Wed 31 July 2013

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,634

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Govt orders payment of disengaged PHCN workers • Electricity firms get N5.2b special fund • Private investors decry scarcity of gas From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja N end to the controversy A over the payment of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers who are to be disengaged to enable new owners take over the country’s electricity plants is apparently now in sight.

And worried by the failure of the PHCN and its predecessors to effectively collect revenue, independent electricity producers in the country have charged government to hasten action on the issuance of prepaid meters to consumers.

The Chairman of the Independent Power Producers Association of Nigeria, Prof.

Jerry Gana, told The Guardian at the Federal Ministry of Power-Siemens Power Development Forum in Abuja that gas and meter issues should be reA soldier in front of a badly damaged car at the scene of an explosion in Sabon-Gari, Kano… yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Police charge Rivers House leader with attempted murder From Kelvin Ebiri Port Harcourt ITH the arraignment of W the Majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, yesterday, the crisis in the legislative chamber has taken another twist.

Lloyd, who is being held in police custody, is alleged to be going blind.

A Port Harcourt High Court ordered Lloyd to appear today after the police filed against him six charges which include attempted murder and conspiracy to kill.

Following the failure of the police prosecutor to produce Lloyd in court after they had been served a notice of hearing slated for yesterday, the presiding judge, Justice L. L. Nyordee, ordered that he be made available today to take his plea.

The police in charge No. PHC/1685 C12/2013 accused the House leader of attempted

• Produce Lloyd in court, judge orders • PDP condemns alleged bid to stop trial • Security operatives abort civil society rally murder contrary to Section 320 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 37 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999. He was also accused of conspiring with some other persons now at large to murder a fellow lawmaker, Okechukwu Chinda.

Another charge was that he had intended to maim, disfigure or disable Chinda who was purportedly hit with a dangerous weapon on July 9

when a free-for-all ensued inside the Assembly.

The police accused Lloyd of wilful and unlawful destruction of government’s property such as a legislative mace.

Shortly after the court directed that a notice of hearing be served at the police as the matter was supposed to commence yesterday afternoon, several pro-Governor Chibuike Amaechi lawmak-

ers and commissioners besieged the court premises for several hours in anticipation that the prosecutor would produce Lloyd.

When the court resumed sitting in the afternoon, the lead counsel to the detained lawmaker, Mr. Beluolisa Nwafor (SAN), informed the presiding judge that there was a proof that the police had been served the notice of hearing as

indicated by the police acknowledgement, yet they failed to appear in court and produce the accused.

Nwafor told the court that his client had been in police detention since July 23 contrary to the constitutional provision which stipulates that a person must not be held for more than one day without being arraigned in court. To this end, he accused the police prosecutor of breaching his statutory obligation, which requires that an accused must be produced in court on days when a case is slated to be heard.

Justice Nyordee who read a copy of the police acknowledgment of the notice of hear-

Death toll hits 45 in Kano blasts – Page 3 • Benin airport sealed off over taxes – Page 15 Senate summons Halliburton, Shell, others over violation of expatriate laws – Page 6 Nigeria unaware of UK visa bond take-off date, says Ashiru — Page 6

ing served by a deputy sheriff, said he did not understand the rationale behind the failure of the prosecutor to produce the accused in court even when there was evidence that he had been served a hearing motion.

The judge who cautioned all parties involved to take due cognisance of their responsibilities and keep themselves within the bounds of the law, issued a fresh order for the hearing of the matter today to enable the accused take his plea.

Nyordee, however, ruled out the possibility of hearing a motion for bail filed by counsel to the detained lawmaker today since the prosecutor was yet to respond to the application filed by the accused.

Nwafor, who was infuriated by the attitude of the police, warned that if they failed to produce his client in court today, he would appeal to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

NEWS

Experts raise concern over influx of foreign pilots, others

By Wole Shadare NLESS the Federal GovU ernment moves fast, Nigeria may find itself in serious shortage of indigenous pilots and aircraft engineers as expatriates are fast dominating the aviation industry.

Already, there are about 170 registered unemployed pilots in the country. The Niger

Delta has trained another 30, who are about to graduate from schools in South Africa, just as Kano State is also said to have trained another 100 pilots in Jordan.

The implication is that in the next few months, Nigeria will have over 300 unemployed pilots, who have been trained at a great expense but may not be employed. Investiga-

• Over 300 Nigerian pilots jobless tion by The Guardian shows that there are about 200 foreign registered aircraft with

Nigerian interest operating in and out of the country, and at least 75 of them are almost permanently based in Nige-

ria.

This means that there is a potential to employ about 225 at the least and about 800 pilots at the maximum for general aviation. This translates to

keeping at least $96,000,000 within the country’s economy every year in pilots’ salaries.

Rather than employ Nigerian CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Electricity firms get N5.2 billion for maintenance CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 solved quickly to make the sector more attractive to private investors.

The Federal Government’s directive on the immediate release of severance pay to the workers came after many postponements.

In what looks like a lastminute effort to put the nation’s electricity utilities in reasonable shape before final take-over by new owners, government has released N5.2 billion, a kind of special intervention fund, to distribution and generation companies for operation and maintenance .

Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, who disclosed this yesterday at the forum, stressed that he had approved the payment to start immediately and was hopeful that the workers would get their severance pay before the end of the week.

Highlighting some challenges that previously plagued the electricity sector, he said: “Labour negotiations

were stalled because of complaints about non-coverage of temporary members of staff in the settlement scheme.

There were existing schisms between TCN and Manitoba because of unclear delineation of roles. Consequently, Manitoba’s members of staff were not allowed access to their offices. The transmission network, which hitherto had received very little investment, was becoming increasingly unstable and more sensitive to new generation.

There was uncertainty and loss of confidence among some of our key investors and critical development partners about the commitment of the government to the reform process and the transformation of the power sector in general.”

Faced with the task of getting the sector back on the transformation track, he stressed that government had managed to “steer the ship in the right direction and has recorded some significant achievements ever since.”

He listed the accomplishments as: “Signing of Transac-

tion and Industry Agreements for PHCN Successor Companies; receipt of the initial payment of 25 per cent by the preferred bidders of the five generating and 10 distribution companies; inauguration of the new Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Supervisory Board of Directors as well as the issuance of the Schedule of Delegated Authority (SODA) to Manitoba Hydro of Canada, the new contract managers of TCN; release of AfDB loan of $100 million to TCN for critical transmission projects; release of N5.2 billion special intervention fund to distribution and generation companies for operation and maintenance services; virtual settlement of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) labour issues - the workers are currently awaiting their pay cheques .”

He said the collaborative effort with Siemens was intended to stimulate project development efforts by the private sector that would impact positively on the development of electricity sector infrastructure, especially with

the government’s avowed commitment to the liberalisation of the electricity market.

The minister said: “It may be pertinent to use this opportunity to talk on some recent policy changes and major initiatives aimed at ensuring that we sustain and keep building on the gains recorded in these few months. We are also increasing efforts to attract more foreign direct investment to the sector and we continue to push policies, reforms and incentives that will make our emerging market a preferred target destination for the world’s leading power companies.

“All these initiatives are to ensure that upon completion of our privatisation efforts, we will not only have a transmission network system in place that can conveniently and reliably wheel as much power as will be generated by up-coming power plants but that we also put in place a fully privatised electricity market place that can regulate itself by the market variables and serve as a foundation for the future

PDP condemns alleged bid to stop Lloyd’s trial CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 court to strike out all the charges against the lawmaker and sue for malicious prosecution.

But the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned an alleged attempt by the state government to make the court to let Lloyd off the hook.

In a statement, the PDP accused Amaechi of using his Attorney-General, and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, Chief of Staff, Tony Okocha and others to compel the presiding judge to have Lloyd arraigned in court yesterday against August 6 scheduled for his arraignment.

The statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media

to the state party chairman, Jerry Needam, described as illegal and unjustified for a court of law to issue an order to produce Lloyd in court today and proceed to hear the matter.

The party, therefore, urged all interested parties in the matter, as the case comes up today, to be cautious, saying that justice must be allowed to prevail.

Meanwhile, a planned rally in defence of democracy organised by Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition (NDCSC) was yesterday aborted by armed policemen who barricaded the Liberation Stadium and Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.

The NDCSC chairman, Anyakwee Nsirimovu, described the decision of the police to abort the rally as a sad development and a vio-

lation of one of the major tenets of democracy which is the freedom of expression.

As early 7.00 a.m. yesterday, scores of armed policemen and armoured personnel carriers were deployed in the Liberation Stadium at Elekahia and Isaac Boro Park to prevent the participants in the rally from assembling at both venues.

Some irate youths who were opposed to the rally stormed the Port Harcourt International Airport to protest against Prof. Wole Soyinka, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana and other activists who were billed to address the rally.

Having prevented the activists from assembling, some of the policemen then followed the organisers of the rally to an event centre at the Stadium Road in Port Harcourt and also barricaded the place.

Nsirimovu told journalists that they had organised the rally to warn all the warring parties in the state of the dire consequences of their inordinate action that has resulted in the flagrant abuse of the rule of law and

acts of impunity.

“It was planned to be a peaceful rally, we had slated the Liberation Stadium to be our meeting venue. On getting there this morning, the Nigeria Police, under the leadership of Joseph Mbu, took over the stadium and didn’t allow us to get into the stadium to do what we wanted to do,” he said.

“It’s in that regard that we relocated to this place to inform and share with all of you that this is a sad day for democracy, not just in Rivers State, but in Nigeria, a day when freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association were jettisoned with the presence of law enforcement officers, who are meant to protect us and allow us to participate freely in a democracy.”

Reverend David Ugolor, on his part, warned that if the police did not remain neutral in unfolding political disputes, the country’s democracy would be compromised.

Ugolor declared that it was wrong for anybody to be victimised because of their political ambitions.

Our error N one of our stories entitled “Activists plan mass Icribed action in Rivers,” last week, we inadvertently asa statement from a group, Niger Delta Professionals, to Mr. Onoriode Izomo instead of Mr. Andrew O. Ugbovoro.

The error is regretted.

3

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

News Sultan asks Nigerians to rise against insurgency • Death toll hits 45 in Kano blasts, security agencies confirm 12 • Kwankwaso, Afenifere, Arewa condemn violence • Attacks won’t affect amnesty talks, says Turaki • Military deploys more troops to Borno From Madu Onuorah, Mohammed Abubakar (Abuja), Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna) Kamal Tayo Oropo, Seye Olumide (Lagos), Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) Murtala Muhammed and Abba Anwar (Kano) ARELY 48 hours after mulB tiple blasts rocked Sabo Gari area of Kano metropolis, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’a Nasir Islam (JNI) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has warned that the plan of the insurgents is to throw the North and the entire country into a bloody crisis which Nigerians must resist.

Also, indications yesterday emerged that the death toll in the Monday blasts may have risen to 45.

However, the spokesperson for the military Joint Task Force in Kano, Captain Ikedichi Iweh, told journalists that only 12 persons were killed.

Meanwhile, while condemning attacks, the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, otherwise known as Amnesty Committee, has however, assured that the latest violence would not affect its efforts Kano State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso yesterday described the blasts as an attack on Nigeria.

Following the attack and killing of 22 members of the Borno Vigilance Youths Group (BVYG) in Dawashi and Mainok in Borno State by the Islamist Boko Haram last Saturday, the military yesterday said it would send more troops and equipment to the state .

Similarly, the Federal Government has extended by two months the tenure of the Amnesty Committee to enable it do a thorough job.

Also, the pan-Yoruba sociocultural and political organisation, Afenifere and the Arewa elders have condemned the Kano blasts and called on the Federal Government to tackle the rising violence in the country.

In the same vein, the BVYG has foiled an assassination plot of an Islamic cleric (name withheld) by a suspected Boko Haram member at the Bulunkutu Central Mosque, as the group seized his rifle and killed him at about 1.15p.m. on Monday.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha has cautioned members of the Senate Committee on Defence, Police, Army and National Security on the immediate restoration of Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) in the state, as he said there are still “pockets of Boko Haram insurgency” in some parts of the state.

The Sultan made the call in a statement issued by the JNI General Secretary, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, yesterday in Kaduna.

He said: “JNI is perplexed that this act of unleashing terror on human lives continued unabated, despite visible number of uncountable security check-points mounted all through Northern Nigeria.

“More worrisome is the fact that this beastly act of terror comes just 24 hours after unleashing same on fishermen and traders in Kaka and Kukawa local council areas of Borno State, which also claimed many innocent lives and lost of property worth millions of naira.

“The Sultan of Sokoto received with bewilderment the news of the orchestrated multiple bomb blasts which were reported to have occurred yesterday night, (Monday) at Sabon Gari, Kano resulting in collateral damages and many lives lost.

“We strongly condemn the inhuman and ungodly act in totality as reprehensible, and we equally call for calm and restraint. As it has always been our prayers, whatever may be the intent or motive of the perpetrators of these contemptible acts, they will never succeed.

“These repeated acts call for concerted introspection, as they again point to the fact that there is urgent need for proactive and effective ways of addressing these precarious security upheavals presently being witnessed in the country” .

Sources at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and the state-owned Murtala Muhammed General Hospital told The Guardian that they counted about 45 bodies of victims deposited there.

Kwankwaso who spoke during a visit to the scenes of the blasts disclosed that all the victims would be taken care of by the state government.

Afenifere in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, said: “It appears to us that the government was being lured into some false sense of security so the sect could re-strategise for more devastating attacks.

“It would be recalled that all manners of leaders and ‘statesmen’ were piling pressures on the government to enter into dialogue with the terrorists before the state of emergency was declared in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states weeks ago.

“The military action that followed the bold move by the government led to a bomb holiday in the North East, which has been the headquarters of insurgency.

“Thereafter, the coordinated assault opened an added axis of evil in the North West

to continue the low-intensity warfare, assault and killings.”

Afenifere, however, noted that it was in the midst of all that Turaki announced that he had secured ceasefire with Boko Haram. He was later to be disowned by Boko Haram and the latest dangerous assaults being launched by the group clearly suggests, according to Afenifere, “that Turaki may be working for a fifth column.”

Afenifere, therefore, urged the Federal Government to disband the Turaki-led committee as it has, purportedly, outlived its usefulness.

The Afenifere also urged a probe of the chairman of the panel to ascertain where his hoax ceasefire came from.

Arewa elders said yesterday that those responsible have proved that they were not true Muslims by engaging in killings and maiming innocent people in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Arewa Consultative Forum’s (ACF) National Publicity Secretary , Mr. Anthony Sani said “the ACF is shocked and sad over the reports of four explosions which killed and wounded many people yesterday (Monday) in Kano”, stressing “ these kinds of killing of innocent people have no place in all religions and in decent societies” .

Noting that the unfortunate incident in Kano “amounts to desecration of the month of Ramadan”, the Arewa elders remarked that those responsible “ should, therefore, be condemned by all those who cherish core values of humanity, like freedom, justice and common decency”.

Speaking with State House correspondents yesterday after collecting his extension letter, Turaki said: “I heard the information of the sad event that took place in Kano.

It’s really unfortunate that at this time when serious efforts are being made by government through many fronts to make sure that these issues are sorted out, then some people who do not wish this country well are trying to pull the hand of the clock backwards, I think it’s unfortunate.

“But let me say on behalf of the committee on dialogue that we are undeterred. We will proceed with the discussions and by the special grace of God and by the prayers of all peace-loving Nigerians we will be able to conquer incidents like these.”

Reacting to calls for the disbandment of the amnesty committee, the minister appealed to Nigerians for more patience, saying that the process was not something that could achieve the desired results over night because it had lots of competing interests.

A victim of the bomb blasts in Kano “We will call on Nigerians to continue to be patient. In this kind of situation, there are a lot of segments to it. There are people who are engaged in it on the basis of ideology or dogma. Some people are doing it on the basis of economic benefits. Some people are fifth columnists who whatever you do will make sure you don’t succeed.

The committee which was inaugurated in April by President Goodluck Jonathan was given three months within which to ensure that there is total peace and complete disarming of the Boko Haram insurgents.”

Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Chris Olukolade said in Abuja yesterday that the special forces being deployed have been directed to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent incidents are tracked down.

Already, he said, the man-

hunt for the perpetrators of the mayhem “is in progress accordingly.”

“The Special Forces have been directed to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent incidents are tracked down and the manhunt for them is in progress, accordingly.

Meanwhile more troops and equipment are being deployed into the operation to ensure better coverage and protection of communities in the operational area,” he added.

The slain suspect, according to Isa Ibrahim, one of the youths who participated in the operation, walked into the mosque in a white flowing gown with AK 47 rifle, before he was arrested and killed.

The deputy governor gave the caution yesterday when the Senate committee members, led by George Sekibo were at the Government House, Maiduguri to assess

the state of security in the state.

His words: “We as government and the people of Borno State want to use this opportunity to thank members of the Senate committee on Defence, Army, Police and National Security, Joint Task Force (JTF) and the vigilance youths in the fight against terrorism. All your efforts are highly commendable as we tremendously witness improved security of life and property in this state.

“Besides, the dusk to dawn curfew has been relaxed by three hours to enable Muslims perform their Ramadan fast.”

Mustapha however noted: “If the restoration of GSM networks will affect the relative peace we are now enjoying, it is better to live without telephones services; and be going to either Adamawa or Yobe states to make calls in case of emergencies.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

4 NEWS

Sambo heads anti-terror panel

Agip workers’ strike may worsen power inadequacy

Anyim leads ICRC board

From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba

From Mohammed Abubakar and Emeka Anuforo

IGERIA’S epileptic power N supply may get worse as some protesting oil workers

HE Presidency has set up a T committee headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo to

at the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at Okpai, in Ndokwa East Local Council of Delta State, have laid down tools.

NAOC operates Okpai gas plant, which supplies gas to the 480 megawatts power plant located in the community. Their spokesman, Mr. John Anochie, explained that they were initially placed on a monthly salary of N67,000 under a condition called “Labour Services” but were shocked in July last year when their wages were slashed to a paltry N30,000 per month, which the company also withheld for over six months.

According to them, Agip also deprived them access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) medical facilities, eating at the members of staff canteen as well as Christmas and New Year break and bonuses.

Akpabio visits Umanah, apologises From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo HE face-off between GoverT nor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Umanah Okon Umaanah, started mending yesterday when the governor visited the home of the SSG unannounced.

Akpabio, who was returning from an official visit to Abuja, drove straight to the SSG’s house in Ewet Housing Estate and went in for a closed-door meeting that lasted over three hours. Though details of the meeting were still unknown, The Guardian learnt that the governor apologised to him over the manner he was locked out of office on Monday.

Security operatives had sealed up the SSG’s office and carried out checks at the gate to the Government House, a situation that was unusual.

President, Rotary International, Gary Huang (left); his wife, Corina and Senate President, David Mark, during the Huangs’ courtesy visit to Mark in Abuja.

Attackers kill five in Taraba From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo O fewer than five persons N were said to have been killed yesterday in Tapga Village in Ibi Local Council of Taraba State following an attack by heavily armed persons. The attackers were said to have come from neighbouring Tarok Village in Plateau State.

Scores of persons were also said to have sustained injuries in the attack and are being treated in various clinics in Wukari and Ibi councils.

According to an eyewitness, the incident has now compelled the people to take refuge in Jibo Village of Wukari Local Council.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ibi Local Council, Adamu Ishaku, told The Guardian that the attackers came from Plateau and took the villagers unawares. According to him, their plan was to invade and attack Sarki-Kudu Village but they could not cross the river, so they ended up attacking Tapga Village.

Though he said that only three persons were killed ac-

cording to the report available to him, a witness told The Guardian that “over three persons” were hacked down.

Ishaku, who could not tell the reason for the attack, was sad that the bad terrain of Tapga Village has denied them the protection of security operatives.

According to him, security personnel complained that they cannot reach the area except by helicopter because the road is bad, especially in rainy season. Nevertheless, a senior police officer said the command was working on

the situation.

However, one of the fleeing villagers said they would not return until their lives and property are guaranteed, adding: “As I am talking to you now, we don’t know what the situation in our village looks like because there is no attempt by the state government and the police to come to our rescue.

“Some of us who are energetic enough succeeded in escaping, but what of our aged ones, our women and children that we left behind?”

‘Over 300 Nigerian pilots jobless’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 pilots, airlines hire from Eastern Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, the reason many of the aircraft cockpits are dominated by foreign nationals.

Aside Bristow Helicopters and a few other airlines, most Nigerian carriers frequently poach personnel to boost their operations with less regard for training of pilots to take over from the ageing ones. This situation has negative effect on a sector that is safety-driven.

Since the liquidation of Nigeria Airways, many of the trained and experienced workers have either died or retired, leaving a few that are now being threatened out of existence by the influx of their foreign counterparts.

President of Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore, said there is need to provide more aviation training facilities such as flying schools and Aviation Training Organisations (ATO) to tackle ageing manpower and dwindling technical skills.

According to him, the fore-

most aviation training school in Nigeria, the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, should be upgraded in every possible way to enable it regain its pride of place as Africa’s number one training centre.

“The influx of expatriate pilots and engineers has become so worrisome that expatriate quota has become a big issue in the aviation industry,” he said. “Its effect in airline economics can better be imagined. Apart from the huge cost to our airlines, it inevitably leads to capital flight because of the dearth of Nigerian professionals.”

Aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, said the statistics is scary, just as he indicted the relevant institutions and pilots’ unions. He noted that the new aviation policy, if implemented to the letter, would help to reduce professional wastage.

He urged the pilots union to accept that it woke up late to realise the deep rot in the private jet lease and charter operations, adding: “They should brace up to this problem.”

exit Nigeria from the list of countries with a poor antimoney laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) record.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), with a charge to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure fruitful partnership with the private sector to address infrastructural deficit.

Government has also ordered immediate sanitisation of the country’s international airports to ensure strict enforcement of currency declaration rules by travellers.

The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) in 2009 placed Nigeria among the grey list countries that had not made progress in the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime.

The ceremony conducted by Sambo on behalf of the President was held at the State House, Abuja yesterday.

He tasked the board under the chairmanship of former Senate President, Ken Nnamani to build on the achievements of the pioneer board, headed by former head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Minister laments neglect of the disabled in MDGs From Omotola Oloruntobi, Abuja HE Minister of Women AfT fairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, yesterday in Abuja canvassed the inclusion of persons with disability in Nigeria’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in line with international development standards.

This is coming ahead of the 68th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, which focuses on “Disability Inclusive Development Agenda” towards 2015 and beyond.”

She disclosed that in line with the ILO Convention No.159 of 1983 relating to vocational rehabilitation and equalisation of employment opportunities, the ministry has organised economic empowerment programme for persons with disabilities.

Group endorses Keyamo for Senate

By Anthony Chidubem Nwachukwu OLLOWING the demise of Fpolitical Senator Pius Ewherido, a platform in Delta State, Delta Forces United (DFU), has asked constitutional lawyer, Festus Keyamo, who was nursing a gubernatorial ambition for 2015, to contest the forthcoming byeelection in Delta Central Senatorial District to fill the vacancy in the Senate.

DFU co-ordinators in the district were said to have consulted and agreed that the Urhobo nation needed to put forward its best material in the Senate, while not forgetting the governorship race in 2015.

NEWS 5

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Anambra PDP kicks against zoning of governorship seat From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu OW to move Anambra H State forward was the kernel of discussion at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting held in Enugu yesterday.

At the forum, the party leaders kicked against zoning, saying the state would benefit more should the people support and vote for a candidate with the capacity to develop Anambra in the November 2013 governorship election.

They stated that the dream and vision for the creation of Anambra State would only be realised when the indigenes vote according to merit and shun what they described as “money bags parading the state in the name of campaign” so as to have a state free from corruption.

Niger debunks rumour over 68km road From John Ogiji, Minna IGER State government N yesterday said the Federal Government is not responsiYouths protesting against the state of the nation in Lagos…yesterday

NWC members dismiss APGA’s peace deal From Leo Sobechi (Abakaliki) and Uzoma Nzeagwu (Awka) EMBERS of the National M Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have dismissed the recent reconciliation between Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and the party’s embattled National Chairman, Mr. Victor Umeh, stressing that “any peace that does not address the constitutional issues involved will at the end of the day spell doom for the party.”

Essentially, the NWC members maintained that “as long as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to recognise the executives of APGA thrown up by the 2011 national convention of the party, any candidate of the party who wins election on the nomination of such executive stands to lose such mandate in the court of law”.

In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Bernard Akoma, the NWC declared that the

party has played into the hands of its rivals, especially with regards to the November Anambra State governorship election, insisting that “the romantic kiss at the Government House in Awka between Peter Obi and Victor Umeh can best be described as a ground-breaking celebration of victories for other political parties.”

The statement pointed out that any peace deal that does not address the internal problem of the party would only succeed in exposing APGA to failure, as it will prepare the grounds for other parties to benefit from the party’s misfortune.

“The issue is that any structure that does not stand on the dictates of the law cannot stand the test of time, as law does not create room for anybody to benefit from illegality.

If Obi, Umeh peace deal is one that allows the Umeh-led national executive to continue piloting the affairs of the party, including the conduct of the forthcoming elections in

Anambra, the consequences are that candidates on the ticket of the party may end up labouring in vain as their victories will surely be challenged by other parties and chances are that they may end up working for others”.

They insisted that the Appellate Court judgment, which gave Umeh a temporary reprieve was judgment without justice since, according to them, “it did not state in any way that the 2011 national convention of APGA, which is a pertinent issue, was duly conducted according to its constitution.

“This is a time bomb waiting to explode at the right time. It is, therefore, our earnest conviction that any attempt to placate this constitutional issue now in the name of reconciliation will amount to laying a political landmine that will eventually bomb APGA out of existence. If we, the members of APGA, fail to be courageous enough to address this anomaly now, our opponents will do that for

us later when we shall be most pained”.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Board of Directors, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), Emeka Umeagbalasi, has described the reconciliation of differences between Obi and Umeh as a welcome development to

the organisation and the South-East zone.

In a statement in Awka yesterday, Umeagbalasi said the reconciliation on July 29, 2013, is also in line with their strong belief in alternative dispute resolution approach as opposed to self-help and litigation approaches, especially in matters of civil disputes.

Jonathan charges NASENI to produce aircraft parts, others From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday tasked the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to work towards producing the first made-in- Nigeria aircraft components in collaboration with the private sector, manufacture heavy-duty trucks, tanks and tropicalised electric cars and produce multipurpose electric motors and generators, all here in Nigeria.

The President, who gave the

P

challenge while inaugurating the Governing Board of NASENI at the State House, Abuja, also challenged the agency to bridge the missing link between Nigeria’s economic and technological development.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, would want the agency to work relentlessly towards attracting accelerated investment with good funding prospects and upwards of 5,000 new businesses.

Workers demand removal of minister, Aganga

By Itunu Ajayi, Abuja.

HILE the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, was busy reeling out the achievements of his ministry to the entire world in Abuja yesterday, many of the ministry’s worker staged a protest, demanding immediate sack of the minister alongside his Permanent Secretary, Dauda Kigbu.

The workers, who alleged that they had suffered untold hardship under the administration of Aganga, posited that he is no longer in the capacity to head the ministry for what they described as

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poor performance and gross incompetence.

The workers who trooped out in their hundreds to stage the protest at the ministry simultaneously as the minister spoke of his achievements at the 2013 ministerial platform at the Radio House, Abuja, accused Kigbu and the Director, Commercial Law Department, Mrs. Nima Salmann of complicity.

A Commercial Officer who spoke for the workers, Mr. Okonkwo Onwuyan, said poor funding, poor welfare packages, dirty environment, dilapidated structures and lack of infrastructure have been the hallmark of the ministry.

According to him, workers in the ministry had suffered untold hardship since the minister assumed office, adding that all efforts to make the minister address the situation were rebuffed.

Onwuyan also alleged that the minister hardly stays in the ministry to oversee its affair, adding that the workers had nicknamed him “the flying minister”, which he said had translated into inaction in the ministry.

He said Aganga approved N10 million for staff to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah, which he said negates what the union agreed with him.

According to him, by the time

each staff gets his own share of the N10m, he will be going home with N2, 000 to N3, 000, which he said is unacceptable.

“In the sister ministry, one person will be going home with N20, 000 to N30, 000, are we cursed here?”

Onwuyan said.

Also, a worker who simply identified herself as Felicia claimed that while other ministries are being treated with good welfare packages during the Ramadan, they are being given N2, 500.

“Every festival the minister gives us N2, 500 and there is no single training for any of the staff,” she said.

The workers carried placards with inscriptions such as “Aganga must go!”, “Aganga bargaining for improved salary for staff as a professional ministry”, and “Husband and wife are ruling the ministry” The workers accused the minister and his wife of running the ministry aground, stating that such impunity would no longer be tolerated.

Policemen were however on ground to control the surging protesting workers.

An official of the ministry who pleaded anonymity however said that the workers’ grouse against the minister is personal.

ble for the construction of some 68 -kilometre roads across the state.

Among the roads is that of Kwakuti-Kaffinkoro-Gwada, which the government said, is being executed by the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, told journalists during an inspection tour of state government projects, that the clarification become necessary because some members of the public and opposition politicians are spreading the rumour that the project is being handled by the Federal Government.

Lagos Assembly warns councils over contracts

By Wole Oyebade

AGOS State House of Lcouncils Assembly has warned local and chairmen in the state to desist from awarding contracts that are not supported by budgeted funds.

The warning was issued as lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction over several cases of contracts financed with bank loans and attendant rising debt profiles in the councils.

Most disturbing for the House is councils’ approval of multi-million naira contracts, most of which exceed the amount laid down in the Local Government Administration Guidelines for each contract.

CPN to move against quacks

By Azeez Olorunlomeru RESIDENT of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Mrs. Sekinat Yusuf, has said that her tenure would adhere to the Act that established the organisation to regulate the information technology professional practices and guard against quacks.

She stated that the organisation would properly regulate both formal and informal sectors to accredit schools for training and retraining of professionals.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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Senate summons Halliburton, Shell, others over violation of expatriate laws From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja OME major multinational Sstruction oil exploration and concompanies, including Halliburton and Shell would be appearing before the Senate over violation of expatriate regulations.

The erring companies, which are accused of flagrant abuse of expatriate laws, are expected to give details of their compliance to expatriate and labour laws when they appear before the Senate Committee, Employment, Labour and Productivity.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Wilson Ake, disclosed yesterday in Abuja that over 60 per cent of the major construction companies and oil giants have refused to comply with labour laws.

Nigeria unaware of UK visa bond take-off date, says Ashiru From Oghogho Obayuwana, Foreign Affairs Editor HE Federal Government is yet to be officially informed T about the decision by the

Commissioner for Education, Cross Rivers State, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong (middle) cutting the tape to commissioning the Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River. He is supported by Education Secretary, Abi Local Council, Francis Anih (left); Regional Operations Director, Airtel Nigeria, South, Godfrey Efeurhobo (second left); Zonal Business Manager (South East), Ikezu Onyekwucha (fourth left) and Ediba Traditional Head, Oval George Egbe ((right) … yesterday.

Dangers of corruption to polity, by Braithwaite From Charles Coffie Gyamfi, Abeokuta and Joe Adiorho

• Urges Jonathan to stop centenary celebration

OUNDER of Nigeria AdFTunji vance Party (NAP), Dr. Braithwaite, yester-

Abeokuta.

Delivering the lecture with the theme: God’s Love for the World, he told the gathering that God’s love for the world was the coming to the world of God Himself, incarnate (John 3:16-18). He said that it would be an unforgivable sin for the believers in this country to deny that Divine love: “For that love is so manifest, among other things, in the abundance of human and natural resources throughout the length and breadth of our land. It is a paradox,

day, in Abeokuta, Ogun State warned that unless Nigerians, collectively and with singleness of purpose, stand-up and squarely fight and dethrone corruption before any general election, there would be a catastrophic explosion.

Braithwaite issued this warning as guest lecturer at the 2013 Jesus Carnival and 37th Diocesan Anniversary of the 170th Year of Christianity in Egbaland, held in

therefore, in this country to see the level of poverty and misery suffered by the mass of the people.”

He said that the impunity with which corruption was being perpetrated in the country at every level of civil administration has exposed the tenuous and fragile foundation of Nigeria’s brand of democracy to the danger. According to him, the electoral, judicial and administrative systems and practices are so steeped in corruption and it had so severely exacerbated conditions of poverty and aggravated problems of insecurity.

He explained that the masses of those that feel so aggrieved as a result of both actual increasing levels of socio-political and socio-economic inequalities, coupled with perceived injustice occasioned by corrupt practices would protest violently, which might rise to fatalistic proportions.

He said that the security situation or its lack in the country underscored by the frequency of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and other forms of violent crimes in the country was a creation of corruption. “I hope and pray that ‘Boko Haram’ phenomenon will soon pale into history, albeit, a dark spot on the pages of our history,” he said.

Braithwaite took a swipe at the present administra-

tion for planning to celebrate the amalgamation centenary. “Let the word go forth that the simpleminded proposal of the Jonathan administration to celebrate the centenary of Nigeria’s amalgamation – in 1914 by the fiat of a British colonial officer is precisely a disgrace to the present generation!

According to him, it would have been a different thing altogether, if the people were celebrating a Founding Fathers’ birth of a nation that over the years had blossomed into a strong, cohesive and socio/political vibrant force in the comity of nations. “The reverse sadly is the case here. We therefore, call on President Jonathan to perish the idea of this disgraceful celebration.”

He stated further that instead of celebrating and venerating a bad history of enslavement, this generation should use the occasion of its centenary to finally destroy its last inglorious relics, and simultaneously birth a modern and progressive nation.

“The reality today, of that amalgamation is that both in legal and political contexts, the amalgamation bond expires in 2014 by ‘Effluxion’ of time, unless the peoples concerned, voluntarily agree its terms and or modify them.

Braithwaite then strongly admonished Jonathan to use the opportunity avail-

able to him to convoke a Sovereign National Conference. “It is a generational duty and an imperative for this generation and, we can confidently predict that whether or not this administration buys into the imperatives of a Peoples Conference to agree the national and political direction of Nigeria, this generation will themselves surely, hopefully in an orderly but firm manner, resolve this core issue of their own destiny. And that shall be pretty soon,” he predicted.

Braithwaite’s audience included the retired Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Jasper Peter Akinola, Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Adekunle, Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, traditional rulers and other eminent Nigerians.

The Bishop Adekunle lamented the state of the nation, saying, “Peace has eluded the country. Nigeria is not enjoying peace; there is riot here and there, arson and community clashes and killings by the Boko Haram, all these have contributed to the present precarious security situation.”

All members from the audience, including Primate Akinola who made some comments agreed with Braithwaite that corruption is leading Nigeria into a doom hence the country’s political leaders should reexamine themselves and take urgent steps to redress the situation before it gets too late.

British government to commence the implementation of the controversial visa bond scheme whereby certain categories of citizens would be require to pay 3, 000 pounds before entering the United Kingdom (UK).

The latest Nigerian position on the matter is coming amid reports by a section of Nigeria media that the British government plans to commence the implementation of the scheme in November this year.

The statement quoted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru as saying: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to receive official notification on the final decision of the UK government on the Visa Bond.

The Federal Government has already conveyed its objection to the bond payment to the UK government. When the communication is received, government will take appropriate action based on its national interest.”

Last month, the Nigerian government made its objection to the bond payment by first time applicants when Ashiru summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock to his Tafawa Balewa House office and it was also indicated that Nigeria would take necessary steps to protect its national interest if the visa bond policy becomes

Govt to improve migration policies From John Okeke, Abuja HE Federal Government has drafted two migration policies - the National Migration Policy and the Labour Policy - aimed at curbing the multi-faceted challenges of migration in Nigeria.

The two national policies to protect Nigeria workers’ welfare were drafted by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity (FMLP), collaborating with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other partners.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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GADA tasks lawmakers on discriminatory provisions against women From Anietie Akpan, Calabar ENDER And Development Action (GADA) has appealed to states’ Houses of Assembly in the country to vote when the need arises in favour of legislation that will remove discriminatory provisions against women in the on-going constitution review.

Mrs. Ada Agina-Ude, who spoke on Monday after briefing lawmakers at the Cross River State House of Assembly, on identified gender issues in constitution review and public hearing, lobbying and advocacy activities for promoting gender equity in the SouthSouth Zone, said they should vote against any action that would make women look inferior as second-class citizens before their male counterparts.

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Group remembers Solarin

By Tunde Alao NON-GOVERNMENTAL OrA ganisation (NGO), National Problem and Solution (NPS), yesterday paid tribute to the late Dr. Tai Solarin, who died 19 years ago.

The group, headed by Dr. Wale Omole, the proprietor of T and S Hospital, who is also a former student of the late social critic, at May Flower School, Ikenne, urged Nigerian elite to emulate Solarin so that Nigeria would escape from the current socio-economic morass.

In a statement signed by Dr. Omole, Tai Solarin’s life was a life of dedication, selflessness and patriotism, virtues, which he said, are missing among the Nigerian elite today.

According to him, the late Solarin devoted all his time as a “one-man squad”, to fight for democracy, social justice, corrupt-free and egalitarian society, where everybody would contribute to the best of his/her ability and benefit according to his/her needs.

“His vision for true federalism was not realised in his time. 19 years after his demise, there is no hope of realising true federalism, not in another one century. The available facts and figures attest to this”, said Omole.

Council boss weeps over court’s ruling From Emmanuel Ande, Yola HERE was a mild drama in court yesterday in Yola, when the council Chairman of Madagali in Adamawa State, Mr. Abwa Wadhra, broke down in tears when the court, presided over by Justice Ambrose Mamadi, granted the application of the plaintiff, Mr. Maina Ulamuramu, to amend his case.

The embattled chairman, after stepping out of the court, started weeping before the supporters of the plaintiff (Ulamuramu) who were in court to witness the case.

Wadhra, who was held by two of his aides, was accompanied to his official car where the engine was already on.

Seeing that the chairman was weeping, supporters of Ulamuramu moved close to Wadhra’s official car and started shouting “you are going soon”, “The day you will cry like a baby is yet to come”, “My chairman, rehearse how to cry very well because you cannot escape, justice is on the way.”

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Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (right); Director of Cabinet, Governor’s Office, Dotun Omokemi and the newly-appointed Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Council, Mr. Babatunde Ismaila, during the swearing-in of Ismaila at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan…on Monday PHOTO: OYO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

ASUU insists on 2009 pact, probe of NUC From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin City), Isaac Taiwo, Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku (Lagos) and Uzoma Nzeagwu (Awka) HE Benin zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday insisted that university lecturers would not suspend their on-going strike unless the Federal Government implements in full the agreement both parties reached in 2009.

In a statement signed by ASUU Benin Zone Coordinator, Dr. Sunny Ighalo and chairmen of the other chapters in the zone, Dr. Anthony Monye-Emina of University of Benin (UNIBEN); Dr. Emmanuel Mordi (DELSU); Prof.

Fred Esumeh (AAU); Dr. Beke Sese (NDU) and the Coordinator of Benin Zone of ASUU, Dr. Sunny Ighalo, ASUU stated that recent reports that the union was about to call off the strike were untrue.

Meanwhile, the West and Central Africa District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. Bayo Adeniran, has called on the Federal Government and ASUU to expedite action on settlement of the impasse through collective bargaining.

Addressing the media yesterday at the Apostolic Faith Church District Headquarters, Anthony Village, Lagos, on the 2013 Annual Camp Meeting, Adeniran alluded to the adage that “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.”

Also, the Federal Government has been accused of attempting to blackmail the teachers with allegations in some quarters that monies released for research purposes have been mismanaged by some universities.

Speaking to The Guardian, an ASUU activist and UNIBEN lecturer, Professor Tony Afejuku, said the government was trying to break the ranks of the union.

“That is a wild allegation, why is the Federal Government saying it now that we are on strike. This is a clever attempt to break our rank,

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• FG blackmailing union, says professor but we are cleverer than that.

Of course, they have the machinery to deal with such university authorities or management who do not use the monies that they claim they send. They can’t break our rank.”

On the plea in some quarters for the lecturers to go back to the classroom to save university education, the former Head of Department of Faculty of Arts said Nigerians were too gullible and that they do not understand what was involved in the strike.

“Nigerians are very gullible.

In Sani Abacha’s time, ASUU went on strike, then they came with Mother In Nigeria (MIN) championed by Rita Ilori. They pleaded with us and when we went back, MIN vanished. Today, we no longer talk of MIN. They just came together because their children were yet to graduate and they wanted them to graduate,” he said.

According to him, if the Federal Government could bail out troubled banks, which are private organisations with billions and trillions of naira, then there should be no ex-

cuse of lack of funds to do same for public institutions like the universities.

And not impressed with management of the Annual Stabilisation Fund (AST) for Nigerian universities estimated at over N100 billion, the Nsukka Zone of ASUU has called for full investigation of the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okogie, over the disbursement of the money.

The zone is made up of Abia State University, Anambra State University, Ebonyi State University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The union also vowed that the strike must continue until Federal Government meets the teachers’ demand, which include funding requirement for revitalisation of the universities, federal assistance to state universities, progressive increase of annual budgetary allocation to education to a minimum of 26 per cent as recommended by UNESCO, teaching and research equip-

ment provision to their laboratories and classrooms, among others.

At a press briefing at the NAU, Anambra State yesterday, the Zonal co-coordinator, Dr. Chidi Osuagwu, accused Okogie of becoming a cog in the wheel of university education and development in Nigeria, resulting in a lack of facilities for teaching and learning in

all the nation’s higher institutions.

He appealed to anti-graft agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate how the N100 billion was managed and spent by NUC.

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WorldReport Bradley Manning not guilty of aiding enemy, says court UNITED States (U.S.) miliA tary court has found Bradley Manning, accused of the largest leak of classified information in American history, not guilty of aiding the enemy – a charge that would have carried a maximum sentence of life in prison.

But the soldier was found guilty of most of the remaining charges against him, with the judge accepting some of the guilty pleas he made previously to lesser charges.

Despite being cleared on the most serious charge, he will still face a lengthy prison term for his breaches of the espionage act when a sentencing hearing begins today.

If he had been found guilty on aiding the enemy charge,

Manning could have been sentenced to life in prison. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years behind bars on some of the other charges.

Already, he has spent three years in custody.

Authorities have accused him of delivering three quarters of a million pages of classified documents and videos to the secret-sharing site, WikiLeaks, which has never confirmed the soldier was the source of its information.

The material covered numerous aspects of U.S. military strategy in Iraq, gave what some called a ground view of events in the Afghanistan war and revealed the inner workings of U.S. State Department diplomacy in leaked cables.

Taliban free 250 in Pakistani jail break AKISTANI officials yesterday P disclosed that dozens of heavily armed Taliban fighters freed nearly 250 prisoners, including hardcore militants, during a sophisticated overnight attack on a Pakistani jail that killed 13 people.

Agency reports indicated that the Taliban, who were armed with guns, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and bombs, attacked the prison in the town of Dera Ismail Khan before escaping with scores of inmates after a three-hour shootout.

The attack by the welltrained gunmen, who disguised in police uniforms, will heighten concerns about the ability of the Taliban to oper-

ate with impunity in parts of the nuclear-armed state, Agence France Presse (AFP) claimed yesterday.

They appeared easily to overpower police on duty at the prison hours before the country began electing a new head of state to replace President Asif Ali Zardari, who is ending a five-year term.

However, businessman, Mamnoon Hussain, was elected as 12th president of the nuclear-armed state, replacing the unpopular Zardari.

Lawmakers from both houses of the national parliament and four provincial assemblies voted Hussain into the ceremonial post in a move that will cement the authority of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Israelis, Palestinians plan peace deal within nine months Quartet warns parties against undermining trust EGOTIATORS from N Israeli and Palestinian have unveiled an ambitious goal to reach a long elusive peace deal within nine months.

Officials from both sides – standing side-by-side with United States (U.S.) Secretary of State John Kerry, who has dragged them back to the negotiating table after a three-year stalemate – said it was time to end their decades-old conflict.

“I can assure you that in

these negotiations, it’s not our intention to argue about the past, but to create solutions and make decisions for the future,” Israeli chief negotiator, Tzipi Livni, told her Palestinian counterpart, Saeb Erakat.

Meanwhile, the U.S., Russia, European Union and United Nations made a joint call yesterday on Israel and the Palestinians not to “undermine trust” as they embark on landmark peace talks.

The diplomatic quartet on

the Middle East said it was determined to support the two sides’ “shared commitment to achieve a negotiated two-state solution within the agreed timeframe of nine months.”

The quartet “calls on all parties to take every possible step to promote conditions conducive to the success of the negotiating process and to refrain from actions that undermine trust,” said a joint statement.

But Kerry said both sides from Israelis and Palestinians have agreed to

meet again “within the next two weeks,” either in Israel or the Palestinian territories to begin formal negotiations.

“Our objective will be to achieve a final status agreement over the course of the next nine months,” he added after hosting two days of talks in Washington.

In the past, during years of failure “we didn’t complete our mission,” Livni said, adding that Kerry’s efforts had given them a new opportunity, which neither side could “afford to waste.”

EU’s top envoy urges inclusive political solution in Egypt, meets Morsi UROPEAN Union’s (EU) top E diplomat, Catherine Ashton, has appealed to Egyptian factions to find a way to bridge their differences and pave the way for a political solution that involves all sides if the country is to leave its current chaos behind.

“Only an inclusive process will work,” the EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs told reporters yesterday after visiting the country’s deposed president, current leaders, Muslim Brotherhood members and

Morsi others during a brief trip.

“And though I recognise that is challenging, it is really important to begin now,” the

Cable News Network (CNN) quoted her as saying.

Egypt has suffered from sporadic violence since the July 3 military coup that removed President Mohamed Morsi from power on the heels of mass protests against his rule. He is being held at an undisclosed military facility on a variety of criminal charges.

But Egypt’s rulers allowed the EU envoy to meet the deposed President, the first time an outsider was given access to him since the army overthrew him and jailed

him a month ago, and she said she found him in good health.

Ashton revealed little about what she called a “friendly, open and very frank” twohour conversation with Morsi, after she was flown to an undisclosed location to visit him.

“I’ve tried to make sure that his family know he is well,” said Ashton, who has emerged as one of the only figures accepted by both sides as a potential mediator in a conflict that has plunged the most populous Arab state into violent confrontation.

Mugabe vows to surrender if Tsvangirai wins presidential polls Rival party alleges vote rigging plot RESIDENT Robert Mugabe of P Zimbabwe has pledged to step down if he loses today’s election, as his rivals charged they had concrete evidence of vote rigging.

“If you lose you must surrender,” the 89-year-old firebrand said at a rare press conference in Harare on the eve of today’s presidential and parliamentary vote.

Mugabe, through a series of violent and suspect elections, has ruled Zimbabwe for 33 years uninterrupted since it gained independence from Britain.

But he denied any attempts to rig the election, declaring: “We have done no cheating”.

He faces a major challenge from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, his reluctant partner in an uneasy power-sharing government forged after the last bloody polls in 2008.

Although tainted by sex scandals and allegations of party corruption, Tsvangirai has rallied tens of thousands of supporters on to the streets ahead of the vote.

But Mugabe’s foes fear the wily old crocodile of Zimbabwean politics will seek to win what is likely his final election by hook or crook.

Few believe the military – which remains squarely be-

hind the independence hero – would recognise a Tsvangirai victory.

However, Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change yesterday handed what they claimed was documentary evidence of plans to rig the election to observers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The dossier, which was seen but not verified by AFP, listed around 125 duplicate or questionable voters gleaned from a first examination of the electoral roll.

The MDC said it had received a copy of the roll less than 24 hours before polling stations open, and only in printed – nonsearchable – form.

“It is very clear to us there are shenanigans to try and rig this election, to try and interfere with the outcome of this election and to subvert the will of the people of this country,” junior minister Jameson Timba told AFP. “We have seen a lot of duplicate names in the roll where you see somebody is registered twice, same date of birth, same physical address but with a slight difference in their ID number,” Timba said, adding this had occurred across various constituencies.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Politics APGA: NWC renounces truce between Umeh, Obi From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) and Leo Sobechi (Abakaliki) HE seeming end to the crises in All T Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) maybe punctured by the action of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The NWC gave reasons why it had renounced the “purported reconciliatory pact” between Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and the embattled National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh.

In a statement by the APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bernard Akoma, the NWC expressed dismay that the reconciliatory between Obi and Umeh did not follow laid down procedures for transacting the party’s business.

The NWC members said they felt disappointed by the actions of the two brothers (Umeh and Obi), which did not receive their input.

“The APGA challenge has gone beyond a chummy relationship between Obi and his brother, Umeh to addressing the pertinent issue that bothers on the very survival of the party,” they said in the statement.

This development may be coming as a rude shock to members of the party, and particularly Umeh, who has continued in his euphoria over the court judgment that restored his position as the party chair.

Indeed, Umeh on Saturday disclosed that peace had returned to the party, courtesy of the intervention of the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, “who played a vital role in the peace deal.”

Umeh and Governor Obi had reportedly repaired fences in the prolonged crises that rocked the party.

The APGA boss, who spoke to reporters in Enugu during a ceremony organised by the Igbo Picture Film Production to honour prominent Igbo leaders, including him, disclosed that Uwazuruike brought everybody together before the peace deal was struck.

“That is the only thing that I can talk about politics here,” he said, adding,

Umeh

Obi “you can see now in APGA, we now have peace and courtesy to his (Uwazuruike’s) pioneering role in bringing everybody together.”

He described Uwazuruike as a true son of Igboland, who went to prison for his people.

Umeh commended the organisers of the event, saying that though not everybody would develop equal consciousness about their people, “there is need to celebrate those who are committed to the struggle.”

In his speech, Uwazuruike said he was happy that peace had returned to the APGA, insisting that, “the party has only one national chairman now.”

He said the party would now focus on the Anambra State governorship election slated for November.

However, the leadership dilemma within the APGA maybe taking a turn for the worse following the action of members of the party’s National Working Committee.

Although the NWC members stressed that they had submitted, with reservations, to the ruling of the Enugu Appeal Court that

Okwu

affirmed Umeh as the party chair, they noted that, “the ruling merely left the party bare for more challenges.”

They contended that “our position remains that any peace move that does not address the anomalies in the party, which is the credibility of its internal mechanisms like the national conventions, will still amount to delaying the doomsday.”

Part of the statement reads: “We, the members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), have noticed with dismay recent purported reconciliation romance on APGA crisis between the executive governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and the embattled national chairman of our party, Victor Umeh, filtering into our ears.

“Though none of them has made any effort to get us involved in their moves, we wish to state unequivocally that the move does not enjoy our support and both parties are on their own.

“The APGA challenge has gone beyond a chummy relationship

between Obi and his brother, Umeh to addressing the pertinent issue that bothers on the very survival of the party.

“Though we have submitted to the ruling of the Enugu Appeal Court; but we have equally noted that the ruling merely left the party bare for more challenges, as it dwelt only on the locus standi of the complainant.

“It is indeed a judgment without justice. It did not state in any way that the 2011 national convention of APGA, which is a pertinent issue, was duly conducted according to its constitution and this is a time bomb waiting to explode at the right time.”

The APGA NWC stated that “it is therefore our earnest conviction that any attempt to placate this constitutional issue now in the name of reconciliation will amount to laying a political landmine that will eventually bomb APGA out of existence.”

They argued that if APGA failed to be courageous enough to “address these anomalies now; our opponent will do that for us later when we

shall be most pained.”

They averred that should the APGA win the forthcoming elections in Anambra State, “our opponents have enough legal grounds to challenge it because our candidates cannot claim to have been validly nominated by duly elected organ of the party.”

They advised that rather than dissipate energy on a graveyard peace move, “Obi and Umeh are advised to join hand to persuade the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rescue APGA from possible extermination by insisting that the party adheres strictly to the letters of its constitution just as it has encouraged PDP to do.”

The NWC members restated their total lack of confidence in the leadership disposition of Umeh, pointing out that, “the alienation of eighteen members of the National Working Committee of the party in any move

by Umeh reinforces our persistent allegation of one-man show against him.”

Adams accuses Fasehun of misrepresenting OPC, Yoruba

By Seye Olumide HE National Coordinator of the Yoruba socioT cultural organisation, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has accused the founder of the organisation, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun of misrepresenting the group and the Yoruba race in general.

Adams allegation is coming on the comments credited to Fasehun after the latter had escorted court-released former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, from Lagos to Kano.

Fasehun’s action had drawn the ire of many commentators, especially from the Yoruba stock, among them Adams.

But reacting to Adams comment, Fasehun said that: “… Gani Adams was sponsored to criticise me, and that the sponsors were afraid of his (Fasehun’s) acceptance in the North.”

The OPC coordinator, however, threw a challenge to Fasehun to join him on a walk on the street of any town in Yoruba land for a popularity test if he was truly sure of his acceptance.

In a joint statement, the Secretary-General and Publicity Secretary of the OPC, Mr. Tanimowo Babajide and Mr. Akeem Ologunro said it was very clear that Fasehun had chosen to “tread the path of perfidy and self-destruct, with all the dire

consequences.”

The statement reads: “Ordinarily, we would have dismissed the comments as coming from a drowning man seeking to hold on to anything for survival, having realised his grievous and damning miscalculation, but we have realised that there is need for us to answer him and put the records straight.

“While trying to justify his support for Major AlMustapha, Fasehun, in the story, entitled, ‘Gani Adams sponsored to criticise me,’ claimed that Otunba Adams was sponsored to criticise him, and that the sponsors were afraid of his (Fasehun’s) acceptance in the North.

“Laughable as this accusation may seem, we would, however, want him and his cohorts to stick to the subject matter rather than beat around it.

“Let him be reminded that Otunba Adams’ criticism was based on Fasehun’s unholy romance with Al-Mustapha…

“He also claimed that his visit to Kano State had given his political party a political mileage in the North, and that Otunba Adams is losing members in drove.

“With his threat to name the alleged sponsors of Otunba Adams, Fasehun would do well to come out and name the sponsors now or better still cover his face in shame and keep quiet.”

Adams The signatories insisted that unlike Fasehun, “whose antecedents have proved beyond any doubt that he has always had a price tag that can be paid for anytime by the highest bidder,” Adams had remained consistent with the dream behind the formation of the OPC, which was to

fight for the rights of the Yoruba race and the right for self-determination.

They informed Fasehun that the same people who are paying his bills tried several times to enlist the support of Adams, “to support their cry for the release of their man, Al-Mustapha, but he rebuffed them on each occasion, remaining steadfast to upholding the Yoruba’s age-long logic of ‘Good name is better than silver and gold.’”

“But it is now very clear that Fasehun knows little or nothing about this age-long practice,” they said.

They added that recent happenings had also confirmed “our suspicions over the role played

by Fasehun in the crisis that engulfed the OPC in the past.”

“While professing to fight for the rights of the Yoruba race, Fasehun had always been a mole eating from both sides of the mouth,” they said.

Recalling the genesis of the crisis, they noted that, “it started after a large portion of our members realised that Fasehun was trying to use the group as a platform to join the Abacha’s five political arrangements in 1998.”

“In those dark days of the battle for the restoration of the June 12 mandate, most of us were always surprised that Abacha and his men always seemed to know much about our strategies and plans,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

11

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

12

TheMetroSection How family was saved from armed robbers in Lagos

By Odita Sunday

HE Supervisor for Health, Oriade T Local Government Development Area (LGDA), Satellite Town, Lagos, Ojora Buraimoh Mustapha is thankful to God for saving his family from the hands of armed robbers who invaded his house last week when he was out of Lagos for official duties.

Ojora, who spoke with newsmen, noted that he was outside Lagos on official duties and coincidentally, his children had also travelled, leaving only his wife at home.

He said hoodlums on that fateful day stormed his house, his wife had just entered the toilet when she started hearing gunshots and a bang on the door warning that they would shoot anyone in the house if the doors were not open within five minutes.

He said as a woman, she was too frightened so she remained in the toilet.

“But the robbers who were armed with instruments started cutting the burglary proof in the house and finally gained access into the house through the ceiling and the window.”

Mustapha narrated the whole incident: “My wife told me that they were searching for me shouting that my days were numbered. And when they were convinced that no one was

The ceiling from which the robbers entered the house

actually in the house, as my domestic staff had all escaped, they started carting away my property. One of them was saying search everywhere for the land document.”

“They carted away my property including refrigerators, air conditioners, television sets, jewelleries, box of clothes and money. They entered my wife’s supermarket in the same

compound and also carted away the goods in the shop.

My wife said when she summoned courage and wanted to climb the ceiling, she noticed that some of them were also in the ceiling. When she looked through the door hole, she recognized one of the hoodlums as an urchin who lives in the area.

“She said she would have been killed if she was discovered to be in the toilet. Although she is still in trauma, I thank God who made them not to think of entering the toilet, because, I am still thinking about what would have befell my wife, if she had been seen especially by the man she knew very well.”

He said it was later that he was told that the hoodlums came with two commercial buses. They were equally armed with sophisticated weapons as they shot their way through unchallenged.

He said the case was reported at the Agboju Police Station and Federal Anti Robbery Squad, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Mustapha wants the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar to prevail on the men of the FARS, who have arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery, to arrest other members of the gang who are on the run.

However, a source at FARS told The Guardian that the two suspects were being interrogated over the robbery.

The source said they have made confessional statement and have named a powerful chief in Lagos as the sponsor of the notorious gang.

He said the police were on the trail of the chief and other fleeing gang members.

Policeman, one other, killed in foiled robbery crossfire in Bauchi From Ali Garba, Bauchi

WO persons, including a T police inspector, were yesterday killed in a foiled bank robbery at Alkaleri Local Council of Bauchi State.

According to an eyewitness, 15 gunmen stormed the bank in the early hours of yesterday and opened fire on security operatives, which resulted in a gun battle.

A source from the bank,

who confirmed the break in, told The Guardian that the gunmen succeeded in entering the bank but failed in compromising the bank vault before policemen responded to foil the attack.

“The reinforcement from the police chased the robbers away without stealing a kobo from the bank. One of the robbers was felled during the exchange of gunfire, while another was captured alive. However, a

police inspector was also killed during the attack.”

Among items recovered from the hideout of the robbers were five AK 47 riffles, eight magazines, two IEDs, a forged police identity card and two GSM handsets. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Hassan Mohammed Auyo, said the captured suspect is helping security personnel in investigation.

In another development, soldiers at a checkpoint in

Darazo Local Council of Bauchi mistakenly shot to death two passengers of a taxi.

A witness said the soldiers killed the two passengers because the driver of the car made a U-turn when he approached the checkpoint, which made them opened fire on the vehicle, leading to the loss of lives of two passengers.

“When the driver of the vehicle approached the checkpoint along Po-

tiskum-Yobe-Maiduguri Road, he immediately made a U-turn on sighting the soldiers and abandoned the car while running into the bush. This raised the suspicion of the soldiers, who opened fire on the occupants of the vehicle, killing two people.”

The bodies have been deposited at Darazo General Hospital, while the case is being investigated by the Bauchi State Criminal Investigation Department.

Photonews

Briefs Bola Ajibola heads Senior Citizen’s Care Foundation ORMER Nigerian AmbassaFPrince dor to United Kingdom (UK), Bola Ajibola has accepted to chair the pro- elder care Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO)- Senior Citizens Care Foundation (SCCF).

He succeeds former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, the late Chief Segun Olusola who died last year.

According to the Executive Director of SCCF, Mr. Jide Taiwo, other directors include: Ambassador Segun Apata, Dr.(Mrs). Tokunbo AwolowoDosumu, Dr. Amos Akingba, Executive Adviser, Gbolahan Gbadamosi and Tope Awe. SCCF has already inducted the following as Patrons or Matrons- Chief (Mrs.) H.I.D Awolowo, Alaiyeluwa Ooni of Ife,Oba Okunade Sijuade, former Governor, Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, Chief(Dr.)Sunny Kuku,Prof.Adetoun Ogunseye and Ayangbunrin of Ikorodu,Oba S.A.A.Oyefusi.

Church holds programme HE yearly revival of Shalom T Baptist Church holds from August 4 to August 7, at Shalom Baptist Church, Ifeloju Akowonjo at 6.00pm daily. " Senior Pastor, Rev. Theophilus Olaolorun said participants would receive the touch of God Guest minister is Evangelist Job Alabi.

Public lecture HE Founder of Al-Huda (Al T Mukhtariya Prayer Group, Sheikh Ahmad Bukhari, will on Sunday, August 4, hold a public lecture at 129, Akerele Extension, Surulere, Lagos at 4.00p.m.

Christ Baptist Church begins 14-day revival HRIST Baptist Church to C hold a revival tagged “Operation Push”. The 14- day vigil is billed to start on August 4 2013 to Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the church premises, Christ Baptist Church Alimosho, Lagos.

The pastor, Rev. Gabriel Sunday Adeyemo said the programme, which holds yearly, is an avenue to commune with God.

Firm renovates classrooms at Opebi High School S part of its Corporate Social A Responsibility (CSR), the Extreme Marketing Communica-

Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Andrew Yakubu, an engineer, at the Consecration of St. John’s Mass Centre at the NNPC Towers Abuja ...at the weekend

Lagos State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Mons. Bernard A. Okodua (left), Mrs. Theresa Maku of Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI), Chairman, South-West (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ekemiri during the presentation of Award of Excellence by the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO) to Archbishop Atilade as ‘Baba Aladura’ by the Mainland Deanery of CWO during the Mainland Catholic Deanery Day celebration in Lagos ..recently

tion Agency, has renovated five classrooms at Opebi Junior High School, Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja Lagos. It is part of activities to mark its first anniversary, which comes up tomorrow.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Steve Babaeko said that the agency would become a year in August 1, adding that it is part of the commitment of the firm to assist its immediate environment and one of interest areas of intervention is education, “A company does not necessarily need to be so big before engaging in corporate social responsibility. In fact, it should be a way of life for organizations to assist the community it operates.

He commended the Lagos State government for investing in infrastructural development in public schools.

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31 , 2013

Photonews

Rotary International District 9110 District Governor, Olugbemiga Olowu,(left) Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi, John Senaya, new President, Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Frank Loye Akinbami and Immediate Past District Governor, Kamoru Omotosho during the investiture of Akinbami as the 29th president of Rotary Club of Ikoyi in Lagos... at the weekend.

In Lagos, Fashola launches e-ticket for BRT buses

Director of Hospital Administration, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Olajumoke Akinlawon (left); LASUTH Board Chairman, Dr Tunde Williams; Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Adewale Oke and Director Clinical Services and Training, Dr Ayoade Adedokun at the commemoration of this year’s tree planting day in LASUTH...recently

• Commuters to pay as low as N20

By Kamal Tayo Oropo State Governor, Mr. LdayAGOS Babatunde Fashola, yesterlaunched the new electronic ticketing (e-ticket) system for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses under the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) with commuters to pay as low as N20 for short distances.

The Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who launched the e-ticket system at the BRT CMS Terminal in Marina, said the introduction was to make the transportation system via BRT buses more efficient and fast for both operators and users.

Fashola, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said users of BRT buses with the e-ticket

Briefs Youths hold conference HE youths of Light TabernaT cle’s youth ministry will hold a four- day Fire Conference 2013 with the theme: Amazing Miracles from Tuesday, August 13, to Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Light Tabernacle Headquarters, along 21, Alhaji Kosoko Road, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

Pastor Timothy Salawu will minister.

CWO to install Nebuwa as Ezinne August 11 HE Catholic Women AssociaT tion (CWO), Ogbu Abatete in conjunction with Onitsha Archdiocesan Catholic Women Organisation will on Sunday, August 11, install Josephine Nebuwa as the Ezinne.

Nebuwa was the first president of the CWO in Awka, Anambra State. She is a qualified teacher and retired as the Deputy Headmistress at Community Primary School, Amawbia also in Anambra State.

She is expected to use her new position to better the lots of the Catholic women in particular and the Catholic Church, in general.

Nebuwa

could pay less for travel time as well as make the process of ticketing more user-friendly.

“We have over the years strived to ensure that we have very effective and reliable transportation system on the road, on water and on rail system. From the event of today, what we have done is to make road infrastructure more attractive, more reliable and more efficient for those who chose to use this service, especially those at the grassroots who will make use of this from today.”

“It will give users the opportunity to save, instead of paying N120 or N70, you can pay as low as N20 for a journey from Mile 12 to Ojota, you can also buy a week or a month worth on your card depending on your travel time which is more effective and makes the process efficient and fast”, the governor said.

The e-ticket system, the first of its kind in the country, is a step in the right direction as the state government continually seeks to improve its intra-model transportation system.

He added: “We have been looking forward to attaining

the transportation system that obtains in developed countries and as we are developing our model befitting of a mega city state”, said Fashola.

Earlier, Managing Director of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the e-ticketing system is being developed not just for the BRT buses but also for transportation on ferries and trains subsequently.

“This e-ticketing model is to make it easier for passengers to be able to travel at ease making use of this system. It is equitable, simple, easier for collection, easy for control of operators, it is attractive to both users also for the administrators as well as the operators.

“It has intra-modal abilities which at the end of the day you can use it for not just the buses, you can also use it for ferry and on train eventually and it has a simple pairing and sharing methodology”, Mobereola added.

Each of the BRT buses is equipped with an automated fare collection system that users have to use when they start and end their journey to determine the correct fare for the distance covered.

Chairman, Board of Trustees Lagos State Sports Endowment Fund (LSSEF), Rear Admiral Okanlawon Oni (rtd.) (left) , Chairman of the event,Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas and Executive Secretary LSSEF, Mr. Tunde Bank-Anthony at the maiden Town Hall Meeting of LSSEF on Sports Development in Lagos State held in Lagos ...recently.

TheGuardian

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 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 The State vs. Al-Mustapha and others HE acquittal the other day, of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and the emotions T now trailing the judgement, have again shown that the scars are not only still deep, they have been dug further open.

The accused persons are free, the victims are dead, and their families are nursing the scars. With the killers still unknown, as this judgment effectively says, Nigeria still bleeds from the assault of the Sani Abacha years.

In place of a closure on those bestial years, the nation now deals with an open and nagging reminder of a mindless torture. And for many, the nightmare not only continues, the nation is trapped in bondage to a ghastly memory.

That judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos which upturned the death sentence handed down by a Lagos High Court to Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha and Lateef Shofolahan, former aide to the late Chief Moshood Abiola, over the murder of Kudirat Abiola, has once again, put the judiciary in an uncomfortable controversy. Not only did the court discharge and acquit Al-Mustapha in the most controversial manner, it also descended heavily on the High Court Judge for being “fool-hardy and unreasonable” “to have so swiftly convicted the appellants when it was very evident that the prosecution had a bad case.”

Ironically, many Nigerians believe that if any judgment fits that description, it is actually that of the Appeal Court and not the Lagos High Court’s. The lower court’s verdict appears more reasonable and convincing than that of the Appeal Court. In other words, what was evident was that the prosecution did not have a bad case.

There is a lot to take away from the judgment. In the first instance it brings to the fore the too many ills besetting the Nigerian criminal justice system which makes it deserving of a complete overhaul. Most bizarre is the inordinate delay which cases suffer in court. An average case takes three or more years to be decided against the provision of the constitution that “whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence, he shall unless the charge is withdrawn, be entitled to a fair hearing in public within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal.” It is even worse and perhaps orchestrated in criminal trials involving high profile persons as witnessed in Al-Mustapha’s case which took 14 years to decide, and in the trials of corrupt public officers and former governors some of who have been in court since 2003, without an end in sight. Nigerians are bewildered as to whether there would ever be an end to the trials. High hopes enkindled by such arraignments have become forlorn by the indeterminable delay. Any criminal justice system that drags for so long makes itself vulnerable to all sorts of abuse and external or extraneous manipulation potent enough to asphyxiate or pollute justice.

Secondly, the judgment raises the question of whether Nigerian courts are actually courts of justice as they are called, or mere courts of law. For a court of justice according to the law, sentiments have no place at all. It is a popular view in legal circles that sentiment or a semblance of it is never allowed to filter into justice.

And this is why the Court of Appeal came across in this case as no more than a court of law determined to espouse the principles of law to arrive at a destination. Its consideration of the law was to set the “captives free” whether or not there was any justification for this. It capitulated pathetically to the strong wind of sentiment. The court was not known to fall so cheaply and naively for retraction of confessional statement in the way it did in this case. In all of its previous judgments, its consistent and seemingly immutable position was that retraction of confessional statement does not per se render the statement unreliable and that conviction can be based on such statement provided the court is satisfied of its truth. What operates in the mind of the court in assessing the quality of a confessional statement, whether retracted or not, are: whether there is anything outside the confession which shows that it may be true; whether it is corroborated; are the relevant statements of fact made in it true as far as can be tested? Was the accused person one who had the opportunity to commit the offence? Is the confession possible and is it consistent with other facts which have been ascertained?

Against this background, can it be honestly contended that there was not enough independent corroborative evidence of the facts contained in the confessional statement of prosecution witness Sergeant Barnabas Jabila Mshela and Mohammed Abdul? Why did the justices find it more convenient to believe the retraction more than the confession? Was there no spate of killings in those dark days of Abacha regime which claimed the lives of Alfred Rewane, Rear Admiral Omotehinwa, Dr. Omotshola, Tosin Onagoruwa and others, and which should readily make the confession more believable than the retraction? Was there no attempt on the lives of Alex Uruemu Ibru, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and others?

Was Kudirat Abiola not murdered? Did the graphic illustration of star witness, Barnabas Jabila Mshela, alias Sergeant Rogers, on how Kudirat was murdered not exactly how she was killed? Were the circumstances and events surrounding the murder of Kudirat Abiola not exactly as painted by Rogers? Why did it take so long to retract the confession? Is it not more probable that they were induced to retract the statement than to make the confessional statement bearing in mind when the statement was made and when it was retracted? It is not out of place to assert without fear of contradiction that there was a lot outside the confession of Rogers, which showed that his confession might be true, that Rogers as a member of the strike force under Al-Mustapha’s control had the opportunity to commit the offence and that what he said about the murder of Kudirat was possible. It is surprising and an irony of great significance that the Court of Appeal did not see all of these, which other Nigerians saw, and instead, chose to reprimand the lower court judge who was clear-visioned enough to see them.

The truth is that it has remained part of the nation’s criminal jurisprudence up till today that conviction can be predicated solely on a confessional statement. To deprecate the judgment of the lower court for standing on the confessional statement of Rogers reinforces the argument that the court was either labouring for excuses, or would not be bothered into making deeper inquiry on a crime so gruesome. The former appears more apt in the light of the previous decisions of the court in similar matters where it took positions completely at variance with the ones now taken in Al-Mustapha’s case.

In Usung v. State, the same Court of Appeal justified the reliance of the lower court on a retracted confessional statement and the conviction based thereon.

Why then did the same court turn around to deprecate what it applauded in an earlier judgment? Basically therefore, it is safe to conclude that the Court of Appeal by discharging and acquitting Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan for the reasons it did, took its stand on a banana skin. It is unlikely to survive the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. What this suggests is that the judgment should be appealed for posterity sake.

Although the Court of Appeal accused the trial judge of impropriety, they would appear to be more guilty of all the allegations and travesties levelled against her. While the Lagos State government prosecution team can be accused of shoddiness in some respect and should be knocked for this, the appeal court went too far when it described the failure of the prosecution to tender “the bullet extracted from the forehead of the deceased” as fatal to its case. Whereas it was the same court which said in the cases of Ochiba v. State and Kabaka v. State that where the cause of death is clear, production of murder weapon, though desirable, is no longer necessary before the court could convict for murder. And so, it was in Bayewu v. State, where the murderer of a popular musician, Ayinla Omowura, was convicted, as indeed in several other cases, without the tendering of the items used in the assassination. Or was the court insinuating that it was not clear that Kudirat died of gunshot wounds?

In all, what the judgment has done is to authenticate impunity. It reinforces the conviction that here in Nigeria, only the small man pays for his crimes. Above all, it means that all those behind the dastardly acts and litany of woes freely dispensed by the Abacha regime have finally got away, literally with murder, in a manner that calls to question the essence of government or its readiness or capacity to discharge its basic responsibility of protecting lives and property, and enforcing law and order. The greatest tragedy is that this judgment has, once again, defeated the expectation of Nigerians, and shunned the invitation to a patriotic partnership to save Nigeria. The accused may have been freed by the court, but Nigeria remains shackled to the memory of a traumatising era. With justice now put off over these murders and the killers still unfound, the cleansing Nigeria needs remains elusive. And the blood of the victims, still raw on the pavement of the hearts of Nigerians, cry out ever more loudly for justice.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

15

Business Industry Watch P58

Energy P63

EU eases stance on trade deal with Africa

Depletion of Nigeria’s reserves amid unexploited, undiscovered crude oil resources

Nigeria’s marginal oil fields’ reserve hits 302.62mmb

By Roseline Okere and Sulaimon Salau

…Continued petroleum theft may hamper govt’s growth ambition

HE country’s marginal has reserve fields’ increased from 141.01million barrels (mmb) in 2004 to 302.62mmb this year, the Department of Petroleum has (DPR) Resources affirmed.

The Director of DPR, George Osahon, who spoke

at the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ 37th Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos yesterday, also put the crude oil production from the nation’s marginal field at 60,000 barrels per day and gas production at 15 million standard cubic feet per day.

T

Osahon, who was represented by Head, Upstream Division, Sam Obiorah, however lamented the little contribution of 2.1 per cent of the marginal fields’ contribution to the country’s total crude oil production.

According to him, out of the 24 marginal fields

awarded by the Federal Government in 2003, only nine are into full production with some others at various stages of development.

He noted that the marginal field programme has shown a lot of promise and would be expected to pay a bigger role in the nearest

The Former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebeth, (left); Executive Chairman of Sogenal Oil and Gas Company, Otunba Funsho Lawal; President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Egbert Imomoh; Former Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Emmanuel Egbogah and the Executive Director Chevron Nigeria Limited, Supo Shadiya at the 37th Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO: OSENI YUSUF

Benin Airport sealed over unpaid taxes From Wole Shadare, Chika Goodluck-Ogazi(Lagos) and Alemma –Ozioruva(Benin-City) LIGHTS and commercial activities at the Benin Airport were grounded yesterday morning, following the sealing off of the airport premises by officials of the Edo State Inland Revenue Services over alleged failure of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to remit deductible tax from workers’ salaries to the state.

As a result, no flight could operate in and out of the airport, from either Lagos or Abuja, by either Aero Airlines or Arik Air- the major operators on the route.

Indeed, hundreds of air passengers who were to travel by air to either Lagos or Abuja were locked out of the entrance and exit gates of the a i r p o r t .

Specifically, passengers of the only Arik aeroplane which landed early in the morning, were neither allowed to go out of the gates of the airport.

Chairman of Edo Board of

F

•FAAN faults action Inland Revenue EBIR, Chief Oseni Elamah told reporters that the action followed failure of FAAN to remit N15 million pay as you earn (PAYE) tax deductible from workers’ salary for the year 2011.

“In the past, we had to use judicial means to get the money from them. This time, we served them notice but they failed to respond to it.

We had to serve them court notice to that effect, which they still did not respond to.

Hence, we had to come and seal up their administrative o f f i c e . ” It was, however gathered that when FAAN’s office was shut, the airport management allegedly locked the two gates leading to the airport, making it impossible for passengers to either go in or come out of the airport.

Following this development, Elamah, who supervised the exercise, had the gates opened, saying that it was the administrative office of FAAN

that was locked, and not gates of the airport.

“It was a deliberate attempt to blackmail us. It was their office we sealed, and not the gates,” Elamah said.

Confirming the development, FAAN’s spokesman, Yakubu Dati described the sealing off of the Benin Airport as an invasion.

He said EBIR could have explored all avenues of communication to establish their message instead of carrying out activities that could threaten the safety and security of the airport.

Dati said significant revenue has been lost by both airlines, the airport authority as well as the airspace agency for the over ten flights by domestic airlines in and out of Benin Airport, as well as other over flyers of the airspace.

He absolved the Edo State Government of any political motive in the matter affirming that the matter could have been resolved amicably without disrupting opera-

tions at Benin Airport.

Dati, however appealed to passengers and other airport workers to exercise patience over the inconvenience the disruption has caused them, even as he said efforts are on to resolve the matter.

It is not clear when the airport would be open.

His words: “We learnt this morning that some people belonging to the Edo State Inland Revenue Service early this morning shut the Benin Airport over what our staff described as non payment of taxes.

This is coming to us as rude shock, because they could have explored all lines of dialogue instead of just taking the laws into their hands”.

“To close the airport, is not good for the security and safety of the airport environment.

We are appealing to passengers to bear with the situation as we are making efforts to resolve the issue. But, we are disturbed that such a development could have been resolved without taking laws into their own hands”.

future.

Osahon said that the government would ensure that the next marginal award would have clusters of contiguous fields to aid materiality.

According to him, “The marginal field programme may not have evolved as intended, but it has made its mark on the industry landscape. Suitable enablers will be introduced in future marginal fields bid round”.

However, the Managing Director/Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, lamented the spate of vandalism and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, describing the scenerio as a ‘crisis situation’ to the national economy.

Sunmonu, who was represented by the Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), Chike Onyejekwe, said the Federal Government’s aspiration of growing reserve to 40 billion barrels and earn much more revenue from the sector by 2020, may be in jeopardy, unless it tackles the menace of oil theft head long.

“The impact of the activities of crude oil thieves and illegal refineries on the environment in the Niger Delta CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Association seeks compensation over oil spills in Akwa Ibom

By Odita Sunday EA Workers and SAssociation Integrated Fishermen of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State have demanded for compensation from Mobil Producing Plc over alleged oil spillage, which affected their businesses adversely.

In a petition signed by the fishermen’s lawyer, Theo Nwaigbo, they insisted that Mobil Oil producing Unlimited should compensate them ‘for all wrongs/liabilities incurred by members during series of oil spills’ in their area.

Nwaigbo told The Guardian that it was in the best interest of the oil giant to approach the affected fishermen for compensation, rather than allowing the matter to escalate.

Nwaigbo noted that BP Plc had paid $4.5billion in penalties for spilling nearly five million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

He lamented that it is only in Nigeria oil companies could commit such “environmental crime’ and still continue with their businesses unpunished.

“We have been approached and our services retained by the fishermen whose place of business is located along CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

16

Evans Medical targets N3.5b under recapitalisation scheme

By Wole Oyebade S part of its five-year A development strategy, Evans Medical Plc is targeting a recapitalisation bid of N3.5 billion from rights issue and core investor’s capital.

And barring any change in plan, the reinvestment bill will be ratified at the company’s general meeting in Lagos tomorrow, paving the way for existing shareholders to increase their investment in the company.

The bid, according to the management, is to scale up growth in its local manufacturing arm and strengthens returns to its shareholders.

Group Managing Director (GMD) Evans Medical Group, Bunmi Olaopa told reporters in Lagos yesterday that the indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing and trading company is on course in its developmental programme but still needs more working capital to bring the plan to full cycle.

Olaopa noted that the company had in the last three years, strengthened its production capacity to one of the highest in the country, coupled with the refurbishment of its plants in readiness for the World Health Organisation’s prequalification certification

by October 2013.

The GMD observed that a lot of assistance had been received from the Bank of Industry in the area of machinery and working capital from the commercial banks. But with loans on working capital at about 25 per cent, most of the profit made also goes into debt servicing.

“From our results last year for instance, we paid about N505million as finance debt, which we think is too high. So we believe the best way out is for the owners of the company to come out to reinvest in the company so we can pay off most of this expensive debt and have enough to take the compa-

ny forward,” he said.

Olaopa was confident that the bid resolutions would be approved at the shareholders’ meeting, saying, “it is easier for us to feel the temperature because it is rights offer. These are existing shareholders and we know the major ones.”

He added: “Once we are given the assurance that they will take up their rights, and then we have no fear that the offer will be successful. The second resolution has the core investor and on this we are not in a hurry. The core investor we are looking for must bringing in money and value. A core investor that has a very good product

pipeline, preferably a Research and Development (R&D) based company.

“We are also ready to go into other areas that will add value to the company, and

not necessarily drugs. We are already search. All put together, the money we are looking for is N3.5 billion. It will not all come from the rights issue.

…Continued crude oil theft may hamper govt’s reserve growth ambition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 and the Nigerian economy is now a crisis situation. At some point this year, over 60,000 barrels of crude was being stolen from Shell lines daily,” he stated.

The Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Andrew Fawthrope, who also spoke at the event, expressed hope of bright future for the nation’s petroleum sector.

Fawthrope said for Africa to meet up with the growing global trend, it is imperative for the continent, particularly Nigeria, to initiate policies that would attract and devel-

op own funding and technology capabilities.

“Oil and gas will continue to be the dominant fuel in the global primary energy mix. Africa accounts for 11 per cent (9.4 million barrels per day, according to W. Mc Kenzie 2013 report) of the current global production.

“The world energy production centers and regulatory environment is changing. It is important for Africa’s policies to update to attract and develop its own funding and technology capabilities.

Nigeria has responded to many challenges and will rise to resolve a bright future,” he stated.

Association seeks compensation over oil spillage in Akwa Ibom CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Secretary, Sola Oyetayo, Treasurer, Dele Olufon, Chairman, Ayodele Othihira and Vice Chairman, Bayo Adetifa, all of Association of Reporting Accountants in the Capital Market (ARACAM) at the association’s second yearly general meeting in Lagos at the weekend

the coastal water front of the Atlantic Ocean in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

“Our client, a conglomerate of cooperative bodies with special bias in fishing occupying the fishing settlements along the Atlantic Ocean waterfront from Okposo to Utana Ineh Ukpana and some Esuks fishing settlements along Qua Iboe river from Mkppanak to Esuk Okat and creeks all around Onna, Eket, Ibeno and part of Mbo, all in Akwa Ibom State from time immemorial have retained our services with instructions to demand and claim from your establishment, adequate loss of

income/anticipated profit as a result of incessant and unquantifiable devastation suffered by all members of the association as a result of various oil spills along the coast of the Atlantic as enunciated hereinbefore.

“We were briefed by our client that at each occurrence, they would be put out of business as the aquatic life of the Atlantic coast would be completely wiped out. In such situations, our client lamented that members would be bemused and remain redundant for the period of the effect of devastation. It is our further mandate to put the machinery of justice in motion where their demand are not acceded to,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

BUSINESS

Lagos assures on seamless issuance of drivers’ licences

By Taiwo Hassan S the deadline for the new A driver’s licence compliance gets closer, the Lagos State Government has assured that the issuance of the document, would now be carried out with lesser stress to the applicants.

Commissioner for Transport, Kayode Opeifa, gave this assurance at the official launching of the Sixt Car Rentals in Lagos, saying that Lagos State was ahead of others in terms of driver’s licences’ processing, but regretted that the only challenge facing the scheme was the non-availability of pictures captured by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Opeifa, who was the special guest at the event, said that Lagos was the only state in the country that has more than two centres devoted for the scheme, despite commencing the drivers’ licence processing six months late.

According to him, the government was concerned about the slow pace of work, pointing out that it was the reason why more additional centres were created for documentation purpose to accommodate people willing to register for their new drivers’ licences.

His words: “On the drivers’ licence, please, don’t panic. We are ahead of any other states here in Nigeria. I don’t want to give you figures, but Lagos is registering almost more than 40 per cent of the numbers of drivers’ licences issued in Nigeria today. And we started almost six months late.

“We are the only state in the country with more than two

centres. All our six centres that have data control systems are operating at maximum capacity as per your documentation, but we have issues with your pictures captured and we don’t have control over it.

That is the responsibility of FRSC.” “We have appealed to them (FRSC) to provide us a minimum of 20 capture machines.

We have created enough centres about 13 in numbers where you can go and do your documentation, and we are putting up additional five to make it 18. And that depends on if they give us these data

machines. But we know, we may not get those machines.

We don’t need 18 centres. We needed only six centres, if the machines are there per centre.

“So, I want to appeal to you, don’t panic. All you need to do, as far we are concern in Lagos, is to go and complete your documentation. Go there and pay your N6, 350.00 online. Fill your form online.

Go to the centre for your eye test. Do your routine test, if you are asked to do so. But it is not compulsory for everybody that is renewing.”

Stakeholders task Fashola on speedy rehabilitation of industrial estate

By Deborah Sunmola to the plan by the Sto EQUEL Lagos State government rehabilitate the 59 yearold Yaba Industrial Estate, stakeholders within the facility have urged the administration to expedite action on the rehabilitation scheme.

In a chat with The Guardian, one of the stakeholders and Vice-Chairman of the industrial estate association, Obodoechine Nwaokolo said the move by the government was long due.

According to him, it was high time the governor came to the aid of the estate

before businesses assume a comatose state.

Nwaokolo, who raised concerns about the parlous state of infrastructure in the estate, urged Fashola to address this and other challenges in order to enhance business activities in the facility.

Specifically, he said the challenges of poor drainage and bad roads, among other deficient infrastructural facilities, should be urgently addressed.

Also, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Abdulrahman Isa, said the rehabilitation exercise would not affect the day-today activities in the estate..

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

18

Focus Leveraging on benefits of outsourcing

By Dele Fanimo ERHAPS, you are tempted to ponder why the P Asian tigers – China, Indonesia, Malaysia, among others – are thriving in the face of huge employment deficit in Europe.

One of the reasons, according to human resources experts is the exodus of businesses from Europe to Asia, as a result of cheap labour which reduces the cost of doing business.

Indeed, over the decades, labour unions in Europe had overpriced labour such that recurrent expenditure became so huge, thus forcing manufacturers to look Eastwards for succour.

Africa, due to its closeness to Europe, would have been a preferred alternative, but infrastructure deficit bedeviling the continent made Asia more attractive, despite the distance.

However, apart from outright relocation of businesses to Asia, some companies came up with the idea of outsourcing part of their jobs to reduce huge wage bill and allow for concentration on core competences.

Outsourcing is a practice used by different companies to reduce costs by transferring portions of work to outside suppliers rather than completing it internally.

It is an effective cost-saving strategy when used properly. It is sometimes more affordable to purchase a good from companies with comparative advantages than it is to produce the good internally.

Also, businesses may decide to outsource book-keeping duties to independent accounting firms, as it may be cheaper than retaining an in-house accountant.

But in Nigeria today, the big question is: Are we really getting it right with the way we practice outsourcing?

With an estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) standing at $262 billion in 2012, Nigeria stands out as the largest economy in SubSahara Africa. But, economists hold that Nigeria is far from her potential because of the abundant natural resources and the market represented by her huge population estimated at 1262.5 million.

One of the barriers to the optimal growth and development of the economy is its huge infrastructure deficit, which makes it a harsh operating environment for business. This comes with consequences for business, especially small and medium scale enterprise, which accounts for the slow pace of development and high unemployment rate especially among young graduates who are supposedly schooled and skilled enough to make positive contributions to the economy. This has caused stakeholders to continually ponder ways to employment generation from time to time.

One of the areas that have somewhat been overlooked in the bid to generate employment is the outsourcing profession and proponents insist that with Nigeria’s huge population, it should actually become the hub of outsourcing in Africa. However, to achieve the benefits that abound in the sector, there is need for a partnership between the government, private sector and the outsourcing sector. China and India are examples of economies that have taken outsourcing seriously and are reaping the benefits.

Still in its infancy though, the outsourcing sector in Nigeria is showing promise. This was affirmed by participants and guest speakers from multinational corporations that attended the 2013 outsourcing expo jointly organized by the Resource Intermediaries Limited (RIL) and the Association of Outsourcing Practitioners of Nigeria (AOPN) in Lagos.

The expo turned out to be a harvest ground of ideas on how to grow the industry. Speakers at the event including Seni Adetu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria and Soji Oyawoye, Managing Director, Resource Intermediaries Limited, among others discussed a wide range of issues that will engender growth of a globally competitive outsourcing sector in Nigeria. This was in line with the objective of the expo to make the outsourcing sector in the country achieve its potential and perhaps, by extension, contribute to the efforts to reduce the high rate of employment

Adetu in the country to a significant level.

However, for the sector to grow, develop and contribute to the GDP of the country as its counterparts in China and India, there is need for a strong collaborative effort between government and industry leaders in the private sector. The role of government in this initiative, some participants contend, is to provide an enabling environment with necessary incentives that will motivate both local and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in this sector.

At the expo, Oyawoye, who is one of the conveners, disclosed that professional outsourcing is new in Nigeria. According to him, companies have been contracting and calling it outsourcing for over 30 years. He expressed concern over what he called ‘contracting’ in the name of outsourcing and urged those who are misconstruing the two to have a rethink as the two are mutually exclusive. He described it as bad signal for the young industry, adding that in developed countries, the outsourcing profession drives the economy.

In his keynote address titled ‘Outsourcing and the need for the Outsourcing Professional,’ Adetu, identified the benefits of outsourcing to business, urging outsourcing service providers to be professional and develop proper business strategy because the industry needs a systemic approach. He noted that the increasingly competitive nature of the business environment has made outsourcing an imperative for companies like Guinness Nigeria, while also stressing that outsourcing has come to stay because of the need to keep pricing down.

Adetu differentiated outsourcing from contracting, adding that the core reason for outsourcing is to build ‘organisational efficiencies and to grow shareholder value.’ Drawing a line between the two business concepts – contracting and outsourcing – he explained that “Outsourcing principally means ceding a business process to somebody or an organization outside your business. In contracting you are involved; you are the one telling the provider what you want. When you outsource, what you measure is result not the process,” Adetu explained.

He noted that “Outsourcing users will want to choose well-funded large scale outsourcing vendors with good track records for service and support. Some of the outsourcing practitioners have no scale, skill or idea of the service they propose to offer,” and added that

Famuyibo for the industry to grow, the practitioners must be professional.

Using Guinness Nigeria Plc as a case study, Adetu explained some of the reasons why a company should outsource as “when a company is unable to manage certain areas of its dayto-day business and process satisfactorily.

When comparative costs are lower on the short or long term and when it is a distraction to the core business,” he stated.

Adebayo Oyefolu, an outsourcing practitioner welcomed the idea of a yearly outsourcing expo. He noted that besides the fact that the forum sensitizes users of outsourcing to the existence of the sector at a professional level, it is a discussion platform for germane issues affecting the sector such as how to grow the practice in the country.

On his part, Isaac Otokiti believed that outsourcing practice in the country is an industry waiting to expand. In his words, “The opportunities available in the outsourcing practice are immense. It is an industry that can greatly contribute to improving the economy of the country via industry growth and employment generation. You will agree with me that employment generation is one of the challenges facing the country and the outsourcing profession is a fertile sector that can absorb so much with the support of government and big multinationals operating in the country,” Also, the Human Resource (HR) Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr.Victor Famuyibo said, “what we need to realize is the fixed cost of an operation. Adding that it is the one that can send you down and under if you do not watch it.

According to him one big element of your fixed cost operation is your labour cost.

Because it is there and there is nothing you can do about it. It is your variable cost that you can manipulate; not your fixed cost.

Famuyiboi stated further that “that is why employers would continue to look at their fixed cost, of which labour cost is a high element. So, when employers then decide that the way to ensure flexibility is ‘everything that is not core to my operations, I’d let it go, so that I can maintain my flexibility as an employer, reduce my wage bill.’ If we would force them not to do that, but continue to have very high wage bill, the risk that we can be faced with as a country is that employer will reduce workforce overtime .Many big companies will run the risk of going down because they can no longer afford paying their wage bills.

“That is why for me, we need to be careful in

The choice is ours to make; either to allow outsourcing to thrive and perfect it very well or you push the employers to a point where they would turn this country into a trading nation, and all the jobs will go. pushing the employers to take decisions ordinarily they think they have found solutions.

Outsourcing: are we getting it right? I think in the private sector, many employers are getting it right. Should the government be happy about it? I really think so. Because for as long you allow outsourcing to thrive, more and more people will be kept in employment.

They will be taken off the streets. You will then query how much they are paid. That is a different question. The government can then use the instrumentality of the national minimum wage to ensure that they are paid at a level that will guarantee food on their table, pay school fees for their children, guarantee that they get roofs over their heads. But we should never make that mistake as a country of forcing employers to be keeping everybody on their same pay level.

“The last risk I’d mention is that if we force employers to that point, that outsourcing that we don’t want outsourcing within the country, jobs will be outsourced outside the country. And that is where the western world has found itself today. Because of the high wage bill, all the jobs have been outsourced to Asians. So, it is no longer outsourcing within, but it is now offshore and they are complaining like hell. Unemployment is Spain is now over 20 per cent. It is worst in Europe, where it is double digit. Because the unions over the years insisted over very high wage increase and it got to the point where the owners of the factories say ‘I no longer can continue at this level. I know somewhere in Asia. I’d dismantle all these machines and take them there wage bill is next to nothing and the people are contented with it.’ The choice is ours to make; either to allow outsourcing to thrive and perfect it very well or you push the employers to a point where they would turn this country into a trading nation, and all the jobs will go.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

19 In partnership with

Shipping UPDATE

Tit Bits: Presented For The Chief of the Naval Staff, Ghana Navy, By Commodore Stephen Kwaku Darbo Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Ghana Navy INTRODUCTION In maritime terms, probably the most important subject that has attracted the attention of those conversant with the sea is the concept of Maritime Domain Awareness. This development is greatly to be welcomed as it has necessitated some significant discourse which has brought improvement in legislations and perspectives of stakeholders in general. The importance of the sea as an invaluable resource cannot be over emphasized here.

It is common knowledge that the maritime domain accounts for 92% of global trade and 75% of oil shipment around the world. It surmises that countries endowed with the sea as a natural resource have found it extremely beneficial as against landlocked countries. The attributes of the sea includes mobility, versatility, sustained reach as well as its resilience (i.e the ability to absorb substantial damage).

Unfortunately there is generally an agric mentality within the sub-region that seems to focus on serious care of the mainland. For countries to reap benefits from the sea, there is the need to also focus on the maritime environment as well. Any country that wishes to benefit from the sea needs to control it. If we fail to control it, then we cannot exploit it to our advantage. It is for this singular reason that maritime domain awareness becomes an imperative for nations with the sea as a resource.

Maritime domain awareness (MDA) is defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment.

Essentially, MDA is aimed at facilitating a timely and accurate decision making in order to neutralize threats in one’s domain. In a bid to throw more light on the concept of MDA, some experts have explained that MDA consists of what is observable and known (Situational Awareness), as well as

INTERACTIVE

COMMUNIQUE

EVENTS

Regional maritime awareness information shareing: An imperative in the gulf of Guinea region anticipated or suspected (Threat Awareness).

One is therefore said to have MDA when these two components are brought together to provide a decision–maker with a complete picture consisting of a combination of operational intelligence and environmental information.

The major constraint to improvement in maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea region is inadequate maritime domain awareness. Although the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) maritime environment is endowed with large quantities of various resources such as fish and hydro-

carbons, it is bedeviled with insecurity attributable to crimes such as piracy, oil theft, poaching and illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs to mention but a few. It is for this lack of awareness and the daunting task of overcoming this canker that the GoG is often spoken in pessimistic terms.

One commonality amongst these maritime threats is that they have become trans-national and have evolved beyond the scope and capability of one nation, let alone one agency, to deal with and this has been admitted by

even well resourced countries. The situation calls for greater international collaborations as well as inter-agency cooperation across various informational, intelligence, operational and policy levels.

The thread that can effectively bind any such collaboration and cooperation is information sharing. Information-sharing relationships with partner agencies and nations are vital to attaining the level of MDA that commanders require for effective decision-making at the strategic, operational and tactical levels.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 59

The first gulf of Guinea regional maritime awareness capability conference Conference Report by Mr. Nnamdi Eronini, General Manger, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.

HE Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele T Ezeoba, Nigerian Navy Rallies over 12 National Navies Top Brass in Tinapa, Cross River State to discuss topical issues affecting the maritime domains within the Gulf of Guinea. The Chiefs of the Naval Staff (CNS) of Sri Lanka, United States, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Namibia, Sao Tome & Principe, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, etc or their represen-

tatives were all gathered at the serene Tinapa stakeholders were also invited as delegates Lakeside Hotel in the beautiful Canaan city of including the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. (NCS), Indigenous Ship owners Association of Physically present at the opening ceremony also Nigeria (ISAN), NIMASA, ANLCA, etc. Members were the honourable Minister of State for of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping were Defence, Erelu (Dr) Olusola Agbeja Obada, their also on hand under the auspices of the Excellencies, the Executive Governor of Cross Chamber.

River State and the Deputy Governor of Akwa The event witnessed superb organisational Ibom State, all the Military Service Chiefs, the performance and suave attention to details Inspector General of Police, representatives of by the Nigerian navy who came in their numOCIMF UK, Africom, the Gulf of Guinea bers and exhibited very positive friendship Commission at al were also scheduled to partici- and camaraderie amongst themselves and pate in the conference. well-meaning courtesies extended to conferThe crème of the Nigerian Maritime industry CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) wins African Customs Broker Of The Year Award HE 3rd Africa shipping and oil roundtable investment forum/Awards nght took place in Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape town, South Africa between July 17th - 19th 2013. Delegates from Nigeria, Angola, Namibia, Ghana, etc joined their counterparts in South Africa to deliberate on Maritime, energy and investment issues.

The fact that African countries, especially coastal ones, do not have a shipping line/vessel left a sour taste in the mouth. Mr. Tilayi of SAMSA pointed out that there’s need for African countries to address three critical issues, in order to begin to tap into the enormous potentials of the maritime and energy industries. These are Intra African trade, infrastructural development project and offshore energy production and transportation. Also, a complete analysis of the potentials, needs is to be studied, implemented and sustained.

Barr. Ephraim, representing the MD/ CEO of Nigeria Ports Authority told the delegates that significant reduction in vessels turn-

T

As African countries are urged to cooperate on Maritime issues around time in Nigerian Ports, depends on transforming the single owner trucks to big haulage companies, which are expected to provide yards, train drivers and only come to the Ports on call up basis. This, according to his experience, as a former port manager, will facilitate turnaround time in the ports.

He also spoke about the need for Access control at the ports, while decrying the daily influx of persons without cargo relevance, into the ports. Efforts, he observed, are

presently in place to address this menace. Barr. Ephraim was enthusiastic of the National single window project, coming on stream shortly in Nigeria, to provide a common platform for stakeholders in trade, to transact business from the comfort of their homes and offices, which will bring Nigeria into the league of ports operating seamlessly.

Other reforms envisaged are the Pre-stack scanning, Pre-arrival Assessment of Cargo by Customs, establishment of inland contain-

er depot (ICDs) to where containers are immediately transferred on arrival, etc. Importantly, for all of these reforms to work, a conscious effort at creating awareness, especially amongst the critical stakeholders, must be embarked upon.

On this day 18th July 2013 proceedings were temporarily halted, to observe the 95th birthday of the revered former South African President Madiba Nelson Mandela. A happy birthday song and a toast to his good health,

was proposed by one of the key players in Nigeria’s maritime industry – Greg Ogbeifun.

Coincidentally, one of the delegates from Nigeria and National Publicity Secretary of ANLCA – Dr. Obicee Okonkwo had his birthday on someday. He was invited to the podium, and appreciated too with a birthday song and toast.

On resumption, the national president of ANLCA – Prince Olayiwola Shittu made a passionate appeal to the management of NPA to always call stakeholders to meetings, before policies enunciation and implementation.

Prince Shittu was requested to come up with some recommendations for a committee to be set CONTINUED ON PAGE 59

From the Desk of the DIRECTOR GENERAL Dear Readers , our Shipping Education segment in this FyourOR edition, we offer useful tips on Funding Contracts by: Sir Peter Olorunfemi at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping’s ‘2nd Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Upstream)’Workshop. Digging deep into our archives, we avail you of a paper by Dr. Kingsley Usoh, former MD/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, titled ‘Logistics Chain: The Service Provider Concept and Risk Management. We have a write up to continue to sensitive the shipping community on the advantages and opportunities presented by International Maritime Conferences such as the Seatrade Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine Exhibition and Conference which is coming up in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates on 30th September- October 02, 2013.

We congratulate Starzs Investment Company Nigeria Limited for winning the AME maritime logistics support services provider Award of the year in Africa, and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) for winning African Customs Broker of the Year Award, took place on the 19th July, 2013, in Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape town, South Africa.

I urge you to take advantage of our unique Workshop on: “Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Upstream)”. The Course covers every practical aspect of your needs, in vessel/contract financing, working with the IOCs, the Course is relevant following the inherent issues in the industry. The workshop will be held on the 22nd -24th October, 2013 this time in Port Harcourt by popular demand.

You remember our famous ABC of Shipping Course? It has been restructured to industrial needs for new entrants. I urge you to prepare for it too. With the Maritime industry expected to experience rapid growth over the next few years there is still need to develop human capacity in the industry to a world class standard. This course is coming on the 11th-12th September, 2013.

Like I always say, it is our aim to foster and promote member businesses operating within the Nigerian maritime industry. In the past we have operated with a range of objectives in line with the prevailing industry situation.

Presently, it is our dream and mandate to now boost and enhance ship management in the Nigerian maritime industry. It is the ambition of the NCS to boast of 100-500 ship management professionals and businesses operating within the sector in 5years. In accordance with this mandate, we must stress that we fully represent our members with IOC's, government agencies, member companies and individual members to ensure conducive business relationships and synergy between members; this is our sole responsibility.

Please do not fail to keep your comments coming; we are now on facebook and twitter, so you can join us online. Thanks Happy Reading!

Ify Anazonwu-Akerele (Mrs.) Director General

(R-L) ANLCA NP –Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Chief Oye Ariyo (standing) Mr Leke Oyewole – SSA maritime services to President Jonathan, Greg Ogbeifun, Dr. Akpobolokemi – DG NIMASA

The first gulf of Guinea maritime awareness capability conference CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 ees and all.

The Director General of the Chamber of Shipping, Mrs Ify Anazonwu was represented by the General Manager, Mr. Nnamdi Eronini who presents within these pages some of the papers delivered on the first day of the conference for your reading delight.

OPENING REMARKS BY CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF VICE ADMIRAL DELE JOSEPH EZEOBA GSS AM Psc fwc+MSc MRIN FCIS AT THE FIRST REGIONAL MARITIME AWARENESS CAPABILITY CONFERENCE TINAPA CALABAR 28-31 JULY 2013 It is with great pleasure that I welcome all our guests to Nigeria, and to this auspicious event of the maiden Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Conference (RMACC) holding in the beautiful and serene city of Calabar. Indeed, I am most privileged and honoured to have our distinguished guests from all over the globe present here today for this epoch making Conference organised by the Nigerian Navy in conjunction with the United States Embassy, Office of Security Cooperation (OSC).

I am glad to note that we have in our midst today fellow Chiefs and Heads of African Navies, maritime experts from navies and coast guards, rep-

resentatives of governments, international maritime organisations, the shipping industry and the academia. Your presence reinforces our collective resolve to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio economic activities to thrive in the GoG. I thank you all for your positive response to the invitation to attend this Conference.

Permit me to reiterate that the Gulf of Guinea remains a strategic maritime environment with enormous potential that has been persistently challenged with myriad of threats directed mainly at the economic lifelines of its littoral and landlocked states. These threats have become a source of concern, not only to the region but also the international community. Some of the threats impinging on regional security are piracy/sea robbery, drug and human trafficking as well as the worrisome pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Others are, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing; proliferation of small arms and light weapons and environmental degradation.

Regrettably, these threats constitute serious challenges and adversely impact on the collective maritime governance imperatives and economic wellbeing of nation states in the GoG. It is therefore imperative to emphasize that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity within the Global Commons.

As discomforting as these threats would appear,

they are not insurmountable hence, the clarion call for the enthronement of constructive, proactive, sustainable and holistic maritime security architecture. Such structure would ensure a secure and safe maritime environment for optimal exploration and exploitation of the abundant marine resources that is germane for socio-economic growth and national development of Sub Saharan Africa while providing economic opportunities for the rest of the world. It’s equally instructive to affirm that COG collective maritime framework must be anchored on the Yaoundé declaration within the context of extant code of conduct, protocols and MOUs of the GoG commission, ECOWAS and ECCAS. Consequently, if the GoG states desire development, it is only logical that we also place maritime security on the top rungs of our national security priorities. An effective maritime security regime in the GoG must be pitched on core attributes such as the elimination of sea blindness within the Africa Continent, sincerity of purpose, strength of character, and above all, the political will of all member states and stakeholders to effectively cooperate and collaborate in the overall interest of the common objective of eradicating all forms of illegalities within the Gulf of Guinea.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

MoneyWatch Financial centre, ombudsman bills: Panacea to industry disputes?

Mark

By Chijioke Nelson HE need for adjudication and mediation arises when meaningful resolution on disputes cannot be easily reached. This is common today in the financial transactions involving banks and other financial institutions and made possible by the evolving trends in settlements system, coupled with “hidden charges” saga in loans deals. Most disagreements end up in courts, but not without endless months of “injunctions and interlocutary application.” In effect, this has not promoted the confidence and muchdesired goals for the development of financial system and its services in the country.

Perhaps, the checkered background may have given rise to the clamour for the dispute resolution mechanism that has presented itself in the form of Nigerian International Financial Centre Bill and the Office of the Nigerian Financial Ombudsman Bill, which public hearing was held last week in Abuja.

The establishment of the Office of the Nigerian Financial Ombudsman as an independent body charged with the responsibility for resolving financial and related disputes in the country’s financial services might be a good development, if well “constructed”. The disputes to be resolved could be between individuals, financial institutions, regulators in the financial institutions and regulators in the financial services sectors and will position the country at par with other nations like Britain, South Africa, India, Malaysia and Singapore which already operates the same mode.

Indeed, the Financial Ombudsman system is fast assuming a global dimension. In Singapore, it is known as the Financial Industry Dispute Resolution Company whereas in South Africa and India, it was established as the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Banking Ombudsman Office respectively. But the challenge and argument so far are whether it would function properly and independently as regulatordriven or private sector-driven. The other is the legal framework, which has already been a suspect of human right abuses. Maybe, these would have been articulated in the move.

According to the proceedings of the hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial

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Lemo Institutions and the Committee on Judiciary recently, the bills received an overwhelming support from stakeholders across the Nigerian public. The International Financial Centre bill seeks to create a world-class financial zone that would serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the country focusing on wide range of financial and ancillary services driven by a unique and separate regulatory, administrative and judicial framework in line with global standards and practice.

The Senate President, David Mark, who was represented by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi, while officially opening the public hearing, reassured financial stakeholders and the public of the cooperation of the lawmakers in ensuring that the necessary legislative framework was put in place to realize economic growth and development of the country. To him, it is important to craft these two bills that stakeholders believe are sensitive to striking the delicate balance between the welfare of the people and profit motive of enterprises/entreprenuers.

In the lead presentation at the public hearing made by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Sulieman Barau, he reminded members of the joint Committees that the Financial System Strategy 2020, was an attempt to achieve a more coherent reforms across various sectors of the Nigerian financial system. The essence, according to him, was to set up an integrated international financial centre with all the necessary financial products and institutions aimed at making Nigeria become one of the largest economies by the year 2020.

Sanusi pointed out that the location of the international centre would be through a competitive process, noting that the presence of a well-developed network of financial institutions would serve as a major determinant. The essence, he said, was to evolve an alternative dispute resolution mechanism and arbitration that would ensure the absence of the present delay being encountered with the conventional judicial system.

Earlier in a welcome address at the occasion, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bassey Otu, reminded guests and stakeholders present that the two bills were being

Otu enacted to ensure that Nigeria establishes an international Financial Free Zone with all the necessary financial products and institutions in the drive to make Nigeria become one of the largest economies by the year 2020 and at least, help to bring about a cost effective means of achieving a more efficient dispute resolution mechanism.

The bill, sponsored by Otu, has already sailed through second reading in the upper house, while the lawmaker said he strongly believe that the bill when passed into law would speed up the administration of justice in the country and also decongest the regular courts of cases that may have to wait for a very long time, represent a cost-effective dispute resolution mechanism, which gives the customer a strong voice in the financial services sector.

The legislator further explained that the bill is a critical component of the overall strategic plan to plug the entire West African subregion and indeed the country into the glob-

al financial set-up to enhance the economic diversification, growth and development of the region. If passed into law, the centre will attract significant funding and other developmental resources needed for tapping the un-explored potentials of the sub- Saharan region as happened in United Arab Emirate, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong-Kong, China, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The public hearing, however, witnessed the presence of representatives from other financial regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, Pension Commission, National Insurance Commission and operators from various financial institutions and other public sector institutions. The stakeholders from various sectors of the economy commended the efforts being made to put together the required legislative architecture, and presented necessary submissions for some amendments or additional clauses aimed at

NUGGETS Stock: A share of a company held by an individual or group. Corporations raise capital by issuing stocks and entitle the stock owners (shareholders) to partial ownership of the corporation. Stocks are bought and sold on what is called an exchange. There are several types of stocks and the two most typical forms are preferred stock and common stock.

Derivative: A financial instrument whose characteristics and value depend upon the characteristics and value of an underlier, typically a commodity, bond, equity or currency.

Examples of derivatives include futures and options. Advanced investors sometimes purchase or sell derivatives to manage the risk associated with the underlying security, to protect against fluctuations in value, or to profit from periods of inactivity or decline. These techniques can be quite complicated and quite risky.

Short Sale: Borrowing a security (or commodity futures contract) from a broker and selling it, with the understanding that it must later be bought back (hopefully at a lower price) and returned to the broker.

Short selling (or “selling short“) is a technique used by investors who try to profit from the falling price of a stock. For example, consider an investor who wants to sell short 100 shares of a company, believing it is overpriced and will fall. The investor’s broker will borrow the shares from someone who owns them with the promise that the investor will return them later. The investor immediately sells the borrowed shares at the current market price.

If the price of the shares drops, he/she “covers the short position“ by buying back the shares, and his/her broker returns them to the lender. The profit is the difference between the price at which the stock was sold and the cost to buy it back, minus commissions and expenses for borrowing the stock.

But if the price of the shares increase, the potential losses are unlimited. The company’s shares may go up and up, but at some point the investor has to replace the 100 shares he/she sold. In that case, the losses can mount without limit until the short position is covered. For this reason, short selling is a very risky technique. InvestorWords.Com

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

26 MONEYWATCH

Trudging amid risks: Banks’ due diligence, service delivery

By Chijioke Nelson institutions, transactions and risks FatedINANCIAL are inter-related. But mitigating risks associwith transactions are the real test of human capital and strategic positioning of any financial institution. Perhaps, some banks in the country, though still in the wake of recovery of the financial crisis, but having been certified by the regulators as returned to the path of profitability, are now taking a leap for more market share.

There is no doubt that challenges are noticed in almost every sphere of our national activities, even the financial system has its fair share. The truth is the every system has its own brand, but the difference is the strategy and willpower to redress the challenges. To come to limelight, Nigerian banks are gradually manifesting due diligence in their respective activities and internationally, they are gaining recognition. While the struggle to attain the height is on, the present efforts are acknowledged, perhaps, to spur them on.

Recently, the banking “barometer” released by EY, noted that Unlike in the past when most Nigerian banks were aggressively expanding their operations beyond the shores of the country, the financial institutions are currently focused on growing their domestic market and strengthening their market share.

But Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Fidelity Bank may have taken their fair shares in both side of the divide. For mention, GTBank again, ventured into acquisition outside the shores of the country- Kenya, while Fidelity made its way into Eurobond. At the domestic market, both have consolidated their balance sheet, even as Fidelity raised its stake on the all-important and deserted transportation sector. Both have also received awards of excellence outside the country. Perhaps, due diligence is the driving force behind as they trudge alongside other Nigerian banks amid risks issues.

GTBank and the shareholders of Fina Bank Limited Kenya reached an in-principle agreement for the acquisition by GTBank of a 70 per cent shareholding in Fina Bank. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda. This might be the beginning of another round of off-shore expansion strategy by Nigerian banks. The bank, which is headquartered in Kenya, also

operates in Rwanda and Uganda. With Fina Bank’s total assets of $338 million, gross customer loans of $184 million, customer deposits of $285 million, the group currently operates through 38 branches and employs 550 people across the three countries. The move seems to be a sure strategy to deepen African operations of GTBank.

Already, the bank operates from over 200 branches within the country and has banking subsidiaries in Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom. Customers and employees of Fina Bank and its subsidiaries will benefit from the extensive and successful expertise of GTBank, especially in business and corporate banking, enhancing the range of products and services on offer as well as the skills and know-how of its employees.

However, GTBank’s audited financial results for the year ended December 2012 showed a profit before tax of N103 billion, the highest for any Nigerian bank. According to analysts at the Nigerian bourse, this performance and an indepth analysis of the results, which were recently approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria, confirmed the bank as the first and only Nigerian bank to cross the N100 billion Profit Before Tax milestone. There were also improved gross earnings of N221.9 billion.

The Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank, Segun Agbaje, attributed the bank’s success to its adherence to a defined growth plan, high corporate governance standards and the cultural values for which it is known, adding that these factors, coupled with a resourceful board, an in-depth understanding of the market and the passion of its employees enabled it grow market share and avail stakeholders with value adding services.

Recently, Agbaje stressed that no organization in the world could be profitable if its customers did not believe and support its vision. “There is a direct relationship between a company’s level of profitability and public perception about its brand. When people see a brand as a valued partner, they continue to do business with it, which ultimately translates to profitability.

Companies on the other hand have a responsibility of ensuring the customer is satisfied at all times and treated with respect. This knowledge is the base rock upon which our 2012 performance is hinged.”

Also, the bank received the 2013 African Bank of the Year by the African Banker Magazine, which recognizes financial institutions across the continent that have emerged as industry leaders and continent trend setters, due to good corporate governance practices, exceptional service delivery and innovative products.

Agbaje, however, attributed the bank’s receipt of the prestigious award to hardwork, discipline and a well defined operating strategy that enabled it give 100 per cent above customer expectations every single time. These further underscores the multiplier effect of due diligence in operations.

Fidelity Bank also joined the league of internationally recognized financial institutions, when it recently reached a milestone as one of the only three banks in Nigeria to have successfully undertaken a Eurobond issue to raise funds from the international market. A Eurobond issue is a debt instrument issued to raise money in foreign currency for strategic purposes and for a specified length of time, at a stated fixed cost. What actually makes Eurobond issue spectacular? Issues are priced base on evidence of fundamentals and there is no shortcut. Only institutions with strong fundamentals are able to go through the process because of the stringent demands of international fund managers.

The Eurobond was jointly managed by two leading international banks- Deutsche Bank and Citibank. Industry sources said that the international market was obviously impressed by the bank’s fundamentals, especially its outstanding Capital Adequacy Ratio, which stood at 29 per cent by the end of December 2012, compared to the regulatory requirement of 10 per cent, as well as the bank’s strong liquidity ratio, which at 47 per cent is much higher than the regulatory base of 30 per cent.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Reginald Ihejiahi, said the proceeds of the Eurobond will further enhance the capacity of the bank to support the critical sectors of the economy and meet the growing foreign currency needs of the bank’s clientele in oil and gas, power, infrastructure and manufacturing.

Recently, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shell for financing support to the oil multinational’s local contractors, a move aimed at empowering indigenous operators in the oil and gas sector to play more active and strategic roles. The bank’s commit-

ment to the real sector and small and mediumscale businesses is also reflected in the number of projects it is funding for both private and public sector entities across the economy.

Last weekend, the strides in consolidating domestic market were recognized as the prestigious 2012 Zik Prize Award was conferred on Ihejiahi. The reasons were for his professional leadership in the banking industry, the bank’s corporate social responsibility footprints, which have been acknowledged internationally and products’ development and offerings that have boosted SMEs, with attendant employment opportunities. “Fidelity Bank has always been a good citizen of Nigeria and the communities we serve and we believe that the economy can only grow if the banks motivate the growth. So, we participate effectively in all sectors of the economy. We risk our money to help develop industries and agriculture initiatives, with great focus on SMEs, particularly our ‘Managed SMEs’, aimed at building industries of the future,” he said.

Recently, the bank disclosed that it had invested over N15 billion in various businesses in the transport sector of the economy, as part of its efforts to contribute to the nation’s development agenda. The bank’s Executive Director (ED), Corporate Banking, John Obi, said the “level of our investment compared to our overall portfolio in the industry has reached about 10 per cent of the market share when compared to other banks’ exposure to transport sector. This would be about N16 billion to N17 billion.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of GPC Energy and Logistics Limited, Elvis Okonji, said the relationship with Fidelity Bank had been a great one. “To date, they have disbursed N1.5 billion to our company in the last two years. The financial institution has demystified the idea of accessing loans only when you know or meet the managing director or executive director.

Also, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ABC Transport Plc, Frank Nneji, noted that his company and Fidelity Bank are stakeholders, having been in almost 15 years of successful engagement. “One thing is to give somebody money, but another is to give somebody a business idea. I know that business is not solely about money, but idea. Fidelity Bank is giving valuable information about how to set up business and expand. This is positive count for the bank and what it is doing is quite invaluable.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

27

CompuLife Global mobile phone shipments hit 386m units in Q2 It informed that the gray market for cellphones would contract for the second consecutive year in 2013, with worldwide shipments dropping by 12 per cent as both makers and buyers of these handsets turn to branded products.

Mobile phones LOBAL mobile phone shipments rose four per cent yearly to reach 386 million units in second quarter of 2013. Samsung strengthened its leading position with a healthy 28 per cent share of all mobile phones shipped worldwide.

Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, Neil Shah said: “Global mobile phone shipments reached 386.0 million units in second quarter of 2013, rising four per cent from 371.5 million in Q2 2012. This was the mobile phone industry’s fastest growth rate since the second quarter of 2012. Strong demand for entry-level Android devices in Asia and Latin America drove much of the growth. Samsung continued to dominate, shipping 107.0 million mobile phones worldwide and capturing a solid 28 per cent market share to solidify its firstplace lead.”

Executive Director at Strategy Analytics, Neil Mawston added: “Nokia’s global mobile phone shipments fell 27 per cent from 83.7 million units in Q2 2012 to 61.1 million in Q2 2013.

Fading Symbian smartphone volumes and lackluster feature phone demand caused Nokia’s shrinkage. Nokia continued to struggle in the big three markets of China, U.S. and India and these remain key challenges that the Finnish vendor needs to fix as a matter of priority.”

Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, Woody Oh added: “Apple grew 20 per cent annually and shipped 31.2 million iPhones worldwide in Q2 2013. Apple’s global mobile phone market share inched up slightly to eight per cent, from seven per cent a year earlier.

Apple’s share of the mobile phone market is struggling to break through the 10 per cent ceiling into double figures, and it will only be able to achieve this on a sustainable basis if it adds new iPhone models at lower price-points or with bigger screens in the future.”

Other findings from the research showed that LG held fourth position with five per cent share of the global mobile phone market. LG has been ramping up its mass-market F and L series, on top of popular models from the Optimus range, and this helped LG to grow at an above-average rate of 36 per cent yearly in the

G

quarter. LG is now the fastest growing brand among the top five players.

ZTE captured five per cent share of the global mobile phone market in Q2 2013, as the company’s performance stabilised after a weak first quarter of the year. ZTE grew smartphone volumes strongly in the huge China market and it is challenging LG for fourth position globally as a result.

Already, a report from IHS Electronic and Media Market Research Company, based in the United States of America had predicted a down turn in gray market shipments of mobile phones.

Specifically, the report said that mobile phones gray market shipments to Nigeria, South Africa and the Middle East were expected to decline by 38.2 billion.

It informed that the gray market for cellphones would contract for the second consecutive year in 2013, with worldwide shipments dropping by 12 per cent as both makers and buyers of these handsets turn to branded products.

The IHS report said that shipments reached their peak in 2011 with a total of 250.4 million gray-market cellphones, but that beginning last year, the market began to shrink, contracting to 221.5 million units.

It added that the deceleration would continue this year to 194.6 million units, followed by another steep fall to 173.8 million units in 2014. The decline would continue at least through 2017, when shipments would dwindle to 133.9 million units.

The report noted that gray-market handset shipments this year to the Middle East and Africa would decrease slightly to 38.2 million units.

Central and Latin America together represented the third-largest gray-handset market, with 37.3 million units forecast to be shipped in 2013, adding that countries in Eastern Europe, such as Russia and Ukraine, also are major target markets.

The report noted that the market would contract in Nigeria and other African markets due to awareness from the brands and most especially as buyers turning to purchase branded products.

At a glance • Nigeria’s ranking in global ICT declines • Digital marketing awareness still low in Nigeria, says WSI. • UBA commissions security operations centre to safeguard e-banking transactions.

P.28 P29 P 31

Indeed, in an interaction with journalists in Lagos, Samsung Nigeria’s Director, Handheld Products, Emmanouil Revmatas confirmed the decline in gray market activities in the

country, especially on the Samsung brand, stressing that campaign against its usage had helped greatly to stem the scourge.

Furthermore, the IHS report disclosed that the gray market overall was impacted by an accelerated decrease in the sales of lower-end handsets known as feature phones. It noted that while the ultra-low cost handset (ULCH) and smartphone segments of the gray market would continue to grow until 2014, expansion in these segments wouldn’t be enough to counteract the drop in the feature phone sector.

Gray-market handsets, as defined by IHS, include counterfeit products like fake iPhones as well as white-box cellphones on which any logo can be readily imprinted. White-box handsets often are illegal despite sporting a logo because they use smuggled chips, lack official certification from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), use fake International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) codes and usually are trafficked through Hong Kong to avoid valuedadded taxes (VAT) from being imposed on the devices.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

28 COMPULIFE

Nigeria’s ranking in global ICT drops

By Bankole Orimisan IGERIA has declined in global rankings of N countries that deploy Information Communications Technology (ICT), and other new technologies to increase the growth and well-being of their citizens.

The country ranked 113 out of 144 countries surveyed in the Networked Readiness Index (NRI), declining by one rang on the the leader from its position of 112 (out of 142) in the previous last year’s Report. However, the country inched up by 0.1 points in actual NRI scores to 3.3 points this year from 3.2 points in 2012, when measured on a scale of one (lowest) to seven (highest).

According to the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) report on Global Information Technology Report (GITR) 2013 and published with the theme Growth and jobs in a hyper connected world, it measured the extent to which 144 countries took advantage of ICT and other new technologies to increase their growth and well-being.

Highlight of the report about Nigeria’s ICT competitiveness showed that though the country improved in its NRI ranking for this

year to 113 from last year’s 112 , the country has ing a broad-based National Broadband and ICT Plan, which focuses on greater broadband remained in the lowest quartile of countries sampled in both reports. This shows the extent adoption through intensifying the motivators of technology use. to which the country still grapples with the “This is attributed to ICT Skill Development necessary conditions to close the ICT competiPlan incorporated in Nigeria’s National tiveness gap with most advanced economies.

Information Communication Technology Notwithstanding this gap, the report noted that the country has improved in seeking the (ICT) Policy Draft 2012. This development has delivery of societal benefits from ICT by initiat- led to Nigeria’s significant improvement in one of the 10 NRI pillars - Social Impacts - ranking 88 in 2013 from 102 in 2012,” the WEF Highlight of the report about Nigeria’s report noted.

The report also acknowledged that Nigeria’s ICT competitiveness showed that market and regulatory framework has been though the country improved on its NRI able to support high levels of ICT uptake, adding, however, that the cost of accessing ranking for this year to 113 from last ICT, either via mobile telephony or fixed year’s 112 , the country has remained in broadband internet, has remained a constraint towards widespread technology adopthe lowest quartile of countries samtion in the country. The GITR 2013 underscored pled in both reports. This shows the Nigeria’s clear divide in ICT usage between individuals and businesses. extent to which the country still grapWhile corporate organisations in the country ples with the necessary conditions to have intensified their efforts to integrate ICT close the ICT competitiveness gap with into business processes - improving in that regard to a rank of 68 from 77; the penetration most advanced economies. of ICT among individuals has deteriorated to a rank of 111 from 105 in the last one year.

NCC convicts 10, seizes N6m transmission materials in Edo From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City S part of its efforts to check A piracy in Edo State, the Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) said it has convicted 10 persons in the last one year that have indulged in various piracy activities just as it said it has seized N6 million worth of transmission materials ranging from decoders, smart cards, cables and others variously used by pirates to retransmit satellite television broadcast materials.

Briefing journalists on its activi-

ties in the Benin zone of the Commission in the last two days on behalf of the Director General of the Commission, Afam Ezekude, Zonal Officer of the Commission, Michael Madueke, said the suspects popularly called “Cable Network Boys” based on intelligence reports were picked along ICE Road, TV Road, Oguola Areas, Textile Mill Road and Siloko Roads of the Edo State capital where he said they specialised in “illegally transmitting or rebroadcasting the channels of Multichoice Nigeria Limited (DStv) and other channels of other broadcasting entities”.

He said besides the fact that the activities were criminal; they do not pay tax to the government in any way and yet collect money from subscribers who do not have direct access to the broadcasters.

He therefore called on members of the public to report such persons in their local otherwise they would seen to be aiding criminals.

“They do not pay taxes to the government, they collect money from these people illegally. We want to make sure that rights of owners get to them. You see our musicians live wretchedly yet pirates reap the

fruits of their labour. The DG has resolved to fight piracy to zero tolerance. We are doing everything within our reach to make sure that right owners get reward for their labour. We appeal to members of the public to stop patronising these people otherwise they are also guilty of conspiracy.

“We arrested six suspects in the our raid on July 27th and once we arrest anybody, we immediately prosecute and we have been able to convict 10 persons in the last one year while many other cases are at various stages of completion in the Federal High Court.”

Resourcery, Cisco build video solution for oil, gas sector SYSTEMS integration company in West A Africa, Resourcery Plc; and a global player in networking, Cisco, have developed a video solution for players in the oil and gas sector to enhance communication.

The firms, according to a statement from Resourcery at the weekend are also organising a one-day business seminar for executives in the oil and gas sector of the economy to X-ray this new area of development.

The Business Solution Manager (voice and video), Resourcery, Gbenga Adanlawo, was quoted in the statement as saying, “we recognise the shift in global work practices which also affects how we do business here in Nigeria. We also know that technology needs to evolve to allow people communicate and collaborate in a more social, more virtual, more mobile, and more visual way.

“That is why we are providing this opportunity for our oil and gas sector customers to experience how seamless business video communication can enhance their internal and external service delivery.”

Cisco’s Territory Business Manager, Jideofor Onwuemelu, also said it was time for the oil and gas sector to fully embrace the benefits that Cisco’s video collaboration services offer.

With Cisco’s video conferencing solution suite, local offices can easily integrate video with their workplace tools thereby transforming their business environment, he said, adding, “No doubt video transforms how we access our phone books as well as enhance the way we relate with our colleagues, customers and suppliers.

That is why we are providing this opportunity for our oil and gas sector customers to experience how seamless business video communication can enhance their internal and external service delivery.

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

29

Digital marketing awareness still low in Nigeria, says WSI

By Bankole Orimisan HE huge potential offered by digital market in Nigeria may T not have exploited, as a result of low awareness of Internet market that can enhance profitability, a digital consulting firm, WSI West Africa affirmed in Lagos recently.

The firm has however, declared its plans to unleash the huge potential of digital marketing for businesses in the country.

Expressing the commitment during a media parley organised to discuss inherent benefits of digital marketing and to announce its upcoming training programme in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of WSI West Africa, Edirin Abamwa, said the emergence of digital media communication tools has completely transformed the competitive landscape for companies of all sizes and sectors, making the Internet the marketing engine of the 21st century.

According to him, “WSI thus remains at the fore-front of this marketing shift through our advanced digital marketing strategy. Digital media offers incredible revenue potential.

“Leveraging the latest and most advanced web technologies available through WSI Axon will help clients stand out and establish a credible brand in the eyes of their customers.”

Abamwa, however, noted that it was a sad fact that Nigerians business were slow to wake up to the reality brought by digital marketing, stressing that even those businesses who have the awareness seem to be lost over how to process.

“It is in line with this that WSI Axon plans to organise a digital marketing training in September. Today, marketers are hungry for guidance and given the importance of digital media, orgainsations realise that if you are not active on the Internet today, you are not paying attention.”

He said irrespective of the nature of a company or individuals’ businesses, WSI Axon has an approach that client can benefit from.

Abamwa, noted that the training will equip participants with

the tools they needed to assess their organisations social media and digital marketing strategy and help them identify areas of improvement.

“Through combination of case studies, best practice examples and exercises, participants will learn strategies for finding, engaging and encouraging brand advocates,” he said.

Head, Digital Marketing, WSI, Ms Amara Nwankwo, said the company provides solutions to a wide range of sectors includ-

ing legal, oil services, media, finance, entertainment and government.

According to her, as the world’s largest network of Internet consultants that provide advanced digital marketing solutions for businesses and individuals, “WSI plays the role of match-maker by developing a bouquet of Internet technologies to help clients in their marketing objectives.”

Etisalat gives scholarship to 70 northern students From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja and Faith Oparaugo, Lagos TISALAT Nigeria has disE bursed N7.7 million as scholarship awards to 70 best students from seven universities in northern part of the country.

Disbursing the cheque to the beneficiaries at the Etisalat Merit Award in Abuja, the Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, noted that education is a powerful tool for change that facilitates economic advancement of any nation as dynamic economies that have emerged in the last 50 years have done so on the back of heavy investment in education.

This, he said, has driven Etisalat’s commitment to supporting the government in improving the educational sector in Nigeria, adding

that Etisalat’s merit awards scheme focuses on tertiary education, rewarding and encouraging excellent academic performance.

Dikko observed that recent statistics from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) research indicate that about one billion people entered into this century unable to read a book, adding that population growth still surpasses the pace at which literacy is embraced in our world today, pointing out that the ratio keeps widening; and illiteracy, ignorance levels keep increasing.

He said: “Bringing this closer to home, in this most populous of African nations, about 41 per cent of the citizenry are youths; sadly students make up only a fraction of that number. Nigeria’s literacy rate has been estimated at about 60 per cent, however from all indications the actual rate is lower than this”.

Dikko who lamented the mass failure of candidates in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), noted that education globally is considered as a human right that should be accorded to all human beings, adding that a lot of international human right

bodies consider education as a fundamental human right.

He observed that the firm is rewarding and celebrating excellent academic performers in seven leading government-owned universities, and have partnered with over 15 universities in this region to date.

Onecard Nigeria presents auto top-up services for businesses

By Babatunde Oso NECARD Nigeria, a technology-based company established in 2012, has announced the launch of MyTopUp Business for small- and medium-sized businesses, and individuals.

The General Manager, OneCard Nigeria, George Offem, said that “MyTopUp Business is the one-stop service with Auto TopUp and Bulk TopUp features that enable businesses and individuals to easily make automatic payments of mobile accounts, cable TV subscriptions, toll fees and other utility bills – all in a single transaction, using a validated e-payment account.

Small businesses and individuals performing N50, 000 to N100, 000 worth of top ups monthly can now enjoy the numerous benefits of MyTopUp Business.”

With Auto TopUp, monthly or weekly payments can be scheduled in advance for as long as desired.

Auto TopUp also permits users to schedule low credit

O

top ups, i.e. automatic top ups when the designated account balance goes below a set amount. In one transaction and two simple steps, MyTopUp Business customers can pay for: multiple staff mobile accounts across all networks; PHCN bills, cable TV subscriptions across the country; toll fees for official vehicles; utility bills irrespective of location, as well as top up accounts when they go low.

Bulk TopUp allows small- and medium – sized businesses that want to buy bulk airtime on multiple networks, as well companies that top up accounts for their staff, consultants, branches, do so quickly and easily, using a validated e-payment account.

In one transaction and two simple steps, MyTopUp customers can pay for: multiple staff mobile accounts across all networks; PHCN bills and cable TV subscriptions across the country; toll fees for official vehicles; utility bills irrespective of location, as well as top up accounts when they go low.

Layer3 becomes Blue Coats’ premier partner LUE Coat Systems, Inc., the B market leader in business assurance technology, announced recently that Layer3, an innovative network solutions provider, has become its premier partner in West Africa.

Layer3 is one of Nigeria’s fastest growing networking

and managed services provider, a specialist in providing innovative solutions that is changing the way networks are built and run.

“We are pleased to partner with an innovative and well respected solution provider such as Layer3 and to elevate them to the Premier partnership level,” said Justin Lee, Regional Manager for subSaharan Africa at Blue Coat.

“Layer3 has built a reputation for excellence in its field and has a client roster of some of the most demanding companies in Nigeria. We are very pleased to be working with them to ensure our solutions are delivered to customers in the best possible manner.” he added.

Blue Coat empowers enterprises to safely and securely choose the best, applications, services, devices, data sources, and content the world has to offer, so they can create, communicate, collaborate, innovate, execute, compete and win in their markets. Recognised in the leader’s quadrant in both Garter Magic Quadrants for WAN Optimisation Controllers and Secure Web Gateway, Blue Coat has a long history of protecting organisations, their data and their employees and is the trusted brand to 15,000 customers worldwide, including 86 per cent of the FORTUNE Global 500.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

30

SPECIAL REPORT ON THE SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS’ 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION THE yearly conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), will come up between July 30 and August 1, 2013 in Lagos. The theme of this year’s event is “To Grow Africa’s Oil and Gas Production: Required Policy, Funding, Technology, Techniques and Capabilities”.

As a non-profit professional organization, SPE has continued to grow economies beyond borders through collection, dissemination and exchange of technical knowledge concerning the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources and related technologies for public benefit, as well as, providing opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence. This year, SPE marks its fortieth year of existence as a professional body.

Having recognized the crucial role being played by SPE, The Guardian Newspapers, in this report looks at the journey so far, the essence of this annual event and the effort of the society to excel.

Osayande Igiehon is the chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineer (SPE) Nigeria Council. He has about 20 years experience in reservoir and petroleum engineering, strategy and planning, business improvement and operations management in Nigeria, Netherlands and Russia. In this interview, he spoke on the 2013 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition being organized by SPE and related issues. Excerpts.

OULD you please give us an overview of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)?

The SPE International is not-for-profit professional membership association, founded in 1957, with membership open to all professionals engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production. The mission is the collection, dissemination and exchange of technical knowledge and related technologies and to provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.

The SPE International currently has 104,000 members in 123 countries, with 187 Sections and 238 University Chapters.

The SPE Nigeria started in 1973 with Lagos Section but today, it has five Sections Abuja, Benin, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri with 25 University Student Chapters across Nigeria; and a membership of over 5000. The SPE Nigeria Council, established in 1987, is the umbrella body for SPE Sections in Nigeria.

What are we expecting from the 2013 Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE)?

NAICE is the leading oil and gas industry technical conference in sub-Saharan Africa, with the 2013 conference, holding from July 30, to August 1, being the 37th edition. The theme of the 2013 conference “To Grow Africa’s Oil & Gas Production: Required Policy, Funding, Technology, Techniques & Capabilities” is very relevant to the aspirations of the established, emerging and prospective African oil and gas producing countries. Therefore, the

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Osayande Igiehon, Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineer (SPE) Nigeria Council.

2013 conference aims to provide a robust platform to help governments, industry and academia position for the aspired production growth, which will be crucial to achieving needed economic growth in Africa and meeting the world’s growing energy needs. The 2013 NAICE will provide unparalleled world-class opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, networking and marketing of products and technology. It will feature an opening ceremony on July 30, which will have top leaders and executives from government, industry and academia present.

The conference will also feature the biggest oil and gas industry exhibition in subSaharan Africa that will feature over 60 organisations comprising international oil companies, overseas companies, indigenous companies, academic institutions and professional organisations. This conference will see the introduction of two novel programs. First is a Conference Workshop, which this year will focus on Marginal Field Development Best Practices. And there is a Women Development Network that is going to be launched this year. The Marginal Field Best Practices Workshop is a must-attend event for all those who have interest in the growing segment of the industry. It will feature seasoned experts who have successfully put marginal fields on production and they will be sharing their experiences and challenges. They will also proffer valuable ideas on how to improve the success rates and increase the contribution from marginal fields to meet the overall production growth aspirations.

There will also be two topical Panel Sessions that will feature high profile technocrats giving their views on the current status, challenges, progress and solutions on two key topics ‘Human Capital Development as Enabler to Grow Africa’s Oil & Gas Production’ and ‘Crude Oil Theft: Implications for Nigeria and Possible Remedies’. As you know, crude oil theft has become one of the biggest threats that the Nigerian onshore oil and gas industry is facing today; hence SPE is elevating this subject for attention, discussion, education and building coalition for resolution.

The heart of the conference is the Technical Programme. This year, it will feature the presentation of over 100 technical papers.

These papers have been selected from a submission of over 250 initial proposals.

The papers have come from a wide spectrum of endeavours, with the majority coming from the academia, for the very first time. The technical programme is usually one of the most attended programmes

best three papers were identified and the person with the best three papers is sponsored to the SPE International Conference.

So, the student, who won and who was from the University of Ibadan is going to New Orleans in October for the SPE International Conference. The third thing we do is that for the faculty – for the lecturers, SPE also provides funding for to support them to come for the Nigeria conference and for the international conference.

We provide that support. The fourth thing is that we do a lot as professionals – as individuals, going to the universities to do ambassador programmes, just as some members of SPE provide master classes.

On July 5, for example, I am going to the University of Benin to give valedictory speech for the graduating engineering class. So, there is so much we are doing in different areas to make the students industry-ready professionals. But let me give you something that is more fundamental. There is always that notion today, that when you have a graduate, that graduate should come out ready for you to plug in. I do not thing that is the correct Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister, Dieziani Allison-Madueke. notion. When a graduate comes out of the university, he comes out with an underin the conference, as it provides the oppor- standing of the principles and with an tunity for professionals to share their ideas, understanding of how to apply the princitests concepts and to learn from each ples to solve problems. He may not have other. As you know, there is a contest that the industry knowledge. When he goes goes along with the programme, and the into the industry, depending on the indus“SPE NAICE Best Paper Award” is one of the try he finds himself, the industry can now most coveted professional recognitions in tailor him to meet their needs in terms of the Nigeria oil and gas industry. the industry specific things. I read What is SPE Nigeria doing to bridge the Electrical Engineering but I joined the oil skill gap between the academia and the oil industry but as an electrical engineer, I industry, so as to ensure that Nigerian could have gone into NEPA; I could have graduates are equipped for the challenges joined the chemical industry of anything.

So, the education is not encompassing. in the field?

The first thing is that today, SPE sponsors But the key that is lacking is the considerathe Committee of Heads of Petroleum tion that even the principle – the foundaEngineering Departments. This is a forum tion is weak. So, the concern that people where we have brought all the heads of have about the graduates today is not petroleum engineering departments around their being able to plug into the together. We sponsor their meetings so industry and be able to adapt to that that they can fashion out what are their col- industry but whether their foundation is lective problems and whether there poten- strong enough for you to build on. That is key. tial solutions and then provide the coali- the tion and the means to try to link some of You said SPE Nigeria would launch their problems to solution providers. Women Development Network in this So, one of the key steps we took this year year’s conference. Why this special focus was to sponsor and host an oil and gas edu- on women? cation summit in Abuja. That was held in The SPE Nigeria has been trying to develop May and we have the Federal Ministry of diverse workforce. Studies have shown Education, represented; Nigerian that there is benefit and value in having a Universities Commission and there were diverse workforce and diversity is in many five panel sessions that discussed the differ- areas. One of the key areas of diversity is in ent aspects, including our curriculum; why gender because the approach that women our graduates are not industry-ready; why bring to solving problems is different do we not have enough research. We from the approach that a typical male looked at all these areas and we came out would bring. It is in that collaboration that with a number of key things, which we are you get the best value. So, with time, we going to do. We broke those things into have seen that for us to be able to able to what SPE can do; what the academia needs achieve the goals in bringing the women to do and what others need to do. We are participation to a level, which we aspire to, moving away from just talk to areas where we have to dedicate attention and prowe can take actions. We concluded that the grammes at stimulating that part of worknext step to that journey is to have work- force. Most companies have one kind of shop that will discuss the curriculum for programme or the other to stimulate petroleum engineering. It will be collabo- female participation. We do the same ration between SPE, the academia and the thing in SPE; we are trying to provide a Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). more cross-company platform to develop We are providing a platform for the indus- that. What we are hoping to do with this try, not just one company to provide direct inaugural series is to have a section where feedback into the curriculum of the univer- we are going to bring accomplished sities, particularly for the undergraduates. women leaders in the industry and they That is the very first thing that we are will be sharing with their colleagues, what doing. The second thing that we are doing it has been for them, building their skills; is that people may not know that we have competing in their a traditionally male25 university chapters in Nigeria and uni- dominated industry to rise to the top, and versity chapters are typically 50 to 100. One potentially become role models and give of the events, which we hold is students’ their younger colleagues tips and tricks on conference, which we rotate among the how to navigate the oil industry world and universities. This year, the conference was get to the top just like they have done. That held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is the intent behind that programme. Our (UNN) and that conference had over 400 principle is that when we always bring up students from all over Nigeria. There were a new idea, we incubate it within the conover 100 technical papers presented by stu- ference for a couple of years when it dents on the work they are doing and the becomes strong enough to stand on its own, we spin it off.

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SPECIAL REPORT ON THE SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS’ 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

Lawal Gbolahan, CEO, GIL AUTOMATION LIMITED

Charlotte Essiet-Oduah, Nigerian Content Manager, BAKER HUGHES

AFRICA OILFIELD SERVICES LIMITED: Foremost Indigenous Oilfield Services Company E were formed in 2011 folW lowing a merger of AOS (Africa Oilfield Services Ltd) and Orwell International Oil & Gas both of which were Nigerian registered companies with operational offices in Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt. This merger gave birth to what is easily known today as the largest indigenous oilfield services company in Nigeria.

Before the merger, AOS was known for her expertise in fishing, wireline and machine shop services with operations in Nigeria and Ghana whilst Orwell was the leader in drilling tools rentals with fishing, NDT inspection and hydrographic services with on ground operations in Nigeria, Ghana & Uganda. The owners of the two companies saw the enormous advantage in forming a larger company to rival the international service companies in Nigeria.

After the merger, the new company implemented one of her strategies to grow and acquired the Nigerian business of Equipment and Controls Nigeria ltd to become the local business partner of Emerson Process Management bringing on board over 15 years of process automation experience in Nigeria.

Again in 2012, another acquisition was made of Titan Tubulars Nigeria Limited and Oiltools Africa Ltd to become the proud owner of the largest conductor casing and OCTG manufacturing facility in Nigeria.

Today, AOS Orwell has become an integrated oilfiled service partner of choice for all IOC’s, NOC’s and independents operating in Nigeria. We are operating from our 52,400sqm base in Trans Amadi Port Harcourt.

Our other locations include other bases in Port Harcourt, Onne, Lagos, Kampala, Accra & Takoradi.

LEVEL OF INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA With the arrival of the local content and the drive by the Federal Government to increase local capacity in country, we have made huge investments in Nigeria to align with this drive by the

F.G. as at end of 2012, our fixed assets in Nigeria stood at N15.8 Billion ($102m) and the value of our investment in Nigeria stood at N22.5Billion ($145m).This consequently represents a 111% and 75% increase in our fixed assets and investment from our investment in 2011 of N7.2 Billion ($46m) and N12.9 Billion ($83m) respectively.

This growth in investment is visible all across our operational bases in our people, equipments and technology transfer.

THE CHALLENGES OF OPERATING IN NIGERIA A country like Nigeria is saddled with challenges in all industries be it Oil & gas, Manufacturing, telecoms,finance. We have waded through this storm over the years by carefully understudying and anticipating the various challenges.

These can be addressed under two major headings.

Firstly, there are major inconsistencies and uncertainty in the development and implementation of policies, as is the case of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Since its approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and recommendation by the Presidency to the National Assembly in July 2012 which was welcomed by companies like AOS Orwell, the declaration has seen its public hearing postponed continually until it was finally heard in the National Assembly on 19thJuly 2013. Consequently a whole year went past without final approval not to mention implementation. Another example is the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act 2010, which is aimed towards increasing Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry, in terms of human, material and economic resources, as opposed to foreign participation.However, it has been perceived that the government is not doing enough to ensure that firms which have not fulfilled their local content quota are sanctioned and prevented from participation in the sector.

Secondly, the way the industry is shaped poses another form of challenge for servic-

ing companies. We talk about the format of the contracts issued. Our service sector is dominated by short term contracts mainly calloff in nature. Call- off means that you are at the mercy of the buyer whenever he needs the products and whatsoever quantity he requires and this could be insignificant sometimes. Financial institutions are not usually forthcoming in financing short term or call off contracts and in cases where they do, the terms are quite prohibitive. This unfortunate trend has a negative impact on the profitability and sustainability of the business.

Thirdly, the state of security in the Niger-Delta has deteriorated in recent times though there are signs of great improvement. This has affected our technology transfer program, as most of our OEM partners are not willing to travel down to Port Harcourt to train our staff.

Finally, the physical infrastructure such as the inadequate electricity supply and the absence of good roads present difficulties potentially drive up the cost of operations in the country. This is epitomized in the cost of private power generation for businesses (including ours) through diesel generators.

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION AND SERVICES We operate in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry as a oil servicing firm, providing specialized services and equipment to oil operators – both local and international. We provide these services in the following major areas, known as Well Construction, Process Management, fabrication, OCTG Manufacturing & remedial well Services.

Under Well Construction, we provide Drilling Services which include the Provision of Fishing Tools, Drilling Tools, Casing & Tubular Running (CTR) and Directional drilling services.

We also provide Wireline, Slickline and Testing & Inspection Services. For Process Management Services, we can automate a

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Femi Omotayo,Managing Director/CEO AOSOrwell Limited

GIL AUTOMATION LIMITED: Providing Turnkey Solutions Across Africa il Automation is a sysG tems integration firm and ISO 9001:2008 certified.

The company specializes in industrial automation, instrumentation, electrical, control, communication and safety systems spanning through many industries across Africa.

Gil Automation is majorly into engineering and panelbuilding, that is, fabricating the panels locally both for site and field works and it serves a wide spectrum of clients across the oil, gas and power industries, with solutions tailored to each individual customer’s needs.

Recently, with the introduction of the local content initiative of the federal government, the company started investing in manufacturing.

For instance, building Siemens panels, electrical switch gears, amongst others.

Mr. Lawal Gbolahan, the Chief Executive Officer of Gil Automation Limited, explained further on the company’s operations,”we work mainly with global technology providers such as Siemens, Honeywell, Microsoft, General Electric, etc. Gil Automation partners with these organizations and deploys their technology locally. The company has coordinating office in

Houston, Texas with branch offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Accra-Ghana”.

Talking about the Local Content Law and how it has impacted on the operations of a company like Gil Automation, Mr. Lawal stressed that the law is a ‘game-changer’ because “before now, as a local outfit, most of our competitors were unknown companies which did not have any foothold or stake or investment in Nigeria. Presently, this initiative has compelled industry players to work with serious local firms, and we are glad that we are one of them. It has encouraged us to improve in our operations and the business environment, get more patronage, invest more and create more jobs. In short, it has created a sort of a ripple effect and it is good for us”.

He said further that the company has improved from what it was a few years ago considering the fact that “we now have seventy-five people in our workforce and we are able to have direct engagement with the customers. With the local content law, it has been a good start for us. However, there is still a long journey ahead in terms of compliance”.

The development in the oil and gas sector, and the harsh business environment in Nigeria is of huge concern to service companies such as Gil Automation. In this vein, Mr. Lawal said that “primarily, from the manufacturing standpoint, infrastructure is very important. So, also from the service standpoint, there is a big gap in manpower.

That is, the personnel that have the know-how to move the industry forward are very few. Although, there are so many institutions that produce engineers yearly but hardly can you find institutions bringing out technicians who do the bulk of the job. Even if you have the technologist, the technicians that are responsible for working in the field are few.

Speaking further on the other challenges that beset the industry, he explained that “there is still that huge gap in manpower. You will find out that the major service-related jobs in the sector are done by non-Nigerians.

Basically, the plants and machines are designed by engineers only once and the rest of its operations and maintenance are done by technicians. Therefore, we need the right capacity and the right manpower. So is access to infrastructure such as electricity, good roads, and access to funding.

Presently, in Nigeria, we have limited financial institutions that are ready to support in order to invest more”.

At this 2013 Exhibition, Gil Automation will be showcasing its big leap from being a service provider to a manufacturer. According to Mr. Lawal, “we are also presenting our electrical switchgears and control

panels for offshore use, made according to international standards, authorized and approved by Siemens.

Also, we are showcasing our competence in complete offshore safety solutions, wireless field instrumentation and other new technology”.

In terms of professional advice to government concerning the Petroleum Industry Bill, the Chief Executive is of the opinion that “the government needs to take a bold and firm step because its absence is holding back a lot of things and numerous investors are wary of the country’s business environment. This step needs to be taken also because the Oil and Gas sector is global, whatever kind of product or service you offer can well be accessed anywhere in the world. All that is important is the need to set up a policy for a framework for huge financial support to be able to advance the interest of the local manufacturers. It is also important to ensure that all the provisions of the local content act are implemented to the letter”.

In his words, “in terms of capacity building, companies need financial support.

The Bank of Industry in Nigeria is trying but the government needs to establish more of such institutions to bridge the obvious gaps and enable creation of more jobs for the country’s population and bring overall benefits to the economy. This is exactly what happened when Brazil implemented its own local content law some years back. Many developed economies have special purpose financial establishments to address these deficiencies in the system. These institutions should be set up to assist really serious local companies and investors in the sector which will serve as stimulus to build capacity to improve in their operations and create more jobs”.

Lastly, he believed that “the possibility of the United States cutting down the volume of oil imports from

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SPECIAL REPORT ON THE SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS’ 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION BAKER HUGHES: Proffering Cutting-Edge Technology And Solutions , Exceeding Customer’s Expectations aker Hughes is an oilfield B service company and has been in Nigeria for more than 50 years. The company’s operations in Nigeria cuts across different needs in the Oil & Gas Industry which include drilling services, completion and production, wireline services, reservoir development services, drilling and completion fluids services, pressure pumping services, production chemicals, artificial lift services, as well as, drilling bits products and services to mention some of our packages.

In 2010, Baker Hughes inaugurated its Africa’s most modern completion and production center located in the Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone Onne, Rivers State. This is in addition to its different facilities located in Port Harcourt and Lagos.

When asked about the challenges of operating in a country like Nigeria, Charlotte Essiet-Oduah, the Country Content Manager for Baker Hughes said that ”although the security situation in the Niger Delta was a concern but now it has improved greatly and as a compliant company, we have been able to grow our operations

despite the peculiarities of Nigeria”.

She noted that the company’s quality services serves as its area of comparative advantage “as earlier aentioned, we have complete products and services to offer the Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry for both deep offshore and onshore operations.

However our advantage is in our cutting edge technology and the solutions we proffer to our clients.

Another advantage is our zeal to being the oil service company which best anticipates, understands and exceeds our customer’s expectations while maintaining high Health Safety and Environment standards”.

Concerning this year event, Essiet-Oduah explained that “Baker Hughes will be showcasing various technologies and in addition to our whole product lines. We will showcase models of our new Kymera Drill Bit, GeoForm Sand Control System and Autotrack tools. There will also be demos of our Reservoir Software JewelSuite and our product line representatives available to answer any questions partici-

pants might have”.

The theme of the SPE NAICE 2013 conference is about required policy, funding, technologies, techniques and capacity to grow Africa oil and gas industry and according to the company’s representative “the fundamentals of the SPE NAICE 2013 are similar to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act enacted in 2010”.

She stressed that “Baker Hughes currently looks more in-country for procurement of goods and services towards execute of projects and we have alliances with Indigenous service companies to perform our several services through which they learn our techniques and technology. This initiative will ultimately grow the Oil and Gas industry in terms of enabling indigenous companies grow, encourage small businesses to develop and move into manufacturing items required for use on industry projects and the list goes on. In view of this goal, I would say that Baker Hughes has embraced the SPE’s fundamentals and is already working with them”, she concluded.

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AFRICA OILFIELD SERVICES LIMITED:

process, supply its required instruments, maintain, repair, upgrade and overhaul. We are also the Local Business Partner in Nigeria for Emerson Process Management, the Global Leader in this field. Lastly, under Fabrication, we are the only Nigerian company licensed to manufacture large conductor casing connectors. We are equally capable of manufacturing premium crossovers as well as carry out difficult repair works of oilwell equipments.

WHAT AOSORWELL IS SHOWCASING AT THE 2013 CONFERENCE/EXHIBITION We will be showcasing our In-country capability for conductor casing & OCTG, Process Automation, downhole circulation technology and remedial well services.

CHALLENGES IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR The government would firstly need to ensure there is improved consistency in policy development and implementation. This will help local companies like us to plan and grow and become a service provider outside the shores of the country thus propagating the brand called Nigeria.

Additionally, the security situation of the country, particularly in Niger-Delta regions would need to be addressed.

An improvement in security will aid better operations for everybody operating in the area and also boost technology transfer as OEM’s can now freely come to the region and

train Nigerians.

THE RECENT OIL DISCOVERY

BY THE UNITED STATES Actually, it is Shale oil/gas that was recently discovered in America in large quantities. Yes the exploitation of this resource will have an impact on the United States importation of Oil. This is because the United states is a major importer of oil from Nigeria and has the possibility of becoming partially if not fully oil-independent like Saudi-Arabia in the near future. This is with Nigeria’s oil exports to the US dropping to its lowest level in 15 years, according to OPEC (Organisation of Oil Producing and Exporting Countries). Additionally, the EIA (The United States Energy Information Agency) as at 9th July 2013, forecasts that America although still a net importer of oil, are expected to have a net import reduction from 6.58 to 5.68 million barrels/day (a drop of 900 thousand barrels/day)

between the 3rd and 4th quarters of this year, and to have a further reduction of their net imports by 830 thousand barrels/day (to 4.85 million barrels/day) by the 4th quarter of 2014.

In the near future, there is also the fear that by 2020, as the United States taps into its reserves, it would become the largest oil producing country in the world, surpassing OPEC supply, and effectively diminishing OPEC’s hold on the Oil Market. World oil demand, with the emergence of the United States as a major exporter from previously being a major importer would reduce and increase the relative demand and supply respectively. Nigeria being a part of OPEC may be required to reduce its quota to cope with the increased competitionand lower demand resulting, and this could have negative implications on Nigeria’s oil revenue and in turn the Nigerian oil market.

GIL AUTOMATION LIMITED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 Nigeria is no threat on the short term. This is because there is still huge short term demand for Nigerian crude due to the quality of Nigeria’s oil which is often referred to as ‘sweet crude’ based on the ease and low cost required in refining it”.

However, he would like Nigeria to be mindful of the

discovery of shale oil and the exploration and increased development of oil in other African countries such as Ghana, Angola, Equatorial Guinea that are all now competing in the market stressing that “it is a demand and supply situation and we should be able to live up to expectations in the areas of investments and operations”.

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UBA commissions security operations centre to safeguard e-banking transactions

By Femi Adekoya O mitigate risks associated with e-banking transactions, especially as it deploys new echannel products, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has established a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and forensic lab to such end.

Speaking at the commissioning of the centre in Lagos on Monday, the Managing Director of the bank, Philips Uduoza said that the move was a proactive measure designed to protect the bank’s customers in the course of conducting transactions on its online platforms through the design of effective systems and processes.

According to him, the centre empowers the bank to securely deliver electronic banking services to its customers, effectively manage all form of information security threats and provide a robust protection to its systems, network and electronic banking channels.

“Being a leading bank in the deployment of electronic banking channels, we made a deliberate decision to invest in a robust informa-

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tion security infrastructure, processes and skilled personnel as an effective way to manage information security threats.

“Any serious banking institution that wants to succeed in this digital age cannot afford to ignore information security as any major compromise of bank’s system and network has potentials for colossal damage.

“We partnered with top information security organisation that worked with the bank to upgrade our information security infrastructure in Nigeria and 18 African countries where we have presence. The drive towards cashless economy and migration of customers from banking halls to channels, demands that we put in place systems and processes that would protect our customers and the bank hence the establishment of this centre,” he added.

Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ibedu Onyebuchi commended the bank for the initiative and stated that the centre was an

important milestone in the industry that must be emulated by other banks because of the global threats to electronic banking.

“UBA has taken a bold step in securing its customers, knowing that banking cannot be practiced without adequate control and sound risk management systems,” he said.

Digital Direct berths in Lekki IGITAL Direct, the first full-fledged ICT outD let in Lekki Phase 1, has concluded plans to open its ultra-modern IT experience store on

brands get to end users at Lekki at affordable prices.

The store layout and display, he said, had Admiralty Way to ensure a convenient digital been deliberately designed to achieve an lifestyle for the inhabitants of Lekki and its encounter between the product and the conenvirons.

Schools, banks, oil and gas companies, SMEs sumer resulting in an ultimate shopping expeand homes are expected to be the immediate rience. The team has been trained to deliver beneficiaries of the customer-oriented invest- customer satisfaction beyond the purchase of a prescribed spec but following up to make ment. sure that the spec yields value.

According to the Managing Director, Tolu Ijogun said that Direct Care was the support Ijogun, Digital Direct is coming into Lekki to arm of the company, which was equipped to ensure that the latest laptops, phones, camoffer premium after sales service to all brands. eras and printers were available within 72 Each OEM would have an engineer standing by hours of launch anywhere in the world.

Digital Direct has gone into partnerships with to offer support to customers. Manufacturers warrantees would overlap deliberately into Samsung, Dell, HP, Lenovo, D-Link, Huawei, the distributors’ warrantees to give customer a Swift 4G, Luidia, Nokia, Microsoft amongst the country. We are not just here other credible OEM’s to ensure that preferred longer lease of caring. to issue cards out via the banks, rather the development of the eco-system means a lot to us. We Inlaks Computers x-rays customer success factor at forum want the knowledge to be built especially at the grass root level.

HE importance of customer satisfaction to a kets, the evolving pace of technological renewal “When we approached CC-Hub firm’s success came to the fore at the forum cycles and the strong portfolio of Temenos in we wanted it to be a very broad organised by Inlaks Computers Limited, an ICT meeting the diverse needs of its broad cusapp that can cover segments of and infrastructure solution provider in Nigeria tomer base. people in the society, as children and the West African Region.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of should be educated likewise the At the forum, held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, with Inlaks, Femi Adeoti emphasized, “for the first adult.” the theme: “Customer Success in a Multi-Speed time, the West African Region drove more top Given insight on the apps devel- World” stakeholders’ hinged business progress level traffic to the TCF than other regions.” oped at the boothcamp, she to customer satisfactions.

Adeoti said, “as a result of our activities at this described them as amazing and The event, which had the entire West African year’s TCF, we have created a lot of brand awarevery impressive. “It was very Temenos community in attendance lasted for ness for Inlaks within the Global Temenos impressive that they could three-day, attracted well over 800 delegates Community and within our partners’ commudevelop such apps in 48 hours. from across the financial services industry that nity.” This development also brought to fore They have the knowledge and include Temenos’ customers, partners, Inlaks as a Nigerian brand that is projecting the technical know-how,” she investors, and key industry experts. delivery of best in class solution to customers in added.

The conference also focused on the divergent the West African region in accordance with outlook of varied banking segments and mar- global best practice.

Nigerians emerge winners in VISA/Cc-Hub financial literacy apps challenge FINANCIAL sector where A users can get audio tutorials in multiple languages on specific financial issues that Nigerians face was declared the finest app by judges at financial literacy bootcamp organised by VISA in collaboration with Co-Creation Hub Nigeria recently.

The app developed by young talented developers led by Francis Osifo came first among six apps demonstrated at the one Bootcamp and developed under 48 hours.

At the boothcamp three top teams garnered cash prizes totaling N2, 960, 000, with the first team going home with N1.2 million.

The Bootcamp had six teams building prototypes of web/mobile apps and games to teach money management skills and support the advancement of financial literacy among Nigerians.

Holly Jones, Business Development manager, VISA (Nigeria) said that the company was motivated into organising the competition enlighten the public on financial savings and e-transactions.

She said that the challenge was part of corporate social responsibility of the world famous payment solution provider.

Jones said: “We are here to contribute our quota towards deepening financial literacy in

Group Head, IT Risk Management, Sam Okenye, emphasized that the deployment of fraud detection solution in the SOC and the all-round-the-clock monitoring would help guard against fraud and also protect customers against e-channel fraud.

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MaritimeWatch Report blames graft at ports on weak institution, discretionary powers, others

By Moses Ebosele EAK institution, ineffective administrative practices and discretionary powers exercised by officials of government agencies have been identified as major factors responsible for alleged corruption at Nigerian Ports.

According to a report on Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) put together by an interagency committee, other causesofcorruptionintheNigerian Port system include widespread poverty, serious security problems and lack of independent institution where alleged corruption can be reported.

The committee has as it representatives the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bureau for Public

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Procurement (BPP) and Technical Unit on Government & Anti-corruption Reform (TUGAR) with support from other stakeholders such as United Nation Development Project (UNDP) and Maritime Anti- Corruption Network (MACN).

Explaining further in its report to stakeholders recently, the committee explained that institutions played vital roles in the fight against corruption.

Consultants to the CRA project, Constantine Palicarsky and Chibuzo Ekwekwuo who presented the report to stakeholders in the maritime sector in Lagos explained that their findings revealed that some agencies personnel delay signing of documents without any consequences.

Palicarsky explained that it

takes 79 signatures to process a cargo in some ports while in other ports it takes up to 100 signatures, a development responsible for alleged wide spread corruption.

In his speech, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, said: “Our primary objective for this exercise is to professionally study the seaport environment and offer solutions to corruption prone processes. We are not here to carve a niche or compete for space with other agencies in the port. Pursuant to the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000, our mandate is to provide a holistic methodology with significant emphasis on prevention.”

Nta explained that the meet-

ing was aimed at bringing together stakeholders and port operators to make input and validate the findings of the assessment report conducted by the three bodies.

A member of the committee who spoke with The Guardian recently commended agencies for making “our job easy.”

The anti-corruption agencies are sub-divided into four groups of “22 accessors” and charge with the responsibility of visiting Ports in Lagos, Warri, Calabar and Onne.

According to the committee, itsmainobjectiveswereto identify vulnerable areas that were prone to corruption, proffer recommendations and jointly with the relevant agencies develop ‘integrity plans’ that would strengthen accountability and transparency towards

Nta, ICPC boss enhanced service delivery.

Addressing stakeholders in Lagos before members of the committee commenced their assignment, UNDP team leader, Prof. Sam Egwu said that the initiative sought to strengthen mechanisms to

prevent corruption within the selected Nigerian ports by identifying “gaps and vulnerabilities,profferingpracticalrecommendations and developing an integrity plan to address the identified gaps and vulnerabilities.”

ing other regulatory functions. The vessel is also kept for an average of another six hours after discharging before it is allowed to sail. So unlike at other ports, a vessel calling at Nigerian ports wastes an average of twelve hours to bureaucratic bottlenecks. The average cost of this on a medium size ship will be about $120,000 (N19 million).

Will the shipping company absorb this cost? Of course not, it will pass it on to the shippers and consignees.

Delays in the clearance of cargo also contribute to the high cost of doing business. Many importers and agents do not commence the process of clearing their cargoes until the vessels arrive. If the clearance process could commence prearrival of vessels, most consignments would be cleared within the first three days of arrival, which are rent free days and thus substantially reduce charges associated with storage payable to terminal operators and demurrage payable to shipping companies.

A publication titled Why Does

Cargo Spend Weeks in subSaharan African Ports? written

by Gaël Raballand, Salim Refas, Monica Beuran, and Gözde Isik and published by the World Bank last year ranked Nigerian ports as having the highest cargo dwell time in sub-Saharan Africa.

The book was the outcome of research conducted on ports operations in six countries in the region.

The authors of the book claimed that most ports in subSaharan Africa have average cargo dwell times of about 20 days, compared to three to four days in most large international ports. They blamed the trend on the low level of professionalism of importers and clearing and forwarding agents and the strategies of shippers.

Apart from bureaucratic bottlenecks at the ports, corruption by operatives of government agencies is also a major culprit and until these are thoroughly examined and addressed, the gains of port reforms might remain elusive to Nigerians.

• Akinola, a maritime industry

Another look at cost of doing business in Nigeria

By Bolaji Akinola RIVATE terminal operators P have inadvertently become the whipping child of Nigerian ports. Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) used to be at the receiving end of the blame game before port concession but that has since changed with the coming of port concession in 2006.

Whenever people lament ‘high cost of doing business at the port’, without much thoughts, they readily point accusing fingers in the direction of concessionaires.

I think this is rather simplistic and a reflection of lack of deep thoughts and understanding of port operation in the country.

The truth is that private terminal operators have not only done much to improve the fortunes of our ports, they have also reduced the cost of doing business within their own spheres of influence.

Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, who visited the port about three weeks ago succinctly, captured the contribution of the terminal operators when he said, “any ship that comes into Apapa docks, the time of discharge will depend on the type of cargo to be discharged. Before the concession, many ships were waiting to berth such that you see a large number of ships lining up to the Atlantic waiting to berth but now it looks as if there is no business going on in the port. What we see now is due to the work that all these terminal operators have done in the port.”

The minister, who led the Policy and Monitoring Committee of the National Council of Privatisation (NCP), to the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa also said that port operation in Nigeria had come a long way, stating “obviously

with all the improvement and investment taking place we are heading to a situation where there is a significant headway.

“For instance, the additional surcharge imposed on every containers coming into Nigeria has been removed and this has been a significant benefit to the importers and those who are doing business at the port,” the minister stated.

What the minister said had been stated severally in the past by other leading personalities and keen watchers of port operation in the country.

The situation in our ports today, especially due to increased volume of import by about 200 per cent over the past seven years, would have been worse but for terminal operators.

But port operation and its associated costs are way beyond the direct influence of private terminal operators. There is more to it than that. As a matter of fact, the amount paid to terminal operators, according to the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa Limited, Mr.

Dallas Hampton, was less than two per cent of the cost incurred by importers in the logistics chain. Where then lay the big chunk of this cost of doing business at the port?

In my opinion and from years of observation, high import duty, corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks are the major reasons why Nigerian ports remain the most expensive among ports in the West African sub-region. Not terminal handling charges or progressive storage charges.

High import duty, corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks are the factors responsible for the high cost of doing business at Nigerian ports by way of increasing the amount of money importers spend on taking delivery of their consignments out of the port.

As a matter of fact, the costs incurred by port users as a result of these factors becloud the worthy gains of port concession.

Apart from being compelled by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in 2006 to

charge 30 per cent less than what NPA used to collect as Terminal Handling Charges, port concessionaires have succeeded in reducing the dwell time of vessels, improved turnaround time of vessels and enthrone, to a reasonable extent, efficiency in port operation.

Despite the improved turnaround time, unnecessary delay of vessels by government officials upon arrival and before departure is still commonplace.

Time is money in shipping and that is why in other climes, conscious efforts are made to avoid delaying a ship because the cost implication may be as much as $10,000 per hour. Elsewhere when a vessel arrives the port, it sails straight to berth and begins to discharge almost immediately while regulatory authorities simultaneously carry out their regulatory duties. But not so in Nigeria!

When a vessel arrives at our port, it is first kept waiting for about six hours by the authorities under the guise of searching, rummaging and perform-

S’ Africa woos ship operators with new tax regime HE draft Taxation Laws T Amendment Bill, 2013, released by the South African Revenue Service on July 14, 2013, proposes the introduction of an internationally competitive tax regime for ship operators that register vessels under the South African ensign.

The regime, proposed to be effective from January 1, 2014, would provide a number of tax concessions to resident companies that have registered at least one vessel that is flagged in South Africa under the Ship

Registration Act 1998, which are designed for the international transportation of passengers or goods for reward.

The regime will include exemptions from income tax, the capital gains tax, the dividends tax as well as crossborder withholding tax on interest. Shipping companies will be afforded the added flexibility of using any functional currency for its day-to-day operations.

As a general matter, according to lowtax.net, international shipping transport conducted by South African

companies is largely subject to a corporate income tax rate of 28 per cent, adding that the only incentives for international shipping are some depreciation incentives for capital investment in shipping transport.

Quoting the draft law, it said: “Government has long been aware that the international trend has been toward greatly reduced taxation of international shipping transport due to the highly mobile nature of this activity.

Many leading shipping cen-

tres now impose a tonnage tax regime in lieu of income tax. In the case of a tonnage tax, tax is calculated by measuring the tonnage of the ship rather than through reliance on profits with the tax essentially amounting to small license fee. Other countries exempt international transport shipping income altogether.

“In view of these trends, the 28 per cent South African rate is wholly uncompetitive and is cited as one of the reasons that South Africa can no longer attract ships to its flag

despite South Africa’s strategic naval location.”

The new regime boasts the following features: Receipts and accruals in respect of income derived from South African-flagged ships of a qualifying shipping company will be treated as exempt income if that ship is engaged in the international traffic of passengers or cargo for reward by sea. The disposal of the ship is also exempt regardless of whether the gain generates ordinary revenue or capital gains.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

IndustryWatch EU eases stance on trade deal with Africa

By Femi Adekoya, with agency reports HE European Union (EU) may have T dropped its controversial demand for reciprocal treatment by African states if only they don’t extend special preferences to the likes of China and the United States.

The EU Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, during his visit to Kenya said the treatment demanded under the Economic Partnership Agreements’ (EPAs) Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause would be limited to Africa’s dealings with other developed nations and emerging markets.

According to him, “we don’t have issues with African countries where intra-regional trade is still very low.

“But if preferential treatment is extended to developed and emerging economies which are our fierce competitors at the moment, we are going to demand equal treatment.”

The EU will, however, demand similar treatment offered on bilateral basis to North American states, Asia or emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).

The MFN clauses are registered and enforced by the World Trade Organisation.

Specifically, a country grants MFN in the form of specific trade advantages such as reduced tariffs on imported goods to economies with which it hopes to grow trade.

In the EPA’s context, the MFN Clause has its roots in the Cotonou Agreement, which provides for an MFN extension in favour of European Community member states (EC) in the event that African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries grant more favourable treatment to other developed states.

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) is a group of countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific that negotiate in five Economic Partnership Agreements groups (West Africa, CEMAC, Southern Africa Development Community, East African Community, Eastern and Southern Africa) with the EU. Generally, the MFN principle obliges a country to grant to the MFN beneficiary all trade advantages, such as low tariffs that any other nation receives from it. In other words, the MFN principle obliges country A to grant to country B all trade advantages that country A currently extends and will extend in the future to any other country.

The African states, which have been integrating their markets with neighbours in the last 10 years, had interpreted this demand as a ploy to undermine regional economic blocs.

Karel, while at a meeting in Kenya, had said boosting regional integration was one of the key planks of EPAs talks. “We appreciate that at only 11 per cent, the level of intra-Africa trade is still very low compared to 85 per cent of the western European states,” he said.

The EPAs seeks to open 100 per cent of the EU market in exchange for 83 per cent access to African, Caribbean and Pacific market. Once signed, Africa nations will be given seven years grace period before they fully open up their markets.

The EU had adopted in May, the amendment of the Market Access Regulation, thereby clarifying the options available to ACP countries in their choice of the trading relationship they wish to have with the European Union.

According to Karel, the amendment was never a deadline for negotiations.

He added thus: “While we need closure on the agreements initiated in 2007, on-going EPA negotiations may continue as long as they have the prospect to bear fruit.

“We now have a historic opportunity to conclude a comprehensive regional Economic Partnership Agreement. If we have the political will on both sides to make it a reality, we can achieve it. In any case, I instructed my negotiators not to come back empty-handed.

“One area where trade ministers have agreed to make progress is so-called “trade

Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Ikem Odumodu(left); Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Oluwagbemiga Kuye; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Free Trade Zone, Chen Xiaoxing, at the Nigeria investment promotion in Beijing, China facilitation”, which means to remove red tape and avoid unnecessary procedures at customs.

“And if there is one thing we already agree on today, then it is the fact that this will significantly benefit ACP countries. As a matter of fact, it would help countries to be part of global value chains – because easier border controls means reducing costs for both import and export.

“We have no time to lose. I believe that this is true for multilateral trade liberalisation, but also for our EPA. The rewards will certainly repay our efforts”.

It could be recalled that Nigeria had raised concerns especially on the CET and EPA negotiations citing them as encouraging unfavourable trade practices between the ECOWAS region and the EU, while undermining the growth of the nation’s real sector.

Acting Director-General, Manufacturers

Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rasheed Adegbenro, had explained that the CET dragged for too long because of Nigeria’s protectionist stance, especially for its industries.

Indeed, MAN had expressed optimism that a consensus that would favour Nigerian businesses would become feasible in the new CET regime.

Furthermore, in preparation for the resumption of negotiations, the West African region had undertaken a series of analyses of the impact of an increased market offer on the economies of its member states based on three scenarios, particularly on customs revenue, external trade, real GDP growth, investments inflows and consumption of households.

In a communiqué issued at the just-concluded 43rd ordinary session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in

Abuja, Nigeria expressed reservations on the three issues, but the summit deferred decisions on them until the Dakar summit, in October.

The CET is a precursor to a regional Customs Union, which is predicated on the harmonisation and convergence of national fiscal, monetary and trade policies of member states for the attainment of economic integration by the 15nation economic community with a combined population of more than 300 million people.

Earlier at their March meeting in Praia, Cape Verde, regional ministers of finance had endorsed a new five-band tariff regime for West Africa, subject of ten years of internal negotiations driven by the technical committee of the Commissions of the ECOWAS and the eight member West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) following the 2006 decision by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

BoI assures manufacturers of improved access to funds mortgage agreement, personal guarantee, professional fees, interEQUEL to concerns raised by est rate, appraisal fee, commitment manufacturers on access to fee, and monitoring fee. funds, the Bank of Industry (BoI) The Executive Director, has restated its commitment to Operations, BoI, Mohammed enhancing access to cheap funds Alkali, in his presentation on in the country.

‘Bridging the gap between manuIndeed, the Manufacturers facturing and the Bank of Industry’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), at a business luncheon organised Ikeja branch had called on the BoI

by MAN Ikeja branch in Lagos, to address the issue of surcharges recently, explained that the bank associated with loan disbursehad not deviated from its core ment to manufacturers in the mandate of making provisions for country. manufacturers to develop the Specifically, the manufacturers industrial sector. decried the rising cost of accessHe added that though there seems ing cheap funds from to be competition between DFIs Development Finance and commercial banks in disbursInstitutions (DFIs), noting that it ing loans, the bank is committed to has among other factors continencouraging transformation ued to hamper business growth rather than transaction, since it in the country. was promoting value-addition.

Some of the issues border on “BoI’s financing strategy is mortgage debenture, collateral

By Femi Adekoya

S

designed to provide financial and business support services to existing and new industries to attain modern capabilities for the production of goods that are competitive in both domestic and external markets.

“A lot funds has been disbursed to industries under BoI’s intervention programme for the manufacturing sector and we would not relent in doing that.”

He, however, noted that some of the challenges experienced by the manufacturers would be addressed in due course.

“Some of the funds made available to manufacturers were borrowed from the Debt Management Office (DMO) at five per cent interest rate but we are charging only one per cent as a DFI. This means that once the funds are disbursed, we have

started incurring costs on the funds. We however would address grey areas as made known by manufacturers,” he added.

Chairman, MAN, Ikeja, Isaac Ade Agoye, lamented the plight of member firms in the course of doing business in the country.

According to him, “we decided to invite the BoI management to this meeting to enlighten members on their activities as members have continually complained about surcharges from the bank’s loan disbursement to manufacturers.”

He said: “We believe that if manufacturing is made easy and less cumbersome by way of accessibility of loans, manufacturers will obviously be encouraged and this could act as a stop-gap measure for militating the high rate of unemployment. We have the capacity to do so, all we need is encouragement.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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LOGISTICS CHAIN: THE SERVICE PROVIDER CONCEPT AND RISK MANAGEMENT Written Dr. Kingsley Usoh A. LOGISTICS The word logistics is often associated with military deployment. The logistics division of the Nigerian Army, for example, has a supply and transport corp. which is responsible for the movement of troops, equipment and supplies.

Logistics in a commercial sense means the management of materials and physical distribution of benefits. In commercial practice, as shown in Fig 1, logistics management will entail: (i) Sourcing of parts or raw materials; (ii) Production of benefits; and (iii) Delivery of benefit to the final user.

Logistics integrates material management and physical distribution tasks into a single supply chain that links the final user or consumer with all aspects of the chain. The ultimate aim of such integration is to produce and deliver to the end user a better product at a greater value.

A.1. THE SERVICES PROVIDER CONCEPT The logistics services provider concept is an adaptation of the principle of one operator or carrier concept created by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in the Multimodal Transport Convention.

The UNCTAD Convention recognizes the concept of one operator, among the many operators involved in a transit sequence. This concept aims to hold the recognized MULTIMODAL operator liable for any loss or damage to containerized cargoes delivered to the consignee.

The Logistics Services Provider (PLS) concept is a World Trade Organisation (WTO) idea, which recognizes one FORWARDER in the logistics chain.

However, the function of the FORWARDER stretches from procurement, in the country of origin, to distribution in the country of destination. Based on the guiding rules of the PLS Concept, the FORWARDER is held liable for making good any claims arising from loss or damage of container (s) or consignment (s) while in the logistics chain.

It is however important to recognize that companies embrace the logistics services provider concept for a host of reasons.

According to Jane R C Boyes, the Editor of Containerization International, some companies view "logistics services as supporting and complementing their core business of point- topoint shipping, others see logistics as being very much a core activity."

We will dwell on the application of the PLS Concept by FORWARDERS later in this discussion.

We will now, however, assess the economic implications of 'one FORWARDER' concept on our national economy.

A.2.THE 'UNDER CURRENT' OF LOGISTICS SERVICES CONCEPT AND THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS The last 27 years or so has witnessed excessive pressures on developing countries, by the rich countries of the World, to adopt free trade.

Poor countries conformed and the results were devastating. For African countries, they saw their economies battered, and as a result, they were unable to service their debts and meet socio-economic obligation to their people.

African countries emerged as the biggest world economic casualties in the deal.

The PLS concept is one of the many WTO services-in-trade rules that has caused economic devastation in developing countries, (including Nigeria). Altermir Tortell, of the Federation for Workers in Family Farming in South of Brazil, claimed, "the total daily cost of trade injustice to developing countries is £1.4 billion." He further stated, "the figure for daily cost of trade injustice is 14 times more than developing countries receive in aid." This FORWARDER Concept is an integral part of the trade injustice. As-a forwarder operating in an import-led economy, the Nigerian Forwarder has virtually gone under, as the multi-national FORWARDERS are almost in complete control of the Nigeria logistics chain.

The services-in-trade liberalization policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank were imposed on our economies because of our debt burden. These policies made developed industrial western economies to apply selective principles of comparative advantage on matters for trade and services.

They pushed and imposed such policies on sectors like shipping and related services where

they have comparative huge advantages than developing countries. The western economies export their services in shipping sub-sector, like clearing and forwarding, but protect themselves in areas where developing countries are in competition with them.

The complexity of the problem heightens when one realizes that we operate in a world of inequalities, where the poor simply cannot compete with the rich who have all the huge advantages of resources, technology and infrastructure. The logistics chain concept has led to indigenous clearing and forwarding agencies closing down under pressure from international competition.

The Nigerian Freight forwarder needs protection to develop. The policies of government protecting the weak industries have been filtered away, as a result of the principles of free trade. The trade agreements and conditions attached to the principles of free trade and debt relief packages have made multi-national FORWARDERS beneficiaries of these policies.

The end result of this 'under current' is the indigenous Nigerian FORWARDER emerges a big loser in the scheme of things, while the local staffers of the Nigerian concerns are retrenched for lack of business for their employers.

Eventually, jobs are destroyed and lost at the expense of the national economy. Confirming the negative effects of 1M liberalization policies on developing economies, Josep Stiglitz", former Chief Economist of World Bank and 2001 Nobel Prize Winner for Economics said, "moving resources from low-productivity uses to zero productivity does no enrich a country."

There are, therefore, enough reasons to join hands with other agitators to advocate for new rules that would be fair and just to all involved in the logistics chain, as well as international trade.

A.3. APPLICATION OF FORWARDERCONCEPT IN THE LOGISTICS CHAIN The Logistics Services Providers (PLS) operate to satisfy the needs of their clients. These needs may be specific or of common nature.

Whatever the case, the PLS develops product(s) that would give its customers reasonable levels of satisfaction. However, market demands determine the types of product(s) developed and this differs from market to market. In special circumstances, products may be crafted for particular market(s) It is therefore instructive to note that series of factors influence the development and packaging of PLS product(s).

However, the main factors are: (i) Supporting and complementing their core business; (ii) Competition purposes; (iii) Providing general and/or specialized services (iv) A combination of the listed factors.

For a better understanding, it is important to elaborate on these points: (i) SUPPORTING AND COMPLEMENTING CORE BUSINESS Companies operate their logistics services with the sole aim of supporting and complementing their core business. An example is the P & O Nedlloyd (PONL), which, according to Boyes" developed and operates PLS solely to support and complement its point -to-point shipping" (ii) COMPETITION PURPOSES Other companies develop PLS as a way of making their outfit effectively competitive for door-to-door contract worldwide.

They develop their logistics capabilities for purposes of services competition. (iii) PROVIDING GENERAL AND/OR SPECIALIZED SERVICES Aside from the reasons already given, PLS also operates to develop specialized products. An example is where DHL developed a product that offers customers a 'one-stop shopping' opportunity. Andreas Boedeker', the DHL Ocean Freight Manager, confirms his company's belief in the value of "one-stop shopping' for customers. He explained, "Our approach is to really understand our customers' needs, provide them with excellent advice based on our vast expertise in ocean freight, be an engaged partner, and offer our customers a customized solution." With the belief that ocean freight plays an important role within the total supply chain, DHL provided a global transport and logistics products that include 'all mode of transport'. The shipper demand for a product, which offers integrated 'one stop' logistics services was keyedin to sharpen the company's competitive edge.

Schanker", a European Forwarder, on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

African countries are urged to cooperate on Maritime issues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 up, to work on.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi said that what is required in Maritime security is collaboration amongst African countries, to combat the menace of sea piracy. He also posits that Africa must present its case at international fora, to discourage internationalizing piracies in small creeks, and ignoring those large ones on international waters.

Akpobolokemi emphasized that rhetoric is killing maritime administrations in Africa. He pleaded that “Let us talk less and let us start action”. A situation where comparative advantage is not accessed, within the African continent, before going to Europe, does incalculable damage to the African countries maritime development. African countries in need of maritime expertise should check round with its African neighbors before proceeding abroad.

A NIMASA delegate lamented the frustrations encountered during visa requests from South African embassy in Nigeria, pleading that a synergy on maritime issues amongst African countries must begin with reforming visa procurement processes.

An 8-member working committee/group for the implementation of resolution arrived at was setup.

Members of the committee are as follows: Mr. Sobanti Tilayi (Chairman), Gbenga Leke Oyewole (Vice chairman),

Patrick Akpobolokemi, Emmanuel Nuate (Secretary), Domingo Da Silva, Greg Ogbeifun, Prince Olayinwola Shittu and Mrs. Remilekun Rasaq Taiwo (Asst. Secretary).

The working group was inaugurated just before dinner on Friday, 19/07/2013 and were charged with fine tuning of resolutions reached, ready for its presentation to governments of all African countries.

On the 19th July 2013, a guided tour of the port of Cape town was undertaken where a dry dock facility built in the 19th century, is still in operation and attracting businesses from across the globe.

At the dinner and awards night, certificates of participation were issued to delegates.

The award for the AME Customs Brokers Association of the year in Africa, was presented to the National President of the Association of Nigerian licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, for demonstrating high professional performance in customs cargo clearance and services, through peaceful coercion, integrity, efficient service delivery and a long term reputation.

Earlier, SAMSA - COO, Sobantu Tilayi collected the AME for

Maritime Agency in infrastructure development of the year in Africa.

Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, DG of NIMASA was presented the AME maritime award in skill development of the year in Africa. The Nigerian Ports Authority won the AME ports logistics regulator of the year in Africa AME trade and freight operator of the year in Africa went to Global cargo company limited, Ghana. Starzs Investment Company Nigeria limited represented by its CEO – Greg Ogbeifun won the AME maritime logistics support services provider of the year in Africa, as the Nigerian Naval Dockyard won the AME vessel construction and repairs organization of the year in Africa.

On behalf of the awardees, Mr. Sobantu Tilayi thanked the organizers for the awards, which he said will serve as a tunic to work harder, especially on the implementation of the various resolutions arrived at, while urging African countries to start cooperating in areas of Maritime skills development, shipping and logistics, Ship register, research and development, Upstream, Midstream and downstream activities. He wished all visiting delegates, journey mercies

back to their various bases.

Impressions of the cities of Johannesburg and Cape town, especially on the African continent, leaves much to be desired, especially when compared to the level of development in Nigeria cities, in spite of the abundant minerals and human resources abound in Nigeria.

We all wondered aloud how comparatively speaking, Nigerians cannot replicate whatever they have seen and experienced in other environments, when they returned home. It is so disheartening to note that those in authority in Nigeria equally see these developments in other lands, but decide otherwise when it mattered most. There is need for Nigerians to begin to demand for reports/records of governments/officials, using taxpayers money to visit developed economies, return home and pretend they learnt nothing, saw nothing and experienced nothing, such that could be replicated in Nigeria.

If for every visitation, at least one project is started and concluded, we would not have been where we are today. Let us turn a new leaf, at least for our children’s and children children’s sake.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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Logistics chain: The service An imperative in the gulf provider concept and risk of Guinea region management

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59 other hand, developed products that gave their customers choice. Their products include: § The umbrella brand: Developed for Schenker's ocean, for door-to-door sea freight products. § Schenker - Complete covers: Covers Full Container Load (PCL) container. § Schenker - Combine: Deals with consolidated container shipments. § Schenker - Project: Covers project shipments, non-containerized general cargo and other activities.

In order to strengthen its different products, Schenker created a worldwide standardized bill of lading (b/l), incorporating all new international security regulations. This, in a nutshell has gone a long way to diffuse the fears of customers on security - a competitive advantage for the Schenker logistics chain that enables them attract customers.

FORWARDERS who are specialist project cargo services providers may 'zeroin' in managing the shipping of project cargo consignments in accordance with customers' delivery requirements.

In such cases, FORWARDERS use their own non-vessel operating common carrier (nvocc) service. The FORWARDER may decide to charter space (slot charter) on break-bulk and multi-purpose vessels to ship project cargo consignments.

A FORWARDER may decide to invest in a new product in order to better its supply chain visibility. It may, for example, enhance its container stuffing and unstuffing services by including vendor management, which takes care of inventory management, as part of the total package.

In addition to the listed services, a FORWARDER may develop other products to help sharpen its competitive strategy. These include products like: (a) Warehousing. (b) Distribution, and (c) Other value added services.

Although the total charges levied by FORWARDERS are relatively high, as in the case of project FORWARDERS where charges are substantial because the FORWARDERS are expected to manage the whole shipping and logistics operations on behalf of their clients, the time frame for such management contract sometimes last years, therefore the FORWARDER'S charges are built or projected to cover certain timeinduced costs. This notwithstanding, the FORWARDER should be cost-conscious in order to compete effectively as a service provider.

Generally, the cost of shipping consignments is one of the vital factors used to consider whether or not to employ a particular service provider.

The other factors that may influence

the choice of a FORWARDER in the PLS probation.

Maritime transport is part of the logisinclude: tics chain. The problem of the theft in (1) Efficiency of service, (2) Effectiveness of the FORWARDER the logistics chain is of catastrophic in addressing and solving customer proportion.

The crime is beyond any government, related problems, law enforcement agencies and finan(3) Security and safety of goods or consignments in the care of the PLS, cial institutions, like insurance compa(4) Connectivity, for example, ease of nies. transferring from one mode to anoth- Managing logistics chain risk is comer, for example, rail/road, barge cargo plex as the management of each activity cell, (in most cases) operates indetransfers . pendent of the services providers. To We have been able to address the issue of conceptual framework of the minimize the level of risk the logistics chain is exposed to, a good underlogistics services provider. We will now address the problems of security standing of where and application of defensive logistics and how the initial risk(s) evolved is as safety valve in the logistics chain - required. To establish this, a thorough this is RISK MA AGEMET OF THE LOGIS- study of the transit sequence map for containerized cargo is essential. An inTICS CHAIN. B. RISK MANAGEMENT OF THE LOGIS- depth analysis of the map would help instruct the PLS on type(s) of TICS CHAIN It is an undisputable fact that logistics 'Customized Defensive Logistics' syschains world-over harbour and breed tems to put in place. criminal (thieves). It is also true that B.1 LOGISTICS CHAIN RISKASSESSMENT the introduction of the container sys- With the simplification of administratem has reduced the vulnerability of tion of international trade laws, FORWARDERS embraced easier ways to do cargo pilferage or shipments (in business outside their home borders. break-bulk state) going astray.

However, the risk of a loaded contain- FORWARDERS saw enormous opportuer becoming a target of an act of theft nities that exist in a logistics system and got involved. They however, must increases with the value of the conbe prudent enough to evaluate the risk signment it contains.

The vitality, size and complexity of the emanating from environmental and cultural make-up. intermodal system to world trade Therefore, the evaluation should cover: have made cargo thieves transport (1) Political instability of regions, stolen cargo, during genuine ship(ii) Cultural difference between the ments, without detection.

The advent of modern technology in home and foreign markets.

It is hoped that with the evaluation of logistics management has heightened the level of fraud. Kapoor, in an each market, the FORWARDERS, would be in a better position to develop a unpublished M.Sc dissertation, logistics system that will meet the radiPlymouth Polytechnic, titled, "Avoiding Fraud, 1987, quoted Conway cal needs of customers.

Furthermore, the FORWARDER must who writing on Maritime Fraud, calls the crime in the advent of mod- evaluate each cell of the Transit ern technology, "an ideal crime". He Sequence' shown in Figure 2. Each cell stated, "There may never be a perfect must be treated individually before crime but there is an ideal crime. It is applying the holistic therapy for the entire chain. minimum risk, maximum profit affair, easily adaptable to prevailing B.1.1 CONSIGNOR (FORWARDER) RISK conditions, relatively simple to oper- EVALUATION The supply chain covers the actors ate, difficult to detect and even if detected still more difficult to prose- involved from purchasing and conveying something of value to the final cute successfully in court. The ideal consumer. This includes financial crime, in short is crime" ~ it is Maritime Fraud. One would add that institution, producers, vendors, packeven if the crime is successfully prose- aging companies, intermediaries, carriers, labour and logistics' service cuted the punishment is light - e.g. providers.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Information sharing however presupposes information availability.

Wouldn’t one have to get the information before one can even begin to talk of sharing it? Various factors have conspired to make the GoG region one of the least policed waterways in the world. In fact, according to a report issued by the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis, GoG is a geographic blind spot where radar, satellite and other forms of surveillance are limited or non-existent.

Interestingly, the very fact that our region is not well policed makes the need for information sharing even more important and indeed an imperative.

SOURCES OF MDA INFORMATION Ever since man began putting ships to sea, he has kept abreast with happenings around him whilst at sea, be it in terms of the weather or enemy action.

Sources of information have ranged from visual sighting to the use of hitech equipment such as radar and satellite. Development in technology has seen the use of IMO mandated ship borne Automatic Identification System (AIS), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) to promote maritime safety by enhancing maritime domain awareness of seafarers. Each of these sources of MDA information has its strengths and weaknesses thus making it necessary to combine or integrate them, especially so when some of the equipment are equally available to those with criminal intentions. Now a brief look at some of these sources of information.

Ship Borne/Shore Radar. The radar, whether ship borne or ashore, is one of the main sources of MDA information in the GoG. Naval vessels for instance go to sea and send situation reports on what are visually observed and complemented by radar information. The availability of MDA information from ship borne radar is however directly proportional to the presence at sea or one’s ability to conduct regular patrols. A shore based radar on the other hand is usually limited in its scope and used for instance to monitor activities at an anchorage.

For various reasons most navies are unable to conduct regular patrols and the provision of shore based radars along the GoG coastline for the purpose of MDA beyond the anchorages are very few or if any at all. Indeed, Ghana’s only medium range shore based radar is currently under construction and the situation is not different in other countries in the region.

Also, radar information is hardly shared with other national agencies not to mention international partners. These and other constraints have served to limit the radar as a source of MDA information.

Automatic Identification System.

AIS use a transponder that transmits and receives real-time navigational information that can be shared freely at the unclassified level. IMO mandates its use on all ships with Gross Tonnage of three hundred tons and above. AIS is a key component of Maritime Safety and Security Information System (MSSIS) that facilitates MDA. It is however commercially available for everyone including the bad guys. AIS could also be fed with wrong information or simply switched off by anyone wanting to avoid detection. Criminals could also resort to the use of smaller vessels not mandated by IMO to carry AIS. Sometimes, ships may actually increase their security risk by using AIS and are therefore advised to switch it off when in high risk areas.

This is because arrested pirates have confessed to selecting and tracking their targets with the aid of the AIS. Although with the help of our development partners most countries in

the region are making use of AIS, the aforementioned challenges, detract from efforts to generate MDA using this technology.

Long Range Identification and Tracking System (LRIT).

The LRIT system consists of satellite communications equipment, some service providers and a data exchange.

The system was established by the IMO in 2006 to apply to vessels of more than 300 gross tones and passenger ships. These ships must report their position to the flag administration at least four times a day. Most vessels set their existing satellite communications systems to automatically make these reports. The SOLAS regulation on LRIT establishes a multilateral agreement for sharing LRIT information for security and search and rescue purposes, amongst SOLAS Contracting Governments. It maintains the rights of flag States to protect information about the ships entitled to fly their flag, where appropriate, while allowing coastal States access to information about ships navigating off their coasts.

The LRIT information ships will be required to transmit include the ship’s identity, location, date and time of the position. There will be no interface between LRIT and AIS. One of the more important distinctions between LRIT and AIS is that, whereas AIS is a broadcast system, data derived through LRIT will be available only to the recipients who are entitled to receive such information and safeguards concerning the confidentiality of those data have been built into the regulatory provisions. SOLAS Contracting Governments will be entitled to receive information about ships navigating within a distance not exceeding 1000 nautical miles off their coast.

Vessel Traffic Management Information System(VTMIS).

Another source of MDA information is the VTMIS. The system consists of Remote Sensor sites that are sited along the coast to relay information to one or more Control Centers. The Remote Sensor Sites may be equipped with marine radars, AIS and Closed Circuit Television (CCTVs) for detecting and identifying ships and boats.

Marine communication radio equipment with MF/HF and VHF frequencies and in compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandated Global Maritime Safety and Distress System (GMDSS).

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) may also be installed to receive regular ship reports. VTMIS capability to incorporate other sources of MDA make it a more useful source, however the cost of installation is quite high and most countries in the region will need donor support in this regard. Ghana recently accessed a credit facility of about 17.5 million Euros to install a VTMIS. The VTMIS will certainly improve Ghana’s MDA and with necessary arrangement Ghana should be able to share this awareness with her neighbours.

IMPORTANCE OF MDA INFORMATION SHARING Anticipating and dealing with criminal use of the sea is not possible without a high level of MDA. It was to stress the importance of MDA that Admiral Gary Roughead of the US Navy once said, quote “Maritime Domain Awareness is where it all begins. We cannot conduct the operations that we must if we don’t have a good sense of what’s out there, moving on, above or under the sea”, unquote. Achieving MDA however does not only require situational awareness, but also the ability to collect, display, analyze and disseminate information to key decision makers in order to conduct operations. A good sense of what is out there starts with a collaborative interagency effort in each country.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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Energy Depletion of Nigeria’s reserves amid unexploited, undiscovered crude oil resources

By Roseline Okere IGERIA’S oil and gas industry opN erates hundreds of producing wells, gas plants, network of thousands of kilometres of pipelines criss-crossing the entire oil bearing zone to the flow stations and terminals.

Activities in the country’s oil and

been on a slow pace resulting to decline in the country’s crude oil reserve.

Nigeria’s crude oil reserve decline has been attributed to the absence of huge investments in recent times.

According to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), there have been no serious activities and investments in the nation’s oil and gas

gas industry are much concentrated in the Niger Delta. The area is Africa’s largest delta and the third world largest. It is one of the largest wetlands in the world, with about 2,370 square kilometres consisting of rivers, islands, creeks, swampy terrain and estuaries.

In the past few years, oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta have

Offshore oil facility

Total boosts operations, earns €2.7 billion

By Roseline Okere RENCH oil company, Total SA, Fondearned about €2.7 billion in the secquarter of 2013, representing a drop from €2.8 billion, which the company received in the same period of 2012.

Total’s net profit including one-off charges and profits or losses on the value of held assets rose to €2.54 billion in the second quarter.

The gain was attributed to a lower after-tax inventory effect as well as a large gain on the sale of its stake in an Italian oil field.

Revenue in the April to June fell by

four per cent to €47 billion from a year ago.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Christophe de Margerie, said that with adjusted net income of €2.7 billion this quarter, the group demonstrated its strong resilience in the upstream despite lower hydrocarbon prices.

According to him, the restart of production at Elgin/Franklin in the UK and the first cargo from Angola LNG were notable events of the quarter.

He added: “Regarding our upstream projects, the launch of the Egina deepoffshore project and the progress on Yamal LNG illustrate our ability to pre-

pare for the future in a sustainable manner by developing competitive and diverse projects. In this way, the Group expects to benefit from an extended series of start-ups over the next several years.

“The Downstream reaped the initial benefits of the restructuring program even though further changes are still necessary to strengthen our position.

The modernisation of the Antwerp platform announced this quarter is yet another step in this program and demonstrates again that our economic performance is inextricably linked with our social and environmental commitments”.

sector in the last five years.

The DPR believed that it would take the country between five and six years to recover from the decline.

Some experts are of the opinion that there are undiscovered crude oil reserves in some parts of the country, which the Federal Government should make effort at engaging explorationists in the search.

Recently, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) called on the Federal Government to organise a licensing round for the country’s oil sand, which is in large quantity in some parts of the country.

The country is said to have over 40 billion barrels of unexploited oil sand, which Nigerian explorationists believed could assist in boosting the country’s crude oil reserves.

Also, Bida Basin of Niger State is said to have hydrocarbon deposits with higher oil content than those in the Niger Delta.

Secretary of the committee set up by the Niger State government to fast track exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon in the state, Yabagi Sani, announced this after the committee’s meeting in Minna recently.

He said there could be 30 per cent presence of oil and 70 per cent of gas deposit from the source rock in the basin, whereas the ratio is 25 per cent oil and 75 per cent gas in the Delta region.

He added that the geo-chemistry analysis of the Toxic Content (TOC) using sulphur analyser indicated that the deposit of hydrocarbon in the basin is above 0.5 per cent required value, indicating that the deposit is of high quality.

The committee while submitting its report to the state government last year confirmed the presence of oil and gas in the basin and that exploration test at Patti-Shaba-Kolo, code-named Talba-1 Well and in two other locations will be conducted to determine the commercial quantity of the crude oil deposits in the area.

The committee had engaged the services of two American companies, Midland Refinery and Petro Chemical Company and Midland Petro-gas Resources limited to serve as special purpose vehicles for upstream and downstream activities for oil and gas resources development drive.

Sani said, the source rock had been analysed after two shallow wells had been drilled in Agaie and Kudu

in Niger state, noted that the committee would undertake Aero magnetic geological mapping to be able to trap the deposits.

He added that his committee is planning to partner with other states within the inland Hydrocarbon Basins in the north to speed up explorations in such basins.

He said: “The committee has decided to liaise with the similar efforts in Sokoto, Borno, Bauchi and Benue basins to form inland hydrocarbon basins exploration association in the North.”

Sani said any effort capable of encouraging the Federal Government must be made because it is the only tier of government that has control over mineral resources. The committee would engage the Federal Government and also organise an international workshop to ensure that investors are encouraged to invest in the exploration process.”

The Vice President of NAPE, Lere Olopade, said that the Federal Government should organise oil licensing round to invite investors to the unconventional natural resources.

Olopade stated: “We should put on our thinking cap as a country and begin to look beyond now. We are just using the crude oil that we discovered long time ago without an aggressive effort to continue to add to the country’s crude oil reserves.

We should embark on strategic plan to reposition ourselves before other African countries take over our position in the area of crude and gas production in the region.

We should look at the unconventional crude oil potentials in the country.

“If we can exploit this huge tar sand discovery, it would assist in reducing the country’s unemployment level. I think our leaders should begin to look beyond the Niger Delta areas and begin to explore other regions in the country.

“Though it may require huge investment, but we need to start somewhere and we need to it to the bid round level. Government should try and invite investors to take part in the bidding process.

Even if we do not have the technology in the country, I believe that there will be investors from other countries who will be interested in bringing their technological knowhow to explore the potential in the country. Canada is making so much money from oil sand and Nigeria should begin to plan on how to capitalise on this natural resources to boost the country crude oil re-

Petroleum sector bleeding, stakeholders warn

By Sulaimon Salau

• Nigeria needs 20 new marginal field operators by 2020

HE gloomy future of the nation’s peT troleum sector was again brought to the fore recently when the stakeholders

the sector.

Apparently irked by the numerous challenges, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited, Layi Fatona, concluded that ‘Nigeria’s petroleum industry is bleeding’, and the situation may worsen, if necessary actions were not taken by the concerned authorities to normalise the situation.

Noting that the Federal Government set a target of 4mbpd by 2020, in about 10 years ago, he said, “we are on track, but, we are not doing well on the

in the industry expressed displeasure about the prevailing trend in the critical arm of the country’s economy.

The stakeholders, who discussed the fate of the nation’s oil and gas development in tandem with the local participation, blamed policy inconsistency, delay in passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, international market shift and poor financing, among others, as impediments to significant growth in

lead table, even when we have the resources and manpower to lead the table of oil producing countries’’.

According to him, Nigeria is now in the 10th position, with oil production of about 2.4 million barrels per day (bpd).

He lamented that no new major investment commitment in the industry in the past five years, while production and revenue are declining.

He quoted the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC’s) 2013

first quarter reports, which indicated that oil production dropped to 1.9 million bpd and revenue went down by $1.23 billion.

The Deputy Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Omamofe Boyo, who corroborated Fatona on the challenges, said the indigenous firms are more at the receiving end of the bad policies.

He however urged the government to encourage indigenous operators to contribute better to the nation’s output, adding that emergence of 20 new marginal field operators would significantly spur output by 2020.

According to him, the indigenous participants in the sector now hold five

per cent contribution, but aims at increasing it to about 20 per cent by 2020.

Therefore government can encourage them by developing policies that favour locals to take over spare of capacity that has been shut in.

He stressed that indigenous independent operators can develop marginal fields that are low on the IOCs priority lists, while they can also operate in areas IOCs cannot.

Boyo further enjoined the government to grant favourable terms to indigenous companies that can make prior non-profitable projects profitable to indigenous independents.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

ENERGY

IPMAN factions’ crisis deepens, Mid West zone holds election From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City HERE is a new twist to the T crisis rocking the Mid West Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) as the Benin Depot, conducted an election where David Ikhuoria was elected chairman, at the weekend.

However, the Acting Chairman of the zone, Solomon Ogbewe, immediately reacted to the election, describing it as a charade.

He explained that the association operated new constitution that had extended the leadership of the current national leaders, that of the zones and the 21 depots by two more years.

He said that by the constitution, election was not due until the next two years.

But the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja and presided over by its President, Justice B.A. Adejumo last week, thrown out an application to restrain Ogbewe from acting in the capacity as chairman.

In a case with suit No NICN/AK/55/2013, the plaintiffs/ claimants, Izedonmwen Osazee Danson, Charles Aiworo and Godwin Iroghama for themselves and on behalf of IPMAN through their counsel, A. Osayomwanbor in a motion ex-parte prayed the court for an interim injunction restraining the defendant ( Ogbewe) from parading himself as the chairman or Caretaker Committee chairman of the Midwest Zone of the association.

A copy of the ruling by Justice Adejumo, made available to The Guardian in Benin, stated that there was no proof of election that brought the claimants to become executive committee members of association but however restrained both par-

ties from involving in any activity that would threatened the peace in their areas of operation pending “the determination of the Motion on Notice.” The Motion on Notice and the substantive matter have been assigned to Justice Ubaka of the Akura Division of the Industrial court.

In another development, the claimants had also filed a notice of discontinuance under Order 19 Rule 17 against the defendant and therefore prayed the court to strike out the suit.

Spokesman of the union in the zone, Fred Ufuah yesterday the only way out of the crisis was the continued use of the constitution of the association drafted and duly signed by the national president and national secretary of the association.

He said contrary to claims by the Ogbewe-led interim executive committee that his leadership was backed by a new constitution by the union, Ufuah alleged that the said new constitution had not been signed and therefore was not yet in operation.

He told The Guardian: “Before a constitution can be accepted in this country, it must have passed, signed and accepted by all members of that association. Our association did a good job, our forefathers did a good job in bringing to existence the constitution in 1983.

“Today, I heard that people are parading some illegal documents all about. Well, those matters are still subject to litigation and until the court dispenses judgment on the case, I am not in a position to speak on them.

“But as far as we are aware, the constitution that we know is in existence that is equally registered with the CAC does not provide for as caretaker at any level of the association.”

Indoram Eleme partners UNIPORT on petroleum refining, petrochemicals INISTER of Petroleum leum Corporation (NNPC), InM Resources, Diezani Ali- dorama Eleme PetrochemiLimited (IEPL), son-Madueke, has endorsed cals the 2nd international conference on petroleum refining and petrochemicals being organised by the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in collaboration with worldclass Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals.

The conference is scheduled to hold at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt from August 28-29, 2013. .

The Minister’s endorsement was communicated to the organisers after she had been briefed about the elaborate plans to hold the world-class conference for which many international scholars and project experts have also offered to deliver papers.

A statement issued by the Director of the Centre for Gas, Refining & Petrochemicals (CGRP) of the University, Prof. Godwin Igwe, said that the theme of the conference is “Creating wealth through diversification, transformation and development of our refineries and petrochemical industries”.

According to him, the Nigerian National Petro-

Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), among others have shown tremendous interest in the conference.

Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Reginald C. Stanley; Group Coordinator of Corporate Planning & Strategy (CP&S) and Director of NNPC Transformation, Dr. Tim Okon; Director General/Chief Executive Officer, NOTAP, Federal Ministry of Science & Technology, Dr. Umar Buba Bindir; and Mr Manish Mundra, Managing Director of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals have accepted to speak at the conference.

Igwe stated that the conference has four sub-themes namely: Need to develop nonfuel downstream sector; opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs on sustainable refinery and petrochemical products; funding indigenous research & development in developing countries; and economic growth on the back of the petrochemicals sector.

Firm introduces CAMPI to ease meter installation in Lagos

By Sulaimon Salau OISED to bridge the meterP ing gap in the power sector, Mojec International Limited, a meter manufacturing firm, has introduced the Credited Advanced Payment for Metering Implementation (CAMPI), in line with the directive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The firm, which flagged off the new meter acquisition scheme in collaboration with the Eko Electricity Distribution Company in Lagos recently, believed that the scheme would enhance service delivery to electricity consumers phase-out estimated billing in the network.

The CAPMI Scheme is optional and was designed as an alternative for consumers who are willing to advance money to their distribution

companies for speedy installations of prepaid meters.

According to NERC, the customers would be refunded for the cost of the meter by way of monthly reductions on the fixed charge elements on their electricity bills over time.

Speaking at the launching of the scheme, the Managing Director of the company, Ms. Chantelle Abdul, said the company would be deploying intelligent meters which allows consumers to know and monitor their power consumption as they deem fit, because the meters are built on Power Line Carrier Technology.

She said the engineers are well trained at home and broad to handle all consumer needs as regards the meter and power consumption.

According to her, Mojec is at the forefront of latest meter-

ing technology, as it produces variety of meters ranging from Maximum Demand, Whole Current, Prepaid Meters, automatic Meter Reading System and Automatic Meter Infrastructure.

Mojec International is among the meter manufacturing companies accredited by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and was selected alongside Momas Metering Company by EKDC after a rigorous bidding process.

The Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Oladele Amoda, said the scheme was necessary to urgently address complaints by consumers about estimated billing and other components of service delivery by the company.

He explained that consumers can now apply and pay for meters which will be

installed within 48 hours and get their money reimbursed over a period of time as a means of discount on their electricity consumption.

Amoda however, said the scheme has not overridden the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) introduced in June 2012.

The MYTO scheme is of the policy that no one pays for the meter as it is supplied free to consumers and paid for as tarrif on monthly basis.

He further explained that due to lack of funds to procure enough meters from manufacturers at the moment, CAPMI will enable consumers get it by paying at first and get refunded over a period of time. The company has therefore partnered with Mojec International and Momas Electricity Metering Company to execute the scheme.

A participant, Lateef Olaleye (left); Business Manager, Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Ikeja Business District, Okpara Joe; representative of Anthony Community Development Association, Major R. A. Owolabi (rtrd); at the Customers Consultative Council Meeting in Lagos.

Expert advocates speedy passage of PIB LEGAL consultant in the A oil and gas sector, Emeka Okwuosa, has called on the Federal Government to ensure timeous passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), so as to cushion the effect of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil export to the United States of America.

Okwuosa, Managing Partner of the Chancery Associates law firm, said the call was necessary, following the recent evolution of shale oil in the U.S, adding that Nigeria’s crude export stands threatened by this evolution.

He said that the U.S shale oil was no cherry news for Nigeria, given the fact that America is the largest importer of Nigeria’s crude oil, accounting for over 33 percent of the nation’s crude export.

According to the chancery boss, shale oil development will lead to a net fall. In Nigeria’s crude export to the US, with the attendant reduction in government revenue, which will in turn have a multiplier effect on the economy.

“The recent evolution of shale oil in the U.S has led to a steady decline in Nigeria’s crude export from one million barrel per day in december 2009, to less than 352,000 barrels per day as at february 2013.

“Between 2011 and 2012, Nigeria fell from being the third largest supplier of crude oil to the united states, to the sixth largest after Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela and Russia in September 2011.

“In addition to this decline, there are indications that by 2014, the United States would no longer be importing crude from Nigeria, as president Barrack Obama has corroborated the US position on this.

“On a state visit to South Africa on June 29, 2013, Obama said “on the issue of Energy for example, frankly we don’t need energy from Africa because we are seeing oil production and natural gas production as well as clean energy production, all growing at a rapid rate in America” he said According to Okwuosa,

Obama’s statement in essence implies that America’s rules of engagement with Africa including Nigeria in the energy sector, is fast becoming a thing of the past, and this requires urgent ad-

dress by government.

He however said there were myriads of palliatives which the Federal Government could employ to mitigate the impact of shale oil development in the nations economy.

Conoil to commission mega fuel retail outlets in fourth quarter of 2013 ONOIL Plc has unveiled C plans to commission new fuel retail outlets in Anambra, Rivers, Benue, Katsina, Kwara and Lagos by the last quarter of this year.

The company said in a media statement on Monday that the new mega stations are expected to foster customer loyalty in the country.

It stated: “In line with its tradition, the stations are designed to serve as one-stop retail outlets equipped to offer motorists a wide range of quality services and convenience besides the regular business of selling petroleum products.

According to a statement re-

leased by the company, the new mega stations are anticipated to grow sales and revenue by over 65 percent and will, in line with the company’s objectives, transform customer’s fuelling experience to an absolute delight.

It said that the outlets would also give fillip to the company’s mission to provide top quality products and convenience services that will keep customers satisfied.

The statement noted that the expansion project represents the second phase of the company’s comprehensive fouryear plan, which started two years ago.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 30/07/2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

66 CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 30/07/2013

LOSERS

PRICE GAINERS

NSE new X-GEN platform to support market growth, says Onyema

By Helen Oji HE Nigerian Stock T Exchange (NSE) has announced that the migration to the new X-GEN trading platform, which is targeted for the end of Q3 2013, would support the development of the nation’s capital market, as well as help the Exchange realize its vision of becoming the Gateway to African Markets.

Speaking at the X-GEN EXPO launch in Lagos yesterday, the Director- General of the NSE, Oscar Onyema said, the Nigerian Stock Exchange “is excited about the possibilities that this new charter opens for us and we are quite confident that X-Gen will usher new solutions, new securities business models, and new market participants into the African capital market space. This will revolutionize the way all stakeholders currently interact with the markets”.

This new system, according to Onyema, will improve

transparency, market access, audit trail and provide efficient price discovery in the market.

He added that it will therefore enable investors realize their investment objectives by using the three products currently offered at the Exchange in more meaningful ways.

Onyema explained that the Exchange will roll out the platform in two phases, adding that the system will

support, Equities, a fully functional Bond Market and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in the first phase, while second phase would support Derivatives in Futures and Options.

He added that the system would also enable the NSE to host other Exchanges across the region.

“This is another milestone for us at the Exchange in our journey to operational excellence. It is important to note

that one of the goals of this expo is to engage you, the stakeholders, to discuss and answer questions on the new trading platform and the various support systems that will facilitate the end-to-end automation of our market.

Global exchanges are trending towards Scale, Scope and Efficiency. The introduction of X-Gen stems from our quest to enable our emerging market structure with 21st century technology and

give us the foundation to join leading exchanges in building Scale, Scope and Efficiency.

“Today, you will learn of the new trading possibilities and the investments required for the Nigerian capital market eco-system to fully exploit the benefits of the new trading environment. This workshop will also serve as a networking platform for key stakeholders and

players in the capital market to gain insight on the fastest trading engine in Africa and new trends in the global exchange space.

“X-Gen symbolizes NSE’s untiring commitment to delivering a first rate technology platform that will enable our dealing members build and grow their businesses, and the investing community experience a more efficient market when they buy or sell securities.”.

Smart Products records N36.1m turnover, pays 20 kobo dividend

By Faith Oparaugo MART Product Nigeria Plc has posted a turnover of N36.132 million for the 2012 financial year, against N24.126 million in the previous year.

The company directors also recommended N9 million dividend, translating to 20 kobo dividend due to each shareholders, compared with N6.8million paid in the previous year.

S

Speaking at the yearly general meeting recently in Lagos, the Chairman of Smart Product Nigeria, Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, said the company recorded a profit before tax of N14.812 million during the year under review compared with profit before tax of N9.174 million recorded in 2011.

According to him, the challenges of poor infrastructure, security of lives and property

have continued to impact negatively on businesses.

He said normal economic and business activities were disrupted for a period of 10 days in the first month of 2012 due to a nationwide strike in protest against the 115 per cent increase in petroleum pump prices.

He added that the prices of consumer goods doubled and inflation rate increased by 2.3 per cent to 12.6 per cent.

“Throughout the year, transportation costs were increased by an average of 40 per cent”.

He added: “Economic growth rate declined from 7.43 per cent in 2011 to 6.58 per cent in 2012 partly due to contraction in oil production by 0.91 per cent. As if that was not enough, inadequate infrastructure, notably electricity supply, still remained a major challenge and a great hin-

drance to the progress of corporate Nigeria.

“Electric power generation never improved as business operators still continued to provide their own electric power generators with attendant increase in operating cost.

“The proper industry suffered immensely from the appalling state of public infrastructure in the year under review”.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Opinion Zimmerman’s lessons for Nigeria’s constitution

By Saint Paul Edeh HAT a white Florida neighbourhood watch T volunteer, George Zimmerman shot and killed an unarmed 17 years old black boy, Tryvon Martin, is no longer news, nor is the unpopular acquittal of the defendant. Whilst not overtly concerned with the Zimmerman´s case, however, this article is intended to show (1) that justice was done in the trial of Zimmerman and (2) how Nigerians can through tragedies press for changes in the law for a better tomorrow.

It is submitted here that neither Zimmerman, the court system, nor the jury is to be blamed.

From legal point of view the blame lays heavily on (1) the Florida and Federal gun laws (2) the shot first and self-defence law in most States, including Florida, plus (3) a horrible gun culture in most conservative states like Florida. If you exclude these three points, Zimmerman will be guilty, but as long as these points stand we can only sympathise with Martins family. The American Jury system that allows citizens, i.e. (the jurors) who are common publicans like the defendant and the victim to look at the case’s facts from local peoples´ perspective must have included and weighted these above mentioned three points in their deliberations and come to this unpopular but legally correct conclusion.

Another truth is that unknown to many people, the criminal trials are not a real searches for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. They never have been, because the rules of evidence and the Bill of Rights preclude it.

The American (and most democratic countries) trials system are instead, a test of only that limited evidence a judge declares fit to be admitted and shared with jurors. The jurors/jury, who in turn are then strictly warned/advised, not to look beyond the corners of what they’ve seen or heard in court, i.e. (to ignore TV and social media comments). But only to apply their individual juror’s and collective jury’s common sense to the legal facts as explained to them by the judge, plus weighting up those admitted evidence and come to a collective jury’s´ verdict. It

is a shame that the law is not what most people think it is. Neither is the protean words fairness or justice what many lay people think it is. For example, many people think that only the Martins family needs fairness and justice, but they forgot that Zimmerman and his family also needs that same fairness and justice.

Such is democracy, such is the rule of law, and such is life!

For those who think that the recent acquittal of Zimmerman was racially motivated, or that it demonstrated inconsistency in U.S. court decisions, here are things those people need to know. It is neither the jury nor the court that must be blamed; instead it is the over 130 years-old law known either as “Stand Your Ground”, “Line in the Sand” or “No Duty to Retreat” laws which must be blamed.

A stand-your-ground law is a type of self-defence law that gives individuals the right to use reasonable force to defend themselves without any requirement to evade or retreat from a dangerous situation. It is law in certain jurisdictions within the United States, including Florida. The basis may lie in either statutory law and or common law precedents. One key distinction is whether the concept only applies to defending a home or vehicle, or whether it applies to all lawfully occupied locations. Under these legal concepts, a person is justified in using deadly force in certain situations and the “stands your ground” law would be a defence or immunity to criminal charges and civil suit. The difference between immunity and a defence is that immunity bars suit, charges, detention and arrest. A defence, such as an affirmative defence, permits a plaintiff or the state to seek civil damages or a criminal conviction but may offer mitigating circumstances that justify the accused’s conduct. This defence was persuasively argued for in favour of Zimmerman.

In states where such law operates, it usually provides that “a person has no duty or other requirement to abandon a place in which he has a legal right to be, or to give up ground to

an assailant. Under such laws, there is no duty to retreat from anywhere the defender may legally be. Other restrictions may still exist; such as when in public, a person must be carrying firearms in a legal manner, whether concealed or openly.

“Stand your ground” governs U.S. federal case law in which right of self-defence is asserted against a charge of criminal homicide. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Beard v. U.S. 158 U.S. 550 (1895) that a man who was “on his premises” when he came under attack and “...did not provoke the assault, and had at the time reasonable grounds to believe, and in good faith believed, that the deceased intended to take his life, or do him great bodily harm...was not obliged to retreat, nor to consider whether he could safely retreat, but was entitled to stand his ground.”

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. declared in Brown v. United States (1921) (May 16, 1921), a case that upheld the “no duty to retreat” maxim, that “…detached reflection cannot be demanded in the presence of an uplifted knife…”

Arguably Martins never lifted any arm against Zimmerman and was not alive to testify. In any event, Martins’ mother appears now to have understood the true legal situation by cleverly seeking to repeal the Stand Your Ground law, through her post Zimmerman’s acquittal’s inspired public demonstration across the nation, calling for a change in the Stand Your Ground laws. It is submitted here that her moves are better ways to honour her son’s life, instead of a cry for justice, because legally speaking justice has been done albeit without punitive punishments for Zimmerman. Her protests have attracted the attention of everybody from the civil rights activists, federal and local politicians, the legal community, bureaucracies, businessmen and women, including celebrities etc. There is significant chance that the Stand Your Ground law will be repealed or at least amended as even President Obama has recently called for that.

Nigerians can learn a lot from this case and

the subsequent actions of the American people as led by the victim’s family. For example, during the recently concluded Nigerian constitutional amendments, there was very little or no pressure at all from NGOs, citizens, state governors and law-makers seeking to amend various legal loopholes in the Nigerian constitution which for example allows the police to bully citizens, including extra judicial killing of (sometimes) innocent citizens. Nor was there any attempt for example, by the south/eastern states politicians to push for amendments of those parts of the constitution, which allows only the Federal Government to operate and manage the international airports and seaports. The effect of these ignorance are that Police continue to bully and kill citizens and only Lagos State continues to prosper economically on the strength of sea and airports located in its territory. Instead, all that dominated the constitutional amendments arguments were irrelevant issues like increase in states allocations, amendment of marriage age for Muslims, politicians security budgets, or tenor elongation of political offices, so that our corrupt local, state and federal politicians can stay longer in power. These are not meaningful developmental changes!

I am again of the opinion that large portion of blames for this national ignorance must go to our very poor education standard which has denied Nigerians the power to understand the sources of our many problems and from such understandings know how best to initiate and make positive changes through democracy to improve their lives. And by education I do not only mean school education alone but general education system including the mass media outlets that have abandoned the educative sides of journalism in pursuit of personal gains. As the Americans have shown us through Zimmerman´s case that knowledge is power, let’s see if we follow in their footsteps and change our obstructive law for a better tomorrow.

• Edeh is a solicitor based in London, United Kingdom.

NLNG v NIMASA: For a lasting peace

By Aladesanmi Oloyede HE age-old saying ‘when the elephants fight, the grass sufT fers’ played out recently following the tussle between the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Cooking gas users groaned as a result of the dwindling supply from NLNG whose vessels had been blocked by the maritime agency on account of a dispute over statutory charges.

NLNG supplies over 70 per cent of Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) in the Nigerian market. In the end, a rapprochement was struck as NLNG paid the outstanding dues “under protest” enabling NIMASA to lift the blockade on the company’s operations at the Bonny Channel.

However, there are pitfalls to be avoided if another round of agony to the consumers and loss of revenue by the company and its shareholders – including the Nigerian government that owes 49 per cent equity – is to be avoided. The doomsday is only but postponed given that both parties are still sticking to their guns.

When NIMASA first enforced blockage on NLNG vessels last May 3, it cited the alleged refusal of the company to pay the statutory levies as justification. According to a statement by Captain Warredi Enisouh, NIMASA’s acting Director in charge of Shipping Development, NLNG has since inception “cherrypicked our laws. All efforts to get the management to meet its obligations to Nigeria have been treated with impunity.”

In specific terms, NIMASA accused NLNG Limited of alleged disregard for, and unwillingness to abide by the country’s maritime laws especially, the NIMISA Act, which mandates payment of levies based on gross freight on exports and imports and the Cabotage Law. The point of departure between NLNG and NIMASA is the former’s claim to exemption from the agency’s levies as stipulated in the NIMASA Act 2007. Section 15(a) of that Act stipulates: “The Agency shall be funded by monies accruing to the Agency from the following sources: 3 per cent of gross freight on all international inbound and outbound cargo from ships or shipping companies operating in Nigeria to be collected and paid over to the Agency to meet its operational

cost.” Section 2(2) of the same Act further states that exemptions are only granted to “war ships and military patrol ships.”

Given that NIMASA had served demand notices on NLNG since 2007 and several directors-general of the agency had persuaded the company to pay the charges to no avail, the blockage seemingly became imperative. But the action lasted only a few days as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and some other top Federal Government officials personally intervened. The Nigerian government was losing millions of dollars in revenue and NIMASA had to act in the public interest.

As the single largest shareholder in NLNG, the Federal Government set up a mediation committee in May 2013 with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as the committee’s legal adviser. Both parties were brought to the table and a resolution reached that NLNG should pay the outstanding levies from September 2009, instead of from 2007 when the levies were due. But the company disputed that it agreed to the settlement terms. Thereafter, the Senate also stepped in and reached the same conclusion that NLNG should go and pay the dues but the company chose to listen to its main shareholders and the other minority but powerful shareholders.

It was the same result when the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) intervened.

The NLNG’s recourse to judicial intervention is legitimate and indeed responsible; but its action in relation to the Nigerian government and the Nigerian public necessitates some scrutiny and raise questions on whether or not it has given due consideration to the public interest over these years. The company claimed to have lost over $475 million while the blockade lasted, but it must not be lost on the public that almost half of that figure was also a loss to the Federal Government, which owes 49 per cent equity through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). However, it should be worrisome to Nigerians that the company would apparently choose to dance to the music composed, produced and played by foreign companies and turn deaf ears to the calls by the Nigerian government. Would this situation have been allowed in the home countries of these foreign oil companies?

Canvassing its position against the NIMASA statutory charges, NLNG alluded to some facts that curiously do not underline the seriousness of the matter. According to its statement, the Federal Government and other shareholders of the company earned $51 billion in revenues from the sale of liquefied natural gas in the past 13 years. The plant also delivered $9 billion in dividends to the Federal Government and paid $10 billion to the joint venture companies during the period.

This appears to be a case of standing logic on its head in other to score a point. The Federal Government earned revenues from NLNG as a result of its investment in the company. Would that presuppose that the company would not meet its other obligations to the Federal Government? Would a landlord forfeit his rent just because he happens to be a shareholder in the company of his tenant?

The NLNG-NIMASA face-off leaves one with the sneaky feeling that a party to the dispute may just be playing a notorious wolf-and-rat game that is common among multinationals in developing countries. It is common practice for multinationals corporations to deliberately take advantage of the loopholes in local laws to exploit their host nations.

Not once since its existence has NIMASA had any reason to use available force within its control to achieve the aim for which it was set up. It is therefore ironic that the agency is now being portrayed as resulting to “brute force” and adopting “self-help”. Indeed, NIMASA does not use the Armed Force or its personnel to collect debts as being construed. The agency has a Maritime Guard Command (MGC), which was instructive in effecting the NLNG blockade that followed the due routine and was not in any way different from the normal enforcement duties at sea.

If the peace that has been struck between both parties is not to be disrupted again to the distress of the consumers and other stakeholders, it is imperative that the position of the single largest shareholder, which also happens to be the host country of the NLNG plant be given serious consideration, if not heeded.

• Oloyede is a ship operator in Lagos.

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Opinion A case to abandon centenary celebration (3)

By Ben Nwabueze • Continued from yesterday.

N the first place, its blighting effect on the mentality of the African, his mental attitudes, complexes and perceptions, is such as deprived him of the capacity to harness effectively his exposure to modern European civilization, to develop himself and his country in accordance with the standards of that civilisation. Perhaps Nnamdi Azikiwe’s metaphor is not too harsh that Africa was “led to the altar to be baptised with bullets so as to enter the kingdom of civilisation.” – Nnamdi Azikiwe, Renascent Africa (1937), p. 212.

In the process, unfortunately, his brain and his entire psychology and personality got so damaged as to render him incapable of making proper use of his admission into that kingdom.

Perhaps too Ngugi wa Thiong’o was not too biased if what has just been said is what he meant when he observed that colonialism “brought to Africa the possibilities of knowing and mastering the world of nature” while at the same time denying it “the means of knowing and mastering that world.” 1 Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature (1986).

The “colonial mentality” of the African was, needless to say, the consequence of the racism of European colonialism. “Racism is built into the system.” – Jean-Paul Sartre, Introduction in Albert Memmi, The Coloniser and the Colonised (1957), pp. xxiii – xxiv. It is ingrained in all colonial institutions, relations, methods of production and exchange; in all of the colonialist’s actions, his exploitation and oppression of the colonised African, his bigoted view of his superiority and of the African’s inferiority; in the use of race as the determinant of access to wealth, land, positions in government and private establishments and to other benefits and opportunities; in its use as a basis of practically all political, social and economic relations and social status generally, and as a criterion of liability to sanctions or punishments. Practically all aspects of the existence of the colonized African were permeated by the colonial situation – his thoughts, his passions, his behaviour, values, and his entire personality.

Such indeed is the blighting effect of colonialism that no amount of good done by it can possibly compensate for that harm. “How”, asks Albert Memmi with justified indignation, “can one dare compare the advantages and disadvantages of colonisation? What advantages, even if a thousand times more important, could make such internal and external catastrophes acceptable?” - Albert Memmi, The Coloniser and the Colonised (1965), p. 118.

In the second place, the good indisputably done by colonialism is more than counterweighted by the disastrous consequence of its forcible suppression of Africa’s pre-existing cultures, and the utter contempt for those cultures implanted in Africans – this European “enter-

I

prise of civilizing Africa by alienating Africa from itself”, as it has aptly been described. – Basil Davidson, The Black Man’s Burden (1992), p.

44. The suppression and alienation “shook people’s confidence in…the old social order…and their faith in the traditional sanctions that held society together.” – J.F.A. Ajayi, “Colonialism: An Episode in African History,” in Colonialism in Africa, Vol. 1 (1969) ed. L.H. Gann and Peter Duignan, p. 504. Somewhat paradoxically, considering its blighting effect on culture in other areas of African life, African traditional political institutions have been largely spared the destruction and repression of colonialism. Whilst in a sense they have been downgraded, African indigenous political institutions have not been destroyed by colonialism; on the contrary, they have exhibited remarkable resilience and vitality, although the sanctions behind their authority have been considerably eroded or undermined under the impact of colonialism and its agencies. In the word of Mazrui, “one of the wonders of the twentieth century is how some of those institutions...managed to find the resilience to survive the cultural and political corrosive power of European colonisation.” – Ali Mazrui, The Africans: A Triple Heritage (1986), p. 179 In the repression and degradation of African indigenous culture, there seemed to have been lacking an appreciation that the new European civilising culture needed to be built upon the substructure of the existing cultures, and that this called for a sympathetic process of slow and painstaking adjustment and adaptation over time. Instead European colonialism sought violently to uproot the African society from its foundation and to impose its own civilising culture hanging, as it were, in the air.

The disastrous result was a society which, forcibly severed from its past and unable to assimilate at once the ways of the new civilising culture, was cut adrift, and left rootless and anchorless, unsure which way to go or in which of the two worlds it really belongs, what Basil Davidson has called the “crisis of social disintegration”, as manifested in “the breakdown of tribal custom... (and) the ruin of village life”. – Basil Davidson, The African Awakening (1955), p.

95.

No doubt, modernization is a mark of progress, but modernisation becomes a curse rather than a blessing when it seeks to abolish all links, all continuity, with the past, to deprive the African of his cultural identity and individuality as an African by transforming him into a black European in culture, value system, behaviour pattern, attitude and way of life generally – in short, to “dis-Africanise” him. – Ali Mazrui, The Africans: A Triple Heritage (1986), p. 11.

The social turbulence taking place in Africa is, to a considerable extent, the consequence of the unprecedented massive and rapid cultural change unleashed on it by European colonialism. This massive rapid cultural change is all

the more a curse because it has only “westernised” Africans without really modernising the continent. In Ali Mazrui’s pithy language, colonialism’s so-called modernization of Africa has been largely “an illusion of modernity, a mirage of progress, a façade of advancement.” – Ali Mazrui, op. cit., p. 210. Africa, he urges, must rebel against “westernisation masquerading as modernity.” – ibid, p. 211.

Africans were denied a choice as to what in European culture to adopt and how and at what rate it was to be adapted to their existing way of life. The entire process was dictated, forced and controlled by the colonial overlords who chose to proceed upon the basis that “nothing useful could develop without denying Africa’s past, without a ruthless severing from Africa’s roots and a slavish acceptance of models drawn from entirely different histories.” – Basil Davidson, The Black Man’s Burden, p. 42. Contrasting this with the process of modernization in Japan after 1867, Basil Davidson has pertinently observed that Japan, being independent of any foreign domination and dictation, “ was able to accept ‘westernisation’ on its own terms, at its own speed, and with its own reservations ensuring as far as possible that new technology and organization were assimilated by Japanese thinkers and teachers without dishonor to ancestral shrines and gods. Japanese self-confidence could be salvaged. Such an outcome was impossible in dispossessed Africa.” – Basil Davidson, op. cit., 42.

Thirdly, in economic as in the cultural field, the debit side in colonialism’s balance sheet in Africa clearly predominates over the credit side.

The self-reliant, if also undeveloped, pre-colonial economies of Africa were deprived of their capacity for development and degraded into a seemingly incurable condition of underdevelopment, existing merely as a dependent, subservient appendages of the economies of the industralised West whose needs for raw materials and for markets for manufactured goods they were made to serve. Whilst capitalism, as the basis of the West’s economic and industrial transformation, was supposed to have been transferred to Africa, what was in fact transferred was only the negative aspects of capitalism – “capitalist greed without discipline, the profit motive without the capitalist ethos of efficiency and entrepreneurial perseverance and risk-taking, Western materialism without Western rationalism, economic individualism without the spirit of sacrifice for the public good, capitalist enterprises without a culture of careful calculation and planning in anticipation of future events, Western consumption patterns without Western production techniques, Western tastes without Western skills, and urbanisation consisting merely in expanding numbers of people squeezed into limited space” – Ali Mazrui, op. cit pp. 14, 15, and 215 – rather than one following in the wake of industrialisation, as in the West.

Fourthly, in terms of the paramount need for

an organisation adequate and conducive for government in our modern society, the state transplanted to Africa by colonialism certainly provides a good framework for organizing modern society for ordered life, for security against outside interference or aggression, and for social and economic development generally, yet its effectiveness and even its capacity for this purpose seem to have been greatly undermined by the manner in which it was transplanted and administered by the colonialists.

But whether Africa might have attained these objects at all or to the same or lesser degree had it not come under the domination and control of European colonialism, we can only speculate.

It might or might not have done. We are not more justified in assuming that Africa would have “remained frozen in the state in which the colonizer found” – Albert Memmi, op. cit., p. 113 – it than we are in assuming that it would have attained development and modernity by its own self-effort under its pre-colonial social and political organizations or by some other means.

It seems idle to engage in a speculation that is so obviously pointless and unprofitable. What should concern us is not what might have been, about which we have no means of knowing after this long lapse of time, but what actually is. “What does count,” Albert Memmi has quite rightly observed, “is the present reality of colonization and the colonised”, as attested by its actual result – for, “to subdue and exploit, the coloniser pushed the colonised out of the historical and social, cultural and technical current”. – Albert Memmi, op. cit., p. 114 If statism is “Europe’s supreme gift to Africa”, it is also the root of a great many of Africa’s numerous problems of which those noted above form only a part. It would over-burden the present discussion to examine the other problems.

Thus, whilst it is true that the state named and called Nigeria was brought into existence by the 1914 Amalgamation, yet it was so created, not as a free state, which would have justified celebrating the event, but as a colonial state, an enslaved state, a state in captivity, with all the disabilities, degradations and pernicious consequences attendant upon that. We would be making ourselves an object of ridicule and mockery by celebrating our enslavement.

To conclude, I think the plan to celebrate the centennial of the 1914 Amalgamation is misguided for reasons stated above, and should be abandoned. It should not surprise us if the celebrations, after they have taken place in 2014, should spark talks for the celebration of the 1906 amalgamation that created Southern Nigeria by the merger of the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and the Colony and Protectorate of Lagos or for the celebration of the creation of Northern Nigeria in 1900 by fusing together a large number of disparate communities inhabiting that extensive area of territory.

• Concluded.

• Nwabueze is professor of law and author of several books and articles on constitutional law.

Farewell Alade Odunewu (1927-2013)

By Ajibade Fasina-Thomas LADE Odunewu is dead. The Dean of Satirical Writing (a la Dr. A Nnamdi Azikiwe) is no more. He finally lost the long battle to death. He was at death’s door when I visited him at hospital in January this year. But being Allah-De, he courageously hung in there and was on the mend a couple of months later.

My friend, Jagunmolu Duro Onabule’s precise voicemail message jolted me, “Odunewu is dead.” Allah Akbar! A great mould is crashed. A strategic generational link is severed. Exiting at Ramadan season, a time he himself would have chosen had death sought his opinion, Hadj Odunewu, a devout, but liberal Muslim who did not stand on ceremony on matters of religion, must have laughed mirthfully at Death...Dearie me!

Odunewu, born on November 20, 1927; and died on July 25, 2013, was an icon of Nigerian journalism. He started as a cub reporter drawing a huge influence from his brother, Mr Mobolaji Odunewu, a prominent editor of one of Zik’s newspapers in the east of the Niger. The senior Odunewu later became Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Information.

Allah-De quickly established himself and in no time had learnt the ropes in the newsrooms of the Daily Times, Daily Service/Service Magazine and Nigerian Tribune. “Those were days when you left home to work in one newspaper and ended up with a byline on another,” he once told me reminiscing humorously on

the uncertainty of employment for journalists in his days. You were not sure when, how or where the next salary would come from. It was as if there was an unwritten caveat between proprietors and their staff. But the joy of having your story published with a by-line was satisfying for reporters.

He forged ahead; immersing himself in a profession that made you popular but impoverished you and sometimes made you a regular “friend of the Police.” You were either fortunate or a spineless coward if you never had a brush with the law in your career.

His lucky break came when he earned a British Council scholarship to read Journalism at the School of Modern Languages in London. He took the opportunity to gain experience working for various newspapers in Britain. He emerged from the school as the best Commonwealth student winning the prize donated

by The New Statesman newspaper. He would later work as Managing Editor, Nigerian Tribune; Editor, Sunday Times and Editor, Daily Times.

Alade Odunewu was my mentor. Just one interview with the renowned Muhammed Ali in 1964 brought me to his attention.

The late Ademola Idowu, then his production editor on the Sunday Times saw me writing the exclusive story in the Daily Times newsroom on his way to the “chase room.” He stopped by wondering what kept me late in the office. He screamed when he read what the typewriter was reeling off. Odunewu decided to

use the story as the front lead in the next edition of the Sunday Times. When he eventually became Editor, Daily Times in December 1964 one of the innovations he brought with him was the introduction of the Paul Pry’s Diary, a thrice-weekly diary of social events, which I wrote with consummate affection from 1964 to 1968. He was an old established hand in the business of satirical writing. To have been in his company for one hour was to have sipped satisfactorily from his inexhaustible fountain of knowledge of the “world and its tenants.” He was just his pleasant, amiable self. Always. No cant. Just plain, good-natured Allah-De. He was a man of serenity. A man of vision and determination.

Allah-De was a man of humility and perseverance. His ultimate passing at 85 should be celebrated with gratitude to God for his remarkable achievements. I will miss him in a very personal sense. But we shall always remember this: “It goes on, regardless of what happens to any of us, mortals; no matter which player quits the stage or which one has just taken a bow to start his own performance. And the more one thinks about it, the more incomprehensible it appears, this phenomenon. Yes, life simply goes on.” (Extracted from “And Life Goes On” written on 22 December 1963 and published in his book, Winner Takes All).

Good night, Allah-De. • Fasina-Thomas wrote from Douglasville, Georgia, USA.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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Midweek Arts Festive mood as Abuja Writers’ Forummarks five

By Elvis Iyorngurum OW do you combine the cerebral and the gaiety in a celebration? It seemed a tall order when the organising committee received the brief for the Abuja Writers’ Forum’s (AWF) fifth anniversary. But the Segun Ozique-led committee delivered without losing sight of the essentials.

Someone who had merely wandered into Nanet Suites, Abuja, venue of the event, would not have needed to be told that it was a very special one. Indeed it was. It wasn’t just a book-reading event and neither was the celebration just for the writers. Members who had been away for a long time returned, some from as far as Ghana and the United States. Invited guests turned up in numbers wearing bold smiles.

There was every reason for the celebration. For a literary organization in Nigeria, attaining five years of consistent pursuit of the set goals of promoting writers and their writing is not a mean achievement. And as founder, Dr. Emman Usman Shehu said whiel declaring the event open, “It has been five years of sweating blood and endless struggles, but we made it and we are more than ever before, ready to break new grounds”.

In spite of the immense contribution of literary arts to the social, political and economic fortunes of Nigeria right from the pre-independence era, the sector has suffered total neglect by government, most private sector players and wealthy individuals in the country.

Literary events, therefore, rarely attract any funding from these bodies and the promoters have to bankroll them from their own pockets. This he, said, has been the storm the forum has had to weather over the past five years.

Shehu recounted that text messages went out to people inviting them to a book reading event on June 21, 2008 at Pen and Pages Bookshop in Wuse II, Abuja. On the set date, the gathering was told they had been invited at the behest of the Abuja Writers’ Forum and it signaled the birth of what is today the foremost literary organisation in Abuja.

Writer, Uche Peter Umez was invited from Owerri as the first Guest Writer, and the event has held non-stop since then.

After the opening remarks, David Adzer, a guitarist, took the stage and thrilled the audience with tunes that only heightened the celebration mood.

The audience would not let him go after the presentation without answering a question or two. Adzer said he draws inspiration for his music from his cir-

H

cumstances and pre-occupation in life. Adzer, who in the course of his music career, has worked with prominent artistes like Age Beeka, Bem Sar among others, pioneered the Playlist Group based in Jos, Plateau State. He also co-wrote a movie, The Bond that was produced by Papel Image Tech.

Other acts that featured on the night were another soft-rock artiste, Tokunboh Edwards and Abiodun Okewoye, a saxophonist who got the audience singing along with him as he rendered Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’. Many could not stay in their seats as they rose to dance and sing their hearts out.

There was also a mini-photo exhibition by Kemi Akin-Nibosun who has been involved in the Invisible Borders project, an initiative to tell Africa’s stories by Africans through photography and inspiring artistic interventions.

The first guest writer was Ikeogu Oke, who read from his latest collection of poems, In the Wings of Waiting.

Oke left no one in doubt of his talent as a writer, performer and musician in his presentation. He sang ‘I can’t reach you’, which he said is not just a poem but a song as well. Many of his poems, he said, were lyrical and will best be enjoyed if read alongside a musical rendition. Later in the interactive session with the audience, he described his writings as a creative deviation from convention and said he drew his inspiration from the joy, agony and disappointments.

Victor Oluwasegun, a journalist, was next on the queue. Oluwasegun read from his book, In the Shadow, which is his debut collection of short stories.

In the interactive phase of his presentation, the journalist responded to the question to whether any of his works was written out of a personal experience by disclosing that one of the stories in the collection, “Favour Gone Sour” was indeed inspired by a true story that he witnessed. He said he was even sued to court on account of writing the story.

The ambience of the event became charged as seven members of the forum were applauded as they were presented with prizes as winners of the May edition of the forum’s monthly writing challenge. The Forum instituted the challenge as an in-house effort to regularly encourage members to honing their skills in writing and also help them build a portfolio of manuscripts that could serve various purposes in future.

The monthly challenge covers the fiction, poetry and drama genres and

Ade Sax on his Saxophone and (inset), poet, Ikeogu Oke the winners were, for the fiction category, Amina Aboje, who won the first prize with her story, “Double Face”.

Abigail Abenu, who came second with her story, “The Hills” and Rahamat Zakari who wrote, “I Thought I knew Her” and got the third prize. The only winner for the drama category was Didi Nwala, who wrote, “The Iykes”. The poetry prizes were clinched by Elvis Iyorngurum in the first position, with “Age-long Wisdom”; Amina Aboje, the first runner-up with “Agonies of a Mackerel” and the second runner-up and writer of “The Worth of World”, Kattab Salami.

Traditionally, an anniversary celebration is incomplete without a special cake for the occasion. Thus film producer and director, Kasham Keltuma, anchored the cake-cutting flanked by Lady Gesiere Brisibe Dorgu (Special Adviser on Ethics to the Bayelsa State Governor), Bishop Benjami Fuduta, Dr. Omokhogie Adams, Edith Yassin and Abubakar Inaboya.

The high point of the night was a raffle draw that was conducted for the audience to win book prizes. Attendees had been given a raffle ticket bearing a

unique number on arrival at the venue. Ten lucky winners went away with a book each.

In a goodwill message, the Assistant Director, Media and Public Affairs of the National Lottery Commission, Mrs. Rekiya Ibrahim-Atta, congratulated the forum on its fifth anniversary and said her presence was to honour the event and also support the vision for which the forum was established. She encouraged writers to base their work on adequate research, as it will serves as a reference point for history, describing them as custodians of information that the world relies on.

Ibrahim-Atta also encouraged the writing community to strive higher and remain resilient so that eventually it would attract government support in achieving its purposes.

Activities for the anniversary celebration had started on Friday, July 28 with a Creative Writing Workshop for students of selected secondary schools in the FCT. The workshop was facilitated

by Caine 2013 Prize nominee, Elnathan John and had in attendance 15 students from five secondary schools. The event was held at the City Library, Zone

HEBN Publishers honours Chinua Achebe EBN Publishers Plc (formerly Heinemann H Educational Books (Nigeria) Plc), an associate company of Heinemann U.K., which published Chinua Achebe’s literary magnus opus, Things Fall Apart, will be honouring the departed literary icon on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 in Ibadan, Oyo State at an event tagged Achebe’s Literary Day. The event, which will takE place at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, will start at 10 am under the Chairmanship of Chief (Sir) Aigboje Higo, former Chairman of HEBN Publishers Plc. The Special Guest of Honor is the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, while Dr. Ikechukwu Achebe will be the Guest of Honor and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, HRM Oba Odulana Odugade I, the Royal Father of the Day. The ViceChancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Adewole will be Special Guest.

In a release signed by Director, Corporate Affairs, HEBN Publishers Plc, Mr. Lawrence Agge, the event has as theme, ‘The Great Iroko:

Celebrating the Life and Times of Professor Chinua Achebe’.

Billed to give the keynote addresses on Achebe’s roles as a novelist, social critic, writers of children’s books as well as a poet at the event are literary scholars such as Dr. Chima Anyadike, Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; Prof. Remi Raji, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan and National President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA); and Dr. Henry Chakava, Chairman, East African Educational Publishers Ltd, Nairobi, Kenya (formerly Heinemann East Africa).

Readings from some of Achebe’s works such as Things Fall Apart, The Trouble with Nigeria, Beware Soul Brother, Chike and the River as well as How The Leopard Got His Claws will be given by notable writers and scholars such as Wale Okediran, Tony Marinho, Doyin Aguoru and some school pupils.

Veteran writer and Achebe’s classmate, Mrs. Mabel Segun will go memory lane with some

reminiscences while Ikeogu Oke and Ebika Anthony will do a performance poetry on the late literary icon and a drama sketch on Things Fall Apart respectively.

The event will further be enriched by cultural displays as well as addresses from Governor Ajimobi, Oba Odulana Odugade I, Prof. Adewole; Achebe, and Chairman/Chief Executive, HEBN Publishers Plc, Mr. Ayo Ojeniyi, while Professor Pai Obanya, Chairman, West African Examinations Council (WAEC) & HEBN Director will round up proceedings with a vote of thanks.

The event will be compeered by veteran broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mr Yanju Adegbite.

HEBN Publishers Plc has been Nigeria’s foremost publisher for over five decades. Apart from being a Director of the publishing firm, Chinua Achebe was also the first General Editor of the Heinemann African Writers Series. The event therefore, is a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest writer of his time.

4, Abuja. The students were taken through five hours of tutoring on the basics of story-writing and showed commendable grasp of what they were taught. The schools that took part were, Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Cherryfield College, Jikwoyi, Anglican Girls Grammar School and Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa and Government Secondary School Tudun Wada, Abuja.

The Abuja Writers’ Forum, apart from the monthly Guest Writer Session, holds a critique session every Sunday at the International Insitute of Journalism (IIJ), Hamdala Plaza, Asokoro, Abuja. The Forum recently pioneered a Creative Writing Course leading to the award of a certificate in Creative Writing, in conjunction with the International Institute of Journalism. All the activities of the forum are open to members of the public. * Iyorngurum is a Writer, Poet and the Secretary of the Abuja Writers’ Forum

THe GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

ARTS | 71

The artist in search of the ideal in Ezumah’s Wedding Bells That Never Rang

By Denja Abdullahi

R

eADING the first published play by Ben ezumah, an old hand in the business of creative writing, who was the arrowhead of the students’ Writers Forum way back in the mid to late 80s at the University of Jos, one went into it with the conviction that though his Wedding Bells That Never Rang (Sun Nigeria Publishing, Abuja; 2013) is just making its appearance in print, it must have gone through the rigours of literary pruning.

This initial expectation did not meet up with any disappointment as the play’s has an intense dramatic focus, powered by a heightened language with appropriate dramatic idioms and an enduring message about the place of the artist in the society.

The title of the play itself and the doleful look of the female on the cover page can be misleading to the expectant reader who thinks the play will be suffused with the tales of the contemporary experiences of females of today who face rejections and disappointments on the path to bridal paradise. The Pentecostal churches have made an industry out of this reality where they rail against ‘late marriages’, ‘water spirits’ and the likes. Wedding Bells That Never Rang, though borrows some motifs from this contemporary reality of the female experience, goes much further to explore deeper themes.

The play begins with a mob action expressing resentment at the Ikenga Statue which is mounted at the centre of town and to which the people of the city attributes all their woes.

The mob is determined to pull down the statue, and before they could achieve this, comes the artist, the maker of the statue; to save his work, he declares: “This is my work. The first child of my creation. This is Ikenga, the god of justice and equity.

Ikenga has no hand in evil, witchc r a f t , strange diseases, famine or death in this community.”

The mob declares him mad, detaches him from the statue after a heavy beating before destroying the sculptural piece. The play’s opening scene recalls the experience of the larger than life statue of an itinerant market woman with a tray on her head and a child strapped to her back, once erected in front of the picaresque Jos Main Market, popularly referred to as ‘Mama Tapgun’ (named after the then Governor of Plateau State, Fidelis Tapgun). This imposing artistic edifice did not survive the perennial inter ethnic/religious crisis that has been bedeviling the city of Jos. At a point, it was even rumoured that the lifeless but lifelike statue was fuelling the crisis and had to be pulled down. Today, Mama Tapgun, is gone, along with the Jos Main Market, and so also many other artistic edifices across our

country suffering under the barrage of halfunderstood religious impositions and false attributions. The play immediately brings our minds to this anomaly of a society being unable to clearly analyze its problems which precludes the finding of working solutions.

The harassed artist was later revealed in the play to be the ultra-idealistic Chike who is in love with a very beautiful lady Clara who works with an arts council. Chike lives and eats from his ideal of artistic purity and integrity of art and refuses Clara prompting to take a highly paid commission contract job from the arts council. He claims to have abandoned arts after his near-death experience from the mob, which never understands what art is all about.

Clara cannot get him to overcome his bitter experience to recalibrate his creativity in order to participate in “the renaissance going on in art around the world (p.21).” Chike retorts to Clara’s prompting on the need for him to prosper from his talent: “I don’t want money; I don’t want fame; I don’t want to be Pablo Piccaso or a Leornado Da Vinci. I just want to be me (p.21).”

In no time, Clara put a stop to the affair because she cannot forever wait for Chike the idealist to get a grip on his life which is as listless like that of a gypsy and a rolling stone put together. She switches over to a Nigerian based in America who she met on the net! She left Chike distraught and with an intent to selfdestruct. Clara hooks up with the new lover for a wedding that never was as she runs mad; and upon native investigation, she is declared to be “the two thousand and tenth wife of the sea god Agbala Anyim (p.44).”

In the final moments of the play we see a now idealistically repentant Chike seeking out the now mad Clara to tease her out of her insanity by recalling their saner moments together. He informs her that he has gotten the multi-million naira contract for the “restoration of the council’s art gallery and outdoor statues and monuments (p.50).” This renewal of vision, he says he owes to her as “I can’t be looking back too much without losing sight of the future (p.50).” At the end of the play, Chike announces that the money he makes from the contract job will be used to rehabilitate Clara in spite of all odds.

A reading of the play whets ones appetite for a performance that is bound to call back to mind the reappraisal of the role, place and the survival instincts of an artist in today’s society. It is also an unnerving exploration of how idealism or the lack of it and the supernatural still affect the affairs of men and women.

There is no happy ending at the end or a clinically resolved conflict as we are tutored to expect by the fares churn out by Nollywood.

Wedding Bells That Never Rang leaves you with the feeling that there are more frontiers begging to be explored. * Denja Abdullahi, National Vice President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is a poet, playwright and theatre director

MUSON Symphony Orchestra in grand performance He MUSON symphony T Orchestra, which is notably Nigeria’s only professional symphony orchestra, renowned for its high standard performance of various repertoires recently staged an extraordinary concert at the Agip Recital Hall of the MUSON centre, Onikan, Lagos.

It was a concert of two parts with a wide range of musical selections from the popular classical era through the romantic and the nationalistic 20th century. Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Exsultate Jubilate by the virtuoso, W. A. Mozart were

the first works and they were performed with so much spirit. Other featured works were the Concerto for Cello and Orchestra by Luigi Boccherini. The second part of the concert started off with a wind orchestra playing Lift Thine Eyes, a trio by F. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Romance for Cello and Orchestra by Johann Strauss Jr., the highly applauded Habanera from the Opera ‘Carmen’ by George Bizet and finally a medley of six short piano pieces composed by Bela Bartok titled the ‘Romanian Folk Dances’.

The two-hour concert was conducted by Thomas Kanitz, MUSON Artistic Director and orchestra conductor. He also featured on the cello. The guest vocalists who highlighted the event were Ranti Ihimoyan, a soprano and Fatima Anyekema, a mezzo soprano.

The MUSON Symphony Orchestra performed brilliantly with the last piece being a climax point and a very clever way to end the show. The internationally acclaimed MUSON Diploma School Choir also gave much light to the well organised show.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Sports Federation Cup

Deaf athletes yearn for more tourneys in Lagos

Enyimba, Pillars, Heartland boast, as teams battle for semi-final tickets

By Christian Okpara WO of the country’s biggest T clubs, Enyimba of Aba and Kano Pillars, say they arte sure of qualifying for the semifinals of the on-going Nigeria Federation Cup despite the quality of opposition they will meet in today’s quarterfinal games.

Enyimba will trade tackles with Nasarawa United today in Abeokuta, Kano Pillars have a date with Warri Wolves in Ilorin, while Heartland will face Akwa United in Kaduna.

The other quarter-final game will see Lobi Stars taking on Akwa Starlets in Enugu.

Speaking on his team’s chances in today’s game against Lafia-based Nasarawa United, Enyimba Coach, Imama Amapakabo says his team were primed for victory in the tie, adding that they are aware that Nasarawa United is capable of causing a major upset in the game.

Amapakabo, who revealed that Enyimba has put much premium on winning the Federation Cup, says they have done everything possible to avoid any misadventure in the tie “because we are bent on taking trophies to our people this season.”

In two games played in the league this season, Enyimba beat Nasarawa United at home and drew with them away, and

the coach says the ‘Peoples Elephant’ understands their opponent’s system perfectly.

He attributes Enyimba’s resurgence late into this season to the desire of the players to end their trophy drought, adding that the last few results have shown their willingness to end the season on a high.

“We started the season slowly, but we have picked up. Now, is the time to show the stuff that made us African champions,” he added.

To reigning Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars, the Federation Cup, which has eluded the team for so long, is a trophy that must berth in Kano this season.

Pillars face Warri Wolves in Ilorin with the team banking on their massive support base in the centre for victory.

The 2012 semi-finalists will be without four key players in Ilorin today, including star striker, Gambo Mohammed, Nazifi Armani, Shehu Shagari and Umar Zango.

But Pillars Coach, Baba Ganaru says the players’ absence would not affect their fortunes in the game.

“The players are injured so they did not make the trip to Ilorin, but we are not perturbed. We have played in about eight games without this set of players, so we are used to not having them in action.”

Enugu Rangers head to CAS over Confederation Cup ouster NUGU Rangers have E announced they will appeal against their expulsion from the Confederation Cup after CAF threw out their petition.

Rangers said they will table their case before the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

“We’re going to appeal this decision at CAS,” disclosed Enugu FA chairman Chidi Ofo Okenwa. This is miscarriage of justice. There is no way we are going to rest until we are justifiably heard.

“Rangers will fight till we get justice. We are being victimised and CAS remains our only hope for justice,” added Rangers General Manager, Paul Chibuzor Ozor.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said Rangers appeal was not admitted on technical grounds.

CAF disqualified the Nigerian club from the second-tier Confederation Cup on the basis that they fielded an ineligible player, goalkeep-

er, Daniel Emmanuel, in their final qualifier against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.

As a result of this ruling, Sfaxien replaced the Nigerian club in the mini-league stage of the Confederation Cup. They have since played their first game in the series against fellow Tunisian club, Etoile du Sahel.

Mali’s Stade Malien and Saint George of Ethiopia are in the same group stage of the club competition.

Enugu Rangers’ Coach, Okey Emordi

CTING Chairman of Lagos A State Deaf Sports Association, Samuel Ikpea has

Kano Pillars and El Kanemi Warriors battling for the ball during the 2012 edition of the Federation Cup. Pillars will PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI. meet Warri Wolves in the quarterfinal of the competition in Ilorin…today.

Uyo 2013 National Weightlifting Championship

Edo, Jigawa, Plateau win first medals DO, Jigawa and Plateau E states made a good start in the on-going National Weightlifting Championship in Uyo winning three gold medals each on day one.

The gold medals came in the youth category. The first medal of the game in the 48 kg category went to Maryam Suleiman of Jigawa State, who lifted 35 kg in snatch and 42kg in clean and jerk thus making it a total of 77kg.

Nomayo Grace of Edo won gold in the 48kg category with a total lift of 150kg, while Plateau’s Sunday Bose dusted other lifters in the 53kg winning two gold medals and a silver.

Chairman of Plateau State weightlifting association, Amos Dashu, was on cloud nine at the venue of the competition, describing the performance of his lifters as wonderful.

“We came to Uyo battle ready to shock other states.

We went about our preparations for Uyo 2013 quietly without making any noise.

We will at the end of the day shock states who believe they are not beatable,” Dushu said.

The Plateau state weightlifting boss, who is also a board member of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), expressed satisfaction with the way the champi-

onship is going.

He said, “I think we are on course. The lifters here are hungry for honours and it is good for our country ahead of the African championship in September which we are hosting in Lagos.”

This is the first time Nigeria Weightlifting Federation would be awarding medals to winners. All the lifters got before the on-going championship were certificates.

NWF Secretary, Ike Anyaduba, who confirmed yesterday that he stormed Uyo with the gold, silver and bronze medals, promised the federation would do everything possible to motivate the athletes.

Ikpeba backs code of conduct for Eagles, calls for stronger players’ union From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ORMER Super Eagles and FC Monaco player, Victor Ikpeba, says the time has come for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to introduce a code of conduct for Super Eagles’ players to avoid a repeat of the action that almost marred Nigeria’s participation at the last Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Ikpeba, who described the players’ action as unacceptable, said that even though there was no code of conduct during his playing days, they never tried anything that would tarnish the image of

F

the country, stressing that the players should think of the country first as its ambassadors before making such requests.

The 1997 African Footballer of the Year, who described the $10,000 bonus the Super Eagles players receive as outrageous, urged them to listen and appreciate the present financial position of the NFF and make some sacrifice for the interest of he game.

He also called for a stronger players’ union in the country, insisting that Nigerian players and athletes must begin to think about life after football.

Ikpeba noted that the play-

ers and athletes make enough money during their careers that could sustain them in retirement if properly invested, adding, “I am of the opinion that the players held the nation to ransom… they should have waited after the Confederations Cup before they began their agitation.

“We all know that the bonus, which they receive, is high and they should be able to appreciate the position of the NFF at present.”

On the plight of Nigerian footballers, Ikpeba said the country should set up a pension fund for athletes, who have done well in the past.

called on corporate bodies, sports philanthropists and government to sponsor more deaf competitions.

Ikpea said this at the Lagos State Deaf Schools Athletic Competition which was held last weekend at Agege Stadium, Lagos.

The competition was facilitated by the Lagos State Ministry of Sports, Youth and Social Development and the Office of Grassroots Sports Development.

Ikpea said he was impressed with the performance of deaf athletes, adding that the time has come for the athletes to enjoy regular competitions.

He disclosed that the association discovered a good number of athletes during the two days event.

“I am impressed with the performance of all these deaf athletes. They really showed that they have potentials and I believe that if there are more competitions for them, Nigeria stands a good chance of excelling in future international deaf competitions.

There are many talents abound here and it is the responsibility of our coaches to nurture them to stardom,” he said.

Ikpea said the performance of deaf athletes at the last National Sports Festival held in Lagos showed that the association is committed to promote the deaf sports at the grassroots level in Lagos.

Midas lifts Abesan Cup IDAS FC defeated highly M rated Future Heroes 3 -1 to lift the 2013 Abesan Cup decided at the Agege Stadium.

Midas raced to a three-goal lead in the first half through Michael Ashade, Thompson Aghaeze and Chibuike Ikechi before Hameed Bakare scored Heroes’ consolatory goal in the second half.

Both teams were forced to contend with the heavy downpour, which made the game difficult but it was Midas, who ran away with the famous victory.

A win for Midas means that no team has won the Abesan Cup twice since inception in 1999. Future Heroes were denied the opportunity of creating history, having won the title in 2011.

Femi Ajayi of Future Heroes was voted the Most Valuable player (MVP) of the tournament and he smiled home with a pair of boot, courtesy of Mastersports Chief Executive Officer, Ejiro Omonode. Both teams received a set of Jerseys, from of Tasty-time limited.

Adonai, who defeated Peace 3-1, through Penalty shootout, after full-time ended 1-1, won the third-place match. The top three teams went home with medals donated by First Registrar, while the N250, 000 prize money was donated by Clementina Doregos, chairperson of the occasion.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

74

CricketWeekly Stakeholders want government reception for ‘Jersey warriors’ Stories by Christian Okpara stakeholders in SstateOME Nigerian sports believe a reception for the national senior cricket team, which in Jersey, Europe, at the weekend braved all odds to secure qualification to the Division Five of the World Cricket League (WCL) would aid in lifting the team to more success in the game.

Nigeria on Sunday defeated Argentina by eight runs to move up to the Division Five of the WCL alongside Jersey.

Analysing the team’s performance in Jersey at the National Stadium, Lagos, yesterday, some stakeholders in Nigerians sports said the Federal Government should receive the team on arrival to encourage them to also aspire to excel in their next assignment, which is the WCL Division Five Championship in Malaysia next year.

Speaking on the team’s feat in the just concluded Division Seven Championship, veteran cricket writer, Jacob Ajom, said it was one of the best things to happen to Nigerian cricket in recent times, adding that nobody gave the team any chance of success.

According to Ajom, who is a member of the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s (NCF) media committee, the team left the country for Jersey unsung and would be coming back to the country as heroes.

“Nothing in their past results pointed to the superlative outing in Jersey.

Here is a team, which was relegated back to Division Seven the last time they played in

the Division Six Championship.

“They, like the other socalled lesser sports, have not had the best of treatment from the government and they even had to beg individuals to come to their aid while preparing for the competition. Yet despite all those things, they went to Jersey tom do the country proud.

“That is why I am appealing to the government to recognize the latest heroes in the Nigerian sports and give them a befitting reception.

Nothing can be too much for the gallant boys. I call them the ‘Jersey warriors,’ Ajom said.

Also speaking on the Team Nigeria feat in Jersey, sports analyst, Sabinus Ikewuaku, a lawyer, believes the Jersey feat presents an ample opportunity for the Federal Government to demonstrate that it is not only interested in football and athletics.

Ikewuaku, who acknowledge that cricket cannot be compare to football and athletics in terms of appeal to Nigerians, adds, however, that honouring the cricket would spur other young talented youths to take to the sport as their profession.

According to Ikewuaku, “sports as a sector can help the government’s fight to curb unemployment and honouring these boys from Jersey could help in luring the youths to the game.

“If we encourage the heroes of Jersey, some of other youngsters would aim to be like them knowing full well that when they excel, their efforts would draw the required attention from a grateful country.

Nigeria’s Osita Onwuzuluike watches with keen interest as wicket-keeper, Yaspal Ricky Sharma, attempts to stump Argentina’s Esteban MacDermott during their final match of the WCL Division Six Championship…at the weekend.

Coaches Timimadi, Sonde count gain of Nigeria’s promotion WO cricket coaches on T Monday applauded the male national team for their promotion to Division 5 at the World Cricket League (WCL), Division 6, which ended on July 28, in Jersey.

The coaches, Tonye Timimadi of the Rivers Cricket team and Seyi Sonde, an Abeokuta-based coach, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the promotion was well-deserved, adding that it would open opportunities for Nigerian cricket.

Timimadi said that the team’s promotion to Division

5 would bring a lot of benefits in the development of the sport to the country.

According to him, the promotion will henceforth increase the financial support from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF).

“Another benefit of the promotion is that Nigeria will now feature in more international competitions than before, which will further help in exposing the cricketers to acquire better skills.

“We are glad and happy that what we awaited for, for a long while, has come to pass, for it

will help in positioning the sport in the right direction.

“It has also given the senior team the opportunity to participate in more international competitions and get exposed to what obtains in other countries,” he said.

Sonde, in the same vein, said that he was not only elated about the promotion, but was hopeful that the team would keep getting promoted, until they get to Division 1, the zenith.

He said that he was not expecting the NCF to rest on its oars, but to ensure that the team would continue to get

the needed support to improve in their performance.

“We thank God we were able to get promoted to Division 5.

However, we do not expect any form of loss of focus on the team’s part.

“This is because the higher the Division you compete in, the tougher it becomes. And I expect the NCF to begin preparations for Division 5 immediately,” Sonde said.

He added that the promotion would come along with benefits like more funding from the ICC on developmental programmes in the country.

Team Nigeria may forge alliance with Standard Bank OLLOWING the superlative FNigeria performance of Team at the just-concluded

Nigeria’s Segun Olayinka (right) receives his MVP award from ICC’s Eddie Fitzgibbon after the final game of the Jersey 2013 ICC-Pepsi WCL Division Six Championship…at the weekend. PHOTOS: ICC-CRICKET.COM.

World Cricket League (WCL) Division Seven Championship in Jersey, Africa’s biggest bank, Standard Bank, could enter a relationship with the team.

Officials of the team told The Guardian yesterday that Team Nigeria were among the squads invited to the bank’s offices in Jersey before the competition, adding that both parties also had fruitful discussions at the end oft the championship.

One of the officials, who pleaded anonymity, said the team were invited to the bank to meet staff and receive a

gift, which included some local Jersey products.

A report made available to The Guardian revealed that the team were accompanied by a cameraman from African Independent Television (AIT), who filmed the reception for broadcast in Nigeria.

According to the report, Jersey Cricket Association Chairman, Ward Jenner was also invited, and took the opportunity to chat with the visiting team.

“The players were joined at the meeting by the President of the Nigerian Cricket Board, Emeka Onyeama, who said they were delighted to have been invited and made to feel so welcome.

“Onyeama presented Mark Hucker, CEO of Standard Bank, Jersey, with a miniature cricket bat signed by the whole team,” the report said.

Nigeria beat Argentina in their final match to join Jersey at the top of the tournament table.

At the meeting, according to the report, Mark Hucker said it had been a great pleasure to meet the Nigerian team at the reception, and to hear they had been playing some excellent cricket.

“Nigeria and Jersey were the tournament favourites, and whilst we will of course be biased and want Jersey to go through, it was the perfect outcome to see both teams

heading up to Division 5, and we wish them both the best of luck next year. The energy and enthusiasm of the young Nigerian team was palpable, and it was good to hear they are working hard back at home to raise the profile and quality of the game,” Hucker said.

Standard Bank support local cricket in Jersey by sponsoring the Jersey Cricket Coaches Association, and have been long term supporters of cricket in Africa and elsewhere, including the Isle of Man. The ICC World Cricket league system provides a way for non-Test playing nations to qualify for the World Cup.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, July 31, 2013

SPORTS | 75

Team Nigeria cancels athletes’ camping for Moscow 2013 World Championship • Home-based athletes, officials depart August 5

By Gowon Akpodonor HE final rehearsals planned T by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for Team

Nigeria athletes ahead the 14th IAAF World Championship in Moscow, may have been called off due to what an official described yesterday as ‘fund constrain.’

The World Championship tagged: Moscow 2013 will commence on August 10 and the AFN had planned a two-week camping for the athletes in a city with same weather condition with Russia.

A source close to the AFN told The Guardian yesterday that there was no longer room for such plan because according to him, the Federal Government was not forthcoming with financial assistance to the federation to actualise the world championship plans.

“The AFN has tried every means to get money from the National Sports Commission (NSC) for Team Nigeria’s preparation for Moscow 2013, but things are not working out. It means we have to bank on element of luck to win medals in the championship and this is unfortunate,” the source said.

At the end of the Cross River/All Nigeria Open in Calabar, the AFN came up with its list of athletes that will fly the nation’s flag in Moscow. At that occasion, the sports minister and chairman of the NSC, Bolaji Abdullahi assured the athletes that the country would give them the support they need to excel in the Moscow.

Even President Goodluck Jonathan has repeatedly assured that the country’s athletes would not lack anything in terms of preparation for major championships.

Our source lamented yesterday over the no fund situation from the NSC, saying that the country’s athletes, particularly the relay teams, might find it difficult to match their oppo-

nent squerely when hostilities begin in Moscow.

“My major worry is our relay teams. They have a good chance to win medals this time around, but with this no fund situation, which has stopped the camping exercise, they may not practice well before the games. What it means it that we just have to bank on luck. That is not good for a country like Nigeria. I am sure the authority would not do this to a junior football team not to talk of the Super Eagles in their preparation for the World Cup. It is unfortunate,” the official said.

Another source hinted yesterday that the sports minister has promised to ‘assist’ the AFN with allowances for the athletes only.

“The minister said the IAAF is taking care of Team Nigeria’s participation in the World Championship and he will only assist the AFN with some allowances for the athletes.

Probably, he doesn’t know that it is the responsibility of each country to prepare its athletes for the games,” the source added.

Meanwhile, home-based athletes and officials of Team Nigeria are expected to depart for Moscow on August 5, an official said yesterday.

The 14th IAAF World Championship will be the largest global sporting event of the year, with an anticipation that the nine days event will reach a cumulative audience of more than five billion TV viewers.

The IAAF President, Lamine Diack had disclosed during the closing ceremony of the World Youth Championship held in Donetsk, Ukraine, that more countries would watch the Moscow 2013 Games live, adding that broadcasting agreements were in place covering more territories than ever before in the history of the IAAF World Championships.

Enyimba dedicates award to Orji HAIRMAN of Enyimba of C Aba, Felix Anyansi Agwu has dedicated to the state governor, Theodore Orji, last weekend’s award as the Coolest Nigerian Football Club by the Businessday Generation Next Survey.

The survey and award ceremony was a collaboration of Businessday newspapers and HDI Youth Marketers, a brand support and marketing company.

The survey polled over 15, 000 youths in different parts of the country to determine the best brands that appeal to the over 70 per cent youth population of the country.

Enyimba emerged the most popular brand amongst this demographic segment of the country ahead of Kano Pillars and Ocean Boys.

Receiving the award on behalf of Enyimba Chairman at the Eko Hotel

and Suites, Harry Iwuala, described it as very deserving and a reciprocation of the passion and commitment of the Abia State governor to uplifting Enyimba and football in the state.

In a speech read on behalf of Anyansi, the Marketing Consultant to Enyimba said, “this award is dedicated to Governor Orji, who has been very passionate about the development of football as a platform for the empowerment of Abia youths and job creation for adults. He has demonstrated this through adequate funding of the club and the team will do more to thank him by winning major trophies this season.”

He then thanked the organisers for including football club followership in their survey, which he said, “will contribute in building positive perception for the domestic league clubs in the country.”

Athletes at the 100 metres final of the Eko 2012 National Sports Festival. The AFN has cancelled Team Nigeria’s camping ahead of the 2013 World Athletics Championship, which holds between August 10 and 18 in Moscow, Russia.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI.

Eulogies trail Odegbami’s Me, Football and More Abuja launch From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja T was all praises for former Green Eagles and IICC FC of Ibadan captain, Segun Odegbami yesterday as he unveiled his book, Me, Football and More, to the public in Abuja.

The book, which dwells on the life and career of the former Nigerian international, also contains his activities after his glorious career as a football player.

Speaking at the occasion, which was chaired by the Chairman of Daar Communications Limited, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bolaji Abdulahi revealed how as a growing child, he used to follow the activities of Segun Odegbami and his Green Eagles team mates, stressing that seeing how the former international rose to fame is a big feat that is worthy of emulation by other Nigerian athletes and players.

The minister urged Nigerian players and athletes to begin to plan for life after retirement, stressing that it is

I

• Minister admonishes athletes on life after sports obvious that they cannot remain in their chosen sports forever.

He warned that athletes and players should stop relying much on government, especially after retirement, as according to him, they receive enough money that could give them comfortable life at retirement, if they planned their lives well.

“In Segun Odegbami, we see a great footballer, who never relied solely on the gift of being a natural footballer, but digressed in so many ways to make himself relevant to the Nigerian society after his football career.

“The way our former footballers and athletes parade themselves after their career has not been very encouraging. Some of them, when they retire, cannot even pay their bills when they are sick, some are rooming about with nothing to do. Each time I read people say oh, government has abandoned these footballers or athletes; my argument has always been that these footballers or athletes abandoned

themselves long ago.

“Some of these footballers, the kind of money they earn today, are very alarming, but it baffles me when they retire and start to complain of being abandoned. That a

player or athlete got injured in the cause of his profession or sport does not mean he is finished, that is why we have the likes of Segun Odegbami, Victor Ikpeba etc doing well today after playing football.

Owo monarch donates trophies for YSFON U-16 tennis • Praises Jonathan’s sports transformation

By Gowon Akpodonor HE Olowo of Owo, Oba T Folagbde Olateru-Olagbegi 111, has donated two trophies to the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), to be competed for by U-16 tennis players from across the country in memory of his late father, a tennis star, Sir OlateruOlagbegi 11.

Speaking through the Press Secretary to Owo Kingdom Advisory Council (OKAC),

Enyimba players celebrating one of their goals against 3SC in the round of 16 of the Federation Cup. Enyimba meets Nasarawa United today in one of the quarterfinals of the competition in Abeokuta…today.

Gboyega Amoboye yesterday, the Oba said the decision to donate the trophies was in line with the vision of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda on youth sports development in the country.

Apart from winning laurels, the Olowo said time has come to diversify the economy into sports tourism, as sports, particularly the lawn tennis, he said, have become major sources of foreign exchange earner worldwide.

He commended the organisers of the visit of the William sisters, Serena and Venus, to the country, and urged YSFON to capitalise on the euphoria it has generated to mobilize Nigerian youth to show more interest in the game of tennis.

He said, “I am using this opportunity to urge officials of YSFON to make the game of tennis to be like football because it is a veritable source of self employment and social stratification.”

The royal father commended President Jonathan for making youth sport development the focus of transformation agenda on sports.

On their part, the Olowo Council urged corporate organisations to share in President Jonathan’s vision by intensifying sponsorship of youth tournaments in the country.

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Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Okechukwu Emeh Jr. NCE again, the controversial issue of death O penalty (or capital punishment) has been resurrected from the limbo in Nigeria. This is against a backdrop of the recent media report quoting President Goodluck Jonathan as urging the state governors to discharge their constitutional responsibility by signing the death warrants of condemned prisoners pending before them and the subsequent hanging of four death row inmates of the Benin prison, in Edo State.

Admittedly, capital punishment in Nigeria is recognised by criminal laws at both federal and state levels and it is prescribed for those found guilty of committing heinous crimes like murder, armed robbery and treason. The punishment is also endorsed, in a way, by Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Ancillary to this was the 1998 celebrated case of Onuoha Kalu vs. the State on the constitutional validity of death penalty, which the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the retention of the penalty.

Although Nigeria has maintained a kind of moratorium or suspension on criminal execution since her return to civilian rule on May 29, 1999, the policy appears to have been reversed, somehow, with the hanging of a number of condemned persons across the country in 2006, 2012, and this year. Obviously, public and political opinions are sharply divided on the ongoing heated debate on whether to retain or abolish the punishment in our penal code. For proponents of death penalty, the severe measure has a uniquely deterrent force, which no other formal punishment has or could have. In their argument, the fears of being caught for committing gravest crimes such as armed robbery and made to face the commensurate gravest punishment would help reduce their rate. They also contend that capital punishment would permanently remove the worst criminals in our midst, thereby providing an enabling environment for a safe and peaceful society. The apologists of the punishment argue with equal logic that abolishing it would deny the value of the life of the innocent victim and exalt that of the murderer – a submission that reeks of the Mosaic law of “a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye” or the old – fashioned thinking that “those who live by the sword must die by the sword”.

Some of the supporters of death penalty believe that the penalty would save the tax payer’s money that would have otherwise been used by the government to cater for capital offenders if they are sentenced to life or long-term imprisonment.

They also argue that the non-implementation of the punishment has aggravated the crises of congestion and lack of welfare in our prisons.

For opponents of death penalty in Nigeria, the pristine argument of deterrence of the penalty is otiose and no longer tenable. This is in the light of the futility of such harsh measure in stemming the tide of violent crimes – as criminals do not often think about the punishment that awaits them but about the possibility of being caught and arrested. Furthermore, in the measured words of Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), in the Onuoha Kalu vs. the State, capital punishment is “incapable of correction in the event of an error”—a situation that has raised concern about how com-

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A case against death penalty

Mohammed Adoke, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

pensation for miscarriage of justice could be paid to a person who was charged, tried, convicted and executed for a capital offence, only for it to be discovered, years after, that such person did not commit the said offence, as witnessed in the case of Mr. Nasir Bello (who was sentenced to death for armed robbery in Oyo State in the 1980s and was made to face the firing squad in the midst of his pending case at the Court of Appeal, which after hearing his appeal found him innocent). Agbakoba, a frontline human rights lawyer, further referred to the inevitable long wait between the imposition of death sentence and the actual infliction of it, usually called “the death row phenomenon”, and dismissed the punishment as a “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.”

It has also been found that the penalty is often targeted at the innocent, the underage, the poor, the mentally retarded and those not legally well-represented – as they may not have the means to pay the police to adequately investigate their case, pay for a lawyer to defend them or pay to have their name put on a list of those eligible for pardon. Not surprisingly, this has led to the calls in some quarters for the use of forensic test, rather than only confessional statements (in some cases extracted under duress) or

eyewitness accounts, to determine the authenticity of the guilt or innocence of certain capital offenders to avoid the risk of wrongful convictions and sentences.

From the standpoint of this writer, capital punishment is morally unjustifiable and unacceptable. For one, human life is so sacrosanct and inviolable and it is only God, the giver of life that has the inalienable right and control over it. For another, death penalty removes the humanity of the executed persons and the attendant chances of rehabilitation and their giving something back to the society, in terms of community service. Additionally, the penalty is contrary to the contemporary international human rights standards and values- a development that made the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, through the Resolution 62/149, to call on member states to commute without delay all death sentences to terms of imprisonment. Interestingly enough, more than 110 countries, including the European Union (EU) member-states, Israel, South Africa, Mauritius, Senegal, Ghana, Gabon and Togo have abrogated death penalty in law or practice. This is regardless of the continued infliction of the penalty by the United States (U.S.), the assumed bastion of democracy and human rights - a situation that has galvanised international opinion against the country, especially from the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International, the London-based human rights watchdog, which have been consistent in their calls on countries still exacting the draconian punishment to jettison the practice.

The present attitudinal change towards death penalty around the world is the result, at least partly, of new theories, which suggest that mental and social environments are the major and truly relevant factors in fixing direct culpability for crime. As regards mental health, it is argued that it is only an abnormal or insane person that could commit abominable crimes like murder.

What is more, in establishing the causal nexus between violent crimes and social environment, the sociology of crime posits that it is the human society that breeds a criminal. For instance, in a social milieu like ours today, where a vast majority wallows in abject poverty and a tiny minority swims in opulence, how can we create the ambience of law and order, knowing fully well that bad governance, corruption, deprivation, poverty, injustice and breakdown of social mores can stoke the flames of crime, violence and insecurity?

Besides, the main purpose of sending criminals to jail is to subject them to repentance, correctional treatment and re-establishment in normal life as a good citizen. Contrarily, the prison system in Nigeria, unlike what obtains in the Western world, is punitive rather than reformatory and rehabilitative. Certainly, this further hardens the inmates and makes them a potential security threat to the society when they leave prisons.

Furthermore, the notion that informs the infliction of capital punishment is that criminals will desist from violent crimes if they realise that it will cost them their lives if apprehended. But as a boomerang, the more dangerous criminals are shot, hanged or lynched, the more their tribe increases. Paradoxically, and quite frankly, death sentence does more havoc than good to the society. It makes criminals more sanguinary in their actions since they quite know the ultimate penalty awaiting them if caught. Inevitably, some of them resort to killing their victims at any slightest resistance.

It is important to state that the intractable problem of violent crimes in Nigeria, which gave rise to application of capital punishment in the country, has its root cause in our grotesquely unjust system that incubates and breeds criminals.

These include awful legacy of bad governance, rampant corruption, deplorable state of the economy, inefficient criminal justice system (including the police, the court and the prisons), relative deprivation, mass poverty, chronic unemployment, widening gap between the rich and the poor, human exploitation, greed, unbridled materialism, ungodliness, immorality, erosion of the spirit of social solidarity and decline of traditional family values. In fact, if we did not push back the frontier of these often ignored factors that fuel violent crimes, our all-out efforts to surmount their upward spiral will be in vain.

As part of the reform of the administration of justice in this country, the Federal Government should respond swiftly and vigorously to the contentious issue of death penalty. This is considering that the penalty has obviously failed as a deterrent measure against violent criminals.

Removing capital punishment from our criminal laws is also made paramount by the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to internationally recognised human rights protocols, which guarantee each individual’s right to life, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (or the Banjul Declaration of 1981).

Therefore, our National Assembly should show moral courage by expunging the penalty from our statute book (or Constitution) since there is no empirical evidence that it serves any penal purpose more effectively than the less severe punishment of imprisonment. This is made imperative by the elevating thinking that the measure of a state’s greatness is its ability not only to retain mercy and compassion in time of grave crises, including violent crime explosion, but also to overcome evil without becoming another form of evil in the process. Of course, this is a major challenge to the Nigeria state at this time of renewed debate on death penalty.

• Emeh, a social researcher, lives in Abuja.

08036895746, okemehjr@yahoo.com

The use of a mace, murder of Alu 4 and a nation’s reputation (2)

By MacDonald Amaran Continued from yesterday ll am asking is a serene peaceful atmosphere for me to design my models with the aid of my scales, compass, lead point and holder, using my tracking paper on my drafting table, drinking coffee that I worked so hard to buy. Just give me power, oh sorry, light so we can see. We even bought a generator but you will not let me buy fuel to use it. As carpenters who use hammers and screwdrivers, making good furniture and being able to sell them to make, at least, a living is our goal. We pay tax, but you will not follow up on good roads and you will not make laws to ensure the laws that were made are enforced to serve me better.

On top all of this, we stay calm and quiet, believing you are having a few challenges which would soon end so you can perform better. We refuse to take to the streets to let you know we are not happy because we believe it is no longer a good idea.

With the blackberry, facebook, twitter and all the social media outlets a peaceful protest like the one Martin Luther led is no longer fashionable as it can be hijacked by an individual or group of persons from far away with false information that may lead to loss of lives and property. Like responsible civil people we now write in the hope that you will read and at least see our views and borrow some of our suggestions. You ignore us and so we resort to prayers in churches and mosques.

The bombs were thrown, we continued to pray and nurture our various ‘corns’ so we can survive

A

and feed our family which has now become goals of many with only a few able to feed clans.

We are trying to recover from all those we have lost to plane crashes, election brouhaha, bomb blast (may God have mercy particularly on the Madala bombers) and a few others.

Not long ago four creative young boys were gruesomely murdered in Alu. I am yet to recover from it how much more their families. We turn on our television to catch the news as we usually do from our various architectural, legal, medical, engineering and civil service farms etc and we

are greeted with news which is now all over the internet showing a Nigerian citizen of Rivers State smashing the head of a fellow Nigerian citizen of Rivers State. My heart bleeds for this country. As I watched the video my mind swiftly flashed back to the ALU 4. You may wish to spot the difference. Those boys didn’t survive because there was nowhere to run to. Enough is enough. We need lawyers who not only know the rules but know when to allow for suspension of rules for the purposes of deliberations, lawyers who will speak up for justice, equity,

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fairness and with good conscience — who have it at the back of their minds that we are not meant to be slavish to rules, that the rules were made for order and justice. It’s all about integrity, oriented intelligence, one predicated on a mind long conditioned to do justice. I urge all reasonable people to support reasonable people or put themselves up for elections. You had better come out and run for election when the time is right for you whoever you may be.

A 16-year-old girl is addressing the United Nations. Things are happening across the world, nations are making progress in wind power, solar plants are being built, and new laws are being enacted to deal with obsolete old ones. Nations are having new allies; the world is moving. What is wrong with us in Nigeria? There is a man as I write this article before whom the world is trembling because at the mention of his name, everyone is concerned about what will become of him; no one wants to lose him. The reason is simple. He fought a good fight with bare hands, not with weapons of war, but with language and words. He transformed a nation and brought relevance to a continent. He will forever be remembered for his legacies. History will never forget him; unborn children will speak well of him in their old age.

When he dies like we all will, every reasonable human being will take note and if possible be at his funeral to pay their last respects or be glued to their TV sets—a man who should be emulated. His name is NELSON MANDELA. Concluded.