the resolution meeting, stated that there was need to unite all members in the different states in order to move the association forward.

Church holds programme OD’S Glorious Deliverance G Ministries a.k.a. Deliverance ground has concluded plans to hold its three- day programme tagged ‘Fresh Fire’ at 39, Rasaki Tijani , by Pako Bus Stop, Igando Road, near fortune School, Ikotun, Lagos from Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 4.00pm,. and will continue on Friday (vigil) at 10p.m to end on Sunday, July 14 at 8:30am with thanksgiving Service. Host is Prophetess Gloria Emmanuel. Minister expected include, Dr. Ramsey Marshal (Guest), Godwin Olajide among others.

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10 , 2013

Photonews

Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Commission (LAHASCOM), Wale Mogaji (left); Commissioner Four, LAHASCOM, Dr Bode Tawak; Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Commissioners One and Two, Lanre Odesanya and Ajoke Adeniyi Adegeye during a courtesy visit to Fashola on his 50th birthday

A cross-section of the choir and orchestra group at the Deeper Life event in Lagos

Wife of Niger State Governor, Jumai Babangida Aliu (left) and, wife of Nasarawa Governor, Hajiya Salamatu Al- Mukura consoling a widow of one of the slain police officers in Alakyo...on Monday

President, Lagos Country Club, Wale Oshomo (left). Vice President, Lagos Country Club, Trombi Fillipo. and Corps Commander, Lagos. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nseobong Akpabio during a lecture tagged: Road safety is everybody’s business and what you can do?.

Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Alimosho chapter, Chief A. Edena (left) and Second Vice Chairman (NAPPS), Mr. Babawade Majekodunmi with a cross-section of pupils of Ifako International School, Lagos...

Proprietor, Diamonds & Gold School, Mr. Pius Akpan (left); Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Calabar, Mrs. Henrietta Ene-Obong and Customer Business Manager (Akwa-Ibom), Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr. Tunji Onimago during a seminar by Cadbury Bournvita/NSN on the Importance of Nutrition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State… recently.

Polytechnic workers rally against govt’s insensitivity From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki MPLOYEES of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana (AIFPU), Afikpo North Council of Ebonyi State on Monday organized a peaceful protest against what they called “Federal Government’s intransigence and insensitivity over their plight,” stressing that there seemed to be a conspiracy by government officials to frustrate academic progress of children of the less- privileged Nigerians. Operating under the auspices of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, AIFPU Chapter, the workers brandished placards bearing various inscriptions as they marched through the major streets of the town chanting solidarity songs. Some of the inscriptions included: “NBTE rejected…” “Yes! to NPC”; “We call for FGN/ASUP re-negotiation”; “No to IPPIS” among other objections”. Meanwhile, the Chairman of ASUP, Edmund Emeka Onyeneho and other offi-

cials of ASUP-AIFPU, at a press conference, said: “Ordinarily, Akanu Ibiam would never go on strike but “this very strike is a child of necessity borne out of government’s insensitivity to the plight of the polytechnic lecturers and students”. Onyeneho said the Federal authorities behaved like the proverbial sheep that remembers that it has no horn only when the goat struck pointing out that the government took precipitate but half hearted actions like constituting boards of some federal polytechnics except six, to address the complaints of ASUP. He added that several warnings including a warning strike was served the government, which it ignored before ASUP embarked on the strike action stressing that the federal government is not resolute neither does it know how to develop polytechnic education. The ASUP chairman regretted that two years after the federal government sent a

visitation panel to all polytechnics in the country, no white paper has been released adding that “the revised scheme of service has

not also been signed by the office of the Head of Service; something is questionable in this regard”. His words: “ASUP-AIFPU

The lectueres during the protest

wants to place on record today for posterity that she is totally committed to the struggle by the national body of ASUP to liberate the

Polytechnic system from the current neglect which has actually culminated in the disparity and discrimination of the products of the polytechnic system. “We want to disabuse the minds of our students and the general public on the present state of affairs…; the present state of engagement in the system certainly is not something to cheer. But most disturbing is government’s insensitivity and lukewarm attitude towards identifying and addressing the root causes of these problems. “ASUP is only asking for government’s attention to the debilitating state of our polytechnics and also to treat the products of the system not as second hand rate graduates. In other words, ASUP is asking Government to do the right things by relating to the products of the polytechnic system on the basis of their equality and not the environment that produced them”.

TheGuardian

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011) Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial Lessons from Egypt A

S Egypt copes with a political crisis that threatens its soul, with dozens killed and hundreds injured in clashes between the military and protesters, the word is out now to leaders around the world that they take the people for granted only at their own peril. And they risk the destruction of their nations when their service delivery indices fall below expectations. Even so, another message being sent by the violence raging now is that the interim arrangement brokered by the military is no alternative to a government chosen by the people themselves. So, the end to Egypt’s crisis would come only when a people’s government that truly seeks to serve the people is in place. Both the interim government and the military authorities should heed that without delay. Certainly, the deposition of President Mohammed Morsi some days ago had thrown up a major debate on democracy and its essence. There is no doubt that what happened was a coup d’etat against the first democratically elected President of Egypt. The coup in whatever guise, is unacceptable and condemnable. It sets Egypt back a great deal, squashes all hopes of genuine democracy in the Arab world’s biggest nation. Above all, it has sparked crisis, the end of which no one can determine. But the coup also threw up a dilemma given its backing by many Egyptians. Therefore, the question arises: can a supposed government of the people claim legitimacy when the people turn against it? Of course, for purists, and this is incontrovertible, removing a democratically elected leader by any other means than the electoral process is wrong and unpardonable. A redemptive value in the Egypt experience, however, is that it has taught the world a simple but harsh lesson: democracy is not an end but a means to one. And when the ultimate end is not met, that is, service delivery to the people and inclusiveness, the risks are not only high, the price can be dear. It is one lesson that Nigerian leaders especially, should commit to heart: Never take the people for granted. Never take democracy for a ride. Once Morsi was deposed, he was subsequently replaced by an interim President Adly Mahmud Mansour, a Constitutional Court Judge, by the Egyptian military. This was sequel to his refusal to heed the call to resign by the protesting Egyptians and a subsequent ultimatum from the military to the government and opposition politicians to resolve the crippling political crisis which had engulfed the country. Following the removal of former President Hosni Mubarak, in January 2011, in a wave of protests, the country embarked on a transition to democracy. Against the background of an authoritarian past, they went to the polls and Mohammed Morsi was elected as the country’s first democratic president. After a testy year in office characterised by non-democratic gaffes, the people took to the streets once again to ask for the resignation of the president. In the run-up to the presidential elections, especially the second round in which he ran against Hosni Mubarak’s

former Prime Minister, Ahmed Shafik, Morsi had made a lot of promises such as fixing, in the first 100 days of his rule, chronic traffic, garbage-collection and many other service problems. Above all, he expressed his desire for a reconciliatory and all-inclusive approach to governance and to take on the fundamental issues of state summed up as “bread, freedom, social justice and human dignity,” which were the goals of Egypt’s 25 January Revolution. Morsi’s government implemented a number of policies while in government that did not meet the expectation of the people. He was accused of high-handedness in his clampdown on the media in the country. The editors of the over 50 state-owned media were replaced by the government which also created a Supreme Council for the Press to supervise and control the industry. He was accused of fanning the embers of sectarian strife and undermining secularism through his explicit bias for his Muslim Brotherhood Movement in state appointments. The process for the drafting and adoption of a constitution was perceived to have been manipulated by the government to achieve a pre-meditated outcome. Morsi also dissolved the parliament. His policies and performance, apart from the removal of General Tantawi as head of the army in the wake of the physical elimination of 16 guards on the borders with Gaza and Israel, were seen as a failure and they became the rallying point for the opposition which accused the regime of brand new authoritarianism. Morsi might have misread the resolve of the opposition which had the backing of key opinion leaders in the plural country to push ahead with their protest on June 30. The grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, declared that demonstrations against the country’s ruler were not against the teachings of Islam. Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church counselled Christians to take part in the anti-Morsi demonstrations. The massive turnout of the people in Tahrir square, elsewhere across the country and with the call for his resignation and early presidential elections, it was only a matter of time before his government crumbled. Events took a dramatic turn when the military under the leadership of the Minister of Defence and head of the Supreme Council of the armed forces, General Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi threw its weight behind the people and issued an ultimatum to the political forces to resolve the crisis within 48 hours. When that lapsed, it toppled Morsi and put the current interim government in place. Certainly, as on-going events are showing, even with the interim arrangement, the Egyptian crisis has not only defied this solution, it is going from bad to worse as deeply etched divisions are now in the open with attendant blood-letting. The military, it must be said, did a wrong by overthrowing a duly elected government. The popular support for the coup in Egypt should not be allowed to mask the danger it portends: this development may well open the floodgates for military take-over of governments perceived as non-performing

which can never be acceptable. Of course, a certain lack of maturity and political sagacity may have aggravated the Egyptian political impasse. Dialogue and inclusive measures should have been allowed to triumph in a true reflection of the will of the people. Failure to allow this to happen is at the root of the carnage now going on with different groups, those loyal to the ousted Morsi and others supporting the ouster, engaged in protests that are claiming lives and threatening the corporate existence of the country. One important lesson from the unfolding events in Egypt is the meaning of sovereignty and who truly is its repository. This is significant because those in power in Nigeria have often read their mandate to be clear-cut and inviolable within the context of the constitution. Ideal as this is, it is now clear that in practice and in theory, sovereignty resides in the people. That sovereignty, which is willingly vested in the state and temporary holders of power, can be withdrawn at any point in time. The elementary constitutional expression of this is the principle of recall. But more than that, the people can dissolve any government that falls far short of their expectations through popular denunciation and mass calls for vacation of office. This happened in Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and other parts of Europe in recent times. The significant point is that a mandate has limits and the Egyptians have even gone further to define it in clear terms. Mandate is a two-part phenomenon: mandate which must be democratically given, representing the free will of the people, and its component in which the

mandated governs on the basis of democratic principles and fulfills the expectations of the people. In the event of a deficit, the democratic ideal is that the failure of the mandate should be pointed out with a rejection at the next election, but it is morally incumbent, if not constitutionally imposed, on the said failed person to voluntarily hand over the mandate by resigning. The alternative is the kind of chaos that has now engulfed Egypt. It would be recalled that Nigerians enacted a similar process in January 2012 following government’s mindless raising of the prices of petroleum products which drew the ire of Nigerians who denounced it in unmistakable terms. The government’s response, of course, was to deploy the military to disperse the people in a manner that showed it had missed the point again, that sovereignty means much more than mere claims to political authority; it is the general will whose provenance are the people. Another important lesson is that in plural societies with numerous cleavages, inclusiveness should be a cardinal functional element of governance. Governments are elected for the clear purpose of advancing the progress of society and its people. Once a government has shown its incapacity to do so, the honourable path to thread is to resign to allow more capable hands to do so. As Egypt grapples with chaos occasioned by a forced and painful change, the hope is that the lesson would not be lost on its successor-governments and others around the world: Never take democracy for granted. Never take the people as fools.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Business Compulife P25

Industry Watch P38

Angst over low patronage of indigenous ICT wares

Manufacturing in Nigeria: Still a long road out of the woods

‘Nigeria loses N272b yearly to poor development of gas resources’ By Roseline Okere

T the prevailing market price of $3.50/1000 stanA dard cubic feet, Nigeria may have been losing $1.7 billion (N272 billion) yearly to underdevelopment, underutilization and flaring of gas resources, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said. The newly appointed DPR Director, George Osahon, made this disclosure yesterday at the yearly general meeting of the Nigerian Gas

Association (NGA) in Lagos, with the theme: “Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB): Analysing the challenges and opportunities on the gas value chain and solution for successful implementation in Nigeria”. Osahon specifically put the country’s daily revenue loss to this menace at $4.9 million (N784 million). According to the Director, the country produces 8.0 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), utilizes 6.5 bcfd but flares 1.4 bcfd of gas. The nation’s gas reserve is

currently estimated at 5.12 trillion, but he didn’t disclose details of the concomitant losses to low capacity utilization. Osahon who was represented by DPR Deputy Director, Gas, Oliver Okparaojiako, however stressed that the country aspires to create as much revenue from gas as in oil, address environmental issues and end gas flaring. “We aspire to develop domestic market, create new industries out of the petroleum industry. Similar to oil, the

sector aspire to grow the gas resources base aggressively to catalyse growth of the wider national economy”, he stated. He lamented that for the first time in many years, the country’s oil and gas reserves were on the decline. Therefore, the need to reposition the oil and gas industry to foster a long-term sustainability of the sector and ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness cannot be overemphasised. “There is need to formulate

policies that promote competition, review the legal and regulatory frameworks and create a strong and independent regulatory commission for the sector, while making the ministry of petroleum resources focus on policy formulation”, he added. Osahon listed the sector reform priorities to include

CBN tasks SMEs on N200 billion finance scheme By Adeyemi Adepetun HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its support towards the development of the real sector, especially the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), urging them to embrace the N200 billion SMEs Guarantee Scheme Fund. CBN’s Head of SMEs Finance, Dr. J. Abba, who disclosed this in Lagos at the weekend, said the Apex bank has positioned itself to bridge the gap in access to finance among growing enterprises. Abba informed that the CBN has intervened significantly in the real sector to the tunes of several billions of naira, which were aimed at jump starting the Nigerian economy and making it competitive globally. Already, the CBN’s Head of SMEs Finance said there is a N200 billion fund at seven per cent interest rate and 15-

Chief of Staff to the President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Joseph Makoju (left); First Vice-Chairman NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN), Chief Nike Akande; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and the former President, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Raymond Obieri during NEPAD Business lunch on ‘The Growth and challenges of the Manufacturing sector’, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: GABRIEL IKHAHON

AfDB plans $1.5b bond offer for Nigeria, Zambia By Chijioke Nelson, with Agency Reports IGERIA’S bond market may be on the upbeat soon, as the African Development Bank (AfDB) has unfolded plans to raise $1.5 billion (about N240 billion) local currency-denominated bonds. The bond offer, which would be for Nigeria and Zambia, was aimed at financing infrastructure projects, as emerging market bond yields rise on speculation that the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States will reduce economic stimulus. The Financial Technical Services Manager of AfDB’s Treasury Department, Olivier

Eweck, said the Tunis-based outfit, which gives money to African governments for projects in roads, ports and energy, is completing the planned size of the mediumterm note programmes and presently in talks with authorities of the two countries. “Before the end of the month we would have made up our minds on the numbers. The Nigerian issues may be worth as much as $1 billion and the Zambian debt may reach the kwacha equivalent of $500 million,” he said. According to the bank, African countries are stepping up sales of local and foreign debt, targeting funds

for infrastructure on a continent where many lack regular access to services such as water and electricity. The International Monetary Fund, sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s second-fastest growing region after emerging Asia, and would need to spend about $93 billion a year on infrastructure in the next 10 years to boost growth and business productivity, the World Bank said on its website. Eweck however, noted that the first tranche of local-currency debt in Nigeria may be the Naira equivalent of $100 million and bonds in both Nigeria and Zambia will be offered “well before yearend.”

“AfDB wants the Nigerian programme to continue for “several years at least, if a project is generating local currency it needs to be financed in local currency,” he said. Meanwhile the Naira strengthened less than 0.1 per cent to 161.70 per dollar as of 3:01 p.m. in Lagos yesterday, paring its decline this year to 3.4 per cent, with Zambia’s kwacha gaining 0.4 per cent to 5.51 per dollar, lowering this year’s losses to 5.8 per cent. The proceeds from the AfDB bonds will mainly go to funding private-industry power, road and rail projects, as well as financial companies, said Eweck.

increase in exploration activities and expansion of reserves; formulation of a new national oil and gas policy; liberation of downstream petroleum sector; refocusing and strengthening sector regulation; and the establishment of an independent regulatory authority to oversee activities.

year tenure, which was introduced into the market about four years ago, stressing that the scheme is still accessible. Abba said from the N200 billion, 535 companies have benefitted, 86 per cent of which were from the South West. He disclosed that the CBN has introduced another N200 billion SMEs Guarantee Scheme Fund, stressing that this initiative provides 80 per cent cover for startups enterprises. “This new scheme is a gender friendly fund, 60 per cent of which are directed to women. However, any project that must attract this fund must be a bankable project. This is a call to bourgeoning entrepreneurs to show interest and embrace this scheme”, he stated. The Director-General of the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

THE GuARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

16 BuSINESS

Kaztec, Shell sign N13.5b pipeline project By Sulaimon Salau ARELY few days after the B controversies that trailed the integrity of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Shell National Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria (SNEPCO) has awarded a $84.5 million (about N13.5 billion) TNP loop line project to Kaztec Engineering Limited. The indigenous firm announced the new contract in a statement signed by the Manager, Graphics Design Trainee of Chrome Group, Paul Abiagom, yesterday, after Kaztec formally signed

first package of the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) of Trans-Niger Pipeline Loop line Project with SNEPCO. According to the statement, the project, estimated at about $84.5 million spans a period of one year, while it marks the first major project to be executed by Kaztec for Shell. Shell had last week shut the TNP due to alleged vandalism on a section of the pipeline. The line was however, reopened on Friday after complete repairs. The pipeline had previously been targeted by crude oil

thieves and shut down several times, a situation, which recently raised concerns about the integrity of the pipeline. Shell had also dismissed suggestions that the TNP is not safe to operate, saying the line is operated in line with the company’s Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS), ensuring regular inspection and maintenance. Abiagom said: “The objective of the project is to construct a 3-inch, 58-kilometre loop line from the Ogale manifold to Bonny Terminal, in the South-South region of

Nigeria. SNEPCO had been experiencing challenges with the current Trans-Niger Project,” He explained that SNEPCO and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) saw the project to be an emergency project, adding that it was divided into three packages. According to him, Kaztec Engineering is to undertake the first package, having been chosen on the strength of its recent track record in the oil and gas sector. The Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kaztec Engineering, Ikechukwu Okpala, assured SNEPCO of timely delivery and quality, promising them that they would get a taste of what he called the “KAZTEC Magic”. The signing of the contract was done by the General Manager, Offshore and Shallow Water Projects, SNEPCO, Toyin Olagunju, the

Executive Chairman, KAZTEC, Emeka Offor, the Contracting and Procurement Lead Pipeline Projects of SNEPCO, Chioma Ogunuka, and the COO of KAZTEC, Ikechukwu Okpala. The General Manager, SNEPCO, Toyin Olagunju, said that he looked forward to the successful completion of the project, seeking a world-class performance on all aspects of the project, with particular attention on safety and environment standards. The Executive Chairman of Kaztec Engineering, Emeka Offor, declared that SNEPCO could rest assured of the company’s commitment to deliver, and even surpass all expectations of the project. The Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) is important for Nigeria, pumping some 180,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal and is part of the gas liquids evacuation infrastruc-

ture, critical for continued domestic power generation (Afam VI power plant) and liquefied gas exports. Sections of the TNP have been heavily impacted by sabotage and crude oil theft, and further suggested for complete shut down. The Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu said: “Shutting down the pipeline as has been suggested is not the answer. Our ability and competence to safely operate the pipeline has never been in doubt. The only way to ensure the TNP operates optimally without being shutdown regularly for repairs is to stop the thriving crude theft activities on both the 24” and 28” streams. All the data from the interventions and assessments in the pipeline integrity assessment process currently confirm that the pipelines are healthy

CBN tasks SMEs on N200 billion finance scheme CONTINUED FRM PAGE 15 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, who was also present, noted that there is huge gap in SMEs financing, despite the skills and great human capital the country is blessed with. Oteh, who canvassed more support towards enterprise development, said government would continue to support the growth of the real sector.

For the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, Mrs. Ngonzi Okonjo-Iweala, the Federal Government is out to support the growth of SMEs in the country, reason for the launch of several initiatives. Okonjo-Iweala said as part of the development going forward, the government through the Communications Technology ministry provided $15 million through venture capital initiative to sup-

port startups in the software sub-sector of the economy. She said the SEC would review the rules that will ensure more listing of firms on the exchange, stressing that plans are on to revamp the alternative security market structure for SMEs listing on the exchange. “SME is a key factor for the growth of the economy. Nigeria must build a right institution that will strengthen the economy”, she stated.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

BUSINESS

Govt attracts N80b private sector investment in agric in one year, says Jonathan From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan, on Monday, declared in Abuja, that the agriculture sector had attracted more than N80 billion private sector commitments in the last one year. The president made the disclosure while declaring open a two-day summit by Rockefeller Foundation at the Transcorps Hilton Hotel in the nation’s capital. With the theme: “Realising the Potential of African Agriculture” the summit,

which is part of the drawn-up programmes for the centennial celebration of the foundation, was attended by stakeholders across Africa. Jonathan said that the transformation of agriculture in Nigeria was a centerpiece of the entire transformation agenda of his administration. He added that government programmes were tailored toward making agriculture attractive to the private sector as a viable business. According to the president: “In the last one year alone over N80 billion of private sector commitments have been

made to the agricultural sector, an indication of the deep involvement in agriculture as a business. “We developed staple crops processing zones to attract the private sector to invest in rural areas to process and add value to all of our crops. This will reduce post-harvest losses and create jobs for our people,” he said. “To drive our agriculture, we have ended the approach of agriculture as a development programme, we now take agriculture as a business. “We developed staple crops processing zones to attract the

private sector to invest in rural areas to process and add value to all of our crops. This will reduce post-harvest losses and create jobs for our people,’’ he said. The president also disclosed that over 1.5 million farmers had benefitted from the electronic-wallet system, developed by the administration, saying: “The e-wallet system allows farmers to receive electronic voucher to redeem subsidised fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm inputs directly from private sector seeds and fertiliser companies. “I am pleased to know that

Nigeria is the first country to develop such scheme in Africa. Farmers now receive their seeds and fertiliser via mobile phones in the first one year of this experiment, and we ended four decades of corruption in our fertiliser sector,” he said. Jonathan said that as the world largest producer of cassava, the desire of his government was to make Nigeria become the world largest processor of cassava. He also said that in order to cut down import of wheat, the administration embarked on a major innovation to use high quality cassava flour to replace some of the imported wheat flour. “Today, cassava bread made out of composite flower from 20 per cent cassava and wheat flour had hit our markets.

“This alone has saved Nigeria, N254 billion (about $1.5 billion) in import bills on wheat,” he said. The president underscored the urgent need for the country to move away from the monolithic oil economy and drive agriculture as major income earners and employment generation, noting that if Nigerian was known for oil, a lot of countries around the world were also discovering oil on their shores. “The recent discovery of crude oil and gas in the U.S. and other parts of the world means that we must look elsewhere if we must continue to feed our people. With abundant land and water resources and abundant labour force, Nigeria has all it takes to use agriculture as its new frontier for growth.

NECA lauds Trustfund over improved shareholders’ dividends Board confirms Da-Souza managing director By Yetunde Ebosele and Collins Olayinka HE Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the management of Trustfund Pensions Plc for improving on the dividends to shareholders from 15kobo in 2011 to 23kobo per share for the year ended December 31, 2012. Trustfund shareholders, during the yearly general meeting held in Abuja, at the weekend, approved a dividend payout of N230 million, translating to 23k per N1 share compared to 15k in 2011. The Director General of NECA, Olusegun Oshinowo, while commending the board and management of Trustfund, said: “Having taken a look at the financials and as a shareholder, we are interested in the maximisation of shareholders’ value. Base on their performances in 2012, I think there is every reason for the organisation to be commended. The top lines and the bottom lines are looking extremely very good, the dividends paid out are very healthy and the fact that they held a timely annual general meeting.” This comes as the Board of Trustfund led by Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme confirmed the appointment of erstwhile Acting Managing Director, Mrs. Helen Da-Souza, as the substantive Managing

Managing Director, Global Pension and Financial Plans Limited, Peter Adeniji (left), Managing Director/Chief Execute Officer, Giant Consultants limited, Akinyemi Samson, Barrister; Femi Aborisade during a two-day national workshop organized by Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria in Lagos. PHOTO AYODELE ADENIRAN

Fayemi lifts Ekiti pensioners with N1.7b From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti KITI State Governor Kayode E Fayemi has effected the payment of arrears of pension to 1,755 beneficiaries to the tune of over N1 billion. The beneficiaries include 1,045 pensioners who worked as local council workers and primary school teachers and 710 pensioners who worked in the state civil service and teachers in secondary schools. Retired local council workers and primary school teachers received N251.3 million for the month of May, their counterparts who worked in the civil

service and served as teachers in secondary schools got N252.6 million for the same month. In similar vein, retired council workers and primary school teachers got N250.8 million for the month of May, retired core civil servants and secondary school teachers received N250.6 million for the same month. The Chairman of the State Pension Commission, Chief Oluwole Ojo, said the gesture was borne out of Governor Fayemi’s interest in ensuring that those who have served the government meritoriously are

taken care of in retirement. Ojo disclosed that the payment of the pension for the retirees is spread between April 2013 and January 2014. He explained that modalities have been put in place at the various pay points in the state to prevent ghost pensioners from benefiting from the exercise. The pension commission boss noted that government’s gesture to the retirees would boost the economy in the grassroots and assists the retirees in taking care of their needs. He noted that Governor

Fayemi has proved to be a friend of the senior citizens in the state with the implementation of the Social Security Scheme for the aged in which old people receive N5,000 stipends monthly. According to him, the governor in September last year approved N501 million for payment of gratuities to 269 retirees. Ojo said, “we have to thank Mr. Governor for taking the plight of the old people into consideration, for taking it upon himself not to allow these people to die in penury.

Director of Trustfund Pensions Plc. This step also attracted commendations from NECA. “The board could not have taken a better decision than confirming Mrs. Helen DaSouza as the substantive managing director. She has turned the company around since taking over and her confirmation has shown that Trustfund is on the upward swing since she came on board. She is competent, experienced and the performance of the company in two years are evidence of the quality she has brought to the organisation,” Oshinowo added. Oshinowo also lauded the implementation of the contributory pension scheme for the stability it has brought to bear on pension administration in the country. He explained: “We have an institution and a scheme that ensures that anyone that has gone through paid employment in Nigeria finds something to fall back on when retired. And that the person would not have any course to worry as to how he will get on with his life after retirement. I think this is the biggest benefit of the current dispensation which is a defined contributory scheme as opposed to the old defined benefit which we had which most employers including government were struggling to fund.”

‘Nigeria on course for effective power supply’ By Bertram Nwannekanma ORMER Managing Director FAuthority of National Electric Power (NEPA) and currently the Adviser to the President on Power, Joseph Makoju, has expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its power supply challenges going by its current reforms. According to the former special adviser to the president on Power, Nigeria is on the right track despite its many challenges. Speaking at 2013 post yearly general meeting of the

International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, Makoju said that the manufacturing sector had high growth potential due to the natural endowment of the country, but had been undermine in the past by inconsistent government policies, especially in the power sector. The former NEPA boss; however, expressed optimism that the situation would continue to improve due to macroeconomic stability and reforms in power and various

sectors of the economy. He said: “We do have challenge but at the end result would justify our commitment to the development of power in the country.” But a Senior Partner to the law firm of Banwo & Ighodalo, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, said that Nigerians should not expect any magic wand in terms of steady power supply before 2015, because of what he called the lag period needed for the investments to mature. Ighodalo, who identified monopoly and failure to maintain and improve exist-

ing facilities in the 80s as the major source of the problem in the sector, however gave indications of a better day ahead because of the reforms that had been put in place. The power experts also want a shift of focus from generation to distribution saying, there was need to place more emphasis on the transmission system because it was still weak. According to him not carrying transmission and distribution along with building power plants were the major lacuna in the previous power reforms in the country.

He was however optimistic that with appropriate planning, the unbundling of NEPA as well as privatisation of the distribution channels, the law of demand/ supply would take place and power would no longer be seen as a social service but would attract more effective and efficient pricing system. “It is more complicated issue, transmission need to be revamped, to get any reasonable stable power before 2015,” he said. For the chairman of ICCN, Babatunde Savage, it was an indisputable fact that tack-

ling the challenges posed by the power sector would invariably affect the economy. “With an estimated installed electricity of 8.644 MV and available capacity of approximately 3.718MW, the sector is expected to cater for the needs of a population of over 160 million. “In fact, the gap between the demand for electricity and the available capacity has led to the current widespread of power shortage and consequently self-generation of power by both industrial and residential consumers,” he stated.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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MoneyWatch Graft: An undying challenge to financial re-engineering? By Chijioke Nelson Y now, we have overcome the challenge of B the fact that there are hitches to effective operations of the cash-less initiative in the

high degree of accuracy of projected revenue of future period from all sources. The CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, in his sensitisation campaign tours across these selected state reiterated that much have been covered in terms of addressing some of the initial teething problems associated with alternative payment platforms. For instance, the number of Point of Sale (PoS) and Automated Teller Machine has been tremendously increased since December 2011, with better technology and enhanced security features embedded. The cumulative number of PoS deployed/connect to NIBSS central Terminal Management System stood at 120,605 and registered merchants reached an all-time high at 176, 255 as at June 16, 2013. The new PoS has enhanced features to take care of power outage and minimize the problem of interconnectivity such as 24-hour battery life to help save on power outage and two SIM slots for better connectivity. Meanwhile, the apex bank has also assured that adequate dispute resolution mechanism are regularly being fine-tuned to address various complaints arising from the use of these alternative payment platforms. The CBN on its part has step up actions to ensure that that users of payments services get adequate attention from service providers. While established the office of the Ombudsman for the financial services is still in the mills, the CBN said it has created a Consumer and Financial Protection Department to strengthen users’ confidence and promote adoption. But there are observed lack of understanding of cash-less policy among the banked and unbanked, which ranges from techno-phobia, Infrastructure issues, distrust in the banking system to independent online-real-time monitoring of electronic channels uptime, yet there are benefits to government, consumers, corporate organisations and banks. These can be seen from the present payment system’s landscape despite challenges, including the optimisation of tax revenue collection, easy identification of taxpayers, increased economic growth, increased financial inclusion, faster and easier payments, increased convenience and access to more payments options, reduced risk of robbery, better access to capital, increased efficiency in operations, reduced revenue leakages, more efficient treasury management, efficiency through electronic payment processing by banks, reduced cost of operations in form of cash handling and increased banking penetration. During banking sector intervention, studies revealed that high cost structure of the banks partially count for their preference for lending to the capital market and oil and gas industry activities that triggered off asset bubbles. Another major finding of the study by the Bankers’ Committee in conjunction with the CBN showed that it is possible to achieve a 30 per cent cost reduction with attendant positive impact on lending rates and bank charges, through payment system transformation as the key driver. Other areas of focus included cash management, IT infrastructure and services, IT standard and back office operations.

country and the “names” of the hitches are already in the public domain. Suffice it also to say that we have known why the hitches persist, but we do not know why they cannot be overcome. Perhaps, corruption, sustained by self interest and impunity might be the suspect. Even recently, government agencies, civil society organisations and professional groups unveiled the shocking revelations of how high level impunity being perpetrated in the country has been dealing a deadly blow on the nation’s economic development drive. But, how will corruption deal with the cash-less initiative, in relation to national development drive? Corruption has evolved many definitions, depending on perceptions and experiences. For some, corruption is dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. Others say it is the action of making someone or something morally depraved or the state of being so. Still others say it is any abuse of a position of trust in order to gain an undue advantage. This involves the conduct of both sides: that of the person who abuses his Lemo position of trust as well as that of the person who seeks to gain an undue advantage by this usage in daily transactions, aside from render- is the likelihood that if cash-less system has ing monetary policy ineffective, were that it been imbibed in the country before now, there abuse. Corruption can occur in relation to officials as encourages many other vices such as kidnap- would be a whistle blower “somehow and well as between private persons. It is particular- ping, corruption and revenue leakages in the somewhere.” Currently, internally generated revenue has ly prevalent in certain kinds of transactions, for public sector. True to this point was the fact that tremendously improved with diversion of fund so many times when huge amounts will be example, when awarding public contracts in certain economic sectors, for example, in declared missing, no trace of it will be readily and excess charges on the state account minextractive industries and in certain countries. found. Even the current saga in pension fund imised, as stakeholders now patronise the elecCorrupt practices can range from small favours embezzlement, put at over N120 billion, no par- tronic payment channels designed for the purin anticipation of a future advantage to the pay- ticular account has been associated or publicly poses. Also, the system has helped to create onment of large sums of money to senior mem- linked with the amount or related value. There line database in respect of taxpayers, generated bers of governments. We are interested in activities and transactions that relate to award of contracts for public projects and the allegations that make the round among the executive, legislature and judiciary, ASHLITE/cash-less: Reduction of cash usage in the economy by setting daily cumulative cash limhuge sums exchange hands. But by the rule of its for corporate and individuals and encouragement of electronic payment via massive PoS the cash-less initiative, certain sums cannot be withdrawn in one day and may run contrary to (Point of Sale) terminal deployment. desire of the alleged group, if the assertions are Nigeria uniform bank account numbering: Implementation of a standard bank-account numbersomething to go by. The obvious is that elec- ing to reduce failures in electronic payment due to lack of standardisation by the banking commutronic transactions are not safe for dubious pay- nity ments as it can be traced easily and never Mobile payment: Framework released by the CBN in 2009 and 20+ mobile payment operators denied. This means that project will not go granted approvals to operate mobile payment schemes. down well with politicians, especially as it has Cheque truncation: Cheque instrument dematerialization and transition to image-based clearing been inaugurated in the seat of power – the to reduce clearing to T+1. Federal Capital Territory, where the “high and Guidelines on POS and ATM operations: Various guidelines on PoS and ATM (Automated Teller mighty” of the country live, work and “organise Machine) channels to set minimum standards and drive consumer adoption. Elimination of cardthings.” Already, there were indications that the holder surcharges on ATM. project’s extension to more states, including Interoperability and interconnectivity circular: Mandating banks, switches and payment systems provider connection to Nigeria Central Switch thereby achieving interoperability and encouraging FCT, has raised more controversy. Study showed that Nigeria is lagging behind electronic payments adoption. PoS and mobile aggregation by Nigeria Interbank Settlement among comparable economies in terms of pay- System (NIBSS) is a key positive of this circular. ment system maturity. In 2011, the percentage New products launches/existing product enhancements: New products such as NIBSS Instant of cash in circulation to GDP was 41 per cent in Payment (NIP), Automated Direct Debit (ADD), electronic bills payments (e-BillsPay) and enhanceNigeria and as low as 4.5 per cent in Indonesia, ments to existing ones such as the RTGS introduces new risks. 1.9 per cent in South Africa and 35 per cent in Venezuela. Perhaps, unwittingly corroborating the fears of citizens, the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, at a conference on cash-less initiative, in Lagos, said that the ideals of a cash-less economy should be vigorously pursued, as the system offers a better management of the societal ills bordering on money laundering, among others. He said that transiting to a cash-less society means moving to a system that is more efficient and safer, in which most transactions are conducted, not with “Ghana-Must-Go” bags any more. “The Ghana Must Go” saga has rent the air since the current democratic dispensation, mostly in the corridor of power and that has heightened the suspicion that if the scheme does not favour the class, there will be more issues to settle than settled. But what actually is the cash-less project aimed at? The projected was articulated to beat the cost of cash transactions to Nigeria’s financial system, which has been high and increasing on yearly basis, amounting to over N144 billion as Managing Director, Brand Fusion Marketing Limited, Charl vanHeerden (left); Nigerian Representative of the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Dr. Mairo Mandara; at 2009. Other consequences of heavy cash Salah Goss of the BMGF; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; and Chief Executive Officer, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), Modupe Ladipo, at the launch of the GIS results for Nigeria by the CBN and the BMGF in Lagos… on Monday.

On the road to cash-less C

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

MONEYWATCH

The rising profile of Nigerian banks • Zenith Bank, others up on global league By Chijioke Nelson HOUGH not among the first 200 banks globT ally, but one made a show among the first 300 banks, while 12 others made the first 600 banks. To many still, this might not be the best of results and what the country could offer to the world, but we do well too to remember where we are coming from. Reforms in the banking sector may have upset so many things, perhaps by the personal perception of how it all started, were conducted and concluded, but there seems to be a palpable change and if sustained, could lead to further improvement. The underlying factor so far is the fact the change is constant and every factor involved in the change must be aligned such that the change can be positive, especially in addressing the inherent challenges associated with developing and under-developed system, which Nigeria is one. The consolation may be further derived from the fact that there are more than 1000 banks in the world. The two prominent regulators have certified Nigerian banks, post reform, in the financial system- Central Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, with Mallam Lamido Sanusi, known to have said that the financial institutions were back to profitability. This may have been the “positives” for their inclusion and rising profile, but they should not lay down their guards nor rest on their oars. In the rankings released over the weekend, Zenith Bank topped Nigerian banks in this year’s Top 1000 World Banks Ranking of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, London, United Kingdom. According to a news release from the Country Representative, Nigeria, The Banker, Kunle Ogedengbe, 13 Nigerian banks made the ranking this year and it saw the return of Union Bank to the league of top global banks and they included Zenith Bank, FirstBank, Guaranty Trust

Emefiele Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, First City Monument Bank, Skye Bank, Diamond Bank, Stanbic IBTC and Standard Chartered Bank. Further analysis of the rankings showed that Zenith Bank moved 35 places from 322 in the world last year to 287, FirstBank moved from 338 to 367, Guaranty Bank moved to 417 from 455, Access Bank moved to 506 from 541 and UBA moved to 553 from 563. These movements according to analysts was a good sign of the improvements of the soundness of the Nigerian banks among the world global banks and the robust monetary policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Ogedengbe stressed that the ranking was usually based on the definition of Tier–1 Capital as set out by Basel’s Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and that it aimed to show global international banks’ soundness in relation to the Basel guidelines on capital adequacy. The percentage change in the Tier-1 Capital, which underlines the strength of banks, for Zenith Bank increased by 23.82 per cent, the highest in the wholly Nigerian banks that made the ranking.

In the capital asset ratio of soundness parameter, Zenith Bank came top at 17.70 per cent followed by Guaranty Trust Bank at 16.23 per cent. Third is Fidelity Bank at 15.67 per cent, Standard Chartered Nigeria is fourth at 13.38 per cent followed by FCMB at 12.00 per cent and FirstBank at 11.96 per cent, Access Bank at 11.60 per cent, Stanbic IBTC at 11.55 per cent, Ecobank at 11.14 per cent, Skye Bank at 9.90 per cent, UBA at 7.65 per cent, Diamond Bank at 7.31 per cent and Union Bank at 6.35 per cent. Basically, these banks should justify their various rankings by the type business strategies they have, perhaps there might be need to revisit some. According to the guideline on Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principle (NSBP), there is no doubt that many banks would need to reassess their objectives and strategies to reach them. The NSBP therefore include: Principle one: Our Business Activities Environmental and Social Risk Management. This holds that the bank or organisation or firm will integrate environmental and social considerations into decision-making processes relating to business activities to avoid, minimise or offset negative impacts. Principle two: Our Business Operations Environmental and Social Footprint The bank or organisation will avoid, minimise or offset the negative impacts of business operations on the environment and local communities in which it operates and, where possible, promote positive impact. Principle three: Human Rights The bank or organisation will respect human rights in its business operations and business activities. Principle four: Women’s Economic Empowerment The bank or organisation will promote women’s economic empowerment through gender inclusive workplace culture in our business operations and seek to provide products and services designed specifically for women through our business activities. Principle five: Financial Inclusion The bank or organisation will promote financial inclusion, seeking to provide financial services to individuals and communities that traditionally have had limited or no access to the for-

mal financial sector. Principle six: Environmental and Social Governance The bank or organisation will implement robust and transparent environmental and social governance practices in its respective institutions and assess environmental and social governance practices of its customers. Principle seven: Capacity Building The bank or organisation will develop individual institution and sector capacity necessary to identify, assess and manage the environmental and social risks and opportunities associated with our business activities and business operations. Principle eight: Collaborative Partnerships The bank or organisation will collaborate across the sector and leverage international partnerships to accelerate its collective progress and move the sector as one, ensuring our approach is consistent with international standards and Nigerian development needs. Principle nine: Reporting The bank or organisation will regularly review and report on our progress in meeting these principles at the individual institution and sector level. Strict compliance to the principles was assured of resulting to • moving the banking sector as one to drive development that is economically viable, but socially relevant and environmentally responsible, • enhanced collaboration and cooperation between the banks to achieve transformational change, • consistency with international standards and good practice, signalling enhanced governance, and • leading the way: for banks in Africa and beyond as well as other sectors. The rationale for sustainable banking principle was hinged on the fact that it is the right thing to do for Nigeria; risk management is enhanced, it fosters good and lasting relationships, ensures steady flow of revenues, the organisation’s reputation is potrayed in good light and the regulator requires it, hence there must compliance. One way or the other, banks in Nigeria need to reappraise themselves in the light of the above, if they are to sustain and improve on the rankings

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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We thought it was all about sharing: SAPETRO Headquarters on Victoria Island, in Lagos

From Cronysm To Capacity By Toyin Akinosho

NE of the more compelling images for me, O at the last edition of the Offshore West Africa (OWA)Conference in Accra, in March 2013, was the sight of Ebere Benard, young Nigerian geologist, trying to convince the audience that re-development of the Seme Field off Benin Republic was economically feasible. His presentation threw up one of the most interactive sessions of the Conference’s three day technical programme. There was so much fuss around the room, about how much oil was left in a marginal field that had been abandoned for 17 years after a depletion history of 14 years led to a water cut of over 90%.

Benard, 36, didn’t stammer for once throughout the exchange. He maintained eye contact with his interlocutors, some of whom had over 30 years -experience in Fortune 100 E&P Companies. I was part of the aggressive, questioning horde. And I was impressed. I was less intrigued by the commercial viability of Seme field than the fact of an African technical professional, employed by an African owned, African resident E&P Company, handling a field development project on the continent, and holding his own among peers. More crucially, the competence on display was of an employee of an E&P company I had come to see as belonging to old school crony

capitalism. Mr Benard works for South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), owned by Theophilus Danjuma, a retired Nigerian army general who belongs to the narrow band of political elite that has profited over the last five decades from rent seeking in every sector of that country’s economy. At the time the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources awarded the 2,590km2 Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 246 to SAPETRO in February, 1998, for a giveaway signature bonus of $25MM, it was global knowledge that the acreage was sitting on huge subsurface fairways containing billions of barrels of crude. It was a time

of boom in discoveries of oil offshore West Africa. Shell had discovered the Bonga Field in 1996. Texaco was on its way to the Agbami prize. ExxonMobil confirmed the Erha Field discovery in 1999. Each of these tanks contained over 600MM barrels of oil. High quality, proprietary and non exclusive data had implicated OPL 246 as one of the most prospective deep-water acreages on the planet. Angola, which was coming up with as many billions of barrels of oil discovery as Nigeria, was bidding its time; in 1999, it would award three deep-water acreages for a total of $900MM signature bonus. Yet the Nigerian military government would not bat an eyelid, in handing out a comparably resourced acreage for an infinitesimal fraction of that, to a company owned by one of its friends. SAPETRO earned sign- on fees from the assignment of 24% to TOTAL (which also helped it pay the signature bonus) and 16% to Petrobras on the acreage, with TOTAL designated the technical partner and both companies funding exploration and development of the lease. The discovery of the Akpo field on OPL 246 in 2000 (and CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

24 AFRICAN OIl&GAS REPORT

KICKSTARTER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

other such big finds as Egina Main, Egina South and Preowei), enabled conversion of half of the tract from a prospecting licence to Oil Mining licence (OMl 130). In January 2006, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation(CNOOC), acquired three quarters of SAPETRO’s remaining equity (or 45% of the overall stake) in OMl 130, for $2.268 billion cash, “subject to adjustments”, according to newswire reports. General

Editor

From Building Capacities to Walking A Tightrope HIS edition of the Africa Oil+Gas T Report/Guardian fortnightly pull out does not have a specific theme. The stories are picked from a wide range of subjects. But two stories are related in some way. The central character of our lead story, the Kickstarter article titled From Cronysm To Capacity, is a young earth scientist whose career is shaping up in a company that, in the popular opinion, was not set up to build anyone’s capacity. We decided to publish the story because we thought it was an exemplary narrative of individual achievement. The distinguishing thing about our second article, How Oil Companies Get The Oil, is not so much the article itself, as the author. This is Paul Kelechi’s first work of journalism. His first job, indeed, after Youth Service. Kelechi, a graduate of industrial physics, is one of the several young Nigerians undergoing screening at the Africa Oil+Gas Report. They will be trained to explain the oil and gas industry in Africa, both to Africans and others. We thought: why don’t we start them off by enrolling them in a class that was meant to teach the rudiments of the industry to journalists? The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists(NAPE) must be commended for organizing such a workshop and Schlumberger is to be thanked for picking up the bill. We invite readers to read this article carefully and critique it. Our two other stories were pulled out of the magazine’s March/April 2013 and May/June 2013 editions, with the themes The African Independent and Independents’ Day, respectively. They highlight the operations of two london listed E&P companies who consider Africa as their heartland. And then, there is Tony Elumelu’s commentary on Obama’s Power Africa initiative. The Africa Oil+Gas Report is the primer of the hydrocarbon industry on the continent. It is the market leader in local contextualizing of global developments and policy issues and is the go-to medium for decision makers, whether they be international corporations or local entrepreneurs, technical enterprises or financing institutions, for useful analyses of Africa’s oil and gas industry. Published by the Festac News Press limited since November 2001, AOGR is a monthly, 40 page hardcopy publication delivered to subscribers around the world. Its website remains www.africaoilgasreport.com and the contact email address is info@africaoilgasreport.com. Contact telephone numbers in our West African regional headquarters in lagos are 2348130733523, 2347062420127, 2348034449079, 234803652979, 2348023902519. Please enjoy what this edition of the Pullout has to offer. -Toyin Akinosho, Publisher

From Cronysm To Capacity Danjuma himself has testified, in public, that his cash proceeds from the hydrocarbon property provided the $500Million used to set up the TY Danjuma Foundation, a charity. Today, Akpo field is producing 175,000BCPD of condensate. TOTAl has just taken the final investment decision on Egina field development, which is due to come on stream around 2017. Prognosed peak production is 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 B O P D . General Danjuma could afford to just sit and collect proceeds from equity crude and run SAPETRO with a few personal assistants and a token technical staff to sit at meetings where TOTAl and Petrobras determine the course of things. That is the path of low Risk, High Reward. But unlike other such lucky landlords, (and they abound in Nigeria), he wants to build an E&P company. As far back as 2004, when Akpo field sanction had not even happened, SAPETRO sought and was awarded an exploration and exploitation licence on Block 1 offshore Republic Of Benin, under a Production Sharing Contract with the government. In 2011, the company purchased all of Roc Oil’s 75% interest in Juan de Nova Maritime Profond within the French- administered area in the Mozambique Channel. This permit covers an area of about 53,000km2 and lies in water depths of up to 3,200metres. SAPETRO has a cadre of technical staff fully engaged. While some are focused on feeling their way around the data in the vast Mozambique Channel, some are working with Big Oil on OMl 130 and others are tackling the field development planning on the Seme Field. So SAPETRO, which “earned its stripes” as an agent of patronage, is as busy as any small independent E&P company a n y w h e r e . Back to the story. After all the heated conversation at his presentation, I caught up with

Ebere Bernard Benard: “I joined the army to get a source of livelihood, save my salary over the years and fund my education to the university level”.

Ebere Benard at lunch. His biography is a spectacular one of self- improvement. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1995 as an “other rank” immediately after secondary education, “for adventure, national service, a sense of independence” and, crucially, he told me, to get a source of livelihood, save his salary over the years and fund his education to the university level. In the army, he took part in several internal security assignments/special forces operations and was deployed to the disputed Bakassi Peninsula throughout 1996 for the

Nigeria-Cameroon boundary dispute codeOperation Harmony IV. named “I got admission to pursue a course in geology in 1999, while still in service, on selfsponsorship. I returned back to the barracks in 2003 after getting a B.Sc in Geology at the University of Port Harcourt, and discharged from the service as a special force infantryman (Private), in December 2005”, he recalled. “The degree is the highest rank I have sought for myself from the inception of my military career”. Starting off at the Ministry of Water Resources in Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State, Benard went to work as Reservoir Geologist at laser Engineering and Resources, an oil and gas subsurface geoscience consultancy. I asked him if it was sheer coincidence that he, a military reservist, is working for a retired army general. Benard deflected the question. “I applied for the job opening advertised in national dailies, was invited for series of interviews and I was successf u l ” . When I called Benard a month after our interview, he was in london. Having finished his bit of the Seme Field assignment (reservoir characterization), he had moved on to another project, a frontier exploration and prospectivity study with Fugro Robertson (recently acquired by CGG). It’s the two dimensional (2D) seismic interpretation and petroleum system modeling of SAPETRO’s block offshore Mozambique channel. “At the end of the work, we will delineate areas for 3D seismic acquisition”, he said confidently. From reservoir characterization and modeling in a field development project to wildcat exploration and frontier prospectivity study, in a matter of months, I thought to myself; You don’t get far much more exposure than this in a multinational company, do you?

OIL PATCH

“Black gold”: How oil companies get the oil By Paul Kelechi Il is an insulator. In 1912, Conrad Schlumberger conceived the idea for electrical measurements and 15 years later, in 1927, the first electrical down hole log was produced in Pechelbronn, France. This singular discovery revolutionized the oil and gas industry as the resistivity of the various fluids lodged in the pore spaces that exist in rocks deep within the earth structure can now be logged fairly accurately. Over time, improvement in technology has made it possible for well engineers to design and develop tools that could accurately predict the presence of hydrocarbon in a field, and, how they can get it out. In geological time, the earth is believed to be some 4.5billion years old. Deep within the earth structure, with outer and inner core thickness of about 3,450km/2,150 miles, exists high temperature and pressure. Oil and Natural Gas began to form as long as 500million years ago. In the Triassic era, about two hundred and fifty million years ago, Plate Tectonics became very active. This made it possible for dead plant and animal remain at the

At 2,100 metres or 7000 feet depth, the temperature is 65°C or 149°F which is the minimum temperature needed for oil to form. Moreover, kerogen is formed from organic materials with the increased temperature and pressure at depth. Oil and gas subsequently forms by the maturation of the kerogen

Paul Kelechi crustal plates to be pushed deep within the earth structure where the temperature and pressure is very high. Organic matter from the earth’s surface called kerogen, are converted into oil and gas under the influence of high temperature and pressure deep in the earth. Most petroleum is found in sedimentary rock types deep within the earth structure. “We are interested in two major types of sedimentary rock because they can

contain oil and gas” says Dr. John Afilaka, PhD (Schlumberger), during the first day of a two-day workshop tagged: E&P Training for Media Personnel organized by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE). “The first type of rock is the Clastic which consists of sandstone and shale while the other is the carbonate, made up of limestone and dolomite. Most of the conventional reservoirs that we have today are

found either in the sandstone or limestone. Shale is largely considered to be the parent rock where you have the oil trap originally. It is in the shale rock that the oil is created before it cracks open and the oil moves into the sandstone which serves as the reservoirs” explains Dr. Afilaka. “Carbonates on the other hand are very important because a lot of the reserves we have today are carbonate reserves. A good example is Saudi Arabia, in which 74% of all reserves are in carbonate. Carbonate rocks are chemical deposits that “grow” coral reefs. Four of the top five reserves by country are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran; all of which are in carbonates”, he went on to say. So geology, which is the fundamental scientific discipline used to identify hydrocarbon, plays an important role in establishing a reservoir structure. Basically what a geologist looks out for are a Basin, Sandstone and an Unconformity that could help him find the oil. This is the exploration stage of oil production. Dr. Afilaka gave the geologic components and processes necessary to generate and store oil and gas to be: Source rock (shale) rich in organic CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

CompuLife Angst over low patronage of indigenous ICT wares Despite supposed friendly policies and several calls, investigations still show that low patronage of locally assembled Information and Communications Technology (ICT) wares, especially computer and software products by government, businesses and individuals in Nigeria. ADEYEMI ADEPETUN, in the report, examines this trend. Excerpt... OING by various surveys, two sub-sectors G of Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology industry that have suffered and still suffering from poor patronage remain software development and computer manufacturing. While several measures have, however, been put in place to jump-start the country’s N200 billion software sector, which seem to be yielding results, patronage for locally assembled computer products is still at its lowest ebb. Identified as sine-qua-non to Nigeria’s drive towards a knowledge economy, the Ministry of Communications Technology; Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON); Jim Ovia Foundation; LAN, Intel among others have in one way or the other made case for indigenous software development through a number of initiatives. But for manufacturers, including Zinox, Omatek, Veda, and Brian among others, the purchase of their output has been very unimpressive; thus necessitating their divestment into other related ventures to stay afloat. Indeed, out of the 740,000 computers acquired by Nigerians in 2012, only 148,000 were manufactured locally. This, therefore, means that 80 per cent of the personal computers bought by the citizens last year were foreign brands. This also depicts a 20 per cent market share by all the indigenous players put together; but remarkably, half of this is controlled by a single brand. Foreign computer brands like HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba and Samsung, among others, are said to be controlling 80 per cent of the Nigerian computer market. The development has been blamed partly on the insensitivity of government to support the players in the hardware computermanufacturing sector, especially in the area of favourable policy formulation. Specifically, stakeholders have over the years pointed accusing fingers at the government for not coming up with favourable policies that give indigenous players preferential treatment compared with their foreign brands. Even organisations and states that are supposed to lead the campaign for patronage of local ICT wares seem to be showing preference for foreign brands. A recent visit to Lagos e-Centre at Marina showed that only foreign computers were adopted for usage. Last week in Lagos, at the workshop for judges on legal issues in telecommunications organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission, judges who attended were provided with HP mini laptops. The Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos has also been equipped with foreign computer brands. Several other government establishments, even the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) still show much preference for foreign computer brands. Most worrisome is that manufacturers of these international brands of computers

A section of Omatek factory in Lagos.

that come into the country are believed to be enjoying good operating condition in their respective countries and are therefore, well positioned to sell at relatively competitive prices. Arguably, industry analysts have said that Nigerian computer firms have always found it hard to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts due to high cost of production incurred, occasioned by general poor state of infrastructure in the country, the unfriendly monetary policy where interest rate is at double-digit rate and above all low patronage from Nigerians, among others. In the mid-term review of the Ministry of Communications Technology, the minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, disclosed that in 2012, the PC ownership penetration was 4.5 per cent, saying that by the end of 2013, the rate should be seven per cent, while it is hoped that it will hit 12 per cent by 2015. Johnson had earlier in the year said the government would develop captive markets for local computer makers to drive demand for their products. This, according to her, will be in partnership with five banks and five local computer makers. But to many, if the minister’s target must be realized, more efforts are needed to drive the Nigerian brand, especially by creating a policy that will ensure patronage. They also called for duty waivers for indigenous manufactures in the country. An industry expert, who spoke on the condition of anonymity posited that one of the reasons local computer brands had been recording poor patronage and, by extension, slow growth, was because the government had not deemed it fit to truly assist local IT firms. “They still pay import duties, even on Com-

pletely-Knocked Down components; whereas, in other countries such as the United States and others, IT importation by local firms is duty-free,” he said. However, in a recent media interview, the Director, Statistics and Research, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Inye Kemabonta, blamed the minimal impact of the local players on inadequate capacity, saying government was currently working towards using the Nigerian Content Development initiative in the IT sector to develop the market. “But the private sector needs to set an agenda for government,” he added. According to him, the country needs about three million computers yearly to serve the growing local market. Kemabonta said, “740,000 personal computers were consumed in Nigeria in 2012. Only 20 per cent are from Nigerian manufacturers. We still don’t have enough for the local market. “One of the easiest ways to encourage local use of computers is to urge schools to build laboratories that will be equipped with computers. This, to a large extent, is regulatory. We need to develop our demand framework to absorb the supplies.” He advised local manufacturers to consider the idea of building a common plant for their operations, saying currently, most of the computer plants in the country were running very high overhead costs. According to him, building a common plant will go a long way in cutting the huge cost elements that the local manufacturers have to contend with. Nigeria, no doubt, holds a great attraction for computer manufacturers, whether local or international. This is mainly on account of its vast market potential. While international computer manufactur-

Indeed, out of the 740,000 computers acquired by Nigerians in 2012, only 148,000 were manufactured locally. This, therefore, means that 80 per cent of the personal computers bought by the citizens last year were foreign brands.

ers are raking in millions of naira from computer sales, their local counterparts have been operating on the periphery of the market. They have blamed the citizens’ seeming disregard for locally assembled computers and the failure of the government to stimulate sustainable demand for local PCs for their woes. During her visit to Omatek Computer factory in Lagos last week, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, thrilled by the level of investments she saw, said Nigerians must patronise indigenous operators. Okonjo-Iweala, just like when former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited same factory some months back, described the Chief Executive Officer of Omatek Ventures, Mrs. Florence Seriki, as a foremost entrepreneur, who has succeeded where others failed. According to her, Nigeria’s market is challenging, especially with various infrastructure bottlenecks, stressing that the culture of service maintenance is not strong in the country. The minister who said Nigeria cannot develop if citizens will not patronise locally made goods, stressed that the Ministry of Communications Technology was set up by the government to develop and increase the potential of ICT growth in the country. By and large, another critical challenge that may continue to fuel apathy for locally assembled ICT products, especially PCs in the country is their quality and durability. Several complaints have greeted usage of these products. According to the Managing Director of Digital Acess Foundation for Technology Development, Mr. Mike Oseji, most of the local products don’t last compare to their foreign brands. “I think the challenge they have is around quality. If the products are rugged, durable like foreign brands, they will be patronised”, Oseji stated.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

26 COMPULIFE

NCC seeks new laws for telecoms operations By Adeyemi Adepetun IGERIA’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian N Communications Commission (NCC), has said that despite the robustness of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), some other laws are still required to support activities of the sector. According to the Executive vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, while addressing judges at the workshop organised for them on legal issues in telecommunications, said that the commission was looking forward to the passage of the cybercrime law to support its efforts at increasing cyber security, adding that NCC was in support of a data protection law to secure the database created during the SIM card registration exercise. Juwah, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Mr. Okechukwu Itanyi, commended the effort of the National Assembly towards passing a law on radioactive emissions in order to enlighten members of the public, some of whom were still thinking that all telecoms equipment emitted hazardous materials. The NCC boss said: “As a major player in the economic reforms going on in our country today, NCC appreciates that no such reforms will stand the test of time without the foundation of

CRUTECH gets N60 million ICT centre From Anietie Akpan, Calabar

due process and rule of law. “That is the philosophy behind the bold step in exposing our judges to issues in telecommunications law.” In his address, the Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Umaru Eri, said in the last couple of years, Nigeria had witnessed a lot of transformation in the telecoms industry but not without some legal issues emanating from them. “Just recently, the country witnessed yet another milestone in the telecoms industry, which is number portability. This development, among other innovations, will surely generate some legal issues for determination by courts in a few days ahead,” he said. For the Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Josephine Amuwa, the structure of the telecommunications market determined to a large extent the behaviour of the operators and also influenced the performance of the market with respect to profitability and efficiency. Amuwa, who spoke on “Legal and Regulatory Issues in Mobile Number Portability”, said in accordance with the NCA 2003, the NCC had the primary objective to create and provide a competitive regulatory framework for the Nigerian communications industry, stressing that the commission had a mandate to promote fair competition in the industry and promote the interests of consumers.

Smartphone becomes in-car head-up display longer confined to top-of-the-line models. AT-NAv firm Garmin has made a portable app associated with the sat-nav system is availSturn-by-turn head-up display (HUD) for cars that projects able for iPhones, Android phones and Windows However, he said, the add-ons and gadgets produced by firms such as Panasonic and directions on to a vehicle’s Phone 8 handsets.

windscreen. The portable HUD works with a smartphone and Garmin app to generate navigation information. centre, built and equipped by Shell Nigeria The gadget can project direcExploration and Production Company Limited tional arrows, distances, cur(SNEPCo). rent speed and speed limits on The project was handed over to the university authority by Mr. Chike Onyejekwe, SNEPCo’s manag- the windscreen. Information is projected via ing director in a ceremony on Friday at CRUTECH’s the HUD’s attached reflector main campus, Calabar. Onyejekwe said that the N60 million centre had a lens or on to a plastic film stuck to the window glass. fully furnished ICT block, 50 desktop computers, The navigation system can each with uninterrupted power supply unit, a servalso provide voice prompts er, two printers (colour and black and white) and via a smartphone’s speaker computer software. or a car stereo that works Onyejekwe, represented at the occasion by the with the Bluetooth shortcompany’s Business Manager; Mr. Ijere Kanu, said that SNEPCo had also provided a 27-KvA soundproof range radio technology. The generator to the facility. ROSS River University of Technology (CRUTECH), C Calabar has taken delivery of a N60 million Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

NCC building, Abuja

The HUD automatically adjusts brightness levels to ensure that projected information is easy to read during the day and at night. The Garmin HUD looked “interesting”, said Tim Edwards, a principal engineer in the future transport technology division at motor industry research firm Mira. “Car makers are starting to do this themselves but their challenge has always been development lifecycles,” he said. “Your smartphone changes almost daily but there’s a limit to how fast a car can be updated.” Edwards said that HUDs were starting to be standard in mid-range vehicles and were no

Garmin that people use on their own cars might be a better driver’s aide than those made by car manufacturers. “In a car, a HUD is usually built in and you cannot update it,” he said. HUD is that project information on to windscreens can cut down on driver distraction as people spend less time looking down at instruments and more with their eyes on the road, he added. Such systems were likely to become more necessary as vehicles got progressively more autonomous because drivers would need to be quickly told if they suddenly needed to take over, said Edwards. Garmin said that its HUD would cost about $130 (£86) when it went on sale in late summer. Regional maps for the associated Garmin app will cost about $30 (£20) each.

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Jim Ovia empowers software startups, seeks more support By Adeyemi Adepetun support of the United Nations (UN) endorsement of the IonNInstitute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) initiatives software developments in Nigeria, as reported in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Information Economy Report 2012, Founder of Visafone Communications Limited, Jim Ovia, through the Jim Ovia Foundation has empowered winners of ISPON “Best Software Startup of the Year” award with funds. The Beneficiaries includes, Pledge51 Ltd., Future Software Resources Ltd. and Encipher Group. Reliable studies have shown that Nigerian Software Startups are greatly challenged and lack the following: Office space to practice their profession to create and develop innovative software critical mass of human resource capacity and remuneration ability, marketing support and facilities to engage and secure bigger, large and more meaningful accounts from multinationals in the software ecosystem, high technology software development tools, corporate reference from renowned ICT solutions providers and professional bodies. Indeed, with 60.3 per cent youth population, Nigeria is definitely a nation to reckon with in the emerging information society. The comfortable mantra seeking to explain the inability to designate special funding scheme to promote innovation and youth entrepreneurship start-up on the grounds of lack of realistic collateral for lending opportunities, is to state the least, a blatant and retrogressive policy. Investigations showed that 2012 had been a year of multiple challenges to the software sub-sector in terms of venture capital investment – particularly to the start-up entrepreneurs in Nigeria, adoption of national software strategy, policy and Ovia patronage for indigenous software. Therefore, the contribution of Ovia to the Nigerian Software Domain, according to the President of ISPON, Dr. Chris Uwaje, perhaps represent the most strategic and innovative way to positively develop and sustain a national economy. Uwaje posited that with this type of motivation from Jim Ovia Foundation, the status of software Nigeria in 2013 presents potential windows of opportunities for IT Entrepreneurs, with particular reference to Software Stratups. According to Uwaje, a framework and national strategy for software entrepreneurship and venture capital in Nigeria is long

overdue. “Therefore, there is an urgent need to re-examine the critical role Software plays in national development and wealth creation. “Meanwhile, the recent United Nations (UNCTAD) Information Economy Report 2012 on ‘The Software Industry and Developing Countries’, has rightly recognized Software as not only fundamental, but critical to National Development, Prosperity and National Security.” According to Gartner Inc., global IT spending will hit $3.73 tril-

lion in 2013. Also, Software spending will reach $158 billion by 2016. This translates to the fact that we now live in a ‘SoftwareFirst World’ where Nigeria’s future resides. “Today, integrating ICT into (and as hub of) the national development is no longer a wish, but indeed mandatory for all nations of the world. The Information Society or the new economy is here and traditional means of responding to the challenges of national development have now become obsolete – especially for a Developing Country (DC) such as Nigeria”, he stated.

28 COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Dell brings solar powered lab to Nigeria, others • Partners TD to promote Intel Core processors By Synthyche Boman LOBAL computer firm, Dell has announced that it had G launched its first solar powered lab, known as the ZubaBox mobile classroom in Africa to provide increased opportunities for learning to students with little or no access to technology or the Internet. According to Dell, the solar powered lab, which had arrived on-site at a senior school in Lagos, Nigeria, removed the need to connect to any electrical infrastructure and provided an affordable education solution for the local community. Equipped with an innovative-shared computing solution from Dell Wyse, the Dell ZubaBox opens up new teaching possibilities and the personal development of students through enhanced training and education. Many people in developing countries, particularly in rural Director, Oxford Scenarios Program, Rafael Ramirez (left); Computer Warehouse Group boss and EIR CBS, Austin Okere; Editor in-Chief, Affarsvalden areas, have limited access to electricity and the Internet. The Magazine, Jon Asberg and Professor of Practice, Aalto University Executive Education, Pekka Mattila at the Economist during the Economist conference ZubaBox concept, which comprises a standard shipping conheld in Stockholm, Sweden. tainer that is converted into a mobile classroom, was pioneered by UK based charity Computer Aid International to harness the power from the sun and to provide Internet connectivity for students in communities. Marketing Director, Dell EMEA, David Angwin said: compliant with the 12 requirements, and thus receive a compliBy Florence Utor “Technology is a powerful enabler, while connectivity and ance certification and a listing on the PCI Standards Council. access have become vital tools that children all over the world Cloud computing is a form of distributed computing that is yet need to be able to further their education. Part of our role as a IGERIA has never been known for any technological discovery to be used all over the world, infact, the impression most to be standardised. There are a number of factors to be considglobal technology leader is to work together with our partners foreigners get at the mention of Nigeria is fraud, especially when ered when migrating to cloud services, and organisations need to broaden the perspectives and confidence of children to to clearly understand their needs before they can determine if it has do with Information Technology. Adesanya Ahmed, encourage them to see the wider world and to provide them and how they will be met by a particular solution or provider, as with a brighter future. With the ZubaBox we can make this a Managing Director, Petrovice Resources International, has comcloud computing is still an evolving technology, evaluations of pletely rendered that image null and void by single handedly reality, bringing access to new educational opportunities every risks and benefits may change as the technology becomes more day.” meeting Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council established and its implications become better understood. (PCISSC) in the cloud. In a related development, Information and Communications He narrated his journey that would eventually put him on the Ahmed whose background has being management all along is Technology products distributor in West Africa, Technology not only the first Nigerian to come up with such innovation but world map as well as his continent: “Someone encouraged me to Distributions (TD) and Dell Computers are promoting Intel learn computer, and I though I was not science oriented but I the first in Africa as a whole, as other discoveries in this area Core processors as processors to handle the complex data arisgave it a trial. The first time I was given an assignment I perwere done by groups. ing from the emerging information society. For those who may be wondering what this is all about, the pay- formed well and the coordinator was surprised, because I had The convergence of voice, video and data and recreation has told him earlier that I didn’t have that background and that I was placed enormous pressure on the PC in terms of how long it ment card industry (PCI) denotes the debit, credit, prepaid, enot going to be able to go through it. From then on, I picked purse, ATM, and POS cards and associated businesses. takes to execute specific assignments, TD said in a statement at interest and I became even more interested than I thought. That the weekend. The PCI Council formed a body of security standards known as interest drove me to set up Petrovice Resources International, a the PCI Data Security Standards, (PCI DSS), and these standards Speaking at a training for resellers, the Managing Director, company incorporated in Nigeria to engage in modern consist of 12 significant requirements including multiple subMarketing, TD, Mrs. Chioma Chimere, said that today’s multiInformation Technology solutions, communications equipment requirements which contain numerous directives against which tasking requires a PC that aids clearing of desk in record time. and the provision of well secured broadband billing authenticabusinesses may measure their own payment card security poliIntel Core, Chimere explained, was a brand name that Intel tion, with technical partners including Information System cies, procedures and guidelines. used for various mid-ranges to high-end consumer and busiEngineering (ISE) of South Africa, a leading IT company in the By complying with qualified assessments of these standards, ness microprocessors. businesses can become accepted by the PCI Standards Council as world, Jumeirah Group among others.”

Expert harps on PCIDSS compliance to boost innovation N

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Venema Advies to build data centre in Nigeria By Bankole Orimisan IGERIA’s Information Communications Technology (ICT) N industry has continued to attract new players into the sector, as Venema Advies Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Venema Advies Group, has concluded plans to build the first carrier-neutral data centre in the country. Speaking in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Dick Venema, said the firm is an IT solutions provider offering mission-critical communications, cloud services, managed application services, enterprise IT and virtualisation solutions to customers. According to him, the firm has started engineering of the stateof-the-art data centre in Agbara, Ogun State, adding that the Lagos data centre will provide co-location, disaster recovery and dedicated hosting services to clients all over Africa. The new data centre, he added, will provide network based services, applications, equipment and cloud services in a highly safe secure and backed up environment. “Because our data centre is carrier-neutral, the customer can choose his/her own carrier for connectivity,” Venema said. “Power in Nigeria is still unreliable. A lot of the current data centre infrastructure is hosted outside Nigeria. Lagos Datacenter will run on its own energy supply to ensure 24/7

operations. We have attracted top players in the data centre industry to engineer this project. “Our partners include ICTroom, a Dutch data centre specialist which has worked with Rabobank, Europol, ING and many others. ICTroom engineers’ datacenters conform to Uptime Institute regulation. “Zwart Techniek is the second Dutch firm which is a top global player in the energy sector,” he said. According to him, Zwart Techniek, has a long experience in Africa, having worked for the Telecity, Dutch Army, TANESCO, Rabobank and many others. “This is why we can deliver Africa’s most modern data centre known till date. Building a data centre is not something you just do. Experience is needed. We see too many times that telecoms companies are rushing to build data centres. These telecoms do not have the requisite specialisation to run a data centre. TIA-942 is a totally different specification approved by the Uptime Institute,” Venema boss said. On why the data centre will be sited in Agbara, he said during an extensive risk analysis, it was discovered that not every location is suitable for citing a data centre. “For instance, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has a risk of bombing and Lekki has a risk of being over run by flood. Sometimes it is just not good enough to be very close to the city.”

Firm offers school management solution management software to among others HE need for timely and accurate informa- accurate placement of students in classes include; fast and error-free registration of T tion management in schools may have and result generation; online admission, prompted Psicom Solution, an indigenous registration and result checking among oth- students; tidy offices with fewer paper firm to designe a total school management solution. Indeed, today’s schools need to manage more information than ever before. Managers of schools need instant access to up-to-date student and financial information. This, according to Psicom Solution, deserves priority attention, stressing that its new online database management solution is a single product with different components that shall enable a school to manage all information concerning her students and staff effortlessly. The firm said the solution eliminate the need for paper storage of student records; easy, fast and accurate storage and retrieval of school results; offers computerised and

ers. Besides, Psicom Solution noted that the reason for adopting the solution would among others include the offering of a user friendly interface, which makes learn the system quickly, with a simple and consistent interface; gain the full benefits of easy navigation user-friendly menu with minimal clicking and smooth workflow. In the area of security, the firm explained that it manages user accounts based on secure authentication and ensure secure school database with in-built encryption key “With stable network connection, you can easily synchronise data gathered from the enrollment centres systems to the Central database”, it added. The firm listed the benefits of using scholl

work; automatic generation of all reports (Broad sheets, Result Sheets); timely processing of students end of term results; automatic results analysis of various year ranks. It also can be integrated with school web site. Furthermore, with the academic records of students been very important and needed to be stored and retrieved with care to ensure data integrity, the school management software’s result reporting system records grades, exam scores, comments and averages. This system makes it very easy for students’ scores in examinations, tests and projects to be entered. It automatically calculates the grades of the students. This will save a lot of man-hours for the teachers.

India budgets $490m to boost rural phone coverage OBILE phone coverage in M rural India is set to get a boost with a Rs 3,00 crore ($490 million) commitment from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The investment, which has been reportedly approved by the telecom commission will expand mobile coverage to around 56,000 villages, including those along the Bangladesh and Chinese borders were coverage has sometimes been restricted due to security issues. “The project will involve the rollout of nearly 20,000 towers, and the USOF will take a call on whether to extend viability gap funding (VGF) or

subsidise both CAPEX or OPEX elements of the project since private operators are averse to investing in mobile coverage in these regions,” an unnamed senior DoT official told the Economic Times newspaper. The roll out is due to take place by next March. India’s USOF is based on a levy on the mobile networks equivalent to five per cent of their yearly revenues and has been building up since 2002. It has come under recent criticism from the GSMA though, as the fund now has a surplus of around $4 billion that has not been spent.

Trivest unveils Vivotek indoor, outdoor surveillance cameras N Integrated Security A Technologies Solutions Company, Trivest Technologies Limited, has announced the debut of Vivotek fixed dome network (IP) surveillance FD8163 and FD8363 Cameras in Nigeria. The managing director of the company and exclusive distributor of the cameras in Nigeria, Mr. Sam Fadiora, while announcing the product, said: “We are offering Nigerians the latest technology in network surveillance camera systems. Both FD8163 and FD8363 IP cameras are 2Megapixel, easy-to-use network cameras with features such as 1080p Full HD (High Definition) resolution with superb image quality, Smart

IR technology for avoiding overexposure under low light condition, built-in IR lighting effective up to 15 metres, WDR Enhancement for unparalleled visibility in high contrast environments, securing high video quality and providing accurate identification around the clock.” Fadiora explained further that the FD8363, the outdoor version of the camera is equipped with additional special features to support operation under harsh outdoor environments, which include the IP66-rated housing for shielding the camera against rain and dust ingress and the metal IK-10 rated vandal-proof housing for protecting it from vandalism.

THE gUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

30 COMPULIFE

‘Nokia is leveraging on windows platform to outsmart competition’ Mr. Chris Brown is the general manager, Nokia Nigeria. In an interview with ADEYEMI ADEPETUN, he spoke on the intense competition in the market and his firm’s strategy to outsmart competition. Excerpts. HERE is so much noise, particularly in the Nigerian market, T about Nokia’s brand of windows phone tagged the Lumia portfolio, why is this so? I leave you to judge what you will make of a phone that can easily sync into your office files because it is windows. A device with intuitive user interface built aesthetically and fits the pocket of every strata of income earner. If all these are not worth the interests, well, I don’t know what else. Why is it that these phones are brought into Nigeria, months after launch in other markets? The company generally chooses which phones to introduce and where to introduce them. Nigeria is an emerging market with great potentials and Nokia attaches a lot of importance to this market because of its significance to our growth. We introduce products that will add value to the market and also to our own operations. If we introduce a product elsewhere before Nigeria, it is definitely not because we look down on Nigeria market. It is prime to us and we are proud of the prospects we get here. With the first launch of Lumia ranges 900,710,610 in Nigeria in 2012, what percentage of the market do you now control? It’s not about market share; we have succeeded in making people aware of the Lumia ranges and the rich functionalities that can give consumers satisfaction. Remember, we have also launched the Lumia 720 before this launch. In fact the interest has been growing week after week. We believe that the awareness that has been created about Lumia and the bug it’s catching among Nigerian users will lead to increase in volume sales and greater market share. We will continue to invest and accelerate growth of Lumia in Nigeria. The new ranges of 520 and 720 Lumia phones, what strategy are you adopting to deepen penetration? We brought out the Lumia portfolio and started releasing them in ranges. These ranges, Lumia 520 and 720 are about the most cost effective windows phones. We deliberately introduced them here to enable Nigerian subscribers who are longing for smartphones to join the train and not cut out of the smartphone experience. Because we have discovered that a lot of Nigerian users are trendy and fashionable, we incorporate rich user experience,

Brown wonderful features and different colours into the phone, to actually give the user an opportunity of a choice. Remember, irrespective of the fact that the phones were made with entry-level users in mind, the phones are Windows OS, with all the features of a high-end phone. With the level of competition in the windows space, can Nokia ever get the market back? Competition is healthy. In the smartphone market, there is a lot

of competition. There are a lot of new vendors coming up with millions of new devices everyday. The competition is intense. We as Nokia, also identified in 2011 that the development of what we were doing in the old platform was not going to make a great impact in the smartphone. So we made a shift in the 2011 and what we have seen today even in our group financial results shows that the shift to Lumia was a great one and has helped a lot. We are happy with the prospects we have seen in Lumia and will continue highlight the portfolio. Now we are investing in branding, trying to show the consumers the value Lumia can give. We are looking forward and never will look backwards, we are going to make the products available, particularly in this region that we have identified as having class and style and with the way things are going, Nokia has no problem at all. Nokia PureView 808 is one of devices you introduced with a lot of fanfare and the functionalities kind of caught the bug among many generations that can use it for different goals. Suddenly Nokia is no longer talking about it. Is there any defect you spotted that the public does not know? Not really. PureView is another top brand that Nokia developed. It’s a product, which stands out of the crowd in terms of features and particularly the camera technology. The device is so dear in our mind and a lot of competition have leveraged on the technologies imbued in the 808 PureView to enrich their own products. We are not keeping quiet on it. I will only implore you to keep your eyes and ears open and watch the space to see what developments that would be coming in the nearest future, about the PureView device. It was meant to be a surprise; I didn’t know you would touch that spot.

Resourcery to embrace third platform of IT revolution Systems Integrator LPlc.,EADINg in West Africa, Resourcery has expressed its readi-

ness analytics) and attended by Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from leading business ness to embrace the “third organisations in Nigeria. platform” of the global IT Fafunwa, who moderated the industry. event, said that the This was disclosed by the Information Technology Managing Director of the industry was in the middle of a company, Mr. Tani Fafunwa at once in every 25-year transithe 18th IT News Africa tion. He added that IDC called Innovation dinner sponsored it a transition to the 3rd by SAS (a global leader in busi- Platform. “Mainframes repre-

sented the 1st Platform, personal computers the 2nd platform and the 3rd platform will be based on smart connected devices.” Fafunwa noted that during the Mainframe, 1st platform era, there were millions of users and thousands of applications, where dominant companies included Digital Equipment, ICL, IBM, NCR and others.

He said that this was followed by the 2nd platform of personal computers, Local Area Networks, client server technology and the Internet. “At the peak of this platform there were hundreds of millions of users and tens of thousands of applications. Dominant companies were Microsoft, Intel, Dell, HP, Cisco, IBM and others.”

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Philips initiates technology for safer childbirths focused care solutions to reduce maternal and neonatal mortal- visualisation of the baby’s face, possibly enhancing parental-fetal bonding. ity in Africa,” he said. The ClearVue, Dongen added, is a lightweight and cost-effective OYAL Philips, a diversified health and well-being company, has Phillips also introduced the ClearVue 650, an advanced imagsupports clinical in examining pregnant women and enhances ing ultrasound system with Auto Face Reveal facilitating the introduced its latest ultrasound and infant warming/thermo their diagnostics and decision-making process. regulation solutions in Nigerian.

By Bankole Orimisan

The equipment is specifically designed for care providers across the wide variety of clinical environments in Africa. The company focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations, unveiled the innovative products, Efficia Infant Warmer and ClearVue 650 in Lagos last Thursday during its 2013 Cape Town to Cairo road-show stopover in Nigeria. Philips as a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights. Speaking during the road-show, Van Dongen, chief executive officer, Philips Africa, described Efficia Infant Warmer as designed and developed for markets in Africa and provides reliable infant thermoregulation support for newborns creating a warm and stable environment, which is crucial for a baby’s immediate and long-term survival. “The Efficia Infant Warmer is designed as an open care environment for newborn infants and provides an intense source of radiant heat energy, controlled by feedback from the baby’s skin temperature. Easy to use and reliable, EIW is another example of Philips’ commitment to more cost effective, simplified, patient-

Vertex Standard unveils new digital two-way radios GLOBAL manufacturer of two-way radio communication A equipment, Vertex Standard has introduced into the market its new eVerge digital two-way radio series. The new eVerge digital radio portfolio, which includes the EVX530 series portable radios; EVX-5300/5400 series mobile radios and EVX-R70 repeater for a complete digital system is expected to aid effective radio communication in Nigeria. These new radios are designed to work with existing analogue radios for easy conversion from analogue to digital for added convenience. eVerge radios are ideally suited for commercial and industrial customers who currently use basic LMR for voice communications and could benefit from better audio quality, better coverage and more privacy without incurring higher equipment costs. According to EMEA Distribution Director for Vertex Standard LMR, Inc, Paul De Carte said: “We built the eVerge radio series to be highly compatible for customers who need greater flexibility and maximum value. The name eVerge is comprised of two principles: evolve to change and emerge to be known.

Inlaks, Ramco collaborate on ERP cloud solution NLAKS, an Information and I(ICT) Communications Technology and infrastructure solutions provider in Nigeria and the West African region, has announced the strategic partnership with Ramco Systems, the world’s leading enterprise business application provider on cloud technology and solutions. At an international seminar on cloud computing organised by both companies in Lagos recently, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Inlaks, Femi Adeoti, disclosed that Inlaks decided to enter into this partnership with Ramco to assist institutions and the general public in achieving better operational efficiency, cost reduction and security of their critical data. According to Adeoti, “the cloud option is a revolutionary business model that dramatically changes the way enterprises addresses their business challenges. Organisations, large or small are looking for unique and dynamic enterprise solutions that will streamline business processes, bring transparency in operations and increase efficiency. Ramco is a market leader in providing business applications on Cloud and we are confident that our alliance with Ramco will further enhance and strengthen our leadership position in our market segments.” According to the Director,

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

MaritimeWatch Terminal operator awaits ministry’s approval for $60m proposed berth • Seeks more tug boats Stories by Moses Ebosele REENVIEW Development G Nigeria Limited (GDNL), a member of the Dangote Group and operator of Terminal ‘E’ of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, is awaiting the approval of the Federal Ministry of Transport to commence construction work on a proposed new berth valued at $60million. Briefing the Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, in Lagos, recently, the Managing Director of GDNL, Abba Isa Bukar, explained that additional request for the new project identified as berth 12 has also been forwarded to the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA). Shamsudeen, who is also chairman of Policy and Monitoring Committee of the National Council of Privatisation (NCP), was in Lagos in company of other members to inspect the state of Port Terminals concessioned to private operators in 2006. Bukar informed members of the committee that GDNL was the special purpose vehicle (SPV) of the Dangote Industries Limited for the concession, operation and management of Terminal ‘E’ Apapa Port. He explained that the terminal was handed over in April 2006 for a renewable period of 25 years, adding that it (Terminal) was on a 19.1 hectare of land with quay wall length of 510 metres. The terminal also offers two functional berths (Apapa 19 and 20) with draft of 11 meters, coupled with three major factories; namely, the Dangote Sugar

Shamsudeen Refinery, Dangote Flour Mills and NASCO Plc. According to Bukar, the terminal had a functional rail line, “receives all locomotives from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)”. Explaining further, Bukar said: “Vessels programmed for our terminalcomewithintheshortest possible time of entering Nigerian waters. At the moment, vessels berth on arrival. “About 80 per cent of our cargoesaredelivereddirectlytothe factories within the terminal. Cargoes which are meant for indirect delivery are usually

Idris Umar completed within the first week of departure of vessels,” said Bukar. He also used the opportunity to commend the NPA for the dredging of Apapa berth 19 and 20, adding that there was still room for improvement as contained in the concession agreement. According to him, cargo throughput of 1,917,146MT was achieved in 2012, compared with 1,917,213 recorded in 2011. Bukar who spoke on sundry issues said: “While the terminal inherited some equipment, a sizeable number of investment were also made in the acquisi-

Habib Abdullahi tion of new equipment for cargo operations like 25tons and 30 tons forklift, payloaders and portalina unloader (awaiting installation). The value of the total cargo handling equipment in the terminal is estimated at the sum of N1.4billion.” The GDNL boss said that extensive civil and maintenance works were carried out to upgrade the facilities in the terminal while adding new ones in line with the development, “These include renovation of administrative building, rehabilitation of roads, renovation ofstaffcanteen,constructionof two public toilets with 20 water

closets and 20 bath rooms, reactivation of two number 30m high security lighting masts, replacement of vandalised Armoured cable in sub- station A. So far, the sum of N174, 507,969.87 has been expended.” Making reference to alleged inadequate supply of tug boats and pilot cutters, Bukar said that vessels waiting to berth or sail usually waited in turns to have tug boats and pilot cutters allocated to them, “depending on the number of vessels leaving at any given period, congestions are created as the number of tug boats and pilots cutters

available cannot effectively meet the demand.” He also drew the minister’s attention to the 0.5 per cent stevedoring charges, which according to him was collected, by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), pointing out that NIMASA insisted on collecting 0.5 per cent cargo dues “which is contrary to the letters and spirit of the law”. Calling for security and enabling legal environment, Bukar appealed to the federal government’ssecurityagencies to increase patrol along the waterfront.

NIMASA flags off distribution of safety materials, restates commitment to capacity building Nigerian Seafarers clear testament to the commit- Services, Callistus Obi at this The DG who was represented at sea would soon be a thing of Spartofmeasurestoenhance Development Programme ment to building capacity for year’sseafarers’daycelebration A safety on Nigerian by the agency’s Director in the past as the Akpobolokemi – (NSDP) and the facilitation of the industry. in Port Harcourt, recently, Waterways, the management of charge of Administration and led management was ready to Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has flaggedoff the distribution of safety materials to operators of nonconvention, unclassed boats and mechanically propelled water crafts. Meanwhile, the agency has restated its commitment to building capacity for the sector with a view to facilitating qualitative employment within the Cabotage regime. According to NIMASA, the distribution of safety materials was in line with the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007, which provides for the agency to regulate operations of non-convention vessels. Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony which took place in Warri, Delta State, recently, the Director General of NIMASA, Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi said that the materials were meant to assist the operators curtail loss of lives from boat accidents.

Personnel Services, Chuks Mgbemena noted that as a socially responsible corporate organisation, NIMASA deemed it necessary to help reduce the trend of deaths arising from drowning of victims of boat accidents. “There have been several cases of deaths from drowning by victims of boat accidents because very basic safety precautions such as wearing life vests onboard were not adhered to. As a responsible organisation, NIMASA has procured life jackets for use by passengers to forestall further occurrence of these deaths,” Mgbemena said. A news statement issued by NIMASA’s Deputy Director/Head Public Relations, Isichei Osamgbi, quoted Mgbemena as saying that the agency had procured enough vessels to combat piracy and sea robbery, adding that the platforms for Warri zone were ready. He said that criminal activities

tackle it head-on. Akpobolokemi stated that the agency’s investment in the

the establishment of institutes of maritime studies in four Nigerian universities were a

The DG, who spoke through the agency’s Executive Director Maritime Labour and Cabotage

appealled to stakeholders in the industry to encourage Nigerian youths to seek careers at sea.

Freight forwarders raise reconciliation committee, pledge to reposition CRFFN Neight-membercommittee A has been raised by practicing freight forwarders to reposition and strengthen the operations of Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). At a meeting held in Lagos at the instance of the immediate past Chairman of the CRFFN governing council, Hakeem Olanrewaju and attended by leaders of all the registered freight forwarding associations under the council last Friday, it was agreed that there was the need to set up a sevenman committee to fashion out a revival programme for the council. Members of the committee, according to a news statement are Ernest Elochukwu, Peter

Obih, Hakeem Olarenwaju and Aminu Kaye. Others are President of NAGAFF, Eugene Nweke, Moshood Tijani and C.A.T Agubamah. President of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) Dr. Frank Ukor, was quoted as saying that the committee was set up to move the council and the associations forward in line with international best practice. Ukor disclosed that that a town hall meeting was scheduled to hold soon to assess the situation. He said: “The council is our own and all freight forwarders must be carried along in whatever decisions that comes out.” On his part, former President of the Association of Nigerian

Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA),ErnestElochukwusaidthat without the council, the dream of professionalising freight forwarding would not be achieved. Elochukwu stressed that the meeting had empowered the committee to address all issues bothering council. He also said that the meeting deliberatedonhowindividuals could make personal donations to revive the council. He noted that members of the committee were all professional freight forwarders, adding that with their experience, “CRFFN will bounce back”. Also speaking after the meeting, Chairman Board Of Trustee of NAGAFF, Chidiebere Enelamah assured that the

committee would rejuvenate the council. He also described the meeting as a fruitful gathering of freight forwarders. Some leading freight forwarders who were members of the first and second governing council of the CRFFN, according to the statement met recently in Lagos and resolved to “to bury thehatchetandseekthewayforward for the council”. The statement added: “One of the main issues that came up at the meeting was the current state of paucity of fund which has been the lot of the Council and which has rendered it comatose and those who attended agreed that they would make personal donation of funds to save the ailing council.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

MARITMEWATCH

Marco Polo cruise boat

IMO restructures security sub-committees NTERNATIONAL Maritime IMaritime Organisation’s (IMO) Safety Committee (MSC) has agreed to a restructuring of IMO’s SubCommittees in order to deal more effectively with the technical and operational issues covered by IMO regulations, in line with a review and reform process initiated by SecretaryGeneral, Mr. Koji Sekimizu. The restructuring proposals, which were already considered and approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at its sixtyfifth session, will now go to the IMO Council (110th session, 15 to 19 July 2013) and to the IMO Assembly (24 November to 4 December 2013) for endorsement. The restructuring will see the number of Sub-Committees reduced from nine to seven, with their terms of reference covering the following issues: Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW): to address issues relating to human element training and watch keeping, including minimum international standards for training and certification of seafarers and fishing vessel personnel; and technical and operational issues related to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, to encourage a safety culture in all ship operations; safe manning; the review, updating and revision of IMO model courses; and promotion and implementation of the Organisation’s human element strategy. Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III): to address the effective and consistent global implementation and enforcement of IMO instruments concerning maritime safety and security and the protection of the marine environment, including: comprehensive review of the rights and obliga-

tions of States emanating from the IMO treaty instruments; assessment, monitoring and review of the current level of implementation of IMO instruments by States in their capacity as flag, port and coastal states and countries training and certifying officers and crews. Others include identification of the reasons for the difficulties in implementing provisions of relevant IMO instruments; consideration of proposals to assist states in implementing and complying with IMO instruments; analyses of investigations reports into marine casualties and incidents; review of IMO standards on maritime safety and security and the pro-

tection of the marine environment, to maintain an updated and harmonised guidance on survey and certification related requirements; and promotion ofglobalharmonisationofport state control activities. Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR): to consider technical and operational matters related to the obligations of Governments and operational measures related to safety of navigation, including hydrographic and meteorological services, ships’ routing, ship reporting systems, aids to navigation, radionavigation systems, vessel traffic services, and pilotage; oper-

ational requirements and guidelines relating to navigational safety and associated issues, such as regulations for the prevention of collisions and groundings, bridge procedures, voyage planning, avoidance of dangerous situations, places of refuge including maritime assistance services and relevant aspects of maritime security; carriage requirements, performance standards and operational guidelines for the use of ship borne navigational equipment and other navigational requirements. Other issues are obligations of Governments and operational measures related to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety

System (GMDSS), development and maintenance of the global search and rescue (SAR) Plan and the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system; operational requirements and guidelines relating to radiocommunications and search and rescue, and, in co-operation with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the harmonisation of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue procedures; carriage requirements, performance standards and operational guidelines for the use of ship borne radiocommunications and search and rescue equipment; and liaison with the

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on maritime mobile radiocommunication matters. Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR):toconsidertechnicaland operational matters related to: prevention and control of pollution of the marine environment from ships and other related maritime operations; safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships; evaluation of safety and pollution hazards of liquid substances in bulk transported by ships; control and management of harmful aquatic organisms in ships’ ballast water and sediments.

Shippers’ council records 117 complaints against port terminal operators By Moses Ebosele HE Nigeria Shippers’ T Council (NSC) has pledged to investigate complaints of alleged exploitation against ports terminal operators by clearing agents, importers and other stakeholders. Established in 1978, NSC is empowered with the responsibility of protecting the interest of Nigerian Shippers such as importers and exporters. According to NSC, recorded number of complaints against private terminal operators increased from 63 in 2011 to 117 last year. A senior NSC official who spoke with The Guardian on condition of anonymity disclosed that most of the complaints bothered on excessive storage and demurrage charges by terminal operators and shipping lines. Other complaints, according to the official, include refund of container deposit, “slow and lacklustre handling of claims including deliberate

attempt to unjustly limit liability by shipping agents and terminal operators despite acceptability of the liability”, among others. The source while admitting that the Council lacks the power to apply sanction, urged aggrieved members of the public “to come forward with relevant evidence while mak-

ing their complaints”. Speaking at a forum recently, an official of the Council, Mrs. Celine Amaka Ifeore, blamed terminal operators, shipping companies and other service providers for the high charges at the port and the delay in the clearance procedure. According to the NSC, there were six charges at the port

before the concession, adding that under the current arrangement it increased to 14 then 20. Also lamenting the increase in the number of charges collected by the operators without recourse to relevant authority, Ifeore identified storage/rent fee as the most exploitative.

“The Minister of Transport in 2002 approved N4,000 as progressive storage charge, but the terminal operators arbitrary increased it to N8,000 and then N12,000 without approval from government”, said Ifeore, pointing out that one of the operators makes an extra N11 billion a year from the alleged illegal charge.

Customs officer to face police investigation over alleged murder By Moses Ebosele HE Comptroller-General of T Customs (CGC), Dikko Inde Abdullahi, has directed the Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, to handover an officer accused of killing an alleged car smuggler, Uririnke Onojorheovwo, to the police “for a thorough and unbiased investigation”. The Customs boss in a statement expressed dismay over

what he identified as the apparent disregard of his directives to enforcement on officers not to erect checkpoints or operate within the hinterland, “but restrict such activities to the international borders”. Abdullahi, according to a statement signed by Deputy Public Relations officer, Joseph Attah, read the online version of the story in Brussels while attending the Policy Commission Meeting of the World Customs

Organisation. “For the avoidance of doubt, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service does not indulge any perceived or real excessive of its operatives. Our core functions of revenue collection, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of trade is aimed at safe-guarding the economy and security wellbeing of Nigerians and not killing those who are supposed to be the beneficiaries of our activities. “All Customs Area

Controllers have, therefore, been further reminded of the extant directive of the CGC to dismantle all hinterland checkpoints and limit antismuggling activities to the 40km radius of the international borders”, said the statement. The Ogun State Command of the NCS had recently arrested an officer for allegedly shooting dead a middle-aged mother of five at Idiroko-Owode Road in Ogun State.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

IndustryWatch Manufacturing in Nigeria: Still a long road out of the woods By Femi Adekoya N many developed economies, the level of unemployment is most times used as a gauge for measuring the growth of key industries as well as their contributions to the economy. Indeed, the real sector serves as mirror of the vibrancy of economy as policy makers make their assessments of the sector based on the shifts in unemployment figures. In developing economies like Nigeria, the monolithic economy structure continue to affect key innovations in the real sector as well as the ability of the sector to significantly reduce the number of unemployed youth through job creation. To this end, Manufacturers under the aegis of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is worried about the current parlous state of the Nigerian manufacturing sector and wants a dramatic change for the better. The association, at its last yearly general meeting expressed concerns on how the Nigerian manufacturing sector’s contribution to the GDP remained low despite recording an improved contribution of 7.12 per cent o the GDP in 2012, compared with the situation in most emerging economies and developed countries, where the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the GDP averaged 46 per cent. MAN believes that the sector’s full potential is however still hamstrung by some lingering problems, which accounted for its historical performance in terms of contribution to the GDP; export earnings, employment generation and wealth creation. According to MAN, some of the challenges militating against the growth of the sector include: Difficult and unfavourable operating environment due mainly to acute infrastructure deficiency in the nation. Irregular supply of industrial fuels arising from epileptic operation of local refineries. High cost of alternative power supply to industries resulting in un-competitiveness of locally produced goods. Smuggling, unbridled importation and dumping of cheap, subsidised and sometimes sub-standard goods that usually suffocate local manufactured products. Dearth of skilled middle-level manpower worsened by the decaying educational system and the undue reliance on paper qualification as against technical competence. High cost of fund and unavailability of longterm loan windows to support long-gestation investments. Perennial security challenges confronting the country, particularly, the increasing trend in terrorism, kidnapping and armed robbery. Specifically, the Acting Director-General of MAN, Rasheed Adegbenro, noted that the real sector’s contributions to the economy could improve if key challenges are addressed. He urged the Federal Government to initiate policies and programmes that would aid the completion of investments in core industries where commitments have been made in order to aid the real sector's contributions to the economy. Specifically, the Manufacturers sought government's intervention in key areas in dire need of value addition in order to provide great intra-industrial linkages within the manufacturing sector, as well as enhance the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises. Besides MAN noted that though the real sector's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product remained low, the sector's contribution to the economy generated an investment portfolio of N140 billion in 2012. The N140 billion investment figure according to MAN was equally able to create 20,488 jobs, thereby bringing some level of relief to the growing unemployment level in 2012. On local raw material sourcing, Adegbenro said government efforts at creating intraindustrial linkages and backward integration with primary production sources (agric and mineral resources) has been yielding positive

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investement, Olusegun Aganga results. "From the field survey carried out on some member- companies, the use of local raw materials increased from 46 per cent by end of 2011 to an average of 48 per cent in December 2011,"he said. Also, he said electricity supply to industrial areas remains a big challenge in the period under review, adding that the gross inadequacy in public electric power supply and its effect on companies cannot be over-emphasized. MAN lamented that the real sector spent huge amount in generating electricity to power its operations, informing that, though, a marginal increase in daily electricity supply to industrial areas in 2012. Accordingly, MAN maintained that the supply, which stood at 8.1 hours/day when compared with 6.7 hours/day in 2011, was low in quality and regularity. These challenges, he said, largely made supply from PHCN un-usable by industries, particularly the medium and large ones. On the way forward for the real sector to actually operate at its full potential and contribute positively to economic development of the country, MAN advised government to remain committed to good governance and sustain the current reforms in order to engender stability in the political and economic terrains, saying these are capable of winning investors' confidence. Way Forward Manufacturers believe that for the real sector to operate at its full potential and contribute positively to economic development of the country, there is need for deliberate synchronisation of monetary, fiscal, trade and industrial policies for better synergy. According to them, the trade-off that usually results from combination of these policies should be properly weighed and in most cases, resolved in favour of growing the manufacturing base of the economy because of its catalytic effects on the other sectors. The body noted emphasized the need for consistency in government policies, noting that the various government policies that are meant to

Acting Director-General, MAN, Rasheed Adegbenro

promote the survival and growth of the manufacturing sector should be harmonised for better consistency. “In an open economy that depends heavily on imports, stability of the currency is crucial for manufacturers. With a market determined exchange rate, fiscal discipline at all tiers of government is necessary to guarantee the stability of the currency. “Given our level of development, there is need to take concrete actions against trade malpractices such as dumping, smuggling, under invoicing etc with a view to giving local manufacturers adequate support to develop local capacity. “The factors most responsible for the un-competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria are scarcity and high cost of industrial fuels: Gas, LPFO, and AGO. Nigeria is yet to achieve the national target of increasing and sustaining Research and Development (R&D) expenditure to at least 1.0 percent of GDP (Third National Development Plan). Activities of R&D institutions should be streamlined to minimise unnecessary duplications while their mandates should be reviewed. “There is the need for greater collaboration between industry and the various research institutes and the universities to ensure proper and adequate harvesting of the research products of these institutions”, MAN added. Furthermore, the manufacturers believe that government’s commitment to the deepening of the country’s manufacturing base can aid the flow of investment in the real sector. Adegbenro noted saying: “Urgent but realistic programmes should be put in place to complete investments in the core industries, which Nigeria has ventured into albeit haphazardly but which have huge potential for providing great linkages to other parts of the manufacturing sector. “There is need for government to recapitalize the Bank of Industry (BoI) in order to provide for long term funding needs of the manufacturing sector as well as the enlargement of the phases and scope of the CBN Intervention Fund for sustainability. The Fund should include provisions

Given our level of development, there is need to take concrete actions against trade malpractices such as dumping, smuggling, under invoicing etc with a view to giving local manufacturers adequate support to develop local capacity...Urgent but realistic programmes should be put in place to complete investments in the core industries, which Nigeria has ventured into albeit haphazardly but which have huge potential for providing great linkages to other parts of the manufacturing sector.

for working capital and new loans in order to resuscitate ailing industries. “Furthermore, identified areas of high potential for product-based industrial clusters should be developed through the provision of land, basic infrastructure and other necessary facilities. “Given the size of the Nigerian state and the resources at the disposal of government, fiscal behaviour has major impact in driving national demand. Government should therefore support its policy pronouncement of patronising Madein-Nigeria products with action by ensuring that MDAs strictly comply with the policy.” Already, Minister/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman explained that the low contribution of the nation’s core infrastructure to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains a cause for concern to the government and it hopes to address the trend through the infrastructure plan. According to him, “For most developed countries, infrastructure stock is 70-80 per cent of the GDP. Nigeria’s total core infrastructure stock is 35-40 per cent of GDP (less than $100 billion as at 2012. Total spent on infrastructure was about $10 billion (3-5 per cent of GDP) in 2012. We however hope to raise core infrastructure stock to 70 per cent of GDP by 2043 through the NIMP.” Usman further noted that a public-private partnership was necessary to drive the plan as well as enhance its implementation. He said: “At the moment, technical committees are examining existing infrastructural projects to assess the level of progress achieved. This would inform moves on how to integrate projects across the states of the federation. We hope to address infrastructure challenges in the real sector through the NIMP by focusing on key areas affecting industrial growth.” The MAN’s President, Chief Kola Jamodu however urged the Federal Government to be consistent in its policy implementation, noting that inconsistency in policies and inadequate infrastructure had contributed to the non-competitiveness of Nigerian made products. “We commend the Federal Government for instituting the Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. The growth, prosperity and national security of any country are critically dependent to a large extent, on the adequacy and efficiency of its infrastructure. Manufacturers have in recent times, encountered serious challenges in terms of infrastructure, which has had an adverse effect on the contribution of the sector to the economy. If successfully addressed, it would reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria and also address other constraints to business, he added.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

INDUSTRY WATCH | 39

Salvagingindustrialsectorfrompangsofmultipletaxregime Stories by Femi Adekoya HE major source of government revenue in any country, especially ones with a vibrant real sector, is from taxation. Any government, that really wants to succeed and fulfill its economic, legal, political, and technological objectives must ensure that its taxation system is not only expansive but rather possesses the principles of equity, certainty, convenience, economy, simplicity, neutrality and efficiency However, the over-bearing issue of multiplicity in taxes, especially in the real sector may seem to be taking centre-stage inthecourseofadvocacyasgovernment continues to seek measures to plug holes arising from the deficiency in the nation’s tax collection system. For instance, the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had taken a number of steps to curb the phenomenon in the past but with partial success, even as the multiplicity of taxes continues to wreck havoc on stakeholders, average citizens, businesses and even households in Nigeria. With the introduction of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), a new electronic system of Taxpayer registration, stakeholders within the real sector hope to heave a sigh of relief if effectively implemented. Specifically, this tax registration process ensures that each taxpayer has a unique number to give him and the authorities concerned easy access to informationabouthistaxstatusanywhere around the country, thus avoiding incidence of multiple taxation among other things. According to the National Tax PolicyDocument,multiple-taxation occurs where a tax, fee or rate is levied on the same person in respect of the same liability by more than one state or local government council, where the state and local gov-

ernment are charging the same income for business premises permit. In a broader sense, multiple taxation may occur in four situations; first, it refers to the various unlawful compulsory payments being collected by the local and state governments without appropriate legal backing through intimidation and harassment of the payers. Collection of it is characterised by the use of stickers, mounting of roadblocks, use of revenue Agents/Consultants including Motor Park touts. Second, it refers to situations where a taxpayer is faced with demands from two or more different levels of government either for the same or similar taxes.Theadministrationofthe ValueAddedTax(VAT)andSales Tax simultaneously falls under this category. Furthermore, the term refers to where the same level of government imposes two or more taxes on the same tax base like the payment of Companies Income Tax, Education Tax and Technology Levy by the same company, while the last refers to cases whereby various government agencies “impose taxes” in the form of fees or charges. For instance, the Joint Tax Board (JTB), in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the 36 State Boards of Internal Revenue (SBIRs) has identified the automation of tax registration activities in Nigeria as a means to such end. Specifically, the federal government has advocated the use of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to achieve its set objectives. Already manufacturers and businesses under the aegis of Manufacturers Association of NigeriaandtheLagosChamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have continued to groan under a multiple tax regime. They believe government should take proactive steps to

Coordinating Minister of Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala The Taxpayer check this tide in order to aid things. the growth and survival of Identification Number - TIN is many businesses in the coun- unique to each taxpayer and may be quoted for all Tax purtry. Acting Chairman of the JTB, poses nationwide. Kabir Muhammad Mashi “The TIN will bring Nigeria’s tax pointed out that “the Taxpayer administration and practice in Identification Number (TIN) is line with global best practice; a platform which will harmo- enhance taxpayer identificanize taxpayers’ identification tion and registration; minimize leakages in tax collection; and registration in Nigeria. According to him, the TIN will facilitate information sharing create closer linkages between between various tiers of the various tax authorities in Government; create a more Nigeria, which is a cheaper and conducive environment for more convenient means of cre- investors and ultimately ating an efficient and effective inspire greater confidence in Tax system for the entire coun- Nigeria’s taxation system”, he added. try. “This Tax registration process The TIN initiative of the JTB ensures that each taxpayer has strategically aims at creating a a unique number to give him national database of all taxpayand the authorities concerned ers that links all relevant stakeeasy access to information holders in the Nigerian tax about his tax status anywhere administration and ensure a around the country, thus avoid- performance that is at per with ing incidence of double or mul- world class standards. tiple taxation among other Advocates of the scheme believe that harmonizing the

Mohammed taxpayers database will by extension lead to the possibility of closer linkage and cooperation between the Tax administrators and various institutions in Nigeria to achieve greater information sharing and increased revenue generation. Mashi explained that “The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has been mandated to provide efficient, effective and innovative solutions to proper tax administration practices while maintaining a tax friendly environment through effective and efficient flow of information in order to discourage double/multiple taxation and other manual tax administration related problems. “We believe that TIN is a more convenient and cost effective means of achieving these goals. It is also in the overall interest ofallNigeriansbothintheshort term and long term. For example, once a Taxpayer has a TIN, he can use this unique number

to gain access and manage his records from any state. And enjoy all the benefits that go with it. It is easy, free and convenient and it engenders the right tax behavior. We encourage every eligible Nigerian to get their TIN at the nearest Tax authority office. “The tax administration system in Nigeria over the years has been burdened by challenges ranging from non-identification, registration, poor documentation, multiple taxation and non-compliance of taxpayers. `The new TIN program was designed to address these issues, replace the old error prone manual registration process, enhance voluntary compliance by tax payers and provide a basis for better planning and developmental budgeting purposes. It will also widen the tax base of the country through the accurate registration of all eligible taxpayers in the country”.

UNIDO, SON collaborate on improved system for standardisation O enhance the competitiveT ness of made-in Nigeria products as well their conform-

ity to global standards, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has concluded plans to partner with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) towards the establishment of a National Accreditation system. According to the plan, the establishment of an accreditation system would further enhance the conformity assessment system in the country based on harmonised standards drawn from regional and international organisations, thereby enhancing international trade of Nigerian products. The Federal Government has however lauded the move noting that the partnership would improve standardisation process in the country. Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortomm, while speaking at the stakeholders' interactive forum on the establishment of a National Accreditation System in Nigeria, in Lagos at the weekend, noted that standardisation has a critical role to play in technological development, productivity and trade in any country. According to him, government'scommitmenttore-engineering, strengthening, upgrading and maintaining a credible national quality infrastructure comprising standardisation, meteorology,

accreditation and conformity assessment is designed to facilitate trade, enhance exports, accelerate economic development and reduce poverty. "We have partnered with UNIDO to establish an accreditation board that would be able to certify all instruments for measuring standards in the country and I believe that this would go a long way in assisting us in making our product acceptable in the global market," he said. He noted that the partnership would help the country to compete in developed markets and also help the local industry particularly the SMEs sector that faces formidable challenges like the inability to attain a product or service quality demanded by regulatory authorities as well as major players in the markets. "In order to fully exploit the possibilities of foreign markets therefore, local industry needs tohaveaccesstoaninternationally recognised and supportive national quality infrastructure that can provide the required independent evidence of product compliance," he said. He explained that accreditation as a means of assessing and conveying formal demonstration of the technical competence, impartiality and professional integrity of conformity assessment bodies and personnel is an effective quality infrastructure tool used worldwide. According to him, accreditation is used in the regulated sec-

tor to meet the requirements of legislation, accreditation that is based on a peer evaluation system aimed to reinforce the mutual recognition of products, processes, services, systems, personnel and bodies across specified borders internationally. "As a responsible government, we believe that establishing a national accreditation system will help to provide assurance for our trading partners that a developing economy like Nigeria is competent to test and certify to their requirements, while at the same time overcoming trade barriers by assuring compliance with the World Trade Organisations (WTO) TBT

agreements." " It is on this note that I wish to commend the initiative of the SON in collaboration with UNIDO for kick-starting the process for the establishment of aNationalAccreditationSystem in Nigeria which I believe will also impact positively on the neighbouringcountriesofWest Africa and beyond." He assured the stakeholders that the federal government wouldprovideallnecessarysupport and encouragement towards the establishment of the National Accreditation System within the shortest possible time. Director General, SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu said on going

efforts by SON with the active support and encouragement of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and collaboration of such international agencies to ensure formulation of a National Quality Policy for Nigeria to drive the establishment of the said quality infrastructure is in fulfillment of its mandate. He pointed out that lessons from developing and developed economies like United Kingdom, USA, Canada and South Africa where the establishment of quality infrastructures were championed by the National Standards Institute, aided the agency's preparation to play its part actively in ensur-

ing same in Nigeria within the shortest possible time. "Itisforthisreasonthatwehave gone into partnership with UNIDO to kick start the process beginning with this consultative and knowledge experience sharing forum," he said. The Deputy Country Representative, UNIDO, Raymond Tavares said the partnership with SON is long due and also coming at the right time when the country is having issues with maintaining standard. He pointed out that Nigeria deserves a national accreditation system to help address issues in various fields of standardisation.

BoI tasks Kano govt on moribund industries, seal pact on N2b SMEs funding scheme HE Managing Director of the T Bank of Industry (BoI), Ms Evelyn Oputu has tasked the Kano State government on the need to address the issue of growing moribund enterprises within the state, if Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will thrive. Indeed, efforts to support Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth in Kano, received a boost at the weekend, as the Kano State Government and the BoI sealed a N2 billion funding scheme to promote smallscale businesses. The fund, which is a joint funding initiative between Kano state government and BoI, would see the bank provide a

lifeline support of one billion naira with the State Governmentprovidingthebalance In a press statement made available to The Guardian, Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said government has created more businesses aimed at growing SMEs, especiallyintheareaofprocessing, manufacturing and production. He said his administration was partnering with BoI towards setting up more SMEs in the state, assuring that the government will facilitate loans for entrepreneurs wishing to access such facilities in the state. The governor however made it clear that his administration

will not take loans to finance development projects but will welcome grants and counterpart funding arrangements towards economic development of the state. “We train over 600 women in ourrespectiveinstituteswhich are into poultry and fishery and have just graduated 400 students. In addition to capacity building, we have decided to build cottage industries," he said. In this regard, he said government will be spending about N40 million monthly on each ofthecottageindustry,hinting that, already his administration has ordered for plants and machinery for some of the industries.

To make SMES have access to cheap infrastructure in order toreducethecostofdoingbusiness, Kwankwaso announced thatgovernmenthassignedan agreement for hydropower and light rail projects with road expansion projects ongoing. Earlier in her opening remarks, Oputu, lauded the resolve of the Kwankwaso led government in making the dream of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) a reality. Oputu, however, regretted that there were a lot of moribund factories in Kano as against what obtained 30 years ago, urging the Governor to strive and discover more Dangotes in his state.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT 41

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013 By Tony Elumelu AST week was the first time, in my memory, that a U.S. president came to Africa with investment at the top of his agenda and prioritised meeting with the continent’s business leaders, who are the true drivers of development. President Obama should be congratulated for his vision, and for providing the clearest proof yet that the rules of engagement with Africa are genuinely changing. The age of aid is ending. The type of aid that will help Africa most, and should receive the highest priority, is aid for business. I believe that the African private sector has the power to transform the continent through long-term capital investments, creating both economic prosperity and social wealth. I call this development approach “Africapitalism,” and without a doubt, it holds the most promise for the sustainable development of Africa. So it was refreshing to see African businesses at the table, financing and investing as partners, and making sure that Africa asserts its proper role in this opportunity. I can already feel the impact of Obama’s new dialogue with Africa. In interviews I had with international media covering his trip, aid and corruption were not the focus, thankfully. Journalists addressed topics like “capital,” “investment,” and “trade.” The impact of this shift will be immense. Power is the single biggest obstacle to Africa’s development, and as such, it is the most catalytic and strategic investment anyone can make in Africa. That is why President Obama’s focus is so timely—and so necessary. Doubling our generating capacity will double Africa’s GDP, and move us toward sustainable, domestically led growth. Given its economic importance, the power sector also presents an attractive investment opportunity for longterm investors: there is little competition, and so the return, when it comes, will be high. It will be similar to returns that early investors in African telecommunications realised before the sector became saturated and highly competitive. As an investor I believe in doing well and doing good. Investing in the power sector meets both criteria. That is why Heirs Holdings has committed US$2.5 billion in investment that will expand our recently acquired Nigerian power plant at Ughelli, as well as develop new brown and green-field projects across Africa. But filling Africa’s energy gap requires long-term investment and a huge capital outlay: it will cost US$1billion just to acquire the Ughelli plant and bring it up to its full installed capacity of 1000 megawatts. Given Africa’s huge capital requirements for the power sector, an initiative like Power Africa is essential for bringing together international investors and financial institutions to support Africa’s changing power paradigm. Nigeria was one of only seven countries included in the program— countries at the forefront of power reform in Africa. The world-class privatization process personally driven by President Goodluck Jonathan demonstrates that Nigeria deserves that place. And it means that Nigeria’s power sector will have access to preferential terms and an unprecedented focus by funders looking to deliver on their public commitments under the Power Africa initiative. Power Africa also offers a model for the 47 African countries that did not make the initial pilot list. The continent will not close its energy gap unless more African leaders urgently reform their policies and encourage this kind of private sector-led investment. As an entrepreneur, I know that

POWER DEFICIT

Obama: A private sector development model for Africa

Tony Elumelu attracting capital is not and has never been the problem. I have always believed that if the policies and environment are right, investment will flow into Africa. Investors need to know that the rule of law and the protection of property rights are assured—this is one of capital’s most important requirements. That is why I urge global leaders like President Obama to impress upon more African leaders that investment-led development requires more investor-friendly policies. I see a willingness in African leaders to seize these opportunities, but they need support and in some cases direction. The vision may be clear, but they may not know how to get there. Rwandan President Paul Kagame is another positive role model for the continent—a progressive African leader who evinces both vision and commitment. Rwanda now ranks higher than any other sub-Saharan African country on global competitiveness, and ranks third in Africa overall. President Kagame and his

team have created the sort of enabling environment that investors can only dream about elsewhere in Africa. For this reason, Heirs Holdings, Berggruen Holdings and 50 Ventures, chose Rwanda as the home for our East Africa Commodity Exchange (EAX), which will launch on July 15th. The EAX will bring liquidity, transparency, and pricing power to farmers, while reducing lending risk to banks. The impact will be to create social wealth in local communities, and support development in the region. Like investments in the power sector, the EAX demonstrates Africapitalism in action: highlighting the huge development role of the African private sector. When I met with President Kagame last year, he immediately understood the significance of a commodity exchange for the East African Region, and he pushed hard to make it happen. The Rwandan government delivered on all its promises, which enabled our investor group to deliver on our promises: the right investment team, partnering with a supportive government, will improve the lives of farmers across the region. By following these models—of Power Africa and the EAX—we can transform the entire African economy, starting with the power sector. One day, the 70% of Africans who don’t currently have access to consistent affordable power, will take it for granted that they can flick a switch and transform their homes, offices and schools. And they will remember Obama’s visit. Because with private sector involvement now guaranteed, that day will soon become a reality. In Tanzania I shook hands with an Africapitalist, who also happened to be the most powerful man in the

world. It was a hugely significant event for me, a life-long African investor, and I believe Obama’s visit was a significant event for Africa. It will refocus the world’s attention on investment in Africa. It is already changing perceptions and mobilizing international investors. It will even change the view of many African investors, who will realize that we must lead the way. Because if we come forward and show confidence in our continent by directing our savings into long-term invest-

ments in Africa, others will follow. This is one of the pillars of Africapitalism: Africans for Africa. Obama’s visit was a milestone, one long hoped for, and one with lasting impact. It confirms that the age of aid is ending. It is now time for the private sector to lead. Written by Tony O. Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and chairperson of Heirs Holdings Limited. He is the leading proponent of Africapitalism; the private sector’s commitment to the economic transforma-

“Black gold”: How oil companies get the oil CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 material generates hydrocarbon The source rock cracks open due to tectonic movement of the plates and a migration of oil & gas from this source to a reservoir rock (sandstone) takes place Reservoir rock stores the oil Finally, traps and seals allow the accumulation and concentration of the oil in the reservoir. At 2,100 metres or 7000 feet depth, the temperature is 65°C or 149°F which is the minimum temperature needed for oil to form. Moreover, kerogen is formed from organic materials with the increased temperature and pressure at depth. Oil and gas subsequently forms by the maturation of the kerogen. However, the deeper one goes into the earth structure, the higher the temperature. At deeper levels, temperature is above 150°C at what point organic matter is transformed to natural gas. For us to actually get to the oil when we drill a well, Dr. John Afilaka stressed the importance of the above processes happening at the right timing and order. Trap formation that ensures accumulation and concentration of oil

and gas in the reservoir rock must occur before the source rock cracks open to ensure migration. The reservoir seal must also remain intact when we drill if not, we’ll lose the oil. “No wonder in only one out of three wells drilled do we find significant amount of petroleum”, he says. The next step to take after the geologist has ascertained that there is a possibility of oil deposit in the field in the appraisal stage of E&P is to acquire data. This helps us measure the porosity and permeability of rocks and the presence of hydrocarbon and at what quantity it is available indirectly. Today, data acquisition for information from deeper structure can be done by employing the Gravity, Magnetic, Seismic, Electromagnetic or the Wellbore method. Early explorations did not have much understanding of the subsurface; hence, wells were drilled near seeps. Today, the seismic method of data acquisition is the most important for finding oil and gas and it can be done in two dimensional, three dimensional and four dimensional ways (2D, 3D or 4D). This is a very complex system that involves the use of simuCONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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42 AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT

BACK PAGE/IN THE NEWS

OILPATCH/SUBSAHARA

INDEPENDENTS’ DAY

“Black gold”: How oil companies get the oil

African Roots, Global Aspirations By Kofi Adjoto Nine years after the creation of Afren Plc, Ethelbert Cooper, its Liberian founder, is no longer on the board of the company. Neither is Rilwan Lukman, former Nigerian Petroleum Minister and OPEC secretary, who was on the ground floor of the founding of the company, with Cooper and others, in 2004. Of the nine members of the current board of directors, only two; Egbert Imomoh, the incumbent Non-executive chairman who is a Nigerian national and Osman Shahenshah, the Chief Executive, are described as “a founder of Afren”. The company itself has outgrown its African roots, becoming a Main Market London Stock Exchange FTSE 250 listed oil and gas exploration and production company. “Mr Cooper continues to play an important role in guiding these activities as Strategic Adviser to Afren”, the company says on its website. So why do people keep saying that Afren is a Nigerian company, an “indigenous E&P” independent? “It certainly had all the markings of an African company at the beginning”, says Sam Ojibbua, an energy analyst, “and between 2005 and 2007, the technical war room was in the Lagos office” As Managing Director and Executive Chairman of Afren Energy Resources Limited in those years, Imomoh led the growth of Afren’s Nigerian asset base, establishing a number of successful indigenous partnerships and achieving the First Oil milestone at the Okoro Setu project. That field averaged 16,858BOEPD gross(8,429BOEPD net to Afren). The 2012 average gross production of Ebok field was 30,047BOEPD. Afren has gotten this far by convincing Nigerian indigenous companies who have won acreages and fields from government, but are unable to proceed for lack of funding, to partner with it. That asset base is the core of the company’s prosperity. Imomoh himself had served as Deputy Managing Director of Shell Petroleum

Development Company (Nigeria), one of Shell Group’s largest operating companies, before establishing Afren’s Nigerian subsidiary. “So what the public saw was a former ranking Shell Manager negotiating, farm-in into, and developing assets held by his Nigerian colleagues and industry contacts”, Ojibua explains. Afren boasts a strong, 2012 oil and gas production growth, achieving 43,059 BOEPD net, which translates into over 123% year-on-year increase. Turnover was $1.5 billion (+151% year-on-year increase). Profit after tax was $203 million (+62% year-on-year increase). Cash flow from operations was $935 million (+177% year-on-year increase). Source: Afren. In 2013, the company anticipates an average of 40,000 –47,000 BOEPD(excluding its Iraqi investment in BardaRash). Afren continues to spread the perception of being a local Nigerian company: in its 2012 annual report on its website, the production peers it compares itself with are-with the exception of Maurel et Prom Nigeria- all Nigerian companies. Afren has moved much of its technical thinking and field development decision making outside of Africa; the executive and operational management is now quite diverse. “Of course you have to have your operational base on the field site, which is mainly Nigeria”, says Ojibua, “but the studies are now all done in Houston”. Which makes Afren very comparable, in terms of work jurisdictions, with ExxonMobil, Chevron, Tullow, all of whom don’t pretend they are African companies. In 2010, Afren founded an entirely Nigerian company, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria (FHN), which bought the combined 45% equity belonging to Shell, TOTAL and ENI in the Joint Venture with Nigerian state NNPC in the Oil Mining Lease(OML) 26. Afren was 45% shareholder in the company, with 55% owned by Nigerian investors. Afren has improved its effective stake in FHN to a majority position , so it is now able to consolidate the FHN assets into its reported assets(see next story). Afren is still intent on helping keep FHN’s indigenous status, so they are separating their legal from their beneficial

Beyond individuals: Afren’s founder Ethelbert Cooper and Rilwan Lukman, a co-founder, are no longer on the board. holdings. 45% will be held by Afren directly while 9.8% will be held by an Afren Nigerian incorporated affiliate. Outside of Nigeria, overall gross production comes short of 1,000BOEPD. In Kenya, Ethiopia and Madagascar, the company’s assets are in exploration phase. In Cote d’Ivoire, Afren averaged a gross production of 795BOEPD in its Lion Gas Plant in 2012. Outside the continent, Afren is in the Kurdistan region of Iraq with positions in the Barda Rash and Ain Sifni PSCs (It paid a combined $588million entry cost). Although the reserves and resources attributed to Kurdistan (excluding heavy oil in Barda Rash) are quite large for a minnow(190 million barrels), the production in Barda Rash in 2012 averaged 50BOPD. Things may soon change: Having commenced an extensive testing programme at the BR-1 well in July 2012 and establishing oil rates in excess of 6,000 bopd of 28° to 32° API oil, as well as obtaining valuable information on the production characteristics of the Mus/Adiayah reservoir, Afren initiated production operations in August 2012 and has produced its first cargo of sales specification oil to tank. Initial storage capacity limits during the early phases of start-up at the field led the Group to restrict flow-totank from the well. At year end, approximately 18,800 barrels was held in storage at the field.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 lators such as the Eclipse. The wire line method of acquiring data from wells is a one dimensional (1D) method. We can get wellbore data from wire line logs or from mud logs. Well logging is also known as borehole logging. This is the practice of making a detailed record of the geologic formations penetrated by a borehole with the use of special instruments which measure the physical properties of the formation. Such property includes rock properties, fluid properties, pressure and temperature. Important information about the formation is also recorded in detail by the mud loggers at the surface. This is done as rock cuttings are circulated to the surface by the drilling mud. The recording instruments used in well logging are run into the wellbore on a cable, hence the term “wire line logging”. Wire line logging is used to obtain a continuous record of a formation’s rock properties. These can then be used to infer further properties such as hydrocarbon saturation and formation pressure and to make further drilling and production decisions. Dr. Afilaka explained to the media personnel present at the workshop that one key factor that determines whether oil will be produced from a well depends on the result obtained from the resistivity log. He went on to say that “Resistivity Logging” is a method of well logging used mainly in the oil & gas industry to characterize the rocks in a borehole by measuring its electrical resistivity. Resistivity represents how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current and this property is fundamental to all materials. Most rock materials are essentially insulators while their enclosed fluids are conductors. However, hydrocarbon fluids are an exception because they do not conduct electricity, they are almost infinitely resistive in nature and this is the key to finding the oil.” “When electric current is passed through a porous formation containing salty water, the resistivity of the formation will be low as the salty water will conduct the electric current. When the formation contains petroleum on the other hand, the resistivity will be high. High resistivity values may indicate a hydrocarbon bearing formation which gives us a better chance of finding the oil” he went on to explain. This detailed methodology to confirm the commercial viability of the deposit involves the use of sophisticated tools, techniques and workflow used in gathering information on rocks and fluids (oil, gas and water). It is at this stage (the appraisal stage) that the reservoir engineer must develop the Field Development Plan and analyze cash flow over time. In the developing - constructing phase, the Field Development Plan is executed and the Tool Pusher, the person in charge of the entire rig and drilling related activities, works with the company representative to ensure satisfactory overall performance and progress. Well construction (drilling) involves so many complexities that range from the type of drilling contract to personnel to well control and well head design. The complexity of the well to be drilled depends on whether or not such well will be drilled on land or at sea. Off-shore drilling complexities further increases with water depth. At 500-metre water depth offshore, the fixed platform rig type can be used to drill the oil but at 1500-metre water depth which is Ultra Deep, the tension leg platform or Drill Ship could be used. The drilling rig system comprises of the power generating sub-system, hoisting system, rotary system, circulatory system and the well control system. Each is a complex sub-system that depends on the depth of well to be drilled. The developing phase of E&P involves the processes of well plan execution, well construction and linking the wells to an existing production system or creating a production system if one does not exist. It includes technologies, workflow and processes related to well construction, placement and decision making. Such decision making involves the safety of the drill crew. Dr. Afilaka explains that the drill crew is a close-knit community made up of the Driller, Assistant Driller, Derrick man, three Roughnecks and three or more Roustabouts. “They work so closely together that they form their own safety culture to ensure an accident free zone on the rig” says the Dr. More so; they take instructions only from the Tool Pusher. In a clear simple manner, Dr. Afilaka explains: ”The drill string is the long tubing and other equipment used in conjunction with it to actually drill the well. An important part of the drill string is called the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA). The BHA is made up of the drill collars which puts weight on the drill bit and controls directional performance, stabilizers that help minimize dynamic buckling and fatigue damage and the drill bit. The drill bit is that part of the BHA that actually does the cutting of rocks that are transported to the surface in the mud. To prevent the hole from caving in, the hole has to be cased. This is done by lining steel pipes in the borehole after it has been drilled. The space between the borehole and the casing is called the annular gap. It is in this gap that the cement has to be placed to seal off pressure in the formation and to prevent formation fluids from totally invading the hole” Dr. Afilaka explains.

For participation in Oil & Gas section, contact: The Manager: Lagos: 01 7736351; Abuja: 07098513445

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Energy Tackling menace of rustic oil vessels on Nigeria’s waterways By Roseline Okere OR a long time, concerns about the Fallied impact of crude oil exploration and activities on the environment have been a recurring decimal despite the huge contribution of the industry to the global economy. Such concerns among stakeholders border on the implications of oil spillage and carbon emission on human and animal life, general health wellbeing of mammals, disruption to the atmospheric conditions and threat to the environment. The Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Reginald Stanley, while underscoring the need for environmental consciousness in the shipment of refined products, described some of the oil vessels in the country’s water as ‘‘rust buckets’’. Commissioning the ICE classed MT Adeline and MT Emmanuel vessels whose capacities are 20,000 tonnes and 15,000 tonnes, he said oil vessels

were essentially chemical carriers hence their environmental standards cannot be compromised. “The vessels being commissioned (today) are some of the best vessels to ply our waters; they are double hulled vessels as against the single hull vessels plying our waters. When compared with the ‘rust buckets’ called ships in our waters, these vessels can only be described as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of the trade,” he said. Stanley added that as double hulled or “double skinned” chemical vessels, the new oil ships have efficient containment system to safeguard the water system against oil pollution during ship-to-ship loading of refined products. He said, “in ship- to- ship operations, these are the vessels that are preferred. And these vessels MT Adeline and MT Emmanuel meet the highest vetting standards of majors all over the world. There can be no vessel built today that can deny these vessels from having

ship-to-ship operations. Above all, they are chemical carriers. Chemical carriers are the highest of the specifications in these vessels because they carry abrasive materials. Their containment systems are high standard and this is the kind of vessels we need in our waters.” The PPPRA boss commended the company for the investment describing it one of the gains of the ongoing reforms in the industry. He noted that apart from boosting availability of petroleum products in the country, the two oil vessels would help to conserve foreign exchange, boost local capacity and grow the economy. He decried the domination of the oil maritime services by foreign fender providers as not in the best interest of the nation given the Federal Government’s transformation agenda to boost the capacity of indigenous operators to play active role in national economic development.

Managing Director/CEO, Rainoil Limited, Gabriel Ogbechie, informed that the benefits of the new assets include foreign exchange conservation, reduction in the cost of freight of petroleum products, employment opportunities, speedy distribution of products across the country and local capacity building. “Maritime is one area where this country bleeds a lot of foreign exchange. This business is practically more than 95 per cent dollar denominated and a lot of this money, when you are hiring foreign vessels, practically leaves the country in foreign exchange. When we get these vessels we are able to do more business in naira and most importantly retain the money in this economy and invest here. You are here now and you can see the investment we have made in this place apart from the vessels. So it is a major milestone,” he explained. Ogbechie also said the company has made several investments including

over 25 retail outlets across Nigeria, over 75 tank trucks, 50-million litre capacity petroleum products storage depot, a jetty and two oil vessels as demonstration of his belief in Nigeria. He revealed that the location of its facilities in Oghara was informed by its centrality to make petroleum products get to the nooks and crannies of the south-south, south-east, the Federal Capital Territory and northern states where supply shortages are usually experienced. “The vessel business in Nigeria has over the years been heavily dominated by foreigners because they are the ones who, over the years, agreed to invest in vessels that meet very stringent international standards. Running vessels do not come cheap. So for us it’s a major milestone and I can tell you that in the last one year, apart from Rainoil I know that a lot of other Nigerian companies decided to take the bull by the horn and invest in getting vessels that are of class,” he

‘NIMASA-NLNG dispute may crash cooking gas market’ ‘By Sulaimon Salau HE expected boom in the Liquefied T Petroleum Gas (LPG) otherwise known as cooking gas market may be critically affected by the lingering dispute between the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), if not urgent checked. Indications emerging from the LPG dealers in the country, suggested that the situation does not portend progress for the gas market, as the larger percentage of the market depend on products from the embattled NLNG. Specifically, dealers under the auspice of the Nigeria LP Gas Association (NLPGA), in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, said that the continued dispute between NLNG and NIMASA could lead to gas scarcity and cause unnecessary hardship to Nigerians. The President, NLPGA, Adedayo Adesina, therefore appealed to the Federal Government to quickly intervene in the matter, which has prolonged for months. “The current face-off between the two organization has enormous consequences and would most definitely have a negative impact on Nigerians,” he said. According to him, one of the NLNG vessels detained by NIMASA is the ‘Gaz Providence’, which discharges LPG (cooking gas) for domestic consumption. “Nigerians depend on LPG for cooking and if this dispute is not resolved soon, there would be scarcity of the product and this would result in high gas prices. “For a country blessed with abundance of underutilized gas reserves and also seeking to put an end to gas flaring, there should be no reason why government should allow the face off to continue this long, with its attendant consequence on LPG availability for domestic and industrial use.” he said.

Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu (left); President, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Igwe Achese; and President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Babatunde Ogun, at the Oil and Gas Stakeholders Forum held in Abuja.

NNRC harps on good governance in oil, gas sector By Sulaimon Salau RkED by the prevailing corrupt practices in the oil and gas sector, the Nigerian Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) has advocated good governance of the nation’s natural resources, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The NNRC, in its 12 Precepts of resource management released recently, emphasised that the resources should be harnessed and managed in a transparent manner that serves the interest of the populace. The Programme Manager, NNRC, Ademola Oshodi, told The Guardian that the precept is set of principles for governments and societies on how best to harness the opportunities created by extractive resources for development of the country. He said the NNRC has produced the most comprehensive and independent reference book on oil and gas in Nigeria,

and was designed to cover the entire decision chain in the management of natural resources, identifying the weak links and areas or improvements guide policy agenda. According to him, promoting good governance in all aspects, including upholding the rule of law, improving the efficiency and accountability of the public sector, and tackling corruption, were essential elements of a framework within which economies can prosper. The precepts stipulate that: “Governments owning natural resources have the responsibility to manage the resources for the benefit of current and future citizens. Where the revenues from resource extraction are properly managed they can help to alleviate poverty, generate economic growth and develop the economy, thus sustaining a more prosperous future,” Realising this vision, the NNRC said

that it required governments in resource-rich countries to formulate, implement and monitor detailed programmes and policies in multiple areas, including leasing and fiscal regimes, social and environmental regulation, and national development plans. “Resource governance and policy formulation should be guided by the principle of securing the greatest social and economic benefit for current and future citizens, including an equitable distribution of resource wealth. Decisions also need to be taken on how to obtain, whether from public or private companies, the capabilities and capital required for efficient development of the resource,” it stated. The charter however, noted that successful resource governance requires government to possess the political will, capability and capacity to make

difficult and complex decisions and effectively implement them. “Resource governance is strengthened when those decisions are subject to wellinformed public scrutiny and when decision makers are held to account. Extractive resources are public assets and decisions concerning their exploitation and use should be a matter of public debate. “Effective resource governance requires that citizens are able to hold their government representatives accountable for decisions and policy choices. Accountability to an informed public can mitigate the mismanagement of resource revenues. A well-informed public with the capacity to act can engage in constructive discussion around policy formulation and government oversight of resource wealth. Through public scrutiny, officials can be held to account for abuses of power for private gain,” it added.

44 ENERGY

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

GE, USADF sign $2m pact to aid Africa’s power initiative By Sulaimon Salau United States (U.S.) firm, A General Electric (GE) and the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) yesterday signed the letter of intent on their collaboration for the “Off-Grid Energy Innovation Challenge”. The pact, according to GE is aimed at supporting the ‘Power Africa’ project, the White House-led initiative to double access to power in sub-Saharan Africa The U.S energy firm, in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, described the “Off-Grid Energy Innovation Challenge” as

a three-year, $2 million challenge that will award five to 10 grants of up to $100,000 each per year to African companies and organizations providing offgrid solutions that deploy renewable resources and power economic activities. Speaking at the event, GE Africa, President and CEO Jay Ireland, restated GE’s commitment to the sustainable development of the region, through developing home grown solutions for Africa. He said: “We bring in the technology, but the indigenous people on the ground have the insights on what

works best for Africa and how we can localize our solutions to solve the uniquely African power challenges.” President and Chief Executive Officer for USADF, Shari Berenbach, said: “The USADF has been catalyzing people out of poverty for over 30 years. This initiative will help leverage more marginalized and underserved communities into positions to engage in and benefit from inclusive economic growth,” She expressed pleasure at USADF working with GE Africa on the energy innovation challenge.

The challenge, according to GE, is aimed at supporting local off-grid energy solutions to meet the needs of African enterprises and communities, underserved by existing capacity According to the pact, GE and USADF will be supporting initiatives that; Provide off-grid energy to rural or urban regions currently lacking energy access; Expand markets, test innovations, leverage financing with the goal of increasing the delivery of off-grid energy to marginalized populations; and/or Introduce innovative payment or collection methods that can extend the

reach of power delivery. “The challenge will benefit rural or urban populations currently underserved by existing utility companies. In addition, it will promote innovative solutions that further develop, scale-up or extend the use of proven

technologies for off-grid energy. African-owned and operated businesses or organizations that are developing their own technologies, and/or acquiring and installing technology developed elsewhere, are eligible to apply,” it stated.

Petroleum dealers pledge equitable fuel distribution By Sulaimon Salau ETROLEUM dealers under P the aegis of Odu’a Petrol Station Owners and Dealership Association of Nigeria (OPSODAN) have expressed commitment to equitable distribution of fuel across the country. The President, OPSODAN, Kolawole Adewoyin, who commended the intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to avert the warning strike embarked upon by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) last week, said its members have devised means to ensure that products are adequately supplied to Nigerians. He said: “As part of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to prompt and adequate supply of petroleum products across the country. Our members are part of this agenda and we will ensure that demand of petroleum products by Nigerians are adequately met,”

It could be recalled that NUPENG embarked on three-day warning strike and determined to make it indefinite, in protest of what it termed ‘anti-labour’ activities by some International Oil Companies (IOCs). Adewoyin said the warning almost led to another fuel crisis, as people embarked on panic buying, but the timely intervention of the Group Managing Director (GMD), Andy Yakubu, brought the situation under control. “The intervention of the NNPC GMD, Andy Yakubu, was very timely because it came at a time when the effects of the strike were being felt in major cities of the country,” he said. The OPSODAN scribe however stressed that the association is a national group and not a regional one as being speculated by some stakeholders. “We have over 500 members spread across the country. We have some in Kogi, Kwara, Edo, Kano, Kaduna, Benue and other regions including South West,” he stated.

A’Ibom, ExxonMobil boost environmental awareness campaign Economic Counsellor at the USA Embassy in Kenya, David Renz (left); USADF President, Shari Berenbach; Director Corporate Communications GE Africa, Patricia Obozuwa; Senior Advisor to President of the USADF, Timothy Nzioka; GE Africa President, Jay Ireland; and Regional Representative and Distributed Power Leader GE Africa, Georgre Njenga during the signing of the Letter of Intent at the launch of the “$2 million ‘Off-Grid Energy Innovation Challenge’ in Nairobi Kenya.

‘PIB will not erode revenues accruing to oil producing states’ By Roseline Okere HE Petroleum Industry T Bill (PIB) has faulted a statement credited to the Chairman of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Ledum Mitee, that the split of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) in the extant PPT Act into the Nigerian Hydrocarbon Tax (NHT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) under the PIB, would erode the revenue accruing to the oil producing states under the PPT Act. The team said in a statement that there was no iota of truth in the allegation by Mitee. The team, which is headed by the NNPC’s Group Executive Director (GED) in charge of Exploration and Production, Abiye Member, also noted that based on this constitutional provision, the revenues accruing from NHT as proposed in the PIB qualify

for the application of the 13 per cent derivation principle. “The framework for the application of the 13 per cent derivation principle as contained in Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “... with regard to any revenue allocation formula, the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than 13 per cent of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources,” According to the group, the tax under CITA on profits derived from upstream petroleum operations as proposed in the PIB would also qualify for the application of the 13 per cent derivation principle. The team also argued that the two tier taxation system proposed in the PIB would have no negative impact on the 13 per cent derivation ac-

cruing to the states, stressing that the revenue accruing to the Federal Government under the PPT Act, particularly to the oil producing states, would not be less under the PIB. It added that the Environmental Remediation Fund created under the PIB is not for the development of the oil producing communities as alleged in the said comments by Mitee but for the remediation of environmental damage resulting from petroleum operations. This is based on the principle that the “Polluter Pays”. On the other hand, the funds provided in the PIB for host communities are essentially impact funds meant to align the interests of such communities with those of the oil and gas companies. This does not equate to Federal government abdication of its developmental responsibilities

towards its citizens. It is apparent from the above explanation that there is no iota of truth in the comments attributed to Mitee in relation to the PIB. “Under the PPT Act, the tax rate is 85 per cent of chargeable profit from onshore and shallow water terrains and 50 per cent for frontier and deep water acreages. In the PIB, the NHT and CIT for onshore and shallow water terrains are 50 per cent and 30 per cent of chargeable profits respectively. However, while the PPT allows all operational costs to be charged against the single tier tax rate of 85 per cent, only the NHT of 50 per cent is so impacted under the PIB. Besides, many more deductions are disallowed for NHT computation than currently obtains under the PPT Act,” the statement added.

HE Ibom Programme on T Environmental Awareness (IPEA), an initiative of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, in partnership with ExxonMobil, organised capacity building for advocacy team members in Uyo, the capital. The one day training was designed to empower IPEA personnel to effectively enlighten people at motor parks, schools, abattoirs, restaurants and other locations as part of the recently launched environmental awareness campaign in Akwa Ibom State. The IPEA is an initiative aimed at creating awareness on pollution and helping the citizens of Akwa Ibom State develop positive environmental values that will enable them manage instances of environmental pollution that may occur, as well as prevent potential environmental hazards from happening. The General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Paul Arinze, represented by Mrs. Regina Udobong, called on the participants to live up to expectation on the campaign. According to her, ExxonMobil expects the participants to take full advantage of the training programme to sharpen their skills to educate target audiences and encourage best practices to

curtail all kinds of environmental pollution – air, water and earth pollution. Arinze reiterated ExxonMobil’s commitment to the environment, which has been demonstrated by the company’s partnership with the ministry to achieve a cleaner and safer environment. Declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Prince Enobong Uwah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Atim Enoh, commended ExxonMobil for supporting the environmental awareness campaign. According to him ‘the ministry is grateful to ExxonMobil for sponsorship of IPEA. This gesture by ExxonMobil reflects its commitment to cleaner environment in Akwa Ibom State’. Uwah advised the participants to make good use of the opportunity offered by the training to ensure that objectives of campaign were achieved. The training witnessed presentations by resource persons including Dr. James Asuquo, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, University of Uyo and Mr. Stephen Erakpotobar, an environmental expert. The training focused on key issues such as sources of water, air and land pollution and remedies and behavioural change communication in environmental management.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

IFRSWatch

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Focus ‘We are deploying ICT to change the face of education, says Yusuf Mrs. Sekinat Yusuf is the New President of Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), an agency of government saddled with the responsibility to license, register and accredit institutions in the country. Yusuf, who is also the Chief Executive of Mobile Knowledge Solutions, In this interview with Azeez Olorunlomeru spoke on falling standard of education, computer literacy and the new device ’’personal Education Tablet For Secondary Schools” (PETSS) introduced to curb mass failure in future examinations in the country.

S the new President of A Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) what is your blue print for the agency. My agenda is to follow the Act. By regulating the information technology professional practice coupled with regulation of both formal and informal sectors on accreditation of schools, training and retraining of professionals which has necessitated the center of excellent in Abuja, The Centre will cater for training and skill acquisition as well as research and development. Equally, we have a working relationship with Nigeria Information Technology development Agency (NITDA) on research and development and through this we are going to embark on a lot of research based study on Information Technology systems and that’s why CPN will now follow the Act strictly so as to develop the knowledge base in the country. Well, it was last week that I was elected the as the President of CPN, the body that is legally authorized to regulate the profession and practice of information technology in Nigeria. Its a government arm that was saddled with the responsibility to guard against quacks in the profession. however, information technology does not belong to those who don’t have business doing so. The body is to maintain the register of all the professionals as well as license those who are expected to practice in order to guard against unscrupulous elements in the profession thereby setting standard for the body. What efforts have CPN put in place to curb the menace of unscrupulous act in the system? The enabling Act of 1993 that set up CPN as chartered body to regulate, gave the association some powers like closure of any organisation found to have flouted laid down rules of the body. We have the mandate to accredit schools. But in the recent past, we have had cases where people took us to court and we triumphed because we have the legal backing to look through institutions’ curriculum and facilities accreditation if laid down rules that set up the

body are followed. But our findings indicate that many computer institution which claim to offer computer study are actually mushroom schools and we have been able to clamp down on such institutions and study centres. What is your assessment of activities in the Computer Village? The computer village has reevolved and there is a need for its operations which now requires regulations to meet up with government policies. If we find out that there are erroneous activities in the village, that are not in conformity with the best practice of information technology industry, it will be closed down. But we must do our fact finding on the place because there are legitimate businesses going on in that particular market. As such we need to encourage the good hands for the development of information technology industry in Nigeria. We are doing everything possible to change the face of information technology to give new approach to the activities of people operating in the computer village so as to become the Africa hub of information technology. It is imperative to channel their experience and effort to the right path in order to help in nation building. What is your notion about digital issues? I believe that a large percentage of Nigerians are not computer literate and there is need for holistic approach to enable Nigerians become computer literate. The desire to help build the country’s literacy level must be tailored around new approaches in the area of advocacy and awareness in order to bring development closer to the people. For instance, the snail ways of sending letters has been eradicated through the use of computer and Internet, which has made the dissemination of information easier and better. Recently CPN met with the Senate Committee on Education to Strategise on the way forward for the body, what is the significance of this meeting? The Senator Committee on Education was doing over-

sight functions to ascertain the level of work done and as well monitor agencies under Ministry of Education on their quest for development coupled with their challenges. CPN is an agency under the Ministry of Education, which the committee also has the mandate to Perform oversight functions, The Chairman Senator Uche Chukwumerije was very delighted with the pace ‘of work embarked upon by the organization despite limited resources at our disposal. The Committee promised to assist CPN to get necessary funds to help us complete our Centre of Excellence and by the end of this year, the building will be completed for research work to commence. What necessitate the idea of this “PETSS”? After series of researches on the recent mass failure in major examinations in the country, mobile knowledge solutions emerged as a result of finding solutions to some of the educational problem we have in the country’ in order to give new approaches to tackling low standard of education. With this development, how Strategic is the place of this device in helping to eradicate the low standard of education in Nigeria? Mobile knowledge solutions came out with a device ”PETSS” and it has two components hardware, which is the tablets, and the software, which is the content couple with applications we loaded on it. The device is to address issues surrounding our educational system which is appalling. We have provided student with alternative to unqualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure and absence of textbooks. And in solving the issue, we took the approved curriculum and got the textbooks and loaded it on the tablet. We sought

Yusuf teachers’ contribution in some major subject and we also added it to the device as well as past question papers in major examinations in the last 30 years. We equally made available some international textbooks for students, academic career. With this, we have provided a mobile textbooks for the students and they can read it anywhere as the need arises. On the other hand, we are saying that in Nigeria ICT is what will build a knowledgebased society. The way to go about it is through new introduction of latest device of this nature that will give birth to a vibrant knowledge based society. India started it by giving young minds computer to develop themselves and today it has ripped effect on their economy. We can as well do that to help the economy because by exposing them to such devices. They are not going to stop at reading textbooks alone but exploit and come out with latest technological devices. Don’t you think that lack of

“I believe that a large percentage of Nigerian’s are not Computer literate and there is need for holistic approach to enable Nigerians become computer literate. The desire to help build the country literacy level must be tailored around new approach in the area of advocacy and awareness in order to bring development closer to the people”.

the enabling environment for students or citizenry to learn on a particular material and develop a device could be an impediment? I disagree with you. If we are still having that notion that there is no social amenities and electricity we will not meet up with the comity of nations in terms of progress. Nigerians are very enterprising people, if you bring a particular product to them and its works, they will find a way to sustain it for their use. Considering the low Standard of education In the country and judging from the new device, do you think the process can help improve the educational system? It will not only lift, but also solve the problem attached with education in the country. I earlier enumerated the problems associated with education as unqualified teachers, textbooks, infrastructure but with the introduction of tablet, the classroom is brought to you directly and the problem associated with low standard of education is solved. Also, we are making arrangement with corporate organizations to use the opportunities provided as part of their corporate social responsibility to invest in education so that the system can improve dramatically. Prior to 1999, Nigeria was rated as one of the countries with the highest rate of Corruption and fraudulent

activities which necessitated the existence of anti graft bodies like EFCC, with the introduction of internet embedded in this device, is the country not going back to that era of fraudulent society again? Internet fraud is not Nigeria’s problem alone but a battle to be fought by the world. Aside that, this is a new device and we have indeed guarded against all forms of internet fraud that may arise as a result of using the tablet. All the sites that are not relevant to the student’s academic career have been blacklisted. This is what we have been able to achieve to protect and guard against unscrupulous act like pornography and Internet fraud as well as other crime related issues. What is the fate of teachers since most of their works have been taken over by the introduction of this device? Our device is a supportive aid that will make learning easier without any impediment of any form. The tablet does not replace class room neither does it eliminates the use of teachers. rather it stands as learning guided to drive the genius in students. The significance of this is that it makes students to be more acquainted with the use of computer so as to be able to master the use of computer during examinations.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) PRICE LIST OF TRADED SYMBOLS FOR 09/07/2013 PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 09/07/2013 SECURITY 7UP ABCTRANS ACADEMY ACCESS AFRINSURE AFRIPRUD AGLEVENT AIICO AIRSERVICE ASHAKACEM AUSTINLAZ BERGER BETAGLAS CADBURY CAP CCNN CHAMS CHELLARAM CILEASING CONOIL CONTINSURE CORNERST COSTAIN COURTVILLE CUSTODYINS CUTIX DAARCOMM DANGCEM DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR DIAMONDBNK DNMEYER DUNLOP EQUITYASUR ETERNA ETI EVANSMED FBNH FCMB FIDELITYBK FIDSON FIRSTALUM FLOURMILL FO FTNCOCOA GLAXOSMITH GUARANTY GUINNESS HMARKINS HONYFLOUR IHS IKEJAHOTEL INTBREW IPWA JAPAULOIL JBERGER JOHNHOLT JOSBREW LASACO LAWUNION LEARNAFRCA LIVESTOCK MANSARD MAYBAKER

PCLOSE 53.00 1.19 2.04 10.80 0.50 1.80 1.45 0.90 4.53 25.80 2.00 10.25 11.00 54.53 49.00 10.50 0.50 4.89 0.50 23.00 1.28 0.54 1.52 0.80 1.56 2.00 0.50 185.00 9.65 11.59 6.89 1.47 0.50 0.50 3.22 14.50 3.79 17.52 4.76 3.12 1.95 0.50 82.99 20.34 0.50 67.00 25.71 255.00 0.50 3.31 2.03 0.87 25.50 0.69 0.53 65.00 1.55 1.10 0.50 0.50 1.78 5.00 2.00 2.95

OPEN 1.18 10.83 1.80 1.45 0.91 4.25 25.38 51.41 10.10 4.41 0.51 1.44 0.78 1.55 2.00 185.00 9.60 11.60 6.82 3.22 14.54 3.80 17.60 4.75 3.12 2.14 85.00 0.50 60.30 25.60 251.00 3.25 2.15 0.79 0.53 66.00 0.50 4.97 2.10 2.71

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HIGH 1.24 10.95 1.85 1.59 0.92 4.25 25.38 51.41 10.10 4.41 0.59 1.44 0.78 1.55 2.00 189.01 9.60 11.75 6.90 3.44 14.59 3.80 17.70 4.76 3.13 2.14 85.00 0.50 60.30 25.75 251.00 3.29 2.15 0.88 0.55 66.00 0.50 4.97 2.10 2.71

LOW 1.18 10.83 1.80 1.45 0.90 4.21 25.20 51.41 10.10 4.41 0.51 1.43 0.72 1.48 1.90 185.00 9.50 11.60 6.74 3.18 14.53 3.48 17.17 4.75 3.10 2.00 85.00 0.50 60.30 25.41 251.00 3.14 2.13 0.79 0.52 66.00 0.50 4.87 2.07 2.70

CLOSE 53.00 1.24 2.04 10.95 0.50 1.85 1.59 0.90 4.21 25.20 2.00 10.25 11.00 54.53 51.41 10.10 0.50 4.41 0.50 23.00 1.28 0.59 1.43 0.77 1.48 2.00 0.50 189.00 9.50 11.72 6.75 1.47 0.50 0.50 3.18 14.59 3.48 17.40 4.76 3.12 2.00 0.50 85.00 20.34 0.50 60.30 25.45 251.00 0.50 3.29 2.15 0.88 25.50 0.69 0.52 66.00 1.55 1.10 0.50 0.50 1.78 4.89 2.10 2.70

CHANGE 0.05 0.15 0.05 0.14 -0.32 -0.60 2.41 -0.40 -0.48 0.05 -0.09 -0.03 -0.08 4.00 -0.15 0.13 -0.14 -0.04 0.09 -0.31 -0.12 0.05 2.01 -6.70 -0.26 -4.00 -0.02 0.12 0.01 -0.01 1.00 -0.11 0.10 -0.25

CHG (%) 0.00% 4.20% 0.00% 1.39% 0.00% 2.78% 9.66% 0.00% -7.06% -2.33% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 4.92% -3.81% 0.00% -9.82% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 9.26% -5.92% -3.75% -5.13% 0.00% 0.00% 2.16% -1.55% 1.12% -2.03% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% -1.24% 0.62% -8.18% -0.68% 0.00% 0.00% 2.56% 0.00% 2.42% 0.00% 0.00% -10.00% -1.01% -1.57% 0.00% -0.60% 5.91% 1.15% 0.00% 0.00% -1.89% 1.54% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% -2.20% 5.00% -8.47%

DEALS 11 35 2 231 1 38 4 32 12 44 1 8 3 61 19 11 2 1 1 15 5 13 25 36 21 13 16 84 63 132 87 4 1 1 32 98 12 516 52 122 79 1 99 29 2 13 414 40 1 58 10 9 31 5 56 11 5 4 4 2 9 49 42 19

Medife House (3rd Floor) 58/60 Broad Street, Lagos Website: www.iconstockbrokersltd.com e-mail: info@iconstockbrokersltd.com Tel: +2348061626763 +12718036

VOLUME 9,850 696,202 14,622 10,792,627 2,000 562,002 167,400 7,663,017 230,200 3,451,077 90 8,368 2,110 425,435 124,740 138,178 10,000 50,000 30,000 17,858 150,000 454,702 355,329 3,324,665 2,163,636 377,568 51,588 1,044,669 537,335 14,209,659 3,769,485 34,498 40,000 18,000 888,549 1,219,342 178,146 12,446,330 2,084,857 5,959,102 2,495,302 7,875 338,698 212,649 114,000 231,500 19,806,904 68,477 100 3,259,847 3,140,000 412,528 247,800 119,506 5,394,534 67,865 37,754 23,000 326,830 25,000 42,000 1,775,351 1,371,131 351,040

VALUE 529,945 845,284 29,829 117,768,782 1,000 1,027,900 258,666 6,929,321 981,626 87,560,119 198 79,708 21,530 22,887,172 6,260,004 1,397,014 5,000 220,500 15,000 420,898 178,080 244,935 519,214 2,453,199 3,327,792 733,106 25,794 196,171,568 5,119,371 165,129,849 25,650,046 53,230 20,000 9,000 2,875,588 17,746,500 649,661 216,995,783 9,919,792 18,517,026 5,068,190 3,938 28,465,357 4,717,295 57,000 13,959,450 506,748,714 17,247,176 50 10,408,193 6,744,199 330,652 5,984,826 83,654 2,894,093 4,481,702 56,838 22,770 163,415 12,500 75,160 8,715,217 2,866,379 949,919

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

50 CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 09/07/2013

LOSERS

PRICE GAINERS

NSE All-Share index rises marginally by 0.6 per cent By Helen Oji OLLOWING price gains Fbluechip recorded by major companies, equity transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed in an upbeat yesterday, causing the All-Share index to appreciate marginally by 0.6 per cent. Volume of shares traded, also increased slightly, as 289million shares worth N3.2 billion changed hands in 5,415 deals, up from 188 million units val-

ued at N2.1 billion exchanged in 4085 deals on Monday. Precisely, at the close of transactions yesterday, the All/share index rose by 224 points or 0.6 per cent from 36,790.14 recorded on Monday to 37,014.14 while market capitalization increased by N71 billion from N11,651 trillion to N11,722 trillion. On the price movement chart, 23 stocks recorded price appreciation, led by AG Leventis with 9.66 per cent to close at N1.59 per share fol-

lowed by Corner stone with 9.26 per cent to close at N0.59 per share. IHS added 5.91 per cent to close at N2.15 per share. Mansard gained 5.00 per cent to close at N2.10 per share. CAP, ABC Transport, AFRIPRUD garnered 4.92,4.20 and 2.78 per share to close at N51.41,N1.24 and N1.85 per share. Fidson added 2.56 per cent to close at N2.00 per share, Flourmills gained 2.42 per cent to close at N85.00 per

share. Dangote Cement also added 2.16 per cent to close at N189.00 per share. However, 39 stocks depreciated in price, as GlaxoSmithKline topped the losers chart with 10.00 kobo to close at N60.30 per share while Portland Paints followed with 9.97 per cent to close at N6.50 per share. Chellams lost 9.82 per cent to close at N4.41 per share. TransNational Corporations shed 9.59 per cent to close at N1.32 per share. Prestige Assurance,

May&Baker, Evansmedical dropped 8.62,8.47 and 8.18 per cent to close at N0.53,N2.70 and N3.48 per share. Airservice shed 7.06 per cent to close at N4.21 per cent while Constain West African and UTC dropped 5.92 and 5.80 per cent to close at N1.43 and N0.65 per share. With transactions exchanged in 25 deals, the construction sub-sector dominated in volume terms with 355.3 million shares worth N519 million followed

by the real estate development with 294 million shares worth N4.3 billion. The banking sub-sector ranked third with 85 million units valued at N951 million in 1,845. Transactions in the shares of Constain West Africa buoyed activities in the construction subsector with 355 million shares worth N519 million while UACN Property Development Company boosted activities in the Real estate sub-sector with 294million units worth N4.3

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Opinion Nigeria Police: Ill trained, ill equipped By Paul Uduk “When evil men plot, good men must plan.’’ – Martin Luther King Jr. T was an unfair match. It resembled a NollyIdetails. wood movie, with all its ugliness and graphic The six heavily armed men of the Police RRS (Rapid Response Squad) jumped down from their glistering Toyota pick-up truck shouting commands, and within a twinkling of an eye, the ‘’okadaman’’ and his hapless lady passenger were spat on the ground, screaming. In the ensuing confusion, the lucky lady scampered off, leaving the okadaman to his harsh fate. We witnesses knew nothing of the okadaman’s crime or offence but the policemen’s misplaced bravado didn’t escape our evaluation. As each of the six-man police team kicked the part of the okadaman closest to his boot, including the head, neck, stomach, leg, back, buttocks, all over, we wondered at the training the men would have received. Unlike the Rodney King battering of March 3, 1991 by five LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) officers, and the subsequent Los Angeles six-day riots, beginning April 29, 1992, which resulted in widespread looting, arson, assault, 53 murders and property damaged estimated at over $1 billion, when the officers were acquitted by a jury, the battering of the ‘’unidentified okadaman’’ attracted no local, national or international outrage. Unlike the Rodney King incident, which attracted 43 articles from the Los Angeles Times, 17 from the New York Times, and 11 from the Chicago Tribune, there was no article on the fate of the ‘’unknown okadaman’’ from any Nigerian newspaper. There was no mention from any radio and television station. The okadaman was an unfortunate casualty, an incident, a mere statistic, of which we are all accustomed to. No one recorded it, unlike Rodney King’s, which was recorded by a citizen who witnessed it from his balcony. Though its service tag line reads, ‘’the police is your friend’’, it is doubtful any living Nigerian would call the ‘’Nigeria Police’’ a friend, literally or figuratively. How did the Nigeria Police descend to this depth of unprofessionalism? Some attribute its descent into anarchy and unprofessionalism to the incursion of the military into politics and the subsequent usurpation of police role by the military and the relegation of the police to a subservient role. Others attribute the

attitude and ineptitude of the Nigeria Police to its colonial upbringing, culture and worldview, whereby the police was trained as an instrument for suppressing the colonised people, and had to be brutal. This line of reasoning has it that the new local elite that took over after the colonialists left, saw and still see the police as a tool for self preservation and has no inclination to transform it into a friendly, well organised organisation for societal wellbeing. No matter the camp you belong, Nigerians today all agree the Nigeria Police, as presently constituted, has outlived its usefulness to the society. Fed up with the ineptitude of the Nigeria Police, President Jonathan on December 15, 2011 decapitated the Police high command and saddled a relatively junior officer with the responsibility of transforming the force. A tall order! Formed in 1861, from 1964 when the first indigenous IG (Inspector General), Louis Edet, took over, to the present date, a period of 49 years, the force has had 16 IGs, an average tenor of three years per IG. With such instability of tenure, any wonder the Nigeria Police is in such a sorry state? Unprofessional, corrupt, and brutal, the very uniform the rank and file adorn, pitch black, strikes fear in the heart of even angels. Rag tag, a force deserving of only a banana republic, some of their modus operandi can at best be described as bizarre, and at worst antiquated, murderous, and suicidal. Where else in the world do you see the police erect barricades at sharp bends on highways, except in banana republics? With a population estimated at 160 million and a police force estimated at 371,800, Nigeria has an average of one police officer per 430 citizens, very much in line with the UN’s recommended average of one police officer per 450 inhabitants, and the U.S.’s average of three officers per 1,000 inhabitants. So what is the problem with the Nigeria Police? They are not only hated and despised by the citizens, but by other armed forces as exemplified by the frequent army-police murderous clashes. Every Nigerian alive (or even dead – remember the APO Six?) has a sad story to tell about the Nigeria Police. Here is mine. Barely one year after NYSC, some 30 years back, I was bristling with patriotism and preparing to take my country to the next level. In my naivety, I had challenged police officers for extorting cash

from hapless citizens when one promptly arrested me for ‘’traffic delay’’. I had to be taught a lesson for ‘’teaching the police their duty.’’ The men were wild. Luckily for me, the DPO at the station they took me to, a graying, pot-bellied man, decided to set me free, with a mild reprimand to ‘’go and misbehave no more’’, having identified my uncle as his buddy at the Arochukwu sector during the Nigerian civil war. My family name saved me that day. I was not that lucky in 2006. On 27 July of that year, I was dispossessed, under gun point, of every kobo I had on me, by police officers manning a ‘’check point’’ around Ore town, on the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. My offence or the charge against me was ‘’incomplete car particulars’’. The policemen had jumped into my car and taken me into bush path and demanded I surrendered all the cash I had if I wanted to continue my journey. Pleas of esprit de corps by an officer of the Nigerian Customs Service I had assisted along the way fell on deaf ears. Where do you report such cases of police robbery to? Do you report it to the IG or the nearest police station? No Nigerian dares or bothers to report such because we all know no justice would be done. The Police IG, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, immediately ‘’swung into action’’ after assuming command. The first thing he did was to ‘’abolish’’ roadblocks on highways. The IG made and continues to make statements about transforming the force and restoring professionalism. The latest of such statements was on Monday, July 1, 2013, when news broke that some N1.7 billion had been approved by the Federal Government for the purchase of new police uniforms. On assumption of duty, the IG had visited state governors, chiefs and emirs, and all had pledged cooperation. Some states had even gone ahead to reequip the police command in their jurisdiction even before the new IG took over. Lagos State was the first to do so. Akwa Ibom didn’t wait long in joining the ranks of states re-equipping police in their jurisdiction without waiting for the Federal Government. But should we believe and trust the IG’s ‘’transformation agenda’’ given our unfortunate history? The majority of Nigerians I have asked this question do not believe the IG, having been deceived by past IGs. Two years since after the present IG took over command, nothing has changed in the attitude of the Nigerian Police to the citizenry.

I don’t know what to believe regarding the IG’s ‘’transformation agenda.’’ One thing, however, that I strongly believe is that Nigeria deserves a World Class Police Force. One of the Police Forces of the world that stands out, thanks to their uncompromising focus on Service Excellence, is Singapore’s. The vision of the Singapore Police Force is to be “a police force that inspires the world”. It wants to achieve greater cohesion between the police and the public, improve levels of service to enhance public perception and increase the confidence of police officers when dealing with the public. In explaining the drive to build a world class police force to Ron Kaufman, a service excellence trainer, the Singaporean Commissioner of Police said, “When Singapore Police Force (SPF) began its Service Excellence journey in 1997, many wondered why a law enforcement agency like SPF should place such emphasis on service quality. Enforcement agencies are primarily guided by its mission to uphold the law and maintain public order, unlike the private sector which depends on customer satisfaction and loyalty to ensure its profitability. While we remain guided by our mission, we have learnt much from the private sector. Through our work with you, we gathered significant insights; primarily the willingness to constantly adapt and innovate, and to learn from the best in the private sector.” If only IG Abubakar could aim at such lofty heights rather than the mundane one of just changing the police uniform he says is his top priority, I would be willing to train his men and women free of charge. If only the IG would be willing to take the long term view, noting that the Singapore Police Force began its journey to World Class status in 1997, and 14 years on, they are still at it. The Inspector General has all it takes to transform the Nigeria Police Force into world class, but will he? We have a choice as a nation to demand that he takes swift action to do that because the price of leaving the Nigeria Police Force as it currently is, ill trained, ill equipped, and ill prepared, is becoming unbearable. At the root of our heart numbing underdevelopment, interminable instability, and shameless corruption is the sorry state of the Nigeria Police Force. To change a man, an institution or a culture, you begin first by changing the heart and mind and not attire. • Uduk is Customer Service Consultant of a company in Lagos.

Theories of two-party system By Anthony Akinola ROFESSOR Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the P Independent National Electoral Commission and erstwhile professor of comparative politics, was spot on when he said recently that a two-party system only evolves, not imposed. In a society where everyone is a political scientist, not least because they have read newspapers, the professional intervention by Professor Jega should now put to rest the assumption that a two-party system can be manufactured from some political factory. With books hardly available in our universities, I intend here to restate the theories that have been advanced to explain the twoparty system as a phenomenon in democratic politics. Such an academic exercise, I believe, will be helpful to our political science students with interest in the study of political parties, and also the policy makers in their search for the appropriate party system for Nigeria. Although a two-party system, desirable as it may or may not be, is a rare feature among democracies, it has attracted a great deal of analysis and a considerable number of explanations, helpfully grouped by Frank Sorauf into four main categories: institutional, dualist, cultural and consensual. The institutional theorists, best represented by E.E. Shattsneider and Maurice Duverger,

argue that single-member, plurality electoral systems result in two-party systems” unlike multi-member constituencies and proportional representation” and that an executive president acts as “a catalyst for coalition among interests that would normally be at loggerheads”. This contention is supported by Clinton Rossiter as a result of his comparative analysis of elections in the German Republic of 1919-33. In 1930 the system of proportional representation produced 10 parties with 19 or more seats in the Reichstag, but since the presidential election turned the nation into one vast constituency, all the parties were forced into three, two coalitions and the Communists. The dualist theorists, among whom is V.O. Key, postulate the dichotomy of interests in American society. From historical perspectives, they point out that prior to the adoption of the Constitution in 1787, the country was divided into two camps along economic and political lines, and that thereafter the division over the nature of constitutional government presented two opposing schools: The Federalists and the AntiFederalists. Appraising the British experience, George Kousoulas points out that political groupings were initially confined to members of the aristocratic elite and revolved around religious and dynastic issues: “the 17th century Puritans, organised in opposition to the Crown and the so-called royal prerogative were a precursor of modern political parties”. Their two major political parties of today, the Conserva-

tive Party and the Labour Party, still exhibit the historical pro-and anti-monarchical tendencies The cultural theorists, however, remind us that political maturity is a major determinant of the two-party system. As Sorauf points out, the Americans and the British “are willing to make the kinds of compromise necessary to bring heterogeneous groups of voters into two political parties”. Rossiter emphasises that America’s two major parties are “creatures of compromise, coalitions of interest in which principle is muted and often even silenced”. Political maturity, for the purpose of clarity, includes the competence of election managers as well as the general behaviour of polticians and the voting public. Finally, there are the social consensus theorists who explain the successful operation of various two-party systems by the absence of irreconcilable ideological divisions, even though the leading spokesmen may have adopted dogmatic positions over certain issues, such as the economy, the nature of the constitution, and even the question of religion. Leslie Lipson argues that the secondary nature of divisive interests among Americans makes the case for compromise easy. As echoed by Duverger “...a two-party system cannot be maintained if one of the parties seeks to destroy the established order. At least it cannot endure unless the party remains always in opposition”.

From the above review, one is able to understand that a successful two-party system is a product of evolution, something which cannot be imposed as General Ibrahim Babangida had once attempted to do in his introduction of the defunct Social Democratic Party and the National Republican Convention. A two-party system, if one must repeat here, does not mean there are only two political parties. A two-party system simply means there are two dominant political parties each capable of winning major elections, while others are regarded as minor political parties or third parties The institution of the presidency, as we may have observed, can bring a two-party system about. In 1999 when the presidency was zoned to the South, the Northern-based All Peoples Party (APP) co-operated with the ethnic-based Alliance for Democracy (AD) to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The main reason the self-styled progressives are determined to coalesce into a single political party, the All Progressives Congress, is for them to be able to challenge effectively for the presidency in 2015. A Nigerian two-party system, which does not necessarily mean a system of only two political parties, can help our drive towards integration if complemented with a zoning policy that derives its authority and legitimacy from the national constitution • This article is a modified edition of an earlier one, Explaining the Two-Party System, published in The Guardian sometime in 2003

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Opinion Multimedia and northern Nigerian literature (3) By Matthew Kukah • Continued from yesterday LEARLY, almost all media outlets in the North believe and behave as if Hausa is the only medium of communication and they have also placed supremacy over Islam, Hausa, Fulfulde and Kanuri languages. There are tens of other languages which have no access to the media and their cultural expressions never get to the centre stage. It is impossible of course to give everyone a voice. But the only way to go about that is to reduce the unnecessary costs and bureaucracy and to allow communities to express themselves. What is required are regulations that ensure the hate language and other forms of vulgarity are kept away from the airwaves. Community broadcasting must be encouraged as a way of nurturing talent but also helping those diverse communities who are culturally shut out of the normal media. At this point, I need to restate my total condemnation in strong terms the tyrannical, oppressive and insensitive decision by this country to keep religious bodies out of the electronic media. The persistence of this paranoia produced by the legacy of military dictatorship and fear of freedom is denying our country opportunities for religious bodies with the competence to participate in enriching access to the media, information and literature. I again call on the federal government in the strongest terms to repeal this obnoxious, antiquated, and wicked law as it applied to faith based communities because it is part of the baggage of the paranoia of military rule. This nonsense is peculiar only to Nigeria. Fifthly, how can we create literature with an illiterate population? Northern Nigeria is probably responsible for over 70% of illiterates in Nigeria and over 80% of illiterate children who are out of school with their talents in jeopardy. This is not an environment that literature can thrive in. Therefore, the first challenge is for northern Nigeria to truly and honestly think about how to close the yawning chasm between illiteracy and literacy. Sadly, no one seems to be able to rise beyond the narrow boundaries of using Islam as a cover for the appropriation of power. With the collapse and failure of government presence in the lives of people, communities in the North have continued to allow prejudice to consume them. Trading accusations and counter accusations, identity politics has become a weapon of war. Happily, this convoluted environment an actually create an opportunity for literature to thrive. Indeed, with some creativity, war, poverty, disaster, all provide raw material for literature to thrive. The challenge is whether we shall surrender to the death weight of culture where creativity and free expression are often killed by overzealous religious bigots who live in a different time zone altogether. All they need to say is that some-

thing is against our culture or our religion. These people need to be made to appreciate and understand that we are living in a democratic society not, a theocracy. Summary and conclusion: Looking ahead The battle to make literature universal has already been won. Therefore, it is more appropriate to speak about northern literature as a reflection of the realities around northern Nigeria either narrated by the people or by others who equally know the region. However, in many societies, writers have often created a universe of their own. In Egypt for example, the Tea and Coffee bars have come to represent the haven for writers. In other climes, professional or sports clubs have offered writers an opportunity to watch life, inhale or exhale. Unfortunately, drawing from the claims of some conservative elements, most northern cities seem averse to certain aspects of socialisation that the world has come to take for granted. For example, in most cities, there are no clubs where people can recreate, relax nor are there facilities for tourism and so on. Warts and all, the absence of these spaces coincides with the seeming death of literature. For example, while elsewhere, young people are making a living waxing records and creating comedy, such things are almost impossible to find in most cities of the north on grounds that they are un-Islamic. When the late Sonny Okosuns and other musicians toured Nigeria for concerts in the 90s, they were told not to come to the north on grounds that such entertainment was against the Islamic culture. The destruction caused by the protests against the hosting of the Miss World Contest in 1998 is also a case in point. The challenge is for the North to come to terms with the realities of the day and address the issues of opening up the public space for debate if literature is to have a life. What is presented as Islamic culture has very little to do with Islam. In our situation here, the North has to address the issues of its complexity. Even within Islam, there are millions who hold different and conflicting views about certain aspects of life and faith. There are Christians and believers of other faiths and we should expect that some might not even have a faith. None of these should make anyone less a citizen as long as they do not break the laws of the land. Our writers must now begin to take on themes that celebrate our pluralism and diversity rather than the narrow view that the Other is to be feared, persecuted or intimidated. We must dream of a world that is not here but should be. The epic movie, starring Sidney Poiter, Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner, came in the wake of the civil rights movement and it helped to bridge tensions in race relations. A film like Trading Places showed the environmental forces not skin colour substantially determine how we behave. Writers must

use this creativity to imagine a world where religion is not used as a tool of oppression as we have in the North, a situation where misinterpretations of religious tenets is denying young Muslims and Christians from getting married on spurious grounds that have no theological basis. What should be the dominant themes and how can literature talk to the vanishing glory of Northern Nigeria? What images can literature project about a future in the North where citizens do not feel marginalised due to gender or their faith? What is the future of Almajiri for national integration? What is the future of Women? What is the future of Non Muslims? What is the future of Democracy in Northern Nigeria? When will Northern Nigerian writers use literature to open up the North so that it can take advantage of the new possibilities that lie ahead? When will it use literature to redeem the battered image and the loss of confidence among our people? When will we use literature to end injustice and seek for new ways of challenging the dubious culture of anti-modernity which is holding people hostage? The Iranians have only recently elected a new President who rode on the use of the Internet to persuade the youth about their future. They were convinced and he won their vote. This is how Obama came to power both in 2008 and 2012. The multi media is here and the youth must actually appreciate the fact that its power can be a tool for the overthrow of the tyrannical hold by those who have captured our future and continue to use it for barter to extend their slipping hold on power. Nigerian politics offers us a great challenge. It is not perfect and with all its foibles, we have a chance to rebuild our future. Writers should not be afraid of politics. Ngugi Wa Thiongo said it all a long time ago when he warned that: Every writer is a writer in politics. It depends on whose side you are on. I call on all writers in our society to be on the side of truth and justice. All that comes from knowing your society, its pains and its yearnings. I hope that northern writers can see that the British colonial state had far greater insight than the northerners who took over from them. For, had they followed up with the vision and the dreams that led to the setting up of the Northern Literature Bureau, perhaps the first Nobel Laureate would have come from northern Nigeria. But, sadly, as we know, the ruling elite in the North have proved to be undertakers, not builders. This is why that Bureau has followed the path of Bank of the North, Northern Nigerian Development Corporation, New Nigerian among many other legacies. I hope we can redeem ourselves. God bless you all and thank you for your kind attention. • Concluded. • Reverend father Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, delivered this as keynote address at the Conference on Multi-media and Northern Nigerian Literature at Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi,

History as cue for national dialogue (1) By Felix Oragwu HE following historic events and developments starting T from 1914 make the holding of a Sovereign National Conference or Dialogue of Nigeria’s constituent ethnic nationalities imperative before 2015. In 1914, over 200 Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities or different nations around the River Niger, earlier grouped and administered by Britain as British Northern Protectorates, British Southern Protectorates and British Colony of Lagos respectively, were amalgamated by the force of British Imperial Power and Colonial Diplomacy to form one Nation State of Nigeria and to be administered as a Unitary State or one nation. This concept of a Unitary State is where all the problems of Nigeria started. Nigeria is a Nation State of ethnic nationalities or different nations can only be sustained as a Nation State by negotiated and agreeable terms of union reached by the constituent nationalities. This is “when the rain began to beat Nigeria”, apologies to late Chinua Achebe. In 1919, Southern Cameroun was added to Nigeria following the defeat of Germany by Europe’s allied forces in the First World War of 1914-1918. The defeat of Germany caused her the loss of her Cameroun colony to victorious Britain and France which shared the colony between themselves under the supervision of the League of Nations later renamed United Nations after the Second World War of 1939-1945. One part of the Cameroun went to Britain which added it as part of the British Colony of Eastern Region of Nigeria while the other part went to France. In 1951/1952, British Colonial Nigeria which operated as a Unitary Administration from 1914 -1950 was reorganised and changed to a Federal Administration of Nigeria to take account of the stiff resistance by Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities to their forced amalgamation to become one Unitary Nation State. This is when it was realised that Nigeria is not a one Nation State. In the new Federal structure arrangement, Lagos became the capital of the Federal (Central) Government with specific but limited responsibility of common services and

Northern Region of Nigeria, Western Region of Nigeria, and Eastern Region of Nigeria respectively as groups of nationalities became Federating Regional Governments with sole responsibilities to control the natural resources, education, factor endowments, economy etc, within their respective domains, and with their respective capitals being Kaduna, Ibadan, and Enugu, respectively. This federal structure arrangement is what ensured relative unity, peace and progress in Nigeria as a nation. With Nigeria agreed as a Federation, the British Colonial authorities in 1956/1957 held a Conference in London of Nigeria’s representative political leaders from Northern Nigeria, Western Nigeria and Eastern Nigeria respectively with the sole purpose to decide on the date of Nigeria’s Independence from Britain. The Northern People’s Congress Party led by Alhaji Ahmadu Bello of Hausa-Fulani ethnic nationality represented the Northern Nigeria ethnic nationalities, (now the 19 Northern States), the National Council of Nigerian Citizens led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of Igbo ethnic nationality represented the Eastern Nigeria ethnic Nationalities (now the five South Eastern States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, and the states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River), and the Action Group Party led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo of Yoruba ethnic nationality represented the Western Nigeria ethnic nationalities (now the states of Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Edo and Delta, and Lagos as capital of Nigeria). At that conference, Chief Harold Biriye, a leading politician of Ijaw ethnic nationality from the Niger Delta area of Eastern Region of Nigeria pleaded strongly with the British Colonial authorities to carve out the Niger Delta part of the Eastern Region of Nigeria to serve as the fourth Federating Regional Government of Nigeria in other to take account of their peculiar environment, ecology and economy. Pleading time as the constraint, the British Colonial authorities asked the Independent Government of Nigeria to undertake that assignment in due course after independence. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria, as a Federation of three regions, namely, Northern Nigeria, Western Nigeria, and Eastern Nige-

ria became an Independent and Sovereign Nation with British Queen represented by a Nigerian Governor General as a ceremonial Head of State. The Northern Nigeria People Party (NPC) had overwhelming majority in National Parliament with more members than the other parties, namely NCNC and Action Group put together. This meant that the ruling party at the federal level at the onset of Nigeria’s Independence from Britain was the Northern Nigeria People’s Congress (NPC). In 1961, Southern Cameroun, which was then part of Eastern Nigeria, agitated to leave Nigeria to rejoin their French Cameroun brothers. The United Nations conducted a plebiscite to determine whether it was the wish of the majority of the Southern Cameroun people, then part of British Colony, to leave the independent nation of Nigeria. An overwhelming majority, said to be around 90 per cent of the people, wanted to leave Nigeria, which they did in 1961 thereby reducing the territorial size of Eastern Region of Nigeria. In 1963, Nigeria became a Federal Republic of Nigeria with Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe replacing the Queen of England as Nigeria’s Ceremonial Head of State. The Northern Nigeria People’s Congress (NPC), a party with overwhelming majority in Nigeria’s National Parliament and effective leader of Federal (Central) Government in Lagos in collaboration allegedly with its junior partner in Federal Government namely National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) a party led by an Igbo ethnic nationality with minority membership in the Parliament manipulated and carved out from Western Region of Nigeria of a Mid-West part made up of non- Yoruba ethnic minorities of the Niger Delta (now Edo and Delta states) to form the fourth Federating Region of Nigeria’s Federation ostensibly as alleged to punish the Action Group Yoruba ethnic nationality led Western Regional Government, then in opposition to the Federal (central) Government. However, no such action was taken to carve out the Eastern Niger Delta part of the Eastern Region of Nigeria under the NCNC. • To be continued. • Oragwu, a Technology Development Consultant, lives in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday July 10, 2013

GLOBALSTOCK 53

GlobalStock Stocks gain on earnings optimism, as pound falls NITED States (U.S.) stocks rose for a fourth day U amid optimism companies will report better-than-forecast earnings for the second quarter. Gold advanced and the yen weakened, while the British pound slid to a three-year low. The MSCI All-Country World Index climbed 0.7 per cent at 12:23 p.m. in New York and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.6 percent. The pound slid after United Kingdom (U.K) manufacturing unexpectedly shrank in May. Treasury three-year notes yielded more than double the year’s low, set in May, before the U.S. sells $32 billion of the securities today. Gold rallied 1 percent, while corn and wheat jumped more than 2 percent as dry, warm U.S. weather increased the risk of crop damage. Earnings reports have helped fuel stock gains in the current bull market. The S&P 500 rallied an average of 1.6 percent in the two weeks after Alcoa Inc. (AA) marked the start of the reporting season, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Stocks were up two weeks later in 13 of the 17 reporting seasons since the bull market began in 2009. Analysts have lowered forecasts for last quarter and currently predict profit growth of 1.8 percent for S&P 500 companies, compared with a projection for an 8.3 percent increase at the beginning of the year. “The economic data is suggesting that we’re not going to see earnings roll over,” Brian Jacobsen, who helps oversee $221.2 billion as chief portfolio strategist at Wells Fargo Advantage Funds in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, said by telephone. “Expectations for second-quarter earnings had fallen quite a bit and we’re beginning to see that the downgrades were by too much. We could see some pleasant surprises in the earnings season.” Global stocks remained higher even after the International Monetary Fund said worldwide economic growth will struggle to accelerate this year as a U.S. expansion weakens, China’s economy levels off and Europe’s recession deepens. Global growth will be 3.1 percent this year, unchanged from the 2012 rate, and less than the 3.3 percent forecast in April, the IMF said. The IMF reduced its 2013 projection for the U.S. to 1.7 percent growth from 1.9 percent in April, while next year’s outlook was trimmed to 2.7 percent from three per cent. The IMF urged central banks in wealthy nations facing low inflation and economic slack to keep injecting stimulus until recovery is entrenched, saying rising longer-term interest rates have hurt emerging markets the most. The developing economies need to be alert for financial risks if the “anticipated unwinding” of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s bond-buying program reverses capital flows, the IMF said. The S&P 500 has recovered almost all its losses following a drop of as much as 4.8 percent from June 18 to 24, triggered when Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said the central bank may reduce the pace of bond purchases later this year as economic risks subside. Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting will be released tomorrow at 2 p.m. New York time. The S&P 500 is still down more than one per cent from its last record on May 21, the day before Bernanke told Congress the Fed could taper purchases. Financial shares briefly erased early gains after regulators proposed capital standards at the biggest lenders should rise to 5 percent of assets for parent companies and 6 percent for their banking units. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency proposed a leverage ratio that’s 2 percentage points more than the 3 percent international minimum for holding companies, the agency said in a statement. Capital at U.S.-backed deposit and lending units must be twice the global standard at 6 percent, according to the OCC. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is set to vote on the proposal later today. Cisco Systems Inc. jumped 2.1 per cent, helping lead the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher, after announcing a deal with Microsoft Corp. on cloud computing infrastructure. Caterpillar Inc. and General Electric Co. rose at least 1.7 percent for the other top gains in the Dow. Homebuilders accounted for three of the four biggest gains in the S&P 500, with D.R. Horton Inc., PulteGroup Inc. and Lennar Corp. jumping at least 4.6 per cent.

Traders at the stock market Alcoa, America’s largest aluminum producer, lost one per cent even after reporting earnings and sales that topped analysts’ estimates. Operating income at its engineered products business, which supplies components to aerospace and power companies, rose 12 per cent from the first quarter. The company was the first member of the Dow to report results for the second quarter. “A positive earnings season would help in an environment where data may still not provide an obvious picture of the U.S. economy,” said Luca Paolini, who helps oversee about $66 billion in equities as chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management Ltd. in London. “The most critical issue we are looking at is company guidance for the next few quarters.” The S&P 500 advanced for a fourth day, its longest rally in almost two months. The gauge has climbed 16 percent this year, compared with a 13 percent drop in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and a 5.3 per cent advance for the Stoxx Europe 600 Index. The Stoxx 600 rose 0.8 percent today, with trading 16 percent less than the 30-day average. Electricite de France SA surged 9.3 per cent, its biggest rally in more than 4 1/2 years, after Le Parisien reported that the French government has authorized the country’s utilities to increase their prices by 5 percent from Aug. 1, 2014. Tariffs have climbed by 1.1 percent to 3 percent a year since 2006, according to the newspaper. LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA advanced 2.1 percent after agreeing to pay 2 bil-

lion euros ($2.6 billion) to buy 80 percent of Italian cashmere brand Loro Piana SpA. U.K. stocks advanced, sending the FTSE 100 Index to a five-week high, as mining companies rallied. Alcoa maintained its forecast that global demand for aluminum will rise by 7 percent this year, led by 11 percent growth in China. BHP Billiton Ltd. and Anglo American Plc both climbed more than 2.4 percent. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index gained for the first time in three days, advancing 0.8 percent. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index of mainland companies listed in Hong Kong slipped 0.1 percent while the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.4 percent. Egypt’s EGX 30 Index jumped 3.3 percent, rebounding from the biggest drop in almost a month, as the interim president set a timeline for new elections. India’s Sensex rose 0.6 percent and the rupee gained 0.8 percent, rebounding from a record low, after regulators took steps to curb speculation in the derivatives market. Turkey’s benchmark index rose 0.4 percent after the biggest two-day selloff in two weeks. Sterling retreated against 12 of its 16 major counterparts, slumping as much as 0.9 percent to $1.4814. It was little changed at 86.08 pence per euro, the weakest level since March. Factory output fell 0.8 per cent from April, when it declined 0.2 percent, the Office for National Statistics said in London. The median forecast of 25 economists in a Bloomberg News

The three-year U.S. note yield was at 0.69 per cent today after climbing to 0.80 percent in June from May’s low of 0.29 per cent. The U.S. is also due to auction $21 billion of 10-year debt tomorrow and $13 billion of 30-year bonds on July 11. Yields have increased on speculation the U.S. economy is strong enough to allow the Federal Reserve to start trimming bond purchases this year. Treasuries rose yesterday amid speculation the yield surge had been too rapid

survey was a 0.4 per cent increase. Bank of England policy makers led by Governor Mark Carney signaled last week they will keep U.K. interest rates at a record low. U.K. government bonds advanced for a second day as investors sought safer assets. The Debt Management Office sold index-linked gilts maturing in 2029. The three-year U.S. note yield was at 0.69 per cent today after climbing to 0.80 percent in June from May’s low of 0.29 per cent. The U.S. is also due to auction $21 billion of 10-year debt tomorrow and $13 billion of 30-year bonds on July 11. Yields have increased on speculation the U.S. economy is strong enough to allow the Federal Reserve to start trimming bond purchases this year. Treasuries rose yesterday amid speculation the yield surge had been too rapid.

Asian shares hit two-week low on Fed taper fears SIAN shares tumbled as strong U.S. jobs A growth increased the chances of the Federal Reserve rolling back its stimulus in coming months, sending the dollar to a threeyear high against a basket of major currencies. Chinese stocks and regional sentiment were hurt by Beijing’s plan to choke off credit to force consolidation in industries plagued by overcapacity as it seeks to end the economy’s reliance on investment funded by cheap debt. European shares were expected to open higher, however, with Britain’s FTSE 100 seen trading up as much as 1 percent and Germany’s DAX up as much as 0.7 percent, according to spreadbetters. U.S. employers added 195,000 new jobs to their payrolls last month, beating expectations of 165,000. Adding to the positive sentiment, the figures for April and May were revised up by a combined 70,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 7.6 percent as more people entered the workforce.

ThE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

54 |

Midweek Arts NGA organises 1st National Children Exhibition By Bridget Chiedu Onochie

Says Abuja Biennale is on course

LL is set for the hosting of first National A Children Exhibition by National Gallery of Art (NGA). The three-week exhibition, which runs between July 18 and August 1, will showcase children’s works, from various competitions, including the Saturday Art Forum. Since 1995, when the agency introduced children’s dimension to visual art competition, such themes as Shun Cultism: It is Evil, Education is Basic, Say No To Kidnapping, Nigeria of my Dream as well as One Nation Bound in Freedom have been uniquely explored by the young ones. For the purpose of the exhibition, the works would be compiled and documented alongside a standard brochure that contains articles by six master Nigerian artists. Director General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Mr. Abdullahi Muku, who unveiled the event and other programmes of the agency said it was aimed at attracting children’s interest and participation in visual art. According to him, the exhibition, which is being considered an annual event, will provide a platform for the creation of new vision and agenda for budding Nigerian artists. he said, “As the agency saddled with the task of showcasing works of Nigerian artists for public viewing and appreciation, this exhibition is no doubt the precise creative moment that will provide National Gallery of Art with the opportunity to create a new vision and agenda for budding Nigerian artists. In line with this vision, exceptional talents have over the years been identified through visual art competitions”. Muku said the agency thought it wise to

Abdullahi

reinforce the artistic drive in the participating children by exhibiting works of exceptional talents in children, especially those that tell meaningful stories. he also stated, “This idea gave birth to the catch-them-young initiative, a bimonthly programme, which we coined and named Saturday Art Forum and holds at our headquarters and the 23 outstations across the country”. The D.G also used the forum to unveil some of the agency’s programmes for the remaining part of the year, including the

much-anticipated Abuja Biennale. he informed that a committee has already

been inaugurated towards a successful hosting of the maiden edition in Abuja. Abuja Biennale is coming as a replacement for African Regional Summit and Exhibition on Visual Art (ARESUVA), an annual visual art competition initiative by the agency in 2009 during the tenure of Chief Joe Musa, a former DirectorGeneral. Abuja Biennale, which is proposed to hold between October and December, would be the second Biennale in Africa after Dakar Art Biennale. Muku hoped that 2013 fiscal appropriation would be released early enough to enable the gallery plan its numerous activities including the Kaduna Art Fair, National Visual Art Competition, Visual Art World Tour, Distinguish Annual Lecture, International Art Teachers’ Workshop as well as the Art Expo Lagos. Expected at the opening ceremony on July 18 is the former presidential candidate during the General Ibrahim Babangida administration and iconic Nigerian artist, Prince Demas Nwoko, who would be serving as the guest lecturer with emphasis on children art. Others are Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir and his education counterpart, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, as special guest of honour and guest of honour respectively.

ADVAN’s Marketers’ Evening holds next month hE Advertiser T Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has concluded plans to hold its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 12, 2013 in Lagos, which would coincide with the body’s initiative for professional to learn, network and socialize, tagged “Marketers’ Evening’. According to the Executive Secretary of ADVAN, Ediri Ose-Ediale, the exclusive ‘Marketers’ Evening’ is a platform for industry professionals to learn, network and socialise. She said the

objective of the ‘Marketers Evening’ is to advance marketing decision-making by disseminating unique insights to ADVAN members, as well as bring members together with industry thought leaders to develop new ideas, and facilitate industry-wide networking. Leaders in the nation’s marketing industry will attend the evening. ADVAN is the only body in the nation that represents the collective interest of advertisers. It was founded to advance the interest of the marketing industry in

Nigeria by spearheading and ensuring global best practices as well as facilitating collaborative partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Today, ADVAN is a strong voice of 60 of the biggest marketers in Nigeria, representing over 200 brands with an annual marketing spend of well over N100 billion. ADVAN is a member and on the Executive Council of the World Federation of Advertisers, a body of marketing associations in over 55 countries of the world.

Director General, Oyo State Signage and Advatisingement Agency, Pastor Yinka Adepoju, Chairman, Yekeen Popoola, Director Town planning, Oyo Staye Ministry of Planning and Physical develoment, Niyi Olaoke and board member, Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Tunde Hamsat at the inuaguration of the agency’s mobile advertisement policy in Ibadan on Monday

Censors Board swoops on sellers of unclassified movies hE National Film and Video T Censors Board (NFVCB), in a bold step to enforce its classification decisions, recently clamped down on sellers of unclassified movies in various parts of Lagos metropolis. The raid, which was carried out in collaboration with men of the Nigeria Police Force, took place in several areas of Lagos metropolis such as Obalende, Lekki, Victoria Island, Marina, Oke Aarin, Broad Street, Ikoyi, TBS, Oke-Sunna, Adeniji and Ebute Ero. The raid resulted in thousands

of unclassified, mainly multiple in one movies, both local and foreign movies being confiscated and withdrawn from the market. Prominent among the unclassified movies seized included Calabar Girl, Calabar Connection, Club Girls 1 & 2, Woman to Woman Parts 1&2, Thanks for Coming 1&2, Efia, The School Girl 1&2, College Girl 1&2, and Girls on Fire 1&2. Several arrests were made, while some of the shops were also locked up. Investigations carried out by the Board’s surveillance team

revealed that the major source of the unclassified and uncensored pornographic films was Alaba International Market. For instance, it was learnt from some of those arrested that the producer of Calabar Girl and Calabar Connection has an office at Alaba International Market, from where he sells to retailers in a discrete manner. Speaking on the raid, the head of operations, South West Zone, Mrs. Bola Athar, who led the team, noted that there was no hiding place for those engaged

in selling of unclassified and pornographic movies, as the board was out to get rid of them. According to her, the Acting Director General, Ms. Patricia Bala has zero tolerance for unclassified and pornographic movies, and has pledged to rid the market of unwholesome movies. It would be recalled that the Director General recently took the campaign to eradicate pornographic movies to Ghana where they discussed collaborations to fight the spread of unclassified movies. Bala

The GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

ARTS | 55

The King and I lights up SBS outing By Florence Utor

he fourth to six graders of Standard T Bearers School, Lekki, Lagos held parents and well wishers spellbound in two hours of dramatisation of the timeless classic, The King and I- the fourth longest-running Broadway musical in history. The event, which took place at Trinity house, Lekki, was designed to mark the end of year programme as well as send forth the grade six students preparatory to entering secondary school; it’s usually the last ritual they perform before leaving. The king and I is based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, which derives from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. The musical’s plot relates the experiences of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the king’s drive to modernise his country. The relationship between King Mongkut and Anna is marked by conflict through much of the piece, as well as by a love that neither can admit. It is a musical theatre that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. The story and emotional content of the piece are communicated through the words, music, movement and technical finesse, as an integrated whole. The play comprises of 61 cast members, who are in their element as they recite long dialogues with vigour and accuracy. The children displayed confidence on stage, and generally had fun as it was their last performance on stage, as students of the school. According to the proprietress, Mrs. Adeyinka- Oni, “The play is adapted, though we took the key scenes and strung them together but the essence of it remains. Some of the music is a beat too old fashioned for them so we found more modern music to bring the play alive and we also brought in our own dance steps but the lines are the same”. She added, “There is going to be an alumni concert soon, which the children are

Now The Beautiful Bride For thousands of years we trudge In a continent so dark and life a grudge And died we died Our children with ailments unknown Our women from pains of child-birth Dark continent, we are called Yet our sun blinds us daily White man’s grave we were called A harbinger of diseases Yet our rich bio- diverse forests heals the world Sub- humans, we are called hence they took us slaves to lands unknown They carted our rich spices And brought us their gods They plundered and threshed Africa To make their lives better From the bowels of Africa Comes their gold, from there comes their diamonds From the heart of Africa comes their precious stones The chips from Africa connects the world Africa’s dust flies the world In Africa lies the hope of plant energy for the world We weep daily For treasures wasted and lives lost For barreness imposed by lust And our helplessness to stop the loot They partitioned and divided us And dared our brothers to lead We get nothing back For our brothers stab us at our backs Again, Africa is ready to be sapped Let’s take their snap without their slap They are back And want Africa in their pack. — Ifechi Jane Odoe

very excited about. We rather call today’s event a send-forth because the children are commencing into the next stage of their lives. This is because in our school we are a family; you never graduate out so they are going to graduate into the alumni, which is a very active part of the school. We have a saying, Once SBS always SBS, because of our alumni, we follow them and know what they are doing at every stage.” “Our recital that took place last week was made up of past and present students because we wanted parents to see that all the work we do in SBS is not lost. They go on and continue doing those great things which they started learning here and it was good to hear that one of our alumni has been invited by the Voice of America to audition for a musical Television reality show. So, she has gone to America for the auditions already. “We also have one of our students who was playing the saxophone with us but has now gone on to Waterman College and is playing the guitar and keyboard; he has won a lot of accolades for his current school”. Asked how she is able to coordinate such a large cast, Oni stated, “we hired a professional drama coach to train the children. Besides, I love children and working with them is my passion. I make them understand when I say this is what we are going to do and insist on a standard; they all know they have to do it that way. I also have fantastic parents who are very supportive because without them, we won’t be able to do all that you have seen today. “When I push the children to go beyond the norm, they support me in doing that. When we need them to get support for us in other places, they do, which is part of what has kept us going all these years. “We had plans of staging this play since last year but we needed the right stage to do so and the founding pastor of Trinity house, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who is also a board member of SBS agreed with us to use his stage”.

Scenes from the play

Miele… deepening brand’s presence with new Lagos outlet By Gbenga Salau

O deepen its brand’s presT ence in Africa and provide better reach to the West Africa market, Miele has opened shop in Lagos. While speaking at the opening ceremony, which was held last week, head, export Sales, Mr. Athmane Lakhlife, said his firm had taken time before coming to the Nigeria market because it believes in staying permanently in any market it goes to through providing quality products and services second to none. he revealed that the Lagos office is the third outlet after South Africa and North Africa. Lakhlife maintained that Miele does not only create a brand that leads the industry in innovation; supplying a product line that surpasses all others in quality, performance and designs, but also cater for the local needs of the respective markets through ensuring that all its customers enjoyed equal levels of excellence. he stated, “In putting in the foregoing, Miele key success factors: superior products, superior services and close consumer care, Miele, an A+ appliances Limited, has built a high profile office in Lagos to ensure these legitimate brands are also available in

Nigeria. he further said that the organisation was a global leader in premium built-indomestic appliances which was reflected the organisation’s sales volume and turn over, also disclosing that the company was founded in 1899 and has been at the forefront of cutting edge home appliances for over a century with 10 production facilities in Germany, Austria and Czech Republic. According to him, the firm has businesses in europe, Asia, the Americas and South Africa. Lakhlife and the Managing Director of Miele, Nigeria, Mustapha Olorunnibe took journalists round the showroom, and explained the functionality of each product and the cutting edge technology each product has. They stated that the organisation had a policy of not selling its products with the customers and one or two aides knowing how to operate it. Olorunnibe said such service was provided free. he also noted that the company provided one-year warranty on its products and that it was working to extend it to three years. “Distinct from the crowd of domestic appliances, Miele has intelligent technologyovens that clean themselves,

hobs that do not burn fingers, appliances that are designed and tested to last

for a minimum of 20 years, in functionality and aesthetic,” Lakhlife said.

UNILAG/OYASAF workshop calls for entries he Department of Creative T Arts, University of Lagos, in collaboration with the Omoba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), has announced the 2013 Unilag/OYASAF Art entrepreneurship workshop, starting from September 23 – 27, 2013 at the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, coordinator, Akinwale Onipede said in a signed statement. The Unilag/OYASAF workshop is in its third year and is geared towards harnessing the gains derivable from collaboration between town and gown. It provides young artists the opportunity of sharing with one another and learning from professional artists, art teachers and art lovers. The Unilag/OYASAF collaboration harmonizes both formal and informal training methods and offers a more practical approach to learning. Areas to be covered by the workshop include; Ceramics, experimental Art forms (Performance Art and Waste recycling); Bead and wire works and Photography. These will be handled by eminent artists such as Ayodeji

Adewunmi, Boye Ola, Jelili Atiku, Temilola Marindotin, Ariyo Oguntimehin and Adedamola Runsewe. Applications are invited from interested participants. 100 participants are expected to attend, with more than half the number comprising students of tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria. Other interested artists in Lagos and environs may also apply. Certificates of participation will be given to all participants and prizes will be awarded for the best work in each category. An application letter indicating only one area of interest, email address, telephone number and a recent one page resume should be sent by email to: unilagoyasaf2013@gmail.com. Deadline for submission of application is 20th August 2013. Successful candidates will be notified by September 5, 2013. Participation in the workshop is free. All art supplies, tools, equipment and work spaces will be provided. The workshop is generously supported by the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF).

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Sports IAAF World Youth Championship

Team Nigeria carries Africa’s hope, as tourney begins in Ukraine From Gowon Akpodonor, Donetsk, Ukraine HE last batch of Team T Nigeria’s contingent to this year’s IAAF World Youth Championship arrived Donetsk, Ukraine late yesterday, after spending about eleven hours in Istanbul, Turkey. The delegation led by the Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tunde Abdulkareem, left Lagos on Monday evening to join the athletes and other officials who were already on ground in Donetsk. The first batch made up of eight boys and nine girls, was led from Lagos on Saturday by former sprinter, Endurance Ojokolo and some officials of the AFN. Coaches, Abraham Odia and Raymond Agboro told The Guardian yesterday that they were confident that Team Nigeria will live up to expectations in the championship. Odia stated that the fact that Team Nigeria was able to rule Africa at the last African Youth Championship (AWAC) in Warri, Delta State, was enough to know the team would excel in Ukraine. “We are the champions of Africa at the moment at this youth level and if things work

out well, we should be able to live up to expectations as true champions. But in a competition of this magnitude, one could only hope for better things to come. We have prepared the athletes well enough and I pray they don’t disappoint,” he stated. Odia said that Team Nigeria should be able to capture six gold medals in the championship, saying, “I am banking on the male and female sprint gold, the 400m for both male and female, the 100m hurdles for girls and the 110m hurdles for boys, the medley relay for girls and the shot put event. Our girl, Anulike Aniefuna defeated the girl from Egypt in Warri and I see her as a potential medalist here if she is able to repeat all she had been doing in camp.” On his part, Agboro, who discovered the two fastest male sprinters representing Team Nigeria in the competition, Divine Oduduru and Charles Okezie said, “we stand a very good chance of winning medals here because our athletes have been given quality training from technical experts.” Also in the technical team are coaches Chet Ike and Tom Nnakwe, while former hurdler, Seigha Porbeni is the coaches’ co-ordinator.

Akwa United, Wikki Tourist, Wolves top list of debtor clubs • Insurance top NNL list From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja OR the Nigeria Professional Freceive Football League (NPFL) to its global recognition as envisaged by the League Management Committee, efforts must be made to ensure that players are relieved from the current slave contracts and huge indebtedness, which they suffer in the hands of dubious club managers. This is the submission of the Association Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON), who has continued to champion the cause of players, who are being owed salaries and bonuses various clubs. From the lengthy list of debtor clubs, which was made available to The Guardian yesterday by APFON, oil rich Akwa United FC owned by Akwa Ibom tops the list of debtor teams. The outfit owes N41, 467, 000. 00 to its players contracted between the 2008 and 2010 football season. The list, which is contained in the cases that have been decided by the NFF arbitra-

tion committee, also has Wikki Tourist FC of Bauchi as the second debtor club with a total debt of N31, 040, 000. 00 for the period under review, while Dolphin FC and Enugu Rangers occupy the third and fourth positions with debts of N21, 315, 000.00 and N15, 050,000 respectively. Kwara United FC follows with a debt of N14, 286, 000. 00.

Ademola Onikoyi is one of the stars of the Nigerian team to the Jersey 2013 World Cricket League (WCL) Division Six Championship.

Jonathan’s cash gift will motivate Nigeria’s athletes in Ukraine, says AFN Pillars’ Gambo me that they were in high spirit Mohammed joins President Goodluck Jonathan From Gowon Akpodonor, and that the hosting by the Club Africain to the team after we won the Donetsk, Ukraine. president in Abuja would spur AYAC would be a big motivation FN Vice President, Tunde Abdulkareem has said that the hosting of the athletes by President Goodluck Jonathan after Nigeria won the African Youth Championship (AYAC) in Warri in March this year, would be a big motivation for the young athletes as they begin battle for medals today in the 8th IAAF World Youth Championship in Ukraine. “It is not every athlete that has the opportunity of meeting with the country’s first citizen. The financial reward by

for our athletes,” he told The Guardian yesterday shortly on arrival in Donetsk, venue of the completion. According to the AFN vice president, Team Nigeria was given the best of preparation for the competition. “We did our very best for the team and we hope the athletes will live up to expectations. “I met with them at the airport in Lagos on the day of their departure and they were full of confidence that they will do our country proud. They assured

them to victory. “Like I said, not every athlete gets such opportunity of seating together with the president and in this era of financial reward for excellence by the president, the athletes are ready to put in their best at every competitions because they want to have a share in the presidential largesse. I am sure the AFN and the coaches have done their bits, so it is left for the athletes to go out there and prove themselves,” Abdulkareem added.

ANO Pillars striker, K Gambo Mohammed has joined Tunisian side Club Africain on a three-year deal, his club have announced. “Gambo has agreed to join Club Africain on a three-year deal. He will leave for Tunisia within the week,” said Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa. “Two other clubs from China and Saudi Arabia wanted Gambo but after we studied all the offers, we agreed that Club Africain’s deal was best for the player.”

NFF moves to nip alleged match fixing, suspend clubs By Eno-Abasi Sunday ARELY seven years after B the country witnessed a scandalous 13-0 score-line in a match involving Akwa United Football Club of Uyo and Rovers Football Club of Calabar, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commenced proceedings to nip the fledgling malaise in the bud. The federation has placed indefinite suspension on all the four clubs involved in scandalous score-lines during promotion play-offs into the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL), the lowest tier

of the country’s domestic League, on Monday. Reminiscent of the 2006 event, the Plateau United Feeders scored a record 79 goals against Akurba FC while Police Machine FC demolished Babayaro FC 670. All teams were involved in promotion play-offs in which the winners would qualify to play in Nigeria Nationwide League Division 3. Chairman of the NFF Organising Committee, Chief Mike Umeh, who is also NFF 1st vice president, expressed shock on being

informed of the development and promptly directed that the four teams at the centre of the scandal be suspended, forthwith pending further sanctions on all involved. “It is unacceptable. This is a scandal of huge proportions. The four teams involved are suspended immediately and indefinitely, pending further sanctions. We will investigate this matter thoroughly and get to the bottom of it,” Umeh said on Tuesday. NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi assured that the Organising

Committee would mete out severe sanctions on all persons and institutions indicted by the investigation. “For now, that centre is suspended. The teams involved, their players and officials, match officials, co-ordinator and anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter would be severely dealt with,” Sanusi said. In 2006, Akwa United gained promotion to the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) in very questionable circumstances. Needing a win of 12-0 to beat out Bussdor Football Club on

points and goal difference, the team, which was goal shy for most of the season, whitewashed Rovers Football Club of Calabar 13-0 in their last match to gain the slot. Expectedly, there were serious cries of match fixing, which the accusers failed to prove had taken place. Rovers FC, which played in the top flight for about a decade before being relegated to the lower leagues in 1993, got itself into deeper trouble with the wide-margin loss, which saw three of its players sent off. The team was immediately disbanded after the game.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

CricketWeekly Countdown To Jersey 2013 WCL Division Six Championship

‘We will do everything possible to retain our position in Division Six’ By Christian Okpara ECHNICAL Committee T Chairman of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) admits that the Jersey 2013 World Cricket League Division Six Championship would be a tough competition, but he is sure that Nigeria would not be disgraced at the competition. The Division Six Championship holds from July 21 to 28 in Jersey, with the top two teams moving to Division Five and the third placed team remaining in the division for the 2015 edition of the competition. However, teams placed from fourth to sixth would be relegated back to their regional competitions, that is, completely out of the world stage. That is a situation the NCF dreads, according to Egwuatu. The six teams from around the world would play one another as they aim to progress up through the ICC World Cricket League. Aside Nigeria and Jersey, the other teams in the competition are Bahrain, Kuwait, Argentina and Vanuatu. The team left on a training tour of England at the weekend and while in England they would be tutored by some of the best English coaches in game, as well as play some tune up games before moving to Jersey. Speaking on the team’s preparations for the competition in Jersey, Egwuatu said, “we took time to select a team

of Nigeria’s best players and we camped in Abuja for a long time trying to get the boys to their best possible form. “We have a board of selectors, which apart from me, also includes Uthe Ogbimi, Okon Ukpong, Kunle Adegbola and Chris Sokoya. “The bulk of the team that won the WCL Division 7 tournament in Botswana was retained with minimal changes. We needed to strengthen our top-order batting and fortify our spin department. We also needed to give width and latitude to our lower order batting and give our bowling extra edge. “Emmanuel Okwudili made a comeback to the team to challenge for a top order batting place, just as Leke Oyede returned as an all-rounder. The only debutant is Mathias Devadayal, who will operate as our offspinner. “In choosing the players, we looked at their skill and technique, tactical awareness, players’ form, the playing condition in Jersey, discipline and team play, team formation and structure, adaptability to condition and players’ expected roles in team.” He disclosed that the friendly games lined up for Nigeria are the tie with Bockhampton (on Monday), tomorrow’s match against Queries Cricket Club and another one against Herefordshire on July 14, among others.

Two Sri Lankan umpires banned after sting operation RI Lanka Cricket has SSagara banned two umpires, Gallage and Maurice Zilva, who were named in a sting operation last year dealing with illegal payments for influencing firstclass matches. A third umpire, Gamini Dissanayake, has been downgraded from the top umpire’s panel for a year and issued a “severe warning” by the board CEO. The decisions came after an emergency executive committee meeting in Colombo, where the recommendations of the disciplinary committee’s recommendations were endorsed. The sting, broadcast by India TV, claimed to have “exposed” several first-class umpires from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who were allegedly willing to give decisions favouring players for a fee.

In the sting, conducted in July and August 2012, the reporters claimed to belong to a sports management company and promised the umpires officiating assignments in events of all kinds around the world, largely domestic Twenty20 leagues. The hardest hit of the three Sri Lankan umpires was Gallage, who was banned for 10 years from all cricket, while Zilva got a three-year ban. Dissanayake, the third Sri Lankan umpire named in the sting, was the most highprofile of the three, having regularly been the fourth umpire in international matches, though he was yet to be one of the main officials in an international game. The Pakistan and Bangladesh boards have already handed out punishments to their umpires caught in the sting.

Ademola Onikoyi is one of the stars of the Nigerian team to the Jersey 2013 World Cricket League (WCL) Division Six Championship.

Team Nigeria beat London club in tune-up game HE Nigerian national T cricket team on Monday bowled off the final phase of their preparations for this month’s ICC World Cricket League Division VI by beating Wiltshire Quaries of London by two wickets. The Nigerian team, comprised of 14 players and led by Technical Director, Olisa Egwuatu, departed Nigeria on Saturday for the United Kingdom, where they are scheduled to play four friendly matches during the trip sponsored by a former President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Dr. John Abebe. The World Cricket League Division VI holds between July 19 and 29 in Jersey, an island off the coast of the UK. Wiltshare Quaries reportedly took to the crease first, scoring 174 all out, while in the reply the Nigerian team met their target and eventually won by two wickets. Speaking in an interview, President of the NCF, Emeka Onyeama, described Nigeria’s victory against Wiltshare Quaries as heart warming, while expressing NCF’s gratitude to Dr. Abebe for sponsoring the trip.

“It was a very wonderful experience,” said Onyeama. “Winning the first friendly game has given the players a big psychological boost. I’m optimistic that they will win their remaining friendly games and will go to Jersey like hungry lions. “I would want to use this medium to thank Abebe for making the London trip possible. As you know he is a former president of the federa-

tion (cricket). What he is doing is in the spirit of the new board. We are looking for his support seriously.” The cricket federation, revealed Onyeama, was still in search of funds to ensure there are no financial hiccups when the national team arrives Jersey for the world league event. “We want to urge well-meaning Nigerians to support the team because we are still

looking for funds. The government promised to support us but they are yet to deliver,” he said. The Nigerian team will tomorrow file out against Poctene Cricket Club in the second match of the training tour of London. An NCF delegation, said Onyeama, will on July 15 leave Nigeria to join the cricket team before they depart from London for Jersey on July 18.

Australia’s Clarke thrilled by Compton’s exclusion from England’s Ashes team USTRALIA Captain, A Michael Clarke said he was “happy” batsman Nick Compton was left out of the England squad for the first Ashes Test. Compton, 30, who scored two Test tons in New Zealand this year and an 81 and 79 against Australia recently, was dropped in favour of Joe Root, who will open the batting with Alastair Cook. “I’m happy Nick’s not playing to be honest. He’s got a bit of class and has good

defence,” said Clarke. “We haven’t bowled to Joe Root yet.” Compton initially lost his place when he was replaced By Root as opener for the Ashes warm-up match against Essex. The Durban-born batsman, grandson of the late England batsman Denis Compton, made his Test debut in India in November, scoring 208 runs in the four matches at an average of 34. The Somerset player shone

during the tour in New Zealand earlier this year but then revealed that England selector Geoff Miller told him he had “lost some confidence” following a poor performance against the same opposition in the second Test at Headingley. Root, on the other hand, scored a match-winning 71 from 120 balls against New Zealand at Lord’s in May to put himself ahead of Root in the thinking of the selectors.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

SPORTS | 59

European Round-up

Mourinho promises to play attractive football OSE Mourinho has promJattractive ised Chelsea fans a more brand of football next season. The Portuguese’s first spell at Stamford Bridge was largely successful but the Blues still came under criticism for a perceived negative approach to matches. The 50-year-old says that his aim is to make the supporters happy by the results and the

style in which they are achieved this time around. “I want to make the Chelsea fans happy - by results, by our playing style, by the mentality and the personality of the team,” Mourinho told The Sun. “They have to know that we always give everything. I know from my record at Chelsea, also at Inter and Madrid, that I made many

decisions that helped my teams. “If I gamble with a very risky decision, it can go the wrong way. How many times did I play here with three defenders? I remember against West Ham (in April 2006) we were losing 1-0 and we were playing with 10 men after Maniche got a red card early in the game. I still gambled because I wanted to win with 10 men — and we did win, 41.” The Blues have announced the arrival of youngsters Andre Schurrle and Marco van Ginkel already this summer but the former Porto coach says that the Chelsea old guard still has a part to play. “This is the legacy of the club culture — as some guys are arriving they have others who can transmit to them immediately what this club means,” he said. “One day, these older players will finish and the younger guys now will be the older ones in the future, so the Chelsea culture is continuously passed on from one generation to the next.”

AYERN Munich B Chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is resigned to missing out on Robert Lewandowski this summer but expects the Borussia Dortmund forward to arrive on a free at the end of next season. Bayern are reported to have already agreed personal terms with the Poland international but Bundesliga

Bayern wait for Lewandowski deal rivals Dortmund are refusing to sell him - a move that will cost the club millions in transfer income. With only one year to go on

Lewandoski

Spurs needs Bale to qualify for Champions League, Defoe admits OTTENHAM stars, Jermain T Defoe and Michael Dawson believe that keeping Gareth Mourinho

Suarez still wants to leave Liverpool, says agent UIS Suarez’s agent has reit- sion for biting Chelsea’s Ldesire erated the Uruguayan’s Branislav Ivanovic at Anfield to play for a last season, has been consisChampions League club during talks with Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers and Managing Director, Ian Ayre. Pere Guardiola travelled to Merseyside and held separate meetings with Rodgers and Ayre, which were planned and understood to be amicable. Liverpool has insisted their position has not changed and they want to keep the 26-yearold striker, while Guardiola has not submitted an official transfer request on behalf of Suarez. Suarez is currently on an extended break after playing for Uruguay in the Confederations Cup in Brazil. The player, however, has given a series of interviews this summer in which he has expressed his desire for Champions League football and it is believed Guardiola relayed that message again to Liverpool’s hierarchy in Monday’s discussions. Liverpool have already rejected a £30m offer from Arsenal for Suarez, who has spoken publicly this summer about his disenchantment with life in England and what he regards as unfair treatment from the media. Suarez, who is currently serving a 10-match suspen-

tently linked with a move to Real Madrid. It would take an offer close to the £50m Liverpool received from Chelsea for Fernando Torres in January 2011 to make them even consider selling the forward. The Merseyside club, however, has established a close working relationship with the highly respected Guardiola, brother of Bayern Munich Coach, Pep Guardiola, during Suarez’s troubled time at Anfield and have not given up hope that he will resume his career in the Premier League once he has served his

Villa

Bale is vital to the club’s hopes of Champions League qualification. The Welshman’s possible move to Real Madrid has had fans worried, but Bale calmed some fears by helping to unveil Spurs’ new kit on Monday with the two fellow outfielders and goalkeeper, Brad Friedel. “It’s important that (Bale) stays,” Defoe told reporters at the event. “This year, we want a great

season and we want to get into the Champions League and to do that you’ve got to keep your best players. “What Gareth did here last year was unbelievable when you look at the amount of goals he scored. At times he was playing out of position, up top or off the forward, and to show the composure he did in certain games, when he was one-on-one with the keeper, he produced some unbelievable finishes. “He’s a special player (and) you want to keep your top players.” Dawson, too, is

Simeone influenced my decision to join Atletico, says Villa OACH Diego Simeone C played a major role in helping David Villa to choose Atletico Madrid over other teams when he decided to leave Barcelona, the Spain striker said yesterday. “I have spoken to Simeone

and one of the keys to coming here was his confidence,” Villa told reporters after passing a medical test with Atletico. “I am really looking forward to working for him, and to being able to return that in every training session and every game.” Spain’s all-time leading scorer agreed a move to Atletico on Monday for a fee that could rise to 5.1 million euros if he stays at the Calderon for the next three seasons. The 31-year-old’s future with the La Liga champions looked uncertain after they signed young Brazil forward Neymar in May, and he was linked with a number of Europe’s top clubs before Atletico stepped in. Since former Argentina Captain, Simeone took over at Atletico in December 2011, the club have won the Europa League and the European Super Cup in 2012.

keen to keep Bale’s talent at White Hart Lane, adding, “last year, some of the goals he scored to help win us football matches were unbelievable.”

his contract, Lewandowski can leave for nothing in a year’s time and Rummenigge now expects that to happen. “I assume they are quite aware of that in Dortmund,” he told Sport Bild magazine. “I get the feeling that (Dortmund general manager) Mr Watzke means what he says. He is bound to have considered very well his remark that Lewandowski has got to stay.” Dortmund last week said no official offer had been received from Bayern and they now consider the issue closed. However, Rummenigge says the lack of a written offer does not mean they were never interested. “That is not how things work in the football world,” he said. “We did not send a written offer, but there are reasons for that and that does not change anything. We were prepared to sit down at a table with Dortmund.” That is now unlikely with Dortmund closing the door on any negotiations, even though their Coach, Jurgen Klopp admitted it is inevitable that Lewandowski will leave next summer. “We now just want to prove that we can be successful next year with a quality player like Robert and I know that Robert sees things the same way,” he said. “Our results next season are more important than anything else.”

TRANSFER GOSSIP HELSEA Manager, Jose Mourinho has set his sights on Aston C Villa striker, Christian Benteke, 22, after missing out on Napoli’s Paris St-Germain bound Edinson Cavani, 26. Returning Blues boss Mourinho is also lining up a £40m move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26. Everton are expecting a new bid from Manchester United for defender Leighton Baines, 28. Barcelona has launched a £30m bid for 26-year-old defender David Luiz - but Chelsea will refuse to sell him at that price. Manchester City is stepping up their efforts to sign Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic. The Montenegro international, 23, has a £27m buy-out clause. But the Blues have been rebuffed by Real Madrid in their pursuit of Portuguese defender Pepe, 30. Newcastle Manager, Alan Pardew is willing to sacrifice centre-half Steven Taylor and pay around £6m for QPR’s France international striker, Loic Remy, 26. Manchester United target Kevin Strootman, 23, of PSV Eindhoven has confirmed “several clubs” are competing for his signature this summer - but none are the top teams in Europe. Manchester City midfielder, Gareth Barry, 32, has opened talks with Arsenal over a possible £4m move to the Emirates. Sunderland’s bid to sign Argentine full-back Gino Peruzzi, 21, from Velez Sarsfield appears to have hit a major snag, with the player demanding more money before he agrees a move to the Stadium of Light. Chelsea has had a second bid for Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, 26, rejected. But the Canaries have targeted Celtic keeper Fraser Forster, 25, as a replacement if Ruddy does leave Carrow Road. Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, 19, has opened the door on a possible move to Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City. Premier League newcomers Hull City’s £4.5m move for Burnley striker Charlie Austin has collapsed - because of “unforeseen obstacles.” Everton is considering a move for Paris St-Germain midfielder Clement Chantome, 25, amid rumours that Marouane Fellaini, 25, is to leave the club. Monaco will not sign any more players this summer unless a “very interesting opportunity arises,” according to sporting director Vadim Vasilyev. The club has spent about £112m in the current transfer window. Swedish international Marcus Berg, 26, is to leave Panathinaikos for Hamburg on a three-year deal.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Nadal after his loss

Sharapova slips in her second draw game Jo-Wilfried Tsonga taking treatment on the court

Wimbledon 2013: Year of unprecedented pull-out, upsets, records This year’s Wimbledon Tennis Championship at the All England Tennis Club would go down as one that recorded the highest number of withdrawals by players due to injury while seeds also fell to less known’s players, writes ADEYINKA ADEDIPE was heartwarming for the British to see IfirstTAndy Murray make history by becoming the Briton to win the Wimbledon men’s title in 77 years by beating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in Sunday’s final. Apart from this achievement, this year will also go down as the one that recorded one of the highest number of withdrawals in the history of the competition. On the fourth day of the competition, seven players led by men’s sixth seed, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and women’s second seed Victoria Azarenka were among those that withdrew. Others, who withdrew on that black Wednesday were Steve Darcis, who beat Rafael Nadal in the first round, but had to pull out

Serena, agonises after her loss

with a shoulder problem before his next round game, while both Marin Cilic and John Isner retired with knee injuries and a left hamstring problem ended Radek Stepanek’s campaign. Yaroslava Shvedova then also withdrew ahead of her second-round match with eighth seed, Petra Kvitova, citing an injury to her right arm. John Isner, Radek Stepanek and Yaroslava Shvedova also pulled out due to injury. Two-time finalist, Azarenka claimed the courts were of poor quality after falling twice in her first round 6-1, 6-2 victory over Maria Joao Koehler of Portugal and required lengthy treatment before continuing with heavy strapping on her knee. She, however, failed to show up for her second round game claiming due to the injury she sustained against Kohler. She said, “the court was not in a very good condition that day. My opponent fell twice and I fell badly,” said Azarenka. “I don’t know if it’s the court or the weather. I can’t figure it out. There is nothing I’ve done wrong that caused me to just withdraw from Wimbledon.” Tsonga, who withdrew with a knee problem while trailing Ernests Gulbis 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 required treatment at the end of the second set but he failed to recover and pulled out at the end of the third. Darcis, who was scheduled to play Lukasz Kubot of Poland, pulled out before the game could get under way. He said, “the injury happened against Rafa in the middle of the first set when I fell down.” A few hours after the Nadal match, I started to feel so much pain, I couldn’t sleep that night. “I saw the physio and the doctor the next day. They did a good job. It’s a little bit better today. But no chance I can play.” Both Isner and Stepanek, who required treatment during their second-round matches, also failed to recover enough to continue. American Isner had played just two games of his match against Adrian Mannarino of France when he was forced out with an injury to his left knee. However, organisers rejected Azarenka’s claims that the courts were of poor quality, describing them as “high quality.” But Maria Sharapova, who lost to Michelle Larcher De Brito on court two, referred to the surface as “dangerous.” The 2004 champion fell three times on court number two and required lengthy treatment on her hip in the second set. At one point, Sharapova complained to the umpire that the court was dangerous but after the match she refused to use this as an excuse for her defeat. “Those conditions are there for my opponent, I just took a lot more falls than she did,” said

Sharapova. “I’ve seen a lot of players fall and take a few hits and a few injuries. So I think that’s just part of the game, part of what we have to deal with. “I don’t think I’ve ever fallen three times in a match before in my career, so that was a little strange. But that’s certainly not an excuse. I give her a lot of credit, she played extremely well today. She was really solid from the baseline. “I don’t feel like I was aggressive enough. I wasn’t ready after the returns or the serves. She’s someone that plays extremely aggressive. I just wasn’t there.” Portugal’s De Brito, 20, suggested the court was slippery because there was cut grass sitting on the surface. “The dead grass hasn’t been swept off so it’s made it quite slippery,” said the 20-year-old, who reached the third round for the first time. I just tried to stay calm. I was playing so well. I was just trying to hang on in there and gave it my all and went for it.” Reacting to the players’ claim, Wimbledon Chief Executive, Richard Lewis said the courts were of high quality having passed through all the checks before the competition started. He said, “there has been a high number of withdrawals at the Championships today and we sympathise with all the players affected. The withdrawals have occurred for a variety of reasons, but there have been some suggestion that the court surface is to blame. We have no reason to think this is the case.” Lewis defended the court preparation, adding it was to “exactly the same meticulous standard as in previous years and it is well known that grass surfaces tend to be more lush at the start of an event. “The factual evidence, which is independently checked, is that the courts are almost identical to last year, as dry and firm as they should be, and we expect them to continue to play to their usual high quality.” Apart from the injury-plagued championship, top seeds – Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal- unexpectedly fell to lower ranked players in the competition. For the second straight year, Rafael Nadal left Wimbledon early after a stunning loss to a little-known player ranked in the hundreds. In one of the tournament’s greatest upsets, Nadal was knocked out in straight sets by 135thranked Steve Darcis of Belgium — the Spaniard’s first loss in the opening round of any Grand Slam event. The free-swinging Darcis defeated the twotime champion 7-6 (4), 7-6 (8), 6-4 on Court 1, ending Nadal’s 22-match winning streak and eliminating one of the Big Four of men’s tennis

I don’t think I’ve ever fallen three times in a match before in my career, so that was a little strange. But that’s certainly not an excuse. I give her a lot of credit, she played extremely well today. She was really solid from the baseline. “I don’t feel like I was aggressive enough. I wasn’t ready after the returns or the serves. She’s someone that plays extremely aggressive. I just wasn’t there on the very first day of the grass-court Grand Slam. After serving an ace down the middle on match point, Darcis conceded he was as surprised as everyone. “Nobody was expecting me to win,” he said. “So I had to play a good match, relax, and enjoy the game. That’s what I did.” Nadal, who just won the French Open, declined to blame any injury and gave full credit to the 29-year-old Darcis, who had never beaten a top-5 player before and has yet to go beyond the third round of any Grand Slam. “I don’t talk about my knee this afternoon,” Nadal said. “Only thing that I can say today is to congratulate Darcis. He played a fantastic match. Everything that I will say about my knee is an excuse, and I don’t like to put any excuse when I’m losing a match like I lost today.” Also, Federer, 31, suffered his earliest Wimbledon exit since 2002 loosing in the second-round defeat by world number 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky. The seven-time winner lost 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 7-6. Federer could be on his way out after dominating for over 10 years. Also, world number one, Serena Williams saw her winning streak and hopes of a sixth Wimbledon title end with a shock defeat by Germany’s Sabine Lisicki. Lisicki, the 23rd seed, won the fourthround encounter 6-2 1-6 6-4 on Centre Court. Williams said after the game, “I felt that I was on the verge of winning,” Williams added. “I felt really good and really confident. “At that point I just was physically unable to hold serve. My first serve percentage was going down. For me, I have to be able to serve well, especially on this court, and especially going up against such a really, really strong server like Sabine.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

62 | SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Team Nigeria to feature in six sports T EAM Nigeria will take part in six sports at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 3. According to the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa, the sports are athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, table tennis, boxing and para sports. The events in para sports are athletics, table tennis and

Corporate Champion Magazine heralds Telecom Games ORPORATE Champion, a glossy magazine devoted to activities of the Corporate Nigeria Games will be launched on Sunday, July 14 at the start of the 2013 Nigeria Telecom Games (NTG), which holds at the University of Lagos Sports Complex. Fela Bank-Olemoh, chief executive officer of MediaVision Limited, organisers of the games and publishers of the magazine described their newest introduction to the annual industry games as part of the vision to continuously regenerate the games through innovations.

powerlifting. Although, 17 sports such as athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, judo, lawn bowls, netball, rugby sevens, shooting, squash, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, weightlifting and wrestling will be competed for at the Commonwealth Games. Ndanusa said that as part of preparations for the games, a

Nigerian delegation comprising of NOC and National Sports Commission (NSC) officials visited Glasgow to meet with the Organising Committee of the games on vital issues relating to the competition. He added that everything relating to Team Nigeria’s successful outing at the Commonwealth Games were on track.

Katsina wins YSFON’s Shema Cup ATSINA at the weekend K defeated defending champions, Bauchi, by a lone goal to win the third edition of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria’s (YSFON) Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema U-17 Boys Soccer tournament. The match, which attracted thousands of soccer fans, including Katsina State’s Director of Sports, Nalado Iro Kankia, saw the Katsina team getting the winning goal in the dying minutes of the first half through a penalty converted by Nafiu Danladi. Speaking while presenting prizes to the teams, the Katsina State governor, who was represented by State’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mannir Ibrahim Talba, commended all the participating teams and offi-

cials for exhibiting the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tournament even as he promised the state government’s continuous sponsorship of the championship as its contribution to grassroots football development. He revealed that the state government is constructing a 35,000 capacity stadium, which when completed will be put into use for the benefits of youths of the state. In his closing remarks, National President of YSFON, Nasiru Gawuna, who was represented by the North East chairman of the Federation, Justice Habib Idris, expressed gratitude to Katsina State government for partnering with YSFON to develop grassroots football in the country.

THe GUArDIAn, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

SPOrTS | 63

8th IAAF World Championship

How Oduduru was discovered, by Agboro From Gowon Akpodonor, Donetsk, Ukraine th

S the 8 IAAF World Youth A Championship gets underway in Ukraine, Team nigeria’s Coach, raymond Agboro has revealed how he ‘dug deep’ to fish out Africa’s best youth sprinter of the moment, Divine Oduduru. Oduduru emerged as the overall best athlete, when nigeria hosted the maiden African Youth Championship (AYAC) in Warri, Delta State in March this year. He won two gold medals in the 100m and 200m before anchoring the nation’s medley relay team to victory. Speaking with The Guardian on arrival in Donetsk, venue of the competition, Coach Agboro, who has retired from the civil service, revealed that his determination to fish out

Oduduru

Dutch instructor tasks NFF on coaching, youth development By Olalekan Okusan Or nigeria to regain its place among the top football playing nations, there must be conscious efforts by the nigeria Football Federation (nFF) to build the capacity of the coaches as well as give quality attention to youth development. These were the views of Piet de Jong, who is one of the resource persons at the fiveday coaching course organised by Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF) in collaboration with royal netherlands Football Association (KnvB) concluded in Lagos on Monday. De Jong, an instructor with KnvA told The Guardian that from his interactions with the participants at the exercise, it was obvious that the country is endowed with quality personnel in terms of coaching,

Mali hits Ukraine with one athlete, targets 100m gold From Gowon Akpodonor, Donetsk, Ukraine HIS may not be the best of time for Mali Athletics Federation, as financial constrain has forced the country to send one female athlete, Aminata Kaita and a coach to the 8th IAAF World Youth Championship, which begins today in Donetsk, Ukraine. The setback notwithstanding, the country is hoping to capture the female 100m gold in the championship. Usman Maliko, who heads Mali’s athletics technical crew, told The Guardian yesterday that his country managed to raise funds for him to attend the championship. “My country does not have enough money to send many athletes to this World Championship. Only one female athlete will fly our flag and I am very confidence he will win the 100m gold.” Coach Maliko said Kaita, left Bamako for Donetsk few days ago. “She is already there in Ukraine. I am going to join her and I just hope she will do well so that the government of my country will see the need to invest in athletics like some other African countries.

but said that the nFF must coordinate them to bring out the best in them. The Dutch tactician admitted that the only thing nigeria lacked was organisation, which he said depends solely on nFF. “I think one of the things lacking is teaching young players the basics and this can be driven by the nFF by ensuring the structure is there for coaching and selection of players for the various nations teams. There must be master plan in terms of coaching and selection of players because nigeria has a large population and it is the organisation of this that will ensure the best is selected. “Also, the nFF must be ready to work with schools to ensure that the players are identified when they are still young from their various schools. For us, we believe nigeria has the prospects of being one of the best footballing nations in the world but the structure must be right from the youth development programme,” he said. The training, hosted at the state-of-the art sports facility of Greensprings School in Lagos, had 30 coaches drawn from across the country in attendance.

hidden talents led to the discovering of Oduduru few years ago during an Inter House Sports competition in Asaba, the Delta State capital. “I was in charge of sports at the Delta State University, Abraka, when I was recalled to Asaba. As the head of the state athletics team, I took it upon myself to always go to sporting events, especially inter house sports competitions within and outside the state capital. “At the inter house sports competition by West end Mixed Secondary School in Asaba, I saw this young boy performed wonder. Then, Oduduru was in the junior class (JSS2). His speed, stride and the way he took off from the block reminded me of some world-class athletes. After the race I moved in and that was how I have been guiding him since then.

Tour de France 2013

Marcel Kittel beats Mark Cavendish in sprint erMAnY’S Marcel Kittel G outsprinted countryman Andre Greipel and Briton Mark Cavendish to win stage 10 of the Tour de France into St Malo. Kittel struck late on a dramatic run-in to edge Greipel, with Cavendish easing up to take third after a clash that saw Kittel’s team-mate Tom veelers crash. Britain’s Chris Froome retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey that he claimed on stage eight in the Pyrenees.

Froome leads by one minute 25 seconds from Spaniard Alejandro valverde. Kittel, who also won stage one to claim the yellow jersey, became the first sprinter on this year’s 100th edition to win two stages. Cavendish, who won stage five, crossed the line shaking his head and later admitted his Omega PharmaQuickstep team needed to improve. “I think we as a team could have done something differently

Stage 10 results: 1. Marcel Kittel (Ger) Argos 4:53:25” 2. Andre Greipel (Ger) Lotto Same time 3. Mark Cavendish (GB) Omega Pharma-Quick-Step 4. Peter Sagan (Slo) Cannondale 5. William Bonnet (Fra) FDJ.fr OverALL STAnDInGS AFTer STAGe 10: 1. Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky 41:52:43” 2. Alejandro valverde (Spa) Movistar +1:25” 3. Bauke Mollema (ned) Belkin +1:44” 4. Laurens ten Dam (ned) Belkin +1:50” 5. roman Kreuziger (Cze) Saxo-Tinkoff +1:51”

Speaking further, Agboro said, “before the Warri 2013 AYAC Games, Oduduru ran 10.51 seconds in one of the competitions. When he ran 10.62 seconds to win the 100m during AYAC, I did not applaud him. The reason is simple. I told him that his performance was not encouraging because I expected him to run a better time than 10.62 seconds. “But I also realised that my absence at the AYAC Games might have affected his performance. Since I came into the camp, Oduduru has picked up greatly. I am not trying to say that the other coaches are not good. no, they have their areas of specialties just as I have mine. “Before Oduduru left nigeria for Ukraine, he could

easily do with 21.00 seconds in the 200m event and that is encouraging considering his young age. He is just coming out of secondary school and by the time we finish work on him, I am sure he will be a product for our rio 2016 Olympics Games project. He has the potentials,” Agboro stated. Oduduru is fondly called ‘Antelope’ by his fans due to his speed. He is not the only athlete the coach discovered for Team nigeria in the competition. “I also discovered Charles Okezie, who is the second fastest young sprinter in Africa at the moment. He is also a student of West end Mixed Secondary School in Asaba. He is currently in SS11 at the moment.

TheGuardian

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Ikenna Ugwu READ Babs Ajayi’s article: “The Grabby lives of Iwrote the Jonathans: Lesson from Cherie Blair.” Babs all the way from Quebec, Canada. Ideas have a multiplicity function. Bab’s idea of the article came (according to him) after he read Mrs. Cherie Blair’s autobiography, and mine came from reading his revealing article. Our goal is the same: To raise our voices, crying, screaming, perhaps the Jonathans will hear and learn. Babs’ article was a window into the life of former British first lady as revealed in her autobiography: “Speaking for Myself.” He talked about how things were and are done in the seat of power. He recommended the book for the Jonathans. But I am concerned about the place of Dame Patience Jonathan in President Jonathan’s Administration. I hope she read Mr. Bab’s article, too, because I’m sure she will be unnecessarily too busy to read Cherrie Blair’s book. Seeing Mrs. Jonathan’s assumed position in her husband’s government inspires myriad questions. And I wonder if she serves as just the president’s wife or as vice-president. She has assumed a more pivotal role in her husband’s Administration than in the family as a wife. The last time I checked, there is no constitutional provision for the office of the first lady, yet she is keenly and deeply immersed in governance. And we all fold our hands and watch, like helpless orphans. According to Babs, Cherrie Blair’s book presented the side of British Government that is “rigid and extremely careful with money,” succinctly stipulating “who spends the money and how it is spent.” But again, my effort is greatly challenged by the book’s expression of the system as a “long-held tradition” which clearly defines the role of friends and family members of the Prime Minister. I am concerned because our tradition is a funny practice; anything goes for whoever comes in to power. The till is overly open for whoever the President considers good enough. Cast your mind back, Turai Yar’Adua was considered to be ruling from the background especially when her husband president was incapacitat-

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A case to tame the Dame

Patience Jonathan ed by bad health. Today, Dame is perceptibly a political ‘masquerade’, recognised by Nigerian government as against the constitution and people of Nigeria. Such is the tradi-

tion here. If you are lucky enough to be the wife of a president or governor (first lady), then you are a governor or president of sort! Think about it, how many official (including medicals) trips has the first lady made since 2011 when her husband became President of Nigeria? Who sponsors those trips? It is the tax payer’s money. If you consider the position of Cherrie Blair as first lady and that of Dame Patience you will be sorry for Nigeria; a country where one out of every three children of school age is out of school, where over 120,000,000 people are still in darkness in 21st century. The problems with Nigeria abound. In functional democratic countries there is a limit to what you can do even as the President. The constitution is not just a set of rules that people use to leverage easy-life; it is a law, meant to guide us including people in authority. So, if the constitution does not recognise the office of the first lady why then does the country spend tax payer’s money on her concerns; paying her coterie of aides, sponsoring her politically frivolous expeditions? Unfortunately, even as I write, the first lady is brazenly busy justifying her supposed position, saying it is “inseparable” from the Presidency. Certainly, this is not democracy. It must be something else, for democracy is rule of law. The Nigeria’s first lady has been in the news for some time now after she made a N4 billion proposition in February through the Federal Capital Territory to the National Assembly for

the construction of the African First Ladies Peace Mission house in Abuja. The proposal has since then raised dust in public domain. Thanks to the National Assembly, which has quashed the unpopular proposal, saying it was irrational to commit scarce resources to a less important project. Well done. But again I ask – Is the Federal Republic of Nigeria responsible for the welfare of the First Ladies Mission? How did this proposal get into the budget of the FCT? For Christ sake, Nigeria is not obliged to build any house for the women group. I am thinking about what N4 billion will do for Nigeria: If properly invested in agriculture, for instance, jobs, food…. But the Dame does not think that way. She rather prefers the status of ‘Father Christmas,’ sharing money and material things to persons and groups. It is nice to be generous, but we are talking about a Nigeria project. The N5 million she recently lavished on the law students at Bwari caused a serious rift among the students. Mrs. Jonathan has to be checked. Like Babs noted in his piece, Mrs. Blair was constantly reminded by the British Government that she was “just” the prime minister’s wife,” that she was to be seen and not to be heard.” So, basically, Mrs. Blair had no business with the government. But Dame has become a co-ruler with her husband. There have been speculations in the media that her recent trip to Rivers State was to ensure the removal of Governor Rotimi Amaechi before he proves a stumbling block against her husband’s second term agenda. The media has also noted the role of the emerging ‘Iron first lady’ in the suspension of Amaechi from the People’s Democratic Party. Through Bab’s work I understand that Cherrie Blair was a tenant, precisely at No.11 Downing Street. She never lived in the government house, even as the prime minister’s wife; she was also a first rate barrister and kept her job throughout her husband’s reign. But what do we have here in comparison: Mrs. Jonathan, a permanent secretary in Bayelsa who lives in Aso Rock and never fulfils her responsibilities. My case is simple: there is a need to tame Dame Patience for the good of the nation. • Ugwu is a youth advocate and social commentator on national issues.

ASUU, ASUP and needless strikes By Tayo Demola HE essence of education to the growth and T development of any nation cannot be over emphasised. Education is so crucial to economic growth that any nation that genuinely hopes to develop must vehemently and consistently appropriate a large chunk of its budget to developing its educational sector. This is because without education, no nation would attain meaningful economic and socio-political development. . Now when we talk of our leaders being responsible, what we are saying is that they should stop paying lip service to the educational sector. There is no doubt that the best legacy any parent can give to his children is quality education, so our leaders should realise that there is an urgent need to overhaul the comatose educational sector in Nigeria because we cannot develop if we as a nation do not have a sound educational system. The fact is that there is hardly any segment of our educational system that does not require urgent attention. From the primary, secondary to the tertiary education in Nigeria, the same story of neglect abounds. But this time around, we are tired of promises, so we want action on the part of the government. Two months into the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has now embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike over the failure of the Federal Government to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with ASUU with respect to paying lecturers ‘‘EARN’’ allowance of N12,500 per month. While several moves had been made on the part of ASUU to ensure that the government implements the agreement, these had yielded no results over the years hence their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike as a last resort. The Nigerian education sector is at present in a state of rot and perennial neglect by successive governments and one wonders how we can attain the vision 20:2020 if education is not given utmost priority in the scheme of things.

ASUU on their part had reduced the ‘‘EARN’’ allowance, which is the bone of contention, to 80 per cent but the Federal Government agreed to pay 50 per cent. The issue here is why would a government legally enter into agreements and renege on such agreements? It beats one’s imagination that matters regarding education are handled with utmost levity by the government. Yet we cannot develop if education is relegated to the background in the scheme of things. There is no equality in a system where a local government councilor earns three or four times the salary of a university lecturer. Any system that relegates teachers’ welfare to the background will definitely produce halfbaked graduates and graduates who cannot prove their mettle in the labour market. Why would the government wait until lecturers embark on strike before taking action? Does it mean that strike is the only language the Nigerian government understands? When are we going to get to a time when lecturers will no longer embark on strikes in Nigeria? It is evident that strikes are really paralysing the already comatose education sector. With the current insecurity in Nigeria, why would a government allow our tertiary institution students to waste their

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i talents at home or roam the streets when they can be meaningfully engaged in the

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classroom? Some of these students who are now idle hands could be tempted to engage in nefarious activities or join criminal gangs to perpetrate crimes. An idle mind is definitely the devil’s workshop so the government must as a matter of urgency act to ensure it resolves the issues with the polytechnic and university lecturers so that these students can go back to school. The strike will not do anyone any good; it will only end up crippling an already ailing education sector. We were recently told by the Federal Ministry of Education that only about 500,000 applicants will eventually get admission into our tertiary institutions in 2013 out of about 1.7 million that sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) last April. Many eligible applicants are denied admission placements due to shortage of space in our institutions and there is shortage of space because these institutions lack the requisite facilities to accommodate them. One of the reasons why the education sector has degenerated to this sorry state is that the government keeps paying lip service to it with no proactive steps to forestall it. I think declaring a state of emergency in the education sector is long overdue to forestall a total collapse of the sector. A lot of reforms are urgently required in the sector. The government can do this if it is really serious in addressing the problems there. We are a country where so many talented people abound. But one sure way to discover and tap them for the benefit of the nation is when people have sound education. The Federal Government should urgently call ASUP and ASUU to a roundtable and iron out the issues with them so that they can call off the strike as soon as possible to avoid the negative consequences of these avoidable strikes. We want action now from the government and not unending but empty promises. It is high time we discouraged strike as the only tool that can coerce the government into action on matters of public concern. • Demola is Public Affairs analyst and director, Book Editors Nigeria, Lagos. E-mail: tayodemola@gmail.com