Wed 12 June 2013

South Africa strengthens security at Mandela’s hospital

By Bola Olajuwon (with agency report) OUTH AFRICA has stepped up security at the hospital where former President Nelson Mandela is

S

hospitalised.

Yesterday, armed security operatives stood guard outside and incoming vehicles and pedestrians were searched amid a heavy media presence.

No progress in health, family moves to bedside Mandela shows no sign of improvement as he battles a lung infection in a Pretoria clinic where he was admitted four days ago.

A report by Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted a statement by President Jacob Zuma as indicating that the anti-apartheid icon re-

mained in “serious but stable” condition while being treated in intensive care.

Amid the growing fear about the 94-year-old’s condition, family members were seen entering the Mediclinic

Heart Hospital in Pretoria to be at his bedside.

Around a dozen armed policemen stood guard outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in the capital CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,585

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

The late M.K.O. Abiola

Lessons of June 12, by Soyinka, Abiola-Constello, NLC, others

By Martins Oloja, Abiodun Fanoro, Tunde Akinola, Toyosi Ajayi, Aderonke Alabi (Lagos), Saxone Akhaine (Kaduna) and Collins Olayinka (Geneva) IKE a festering wound that Lsticks defies treatment and out implacably, June 12 today reawakens sore memories of the nation’s political failure, injustice and inequity.

Twenty years ago, on June 12, 1993, the nation’s political march being led by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was halted.

Abiola, affectionately called MKO, the initials of his

names, won the presidential election of that date. But his victory was denied him by the then Military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The nation again stood for him yesterday. It was the venue of where he made his famous Epetedo Declaration.

The atmosphere was electri-

• Date embodies unity, equity, justice, says Nobel laureate • ‘Those who signed away victory’ fying. Except for the physical absence of Abiola who his associates believed was present but unseen, attendance at the Epetedo multi-purpose hall, venue of the event to reaffirm their faith in the Epetedo Declaration, was similar to the one that graced

the event 20 years ago.

The occasion, co-ordinated by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), famous for the unique role it played in efforts to get the mandate validated by successive military administrations, from Gen. Babangida to Gen. Ab-

dulsalam Abubakar, had in attendance chieftains of the group, civil society organizations, as well as elements from the progressive wing of the political class.

Among NADECO leaders on the occasion were its National Chairman, Rear Admiral

Kenyans protest lawmakers’ salary hike - Page 8

Ndubuisi Kanu; National Secretary, Ayo Opadokun; Chairman, June 12 Democratic Coalition, Baba Omojola; Dr. Keziah Awosika and Mr. Popoola Ajayi, Acting Secre-

More on Pages 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, & 57 tary, Action Group (new). The Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was represented by the State Commissioner for Transport, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

NEWS

No progress in Mandela’s health, family moves to bedside CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 where the 94-year-old remained in “serious but stable” condition.

Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, is being treated for a recurrent lung infection that medical experts said could be lifethreatening.

Yesterday marked 49 years to the day since he was sentenced to life in prison in 1964 for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government.

Mandela spent much of the subsequent 27 years behind bars on wind-swept Robben Island, near Cape Town, where he contracted tuberculosis.

His latest health scare has been met with prayers and a growing acceptance among

South Africans that their hero, who became the first black leader of the country after historic all-race elections in 1994, may be nearing the end of his life.

In Pretoria, police cordoned an area in front of the private specialist facility.

“They are there to protect the members of his family who come to visit him,” a police sergeant told AFP, asking not to be named because Mandela’s location has not been confirmed by the government.

On Monday, the arrival of his former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and the couple’s daughter, Zindzi, prompted a scuffle between security and photographers camped outside the clinic.

Madikizela-Mandela became

a global political figure in her own right while campaigning for her husband’s release from prison.

His current wife, Graca Machel, called off a trip to London last week to be with her ailing husband .

Little information has been released about Mandela’s condition, but he has a long history of lung problems since being diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988.

It is the fourth hospital stay since December for the Nobel Peace Prize winner and father of the “Rainbow Nation”.

Two months ago Mandela, who will turn 95 next month, was discharged following

treatment for pneumonia.

In December, he underwent surgery to remove gallstones as he recovered from a lung infection. In March, he was admitted for a scheduled overnight check-up before returning later that month for 10 days.

“Pneumonia is a killer disease,” said Prof. Keertan Dheda, the head of pulmonology at the University of Cape Town.

“In Mr. Mandela’s case, besides age, we know that he has previously had tuberculosis and that can weaken the lung defences and make one more prone to infections,” he said.

“Secondly, we know that Mandela worked in the quar-

ry on Robben Island for many years and he has been chronically exposed to dust, from crushing rocks and we know that also is a potent suppressor of your efficient lung defences.”

But Dheda said assurances that Mandela, once a spry boxer, was breathing on his own indicated that the infection had not yet led to serious lung failure .

Access to the revered statesman has been restricted to close family members.

In late April, Zuma and top party officials were photographed with an unsmiling Mandela looking exceedingly frail at his Johan-

nesburg home.

The visit prompted allegations that the embattled ruling party was exploiting Mandela for political gain.

The ANC - facing 2014 elections - has lost much of its Mandela shine amid widespread corruption, poverty and poor public services.

Mandela has not been seen in public since the World Cup final in South Africa in July 2010, and has not been politically active for years.

“I think there will be concerns from outside South Africa that Mandela is seen as the glue that holds South Africa together,” analyst Daniel Silke told AFP.

June 12 embodies unity, equity, justice, says Soyinka CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Kayode Opeifa. The guest speaker was Mr. Fred Agbeyegbe, civil rights campaigner. Also present was one of the wives of the late Abiola, ’Dupe Onitiri-Abiola.

In his opening remarks, Kanu who lamented the terrible state of the country, 20 years after the June 12 election, however, said it was gratifying that Abiola had done his own part of the job of salvaging Nigeria by paying the supreme price which in his view had made the job much easier for Nigerians if only they would display the same courage Abiola displayed two decades ago.

Kanu, therefore, challenged the progressive wing of the political class, youths, professionals, religious leaders and civil society groups, among other groups, to rise up to the challenges which he described as the unfinished matter from the declaration.

Opadokun challenged Nigerians to take their destiny in their hand by rising up to the challenge of finishing the unfinished matter of the declaration.

It was the resolve of NADECO and other participants on the occasion that the only way forward to complete the unfinished matter and save Nigeria is by convening a sovereign national conference.

Agbeyegbe said that Abiola was one of the men God ordained and who fought for his people who had been deprived of their rights.

In a statement, Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said June 12 embodied unity of purpose, equity and justice. The statement read: “We need to remind ourselves what June 12, 1993 represents. It is neither mere date, nor sentiment. It is simply – Human Spirit. What a futile undertaking it is then, when some individuals attempt to deny or crush it. Yet, it was the power of this very Spirit that brought such out of relegation or obscurity, even from the jaws of death, and bestowed upon them relevance and prominence.

“What June 12 possesses is exactly what May 29, or any other day lacks. The former was a spirit of unified purpose, the latter simply an egotistical appropriation of the gift of the former. June 12 embodies Unity of Purpose, Equity and Justice, the manifestation of the sovereign will of a people. It remains forever a watershed of Nigerian history, no matter what the future holds.

“I urge you to try a simple experiment: narrate the story of May 29 to a child and watch his or her reaction. On that day – that child would concede – an individual was installed as a compromise president following a compromise election. So, what’s new?

“Now, move on to unfold the tapestry of June 12. Run your finger along its traceries of citizen resolve, upheavals, of individual and group heroisms, of sacrifices and martyrdoms, the timeless narrative of human resilience. Watch the difference in that child’s responses. Yet, even the beneficiaries of that day persist in their futile effort to kill the date and supplant it with another. Why should we be surprised?

“It is that unprincipled game of substitution that they have carried even to subsequent elections, substituting names of the rightful winners of elections with others who were never even in contention. It is this same mental compulsion that moves them to attempt to rob even a calendar date of its significance, its history, its potential for character formation and sense of national formation – and transformation.

We remain unshaken! Let others continue their sham ceremonies – after all, this is a democracy - or so we claim!

And that same Democracy mandates those who are dedicated to truth, who are tutored in the lessons of history, who understand that the Human Spirit is enduring, to hold fast onto the truthful anniversary, recognising none other, ensuring that this date is emblazoned across the sky, and takes root in the very earth that has soaked up the blood of our martyrs.

A daughter of Abiola, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, has said that the inability to protect that mandate of her father was responsible for the crisis bedevilling the country.

According to her, the reality would not change until Nigerians wrest the decision-making power from those who overturned the mandate of the people 20 years ago and who fear the people’s will still.

In an interview with The Guardian yesterday, AbiolaCostello said this year’s anniversary should be aimed at re-writing the country’s history. “Let us ask ourselves this question. Can we afford another 20 years of this story of dysfunctional democracy? If 20 years is enough, let us then begin to prepare ourselves for

the next push to reclaim Nigeria,” she said.

Abiola-Costello, who is the Founder, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) and also a Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), said: “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the historic June 12 election, it is tragic to see how close Nigeria stands to the brink.

Twenty years ago, Nigerians from North and South, from East and West, from conservative and liberal Islam and from orthodox and pentecostal Christianity, from transactional politicians to principled intellectuals, all stood as one behind a man with a mandate that sought to restore hope by boldly declaring that Nigerians would say farewell to poverty.

“Perhaps afraid of what change would mean to their power and status, some elite within the army and in the society, fought back. Annulling the election, they assured anyone that would listen that there had been nothing special in the election, nothing special about the man with a mandate, speaking as though there was nothing special in the fact that a country that emerged from disunity had finally found someone that they could unite behind. The rest, as is often said, is history. Now 20 years hence, we can look back with the perfect vision of hindsight and recognise that we were lied to. June 12, 1993 was a special moment in Nigeria’s history,” she said.

She noted that Nigerians may well be the easiest people in the world to govern. They do not expect that their leaders would be saints. But they do expect that their leaders would make Nigeria work.

“That the schools will teach, the hospitals and clinics will heal, that the roads will be motorable, the courts will adjudicate, and the governments will govern. Unfortunately, as Prof.

Kole Shettima tells us, there cannot be successful politicians in an unsuccessful polity. While progressives have tried to steer the ship of state in a direction that would benefit the majority of Nigerians, their efforts have been stymied by the fact that the polity has been one of bad incentive structures, poor feedback loops and cheap money supporting cronies of those who thrive on the chaos and corruption in the current system,” she said.

According to the pro-democracy activist, the 2015 general elections represent opportu-

nity for the country to rebirth its destiny. “It is another chance for our people to come together, once again, and reenact the spirit of June 12, to show our common quest and determination for a greater, better Nigeria. Now is time to re-enact the uniqueness of our diversity and of our oneness,” Abiola-Costello noted.

According to Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu, the lessons drawn from the annulled June 12, 2013 general election remain germane if Nigeria intends to deliver quality living to its citizens.

Speaking on the sideline of the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, to The Guardian yesterday, Aremu said since the tragic annulment of the election, election riggers had further perfected the art of violations of peoples’ mandates through varying subterfuges that included ballot snatching, falsifications of election results and political assassinations.

Aremu posited that Nigerian politicians must unite on the basic fundamentals as the country moves close to another election in 2015.

He added: “This means politicians must be united to agree on the fundamentals of democracy which include peaceful contest and respect for the outcomes. It is a sad commentary that the 20th anniversary of June 12 is taking place at a time the political class is divided not on discernible policies of good governance but on crude contests for power in 2015. The show of shame and impunity within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum must give way to cohesion and unity of democratic purpose.

Things must definitely fall in place politically for Nigeria for there to be sustainable development.”

Aremu, who is also the General Secretary of Nigeria Union of Textile workers, cautioned that all the actors in the electoral value chain must make sure things do not fall apart again as in June 12, 1993 during which anti-democratic forces used the divisions of the political class to annul elections and put the nation on reverse gear for another decade.

There were some ‘patriotic’ Nigerians who reportedly collaborated with Babangida to sign away the June 12 victory.

The names of those who signed away the landmark election victory of the defunct

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

NEWS 3

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

News NAFRC, LBS partner on vocational training for officers

By Adeniyi Adunola and Adebisi Olonade IGERIAN Armed Forces Resettlement Centre N (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos is partnering with the Lagos Business School of the Pan Atlantic University (formerly Pan African University) to bequeath managerial entrepreneurship skills to officers under NAFRC scheme.

The NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal M. A. Akinsanmi, who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday, said the mandate of NAFRC is to equip retiring personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces with relevant trade and vocational skills.

According to Akinsanmi, the purpose of the vocational skills is to enable the retirees integrate into civil society and enjoy a productive and fulfilling life in retirement as they are now freemen. He said the officers need to be trained on what they can use as a means of living after retirement.

The AVM noted that the centre has introduced managerial and entrepreneurship training programmes from which close to 200 officers have so far benefitted.

Abia communities protest destruction of farmland by cattle From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia BIA State government has declared that destruction of crops and farmlands as a result of cattle rearing in the state has become a problem difficult to tackle.

The Deputy Governor, Sir Emeka Ananaba, who spoke on the issue while receiving the Akanu Ukwu Ohafia community representatives that carried their protest against the menace of cattle rearing and herdsmen in their lands to his office, reiterated the government’s determination to find lasting solution to the matter.

He said unless the menace is addressed, farmers in the cattle ravaged areas who secured some loans for farming would find it difficult repaying it and may not continue farming as cattle further devastate their farmlands.

In their petition which they read out to the deputy governor, the community leaders state that “ we are compelled to bring this petition to you sir as our last hope for a peaceful resolution of what has become a perennial, calculated and deliberate provocative activity by the Hausa/Fulani Cattle rearers.”

Before arriving the Government House, the protesters, led by Chief Ochereome Okpanku, had carried out peaceful demonstration along major streets of Umuahia with placards expressing their anger over the menace which they claimed wreck havoc on their farms and resulting in loss of lives and revenue.

A

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) with members of the National Space Council after their inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja … yesterday.

EFCC, Customs to check fraud in revenue collection From Mathias Okwe, Assistant Business Editor, Abuja HE Economic and Financial Crimes T Commission (EFCC), in partnership with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) yesterday kicked off an introspective anti-corruption campaign aimed at purging Customs officers of corrupt tendencies.

The development appears a direct response to the alarm raised recently by the Federal Government about the alleged raging criminality in two revenue-generating agencies - the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The agencies’ officials were alleged to have been involved in diversion of revenue meant for the Federation Account into private pockets by some revenue collecting banks.

At the launch of the initiative which would see officers of the EFCC posted to Customs’ strategic units and posts to assist the agency in the control of revenue loss and tackle the menace of

smuggling, the Executive Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, said the initiative may not work except there is high moral standing by officers and men of the NCS. He advised the Comptroller General of Customs to establish an integrity unit to handle the task.

“I call on the Comptroller General to accept my proposal for the establishment of an NCS Integrity Unit in the Nigeria Customs Service. The unit is expected to be the rallying point for the promotion of transparency and accountability in the NCS towards achieving the mandate of the Service to the glory of our fatherland.

“The experiences shared and lessons learnt from this interaction and the ones scheduled to hold in various Customs Commands around the country, I believe, should be the resilient framework on which the relationship between our two agencies should be built.

“This public education and sensitisation campaign has come a long way. In the recent past, similar cam-

paigns have been extended to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Ministry of Transport and ACTU, to mention a few,” Lamorde said.

The Customs Comptroller General, Mr. Dikki Inde Abdullahi, who said his agency was embarking on the

campaign because of its adoption of a zero tolerance for corruption, charged his men and officers as well as the stakeholders to evaluate their consciences anytime they are under pressure to compromise themselves.

“In embarking on this anticorruption journey, we have fully prepared our officers

and men for zero tolerance through our six-point agenda. We have improved their capacity through training, we have boosted their welfare through increased salaries.

We have equally introduced full automation into our processes to reduce physical contacts and the environment for corruption.

Solid minerals sector generates 1.25m jobs, says minister From Lillian Chukwu, Abuja INISTRY of Mines and M Steel Development (MMSD) has facilitated the creation of 1,254,000 jobs through exploration, exploitation and export of solid mineral activities in the country.

Speaking at the ministerial press briefing yesterday in Abuja, the Minister, Musa Sada, said the employment opportunities were mostly rural based jobs and also for professionals.

The minister identified short, medium and long-term programmes to boost development of a roadmap for the growth of the solid minerals

and metal sectors.

According to him, the job opportunities were made possible through “the operations in 1,710 quarries, 223 small scale mining operations, 195 mining leases, 845 Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) cooperatives and 2048 exploration licences.”

Sada listed developments in the steel sector to include production of 54, 410,000 million metric tonnes by various steel plants in Nigeria and expansion of total steel rolling mill in Kaduna to 100,000 tpa.

He noted that the roadmap development strategy to improve the sector was based on the “policy thrust includ-

ing value addition, import substitution, substantial job creation, promotion of modern mining practices, natural resources conservation and visibility of private sector.”

The minister described the short-term programmes as activities that will strengthen sector reforms for mining investment capital such as generating credible geosciences data and formalisation of all ASM operators.

He said actions that will further increase mineral production through effective exploitation of mineral resources found in almost all the local government areas nationwide will be termed the mediumterm programmes.

ACN laments Presidency, PDP reactions to comment on Boko Haram ban HE Action Congress of T Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said it rejected any attempt by the presidency and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to portray the opposition party or its leadership as terrorism sponsors, saying all alleged sponsors of terror in Nigeria are either within the PDP, or somehow associated with it.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the presidency and the PDP should tell Nigerians the names of all those mentioned as sponsors of Boko Haram in a well-researched article in the journal of the New York-based World Policy

Institute, entitled: ‘’Anatomy of African Terrorism: Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown terror network.’’

According to ACN, a quick perusal of the article shows a former Nigerian Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe and a serving governor, all members of the PDP, as alleged terror sponsors. ‘’Contrary to the blatant falsehood being peddled by the presidency and the PDP, not one member of the ACN was mentioned in that document, which is available to those who are more interested in seeking the truth than calling the dog a bad name just to hang it.”

The opposition party said ‘’we abhor terrorism in all its

ramifications, and have never and will never support terrorism under any guise. But our stand on Boko Haram is also well known to all fair-minded people whose thinking has not been clouded by political considerations: Terror has festered in our country largely because of widespread poverty/economic deprivation, massive unemployment, injustice and alienation of a large section of the society, all products of years of bad governance. ‘’For example, Nigeria is home to the largest number of out-of-school children in the world, according to UNESCO. What this means is that we are creating a large pool of possible recruits for terror. ‘’While these problems date

back a long time, the PDP, which has ruled at the centre since our country’s return to democratic rule in 1999, and the government of President Goodluck Jonathan have not made things better. It is therefore clear that as PDP and Presidency point one accusing finger at the ACN, four others are pointing at them.’’

The party expressed satisfaction at the speed with which the presidency and the PDP, in separate statements, repudiated the part of the Boko Haram/Ansaru Proscription Order that is deemed to be at variance with the Constitution of Nigeria.

The assurances given by the two are exactly what the ACN had demanded in its earlier

statement that called attention to the fact that the vague and open-ended Order could stifle the freedom of the press and tamper with the fundamental human rights of the ordinary Nigerian. ‘’After much rambling, the presidency’s statement on the issue said: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, the order is not meant to stop journalists from carrying out their duties or function of news gathering or reporting as they differ from terrorist activities.

Rather, the order is out to criminalise acts of incitement by anyone, group of persons or institutions to commit terrorist acts through dissemination of terrorist information.’

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

4 NEWS

New immigration chief, Paradang, takes over

JTF, youths arrest 30 suspected Boko Haram members

From Karls Tsokar, Abuja

From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

FTER more than four N a joint action, the military A months of uncertainty, a IJoint Task Force (JTF) and substantive Comptroller-Gen- youth associations in eral (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has being appointed, as five deputies are to proceed on retirement.

The new CG, David Paradang, after being decorated by the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, vowed that the spate of illegal migration into the country would be reduced drastically.

Meanwhile, the minister also announced the retirement of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals. These include the erstwhile Acting CG, Rilwan Bala Musa; Denen Akaa, F.T. Mologe, Umar Sulaiman and Kuso Abubakar Khahil.

Hausari, Fezzan and Bulabulin Gwange areas of Maiduguri have arrested 30 suspected Boko Haram members in various parts of the metropolis.

Meanwhile, the JTF has said that the two roads leading to the now destroyed Boko Haram “training camps and hide-outs” at Sambisa Games Reserves Forest in Borno State will remain closed to motorists and cyclists to prevent fleeing suspected terrorists from entering Maiduguri metropolis and neighbouring communities.

The youths, led by their

• Task force explains roads closure in Borno chairman, Abubakar Mallum and deputy, Isa Musa, carried out the raid in five separate locations.

Speaking on the youths’ role in the arrest of Boko Haram members, Mallum said: “These gunmen have been terrorising us in our respective communities and wards and killed many of our parents, brothers and sisters.

They have also caused a lot of violence and insecurity in Maiduguri. Please, I want you all newsmen here in this city to continue to pray for all us who sacrificed our lives in the manhunt of these people in our midst.”

He added: “We also thank the

soldiers for giving us the moral support in the hunt for these Boko Haram sect members with ordinary sticks and cutlasses since last Friday, when we arrested three of them in Hausari ward with a mock coffin in a pickup van.”

Confirming the youths’ role in the arrest of suspects in Maiduguri, the JTF spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, yesterday said: “Our men were right there when these youths alert them. On reaching the affected area, some Boko Haram suspects were arrested by members of the youths vigilance group in Hausari ward.”

Musa commended the

youths for assisting soldiers to arrest these terrorist suspects, adding the youths have also renewed their efforts in supporting the JTF in its current operations.”

The affected roads are the 187-kilometre Maiduguri-Biu and 135-kilometre Maiduguri-Gwoza highways linking about 12 communities and a border town with Cameroun.

Speaking on the closure yesterday in Maiduguri, Musa said: “As the military special force operations are going on, the roads had to be closed to prevent the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from infiltrating into Maiduguri and other communities border-

NMA wants governing council to intervene in UNIABUJA crisis From Chukwuma Muanya (Lagos) and Itunu Ajayi (Abuja) S part of efforts to address A the persistent accreditation crises confronting the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) and most importantly the recent protest by the medical students of the College of Health Sciences of the institution, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the governing council to wade into the crisis.

The NMA President, Dr. Osahan Enabulele, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that the protest which was hinged on the lingering non-accreditation of the college by both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to operate full academic activities in the college primarily due to failure of the university’s management to provide the needed infrastructural facilities and academic staff required for the training of doctors by the college in line with extant regulatory guidelines has led to the disruption of activities in the university on Monday, June 3, 2013 with a spill over to the immediate university environs.

Imo demands release of detained official From Charles Ogugbuaja,Owerri ITING injustice, the Imo C State Government has demanded the immediate release of the Special Assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha on Project Monitoring, Mr. MacDonald Akano, who is being detained .

In a statement on Monday in Owerri, the state Commissioner for Information, Strategy, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Chinedu Offor, faulted the detention of the government’s official for two weeks without giving him access to his family, medication or being charged to court, adding that it was another “infringement on the fundamental human rights” of the suspect.

The statement reads in part: “If Akano has committed any crime, he should be tried. The government is insisting that if there is absolutely no crime established against this top government official, he should be released immediately.”

Contaminated frozen turkey seized by Nigerian Customs of Oyo Area Command in Ibadan… yesterday.

PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Lessons of June 12, by Soyinka, Abiola-Constello, NLC, others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential election in 1993 were first published exclusively by this newspaper on June 11, 2000. But most of the actors who signed the document that scotched June 12 election result, have since become very big political leaders in the last 14 years of democracy in the country.

Specifically, four of them are still very big in even the Jonathan’s government. The biggest of them is Senator David Mark, President of the Senate and he is number three in the national order of succession. In June, 1993 he was serving at the then National War College, (now National Defence College). He had previously served as “abandoned property czar” after the civil war, military governor, Niger State, and communications minister. Another big one is LtGen Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (rtd) who served three times (three presidents) as the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Alhaji Sule Lamido, now Governor of Jigawa State, has previously served as Foreign Affairs Minister. John Shagaya, then General Officer Commanding 1 Division Kaduna, served as a senator in the last session of the National Assembly.

In the same vein, most of the supporters of the then Interim National Government have served in very high capacity in

the 14-year-old civilian administrations under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-March 2010) and the current administration of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The big Nigerian ‘patriots’ who also signed the remarkable document that nailed the coffin of June 12 result include Alhaji Adamu Ciroma who has served as Finance and Agriculture Minister. In fact, his wife has served as Women Affairs Minister under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. She has been Woman Leader of the ruling PDP and last month, she was appointed Managing Director of the Lokoja-based Nigeria Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA).

Chief Tony Anenih who was in 1993 Chairman of the victorious Party, the SDP, served in Obasanjo government in various capacities including Minister of Works and Housing, Chairman of the ruling PDP’s Board of Trustees for the second time and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the second time too.

The only political actor then who signed the June 12 historic document “with reservations” under a tripartite committee set up to compromise the integrity of the best election in Nigeria’s history was Joe Nwodo, who has been Chairman of the ruling PDP too. He did not explain in the document the significance of his remark, “with reserva-

tions”.

The Guardian recalls that in 1993, as the June 12 election crisis worsened on end, a tripartite committee comprising members of the then military regime and the two political parties then, the SDP and the National Republican Convention (NRC) buckled under the weight of pressure, compromised and then agreed to form an Interim National Government (ING) that was headed by a famous businessman Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Chairman of the UAC. Specifically, the first signatory to the evil document was Admiral Augustus Aikhomu who was then Vice President under the then military presidency of Babangida.

The second signatory in the document was Shonekan, who was then head of one transitional arrangement in a diarchy headed by Babangida.

The third actor to sign was Alhaji Abdulrahman Okene who later became Chairman of Devolution of Powers Committee under the Abacha regime. He signed as the Secretary for Internal Affairs in the Transitional Council then, a precursor to the ING concoction.

One other big signatory to the epochal document was Lt. General Joshua Dongoyaro who was then Commandant, Command & Staff College, Jaji.

Dongoyaro was later removed as Chief of Defence Staff by Abacha who replaced him

with Gen. Oladipo Diya.

Other members of the G-34 who signed the popular document included Alhaji Sule Lamido (who actually signed as No 26). He was to become Chairman of NACB under the ING. He was Foreign Affairs Minister in Obasanjo’s government, served as a member of Abacha’s National Constitutional Conference and he is now Governor of Jigawa State after serving as Foreign Affairs Minister under Chief Obasanjo.

Chief Tony Anenih was Chairman of SDP at the time of June 12 annulment. It was the victory of the party he led that was negotiated away. He later emerged as Coordinator of a N10 billion worth of Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), precursor to NAPEP, even as Works and Housing Minister in Obasanjo’s administration (1999-2003). He later emerged as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP. He handed over to Obasanjo as BoT Chairman in 2007.

Dr. Patrick Dele Cole who later became Senior Special Assistant (Foreign Affairs) to President Obasanjo signed the document as SDP N0 24.

Chief Dapo Sarumi who returned to the PDP in 2010 signed the June 12 obituary paper as N0 32. He served as ING Communications Minister.

He was to be Minister of Information, Integration and Co-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

ing Borno, where terrorists’ training camps and hideouts were destroyed last month.”

Experts seek private procurement of meters •DG lists gains of sustainable energy From Azeez Olorunlomeru (Lagos) and Kanayo Umeh (Abuja) TAKEHOLDERS in the naSicallytion’s energy sector, specifmetering subsector, have urged the Federal Government to develop a framework that will give consumers the right to procure pre-paid meters from operators and install without any condition attached to the process.

The proposal is coming amid the Federal Government’s recent directive to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to commence full implementation of an alternative funding scheme on pre-paid meters.

Speaking in Lagos recently on the development of prepaid meters, the Chief Executive Officer, Momas Electricity Company, Mr. Kola Balogun said one of the major challenges facing the industry is the difficulty consumers encounter accessing credit for their meters on daily basis.

Balogun noted that to support the Federal Government’s initiative as well as meet the yearning of people on the availability of pre-paid meters, “Momas” has developed a state of the art intelligent meters that allow two-way communication, as well as open a real online transaction between the users and the operators.

He said: “We have equally developed a Point of Sales Technology (POS) that will allow every vendor in each estate to sell electricity or pay for electricity within the sector.”

Speaking on the development, an energy consultant, Mr. Atilade Igbaidara noted that with this proposed law, consumers we have opportunities to access the meters with ease from the designated centres.

Meanwhile, the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Eli Jidere Baba has described sustainable energy as a major component in the current drive to boost Nigeria’s electricity supply.

Speaking at a one day MultiSectoral and Development Partners Forum on Sustainable Energy for all (SE4ALL) yesterday in Abuja, Prof. Baba, stated that sustainable energy which could be obtained through water, sun, wind and bio mass are the best any nation can rely on.

“Renewable energy refers to energy derived from a source, which can be replenished within a relatively short time or a source that has the ability to continue providing energy with no long-term adverse effect to the environment.”

He noted that nations worldwide are pushing for development, which is driven by energy sources, technologies and best practices that are sustainable.

NEWS 5

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

June 12

Okei-Odumakin, Osuntokun seek national honour for Abiola

By Seye Olumide and Tunde Akinola MEMBER of the Presidential Advisory Council on A International Relations and a Professor of History and Strategic Studies, Ambassador Akinjide Osuntokun has urged President Goodluck Jonathan never to relent on his efforts at immortalising the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany commended Jonathan’s attempt to immortalise Abiola last year but he also noted that it would be more appropriate for a national figure like the

• Fasehun calls for Unity Day, cautions Tofa late politician not to be immortalised by the Federal Government in South-West but the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), lest it confines him to a regional player.

Osuntokun told The Guardian in an interview yesterday that the concession to the South-West in 1999, by the rest of the country as to who became president signified dramatically that the person who emerged as president in 1999 literally walked on Abiola’s blood to Aso Rock.

“Abiola thus was the sacrificial lamb on which the current democracy rests. The

three people who have been elected presidents since Abiola’s death owe him a debt of gratitude and the leadership of Nigeria that Abiola was fighting for has not done enough to honour him.”

President, Campaign for Democracy and recipient of United States International Women of Courage Award, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has said the admittance of the Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON), Professor Humphrey Nwosu, that Chief Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993 Presidential

election should be a clear message for the Presidency to honour the late politician.

In a interview with The Guardian yesterday, Dr. OkeiOdumakin said: “The implication of the admission by Professor Nwosu is that after a very long time, there has been a justification for the decision taken on June 12 by Nigerians and the subsequent struggles towards the actualisation of the mandate before the unfortunate death of the acclaimed winner of the election, Chief MKO Abiola.

“This we expect should be a

clear message for the present ruling political class in Nigeria on the need for the Nigerian government to formally recognise Chief Abiola as a former President of Nigeria,” she said.

Okei-Odumakin also noted that the intrigues behind the refusal of General Olusegun Obasanjo to honour Abiola is best known to him “but to an average Nigerian, it is seen as a fundamental display of ingratitude by a man who became the first major beneficiary of the June 12 struggle in which Chief MKO Abiola had to pay the ultimate price of sacrificing his life. I think Obasanjo still owes it a duty to let Nigerians know why he failed to recognise or immortalise the memory of June 12 and Chief Abiola.”

Founder and President, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun also called on the Federal Govern-

ment to declare June 12, Unity Day as a mark of honour to all the constituent units of Nigeria that spoke with near-unanimity and elected Bashorun MKO Abiola as their President on June 12, 1993.

The OPC leader said it is a matter of must for the government to name June 12, Unity Day as it has declared May 29, as Democracy Day. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Fasheun, who is also the Chairman of the revived Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) said June 12 is Nigeria’s truest mark of unity “and we cannot afford to lose its significance.”

Fasheun also flayed the presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), Alhaji Bashir Tofa, who was also the opponent of Abiola over his recent comment that “Nigeria should forget June 12.”

Ekiti, Oyo declare today work-free From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti HE Ekiti and Oyo State govT ernments have declared today work-free day for workers in the states.

A statement from the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo said the work free day was declared by the state government in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential elecAbiola

tion believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Oyo Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, the government said it declared the day, earmarked as Democracy Day, to remember the anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections, believed to be the freest and fairest election in the electoral history of Nigeria.

Abacha

‘Those who signed away Abiola’s victory ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 operation in Africa in Chief Obasanjo’s first term (19992003).

Alhaji Adamu Ciroma who signed the document as NRC N0 13 served the Abacha regime as Agriculture Minister and served Obasanjo as Finance Minister.

One other notable character in the Intelligence and Security community that signed the June 12 Paper 17 years ago was Lt Gen Aliyu Mohammed Gusau who was then the National Security Adviser, (NSA). He signed the document as “Government Representative”. He was Obasanjo’s NSA for about seven years. He returned in 2010 to the Jonathan’s (completion) government as the NSA. Brig.-Gen. Anthony Ukpo signed the document as PMT, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. He is now a businessman, publisher and hotelier. He had served on some panels in Obasanjo’s government.

Some other political figures including members of the federal legislature who signed the document then included Chief Jim Nwobodo who signed for the then SDP. He was to serve later in Abacha’s government as Sports Minister. He was a senator in the first session of the National Assembly (19992003).

Mark signed the June 12 document in 1993 as an officer at National War College (now Na-

tional Defence College). He had been an officer of the abandoned property management, had served as Communications Minister and Governor of Niger State under the Babangida junta. Now as Senate President, he enjoys full benefits: His son, Tunde, is his Senior Personal Assistant, his daughter, Blessing Onu (nee Mark) is a two-time, Mandate Secretary (State Commissioner equivalent) Social Development Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration.

Similarly his younger brother was a Special Assistant to a former Minister of Defence.

One other notable politician who signed the document as a member of the would-be ruling party then was Maj.-Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who signed the June 12 away as SPD No 34. He was a member of the 1994/95 Constitutional Conference organised by Abacha. The former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters and a presidential aspirant then later died in Abakaliki prison after being implicated in a phantom coup plot by the Abacha junta.

Other members of the political class who signed the June 12 Death Paper included Alhaji Abubakar Rimi who later served the Abacha regime as Communications Minister. He signed as SDP No 30. He died in 2010. Alhaji Olusola Saraki who signed the PDP Platform as N0 31 died in 2012. The father of former Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was Chairman of the Business Commit-

tee of the Constitutional Conference of Abacha. He later surfaced as a member of All Peoples Party (APP) now ANPP). He was a member of the PDP. His daughter Gbemisola Saraki, was a member of the House from where she contested election in 2007 to be in the Senate. She contested election to be governor of Kwara and lost to the current governor of Kwara State. Notably, former Governor Bukola was a Senior Special Assistant to President Obasanjo before he contested election as governor in 2003.

The 10th signatory to the June12-ING Paper was Dr. Hammed Kusamotu who was Chairman of the NRC then. He has died.

Similarly, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu who signed as NRC N014 served as Internal Affairs and later as Power and Steel Minister. Same for Chief Tom Ikimi, who was pioneer Chairman of NRC who later became Political Adviser to Gen. Abacha and later served as Foreign Affairs Minister, signed June 12 monument away as NRC N0 15. He is angling to be APC Chairman.

According to the landmark document, Chief Joseph Toba signed the G-34 Paper as SDP N0 33. Mr. Okey Nzoho, then NRC Publicity Secretary signed on the NRC Platform as NRC No 21.In the same vein, Dr. Bawa Salka who signed too for the NRC signed on Platform 22.

Now Senator John Shagaya

signed the document then as GOC 1 Infantry Division, Kaduna. He had been Minister of Internal Affairs. He was a senator in the last session of the Senate but not Chairman of any Committee because he allegedly voted against the Senate presidency of David Mark in 2007.

One Mr. Theo Nikire also signed the monumental document just as Professor Eyo Ita signed the G-34 Paper as NRC N0 16. Others who signed away the June 12 success story included Bola Afonja, who signed as NRC 11; Alhaji Y.Anka, NRC 12; Mr. Abba Murtala Mohammed, NRC No 18 and Alhaji Muktari A.Mohammed signed as NRC N0 17.

Even traditional rulers were involved in the political deal that still haunts the political class till date as Alhaji A Ramalan, who was Permanent Secretary in FCT and later became an Emir in Nasarawa State signed the document.

Same for Alhaji Halilu A.Maina who signed the SDP Platform as N0 27.

From the Eastern Block came Dr. Okechukwu Odunze who signed the SDP Platform as No 29. He was the then SDP’s National Treasurer. One FCT indigenous figure who signed the document was one Mr. Amos Idakula (deceased). He signed as SDP N0 25. He was then SDP’s National Publicity Secretary.

According to the political document, the original G-34 members had then felt that after

signing the Covenant Paper ING would begin on August 27, 1993 and terminate on December 31, 1994.

But Abacha who was said to have written his Sandhurst College project on “ambush” was posturing as a defender of democracy and thus conned even notable politicians who urged him to take over from Shonekan as Head of the ING. Abacha thus on November 17, 1993 capitalised on the provisions of Section five (V) sub-section 48 of the ING Decree 61 of 1993 which states: “The most senior minister shall hold the office of the Interim National Government if the office of the Head of the Interim National Government (ING)… becomes vacant by reason of death or resignation” and took over from Shonekan who was then warming up to move into the official residence of the President of Nigeria.

Babangida had earlier stepped aside in the early hours of August 26, 1993 following the enablement of the ING concoction by the aforementioned G34 members.

In 2008, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu who was shoved aside on June 23, 1993 as Electoral Umpire “summoned up” courage and announced the late Abiola as real “winner” of the 1993 election. The ineffectual announcement was made through the instrumentality of a book .

According to the result he announced, the presidential candidate of the defunct SDP, the

late Abiola polled a total vote cast of 8,323,305 equivalent of one-third of the total cast in each of the 28 states of the federation, while Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) polled a total vote cast of 6,073,917 scoring at least in one-third of the total vote cast in 23 states of the federation.

“Consequently, Alhaji M.K.O. Abiola won the election, but NEC could not announce the result of the election because of the Abuja high court order which was served on the commission on June 15, 1993, which NEC, through its director of legal services challenged at Kaduna Court of Appeal, and then the dissolution of NEC on June 23, 1993.”

In an address, Nwosu, a retired political science professor, identified the crux of the problems that face the task of state and nation-building in an emergent state like Nigeria as the problem of legitimacy.

He said his main aim of writing the book, apart from putting into their proper perspectives the events that led to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, was also to show how successive administrations in the country, whether military or civilian sought to attract legitimacy or its acceptance from the generality of Nigerians.

His words: “This book underscores the importance of June 12, 1999 presidential election which was adjudged by national and international observers as the freest, fairest and most peaceful and credible election in Nigeria’s history.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

6 | NEWS

Five feared killed by herdsmen in Benue

Ajudua remanded in prison over alleged $1.69m fraud

From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi O fewer than five people are feared killed in a fresh attack by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on farmers in Ichama community of Okpokwu council of Benue State.

The Guardian learnt that herdsmen invaded the area in a truck, killed five people and carted away over 40 cows belonging to the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo.

The sudden attack resulted to the fleeing of people in the area for safety as at the time of filing this report.

But the chairman of Okpokwu council, Mrs Julihana Obeta who confirmed the invasion of the herdsmen, however, said only one person was killed, explaining that his corpse had been deposited at St Mary’s Catholic Hospital, Okpoga.

Obetta said prior to the incident, there was an unconfirmed report last week of a truck that brought some Fulani herdsmen to Ichama and she quickly alerted the police of their arrival.

“Unfortunately, the herdsmen later attacked on Monday night killing one person and carted away 40 cows belonging to Catholic Diocese at Ichama. As I’m talking to you now, many people mostly children and women are fleeing the area while we are trying to camp them,” Obeta stated.

N

By Bertram Nwannekanma Olubunmi Oyewole Jgos,ofUSTICE an Ikeja High Court, Layesterday remanded Fred Ajudua in Kirikiri Prison pending the hearing of his bail application in an alleged $1.69 million fraud case.

Before he was remanded, the judge had on May 20, 2013, ordered that Ajudua be produced in court to face the trial he has evaded since 2006.

Ajudua and Charles Orie were arraigned in 2003 for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen, Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, of $1.69 million between July 1999 and September 2000.

In the deal, Ajudua was accused of impersonating the Auditor-General of Nigeria, Isa

Audu. Three years after his arraignment, he was granted bail on medical grounds in March 2006, having told the court that he was receiving treatment at Grant Medical Foundation, Pane, India, in October 2006.

Since then, he had failed to make any court appearance, and at every court session since his “medical” bail was approved, Ajudua had submitted a letter of medical excuse signed by Dr. M.O. Mabayoje of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Besides, his defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, had been making requests for adjournments. At the last adjourned date, however, Justice Oyewole rejected further requests and issued a warrant for his

arrest. Nevertheless, Ajudua appeared in court yesterday with a bail request since the court had revoked the one earlier granted him.

He, therefore, sought the reversal of the warrant of arrest issued against him, but the representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), opposed the application. All the same, Oyewole reversed the order following the accused person’s appearance in court.

At this instance, the judge turned down the request for hearing and instead ordered that he be remanded in prison pending the hearing of the bail application. He declared: “The first defendant ceased to be on bail since December 15,

2006 when his bail was revoked. The case has been held up, as the agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria have been unable to execute the warrant of arrest issued on January 24, 2005.

“The first defendant is hereby ordered to be remanded in prison. The Superintendent of Prison shall ensure that the accused is given unrestricted access to medical treatment, including being taken to LUTH as an out patient when occasions demand.”

Hearing on the bail application has been fixed for June 24, 2013.

Ajudua’s counsel had told the court that his client was undergoing treatment for renal artery stenosis and re-

Reps may declare salaries on resumption From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin HEN they return from W their ongoing recess, members of the House of Rep-

Amanyanabo wants Jonathan, Amaechi reconciled

By Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt ONCERNED by the festerC ing relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi, the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. Theophilus Princewill, has called for reconciliation.

The monarch who made the call said though he might not known the background or the dynamics of the face-off between the president and the governor, the fact that both of them are from the Niger Delta makes it imperative for the two leaders to mend the fence.

He spoke when he led a delegation of Kalabari people to pledge their support for Amaechi at the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Amanyanabo who observed that a frosty relationship currently exists between Jonathan and Amaechi, offered to arbitrate in any political misunderstanding the governor might have had with the president and other Nigerians.

“May we quickly congratulate you on your re-election as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, while appealing to your colleagues and indeed all other Nigerians and the media to see how all the contending issues can be resolved amicably in the interest of the nation. For us as Kalabari people, we can confidently say that despite all odds, you have provided visionary and purposeful leadership for the state,” Princewill said.

quested an adjournment till September 2013, but the judge dismissed the request.

According to the judge, “the whole thing is about the tragedy of our law enforcement agents. The prosecutors are there, helpless. Your client is a legal practitioner, an issue you raised vehemently during the bail application. As a legal practitioner, he has more duties to do than any other defendants.”

He added: Ajudua “has a bench warrant on his head, he doesn’t appear in court to face his trial, and you want me to believe a medical report that did not specify his whereabouts and the duration he will spend to receive treatment.”

The new Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. David Paradang (middle) being congratulated by officers and men of the Service after his decoration in Abuja…yesterday

Tinubu hopeful of free, fair poll in 2015 From Tunde Oyedoyin, London ATIONAL Leader, Action N Congress of Nigeria and former governor of Lagos State and one of the leaders of the June 12 struggle says the spirit of June 12 is alive and thriving and it will propel the process that will produce free and fair elections in 2015.

Meanwhile, Tinubu has called for electoral reforms ahead of the 2015 polls, saying without it, the will of the peo-

ple “shall not be realised.”

He also dismissed the country’s much trumped economic growth, saying it was only making those at the top to get richer and not affecting the lives of millions of Nigerians squeezed at the bottom of the barrel.

Tinubu, while describing June 12 as Nigeria’s beacon in the dark, says the thirst for change is thick in the air and millions of Nigerians desperately want their votes to

count in the next round of elections. ‘‘June 12 remains indelibly etched in our memory, though it stands as a ringing indictment to the military and their civilian travellers who conspired against the wishes of millions of Nigerians. Because what happened on June 12 is deep rooted and genuine, the spirit behind it has refused to die”.

This pervading spirit of patriotic zeal, Tinubu insists has

reached a critical mass powerful enough to propel the engines of change and the demand for a truly free and fair elections. The core of the June 12 elections was the transparency and the free and fair nature the election held.

Twenty years after, Nigerians deserve no less. The quality of our elections in the past few years has not attained the quality and transparency that surrounded the conduct of the June 12, 1993 elections”.

resentatives may publicly declare their salaries and emoluments.

The move, according to the Chairman, Committee on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed, will help in making the members diligent crusaders against corruption in the country. Nevertheless, the development may not be unconnected with the recent challenge to members of the House by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), at a forum organised by the legislators.

Mohammed told reporters yesterday in Ilorin: “When we were celebrating our second year as legislators, we called many people, without gagging them, to tell us our weaknesses. This was the occasion on which Chief Falana made the comment which today has become a challenge, but indeed a very good one.

“But as we come back from the present break, we will get back to Nigerian people on this. However, our salaries are even known to all. Don’t forget that the money will pass through the bank and people, not ghosts, prepare the salaries. But like I said earlier, we will get back to Nigerians on it.”

For noted that his colleagues have jettisoned the proposed six-year single tenure for president and vice, governor and deputy to continue with the present system of four years per term of two.

Process for registration of APC has begun, says Ikimi From Adamu Abuh, Abuja

• INEC stresses need to meet requirements

HE process for formal regisT tration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the

maintained that the APC has met the statutory requirement for registration as a political party.

“Statutorily, the document has to be signed by the national chairman, secretary and treasurer of each of the merging parties. Now, only three parties have done their conventions: ACN, ANPP and CPC. Hence, there are nine people who have signed those documents. The request for submission, I understand, was done last Friday,” he said.

Faulting the notion that members of the APC are at war with one another over the

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced, according to Chief Tom Ikimi.

Ikimi, who is a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), told reporters yesterday in Abuja that the application in that regard was duly filed at the Abuja headquarters of INEC on Friday, last week.

Flanked by former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau (ANPP) and Garba Mohammed Gadi (CPC), Ikimi

leadership of the interim management committee, he said: “That is being discussed, it is being worked out and we need to consult further in order to agree to those names.

There is no disagreement, we as merging committee are working and we have had a hitch free meeting this afternoon, we have taken fundamental decisions. Part of the decision is that we should consult further with our various parties.”

Ikimi reiterated the commitment of the merger committee to ensure that the APC is a broad based party that is open

and truly committed to the upliftment of the ideals of democracy.

National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Chief Lai Mohammed, who spoke in the same vein expressed optimism that all that is required by the law has been done to ensure registration of the APC. “The most important thing is that the registration of the APC has been pulled through, it has been put in motion, all relevant papers have been submitted and I have no reason to doubt that it would be registered. We are very confident that before the end of the month, from the day we

submitted the application, we should be issued a certificate by INEC.” When contacted, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, expressed willingness to register the APC if it meets the requirements of the law.

Jega who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Kayode Idowu, told The Guardian that “Of course, if it has been submitted, there is a time limit for INEC to process their submission. The law provides for 30 days from the date of submission. If they have submitted, there must be a day when they submit and INEC has 30 days within the day they submitted.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

NEWS 7

Archbishop of Canterbury honours Idowu-Fearon

Fidei Poly rector, two others suspended over alleged illegal campuses

By Tunde Akinola HE Archbishop of CanterT bury, Most Rev. Justin Welby, will on Thursday, June

From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi HE Rector of Fidei PolyT technic, Gboko, Dr. Ikruide Nwanchukwu, and two other principal officers, the Registrar and Deputy Registrar (Establishment), have been suspended indefinitely for their alleged involvement in the running of illegal campuses in Jos, Abuja, Katsina, Kogi and Kano, among other places.

President of Fidei Corporate Institute, Very Rev. Fr. Chris Utor, confirmed their suspension to journalists yesterday, adding that the racket with the institution’s name was uncovered following a tip-off.

He noted with dismay that their action was against the provisions of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), stating that the polytechnic does not operate any other campus across the country beside its main campus in Gboko.

Utor warned that the institution would not be liable for any issue or conflict arising from such illegal schools and consequently advised people not to patronise any of the illegal campuses.

The suspended principal officers, meanwhile, have declined to comment on the matter.

Delta community newspapers publishers reject dissolution of executives ELTA State chapter of D the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) has condemned claims in the media by a group of “its estranged members who purportedly dissolved the Comrade Felida Osede Essiled executive,” describing the reports as the handiwork of suspended and former members who are looking for cheap political patronage ahead of the 2015 elections.

The ACNPN, in a statement by its chairman (Essi) and spokesman, Comrade Ebule Anthony, noted that rather than commend the new administration, which rented a secretariat for the first time in its history without external support, the sponsors of the report “who are desperate for relevance attempted in futility” to deceive the public.

The statement wondered the rationale behind the convening of such a meeting by its suspended secretary when Article 10 Section D (1) of the association’s constitution does not give him the power to do so without the chairman’s directive let alone dissolve the executive.

The statement added that the body’s national executive was fully behind Essi’s leadership.

Member, Committee on National Economy, Agriculture and Transport, Parliament of the Czech Republic Senate, Senator Petr Bratsky (left) and Secretary General, Parliament of Czech Republic Senate, Senator Jiri Uklein, receiving the Senate President, David Mark, on his arrival at Prague Airport… on Monday.

20, bestow on the Anglican Archbishop of the Province of Kaduna, Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, the Cross of St. Augustine.

In a letter informing IdowuFearon of the award, Welby said: “One of the awards that I am able to grant to people who have given long and exceptionally distinguished service to the Anglican Communion is the Cross of St. Augustine.

“Your extensive service to the Anglican Communion as a whole in the area of ChristianMuslim dialogue, and your ministry in Nigeria promoting dialogue and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims, has been tireless, and you have displayed courage and vision in often the most difficult of circumstances.

“It would give me great pleasure to honour you by presenting you with the Cross of St.

1,000 die in struggle for chiefdom, says Yuguda From Ali Garba, Bauchi ECURRENT disputes over R land and chiefdom have claimed no fewer than 1,000 lives in Tafawa Balewa Local Council of Bauchi State, Governor Isa Yuguda has disclosed.

He noted that the crises, which dated back to 1958, were neither religious nor political, but squabbles over land and chiefdom, adding, however, that his administration had been able to create the chiefdom as possible solution to lasting peace in the area.

Yuguda, who spoke yesterday during the 58th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) at the Yankari Resort and Safari in Bauchi, appealed to both Christians and Muslims to eschew all forms of violence and learn to live in peace with one another, since none of the religions in the country preaches violence.

According to the governor, the issue of security should be everybody’s concern, and “Nigeria must come together as one entity, reason and provide solutions to the problems of insurgence. It should not be left for one section or region alone, it is our collective business.”

Noting that the media are

vehicles for cementing security, however, he lamented that the mass media have aggravated the problem of insurgency by refusing to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession.

“I can vividly recall when there was this rumour that the NYSC camp was attacked in Bauchi State, where over 50 corps members died,” he said. “When you opened the Internet, the story was everywhere and it was a horrible experience for Bauchi because the state was just recovering from a major crisis

from the 2011 general elections, when some corps members lost their lives.

“The media tarnished the image of the state and heightened tension in such a way that the news was all over the country within 30 minutes. With this kind of scenario, how can we address insecurity?”

Yuguda, therefore, urged media organisations, especially the broadcast sector, to change their pattern of reporting in order to foster the bonds of unity among the people.

Pensioners’ complaints top commission’s petitions in Edo From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

DO State Commissioner in E the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Oladele Bankole-Balogun, has said that petitions from pensioners top the over 600 petitions the body received from the state in the last one year.

Speaking with journalists in Benin City yesterday, Bankole-Balogun assured the petitioners that their cases would not be bogged down by bureaucracy because, “this is a constitutional commission with great powers to investigate, discipline and sanction also.

“I can assure you that if we ever get to a point that an agency is getting recalcitrant, we will use the force of the constitutional backing of this commission to ensure that the right thing is done, so we must not be looked at like any other government agency. My message to Nigeria is that this commission will not shy away from social justice and equity.”

While commending the Chief Commissioner of the PCC, Justice George Uloko (rtd), for repositioning the commission to carry out its duties effectively, he stressed that some of the complaints

Okwu sets up APGA peace panel • Umeh anchors reconciliation on court ruling From Chuks Collins, Awka WAY from the rancour and A mudslinging that had characterised relationship within its leadership so far, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) looks set for stability, as its court-validated national chairman, Maxi Okwu, yesterday inaugurated a peace and reconciliation committee in Awka to reach out to aggrieved members.

Inaugurating the 14-man Truth, Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Reagan Ufomba from Abia State at the J. Jumac Hotels in

Also speaking at the occasion, National Security Adviser to the President, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), urged the mass media to avert conflict by rendering credible programmes to prevent people from seeking junk information from unqualified media outfits.

Dasuki, who was represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy, Ambassador Layiwola Olaseinde, lamented that some terrorists had used the media to propagate their activities, thereby abusing its essence.

Awka, Okwu charged the team to reach out and bring back to the fold all factionalised units.

He urged them to bend backwards and approach every member, as well as attract new members nationwide to enable them achieve lasting peace and cohesion in the once-united party.

Describing APGA as one of the landmark identities of a true Igboman, Okwu mandated the peace committee to work round the clock to let Nigerians know the truth because there had been a lot of misinterpretations and mis-

understanding regarding the leadership of the party.

However, the party’s ousted national chairman, Victor Umeh, has said that obedience to the rule of law and verdict of court remained central to the return of normalcy and peace to the party.

Umeh, who spoke in an interview with journalists in Onitsha yesterday, said it would be mere wishful thinking for anyone to dispute or pretend that the Court of Appeal made a superior order in the APGA case, adding that the basis of peace returning to the party is for everybody to be lawabiding.

from the state lacked merit, some were really serious issues ranging from contractual matters, employment and non-payment of pensions, which is a major issue, to sheer administrative tyranny.

Idowu-Fearon

Augustine in the Guard Room at Lambeth Palace on Thursday, June 20, 2013.

“The presentation will take place during a buffet lunch reception, which follows a Eucharist service for the Lambeth Palace community and your guests. The Eucharist begins at 12.30 p.m. in the Crypt Chapel. I do hope that you and your close family and friends will join me for the Eucharist and then gather in the Guard Room after the service.”

Born in 1949, Idowu-Fearon trained for a short period as a soldier, but on realising that he had a calling to serve God, he left the military to train as a priest, and was ordained in 1971 after his studies. He has strong interest in ChristianMuslim relations, having been boosted by his PhD in Islamic Studies.

He served on the 2003-04 Lambeth Commission on Communion, which considered worldwide Anglican unity in response to divisive debates on homosexuality, and was a past president of the Anglican Network for Inter-Faith Concerns.

Idowu-Fearon is also a cofounder of the Centre for the Study of Islam and Christianity in Kaduna and area leader for the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA).

In 2007, he began a five-year renewable term as a Six Preacher (a preaching priest) at Canterbury Cathedral in London, having previously taught at the cathedral’s International Study Centre.

He is married to Comfort, and both have two sons and a daughter.

8|

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

WorldReport ‘Israel foils five suicide attacks this year’ SRAELI Prime Minister Idisclosed Benjamin Netanyahu has that Israel foiled five suicide bombings since the start of the year.

Public radio quoted Netanyahu as telling visiting Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos that Shin Bet, the domestic security service, and the army had prevented the attacks and 30 attempted kidnappings of soldiers.

“We are happy to share our experience in the fight against terrorism with Colombia,” the Israeli leader was quoted as telling Santos.

The report did not elaborate on the origin of the attackers or their targets.

On Monday, Santos met

Israeli President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, with the two men signing a free trade agreement as well as deals on aviation and technological innovation.

He held talks yesterday with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the occupied West Bank focusing on the peace process and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, Abbas told the Wafa news agency.

Colombia was one of a minority of states to abstain in a vote on upgrading the Palestinians’ status at the United Nations in November, which passed with overwhelming international support.

Kenyans protest lawmakers’ salary hike EMONSTRATORS in Kenya D yesterday paraded a giant papier-mache pig doused in animal blood outside parliament to protest wage hikes for newly elected lawmakers.

Agency report claimed that a few hundred placard-waving “Occupy Parliament” protesters smashed the pig at the gates of parliament while dancing, pouring animal blood over it and themselves and chanting slogans demanding lawmakers cut their pay.

Protesters also waved fake banknotes and placards with the slogan “MPigs”.

“I’m your employer!” one banner read. “Help the needy, not the greedy,” read another.

Last month, Kenyan lawmakers voted themselves a pay rise, overturning cuts ordered by the national salaries commission and reinstating their hefty paychecks, some of the best legislative salaries in the world.

Their tax-free monthly salary in the previous parliament was cut by almost 40 per cent to around 532,000

shillings ($6,200, 4,600 euros).

But lawmakers shrugged off the commission’s orders – and defied pleas from President Uhuru Kenyatta – and boosted their pay back to 851,000 shillings ($10,000, 7,500 euros).

“Kenyans are not willing to pay for the rise,” said one of the demonstration’s organisers, Florence Kanyua, noting it was the people who paid lawmakers’ salaries through their taxes.

“The teachers, the police, the doctors, the nurses are poorly paid.... But the MPs don’t think about those issues,” she added.

Yesterday’s protest follows a demonstration last month in which live piglets were released outside parliament.

“Our parliament is defying our democracy.... It is an impunity we can’t accept,” said protestor John Nyaga, a student.

Dozens of police armed with batons, helmets and tear gas were deployed around the parliament in the centre of Nairobi, but the event passed off peacefully.

Violence flares as Turkey orders crackdown on protesters URKISH riot police yesterT day fired tear gas and rubber bullets to clear protesters from an Istanbul square as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned he would show “no more tolerance” for the unrelenting mass demonstrations against his Islamic-rooted government.

Hundreds of police stormed Taksim Square, the epicentre of nearly two weeks of unrest, in the early morning and brought bulldozers to clear the barricades erected by demonstrators after police pulled out of the area on June 1.

Acrid smoke filled the square as police doused hundreds of protesters with tear gas and jets of waters. Some demonstrators, in helmets and gas masks, responded with Molotov cocktails, fireworks and stones in cat-andmouse games that lasted throughout the day.

Acrid smoke filled the square as police doused hundreds of protesters with tear gas and jets of waters. Some demonstrators, in helmets and gas masks, responded with Molotov cocktails, fireworks and stones in cat-and-mouse games that lasted throughout the day.

A mobile telecommunications van in the centre of the square was set on fire as demonstrators shouted: “Resistance!”

The police action surprised protesters, many of whom were dozing in nearby Gezi Park, because it came just hours after Erdogan agreed to hold talks with protest leaders on Wednesday, his first major concession since the trouble began.

But the premier made no mention of the olive branch yesterday and resumed his tough stance against the demonstrators who have thrown up the biggest challenge yet to his decade-long rule.

“This episode is now over.

We won’t show any more tolerance,” the premier told cheering lawmakers of his Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a speech broadcast live on television.

But thousands of angry demonstrators thereafter descended on Taksim Square despite a heavy police presence after the clashes between riot officers and protesters in a sharp escalation of nearly two weeks of anti-government unrest.

“Can you believe that? They attack Taksim, gas us in the morning just after proposing talks with us?” said Yilmaz, 23, after waking up to the clashes in his tent in Gezi Park.

“We won’t abandon Gezi,” he vowed. “I am not afraid of their water cannon, it’ll be my first shower in three days.”

The nationwide unrest first erupted after police cracked down heavily on May 31 on a campaign to save Gezi Park from redevelopment.

The trouble spiralled into mass displays of anger against Erdogan, who is seen as increasingly authoritarian, tarnishing Turkey’s image as a model of Islamic democracy.

Erdogan said yesterday that four people, including a policeman, had died. Nearly 5,000 people have been injured.

In a rousing speech to lawmakers, Erdogan urged “sincere” protesters in Gezi Park to pull back, warning that their environmental campaign was being hijacked by “an illegal uprising against the rule of democracy”.

Protesters run away as Turkish riot policemen fire tear gas on Taksim Square…yesterday. Inset: A demonstrator’s clothes set on fire during clashes with the policemen.

PHOTO: AFP

Rwandan general to command Mali UN force RWANDAN General JeanA Bosco Kazura has been appointed to command the United Nations peace-keeeping force in Mali, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo told Agence france Presse (AFP) yesterday.

Kazura, formerly second in command of African Union troops in Sudan’s western Darfur region, will lead the UN force being deployed in Mali, known under the acronym MINUSMA. Mushikiwabo confirmed the appointment but gave no further details.

The UN Security Council in April approved the force for Mali, to be made up of 12,600 international troops and police to take over from French and African forces.

In January, French troops

halted an advance by Islamist guerrillas who had controlled the northern half of the country for 10 months in the chaos following a coup in Bamako.

Kazura, 50, fought in the 1990s in the ranks of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the rebellion led by now President Paul Kagame, who took power in Kigali in 1994 to end the genocide in Rwanda.

Kazura later ran Rwanda’s military academy and was a security adviser to Kagame.

A football fan, he has also headed Rwanda’s football federation.

In 2010, he was briefly arrested for “insubordination” after travelling without permission in South Africa to watch the football World Cup.

‘Why Tolu Olubunmi, others must benefit from new U.S. immigration law’ From Laolu Akande, New York T takes a lot of courage to “I do what Tolu did,” President Barack Obama said yesterday at the White House as he highlighted the story of a Nigerian immigrant who will benefit if the United States (U.S.) Congress passes a comprehensive reform law that would be voted on this week at the Senate.

Obama spoke at a White House event to drum up support for the bill, which is being sponsored by eight U.S. Senators – four each from the Democratic and Republican parties.

In order to demonstrate the need for such a bill, Obama invited a Nigerian lady Tolu

Olubunmi, 31, and several other guests to the White House yesterday morning.

Obama asked the audience at the White House event to applaud Tolu, who was brought to the U.S. by her parents when she was 14, and has never been able to document her stay in America since then.

The U.S. President said Tolu’s story is equally shared by several young people who came to America as a child, not of their own deliberate choice, but who have stayed long, done well in school, never broken the law, but yet are still immigrants.

Obama is supporting the immigration reform that will open a door to a legal status to people like Tolu Olubunmi and over 11 million other ille-

gal immigrants in America.

“This week, the Senate will consider a common-sense, bipartisan bill that is the best chance we’ve had in years to fix our broken immigration system,” Obama was also quoted by Agence France Presse (AFP) as saying at the event.

The president also sought to disarm conservative Republicans – even some who support immigration reform – who argue that the bill should not be passed without tough new border security measures.

“I know there’s a lot of talk right now about border security; so let me repeat: Today illegal crossings are near their lowest level in decades.

“If passed, the Senate bill, as

currently written and as hitting the floor, would put in place the toughest border enforcement plan that America has ever seen. So nobody’s taking border enforcement lightly.”

“There’s no reason Congress can’t get this done by the end of the summer,” Obama said, but cast doubt on the motives of those wanting to block the bill.

“If you’re not serious about it, if you think that a broken system is the best America can do, then I guess it makes sense to try to block it,” he said.

“But if you’re actually serious and sincere about fixing a broken system, this is the vehicle to do it, and now is the time to get it done,” he added.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

9

Reminiscence

20 Years After June 12

June 12: Abiola, Tofa rigged election, says Babangida Being speech of General Ibrahim Babangida on June 26, 1993, confirming the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Election.

Nigerians, I address you today with a deep Fry ofELLOW sense of world history and particularly of the histoour great country. In the aftermath of the recently annulled Presidential Election, I feel, as I believe you yourself feel, a profound sense of disappointment at the outcome of our last efforts at laying the foundation of a viable democratic system of government in Nigeria.

I therefore wish, on behalf of myself and members of the National Defence and Security Council and indeed of my entire administration, to feel with my fellow countrymen and women for the cancellation of the election. It was a rather disappointing experience in the course of carrying through the last election of the transition to civil rule programme.

Nigeria has come a long way since this administration assumed power and leadership about eight years ago. In the attempt to grapple with the critical and monumental problems and challenges of national existence and social progress, this administration inaugurated and pursued sound and justifiable policies and programmes of reform.

These policies and programmes have touched virtually all aspects of our national life — the economy, political process, social structures, external relations, bureaucracy and even the family system. I believe strongly that in understanding, conception, formulation and articulation, these policies and programmes are not only sound, but also comparatively unassailable. I believe, too, that history, with the passage of time, would certainly score the administration high in its governance of our country.

Let me also express my deep conviction that the core strategy and structures of our reform policies and programmes, as enunciated in 1986/87 would, for a very long time, remain relevant and durable in the course of changing our country positively. I believe that at the exit of the Administration from power, we would leave behind for prosperity, a country with an economy, the structures of which have been turned around for good.

The average Nigerian person has come to reconcile himself with the fact that his or her social progress remains essentially in his or her hands in collaboration with other fellow Nigerians and not merely relying on what government alone could provide for him or her. The days are gone for good, when men and women trooped to government establishments for employment and for benevolence.

This Administration has built the foundation that would take Nigerians away from their previous colonially-induced motivations and the encumbrances of colonialism. We have laid the foundation for selfreliant economic development and social justice. We have established a new basis in our country in which economic liberalisation would continue to flourish alongside democratic forces and deregulated power structure. In all these, the average Nigerian person has more than ever before this administration imbibed and assimilated the values of hard work, resilience and self-confidence.

It is true that in the course of implementing our reform policies and programmes and especially because of the visionary zeal with which we approached the assignment and responded to incidental pressures of governance, we engendered a number of social forces in the country.

This is so because we sought to challenge and transform extant social forces, which had in the past impeded growth and development of our country.

We also sought to deal with the new forces to which our programmes of action gave rise. Thus, in dealing with the dynamics of both the old and new social forces, we ran into certain difficulties. In particular, during the course of handling the interlocking relationships between the old and new political forces and institutions, some problems had arisen leading us into a number of difficulties and thereby necessitating our having to tamper with the rules and regulations laid down in the political programme.

As a result, the administration unwittingly attracted enormous public suspicions of its intentions and objectives. Accordingly, we have experienced certain shortfalls and conflicting responses to the pulls and pushes of governance in the course of policy implementation.

I believe that areas of difficulties with the transition programme, especially from the last quarter of 1992 to

Babangida the recent cancelled presidential election, derived primarily from the shortfalls in implementing the programmes of actions, which, though objectively taken, may have caused a deviation from the original framework and structure of the programme.

Fellow Nigerians, it is true that by the cancelled presidential election, we all found the nation at a peculiar bar of history which was neither bargained for, nor was it envisaged in the reform programmes of transition as enunciated in 1986/87. In the circumstance, the administration had no option than to respond appropriately to the unfortunate experience of terminating the presidential election.

Our actions are in full conformity with the original objectives of the transition to civil programme. It was also in conformity with the avowed commitment of the administration to advance the cause of national unity, stability, and democracy.

In annulling the presidential election, this administration was keenly aware of its promise in November 1992 that it would disengage and institute a return to democracy on August 27, 1993. We are determined to keep the promise. Since this transition, and indeed any transition, must have an end, I believe that our transition programme should and must come to an end, honestly and honourably.

History will bear witness that as an administration, we have always striven, in all our policy decisions, to build

the foundation of lasting democracy.

Lasting democracy is not a temporary show of excitement and manipulation by an over-articulate section of the elite and its captive audience; lasting democracy is a permanent diet to nurture the soul of the whole nation and the political process.

Therefore, it is logical, as we have always insisted upon, that lasting democracy must be equated with political stability.

Informed by our sad experience of history, we require nothing short of a foundation for lasting democracy. As an administration, we cannot afford to leave Nigerian into a Third Republic with epileptic convulsions in its democratic health. Nigeria must therefore confront her own reality; she must solve her problems notwithstanding other existing models of democracy in other parts of the world.

In my address to the nation in October 1992, when the first presidential primaries were cancelled, I had cause to remind our country men and women that there is nowhere in the world in which the practice of democracy is the same, even if the principles are similar and even for countries sharing the same intellectual tradition and cultural foundation.

The history of our country is not the history of any other country in the world, which is either practicing advanced democracy or struggling to lay the foundation for democracy. Yet, in spite of the uniqueness and peculiarities of Nigeria, there are certain prerequisites, which

constitute an irreducible minimum for democracy.

Such essential factors include: A. Free and fair elections; B. Uncoerced expression of voters preference in election; C. Respect for electorate as unfettered final arbiter on elections; D. Decorum and fairness on the part of the electoral umpires; E. Absolute respect for the rule of law.

Fellow Nigerians, you would recall that it was precisely because the presidential primaries of last year did not meet the basic requirements of free and fair election that the Armed Forces Ruling Council, then, had good reason to cancel those primaries. The recently annulled presidential election was similarly afflicted by these problems.

Even before the presidential elections, and indeed at the party conventions, we had full knowledge of the bad signals pertaining to the enormous breach of the rules and regulations of democracy elections. But because we were determined to keep faith with the deadline of 27th August 1993 for the return of civil rule, we overlooked the reported breaches. Unfortunately, these breaches continued into the presidential election of June 12, 1993, on an even greater proportion.

There were allegations of irregularities and other acts of bad conduct leveled against the presidential candidates but NEC went ahead and cleared them. There were proofs as well as documented evidence of widespread use of money during the party primaries as well as the presidential election. These were the same bad conduct for which the party presidential primaries of 1992 were cancelled.

Evidence available to government put the total amount of money spent by the presidential candidates as over two billion, one hundred million naira (N2.1 billion). The use of money was again the major source of undermining the electoral process.

Both these allegations and evidence were known to the National Defence and Security Council before the holding of the June 12, 1993 election, the National Defence and Security Council overlooked these areas of problems in its determination to fulfill the promise to hand over to an elected president on due date.

Apart from the tremendous negative use of money during the party primaries and presidential elections, there were moral issues, which were also overlooked by the Defence and National Security Council. There were cases of documented and confirmed conflict of interest between the government and both presidential aspirants, which would compromise their positions and responsibilities were they to become president.

We believe that politics and government are not ends in themselves. Rather, service and effective amelioration of the condition of our people must remain the true purpose of politics.

It is true that the presidential election was generally seen to be free, fair and peaceful. However, there was in fact a huge array of election malpractices virtually in all the states of the federation before the actual voting began. There were authenticated reports of the election malpractices against party agents, officials of the National Electoral Commission and also some members of the electorate.

If all of these were clear violations of the electoral law, there were proofs of manipulations through offer and acceptance of money and other forms of inducement against officials of the National Electoral Commission and members of the electorate. There were also evidence of conflict in the process of authentication and clearance of credentials of the presidential candidates. Indeed, up to the last few hours to the election, we continued in our earnest steadfastness with our transition deadline, to overlook vital facts.

For example, following the council’s deliberation, which followed the court injunction suspending the election, majority of members of the National Defence and Security Council supported postponement of the election by one week. This was to allow NEC enough time to reach all the voters, especially in the rural areas, about the postponement.

But persuaded by NEC that it was capable of relaying the information to the entire electorate within the few hours left before the election, the council, unfortunately, dropped the idea of shifting the voting day.

Now, we know better. The conduct of the election, the behaviour of the candidates and post-election responses continued to elicit signals, which the nation can only ignore at its peril.

It is against the foregoing background that the administration became highly concerned when these political conflicts and breaches were carried to the

Continued on Page 11

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

10

20 Years After June 12

How 1999 Constitution encourages corruption, impunity, mediocrity, by NADECO Being text of a proclamation by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) on June 11, 2013 at the 19th Anniversary of the June 11, 1994 Epetedo Declaration made by the then President-Elect, MKO Abiola.

Protocols ELLOW countrymen and women, may we recall that: • 19 years ago, precisely June 11, 1994, at this very ground in Epetedo, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, in a brave, decisive move to reclaim his electoral mandate, June 12, 1993, proclaimed that he was the President of Nigeria.

But the powers that be, malevolent and adversarial, operating far above the collective sovereignty of the Peoples of Nigeria, arrested and locked him up in prison until his death on the 8th day of July, 1998.

The same powers embarked upon mayhem and judicial murders against the populace, brutally killing and maiming the masses of our people who dared to protest the annulment of the mandate they had given to Abiola via an election.

The then military President, Ibrahim Babangida, a general of the Nigerian Army, annulled the said election for reasons he and his cohorts have not been able and are unable to publicly present to date.

The immediate fallout of that dastardly action, which debased the country and traumatised the peoples of Nigeria, forced Babangida out of office on the 26th of August, 1993, even as he contrived a bogus and illegal “Interim National Government,” which collapsed in less than three months; it was flushed out by Babangida’s acolyte, the then Chief of Defence Staff, Sani Abacha, another General of the Nigerian Army.

• The arrest and long detention of Abiola by Abacha took a dramatic detour from the 8th of June 1998, when Abacha died and Abdulsalami Abubakar took over, but retained Abiola in prison for a whole month within which Abiola died right under his watch in questionable circumstances the very day, July 8, 1998 Abiola was to be released, effectively extinguishing the holder of the electoral mandate which, he, Abiola, had resolutely refused to give up.

• Abdulsalami Abubakar and his henchmen, by Decree No. 24 of 1999, unilaterally imposed a Constitution tagged the “1999 Constitution” falsely claiming in its preamble that “We the People…” made and enacted same, again in utter negation of the sovereign rights of the peoples of Nigeria of self-determination. For the avoidance of doubt, it needs be stated that there was no Constituent Assembly or any semblance of constitution-making process, prior to that imposition.

• This so-called 1999 Constitution, which is a unitarist instrument with a hierarchical and over-centralised power structure, undoubtedly in the tradition of the military, has been the basis of the Union and of the governance of Nigeria, foisting on us, a variant of “democracy” since 1999 in which the masses of an otherwise rich and bounteously endowed country wallow in abject poverty amidst the obscene opulence of office holders; yet, all (both masses and office holders) live in a whirlwind of insecurity, with the result that the country now totters on the brink of a catastrophic implosion.

In recounting these monumental and episodic events, NADECO casts a backdrop against which we all shall interrogate and engage the forces at play in the June of 1993, those that inflicted the annulment on the country, thus producing the Epetedo Declaration of 11 June 1994 and later consuming the life of the bearer of the peoples’ mandate, along with those of a multitude of citizens defending that mandate.

Ultimately, the sovereign will of the Nigerian people got subjugated by the imposition of a Constitution, which, to date, enslaves them at the hands of the predatory forces behind the entire June 12 annulment.

By way of reminder, NADECO (the National Democratic Coalition) was a broad coalition of selfless Nigerians working with Pro-Democracy Activists, Civil Society Groups, Unions, Professional Bodies, Women Groups, Students

F

Kanu Movements and other critical groups in the polity, established in April 1994 as an umbrella platform to campaign vigorously for the convocation of Sovereign National Conference (SNC).

NADECO equally campaigned for the deannulment of the electoral mandate given to Bashorun MKO Abiola, to prioritise the restructuring of the country once he assumed office. It, therefore, became a pursuit for the restructuring of Nigeria in the abiding interest of all the peoples of Nigeria.

We gather here today not to ask ourselves what went right or wrong with that pursuit but to affirm that we, all of us, have no option but to complete the task if this country, Nigeria, is to really be the homestead and pride of us all, the peoples.

Interrogation: What was this monster that could be successfully overrule and overwhelm the sovereign will of the peoples Nigeria?

• At the time of the election in June 1993, there was a local suzerainty, constituted by elements in the military and their sponsorscum surrogates that had, since 1966, emasculated, suppressed and generally appropriated the sovereignty of the peoples of Nigeria.

Suzerainty is the right of an adverse sovereign power to rule over another Sovereignty.

In overthrowing the Constitutions of Nigeria in 1966, the military adventurists constituted themselves into a parallel and adverse sovereign power, thereby stepping into the shoes of the colonial power, which departed in 1960, and therefore eclipsing the collective sovereignty of the peoples of Nigeria.

This usurpation of sovereignty is being pursued as to ensure that it is reinforced, legitimised and made permanent, via the instrumentality of the 1999 Constitution, wholly imposed by the aforesaid tiny, military-propelled power clique, a critical mass of who are part of those that now hold sway in our civil rule, pseudo-democracy.

• In the period of that election in June of 1993, that band of military elements had at its head Ibrahim Babangida, who, wielding the allconquering power of suzerainty, annulled, by mere proclamation, the collective sovereign-will of the peoples as expressed in the June 12, 1993 election.

• In spite of the apparent ouster of Ibrahim Babangida and his left-over Interim National Government from power (August 1993 to November 1993) by the massive protests and resistance of the Nigerian peoples, galvanised by NADECO and its allies at home and abroad, a prominent member of the same military junta by name Sani Abacha, found a way to take over the reins of power in November 1993.

Opadokun Abacha and his new henchmen most brutally fought to quell the resistance of the populace, leaving a trail of blood, tears, pain and deaths, hauling Abiola into jail for five years during which period he, Abacha, almost succeeded in transmuting himself into a ‘civilian’ president, but for death from the ultimate Leveler.

• Many, who connived with the clique in those debasing and disenfranchising years, are in power today, even masquerading as champions of democracy. Such include those who chaired Abiola’s winning party, the SDP, now today sitting atop party’s Board of Trustees; some reign at the pinnacle of the legislative arm of Government in Abuja; there are numerous others in the arms of government and even amongst the progressives, who ought really to search their conscience if the survival, well-being and progress of Nigeria is truly in their agenda.

• Upon the demise of Abacha in July 1998, another member of the military constituency, Abdulsalami Abubakar, then Chief of Defence Staff, emerged into power, retained the holding of Abiola in captivity until Abiola’s death a month after in controversial circumstances, ostensibly to bring to naught, the best efforts of NADECO and most importantly, the masses.

That the Military Government of the day could unilaterally imposed the so-called 1999 Constitution by Decree No. 24 in May 1999 was in exercise of a supervening power of suzerainty on behalf of the power clique that has held the sovereignty of Nigeria hostage from July 1966 to date. The stranglehold of that power clique against the peoples of Nigeria is today stealthily but effectively maintained by the instrumentality of the 1999 Constitution.

• NADECO proclaims with great regrets that Nigeria is in distress today because the task embarked upon in 1994, namely to precipitate a Sovereign National Conference in which Nigerians would negotiate and enact a new charter of relationship (Constitution), in replacement for the Federal Constitution toppled since 1966 and variously and progressively replaced by unitarism, remains to be addressed. In other words, there is the inevitable imperative of the restructuring of Nigeria back to federalism.

• In the anxious haste to return Nigeria to civil rule, hopefully allowing a civilian democracy to be operated on the basis of the so-called 1999 Constitution that was wholly imposed by a military power cabal, NADECO and all those who fought against military rule unwittingly embraced the dummy we have now in the name of democracy in which all the unworkable central-command-style structures imposed by the military were retained and are, in what must turn out a futile effort, being legitimised and institutionalised to the utter detriment of the citizenry and even the coun-

try itself, as we can all see now.

• In summary, NADECO positively and pointedly identifies the cankerworm, the monster, which is trying to overwhelm and usurp the sovereignty of our peoples to the detriment of the commonweal of everyone of us in this country, Nigeria, since 1993, to be the cabal of suzerainty, which today is palpably in the form of an imposed 1999 Constitution.

Now Have we moved on from that situation in which an overpowering force, arrogating to itself superiority over the collective sovereignty will of the peoples, hold sway?

• The answer to the question posed above is a straight No. Looking back at all the elections that have been held in Nigeria since 1999, each succeeding election turned out no better in real terms, if not worse, than the previous one; and the sovereign will of the peoples, as represented by their votes, always got easily overrun.

• The loud and clear, and even violent agitations of the peoples for a proper equitable constitutional arrangement have been met by an arrogant condescending response from the power cabal with a vacuous, ignorant/mischievous and self-serving claim that sovereignty now vests in the government and not in the peoples; they are thereby opposed to a Sovereign National Conference.

• Let it be stated that by specific provisions of the so-called 1999 Constitution, corruption, impunity and mediocrity are created, nurtured, absolutely protected and propagated with the result that despite the misery and clear loud lamentations of the masses that are being more impoverished all over the country, the aforementioned power cabal, holding our collective sovereignty hostage, ‘constitutionally’ appropriate, collect and retain, almost unchallenged, the fat loot of their brigandage, to the detriment of everyone, including themselves in the long run.

Some of those provisions in the “1999 Constitution” include: i. The Preamble — which lies that “We the People” made and enacted the “Constitution.” ii. S.6(6)(c) therein, waiving the socio-economic rights created by Chapter II. iii. S.6(6)(d) offering a blanket immunity for all acts of government, (including judicial murders, genocide, seizure, grave human rights violations, treasury looting, even personal vendetta, etc.) done between 15th January, 1966 and May 29th, 1999. iv. S.81/82 — handing the spare (in actual terms, the most usable) keys of the ‘Federal Government’ Treasury to the President. v. S.121/122, as above, handing the spare keys of the State Treasuries to the Governors. vi. S.308, which offers a blanket immunity to the President, Governors and their Vice/Deputies. vii. An Exclusive List — shutting out States from 68 important developmental powers. viii. The First Schedule — creating 36, mostly unviable, States and 774 LGAs, all skewed against the collective progress of the country in an unworkable structure.

The above constitutional shortfalls and impositions inevitably lead to and manifest in increasing grievances of the peoples of Nigeria towards a country they wish to have exist and prosper properly in its diversity.

For remediation, the grievances occasioned by these provisions clearly transcend the realm of amendments by whatever organ of Government; be it Committees or National Assembly.

All the grandstanding about amendments in the National Assembly remains an exercise in futility, of unintended self-delusion and a dissipation of everybody’s time, as long as these main constitutional grievances remain unaddressed.

It must be admitted that only the naïve will honestly expect the ‘beneficiaries’ of Nigeria’s deformed edifice to easily line up to dismantle the basis of their illicit and self-destruct benefits.

NADECO asserts that all the violent agitations in Nigeria have their roots in these constitutional grievances and cannot be peacefully

Continued on Page 11

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

11

20 Years After June 12

June 12: I feel with Nigerians Sovereign power of the people for cancelling the election, says Babangida Continued from Page 10

Continued from Page 9 court.

It must be acknowledged that the performance of the judiciary on this occasion was less than satisfactory. The judiciary has been the bastion of the hopes and liberties of our citizens.

Therefore, when it became clear that the courts had become intimidated and subjected to the manipulation of the political process, and vested interests, then the entire political system was in clear dangers.

This administration could not continue to watch the various high courts carry on their long drawn-out processes and contradictory decisions while the nation slides into chaos.

It was under this circumstance that the National Defence and Security Council decided that it is in the supreme interest of law and order, political stability and peace that the presidential election be annulled.

As an administration, we have had special interest and concern not only for the immediate needs of our society, but also in laying the foundation for generations to come.

To continue action on the basis of the June 12, 1993 election, and to proclaim and swear in a president who encouraged a campaign of divide and rule among our ethnic groups would have been detrimental to the survival of the Third Republic. Our need is for peace, stability and continuity of politics in the interest of all our people.

Fellow countrymen and women, although the National Electoral Commission and the Centre for Democratic Studies officially invited foreign observers for the presidential elections, the administration also considered it as important as a democratic society, that our activities and electoral conduct must be open not only to the citizenry of our country but also to the rest of the world.

In spite of this commitment, the administration did not and cannot accept that foreign countries should interfere in our internal affairs and undermine our sovereignty. The presidential election was not an exercise imposed on Nigerians by the United Nations or by the wishes of some global policemen of democracy. It was a decision embarked upon independently by the government of our country and for the interest of our country.

This is because, we believe, just like other countries, that democracy and democratisation are primary values which Nigerians should cultivate, sustain and consolidate so as to enhance freedom, liberties and social development of the citizenry.

The actions of these foreign countries are most unfortunate and highly regrettable.

There is nowhere in the history of our country or indeed of the Third World where these countries can be said to love Nigeria or Nigerians any more than the love we have for ourselves and for our country. Neither can they claim to love Nigeria any more than this administration loves our country.

Accordingly, I wish to state that this administration will take necessary action against any interest groups that seek to interfere in our internal affairs. In this vein, I wish to place on record the appreciation of this administration for the patience and understanding of Nigerians, the French, the Germans, the Russians and Irish governments in the current situation.

I appeal to our fellow countrymen and women and indeed our foreign detractors that they should cultivate proper understanding and appreciation of the peculiar historic circumstances in the development of our country and the determination not only of this administration, but indeed of all Nigerians to resolve the current crises.

Fellow Nigerians, the National Security and Defence Council have met several times since the June 12, 1993 election. The council has fully deliberated not only on our avowed commitment, but also to bequeathing to posterity, a sound economic and political base in our country and we shall do so with honour.

In our deliberations, we have also taken note of several extensive consultations with other

Babangida members of this administration, with officers and men of the Armed Forces and well-meaning Nigerian leaders of thought. We are committed to handing over power on 27th August 1993.

Accordingly, the National Defence and Security Council has decided that by the end of July 1993, the two political parties, under the supervision of a recomposed National Electoral Commission, will put in place the necessary process for the emergence of two presidential candidates.

This shall be conducted according to the rules and regulations governing the election of the president of the country. In this connection, government will, in consultation with the two political parties and National Electoral Commission, agree as to the best and quickest process of conducting the election.

In the light of our recent experience, and given the mood of the nation, the National Defence and Security Council has imposed additional conditions as a way of widening and deepening the base of electing the president and sanitising the electoral process.

Accordingly, the candidates for the coming election must: (1) Not be less than 50 years old. (2) Have not been convicted of any crime; (3) Believe, by act of faith and practice, in the corporate existence of Nigerians; (4) Posses(sic) records of personal, corporate and business interests, which do not conflict with the national interests; (5) Have been registered members of either of the two political parties for at least one year to this election.

All those previously banned from participating in the transition process other than those with criminal records, are hereby unbanned.

They can all henceforth participate in the electoral process. This is with a view to enriching the quality of candidature for the election and at the same time tap the leadership resources of our country to the fullest. The decree to this effect will be promulgated.

Fellow Nigerians, I wish to finally acknowledge the tremendous value of your patience and understanding, especially in the face of national provocation.

I urge you to keep faith with the commitment of this administration.

I enjoin you to keep faith with the unity, peace and stability of our country for this is the only country that you and I can call our own.

Nowhere in the world, no matter the prompting and inducements of foreign countries, can Nigerians ever be regarded as first class citizens. Nigeria is the only country that we have. We must therefore renew our hope in Nigeria, and faith and confidence in ourselves for continued growth, development and progress.

Thank you all, and God bless you.

addressed otherwise than by a holistic engagement with the issues by way of a Sovereign National Conference of Ethnic Nationalities.

In refusing to initiate this only plausible nonviolent mechanism for addressing the Nigerian Question, opponents of the SNC have pushed the country into a violent, disorderly debate of the same issues as being conducted

by OPC, MASSOB, Egbesu, MEND, Boko Haram, and now Ombatse, probably others to follow, classic robbery gangs, grand kidnaps, etc.

It takes only the blind or deliberately closed eyes not to see that the end of the road we now tread is a violent dismembering. Again, let it be stated, loud and clear, that the opponents, and not the proponents, of the vital and inevitable Sovereign National Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria, should and will be held responsible and accountable if the country, Nigeria, comes to violent dismemberment.

What is the way forward now?

NADECO unequivocally states that the answer to Nigeria’s myriad of problems lies in the immediate peaceful dismantling of the constitutional structures, which were erected and operated in negation of the sovereignty of the people.

The process for that peaceful dismantling is by the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference the same way South Africa did via CODESA (that was the Sovereign Conference to dismantle the Apartheid constitutional order), to ease out the Apartheid Constitution imposed by a minority white power cabal.

The alternative for the country, Nigeria, will be disorderly, yet justifiable retrieval of sovereignties by the Ethnic Nationalities individually or in formations/groups of their choice and in a manner or manners that they may choose, which may be based on understandable violence.

It is here recalled that on the 26th of January, 2012, NADECO had a World Press Conference captioned, ‘Restructuring and True Federalism Now, averting disintegration violence.’ The highlights of that intervention include a review of the many violent agitations across Nigeria, the reasons offered by the agitators and the constitutional questions raised by such agitations. Incidentally, ‘Boko Haram’ was then, nascent in its intensity, so to say, on account of its subsequent activities.

Whilst situating the agitations of OPC, MASSOB and MEND within resolvable constitutional disputations, NADECO noted that the demand of Boko Haram for Sharia falls outside the resolvable within a Nigerian Union and does, in fact, suggest a multi-nation-state solution to the Nigeria Question.

Quoting the Boko Haram statement issued after their massive attack on Kano in December 2011, as reported by the Daily Sun of 19th December, 2011 to wit; “We want the Nigerian constitution to be abrogated and democracy suspended and a full fledged Islamic state established,” NADECO restated with sympathy the position of the Movement for New Nigeria (MNN) published September 2011 on the Sharia Question thus; “Since Sharia is mutually exclusive with constitutionalism and democracy as amply reiter-

Abiola

ated by Boko Haram, it stands to reason that the geo-space labeled Nigeria cannot remain one political union except either the Sharia bloc is persuaded/compelled to abandon Sharia for democracy/constitutionalism or the non-Sharia bloc is persuaded/compelled to abandon democracy/constitutionalism for Sharia. The prospect for either is nil and therefore creates a new reality. Accordingly, the only choice to be made by all stakeholders is between a consensual peaceful dissolution of the failed Nigerian Project or to wait for the unilateral, uncoordinated exit of erstwhile federating blocs, which may become disorderly or even violent.”

The adoption and implementation of Sharia since year 2000 by the 12 contiguous States of the far North definitely lends credence to this position.

In the concluding part of that statement, NADECO invited the Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria to “intensify their respective constitution making processes in formations of their choice, including conducting referendum in their respective areas in readiness for the inevitable final resolution of the long-standing National Question”, as these Constitutions will be the basis of federating afresh at an SNC post-unitarism, in exercise of their right to self-determination.

It needs be added here, however, that if the SNC is not convened early enough to avert a major breakdown in the polity, those Constitutions readily become the basis of working out their political future instead of a Somalia-type situation springing up by default.

NADECO notes with satisfaction the progress being made by the Ethnic Nationalities in various blocs at evolving their Draft Constitutions, particularly the Yoruba West, the Lower Niger and the Middle-Belt. It is selfevident that the situation in the country today calls for an expedition of these processes.

NADECO, therefore, urges those who are yet to join up with the constitution-evolving process in their own area, to do so without delay so that we can all arrive at the peaceful constitutional reconstruction of Nigeria sooner than later; otherwise, we are now on the highway to anarchy.

Regarding the elections planned for 2015, NADECO notes with concern the ominous rhetorics in the atmosphere wherein some elements who, prior to the 2011 elections, promised to make Nigeria ungovernable should power not return to them, are threatening massive bloodshed should power again fail to return to them; then is a response to them from another bloc, equally threatening catastrophe should power leave them.

Having identified the unworkable unitary ‘Constitution’ of Nigeria as the source of the many intractable plagues of Nigeria, and now faced with a situation in which, whoever wins a 2015 presidential election, “blood will flow,” NADECO, with a grave sense of responsibility, raises a question as to the wisdom of embarking on such an election without first working out an acceptable constitutional arrangement, more so since whoever wins that election will govern with the same disputed ‘Constitution,’ plunging the country further into further abyss, and faster towards anarchy.

NADECO also wishes to remind all stakeholders that the January 1st 1914 Amalgamation of Nigeria by Fredrick Lugard will be 100 years on the 31st of December 2013.

Whether viewed from the popular 100-yearLifespan Theory or from the angle of the Convention 100-year-Lifespan of a Treaty, which the Amalgamation is, or even from the sheer force of agitations for a grand and composite renegotiation by the choking Ethnic Nationalities entrapped in the country, Nigeria; NADECO is of the view that an elaborate process to restore and reinforce the foundation of Nigeria has become inevitable ahead of the 31st December, 2013 ‘expiry date.’

Otherwise, unilateral interpretations of the 1914 Amalgamation as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007, leave the doors wide open for several self-help options.

Again, we state, admonish and plead that to restore the basis of the Nigerian Union and secure the happy-re-commitment of its diverse peoples into the task of nation-building, a Sovereign National Conference is the only viable answer.

God bless the Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria.

12

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

13

TheMetroSection Another building collapses in Lagos • Several people trapped as three-storey house in Mushin caves in THREE-STOREY building, located A at No. 353, Challenge Road, off Amu Street, Mushin, Lagos yester-

REALLY have cause to ‘I thank God because since I was born, I have laughed more than I have cried. I have also triumphed more than I have been challenged”.

With these words, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, who turned 50 yesterday, summarised her life in the past five decades in a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti.

The celebration, low key but colourful, attracted many dignitaries within and outside the state. Speaking at the event, she thanked her parents for giving her a good upbringing and sound education, which she said gave her the hope of making headway in life.

Describing the death of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs.

HE death has occurred of T Mrs. Juliana Adamolekun.

She died yesterday.

She is survived by Professor Ladipo Adamolekun among others.

Professor Adamolekun is a world-class scholar in Public Administration.

Burial arrangement will be announced later by the family.

Oluwasanmi, 74, for burial

The collapsed building...yesterday

ceased and for the family to bear the loss.

Bodai said he had ordered an immediate rehabilitation of the col-

lapsed building.

Funmilayo Olayinka as a big blow to her, she also thanked God for giving her a husband like Governor Kayode Fayemi , whom she described as a “friend, fellow comrade , brother, mentor and role model”.

She prayed to God to grant her the strength to be able to fulfill all the promises made to the late Deputy Governor during her burial ceremony.

Governor Fayemi, who described her wife’s activities as a plus to his administration, said “ My wife was the pillar in the fight to reclaim our mandate in Ekiti. At a time, I thought of opting out of the struggle, but my wife encouraged me to continue.

“Today, my wife is so active in ensuring that my administration records a huge success. Even some people are confused at times, who is ac-

tually the governor”.

Tactically referring to the death of Mrs. Olayinka as the reason for the low-key celebration, Fayemi posited that “my wife started planning for the 50th birthday for over a decade. Even last year, she reminded me that an Ivorian musician or her friend and South African musician, Yvonne Chaka Chaka would be coming for

Mrs. Fayemi

her 50th birthday, but God knows the best”.

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, who delivered the sermon, urged those in leadership positions in the country to learn how to spread love and unity that would earn the country international respect, rather than placing high premium on materials’ acquisition.

“The bad image about Nigeria is caused by the activities of Nigerian leaders, who are corrupt and involvement of some Nigerians in criminal activities.

Nigeria is what we make it to be in the eyes of the international community”, he declared.

The cleric pointed that something good could still come out of Nigeria with the emergence of leaders like Governor Kayode Fayemi and wife in gover-

nance, who believe in selfless service and making lives more comfortable for the poor.

He described Mrs. Fayemi and her husband as the Icon of democracy, who struggled hard in far away England, to ensure that the annulment of June 12, 1993 election, supposedly won by the late business Mogul, Chief MKO Abiola was reversed by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

The clergyman said, “June, 12, 1993 was a dark time in the history of this nation.

After the annulment of the election, Dr and Mrs Fayemi , who was pregnant then, were seen protesting on the streets of London.

This shows how far a child of God could go to ensure justice and society that is full of hope.

Describing the 50 years of Mrs. Fayemi as fulfilling, graceful and eventful.

In Kano, windstorm victims seek urgent attention From Murtala Muhammed, Kano

ESIDENTS of Rano community in Rano Local Council have appealed to the government to rescue them from untold hardship caused by heavy windstorm, which rendered them homeless.

About 300 families were subjected to homelessness about two weeks ago in three villages: Shangu, Gwangwan and Madachi all in Rano.

Some of the victims told The Guardian that since the unfortunate incident destroyed their property, the people were yet to witness any government intervention.

A resident, Malam Sabo Maikasuwa, who claimed that more than 100 houses were pulled down and property worth millions of naira destroyed in the natural disaster, said

R

RIENDS of God’s Kingdom Fanniversary Ministry will mark its 10th from June 17-June

Ademolekun passes on

I have laughed more than I have cried, says Mrs. Fayemi at 50 From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head South West Bureau Ado Ekiti)

Church marks anniversary 21. Prof. B. I. Imasogie will speak on Inter-tribal /cultural marriage: Christian perspective, on Monday, June 17, at 5.00p.m.; Rev. Amos O. Bamidele will minister on Godly characters in Christian Courtship and Marriage on Tuesday, June 18, at 5.00p.m.

Health talk holds on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 and Dr. Bisi Chukwudile will speak. It will be rounded off on Friday, June 21, with a thanksgiving night at which Pastor Sunday Peter Akintonde will minster. Hosts are Pastor and Mrs. Mike Taiwo Idowu while chief host is Rev. Amos. O. Bamidele.

By Tope Templer Olaiya, Assistant Lagos City Editor

day collapsed at about 2.35p.m.

Several persons were trapped in the residential building, which caved in after a heavy downpour.

However, the number of casualties could not be confirmed as at press time yesterday.

A building also collapsed, killing three children of same parents in Adarawa area of Dange town in Sokoto State last Sunday. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the structure caved in as a result of wind and rainstorm that occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

The victims of the disaster were Zahara’u, Yusuf and Zainab AbuMalam, aged 15, nine and seven respectively.

The Chairman of Dange-Shuni Local Council, Alhaji Magaji Bodai, said yesterday that two of the children died on Sunday while the third one died on Monday at a hospital following injuries sustained from the incident.

The chairman described the incident as an act of God and prayed for the repose of the souls of the de-

Briefs

“no government official has come to our aid.

People now stay with relatives. It is difficult for so many to feed their families. We need government assistance”.

Another resident of Shangu, one of the affected communities, Muktar Umar lamented: ” They said the local council would assist us but up till now, we have not seen anybody.

We thought the governor would come and help us.”

Abubakar Aminu equally claimed “many people who were affected in the windstorm have no place to sleep. The condition is terrible.”

Also confirming incident, a resident of the community Ibrahim Danwarano, told The Guardian that the heavy windstorm uprooted trees and public amenities. He, however, expressed disappointment that despite the monumental losses, no government assis-

tance has reached the people.

A member, Kano State House of Assembly representing Rano Local Council, Kabir Al-Hassan who had earlier paid sympathy visit to victims of the disaster at the General Hospital, Rano, confirmed that more than 40 residents were critically injured. He said about 300 houses were swept away while expressing hopes that government would come to their aid.

But the Executive Secretary, Kano State Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Bashir Nukkel insisted that only 147 houses were destroyed by the windstorm.

He said: ” We went for investigation and assessment of the damage and we could only account for 147 houses damaged by the disaster.

We have taken the inventory of all the affected persons and I can assure you government is working hard to come to their rescue’’.

UNERAL rites for Dr. FOluwasanmi, Thompson Sunday who died at the age of 74, begin tomorrow with a Christian wake at 11, Bayo Olumide Street, Ire Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos at 6.00pm.

He will be buried on Friday after a funeral service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ire Akari Road, Isolo at 9.00am.

Reception follows at St. Mary’s Ultra Modern Centre, Ire Akari.

Oluwasanmi

Omoko, 59 for burial rites for Mrs. Beauty FtheUNERAL Anna Omoko, who died at age of 59, begin tomorrow with a service of songs at her residence at No. 40 Igbudu Road, Off Essi Junction, Mc-Demott Road, Warri, Delta State at 5.00p.m.

She will be buried on Friday, at her home town, Emorivie quarters, Afiesere Town, Ughelli North after funeral service at Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church, Warri. A thanksgiving service will hold in her honouron Sunday, June 15, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Okere Junction Warri. She is survived by an aged mother, husband, children, grand-children and inlaws among whom are: Onajite Omoko, Joseph Omoko, Emuobohwo Omoko, Peter Omoko, Isaiah Omoko among others.

Omoko

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

TheGuardian 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 JUNE 12: 20 years on N the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election O adjudged the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria, and which was annulled by the military in a streak of authoritarian madness, the scars are still deep and healing is far from complete. A traumatized nation, poised then for a real taste of joy, still reels in the pain of a cruel and unnecessary abortion. It was probably the most wicked act perpetrated against this nation.

Today, there are bound to be reflections on the disgraceful action of the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, which annulled the election and the long-term implication it has had on the polity. It is just enough to say that with that singular action, Nigeria succeeded in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory and the nation’s manifest rendezvous with glory was halted by a mindless dictatorship.

Twenty years on, there is democracy, but true democrats are hard to come by. Elections have been held, but the will of the people has not had the kind of expression it had on June 12, 1993. Leaders have come, but none has come free of religion or ethnic baggage as was the case on June 12, 1993. The result has been a Nigeria still questioned by many Nigerians; a nation full of promise but still in doubt of itself.

‘June 12’ was certainly a milestone in Nigeria’s quest for its true identity. It was the epoch in the struggle against military rule and the return of the country to the path of democracy. It was the manifestation of the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians to be governed by leaders chosen on the basis of democratic principles. On that day in 1993, Nigerians also said goodbye to parochialism and primordial considerations that had governed the country. A Muslim-Muslim ticket was not seen as an incongruity, instead, the people saw only a Nigerian-Nigerian ticket. They voted for Moshood Abiola and Babagana Kingibe, irrespective of their religious affiliation, in a classic statement of an end to the usual appeal to base instincts and the dawn of a New Nigeria. Indeed, a new nation was being born in which there was one ethnic group: Nigeria and only one religion: Nigeria. But the Nigerian military led by General Babangida annulled that great movement of history and pulled Nigeria into the abyss of despair in which it still gropes today. Authoritarianism returned to the polity with a vengeance when the people vehemently sought the actualization of their will. A bestial culture of impunity again seized the foreground and in the process, a once united country was bifurcated along Muslim-Christian, North-South and East-West divides.

General Sani Abacha who seized power in the ensuing anomie, placed Nigerians under siege. The rights of the people were trampled upon under the jackboot of military despotism; many Nigerians were jailed and others were extra-judicially executed. A reign of terror was unleashed on the land. Alfred Rewane and Alhaja Kudirat, the wife of M. K. O Abiola, among many others, were felled by assassins’ bullets.

Numerous others, among them the founding publisher of this newspaper, Mr. Alex Ibru bore the scars of attempted assassination by state agents. Newspapers, including The Guardian, were forcefully shut by the military for standing for the truth. And the country became a pariah nation, under multilateral sanctions. The ills of military rule were met with a corresponding resistance from a heroic people who demanded that the soldiers should leave the political scene and return the country to democracy.

It was, of course, the struggle to revalidate June 12 and end military rule that ushered in the current civil dispensation in the country. The current rulers who were nowhere near the frontline in the battle for democracy should, therefore, realise with sobriety that it was the epochal struggle, which began on June 12, 1993 that gave birth to the political space which they currently occupy. It is this strong sense of history that has made many Nigerians to continuously mark the June 12, 1993 Presidential election yearly. The same sense and strength of history is behind the call to recognize June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day. Unfortunately, successive governments, reaping from the sacrifice of June 12, have not been imbued with that much sense of history, let alone grace to trace their source to “June 12”.

The Nigerian government, however, cannot continue to labour under a silly illusion. It is high time government moved to immortalise the symbol of June 12, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, not through such a dubious exercise as the renaming of the University of Lagos after him, but by recognising him as a martyr of democracy and acknowledging him at the very least, as a President-elect. And, in the face of many national challenges, including abject poverty of the majority and insecurity of lives and property, today’s leaders will do well to assuage the desire that won the June 12, 1993 election by running a better government and acting in ways that could earn them the trust of all Nigerians. Else, like the military dictators of old, they too would, sooner or later, be consigned to the ash-heap of history.

LETTERS

JUNE 12, 1993 and the misconception IR: Majority of Nigerians Sgeneral believe that the June 12, 1993 elections remained the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria regardless of whether the winner was declared the president or not.

The fact is that both head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola were indigenes of Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Babangida administration might have been influenced by the power brokers and some cabals not to hand over to Chief Abiola. But what Nigerians witnessed under Chief Shonekan was extension of monopoly of power and naked detestation of Chief Abiola by top Abeokuta politi-

cal elite who connived not to allow the man to occupy the presidency as Shonekan, who ought to immediately organise the swearing-in of Chief Abiola to Presidency failed to do the wish of Nigerians till the late General Sanni Abacha ousted him on November, 17 1993.

From 1999 to 2007, Nigerians agitated for Abiola to be honoured at national level but former President Olusegun Obasanjo vehemently ignored the calls.

It is not too much if either Abuja or Lagos is renamed as Abiola City as was done in USA whereby George Washington was honoured with Washington D.C. But will the cabal not work against this

idea? Similar plot against a leading patriot is on in the country whereby he is being tagged a bigot before the masses that the man intends to liberate. It is time Nigerians reject parochial and deceptive views of few privileged Nigerians.

Finally, whenever the June 12 issue is being discussed I wish people objectively assess the circumstances so that IBB is not seen as a villain but a “victim of circumstance” while majority of purported heroes who pretend and celebrate June 12 annually are the real “enemies of Nigerian masses”. I hope the masses would not allow these cabals to deceive them any longer.

• Luqman Soliu, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Degrading the value of religion IR: There is no doubt that the symbol of America’s civil some of our religious fathers deliberately or inadvertently disSreligious Nigeria is one of the most rights movements.

Jesus Christ taught, preached play wealth. Sometimes, if you countries in the world! Ordinarily, such a global recognition goes with certain responsibilities, because there cannot be honour without responsibilities. But, what do we have in the country today? When any nation is at crossroads, the people look up to religious leaders for moral direction.

This was the case of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El-Salvador who became the linchpin for the liberation struggle of the country from the socio-political and economic subjugation of the people. The same thing can be said of Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist preacher who became

and healed for only three years in His earthly ministry, yet His message still resonates in this modern world than any known philosophers of the past! For instance, Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato taught for 50 years and Aristotle taught for 40 years. All together, the three philosopher-kings taught for 130 years, yet the impacts and the effects of their teachings cannot be compared to that of Jesus Christ in just three years!

A poor man goes to church or mosque and is greeted with SUVs and other flashy vehicles belonging to the cleric. Even when the congregation cannot afford to eat two meals in a day,

look at the character of the people in one of the world’s most religious countries, you will be tempted to canonize some of our pagans; yet, these are people we want to convert!

Religious leaders are not left out because some of them use psychology to exploit the congregation. There are some priests who place price tags on the prayers they offer to their church members. Please, what I mean here is different from corporate chaplaincy!

The question now is who is to be blamed? My answer is: the man in the mirror! What about you?

• Edwin Uhara, Enugu State.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

15

Business MaritimeWatch P36

CompuLife P25

Govt explains NPA’s rehabilitation projects at ports

Poor telecoms services may persist, operators explain challenges

Jonathan orders recovery of $9.6b underpayment from oil firms

By Sulaimon Salau RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele P Jonathan has directed all agencies affected by the audit reports of Nigerian Extractive Transparency Industries Initiate (NEITI) to recover the $9.6billion outstanding uncovered by the audit exercise in the oil and gas sector.

The President, who gave the directive during a visit by the board and management of NEITI at the State House, requested the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to immediately

set in motion the process of reconstituting the Inter Ministerial Task Team to implement NEITI’s findings and recommendations to be constituted by high ranking officers with appropriate levels of authority He commended NEITI for its courage, diligence and commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of the extractive sector, which has resulted in the exposure of under payments and under assessments of what companies in the industry ought to pay to

the government’s coffers.

A statement signed by the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Zainab Ahmed, yesterday, said, President Jonathan also directed that NEITI principles and operations be fully integrated into the on-going government’s economic reform agenda He commended NEITI for winning the global award for Nigeria as the best implementing country of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment

to sustain the nation’s ranking by the global body.

The Chairman of NEITI, Ledum Mitee, called for the President’s intervention to address the funding challenges facing the organisation.

He said: “NEITI’s budgetary provision has continued to dwindle whilst its activities remain on steady expansion and the situation has worsened to the extent that it now threatens the agency’s continued performance of its core functions” Mitee also appealed to the

Group Treasurer, United Bank for Africa UBA Plc, Emmanuel Onokpasa (left); Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NASD Plc; Bola Ajomale; Vice-Chairman, Chike Nwanze, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Kyari Buka during the agreement signing ceremony between NASD, CSCS and settlement banks in Lagos.

PHOTO: SUNDAY

Nigeria, Netherlands seal pact on joint agro-industrial park • SMEs to benefit from 700m-euro Dutch fund HE Federal Government T and The Netherlands have concluded plans to set up an agro-industrial park in Nigeria under a pact recently sealed in the European country.

The decision to explore the strengths of both countries for a win-win economic relationship was reached during a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; and the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, on the sidelines of the NigeriaNetherlands Business and

Investment Forum in the Hague, Netherlands.

“The Netherlands has a well developed food processing industry. They are also the largest producers and exporters of food. This, combined with the availability of raw materials and the large market in Nigeria, will give rise to a successful partnership on the establishment of an industrial zone on food processing in Nigeria,” Aganga said.

The two ministers have therefore agreed to set up a technical team to execute the project as fast as possible.

The Netherlands foreign

trade minister also disclosed that the country was setting up a 700 million-euro growth fund to help their SMEs invest in growth areas, and agreed to the Federal Government’s proposal to put Nigeria on that list.

It was also agreed that there would be possibilities for Nigerian SMEs to access the growth fund to expand their businesses and also invest in critical and thriving sectors.

The fund will be launched in January.

Aganga, however, pointed out that the Netherlands had been a big trading partner for Nigeria, noting that the two

countries must work together to tackle the problems, which led to a decline in the volume of trade between them in 2012.

A major problem identified was the unfavourable visa regime, particularly the absence of a Consular office for the Netherlands in Nigeria.

The Netherlands government promised to review the problem and also reinstate the Consular office in Nigeria.

Businessmen and other visa categories, who have to go to the Belgian embassy in Abuja and the French embassy in Lagos to get Dutch visas, said during the forum that the process was causing them pains.

President to ensure that all outstanding NEITI findings and recommendations in the extractive industry are implemented.

“This would not only help a great deal in the revenue drive of this administration but would help to underline the fact that NEITI exists mostly for the purpose of helping to remedy identified gaps and not just fault finding,” he stressed.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, promised to ensure that NEITI’s intervention in the extractive sector would be adequately aligned with ongoing economic programmes especially on extractive revenue resources management.

“NEITI’s activities and benefits are critical to government’s reform initiatives. We can no longer ignore the

need to work closely with NEITI to achieve integrated approach to our economic reforms,” she said.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada, said that NEITI’s outing at the recently held EITI global conference in, Sydney Australia was impressive.

Sada said EITI provides a rare opportunity, which Nigeria must explore positively in the on-going reforms.

The Global Conference was a big forum where NEITI made Nigeria proud.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deziani Allison-Madueke who was also at the meeting, commended NEITI for the quality of its work and engagements in the industry and called for closer cooperation with her ministry and affiliate parastatals.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

16 BUSINESS

Manufacturers seek downward review of gas price

By Femi Adekoya ANUFACTURERS, under M the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Gas Users Group, have called on the Federal Government to address the issue of gas pricing and payment system to promote the fortunes of industries dependent on the alternative energy supply.

Precisely, the manufacturers advocated a better pricing arrangement considering the continued fall in the global price of gas, while urging the franchisers to adopt the ‘pay as you use’ parameter to aid the real sector’s growth.

Speaking at the yearly general meeting of the MAN Gas Users Group, Immediate Past Chairman of the group, Felix Okojie, noted that the move to address the pricing issue has become pertinent to aid industrialisation and save industries from collapsing.

He said: “The pricing schedule in 2013 is on a greater margin when compared to the previous years. This is as a result of the clause on the new gas schedule, which subjected the price of gas to a movement in exchange rate as published by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“This situation remains worrisome to the Group, given the fact that our local sourcing has absolutely nothing to do with refining that normally attracts foreign exchange.

Also, considering the major characteristics of the Nigerian business environ-

ment, which includes lack of competitiveness arising from prevalent high cost of production.”

He then urged the franchisers and partners in the gas supply chain to write off the debt arising from the differential of N2 in pricing of gas from N35 to N37 for which some of the firms are still being penalized even after a resolution was reached.

He explained: “The price of gas worldwide has continued to drop after the arrangement of gas pricing by the government. The current price of gas is a little below $3 per scm, which locally comes to about N21.26 per scm. We are not oblivious of the fact that the Federal Government has been making steady profit in gas sales since the coming into effect of the new gas pricing scheme. We hope the franchisers would write off the debt arising from the price differential in order to sustain a working relationship and promote industrialization in the country”.

On the issue of payment system, Okojie urged the franchisers to review the system in order to enable end users pay based on consumption.

He said: “we are not mindful of the principle of take or pay as stipulated in the GSPA. However, in view of the prevailing circumstances, we are constraint to request that end users are allowed to pay based on consumption as this will enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers in the global business environ-

Jamodu, MAN president ment. Since many industrial companies are now hooked on gas, the standards should be reviewed.”

Representative of the Nigerian Gas Company, (NGC), Mohammed Aliyu explained that the company would address the issues raised, noting that the pay as you consume system may not work as manufacturers are only to demand for only what they can consume.

According to him, the supplier has invested in the value chain and would only make available product requested, while the franchiser’s growth is dependent on subscribed product and users consuming the product.

Newly elected chairman of the group, Dr. Michael Adebayo, however pledged support of the newly elected team in driving the goal of the group.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12,

BUSINESS

Fleet management: A viable business venture?

Fleet management is now seen as a critical part of asset management concept aimed at improving efficiency, productivity and thereby removing or reducing risk associated with vehicle investment in organisations.

BUKKY OLAJIDE writes.

Nigeria, the essence of IbeNfleet management cannot over emphasised given the huge investment by both the public and private sectors in the acquisition of vehicles.

Globally, fleet management is a “total business discipline” that has evolved as an integral part of logistics support for economic and other developmental initiatives with focus on vehicle fleets that is, cars, buses, trucks and other special purpose vehicles such as ambulances, para-military vehicles, dump and waste trucks, fire service vehicles, and so on.

Also, fleet operation represents a major cost centre in public and private organisations and with expansion of activities, there is the need to seek innovative ways of managing these costs and improve the bottom line and savings for other developmental purposes.

Recently, the Equipment Leasing Organisation of Nigeria (ELAN) organised a conference in Lagos. The Fleet Management Conference organised is the highest gathering of stakeholders in the fleet industry in order to

build capacity by equipping stakeholders with essential tools and techniques that would lead to significant cost savings, operational efficiency and also provide the platform for business networking.

The participants discussed key issues in the fleet management practice including the core dynamics of fleet management system, regulatory and compliance issues, fleet financing, the relationship between vendors, financiers, fleet operators and other stakeholders and so on.

The Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria is a non–profit-making organisation established in 1983, primarily to promote the business of leasing in Nigeria.

Over the years, the association has been engaged in var-

ious activities in furtherance of our objectives. These activities which include capacity building, policy advocacy, advisory services, lease awareness campaign, research and publications have stimulated the growth and development of the leasing industry and its contributions to the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of ELAN, Kehinde Lawanson, stated that in recent years for instance, all tiers of government in partnership with private investors have continued to make huge investments in the transport sector. Various mass transit programmes have been established as part of policy initiatives to develop an adequate, safe, efficient and affordable integrated transport system in the coun-

try.

According to the president, the programme is of immense importance to the leasing industry as many lessons are increasing their activities in fleet financing, provision of operating leases and management of fleets for large corporate.

“It is therefore imperative to build a sustainable fleet management structure that would enhance efficiency in fleet service delivery. This would require appropriate knowledge and skills.

Consequently, this conference is organised as part of the response to this need and would set the stage for exchange of ideas for better fleet management practice in Nigeria”, he said.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of C and I

Leasing, Emeka Ndu, stated that vehicle management business in USA in 1945 and the first two companies are Wheels and PHH. It however started in Africa from a joint venture formed between PHH and Nedfin Bank.

Today, he said, it has spread across many companies with many companies and banks doing the business.

Ndu explained that fleet financing can be done in the following ways: Outright purchase option. Hire Purchase option. Finance lease option.

Operating Lease option. Pay as you go option.

He mentioned factors that guide financing decision and this includes: optimisation of cash flow, minimising /optimising tax, company profits, balance sheet consideration, return on investment improvement, financing interest rate, residual value and buy back, cost control, budget control and concentration in core business.

Generally speaking, he said for any company to have a good fleet management, there should be a good VMP (Vehicle Management programme).

His words: “The VMP must be well defined and documented and must be in line with company corporate objective.

“Overall operating cost must be in line with your company budget and the market norms for similar types of vehicles. You must consider both the vehicles and the drivers/users. You must use good and workable vehicle management principles and techniques in each area of vehicle management.

Understand changes in market trend and statistics. The management must be in line with company corporate objective.

Operating lease, fleet management is most appreciated type of fleet financing in Nigeria today. Ndu explained that ownership resides to the leasing company while the vehicles are deployed to organisations with or without drivers according to contract.

According to him, replacement is provided when there is an accident or breakdown while payment is done on monthly basis as agreed in the contract.

Fleet management remains an attractive option for most companies and leasing companies remain the best sources for fleet management The Chief Executive Officer of Fleetcube South Africa, Michael Crankshaw, on his part talked about the core dynamics of fleet management.

He explained that all fleet owners need to develop a clearly defined, comprehensive fleet policy and review regularly to update: “Policy covers personal use, safety, eligibility, replacement guidelines, fuel card use, accident procedures”.

To enhance compliance, he said educate supervisors and drivers on intent and justification of policy changes.

“Contact new employees personally and review policy.

Require new employees to complete an online policy test with a passing grade of 90 per cent”, he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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MoneyWatch Taxation: Under-explored elixir for growth

By Chijioke Nelson ESPITE the alleged and assessed fiscal irresponsibility, rising recurrent expenditure and overheads that have hallmarked the nation’s journey to development, revenue generation is still topping the global chart in order of importance for economic growth.

For most developed economies, their major source of revenues is tax and determined by the broad base of taxable organisations, individuals and goods and services captured in their purview. But, the tax base is critically and deliberately developed to ensure returns in form of tax revenue. This brings to the consideration of these economies how favourable their business clime is; the monetary and fiscal developments, security and incentive schemes that are appropriate and at the right time; and ultimately, adequate information on the implementations of the revenues in to boost confidence in tax payers. how has taxation fared in Nigeria with regards?

A tax expert and administrator at horwath Dafinone, Igho Dafinone, at the induction ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), discussed the topic: “Taxation as a tool for national development.” To him, taxation is the process of the state determining and obtaining the economic resources from the economic entities within its jurisdiction through the passage of and execution of the stipulation set out in legislation.

But, the development aspect of the taxation seems to be a case to ponder about, given the nation’s trademark for poor budget implementation. how can development be measured? Dafinone noted that for the country to lay claim on growth and development through taxation, there must be improvement of the quality of life of the citizens, as measured by the appropriate indices in economic, social, political and environmental terms.

For good taxation systems to aid development, he noted that it will be as efficient as possible to collect in terms of cost per collection, neutral as possible, so that all those in similar situations are subject to the same incidence, achieve where possible the appropriate direction of the economy or social objectives of the state setting out the legislation and be as simple as possible to comprehend and comply with.

D

Dafinone The Federal Government presently harvests tax revenues from Companies Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Personal Income tax (in certain areas), Petroleum Revenue Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Industrial Training Levy, and Internet Taxes, while the state governments reap from the proceeds of Personal Income tax, property rates/land use charges, and the local government gets the market rates, television and other licenses.

But tax revenue as means for national development should be evident in improving the overall conditions as measured by the indices and ensure that the improvement is dispersed as widely as possible, not concentrated in the hands of a few. Perhaps, this is the case that is worth fighting for in Nigeria, especially where those in the political class have risen from “thousanaire” or below the rank, to millionaires and billionaires, with possible chase at becoming “tril-

lionaires”. The situation cannot be denied even as their lifestyles and what is left of the economy are increasingly seen and felt by Nigerians.

The growth and development, if any, should be sustained. It should reduce unemployment by ensuring enabling ground for the development of small businesses and revitalization of moribund companies, while taxation climate should succeed in encouraging investment, not mitigating growth of newer ones and the sustainability of existing ones.

Given the indices and the objectives of government does taxation act as a tool for development? Though there are challenges with respect to the leadership and the implementation of tax revenues appropriately, there are also inherent anomalies in tax administration and processes.

According to Dafinone, the important considerations are the expected incidence and the actual incidence of taxation and the manner in which the laws and regulations are implemented. Given the content of the laws on taxation it would be an important factor in the development of the economy.

Yet, there are issues with the general rules, manner of audit, inability to collect refunds where due, multiplicity of laws, information technology tax, education tax, withholding tax regulations and Value Added Tax. he suggested: “The laws are there, but we need to think and practice taxation with a spirit of fairness to all, while tax legislation needs to be written with recognition that the taxpayer is honest and not with the idea that total discretion is with the board. The appeals process, particularly with the issues on interpretation of law, needs to be conducted in a professional and not adversarial manner. Seeking the ideal rather than just winning the case needs to be the focus.

Presently, CITN has not really undertaken a full review of the tax legislation. CITN needs to be proactive to ensure legislation or regulation meets with the economic needs and not lag too far behind. It is worth noting that the tax rates are lower, the allowances are generous, but why is the system not pro-

moting growth and development? It is due to a perception of unfairness and it is my opinion that the operations of the system that cause the unfairness and remove the value of the incentives to business and economic development, which taxation brings, be removed.

Also, the President of CITN, John Femi Jegede, at the occasion, said that the institute, which was charged with the responsibility of determining what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become a professional Tax Practitioner or Administrator, has churned out professionals and entered into various collaborations with other regional institutes, in an effort to ensure the best for the country in terms of tax administration. he said: “This ceremony, which is the 28th in the series, is in tune with the vision of council towards ensuring that only professionals are admitted into the taxation profession. The role of taxation and its revenue in national development cannot be overemphasized. CITN believes that an economy that is able to sustain its citizens must leverage on tax revenues, which have proved to be the most reliable source of revenue for national development and transformation.

“You are being inducted today to assist Government and taxpayers to plug loopholes and bring into the tax net more individuals. A situation where a negligible percentage of taxable persons actually pay taxes is very disheartening and professionals must rise up to the challenge to ensure Nigeria’s economy is diversified through taxation.

“The Institute is determined more than ever to collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance the manpower capacity of the Nigerian tax system through training and development of the workforce in various organizations and agencies. he expressed hope that the existing mutual co-operation between government at all levels and the institute, would be sustained and go a long way in improving the effectiveness of the various states’ revenue agencies, while at the same time strengthen the confidence of taxpayers in the Nigerian tax system.

Fixing developed economies: Good news for emerging markets?

By Chijioke Nelson, with agency reports hE popular cliché “No man is an Island” is always going without controversy. In reality, the saying has always proved true vis-à-vis a “symbiotic” relationship between the developed and underdeveloped system, advanced markets and emerging ones, made possible by bilateral pacts and international trade facilitations.

But the irony of this relationship is that the underdeveloped and emerging markets have always been on the receiving end when the journey goes sour, sometimes not by deliberate attempt to foist it on the “lesser one” but a case of chronic dependence on the bigger ones. We are talking about the error of omission or commission that transmits cold into underdeveloped countries and emerging markets whenever the developed systems sneeze. In situation like this, the only option is to raise optimism, wish and if possible, contribute to get the advanced world back on feet for everyone to be free from the negative multiplier effect.

The sequence in recent years has been that of transmutation from the global financial crisis to Europe’s recession, and frequent jig-saw patterns of recovery in some developed countries like United States and Japan, among others. Yet, the good news is that they are returning to path of stability again and that seems to be another good news for emerging markets, as the assessed “cold” would soon respond to “medication.”

According to a report put together by the head of Macroeconomic Research at Standard Chartered, John Calverley, scorecard suggests the U.S. has now largely

T

recovered from the 2008 crisis; Japan and the United Kingdom (UK) are behind; and Spain still has a long way to go. The report was primarily focused on progress in balance sheet adjustment and the effectiveness of monetary policy. It is expected that fiscal austerity would ease soon, with U.S. growth above trend in 2014, while other countries follow later. Emerging market countries are also expected to benefit, though faster world growth will bring new challenges too.

It noted that U.S. has already made most of the necessary balance sheet adjustments and has the most effective monetary stimulus. Japan and the UK lag behind, though Japan has boosted monetary policy effectiveness. Spain, included here as it has the largest private-sector imbalances among the euro-area countries, is fourth, held back by slow balance sheet adjustment and high real interest rates.

Developed Market (DM) economic recovery is expected to benefit Emerging Markets, boosting exports and reducing risks for the world economy. But EM currency strength and asset inflation are likely, as DM monetary policy accommodation persists. In the medium-term, EM policy makers will have to carefully manage the DM tightening cycle.

Strong sustained economic recovery after a financial crisis requires both balance sheet adjustment and economic stimulus.

Recovery can also be aided by reforms or other developments, which open up new opportunities for growth.

Implications for emerging countries This is good news, but fresh challenges.

Recovery in the U.S. and in time, Japan and Europe, will be beneficial for most emerg-

Calverley ing countries by boosting exports, supporting commodity prices (helpful for commodity exporters) and reducing tail risks in the world economy. It will also eventually bring a normalisation of interest rates, taking the pressure off countries struggling to deal with buoyant capital inflows and excessively low domestic interest rates.

But a stronger West and Japan will also bring some new challenges and, to the extent that Japan and/or Europe lag behind the U.S., there are other risks.

Monetary policy in the West and Japan will remain highly stimulatory for some time, even as economies strengthen, reflecting the central banks’ determination to make sure of recovery, and to offset fiscal tightening. The combination of stronger world

growth and low international interest rates is particularly liable to stimulate over-exuberance and asset bubbles in emerging markets.

This points to continuing weak DM currencies relative to EM currencies on a tradeweighted basis. For EM economies, this means welcome downward pressure on inflation, but also, for some at least, likely implies a weaker current account position.

Developed countries will be seeking to support growth by generating an improvement in trade.

In the medium term, monetary policy will be tightened and there is no guarantee that the process will be smooth, either for markets or the economy. Asian and other EM countries closely linked to U.S. dollar interest rates will face a potentially sharp rise in interest rates, which may prove disruptive to property markets.

If the U.S. recovers first as we expect, then the Japanese yen and euro may be weak, even as the dollar is strong, taking many EM currencies with it. Countries with strong trading links or in competition with Japan or Europe may face prolonged strains.

Our assessment that Spain s adjustment still has a long way to go highlights the huge challenge still facing peripheral Europe and the consequent ongoing tail risk from Europe. While our central view remains that the euro area will continue to inch towards union in the fiscal, banking and political spheres, this is a long-term project. We expect euro area recovery to kick-in during the second half of 2013, and there are some fundamental improvements in the periphery. But the risk of a political shock remains high, as long as recession/sub-trend growth persists.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

22 MONEYWATCH

Developing, sustaining MSMEs with social, impact investments

By Chijioke Nelson ESIDE profit-making, which is the old theoB ry and constant feature of capitalism, businesses that seek to promote its brand identity, increased patronage and assured continuity are routing for investments and propositions that are customer-friendly, with considerations for the operating environment. They are developing high capacity in social and impact investments.

Organisations in this group are fast becoming attracted to the issues of gender inequality, women development and empowerment, youth development, employment generation among youth, talent and skills development, among other things. To demonstrate further desires at empowering local and high impact entrepreneurs, they are linked with notable locally and internationally acclaimed organisations/associations, with focus on establishing strategic partnerships with entrepreneurship organizations/firms and some foreign foundations with the aim of extending the services that will enable them run a sustainable organisation.

Even the Central Bank of Nigeria recently launched a programme known as the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles. It seemed to be an all-inclusive approach to identifying and handling issues that hitherto, were hidden or neglected by banks, which along the line of their activities become the bane of their very existence. It was indeed, another strategy to strengthen the financial system.

But the questions remain: Is it possible to remain socially responsible and attentive to environmental issues, with rising profit level?

What is the link between organisation’s operations and the environment in which they operate?

Many times, the issues ignored become a disincentive to investments. Environmental and social factors have been identified, with profitmaking becoming secondary presently. How are certain investments/projecst costs determined? Social and impact investments as a strategy to winning corporate and individual support and ensuring survival and success in business operations have been ignored by many organisations and worth emphasising, though many are tuning in to its frequency presently.

RegCharles Finance and Capital Limited and J.K Randle Professional Services signed a deal to audit all the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) being funded by the micro-financing firm at the weekend. The pact, which was part of the company’s moves to entrench a strong risk mitigating strategy, reduce default and ensure proper structure of the SMEs, was also a way of positioning them for larger funding through consistency in business model.

The Managing Director of the company, Peter Damian Mbama, said that the institution is a non-banking financial organization, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide fund and investment management services, credit services, debt and equity solutions, financial and business advisory services and capacity development programmes for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

Mbama noted that the company’s business model was not all about financing, but also empowering small businesses in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, through training, saying that the move to engage auditors for their SMEs-funded organisations was risk mitigating and continuity driven.

He said that having known the challenges of the sector, one of the strategies to overcoming them was to have a world-class audit firm that will provide audit and business assurance services at a low cost to these MSMEs. “JK Randell is the company that believe in our mission and vision of empowering MSMEs and that accepted the challenge.”

Mbama said that the development has given JK Randle the “exclusivity to audit our portfolio accounts, have access to networks and markets of RegCharles throughout the world, made history as a social and impact investment supporter for the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria and afforded our MSMEs the opportunity to have access to a valid audited account statements acceptable to banks, among other benefits.

“We are a renowned social and impact investment firm. We assess the social, economic and environmental impact of transactions and investments before funding any business, hence we focus on training and capacity building for new entrepreneurs, development of rural youth and women, among others.

“We strive to protect the funds provided to us by clients, as well as handle the risks associated with our investments by being of the busi-

Mbama ness. The bane of entrepreneurship is fund diversion and insincerity hence we strive to mitigate the occurrence by being part of the business in totality.

“Our experience has demonstrated that collateral requirements do not guarantee repayment. We consider cash flow and character as the key to the success of the business and the protection of the investments. Hence we have been able to design our risk management models to accommodate these,” he said.

The Chairman of the renowned audit company, Bashorun J.K. Randle, said that the essence of micro-financing is to reduce overheads and mostly, curb defaults, hence the focus is on the real sector development.

“We cannot hold on but commend RegCharles for having the vision and the drive to venture into this sector. We are delighted to be associated with the company and we also identify with its business model and sense of social impact investment capacity.

“Our presence will ensure that the business model is consistently applied. We have been in the business for close to 50 years and have seen it all happen. The problem with small businesses is about consistency and we will do our part to stem it.

“RegCharles is trying to bridge the gap created in the financial system, where banks’ lendings to the small businesses are limited, with various bottlenecks sorrounding the processes. Bu the least we owe the succeeding generation is to prepare a better ground for them,” Randle said.

Though from a humble beginning, Mbama explained that the company has so far invested in 20 MSMEs in various sectors of the economy since inception 10 months ago, while directly and indirectly generated employment of about 300 in the process, with investment of $3 million.

“We are aware of the risks surrounding the MSMEs and other unstructured sectors ranging from funding issues, harsh and unfriendly business environment, multiple and high taxes, parlous infrastructure, lack of collateral, penchant for the business promoter to divert funds, matters of corporate governance, poor business models, poor management skills, among others.

“But MSMEs remain the drivers of growth in any economy, highest employers of labour and enhancement of entrepreneurship. We are not blind to the opportunities, benefits and importance of this sector to the development of every economy. The challenges and risks peculiar to these segments have presented us with the much-desired opportunity to impact positively to these promoters of the segment, he said.

He also explained that CBN is aware of the challenges that MSMEs face in the country and is interested in solving them by creating the non-banking licence that will allow the operators to lend to and develop the segment.

“We are allowed to utilise the financial structures of debt, equity, quasi equity, mezzanine, financial trainings and capacity development programmes to add values to these sectors,” he said.

According to him, JK Randle is projected to audit and advise about 1000 MSMEs in the next one year, which would boost employment as more people will join the company in providing such services, with the opening of offices in many parts of the country to serve MSMEs involved in the value chain.

He said that effective MSMEs will generate employment for young school leavers, as well financed and enhanced ones are expected to employ at least five persons.

In the next one year RegCharles Finance and Capital, through the partnership with JK Randal and the financing of MSMEs, would have directly or indirectly generated close to 10,000 employment for Nigerians by estimation. Then, this is the social and impact investments with positive economic and environmental effects in Nigeria.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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Engen Filling Station: “South African President Thabo Mbeki had also called President Obasanjo and said Engen’s bid was being unfavourably considered”.

The Mogul Hauls In The Cash

By Nasir El Rufai OT all manoeuvres in BPE’s universe were as N covert as the vice- president’s alleged stake in Sadiq Petroleum. When the time came to put National Oil (Nolchem) on the auction block, the attempted bid rigging and kickback schemes could not have been more open.

National Oil was the former Shell Nigeria downstream business in which the government had bought a majority stake though Shell remained technically a partner and shareholder. The first bidding round yielded no actionable prices from our perspective. We cancelled the auction, waited a few months and re-launched the bidding. I do not know what’s so difficult to understand about the concept of an auction, but this time around we had a group of potential buyers who were under the impression that ‘highest price wins’ does not necessarily have to mean that the highest price actually wins.

Engen of South Africa, which was the former Mobil South Africa, pre-qualified, as had Mike Adenuga of Consolidated Oil and another friend of Atiku’s, Chief Igweh, the owner of Bolingo Hotels in Abuja. Shell and a consortium led by

Mr Kola Abiola also submitted bids. When we opened the bids and were writing the evaluation report, President Obasanjo sent for me. He asked what was going on with National Oil, because Shell’s management had come to him complaining that they wanted to buy it back, but we had frustrated them. From Engen’s corner, South African President Thabo Mbeki had also called President Obasanjo and said Engen’s bid was being unfavourably considered.

“Mr President, Sir. Let me explain what is going on.” I said. “This is what Shell wanted to buy the company for and we think it is worth more than that, it is even below our reserve price, which is why we cancelled the bid in the first place. I cannot recall the exact numbers but think Engen was bidding something like 28 naira per share, Bolingo was bidding 34 naira per share and Mike Adenuga was bidding something like 36 naira per share and that was the highest price. This is the deal we’re being offered. We are recommending the highest price for acceptance because all the bidders have submitted sound business plans and so are technically qualified.”

The president waited a moment to

Nasir El Rufai see if I had anything else to say, which I did not. “Ok,” he said finally. “This is what is on the surface. Now tell me what is behind the scenes. Who is behind which company?”

Obasanjo always wanted to know what was happening behind the scenes - he never

entirely believed what was on the table was all there was. I think this was when I had begun to know him a bit better and he also had begun to trust me a bit more. My sense was that he began to realise I was open with every piece of information I had. I did not hide anything because I did not care who won the bid, I just wanted to sell the companies I thought were draining the economy and move on.

“Well, the face behind this company is Bolingo, - Chief Igweh, Atiku’s friend and PDP financier, ConPetro is Mike Adenuga’s and this company is Engen South Africa.”

“Has the vice-president spoken to you in favour of any particular company?”

“Yes, he did. He told me that both former President Ibrahim Babangida and Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, had asked him to intervene in favour of Mike Adenuga, for Consolidated Oil/ConPetro. I had told the vice-president that no one could do anything to influence the outcome, so just to tell Adenuga to submit the highest price that he could pay. There was no other way to cut corners. ConPetro did submit the highest price and we therefore intend to recommend that the company be sold to him.”

Obasanjo appeared satisfied with my explanations.

That is what happened. Everything was all properly done, bids were publicly opened, and the highest bid price won. We signed and sealed the agreement and payments were made. The six-month transitional period embedded in the share sale agreement during which sudden board and manageCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

24 AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT

KICKSTARTER

The Mogul Hauls In The Cash

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 ment changes needed prior BPE approval began. That should have been the end, right?

Wrong. Mike Adenuga had no intention of complying with the transitional provisions regarding board reconstitutions and job security during the period to enable a proper governance audit. He stormed the company’s head office with a detachment of armed mobile policemen like a cowboy, and asked

Editor

El-Rufai’s Memoir And Our Downstream Drag HE Accidental Public Servant(TAPS) , Nasir ElTDirector Rufai’s 627 page Memoir of his tenures as General of the BPE and Minister for the Abuja Capital Territory, is one of the most insightful excursions into how power is wielded and patronage is disbursed at the highest levels of governance in the Fourth Republic.

It’s an important book, perhaps the most significant of all the insiders’ accounts –fiction or non-fiction-of the current dispensation.

Given that our investigative journalism is weak and there is far much more opinion writing per edition of any Nigerian newspaper than hard- nosed reporting, we have to rely on participants themselves to come out and tell the story.

Journalism can solve many of the problems of the country. Extensive, Non-Fictional Narratives welded from first hand data are more valuable in the National Conversation than well written, non-reportorial, opinion pieces.

Fortunately for our purposes, here, ElRufai’s tenure at the BPE (Bureau of Public Enterprises) provides a lot of interesting takes on the oil and gas industry. The most telling are those which have to do with the bids for controlling stakes in what used to be government owned downstream companies.

Our Kickstarter article here, published with the permission of the author himself, is a long excerpt of one of the several passages on the jostle to acquire majority stakes in these Petroleum Marketing Companies.

We have taken the advantage of having such a lead story, to run another reportorial piece that highlights how the forces of demand and supply had greatly contributed to the Banking Crisis of 2009.

So, in a sense, this edition runs contrary to the perception that this fortnightly pull -out is fixated on upstream issues.

The Africa Oil+Gas Report is the primer of the hydrocarbon industry on the continent.

It is the market leader in local contextualizing of global developments and policy issues and is the go-to medium for decision makers, whether they be international corporations or local entrepreneurs, technical enterprises or financing institutions, for useful analyses of Africa’s oil and gas industry.

Published by the Festac News Press Limited since November 2001, AOGR is a monthly, 40 page hardcopy publication delivered to subscribers around the world. Its website remains www.africaoilgasreport.com and the contact email address is info@africaoilgasreport.com. Contact telephone numbers in our West African regional headquarters in Lagos are 2348130733523, 2347062420127, 2348034449079, 234803652979, 2348023902519. Please enjoy what this edition of the Pullout has to offer.

-Toyin Akinosho, Publisher

the managing director, Mr Ojo, to vacate office immediately and leave the building, and also demanded that respected former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, should step down as chairman of the board without the prior knowledge and approval of the NCP. I was away from Nigeria on assignment and was livid on being briefed of these violations of the sale agreement. I therefore directed that the share certificates conclusively evidencing the sale should not be handed over by the BPE to ConPetro, until the Director of Legal Services reviewed the agreement, recommended options for us and appropriate sanctions. That was when the games started!

First, Mike Adenuga sent one of his senior people with an envelope containing cash to Tijjani Abdullahi as his ‘thank you’ and demanded for the share certificates. Tijjani declined both the offer and the request. Then a couple of days before my return to Nigeria, the vice president called Tijjani, over-rode my directives, and instructed him to hand over the share certificates to Mike Adenuga without further delay.

Thirdly, a day after I returned to the office, a BPE deputy director, Charles Osuji came to me to say he had a message from Mike Adenuga - a person I was quite upset with at that point. I was a little surprised because Charles was not working on the NOLCHEM transaction, but on the privatisation of Nigeria Airways. The message he carried was a Zenith Bank account statement with twenty five million naira, then the equivalent of about US$250,000 in an account in some name I did not know.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Well, Mike Adenuga gave this to me to give to you as a ‘thank you gift’ for selling the company to him, so I opened an account to receive the money.” he said.

“I did not sell the company to him,” I replied.

“The federal government sold the company to him and everything was done properly until his violations of the share sale agreement. We all did our job, and that was nothing special.

We do not need anything from him. We are reviewing the agreement to decide on the next steps.” I looked at the bank statement. “Whose name is this?”

“Well I went and opened an account in this bank with a fictitious name. It is to show you that I will transfer the money anywhere you want.”

“No, I do not want anything.” I said. “Charles, you are a nice guy, a good staff, do not get involved in this kind of thing. I will consider this as a first serious infraction and not report to the council, so just go back to Mike, give him his money back, tell him I do not want it, I do not work like that. And advise him not to test our will by violating the share sale agreement again.”

So Charles left. A few days later, he was back.

“Mike said in addition to the money in the account, he wants you to have an additional

one hundred thousand dollars in cash.

He thought the amount will now be adequate.”

Charles said.

Furthermore, Mike had apparently given him the $100,000 in cash, and it was sitting right outside in his car parked downstairs.

I was supposed to go with him and collect it.

“Charles, you are not listening. Did not you understand what I said to you? Take back the money. If you do not take back the money, I will have to report this first to the privatisation council and you will be fired. You will lose your job, and possibly, be prosecuted as well.”

“You can’t do that to me, Sir. I am trying to help you. You have nothing. Since you came here, what have you got?”

I shook my head.

“I do not need anything. Did you think I came here because I needed something? I am here voluntarily to work, not to collect bribes. Who appointed you the custodian of my interests?

Did I ask you to do this?”

“No, but it is my duty as your staff to look after your interests because you are being foolish.”

I may be naive, but till today, I believe that Charles believed he was doing the right thing, and probably thought he meant well for me.

“Look, thank you very much, take back the $100,000 and give him back his 25 million naira and bring me zero balance in this account you have showed me so that I know he has got his money back.”

“Ok sir, but Sir, you are making a mistake.

Nigeria is not worth suffering for.”

“Just do it and come back quickly.”

The next day Charles came back.

“Mike said he will not take the money back and

that I should tell you that the vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, was consulted before offering you this gift.”

As chair of the privatisation council, the vicepresident was my boss.

“Really?” I said.

“Yes.” “Tell him I still do not want his money. Bring me the zero balance tomorrow.”

I then went to the vice-president’s office and told him the story. At the end, I said, “Now, I have just been told today - I was going to report this to you if he did not do what I said. I am keeping it under wraps because I think I can handle it. So I am giving him a chance to just get out of this and we will retain his services, which is why I have not yet reported it formally to you and the council. I have just been told that Mike Adenuga had your prior consent to offer this money. Is this what you are doing? Your administration is verbally fighting corruption and encouraging this kind of offers?”

The vice-president appeared shocked. “Nasir, he is lying. It is not true.”

“Well, Mike sent Osuji to tell me that you knew about the cash offer.”

So he picked up his land-line phone and said, “Get me Mike Adenuga.” On getting a connection, he put Mike on speaker phone.

“Mike, how are you? Did we ever discuss Nasir El-Rufai with you?”

“Yes sir,” said Adenuga through the speaker.

“And what did I tell you?” asked the vice-president.

“Sir, you told me he is a straightforward person and that I should not try to give him any money or try to thank him in any way.”

“So why did you send him money even though I told you not to?”

“I am sorry sir. I just thought they did a good job and I ought to thank him as the leader of BPE. I am sorry sir.”

The vice-president hung up the phone, turned to me and asked, “Now do you believe that I told him to do it?”

“Well sir, what do we do now?”

“Well, Charles must be fired immediately. You should bring a memo immediately to approve his disengagement.”

Charles was a deputy director, so I could not fire him; I had to bring a request showing cause to the council to authorise his firing. The vice-president said, “Bring it, I will approve as chairman of the council and the council in full session will ratify it at the next plenary session.

He has got to go, this conduct is not acceptable in a privatisation agency.” As instructed, Mrs Modupe AbiodunWright took all the steps leading to drafting the memo for VP’s approval and Osuji’s appointment was terminated.

Excerpted from The Accidental Public Servant, By Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, published 2013 by Safari Books Ltd, Ibadan.

The Downstream Drag How Petroleum Marketers drowned Nigerian banks in debt.

N mid August 2009, the Central IChief Bank Of Nigeria sacked the Executives of five local banks for their exposure to huge, unserviceable portfolio of loans. The industry that came up most prominently for leading the banks into bad debts was Petroleum, specifically, the downstream sector of the industry, where a rash of investment in 2008, got stuck between the great crude oil price crash, risk intelligence of the banks and choice of investment and lifestyle spending portfolio of the debtor companies and their principals.

The Central Bank’s report said that “the five banks have a total loan portfolio of $18.7 billion (or 2.9 trillion naira), made up of $2.95billion (or 456.28 billion naira) margin loans; $3. 142(or 487.02 billion naira) exposure to oil and gas sector; while aggregate non-performing loans have hit $7.742billion (or 1.2 trillion naira) with net guarantee interbank taking

grossing up to $824 million (or 127.8 billion naira).

Note: the dollar values are all referenced to August 2009 Naira: Dollar Exchange.

Of the 212 nonperforming loans published by the Central Bank. oil and gas companies were responsible for 40 or 18%. Two such companies both in the petroleum product business show up on the list of three banks, each loan in excess of $13 million (or 2billion naira).

Nigerian banks largely ignore giving loans for upstream and midstream activity, so with the exception of one oilfield project by Midwestern E&P company, a fertilizer facility construction by Notore, a company which was yet to deliver one ton of output at the time, Rockson Engineering, a gas to wire facility contractor caught in the throes of delay in power project as well as Ascot, an upstream engineering contractor linked to James Ibori, a former governor facing corruption charges in the UK, the monies exposed to the oil and gas sector were largely located in petroleum

product importation, tank farm construction, jetty building, tanker and truck purchase.

The Intercontinental Bank, whose CEO was dismissed for superintending $1.36billion (or 2l0Billion naira)worth of non performing loans as of May 31, 2009, fingered the country’s downstream companies, as culpable for much of its bad debt: “The current government’s policy of deregulation of

Nigeria effected partial deregulation of much of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry in 2001, allowing investors free rein in purchasing supply and pricing of AGO, DPK, Aviation Fuel, Diesel. Since then, there has been significant growth in the enterprise around the sector.

the oil sector”, it wrote to the (then)Nigerian president, Umaru Yar’adua, “with its add-on effect on the distribution and sale of petroleum products, the financial outlay required is so vast that there cannot be sufficient security to collaterize such credit facilities, which run into several billions of naira, given the turn around time, to insist on the provision of adequate security as financial prudence dictates, will amount to refusing the facility, with the implication of indirectly derailing government vision and policies.”

Six petroleum marketers were listed as owing $206 million dollars(or 32 billion naira) of non performing loans.

The local press had criticized the government for helping to create the problem by the failure to pay importers of gasoline the subsidy it owes them. The truth is, there’s far more to this crisis than payment to importers.

Nigeria effected partial deregulation of much of the downstream CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

25

CompuLife Poor telecoms services may persist, operators explain challenges Despite promises of improvement in quality of service (QoS) by operators in the telecommunications sector of the economy, the reverse seems to be the case going by a recent national survey by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on QoS, which suggest a huge gap in consumer expectations and satisfaction. ADEYEMI ADEPETUN, in this report, tries to x-ray the phenomenon as it affects the sector. Excerpts ELLO! Hello!!, oh! My God!, this call has “H dropped again”, exclaimed Olu Bolaji, a subscriber to one of the networks.

This is one of the numerous complaints of subscribers who, most of the time, regard the difference among the telecoms operators as the difference between six and half a dozen.

And to some extent, the porting phenomenon, which attracted a lot of frenzy at the time of launch seems not to elicit any change in subscribers opinion through porting, going by feelers from the operators themselves.

To underscore this position, the regulatory body in the sector, NCC has come up with a report on a nationwide survey, which depicts the agony of an average subscriber in the sector.

That telecommunications subscribers are faced with challenges daily in putting a call through from one point to another is no more news in Nigeria. It has practically become the order of the day, even after 12 years of telecoms revolution. In fact, one is at risk of repeating himself and sounding like a broken record.

But, consumers may still need to exercise a little more patient because the challenge may remain for a while, going by latest study.

It must however, be said that these challenges are not limited to Nigeria alone; other climes too have their own share of bad telephone services.

Indeed, in Nigeria, telecommunications subscribers daily grapple with surge in unconnected calls; drop calls; unsolicited text messages among others.

The latest industry data put Nigeria’s active telephone lines at 117 million, the telecommunications sector installed capacity grew by 10.7 million in March, moving from 226.6 million in February to 237.4 million.

The sector also recorded slight telephone penetration in March. The teledensity moved from 83.2 per cent to 83.7 per cent in March.

Indeed the NCC’s nationwide survey tried to understand consumers’ perception of quality of service, which it also sought to use in building an effective consumer satisfaction index that will aid the continuous monitoring of customers satisfaction and quality of service and improve Nigerian service providers’ effort to meet consumers’ expectation in the future.

Titled “Nigeria (Telecoms) Consumer Satisfaction Survey”, the study was implemented by the NCC’s Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) through the NCC Consumer Satisfaction Survey (NCC CSS) Team, comprising the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), Decision Support Consulting Limited, Telecom Advisory Services (TAS) Limited and Seals Consultants Limited.

In the study, 50, 000 respondents were sampled from the six geo-political zones and the Federal capital Territory, Abuja, but 47, 881 respondents data were subsequently analysed after erroneously-filled questionnaires had been filtered.

In the study, respondents were asked a range of questions about their use of services, including questions about the quality of services, their experiences when accessing services and the reliability of those services they did use.

The study, thus, revealed a number of findings which strongly confirm the current poor quality of service and inability of the operators to meet consumer expectations in service delivery.

For voice services, the study showed that the quality of off-net calls was poorer than the quality of on-net calls, and the quality of calls to fixed line networks was even poorer.

According to the study, most subscribers complained about the poor reliability of telecoms networks, as 51 per cent of then regarded getting

Juwah cut off during a call as the most common network reliability issue with, while 11 per cent said it happened often.

Also, for mobile and fixed lines, 65 per cent of respondents reported having to dial twice or more to get through, as poor signal was regarded as the most common network problem.

According to the study, 25 per cent reported having to dial more than three times while unsolicited SMS messages (spam) are a problem, with 77 per cent of respondents saying they did receive unsolicited messages constantly.

Problems of spam and being unable to send an SMS were felt most acutely in the South-South Zone, where 46 per cent of respondents said they often received unsolicited SMS, compared to 24 per cent for the whole sample.

The study stated that 19 per cent of those in the South-South said they were often unable to send an SMS, compared to 11 per cent for the whole sample.

In the same vein, 28 per cent of mobile users use their phone to access information and Value Added Services (VAS) but 88 per cent of VAS users encountered some difficulties accessing the services.

On the other hand, analysis of Internet users’ responses indicates that views on service availability and getting cut off were similar.

According to the study, though around 10 per cent of users said they often or almost always experienced difficulties, 50 per cent of respondents said they ‘sometimes’ experienced problems.

“73 per cent Internet users reported having to log-in more than once before successfully getting online. Perceptions on Internet speeds were balanced; 41per cent of respondents felt the speed of their Internet connection was fast or very fast, but 44 per cent felt it was slow or very slow,” the study reported.

The study also found that 60 per cent of Internet users had made voice calls on the Internet, and 59 per cent had streamed video over the Internet. “Overall, the balance of views on the quality of Internet calling and streaming was positive,” the study said.

On complaints handling, the study revealed that, “Most complaints concerned charging, billing and the recharging of pre-paid accounts.” It also found that 90 per cent of these usually lodged complaints by phone.

However, “The time taken to answer a call and the time taken to resolve complaints were the most criticised aspects of complaints handling processes, closely followed by how long call centre staff took to answer calls.”

The study also revealed Nigerians’ views on whether they were charged correctly for the

Goodluck services they used. They were also asked whether what they were charged aligned with the rates advertised by service providers. Mobile users were also asked questions about the recharge services they use.

Consequently, the study showed that, “Two thirds of mobile users had positive views on the correctness of charges for calls. Only 26 per cent agreed that rates they charged actually aligned with those advertised by service providers while another 71 per cent of mobile users gave a positive rating for the accuracy of charging for SMS they send.”

Meanwhile, findings by this latest study confirm the current hues and cries that have rented the air concerning the intermittent and unsatisfactory telecoms services offered by the operators to their subscribers, which are a far cry from consumer expectation.

At a post event interview, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, confirmed that there had been serious shortfalls in the quality of service within the last few months.

“The Commission has got few complaints about drop in the quality of service in the last few days. But you are also aware that we just lifted the ban on promos. So we are monitoring all that to know what the challenge really is.”

Telecoms experts are of the opinion that except urgent measures are taken to address this trend, poor telephone services may persist for a while.

In an interview with The Guardian, the Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo noted that the declaration of state of emergency, which was needed to check some security lapses, has in one way or the other affected telecommunications services, not only in the north but across the country.

Adebayo said because Nigeria operates a national network, coupled with restricted access in some northern parts of the country, telephone services have been affected.

“You will agree with me that security has been a major challenge of late in the country. We appreciated the declaration of State of Emergency, but operators have suffered significant losses.

We have lost several sites to bombings. Worst is that efforts to restore some sites back to functional status has been difficult because of restricted access, even where there is no state of emergency, security situation is a challenge and these services are interlinked.”

The ALTON boss, who said the body prays for quick return of things to normalcy in the country, urged the federal government to provide relief for operators after the state of emergency status might have been lifted.

“There is no insurance against terrorism. We have lost several base stations to bombings; human capacities have also been restricted. We hoped that government will provide relief to operators after the present situation.

“It is pretty difficult to put figure to what operators have lost, but all I can say is that they have lost several millions of naira. The challenge has made things difficult and has impacted negatively on service offerings from these operators.

There are combinations of networks in an area and when one is affected, others are bound to be touched.”

Adebayo, an engineer, also lamented that there has been huge fibre cuts, especially from the affected areas, stressing that this has increased the pressure on the networks. He urged the federal government to put the Critical National Infrastructure status on all telecommunications infrastructure in the country, saying that this will reduce damage been done to the infrastructure.

According to him, the issue of fibre cuts, incessant closures of BTS by government agencies, Local governments and issue of multiple taxations must be resolved if services must improved significantly.

Sharing the ALTON’s boss views, MTN Nigeria’s Corporate Service Executive, Akinwale Goodluck on Monday said QoS challenges remain an industry issue, stressing that the challenge has impacted on the market and network across Africa.

Goodluck said the customer wants value for money; seeks good telephone coverage and be respected.

“The industry is not happy about the present situation, but we are working with the regulator to improve on this. We believe that we need to build networks, but there is capacity challenge. The challenge of infrastructure is also there. We need government assistance to enable us roll-out services. Multiple taxation is also a challenge. The state of emergency has also impacted on our roll out of services in those areas.

“We are also calling for the passage of the Critical National Infrastructure bill on telecoms infrastructure. Our believe is that that will deter vandals from damaging our infrastructure”, Goodluck stated.

Reports have it that about 150 base stations destroyed by insurgents in the northern parts of the country are yet to be restored because of the volatile nature of the region, The Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Steve Evans Steven Evans said that 30 of its sites in some part of north were destroyed, stressing that this directly and indirectly affects about 70 BTS in other parts within the region.

26

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Govt targets 80% 3G penetration by 2018

By Adeyemi Adepetun S part of effort aimed at making Nigeria a leading economy A by 2020, the Federal Government may be targeting an 80 per cent growth penetration in Nigeria’s 3G telecommunications services by 2018.

ThreeG (3G), short for third Generation, is the third generation of mobile telecommunications technology. ThreeG telecommunication networks support services that provide an information transfer rate of at least 200 kbit/s.

Indeed, the realisation of this objective would be based on the implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Broadband in its 109 page document titled: “Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2013-2018” recently submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to the Presidential Committee on Broadband, 3G services would be powered by ubiquitous broadband facilities, stressing that broadband is an essential infrastructure of the 21st century, which enables access to business and job opportunities, improves healthcare, education and government services, and facilitates social interactions.

Though, the committee said government recognises that it is now imperative that a broadband strategy and roadmap be developed to properly articulate how Nigeria will achieve the targets and aspirations of the broadband policy in the country, it pointed out that the Federal Government should promote the rapid establishment of recovery agreements and the delivery of additional cable landing points to other coastal states such as Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Ondo as soon as possible.

According to the committee headed by former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the need for additional cable landing points is necessary in Nigeria because already, there are an appreciable number of submarine cables landing on the shores of the country providing over 9 Tbit/s of combined capacity.

“However there is concern about the fact that all the landings are in Lagos and that access to other parts of the country is choked due to the limitations of distribution infrastructure to the rest of the country.

“For National Security and resilience purposes, it is considered critical that these cable companies all have demonstrable recov-

Mobile phone sales to hit 1.86b in 2013 on strong smartphone growth VER 6.6 billion mobile phones will be in use by the end of O 2017, according to CCS Insight’s new market forecast, published on Monday, stressing that two thirds of them will be smartphones, up from less than 25 percent in 2012.

The report noted that in the first three months of 2013, smartphone shipments exceeded those of non-smartphones for the first time ever.

According to it, sales of smartphones have been helped by new, cheaper devices especially, but not only, in emerging markets.

The mobile and media analyst firm expects 1.86 billion mobile phones to be shipped in 2013, of which 53 per cent will be smartphones.

The blisteringly fast growth of smartphones in Western Europe and North America will see penetration levels approaching saturation point in these markets within three years. More than 50 per cent of the mobile phones in use in these regions are already smartphones.

CCS Insight predicts this figure will grow to more LG NEXUS 4 than 80 per cent in 2015. Beyond 2015, much of the growth will come from emerging markets.

At the same time, sales of tablets are rising at a staggering rate.

Altogether, global shipments of smart mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) will increase 2.5 times between 2012 and 2017, to reach 2.1 billion units. CCS Insight predicts that by 2017

the combined number of mobile phones and tablets in use will exceed the world’s population.

Despite the strong growth there’s no room for complacency.

Even dominant operating systems like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android will face challenges.

Director of Forecasting at CCS Insight, Marina Koytcheva, comments: “Having defined the modern smartphone era, Apple is struggling to keep up with overall smartphone market growth, particularly as that growth shifts toward emerging markets. Apple will have to choose between sustaining its profit margin and holding onto market share.”

Koytcheva continues: “Android on the other hand is highly dependent on Samsung. As profit margins are squeezed Google will need to ensure Android remains a viable choice for other phonemakers.”

CCS Insight points out that competition won’t stand still either. Koytcheva said: “Microsoft desperately needs to make an impact in smartphones as the PC market shows no sign of leaving the doldrums. Similarly, BlackBerry seems determined to remain a relevant competitor. And let’s not forget new upstarts like Tizen, Firefox OS, Sailfish OS, BaiduYi and Aliyun, which are all hustling to grab a share of this lucrative market.”

ery and restoration agreements with each other, and that the cable systems are extended to other coastal regions or states.

This will help to further accelerate the expansion and distribution of the currently underutilised bandwidth to the rest of the country.”

In terms of a national backbone fibre optic infrastructure, the committee discovered that most long distance carriers have amongst themselves fibre presence in all the 36 states and the FCT, stressing that findings also indicated that while many routes in the country still do not have fibre coverage, there exists a proliferation of fibre along some routes.

The committee, which is co-chaired by Visafone Communications Limited Chairman, Jim Ovia, noted that the cables on the routes that have multiple fibre installations are mostly not interconnected to offer the required redundancy to promote network resilience.

“While islands of fibre infrastructure may be good for some of the operators, it is definitely not good for the nation as it does not engender a truly national network.

“The government shall therefore promote a seamless interconnectivity regime and an Open Access Infrastructure sharing agreement among operators.

“Wireless technology is the primary delivery medium for broadband in Nigeria. The licensing, rollout and upgrade of Mobile networks based on 2.5G (GPRS), EDGE, UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, HSUPA, HSDPA and CDMA EV-DO technologies, as well as, the introduction of smartphones and other smart mobile devices with seamless capability to connect the internet have been responsible for the current growth in internet access and usage recorded in Nigeria.

“This trend will receive further boost with the wider rollout of 3G across the country, making it possible for many subscribers to access broadband Internet using their mobile devices.”

Asus rated third in global tablet market ERSONAL Computer and tablet manufacturer, Asus, has P risen to the third spot of worldwide tablets sales in the first quarter of 2013.

Asus shipped 2.7 million units compared to just over 700,000 units in the same period last year; thanks to its Android based Nexus 7, which has achieved over five million in sales, the firm said on Monday.

This was helped in part by Android being the most favoured operating system amongst consumers with 27.8 million units shipped. The growing appetite for tablets has also been a factor with the market growing 142 per cent year over year in the last three months.

Asus jumped to third position beating out Amazon the makers of the kindle fire and grabbing a 5.5 per cent market share.

COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Experts canvass ISPs, users’ migration to IPv6

By Adeyemi Adepetun XPERTS at the 2013 edition of the Nigeria IPv6 Roundtable have stressed the need for Nigerian Internet consumers to port their services to only Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which are IPv6 compliant.

This step they argued would fast-track Nigeria’s practical migration to IPv6 from IPv4, which has since been exhausted, according to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

Noteworthy is that Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) is the fourth revision in the development of the Internet Protocol (IP).

Speakers at the event, organised by DigitalSENSE Africa Media and Internet Society Nigeria chapter in Lagos, agreed that it’s high time Nigerian Internet users made this demand on ISPs and device manufacturers in the country to ensure that mobile devices coming into Nigeria are made with IPv6 specification.

Some of the speakers at the Roundtable with the theme “IPv6 and Mobile Services in Nigeria,” presided over by pioneer DotNG administrator, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, represented by Mrs. Blessing Korie; the Chief Executive Officer, Phase3 Telecom, Mr. Stanley Jegede, who was represented by the Head, Information Systems at Phase3, Mr. Benedict Obaro Othello; the ISOC officer, Mr. John Otueneh who stood in for president of ISOC Nigeria, Giandomenico Massari; Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSENSE Africa (DSA) Media, Mrs. Nkemdilim Nweke; Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) Mr. Ope Odusan, among others.

E

Laying the foundation for the Roundtable, which was in commemoration of the World IPv6 Day, Mrs. Nweke said that the theme was drawn based on the fact that Nigerians are not demand services based on IPv6 evolution, noting that before now, IPv4 had since 2011 ran out based on information available by the issuing agency for Internet Protocols (IP), that is the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). She noted that the need to migrate to IPv6 cannot be over emphasized because with the growing numbers of smart devices, Internet users, mostly in Nigeria would need to maximise the increase clamour for deployment of broadband in the country.

“The need to deploy IPv6 is imminent and we cannot but follow now as the world will not be waiting for us besides, Nigerians should be positioned to be able to compete globally,” she asserted.

In her welcome remark, the chairperson represented by Mrs. Blessing Korie, commended the organisers and urged Nigerians to make personal effort at being part of the evolution, especially on IPv6 migration and join on the campaign to get Nigeria move forward technologically.

John Otunte Otueneh of ISOC Nigeria chapter said Nigeria needs to be proactive on global issues bearing in mind some administration setback that may come locally, adding that when IPv4 was running out the global authorities including ISOC sprang into actions, working and asking questions on the survival of the system once the IPv4 is exhausted, hence the IPv6.

BuyCommonThings.com becomes Gloo.ng

By Adeyemi Adepetun OR improved visibility, customer satisfaction and brand identity, BuyCommonThings.com, an online supermarket in Nigeria, has rebranded and adopts Gloo.ng as its new name.

Launched last October, BuyCommonThings.com has positioned itself strategically not only to help customers save time, needless stress and valuable money off their regular shopping for groceries and living essentials, the firm said with the this rebranding, is realigning its core message to the community-atlarge not yet familiar with its service, which is to enrich customers lives with happiness by virtue of the time, stress, energy and money saved from the rigorous act of shopping. According to the Chief Executive Officer, Gloo.ng, Dr. Olumide Olusanya, said the online firm was determined to boost customer experience in online shopping and to give customer, a smarter platform that is convenient and easy to remember and easy to log on to at any time.

“The service had since its initial commercial launch in October last year, expanded beyond our imagination as more people do online shopping during the week than at weekends. Instead of waiting till weekend to do shopping, most people now prefer to do their shopping online and set aside weekend for rest and to attend to social engagements, while others use their weekends to attend to their children homework and to stay with the family,” Olusanya said, adding that it is for this reason that the online firm decided to rebrand and redesign its website in order to meet the increasing demand of customers. “Gloo.ng is Nigeria’s biggest online supermarket, known for dependable and legendary service, with the shortest average order-to-doorstep time in the entire industry. It offers everyday low prices on all items, 100 per cent free same day delivery, from the widest selection of supermarket goods online in Nigeria. We do not sell groceries,

but we sell happiness,” he said.

Gloo.ng has also been rated as one of the 20 important African startups to watch by Mashable.com.

The firm was rated number four in Africa, even ahead of notable faces in Nigeria, including Konga.com and Jumia.com.

Olusanya said the new www.gloo.ng website, will highlight the company’s core benefit of simplifying customers’ lives by further simplifying its layout and making it easier and more efficient for customers to get on with the business they came to do on the site. “The redesigned logo and website will showcase a fresh look for the service and utilise a responsive and easy-to-navigate design,” Olusanya added.

Olusanya also said, “Gloo.ng, Nigeria’s online supermarket has become known for dependable and legendary service with the shortest average order-to-doorstep time in the entire industry; everyday low prices; 100 per cent free same-day delivery; and wide selection of supermarket goods online in Nigeria. We don’t sell groceries. We sell happiness.

A Lagos based customer, Mrs. Funmi Kuti, was quoted as saying“Thanks for making my shopping easier and cheap considering how women price things in the market. Bringing my groceries to my doorstep the same-day is the wow! of the deal.”

The CEO stressed that Gloo.ng’s mission is to change the way Nigerians shop for groceries and living essentials – the same way Amazon changed the way the United States shops for books.

Slot Systems explains issues in mobile devices warranty

Commission (NCC) and Chairman, Openmedia Communications Ltd, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, has been named the chairman of the 2013 Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF), scheduled to hold in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

This is coming as the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has been slated to declare the forum officially open as a special guest.

The convener and president of Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Mrs. Mary Uduma, made these disclosures and said that the second of the forum comes up on June 18, 2013 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District in the FCT, with the theme: ‘Internet Governance for Empowerment, National Integration & Security through Multi-stakeholders’ Engagement.’

Dr. Ndukwe, she recalled was the former boss of NCC and was chosen because of his selfless contributions towards the development of broadband in the country.

Just as Communications Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, has been confirmed as a special guest and would officially open the forum for the Nigeria Internet community.

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better customer relationship, mobile phone distributor, Fto OR Slot Systems Limited, has organised an awareness campaign enable consumers maximise benefits of mobile devices warranties.

Free Online Dictionary defines warranty as guarantee given to the purchaser by a company, stating that a product is reliable and free from known defects and that the seller will, without charge, repair or replace defective parts within a given time limit and under certain conditions.

Speaking at a sensitisation forum in Lagos, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Slot Systems Limited, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo, said although consumers in Nigeria, especially mobile devices consumers, now know their rights and appreciate quality products, there are still a greater percentage who are yet to understand rudiments in warranty and therefore fail to maximise opportunities attached or abuse the process.

Ezeigbo explained that warranty could become effective based on either factory or user’s faults, adding that factory faults are replaceable, “if the devices come being within the specified warranty period without physical damages or any evidence of having being dropped, shock or liquid penetration.

He disclosed that there are indeed, two categories of factory faults: hardware and software.

According to him, “user’s fault occurs when devices are subjected to any of the conditions mentioned above. In such cases, the user is expected to pay for the replacement of the faulty parts. This applies to devices that are still within the specified warranty period.”

Ezeigbo said there was no better time to educate consumers in Nigeria than now, particularly with the growing number of mobile devices in the market and users.

The Slot boss added that his company finds it imperative and has partnered with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Blackberry, Samsung, Nokia, etc., and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to lead the awareness campaign.

The Slot’s CEO, who disclosed that the company plans to open customer care units in its over 30 experience centres across the country, added “one of the critical success factors or our company is the ability to add value to our products as we realize that consumer is the king.”

Johnson, Ndukwe for Internet governance forum HE former Chief Executive T of the Nigerian Communications

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British Council donates digital lab to Lagos school RITISH Council in partnership with Microsoft has donated B digital hubs to two of Lagos public secondary schools in the state.

The schools are Ojota Senior Secondary School and Oregun Senior High School, Ikeja.

Speaking at the commissioning of the digital hubs, British Council Country Director, David Higgs, said Africa has now become the biggest place for technology growth, stressing that there is need for appreciable level of investment to put things in proper perspective.

Higgs said for Nigeria and indeed Africa to move up the ladder of strong economies, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) must be embraced and fully explored positively.

According to him, the youths must be encouraged to take interest in ICT, stressing that since the youths are leaders of the future, technology is an important tool for the future.

Samsung’s launches UHD TV in Nigeria

By Bankole Orimisan LOBAL mobile and electronics manufacturer, Samsung Electronics West Africa, has introduced its latest super-sized Ultra High Definition TV, the S9, into the Nigerian market.

The product was presented to the public in Victoria Island, Lagos last Thursday, at an elaborate event.

Housed within a minimal, freestanding metal frame that allows it to rotate freely and appear to float in mid-air, the 85inch S9 is the world’s largest Ultra High Definition TV and offers four times the pixels available on other smart TVs in the market, the firm said in a statement last Friday.

The product is already on sale at Samsung stores and accredited dealers nationwide.

Building on Samsung’s Smart TV platform leadership, the S9 offers a blend of technology and craftsmanship to deliver greater detail, unmatched clarity and an immersive and vivid picture quality to viewers, the firm added.

The TV also provides an audio experience to match its screen size, with a quad-core processor and an array of 120-watt speakers seamlessly built into the frame of the television, which, according to Samsung, offers an audio experience that is six times better than that of standard television sets.

Speaking at the formal unveiling, the Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, reiterated Samsung’s goal of creating new experiences for its consumers through its deep understanding of consumers’ lives and its relentless pursuit of discovery and innovation.

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SPORTS | 35

Ahead 2014 World Cup Qualifiers

Frustrate Namibia’s game plan, Okoku charges Eagles

By Olalekan Okusan S Nigeria’s Super Eagles file A out against their Namibia counterpart in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers tomorrow in Windhoek, Flying Eagles former star, Paul Okoku, has charged the team to diffuse the game plan of the Namibians.

Okoku, an optimist of the team said, he is sure the Coach Stephen Keshi-tutored side would triumph in the match.

“Of course victory all the way for Eagles. I would like to see an emotionally charged Super Eagles to come out smoking and play with zest. It is my hope to expect Nigeria to score more than a goal and to achieve this, they have to adhere to fundamentals, dictate and control the tempo of the game as well as keep quality possessions of the ball.

They must also avoid making costly mistakes and exploit their opponent’s miscalculations by converting it to goals on every scoring opportunity,” he said.

He, however, said, “this is not to underrate their opponent because Namibia will definitely have a game plan to beat the Super Eagles. Super Eagles will have to device a strategy of keep punching them in the mouth to submission and to disorient their plan. In this instance, the momentum is on their side from their win over Kenya and they will need

to sustain that to have a chance of defeating Namibia.”

“Nevertheless, again, to reiterate my expectation, it is nothing less than victory. All the same, I will settle for a draw over a defeat. Though, I am cautiously optimistic because I don’t know much about the Namibians but we are African Champions and any team we meet will try to beat us, if only to boost their ego. Consequently, the team

had better play like the champions we are by playing to instructions within the realm of a team concept. As the team’s leader by default, Mikel Obi must make his presence felt by the Namibians and rally his teammates for the enormity of the match,” he added.

For Okoku, the team has impressed him, but said the team must continue to work hard to win the confidence of the fans.

Mba, Bassey get World Cup duties S the Super Eagles battle A Namibia today for a place in the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers in the Africa zone, FIFA has also appointed Nigerians in various capacities to handle matches across the continent.

Consultant to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on refereeing matters and FIFA Technical Adviser on refereeing, Linus Mba, is off to Gabon as Referees’ Assessor for the match between Gabon and Niger on Saturday.

The referees are from Mozambique, led by Samuel Chirinda. The match is scheduled for Franceville.

Austin Akosa has left for Libya as match commissioner for the match involving Libya and Togo in Group I. The match was originally scheduled for Benghazi but has

•As Glo charges Eagles to go for victory been rescheduled to Tripoli on the advice of Bolaji Ojo-Oba who is the FIFA security officer for the match.

Another Nigerian, Paul Bassey, is on his way to Malabo as FIFA match commissioner for the explosive Group B tie involving Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia. A must win match for Equatorial Guinea, who are trailing with four points to Tunisia’s 10.

Meanwhile, telecommunications company, Globacom, has advised the Super Eagles to go for the three points when they clash with the Brave Warriors of Namibia in their World Cup 2014 qualifier in Windhoek today.

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MaritimeWatch Govt explains NPA’s rehabilitation projects at ports

Jonathan

Idris Umar

By Moses Ebosele NGOING rehabilitation of various projects within the Eastern Ports by the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) has attained between 38 per cent and 70 per cent completion rate.

Specifically, the rehabilitation of Julius Berger Terminal ‘C’ old Port Warri, Delta State and rehabilitation of Rivers Port Complex road network and water supply is currently at between 60 per cent and 70 per cent completion respectively.

According to the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, rehabilitation of AMS Terminal ‘B’, old Port, Warri Delta State is in progress with completion rate of 38 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

Giving details of what he describedas“Mid-termachievements of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan”, recently, Umar explained that projects within the Western Ports are either completed or were at between 42 per cent and

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92 per cent completion rate.

Completed projects according to the minister are rehabilitation of Lagos Harbour Moles, rehabilitation of Tin Can Island Port (Quay Wall & Apron), remedial Works for Tin Can Island Services Lane, Apapa, Lagos and rehabilitation of Apapa Port railway network.

Explaining further, Umar said projects under construction within the Western Ports are rehabilitation and expansion of NPA headquarters building in Marina, Lagos (42 per cent completed) and construction of 1.6 kilometre dual carriageway within Lagos Port Complex (92 per cent completed).

According to Umar, NPA has stepped up its monitoring and evaluation mechanism of terminal operators, adding that it has commenced issuance of identity cards to various categories of port users “in order to effectively monitor movements within the ports”.

The development, Umar explained is part of measures aimed at achieving 48 hours

clearance procedure at the ports.

Hesaidsecurityboatstobeused by the Navy has been acquired for Lagos Ports by NPA while “procurement process for command, communication control and intelligence centre for all ports including upgrading of signal stations is also in progress.”

Meanwhile,Umarsaidthereare 13 tug boats and 10 pilots cutters in use in the Lagos, Warri, Port

Habib Abdulahi Harcourt and Calabar Ports.

“Procurement of two additional state-of-the-art tug boats and two pilot cutters for safer navigation to complement the existing ones which amongst others have slightly improved the Turn Around Time (TAT),” said Umar.

Making reference to steps being taken to achieve the 48 hoursclearance,Umarsaidthe number of agencies have been streamlined from 14 to seven

following the approval of the President.

Other measures, according to the Minister include: *Removal of over time containersinthePortsincollaboration with the Presidential Committee on Ports Decongestion, to create space for throughput; *24 hours port operations by the NPA and the Concessionaires (Port Operators);

*NIMASA has commenced 24 hours operations at the ports *Stepped-up traffic management to enhance human and vehicular movements within and outside the Sea Ports.

To enhance security and in line with provisions of the International Ships and Ports Facilities Security (ISPS) Code, Western Ports of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA),recently fortified security around its complex.

Stakeholders strategise on implementation of ISPS code

By Tosin Fodeke IGERIAN Maritime N Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the United States of America, and stakeholders in the maritime sector has taken steps towards implementing the International Ship And Ports Security Code (ISPS).

The moves comes sequel to the United States

Government’s issuance of an ultimatum for Nigeria to improve on its ports security system within 90 days or face the stoppage of sail of vessels to Nigeria.

At a stakeholder’s conference for ISPS Code implementation, Director General, NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, said that the is now fully responsible for implementing the ISPS Code put in place by the

International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

He stressed that implementation of the ISPS Code is in pursuance of the government’s commitment to combating terrorism by applying global best practices the standard international framework even as principal government stakeholders are represented on the ISPS Code Implementation Committee that NIMASA has

set up to facilitate the smooth implementation of our mandate.

He explained that the ISPS is acodethroughwhichcontracting Governments, Government Agencies, Local Authorities, Port and Ship industries can cooperate and be assessed in the global commitment to detect security threats in the maritime transportation sector.

Operators stake N148b on cargo handling equipment, terminal development in six years

By Moses Ebosele ETWEEN 2006 and March 2013, private operators also identified as concessionaires deployednotlessthan$925million (N148 billion) for terminal development and purchase of cargo handling equipment.

Detailsofthetransactionmade available by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, revealed that the concessionaires invested $475 million (N76 billion) on acquisition of cargo handling equipment and $450 million (N72 billion) on terminal development.

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Speaking during the 2013 ministerial briefing in Abuja recently, Umar said: “In 2006, the Federal Government of Nigeria carried out comprehensive port reforms that made NPA (Nigerian Port Authority) the Landlord and Technical regulator.Governmentdelineatedthe ports into terminals and concessioned them to private operators. Terminal operators are now responsible for all aspects of cargo handling and terminal upgrading under the concession agreement.

“As a result of the reforms, the overall efficiency in the ports

has been steadily improving, and there is appreciable increase in infrastructure provision and maintenance by both the Federal Government and the concessionaires”, Umar added.

Umar, who spoke on sundry issues said the Federal Government is improving the depth of Nigerian Waterways to accommodate larger capacity vessels.

He said: “There is continuous dredging and maintenance of the channels through established Channel Management Companies (Lagos Channel

Management Company, Bonny Channel Management Company Limited and recently established Calabar Channel Management Company Limited) to deepen the channels and the berth areas.

“Lagos Channel depth by 2010 was about 10 metres but now 13.5metres-14 metres while the quay side was 9 metres in 2010 but now 12.5 metres, Bonny NLNG (Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas) was 11 metres in 2010 but is now 9.5 metres.

Efforts are now intensified to deepen it to allow for bigger vessels to call.

“Rehabilitation process is in progress for the Consultancy Services for Rehabilitation of Breakwaters at Escravos and the dredging of the Warri, Sapele and Koko channels up to the proposed Deep sea port at Ogidigbe”, said Uma. He said the Federal Government is currently making efforts to develop Deep Sea Ports in partnership with the private sector at Lekki and Badagry in Lagos, Ibaka in Akwa Ibom, Ogidigbe in Delta, Olokola in Ogun and Ondo as well as Agge in Bayelsa State.

“The current policy of port

development is on equity participation of 20 per cent Federal Government, 20 per cent host stateand60percentprivatesector.

“A memo will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to seek council’s approval for the development of Lekki deep sea port, Lagos State through Public Private Partnership for concession period of 45 years in favour of Messrs Eurochem Technologies Corporation LimitedandtheLagosfreetrade CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

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Investors stake N148b on terminal development CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 Zone Company in the sum of $1.4 billion.

“Steering and project Development Committees for the Construction of Ibaka and Badagry Deep Sea Ports through Public Private Partnership have also been inaugurated.

“Considerable progress has been recorded resulting in the appointment of Transaction Adviser for the Ibaka Deep Sea Port by the Akwa Ibom State Government, who has submitted Initial Due Diligence Report and a draft outline Business Case (OBS) to the Project Steering and Development Committee in line with ICRC Act 2005”, Umar said.

Giving details of the concessioned programme recently, NPA’s General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Capt.

Iheanacho Ebubeogu said the policy was to ensure that Nigerian ports were re-engineered to compete favorably with other ports of the world.

“The primary aim was to turn Nigerian Ports Authority into a brand name and a firstchoice port in West and Central Africa sub-region, and indeed in Africa.

“Apart from this rationale, Nigerian ports were also in need of huge resources for rehabilitation and modernisation of port infrastructure to make them more efficient and meet the demands of port users and attain international standard.

“The idea of restructuring the

Crude oil tanker ports which is also in tandem with the economic policy of the Nigerian government is to grow an economy that is robust, public/private sector- driven, locally and globally competitive and efficient.

“The port reform programme was therefore, designed to make

the ports competitive, innovative and capable of attracting private sector investments.

“The basic tenet of this reform programme provide a platform for government ownership of port infrastructure and transfer of cargo operational responsibilities to the private

sector as a means of improving efficiency, attracting private investment and freeing public resources for social services.

“Concessioning was adopted because of its relevance to the emerging trend of the globalisation phenomenon and its apparent features, among

which are: • emergence of larger vessels inresponsetoeconomyofscale with greater cost effectiveness, speed, improved cargo-handling technology and reduced unit freight cost; • emergence of internationally acclaimed maritime termi-

nal operators with specialised technical expertise in cargo handling; • port competitiveness; • fluid movement of goods across international borders; • offshore manufacturing and • electronic business transactions.

of HNS substances that are potentially subject to the reporting requirement.

The committee noted information provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on the number of pirates captured and handed ashore for further investigation.

Among the views expressed in relation to the judicial aspects of piracy, it was noted that transparency in identifying problems related to the apprehension of pirates was beneficial to all parties involved in combating piracy

or struggling with the consequences of this crime.

They also commented that IMO is the primary forum within the UN system responsible for coordinating efforts of the wider international community in its fight against piracy; and that states had full sovereignty in their territorial waters, consequently measures such as using privately armed guards on board ships should be adopted for combating piracy in places that are not subject to the jurisdiction of any state.

IMO unveils technology on sensitive sea areas NEW interactive display on A Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) has been launched by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

PSSA is an area that needs special protection through action

by IMO because of its significance for recognised ecological or socio-economic or scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable to damage by international maritime activities.

The new display and website include videos, pictures, maps, and graphic displays, telling the unique story of each of the 14 PSSAs, together with a special insight on IMO’s work on this topic, past, present and future.

According to IMO, the display and website have been funded with the support of generous contributions from Australia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea and Sweden.

IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said the new display would serve as a continual reminder and a celebration of the substantial contribution that has been made to environmental protection through IMO’s PSSA scheme.

“It is my great hope that this ground-breaking display that we are going to formally inaugurate this evening will serve as a continual reminder and a celebration of the substantial contribution that has been made to environmental protection through IMO’s PSSA scheme”, sad Sekimizu, adding “But, more than that, I hope that it will galvanise further efforts to identify, and

protect, more of these special areas throughout the world.”

Recently, a draft guidelines on the preservation and collection of evidence following an allegation of a serious crime having taken place on board a ship, or following a report of a missing person from a ship, and on pastoral and medical care of victims was recently approved by the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at its 100th session.

The draft guidelines, which focus on what can practically be carried out on board a ship to preserve and/or collect evidence and protect persons affected by serious crimes, until such time that the relevant law enforcement authorities commence an investigation, will now be submitted to the IMO Assembly 28th session, in November 2013, along with an associated draft resolution, for consideration and adoption.

According to the global body, the primary purpose of the draft guidelines is to assist masters in the preservation of evidence and in the pastoral and medical care of persons affected and, when appropriate, in the collection of evidence, during the period between the report or discovery of a possible serious crime and the time when law enforcement authorities or other professional crime scene investigators take action.

The draft guidelines further state that the master is not a professional crime scene

investigator and does not act as a criminal law enforcement official when applying the guidelines, adding that the guidelines should not be construed as establishing a basis of any liability, criminal or otherwise, of the master in preserving and/or handling evidence or related matters.

The draft guidelines include sections covering co-operation and coordination between interested States and parties; the role of the master; missing persons; and pastoral and medical care.

Guidelines to assist countries

in meeting reporting requirements under the 2010 International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious substances by Sea, 2010 (2010 HNS Convention) were also endorsed by the committee.

The guidelines are expected to help in overcoming one of the main obstacles preventing states from ratifying the protocol, namely the difficulty of complying with this reporting requirement, particularly in view of the enormous variety

Experts seek regional maritime coalition against piracy REGIONAL maritime secu- fied efforts from all countries Yemen International Affairs cessful hijackings”. This year, A rity coalition is required to and a unified approach to end Centre (YIAC), piracy is not only three attacks of pirates effectively fight piracy in the piracy,” he pointed out. It calls only a threat to the region but Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Greater Indian Ocean, experts at the piracy forum held at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, proposed recently.

“We need to have a task force in the region. We found that there is no concerted efforts in the region especially those in the Red Sea, due to the presence of international forces.

There’s a need to coordinate and consolidate efforts in the region to secure navigational movement. We need to have a unified Arab strategy, following proposed steps,” Colonel Mahmoud Al Zarooni of the UAE Naval Forces said.

“The Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea requires intensi-

for a unified approach that includes “taking Somalia out of instability”; help develop the coast guards of some countries in the region; sharing and collecting information and available technologies such as satellites in locating ships; an integrated strategy that includes Arab military presence; training of ships’ crew on how to respond to attacks; identifying safe passages for ships; adoption of unified agreement that allows the use of weapons; and the establishment of courts in the region and legal procedures according to international and human rights law.

According to Dr. Ahmed Salem Al Wahishi, director of

also to other countries.

The Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea are vital international trade routes, and a large percentage of the world’s oil pass through these areas. Thus, any challenge to maritime security in this region must be addressed with the highest priority. “The threat is still ongoing. In particular last year, about 8 million euros were paid to Somali pirates to release Filipino and Danish sailors from the Gulf of Aden,” he said.

Declining attacks Agency report explained that since 2011, acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea have steadily decreased “with only a handful of suc-

in these waters were reported, and all were thwarted. In 2012, there were only five successfully pirated ships (total ransom of $31.75 million) resulting from 35 attacks. In 2008, when there was a sudden spike in pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden, 111 ships were attacked, 42 of which were successfully pirated earning them up to $3 million per ship.

“This decrease is attributable to a number of factors; however, it is clear that the efforts of Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) are the main reasons for the decline,” said Dr. John Ballard, assistant to the Commandant for Academic Affairs and dean of National Defence College at the UAE Armed Forces.

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IndustryWatch Barriers to competitiveness: Mapping a path for SMEs With the seeming population in place, but almost bereft of the requisite skills, experts have emphasised the need for Nigeria to address prevailing human capacity deficit, especially for small businesses if it is to maintain and grow its economy. Although, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) make important contributions to development, the growth of a healthy, competitive SME sector will be maximised when there is a strong enterprise culture in the society at all levels; a continuous growth in the quality stock of independent business; maximum potential for growth of existing small businesses: and a highly supportive economic, social and stakeholder environment. FEMI ADEKOYA examines the efforts of the Bank of Industry and other stakeholders in driving the shift in paradigm.

OOR people are the same everywhere. Like P others, they aspire to earn their way out of poverty. Recurrent statistics have shown a rising number of unemployed youths and people living in poverty globally, with no exemption to Nigeria.

To earn their way out of poverty and unemployment, many people decided to embrace entrepreneurship, thus leading to the development of many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the country. Despite the surge in the number of SMEs in the country, their mortality rate remains a key challenge to stakeholders as efforts are being renewed to keep the sector of the economy viable.

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

In Nigeria however, there seems to be a great challenge in the ability of the real sector to attract adequate finance to the sector, especially by micro, small and medium enterprises.

The financial sector in a typical economy is saddled with the primary responsibilities of financial resource mobilisation and intermediation.

It engages in the redirection of funds from surplus spending units to deficit spending units.

The impact of the delivery of these financial services in the form of working capital to producers is felt in the short run.

Thus, the financial sector, especially the banking system, is important in the smooth functioning of the real sector of the economy, as the real sector forms the main driving force of the economy. It is the engine of economic growth and development.

Despite its importance, however, the performance of the real sector and SMEs, in terms of production and growth rate is very low, as lending to the sector remains low.

In an economy where financial institutions have access to funds, high levels of commitment to efficiency is needed, by increasing banks' financial and outreach performance, as well as being transparent about that performance in both areas.

The Bank of Industry (BoI) restated its commitment to the growth of SMEs, noting that the problem of many SMEs is not access to cheap funds as claimed by many present and intending small businesses but the inability of many entrepreneurs to develop and defend bankable projects.

The bank during a training programme for journalists on how the media can enhance public-private partnership in the country in Lagos, at the weekend, explained that despite the challenges encountered by many small businesses in the Nigerian business environment, the leeway to survival lies in the ability of such businesses to proactively address the challenges by

Aganga taking advantage of key channels provided by the BoI and other stakeholders.

Managing Director of BoI, Ms. Evelyn Oputu noted that the inability of most SMEs to secure funding for their businesses lies in their inability to present proposals that are rich and convincing enough for banks to fund.

She noted that entrepreneurs need to identify areas of funding constraints and how such can be mitigated. Oputu explained that entrepreneurs should endeavour to pay attention to details and gather enough information about any funding agency they intend to approach for support.

She explained that the bank has adopted different models for different kinds of business to aid accessibility of SMEs to funds.

“Our core mandate of providing financial assistance for the establishment of large, medium and small projects as well as expansion, diversification and modernization of existing enterprises; and rehabilitation of ailing ones has not changed. The bank in the last few years has committed several funds not just to small businesses but entrepreneurs who have been able to add to the valuechain through employment generation.

“The inability of many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access intervention funds and other forms of financing is most times due to lack of innovativeness and ill-prepared business proposals. Many small businesses have failed to convince financial institutions on the need to support a project, thus affecting their ability to generate employment in the society”, she said.

Citing the entertainment industry as an example, she said, “The entertainment industry is a viable one for job creation. Hitherto, it has been difficult for people in the creative sector to access funds because they find it difficult to convince banks.

You may have the creativity, but you need experts to guide you and sensitise you on how to access finance. There is a need for increased collaboration between business people and the creative individuals. Gaining access to funds depends on how much discipline they display, capacity build-

Oputu ing and ability to optimise what they have.”

“One problem with the entertainment industry has to do with the view that the industry has a view of eccentricity. We need to know that entertainment has its business side. To attract funding, the eccentricity in entertainment has to be matched with proper business planning. We are taking steps to enhance their capacity. The Lagos Business School and the British Council are providing the needed capacity along this line.”

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

“For SMEs intervention, it was a complete success. There is no free money in BoI. You must meet terms and conditions. And if one does not meet it, they can’t have access to it. But when people come with a sense of entitlement that the money is there and should be given out, we can’t. You must meet the criteria. If you don’t, you won’t get it.”

General Manager, Operations, BoI, Joseph Babatunde while debunking the position that the bank does not grant loans to small businesses, said: “BoI places emphasis on prudent project selection and management. As such resources are directed to support commercially viable and economically desirable projects with high developmental impact such as value addition to local raw materials, job creation and poverty alleviation to enhance the social economic well being of Nigerians.”

He identified some of the challenges encountered by entrepreneurs in their quest to access loan from the bank to include: The prevalence of

The inability of many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access intervention funds and other forms of financing is most times due to lack of innovativeness and ill-prepared business proposals. Many small businesses have failed to convince financial institutions on the need to support a project, thus affecting their ability to generate employment in the society...There is no free money in BoI. You must meet terms and conditions. And if one does not meet it, they can’t have access to it.

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

insincerity and poor loan repayments attitude among loan beneficiaries, Lack of credible and reliable credit, business and market information that serves the needs of both the potential borrowers and financial institutions, Low level of trust and confidence on the nation’s credit system, Dearth of bankable projects in some parts of the country due to poor entrepreneurial skills and limited human capital.

On the way forward, he said: “Africa and in particular Nigeria is regarded as the next frontier of development and using its wealth of natural and human resources could leverage the manufacturing sector to leap frog to global prominence among the comity of developed nations.

“However, this can only be achieved through purposeful, collective responsibility and buy-in of different stakeholders across the three arms of government in collaboration with the private sector to create an investment climate that will promote inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economic growth, especially for those who are poor and marginalized in the society”, he added.

On his part, the Director, Enterprise Development Center, Pan-Atlantic University, Peter Bamkole, while corroborating Oputu’s view said: “Money is not the problem of entrepreneurs. Most of them have money but have issues utilising it. It is easy to filter money that to build it.”

Using the MISFIT acronym to capture some of the challenges encountered by SMEs, he explained that the lack of access to market, infrastructure, support services, finance, information and technology serve as serious drawbacks to the survival of many businesses.

He however urged entrepreneurs to give due to attention to the processes of idea conceptualisation till the eventual implementation, through effective planning and business framework development.

As noted by many experts, investment in training is not an end in itself; it’s a tool to strengthen business success.

This is because, when companies are fighting to increase their productivity or innovate, training becomes a critical tool, as SMEs need to innovate to be competitive and grow, which in turn creates demand for skills development.

It is worthy to note therefore that the environment in which the SMEs operate is as critical to survival as funding. Business management capacity is also an issue with many SMEs – quality of business judgment and cash management discipline. For the SME sector to become viable in an economy, the SME development strategy

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

INDUSTRY WATCH | 39

BoI’s managed funds may hit N1trillion soon Stories by Femi Adekoya HOUGH awaiting recapitalization from the Federal Government to the tune of N750 billion, indications have shown that the Bank of Industry’s (BoI) managed funds may soon hit the N1 trillion mark before the end of 2014 going by contributions from other stakeholders.

The Guardian’s findings showed that the bank’s managed funds may have hit about N695 billion, with about N518 billion disbursed to support the real sector of the economy.

This represents over 75 per cent of the managed funds under the bank’s portfolio.

Indeed, an injection of $500 million or about N80 billion from the African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to boost the bank’s lending capacity.

Besides, UNIDO Representative in Nigeria, Patrick Kormawa has tasked theFederalGovernmentonthe need to enhance the viability of the real sector by making provsions for financing of the sector in the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Specifically,thebankdisclosed to journalists recently that all formalities for the release of the fund, out of which $200 million is meant for the financing of Nigeria’s sprawling Entertainment Industry with the balance going into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been

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International Distillers receives award for quality management

By Tony Nwanne OR enhancing its total quality management, especially in terms of production, distribution and customer satisfaction, the African Brand Review has named Chelsea London Dry Gin, a product of International Distillers Limited, the best gin for the year 2012.

Having been recognized as one of the oldest gin in Africa, the brand was adjudged the best product above other products in its category.

Speaking at the presentation of the award in Lagos, recently, the Executive Secretary of African Brand Review, Ayodele Joesph,saidtheawardwasinstituted to celebrate outstanding brands with the view of helping them to grow, by revamping products that are gradually fadingawayfromthemindsofconsumers “It has not been easy for brands to outlive their owners or the generation to which they were introducedandso,itwasimperativeforalltoappreciatebrands whichhavebeenabletoachieve such feat. This prompted the organizers' dream that African brands will be able to compete with its counterparts manufactured abroad”.

The awardees were adjudged on the basis of the quality of product, distribution, customer satisfaction among other parameters.

A Director from the National Agency for Food Drug Administrative and Control, NAFDAC, Tawa Arilese commended the efforts of the organizers in making sure that products like the gin did not fade away, adding that NAFDAC will continue to solicit the support of the general public in fighting fake and adulterated products.

She encouraged the public to only purchase products, which have the agency’s registration numbers.

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•Records 75 per cent disbursement, loan recovery concluded.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank Ms. Evelyn Oputu, disclosed this at a capacity building programme themed: ‘Enhancing the Role of Media in Development Financing’ organised for business journalists by the bank.

Oputu said even though BoI had not yet received the fund from AfDB, it had already released up to N1 billion to finance very promising entertainment ventures that needed to begin urgently.

She added that the bank has also recorded nearly 70 per cent in its loan recovery, noting that the bank adapted new models to drive accessibility to funds and loan recovery.

She explained that the bank had concluded the financing of a film house in Surulere in

Lagos,whichisservingasamarketing point for the industry, adding that a movie from the popular book by Nigeria’s renowned author Chimamanda Adichie, ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ was also being

financed by BoI. Intimating on other developments in the bank, Oputu noted that the Federal Government has approved the increase in the bank’s capital base from N250 billion to N750 billion and barring the normal government bureau-

cracies the new capital base would be implemented.

She noted that the development would help the bank achieve its core mandate and boost its performance.

Kormawa noted that the ability of the government to effectively finance the real sector

wouldseeanincreaseinthesector’s portfolio and contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

The BoI chief executive also tasked journalists on the need to embrace development journalism in order to aid the growth of the real sector.

Lafarge Cement renews commitment to innovation Nresponsetoitsshareholders’ IWAPCO demand, Lafarge Cement Nigeria Plc renewed its commitment to enhance its research and development processes and pricing in order to deepen its market penetration.

Indeed, the company’s shareholders had earlier noted that the present level of product innovation was commendable but urged the firm to examine the issue of pricing in order to aid accessibility to the product

as well as enhance the brand’s penetration in the market.

The company’s Chairman, Olusegun Osunkeye who attributed the company’s steady growth to the various initiatives deployed by the management, assured the shareholders that the company would continue to introduce innovative building material products based on opportunities offered by the market.

To consolidate on the performance, the Chairman explained

that the company has introduced a new cement product called Powermax, which according to him, would cater for the demands of large construction projects, as well as individual home builders.

He explained that the company is also exploring opportunities to enhance its route-to-market by partnering with its key industrial customers on product quality improvement, adding that the company is also working with multi-lateral development agencies and

microfinance institutions on affordable housing projects.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Joseph Houdson, while speaking on the prospects of its subsidiary; Ready mix concrete, explained that the product, which was introduced to serve the needs of local construction industries has made significant impact on road construction, especially in Lagos state, adding that plans are underway to expand its operations to other parts of the country.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT 41

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

Petroleum marketing companies took short term money for such medium to long term projects as Tank farms”, says a market analyst. “There’s a lot of steel reinforcement, anti-fire device, etc. It costs a lot and the turnover time is not immediate. But depositors’ money in Nigeria is short term. sector of the petroleum industry in 2001, allowing investors free rein in purchasing supply and pricing of AGO, DPK, Aviation Fuel, Diesel. Since then, there has been significant growth in the enterprise around the sector.

In Apapa, the port suburb located in the West of Lagos, there were less than 10 companies, most of them multinationals, 14 years ago. Today, about 30 companies, largely independent, own more than 35 tank farms. A network of formal and informal supply and distribution nodes have developed around this sector. The clear profit that an importation of a cargo of petroleum product can make for an economy of 150 million people, is a key reason as to why Banks would rather grant a 40 billion naira facility for shipment of Automotive Gas Oil than spend a kobo on oilfield production.

2008 was a year of the spectacular rise in crude oil prices, leading to a spectacular rise in prices of petroleum products. It was a year that both petroleum marketers and bank officials in Lagos agree was a boom year.

It was also the year of the most spectacular bust in prices, explaining why a large percentage of the loans to petroleum product companies became non performing.

“In 2008, People were rushing into petroleum product marketing it as if it would run out of fashion”, says Jack Agbetua, a product marketer who was very much in the fray. “The banks got sucked in, because it was easy money”.

Along the edge of the lagoon in Apapa, two bedroom fiats rapidly become offices of “petroleum companies”. Anyone who had some education became a petroleum marketer. “Once you got a significant volume of petroleum product imported into Nigeria”, says Agbetua, a recently graduated medical doctor who dropped the stethoscope for Aviation fuel, “there was every possibility that you dictated he price”. With their penchance for quick turnarounds, Banks started funding the relatively large companies in the downstream. Market demand and supply dynamics created instant millionaires.

“Capital Oil brought in hundreds of thousands of litres of AGO sometime in 2008 which we were lifting for 90naira at the beginning”, Agbetua recalls. In the space of 10 days, that same product was sold for 140 naira.

Integrated Oil brought in 800,000 litres of petroleum products. “We started selling from 82 to 83 naira per litre. Within three weeks it had risen to 96 naira”.

With that kind of trend in 2008, banks poured in loans to finance products. What pushes up the price is partial scarcity, Agbetua explains.

“Perhaps you have ordered 50,000 metric tonnes. And I ordered for 50,000 metric tones. My own imports come in before yours and we are just two or three depot owners that own it, the price war begins.

The agents start adding their own, down the line. Banks start to pour money into that product”.

Agbetua cautions that the time to get off the market is when price starts going so high that it looks abnormal. “You shouldn’t put your money. That’s what happened to the banks”.

It’s the same way you make tonnes of money that you lose.

The Downstream Drag How Petroleum Marketers drowned Nigerian banks in debt.

Explosion at MRS Tank Farm “Northeast brought in DPK(Kerosene). The product was stored in Henxmore. They made money in the first instance. Then they imported another one; this time around, the bank and the company were struggling to even break even. You import a product when the price in the market was 70 naira and by the time it gets here, the prices have come down to 40 naira.

How do you handle that? The only way to get out of the trouble is to continue trading, so that whatever you make up you continue paying back”.

What do yon do?

“The only way to get out of the hole is to keep trading so that whatever you make you keep paying back”, Agbetua says. “When you are growing you grow so much, with COT, etc. When you are losing you lose big time. At a point, the banks became so engrossed. Spring Bank was giving out product finance facility. “We were supposed to be beneficiaries. We had applied for 50 million naira and it was just at the time they were about to approve that the meltdown came”. Most of those petroleum marketers who got away unscratched by the situation were more lucky than strategic.

To be sure, banks tried to put in measures to mitigate risks associated with the market dynamics. It did not always yield expected results.

Take the idea of “warehousing”.

A bank finances a million litres of, say AGO. The depot that keeps the product will raise tickets of the total volume purchased and give it to the warehousing agent. “When a marketer pays for a truck load of the product, a bank officer confirms the payment and then instructs the warehousing agent to release the ticket. “The disadvantage is that it intrudes the normal, largely informal flow of the market”, says Agbetua. “Most of the marketers have extended networks. I may not have money. I purchase product from a depot with whom I am

familiar and I have agents waiting to take from me; they pay me, I pay the depot”. If you want three trucks for instance and you have money available for only two trucks, the seller will say take the three trucks and you drop a postdated cheque. But the bank will not accept this. But the essence is that you want to let off the product before prices drop.

“Westmore oil and gas sponsored about a million litres and they were holding all the tickets and the customers couldn’t access. In the process, prices started crashing”.

Agbetua is in agreement with a large swath of analysts, who have argued that not every transaction that resulted in non performing loan in the sector was due to petroleum supply. “if you give someone six hundred and fifty million naira and his capacity is one or two million litres of products, there’s every likelihood he’d divert the money to other activities”.

Much of the loans meant for product importation went to real estate.

Petroleum marketing companies were in competition with themselves to build bigger, sleeker estates in the upscale suburbs of Parkview Banana Island and Lekki in the east of Lagos.

Still another chunk of the money was sunk in the frenzied building of Tank farms or depots. “There’s so much advantage in running a depot”, Agbetua says. “You may not be into trading, but people can trade through you. It’s the high point of a petroleum marketer’s career, like being a Vice Chancellor in academia”.

“So, petroleum marketing companies took short term money for such medium to long term projects as Tank farms”, says a market analyst.

“There’s a lot of steel reinforcement, anti-fire device, etc. It costs a lot and the turnover time is not immediate.

But depositors’ money in Nigeria is short term”.

That speaks to the very core of the

“The current government’s policy of deregulation of the oil sector, with its add-on effect on the distribution and sale of petroleum products, the financial outlay required is so vast that there cannot be sufficient security to collaterize such credit facilities, which run into several billions of naira, given the turn around time, to insist on the provision of adequate security as financial prudence dictates, will amount to refusing the facility, with the implication of indirectly derailing government vision and policies.”

Nigerian economy. What happened to the plans for long term deposits?

“It can, for now, come through the bond market”, the analyst explains.

“The government has to deepen the bond market. If you have investment in bond that is of duration of two, three years, you can grow a long term market.”

Nigeria enacted a Pension Reform act nine years ago, “but the quantum of money hasn’t jelled”, says the analyst. “Of the country’s 36 states, less than half have committed to the act.

That’s the kind of money that grows economies”.

In the end both Agbetua and the analyst think that full deregulation of petroleum product supply in the country would likely have reduced the exposure to huge amounts of money for product importation.

Gasoline, the world’s chosen fuel of transportation, has remained the only product under government subsidy. Public outrage, including massive labour strikes have disallowed the deregulation of the prices for this significant product. Some of the country’s leading commentators insist that as long as gasoline prices are still controlled, Nigerian downstream petroleum is still “mostly” deregulated.

You import a product when the price in the market was 70 naira and by the time it gets here, the prices have come down to 40 naira. How do you handle that?

“With gasoline prices still regulated, there’s a lingering suspicion that the sector is still regulated. If you free the market completely, the new environment would snuff out this short term thinking that is currently driving the market”.

Agbetua says: “Even if it’d cost you a lot to buy, it (gasoline) would be available, because people will construct refineries”. As is the practice now, “by the time the fuel arrives, with freight rates and demurrage, things are out of control. But if you refine here, there would be no demurrage, no waiting. The prices will settle into some form of equilibrum” This piece was originally published in the September/October 2009 edition of the Africa Oil+Gas Report

Tank Farm Country ANK farms (storage depots) lie the T route along the stretch from Ibafon, eastwards to Ijora, all on the edge of the Lagos Lagoon. Between 2009 and 2010, Petroleum marketing companies were in a race to erect Tank Farms. “There’s so much advantage n running a tank farm”, says Agbetua, the Medical Doctor turned petroleum marketer. “You may not be into trading. But people can trade through you. It’s the hallmark of the career; it’s just like being a VC in the academia”.

The densest cluster is around the Beachland/Ibafon area and the depots population grows again eastwards around Ijora, towards the Lagos Island. The preponderance at Ibafon is due to the Jetty. It’s the largest space close to the water.

The following is a list of companies who own tank farms along this route Beachland Techno Obat Oil & Gas Dee Jones Rahamanniyya Capital Oil

SPOG Abbey Court Aquitane Ibeto Ibachem Area SPG (Sea Petroleum and Gas, different from SPOG) Ascon Eterna Zenon 1 Zenon 2 TOTAL Acorn Integrated Oil and Gas Apapa Wharf MRS Apapa Yinka Folaiyo Lister Dockyard Area AZ Henxmore NIPCO Ijora Heydua Oando AP TOTAL Mobil

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

42 AFRICAN OIL&GAS REPORT

OILPATCH/SUBSAHARA

BACK PAGE/IN THE NEWS

The Next Phase In Frontier Opening

HE last major wave of exploration T successes in African frontier basins was driven by the majors.

The current phase is brought on by the minors.

Shell, ExxonMobil and TOTAL found the large volumes of oil in deepwater Nigeria and Angola in the mid to late 90s.

But in the last decade, companies like Woodside, Tullow, Anadarko and Kosmos have unlocked the unexplored tanks on the continent and found large quantities of hydrocarbons, though the jury is out regarding how sizeable these tanks are, compared with the deepwater boom of the 90s.

What’s noteworthy, for now, is that our annual Independent’s Day issue, published first in 2007 to capture the growing activity of Western minnows on the continent, is still as relevant today as it was in the year of the discovery of the first, large sized oilfield in Ghana.

In late May 2013, the crucial government approval for the second field development was taken. The partners involved in exploration and appraisal of the TEN cluster(Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme fields) are Tullow Oil, Anadarko and Kosmos, all independent companies who have since been part of the development of Ghana as a key oil producer in West Africa.

Elsewhere on the continent, it’s these same companies that are leading the charge. The response by the Ugandan government to go forward with developing the billion barrels of oil in the Albert Basin, is the result of long and painstaking discussions with Tullow Oil, heading a consortium that now includes majors like TOTAL and CNOOC. Eni, the Italian giant, is active in Mozambique, of course, but it is the voice of Anadarko, the American independent, that you hear, in terms of activities aimed at developing the massive gas reservoirs buried deep below the seabed of the Indian Ocean.

Among the Western Independents foraging the African frontier, there are leaders; true operators making investment, drilling and getting lucky; there are brokers who are buying tracts and just selling to others

and there are losers who are making a lot of investment, relative to their pockets, but keep coming up unstuck. We put all these in context in our May 2013 edition(pictured here).

That edition is the fifth of our annual overviews of the activities of Independent Companies on the continent. The edition is typical of our monthly, 40page offering; quality content; industry intelligence, news you can use, feature stories that help companies and individuals understand the market deeply and sharpen their edges over competitors.

We certainly have our regulars –apart from this major cover feature.

One of the most helpful sections in this leading oil industry journal is the Marginal Field Activity Map, updated monthly. A Teaser: What are Excel and Movido up to? This much we’d say here: if you had them on your list of companies needing funding for their projects, take them off. They are sorted. The map is filled with details of market intelligence such as this. There is also such activity map for Nigerian companies who hold acreages as well as an activity map showing rig and other activity of Majors and other foreign companies operating in Nigeria.

The Africa Oil+Gas Report has individual and corporate subscriptions for print editions and E –copies, delivered to your inbox every month. Contact telephone numbers in our West African regional headquarters in Lagos are 2347062420127, 2348034449079, 234803652979, 2348023902519 and 2348130733523.

IN THE NEWS/EVENTS

Fatona Tells The Ogbele Story

By John Ankroma AYIWOLA Fatona, Managing Director of Niger Delta Lmonthly Petroleum Resources(NDPR), will be delivering the technical talk of the Nigerian Association Of Petroleum Explorationists(NAPE) at the Lagoon Restaurant next Wednesday, June 19.

He will be talking about how the company has evolved, taking over the Ogbele Field, left fallow as an uneconomic discovery by Chevron, and producing in excess of 7.5Million barrels from the field in the eight years since first oil. He will also be explaining the value the company has added; a topping plant that converts 1,000BOPD of crude into 120,000 litres of diesel, sold into the local market every day(in a sense, the only formal private refining effort in the country).

NDPR also commissioned a gas plant and pipeline that

enabled it to be the first, non- major and non-shareholder, to contribute gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas(NLNG)Company, owned by Shell, TOTAL, Agip and NNPC. NDPR is contributing 22.5mmf/d to NLNG. NAPE’s monthly lunch hour technical presentation is one of the most important events on the calendar of the 7,000 member association, the largest grouping of oil industry technical professionals in any single country on the African continent.

It is designed as a Continuing Education event, giving petroleum geoscientists and others in the industry insights into lessons learned by operators.

It oscillates between economic-development talks such as the one Dr. Fatona is delivering and hard- nosed technical papers like the one delivered by TOTAL’s Congolese geologist Antoine Masala, last month.

The event is over 30 years old. Dr Fatona’s talk starts at 11am.

If you can’t drill deeper can I take over the deeper parts of your acreage? Omatsola in his office at Conoil, in Lagos

The Niger Delta Is Not A Mature Basin –Omotola

By Toyin Akinosho EOPLE often say that the Niger Delta basin is a mature basin, an oil rich P province in the waning days of its productive life. Ebi Omatsola disagrees.

“The Niger Delta is a mid- life basin”, he argues.

“Only 2% of Niger Delta wells have reached deeper than 15,000feet Total Depth”, laments Omatsola, managing director of Conoil Producing, the Nigerian independent. “70% of the wells in the basin have not gone deeper than 9,000feet (True Vertical Depth). This is something like scratching the surface”, he told a monthly technical meeting of the Petroleum Club last weekend. Operators, he said, are afraid of taking risks. “Once we run into a shale sequence which gives us a heart attack, we run away”, he told the club, an assembly of owners as well as ranking managers of E&P companies.

“Rent A Depth” Omatsola says that policies should be introduced that allow government let companies rent a depth. “If you are holding on to an acreage and you can’t go deeper than a certain depth, can I take it over?”, he asked. “So long as I can show that I can, I should be offered the deeper parts of the acreage below which you can’t go and I should have obligations to drill a certain number of wells, for a certain number of years, before I give it up”. He said that companies “keep talking about incentives”, to do what should ordinarily be in their own interest.

The Niger Delta basin has 37Billion (proven) barrels of oil left, after 47Billion have been produced in 55 years, but oil companies can still find more than twice these remaining reserves, if only they can breach their comfort zones and drill deeper.

There have been several, sporadic attempts in the past. In the mid 90s, Shell attempted a deep drilling campaign, with mixed results. A decade after, ExxonMobil and TOTAL jointly spud a well, targeted to drill deeper than 15,000feet, but pressure problems forced them to stop, even though they were using a High Temperature, High Pressure rig.

As I write this, Agip is drilling a deep well, Ogbainbiri Deep, to appraise and develop the deep sands earlier encountered in Ogbaibiri 2, which is currently producing at shallower depths.

“You’d never find new oil if you’re stuck with the same idea”, warned Omatsola, a 71 year old former Chief Geologist at Shell Nigeria. “Here’s a basin that has productive zones as deep as 20,000feet,” and that doesn’t have to reach “the lower part of the Agbada(the oil prone, sandy shale sequence in the basin) or Akata, (the massive shale, high pressure sequence)”.

He should know. Conoil, which he heads, is currently drilling a well, Ango-2, with targets at deeper than 16,000feet for commercial sized oil pool. Earlier in the year, Conoil flowed 4,000BOPD of light (340 API)oil in two reservoirs in Ango 1Stk 3, in Oil Mining Lease(OML) 59, at depths between 15,400ft and 15,550ft True Vertical Depth (TVD). “The reservoirs are ponded against a shale ridge”, Omatsola says of the play concept. “It’s the deepest productive zone in the Niger Delta”.

The word ‘productive’ is instructive. Agip has a number of wells that have reached deeper than 16,000feet, but are not producing.

The Ango 1Stk 3 results have provided Omatsola more ammunition to campaign for deep drilling in the Niger Delta. Showing a number of slides of seismic lines indicating strong seismic events at great depths (around 6secs), he told the Petroleum Club that “the Coastal Swamp belt is the most productive depobelt” of the five extensional depobelts in the onshore terrain of the Niger Delta. “Here, there’s 16,000 feet of untested sequence”.

For those who may not have an idea, get a map and look it up: The Coastal Swamp Depobelt runs from Forcados Yokri in the west, through Eremor field to Uquo field in the east. It’s thickest in the centre whereas in the east it thins out and dies out into the Central Swamp Belt, (another of the five depobelts), which flanks it to the north.

Omatsola admitted that there were challenges to overcome, in getting everyone on board his “go-deeper” campaign. “You must understand basin modeling”, he told his audience. For this “the geoscientist (geologist and geophysicist) is the key”.

Companies need to embark more on High Resolution deep seismic imaging, which pictures the subsurface clearly as deep as eight (8)seconds (seismic time), equivalent to about 23,000feet(after time depth conversion).

“We must close the skill gap in the industry and have earth scientists who can tell Schlumberger what they want and not just receive what Schlumberger claims it has to offer”.

And then the industry has to have the tools of deep drilling. “There are only three rigs in the country with the capacity and two of them are owned by Depthsize”. The rigs he was talking about, he said, “must have depth capacity of up to 35,000feet, rated to at least 15,000psi (pounds per square inch) choke/kill/ manifold pressure. Such rigs must be over 3,000HP (Horse Power), absolutely” .

Nigeria, he concluded, must be ready to tap into and develop the potential upside of the Niger Delta Basin.

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

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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Energy Marginal oil field operators to build 15,000bpd refinery

By Roseline Okere IVE indigenous oil firms have embarked on arrangement to build crude oil refinery plant to save the country from dependant on fuel importation.

The five companies, which includes, Energia Limited, Midwestern Oil and Gas, Pillar Oil, Chorus Energy and Flatform Petroleum Limited, have already engaged a consultant on the feasibility and viability of the project.

When fully started, the refinery plant is expected to refine between 10,000 and 15,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

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The Managing Director, Energia Limited, Felix Ofori, disclosed that the decision to set up a refinery in the country was in response to the high rate of illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and to prepare the country for an eventual reduction in crude export brought about by major discoveries around the world and stoppage of United States’ crude import from Nigeria.

According to Ofori, the five firms lost about $72 million (N11.448 billion) in 2012 alone to illegal bunkering, crude theft and pipeline vandalism.

He said: “Our cluster group lost about $72 million to crude theft in 2012 alone and at the rate we are going, this might increase to $100 million (N15.9 billion) in 2013. This got us thinking and we considered building a refinery.

“Another issue that made us decide to build a refinery is because of the threat to Nigeria’s crude oil export due to vagaries in the international oil market, which will very likely pose a serious challenge to the economy.

“The refinery will help us prepare for an eventual reduction in the demand for Nigeria’s crude and bring about a

reduction in crude theft.”

He disclosed that the refinery would reduce oil bunkering, as limited quantities would be available to steal.

Meanwhile, Energia Limited has set up a host community fund to contribute three per cent of its gross crude production to community activities in the Niger Delta.

The company has contributed about $4 million into the trust fund, which is expected to be managed by two duly constituted community trust boards for the host community, EmuEbendo and for impacted communi-

A refinery plant

Govt to tackle foreign dominance in power sector

By Sulaimon Salau HE Federal Government has comT menced move to ensure strict compliance with the local content law in its bid to privatise the assets of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo, during a visit to Eko Electricity Distribution Company, in Lagos, recently said that the Federal Government had started making moves to ensure that foreigners did not dominate the power sector in the post reforms era.

According to him, the local technicians in the power entities should not entertain fear of domination, as the many of them would certainly retain their job

and be trained on the job where necessary.

He said: “I am so serious about local content. Nobody is going to allow the new owners to flood the entire market with foreigners. It will not work; it is not acceptable. I have told the companies ahead of time that they must give us a work plan to show that even at the highest management level, those of them who will bring foreigners will have a definite plan to hand over to Nigerians.

“That is part of the agreement that they are signing in the purchase of these assets. There are checks and balances to ensure that we are not over-run by foreigners,” he said.

Nebo, who paid visit to some of the facilities under the company, applauded

the disco for its commitment to technology ahead of other discos in the sector.

“The deployment of modern technology has assisted you and that is the right thing to do. It is either you log in to modern technology or you are left behind,” he said.

On the workers’ entitlement, the minister said: “Having reached an agreement with the union, everything is substantially agreed upon, and in the next couple of weeks we should start payment. I hope many of you realise that you will continue to work, even those who are going on retirement may still be called back by new companies, because the new companies are not going to import

workers from another planet. They cannot manufacture your experience overnight. Nobody can do what you are doing easily anywhere and nobody is going to allow them to import all kinds of foreigners into this country, so your services will still be very much needed.”

He further urged the workers to make good use of their entitlements, which he described as sweat of their labour over the years.

He expressed optimism that the companies would increase the amount of power generated in Nigeria, which will in turn increase transmission capacity and distribution, hence the sector would continue to grow geometrically, and further need the wealth of experi-

ties, which include Obodugwa, Isumpe, Ogbeani, Umusam and Umusadege, all in Delta State.

Ofori added that the company was presently working with Non Government Organisation to train youths from these communities on entrepreneurial programmes and to establish them after the training.

He disclosed that the company had also engaged a sustainable development consulting team to conduct socio-economic base line study for the Ebendo and Obodugwa communities that would guide the future development programmes for the communities.

He stated: “Energia as operator, in the Energia/Oando Joint Venture have done creditably well in the area of sustainable development and human capital development of our host and impacted communities. As we write, we are at the completion stage for the construction of all seasons asphalted roads for Emu-Ebendo community and Obodugwa community, under the trust fund we established for these communities. The Emu-Ebendo road is a 2.76 km internal road network, while the Obodugwa internal road is one kilometre in length, with both roads costing about N300 million. We have also constructed several projects in these communities and other impacted communities under the trust fund.

Speaking on the company’s field development plans, Ofori said: “We expect to ramp up field production to more than 10,000bpd with these new opportunities in 2014.”

He added: “In line with Energia’s development concept, we would continue to manage our reservoirs to ensure optimal production without creating problems associated with fast depletion of reservoirs. This year 2013, Energia has also engaged herself in major facility upgrade to cater for the planned increase in crude production, which is consistent with her field development plan.”

Ofori said that the company was poised to develop its asset to full capacity by 2015-2017 and had commenced discussions with its bankers on the possibility of obtaining the needed funds to implement the full field development programme.

“It takes about $20 million to drill a well. So if we are drilling three wells, we are looking at $60 million. But we are looking for $40 million to augment what we have to be able to pay contractors,” he said.

The Energia boss said that the major challenge faced by the company was crude injection capacity restriction on its export line to Brass terminal by Agip.

He, however, stated that the company was working with marginal field clusters-Midwestern Oil and Gas, Pillar Oil, Platform Petroleum and Chorus Energy to negotiate for higher injection capacity with Agip.

Experts proffer leeway to oil, gas financing

By Roseline Okere CCESS to finance has been identified as a A major challenge confronting marginal field operators in the country’s oil and gas sector by experts at a forum organized by FBN Capital Limited, Oil and Gas Roundtable recently.

To tackle this challenge, the experts believed that there is need for operators to seek alternative funding from the capital market.

The event themed ‘Raising Equity/Mezzanine Capital For Oil and Gas Companies’ is the first

from FBN Capital and brought together industry players, bankers, consultants, lawyers and other key stakeholders to discuss from different professional and experienced perspectives what it takes for emerging indigenous upstream independent oil & gas companies to raise equity and mezzanine capital for asset acquisition and development.

Speaking on the event, the Managing Director of FBN Capital, Kayode Akinkugbe, said: “We consider ourselves to be innovators in the financing space and if we are able to assist in-

digenous entities in better understanding what it takes to arrange finance from an early stage, we believe we would have added true value. We have focused on equity/mezzanine capital for the oil and gas industry, because we believe there is a huge need for this type of capital.”

In his presentation, Tarica Mpinga of Cannacord Genuity, highlighted the stages of financing for oil and gas companies.

He stated that Nigeria would play a bigger role in oil and gas development for Africa.

He highlighted the importance of players conservatively planning and mapping projections so that investors could make informed decisions based on information provided.

The event also featured a case study on the growth transition of Afren Plc, an indigenous oil and gas company. The roundtable speakers shared perspectives on how capital raising could be successfully achieved, and Dapo Okubadejo of KPMG commented on the steps that were taken into account from a consultant’s perspective.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Indigenous oil, gasoperators savour benefits of local content policy

By Roseline Okere TAkEHOLDERS in the NigeSseem ria oil and gas industry to be enjoying the benefits, which the Nigerian Content Policy has afforded them in the past three years.

Already, companies like Afren Plc, SEPLAT, Neconde Consortium led by Nestoil Plc, Shoreline Natural Resources and Eland Oil & Gas Limited as well as Starcrest Nigeria Energy Limited, are said to have benefited from the policy.

For instance, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETEN) said that over 200 indigenous professionals participated in this year’s Offshore Technology conference due to the support from the local

NIPCO strategises to exploit LPG market

By Sulaimon Salau HE Nigeria Independent T Petroleum Company (NIPCO) said that it was well positioned to fully exploit the opportunities in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) market.

The Managing Director, NIPCO, Mr. Venkataraman Venkatapathy, at the exhibition organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Lagos, re-affirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable environment and housekeeping in all its operations across the country.

He said that the company did not only ensure effective gas usage as source of energy, but also promoted greater use by motorist and other users across the country through its plethora of actions targeted at deepening gas utilisation .

The company; however, presented its branded cylinders in different sizes to potential users. The three sizes included 12.5kg, 6kg and 3kg cylinders, its accessories and gas stoves.

The 2013 WED event with the theme Think-Eat –Save is the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action was cosponsored by the company as part of its efforts at deepening gas usage as domestic cooking fuel over other unwholesome fuels attracted people from all walks of life.

Venkatapathy, who was represented by the Corporate Affairs Manager, Lawal Taofeek, said, NIPCO which had been a consistent partner in the World Environmental Day celebrations in the past five years, also used the forum to unveil the Lukoil brand of lubricants being marketed by the company.

The Federal Controller of Environment, Mr. Adeyemi Adefule, who stood in for the Minister, Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, commended the role of NIPCO who had been a consistent partner in spreading the gospel of good environment up keep for the past five years.

content policy.

PETAN Chairman, Emeka Ene said that the Nigerian Content Act and policies of the petroleum ministry had contributed to the support being received by indigenous companies from foreign companies and financial institutions.

He said: “This is the reason that at this year’s edition of OTC, we had 60 PETAN members and due to the lack of space, we were not able to accommodate all our members who signified interest in taking part in the conference.

Right now, we have 50 of our members in attendance. Beyond PETAN members, we have at least another fifty ex-

hibitors. So, in all, there are over 100 Nigerian companies exhibiting in this year’s offshore technology conference.”

In an interview with the Managing Director, OilServe, Emeka Okwuosa, he gave a clear view of the competition now for jobs between indigenous and foreign companies.

He said that the East-West Gas Pipeline project awarded to his company after the opening and examination of bids submitted by his company and other foreign companies was made possible because of the steady investment in capacity building and insistence of the petroleum minister that indigenous companies must

be accorded due recognition in line with the Nigerian Content Act. The National Coordinator, Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah, who spoke on the impact of the Nigerian Content Act, argued that AllisonMadueke insisted on compliance with Nigerian Content Act because her knowledge of the international oil companies as a former employee.

He added that the minister’s exposure during her trips to several countries made her to encourage indigenous companies to invest in capacity building so as to be able to compete favourably with for-

eign companies.

According to Evah, AlisonMadueke has been insisting on engagement of indigenous contractors, because she believes that is the only strategy that will help to retain industry spending within the Nigerian economy and fast-track development.

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Ernest Nwapa explained that the Nigerian Content implementation model was focused on growing and utilising incountry capacity, while operators were made to consider long term value addition.

While acknowledging progress on the quantum of contracts awarded to Nigerians, the executive secretary stressed that real Nigerian Content could only grow if domestic companies that win contracts procured items locally and executed the jobs incountry.

To grow real Nigerian Content, Nwapa said that the industry must focus more on manufacturing, bringing back the bulk of fabrication jobs that were done in foreign countries and ensuring that pipes, valves, fittings and related equipment were procured from the country.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR 11/6/2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 11/6/2013

PRICE GAINERS

LOSERS

Wapic Insurance floats N3.51 billion rights issue

By Helen Oji IRECTORS of Wapic D Insurance Plc have approved a rights issue of 6.35 billion ordinary shares of the company’s stocks for its existing shareholders.

The offer, which opened on Monday, and valued at N3.51billion, according to the company, is on the basis of eight new ordinary share for every 10 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

Wapic’s Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who explained that the rights issue would close on Friday July 5, 2013 said it is a first step towards raising additional capital for Wapic’s longer term infrastructure and expansion objectives, adding that the company has received shareholders approval on the rights.

The Company is offering 6,350,518, 383 units of ordinary shares of 50kobo each at 55kobo per share on the basis of eight new ordinary shares for every 10 ordinary shares currently held by the eligible existing shareholders.

The proceeds from the offer would be used to deepen the company’s underwriting capacity, thereby broadening its sectoral participation in the Nigerian economy.

The Chairman said “requisite approvals have been received from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE)”.

He explained that shares being offered will rank ‘pari passu’ in all respects with the existing shares of the company.

Shareholders had on June 4, 2012, during the company’s 53rd yearly general meeting,

authorised plans by the WAPIC’s Directors to raise N5billion to boost the

Company’s operations.

The additional funds which shall be raised would be used

to expand operations, improve infrastructure and IT capabilities and also to

inject additional capital into the company’s subsidiaries among others.

CDL to pay N2.1 billion dividend to shareholders

By Bukky Olajide ONSOLIDATED Discount Limited (CDL) has declared a total dividend payout of N2.1 billion to its shareholders in its financial year ended December31, 2012. The decision was in line with the company’s promise to consistently compensate its shareholders with adequate returns.

The Chairman of CDL, Emeka Emuwa, at the yearly general meeting of the company, which took place recently, assured customers that CDL will continue to do its best to ensure that shareholders

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interests are protected.

According to him, the total equity position (shareholders’ fund] crossed the N25billion market in the financial year 2012.

The company’s total assets grew by 26.6 percent to N96.26billion from N76.05billion in 2011 financial year.

Total equity position stood at N26.15billion, up 22.7 percent from N22.63billion in the preceding financial year.

Union Bank, Mainstreet Bank, Skye Bank, First Bank, and Williams Street Trustees own Consolidated Discounts

Limited.

Speaking, Mudashiru Adeleke Shittu, managing director/ chief executive officer, of CDL said: “Worthy of note is the fact that we have employed only organic growth in raising the entire shareholders funds to the new height from a base of N200million in 1996.”

He said: “We remain committed to our consistent delivery of returns to our shareholders. Our retained earnings over the years have been the backbone of the company’s funding requirements. While we maintain a

consistent culture of dividend payments, we also abide by our need to conserve funds to finance future growth and expansion.”

The IFRS compliant result for the period ended December 31, 2012 showed that the company closed the year on a more profitable note as net profit increased by 16.71 percent to N4.54billion from N3.89billion in the corresponding period of 2011.

Comprehensive income increased by 30 percent to N4.73billion from N3.64billion in December 2011.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Opinion JUNE 12: A beacon in the dark

By Bola Tinubu “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times”.

HESE words from Charles Dickens befit the 20th anniversary of the most bittersweet event in the history of Nigerian electoral politics – the June 12, 1993 Presidential election. For a fleeting moment, we tasted a precious thing: free, fair and honest elections where the people truly elected who they wanted as their leaders.

We thought that historic election would bring the best of times. Just as we tasted the euphoria of the moment, it was snatched from us for reasons that reason shall never understand; its annulment cast the nation into the worst period of military dictatorship. June 12 showed the people’s capacity to exercise political wisdom; it also showed the folly that brews when a powerful few believe they know what is good for the people better than the people themselves.

June 12 shined the light of hope; its termination enveloped us in darkness. Some claim we regained civilian democracy in 1999; that claim is not completely true. What took place in 1999 and what is taking place now is but a shadow of June 12. Things are such that many wonder if we, having lost this great chance, will ever revisit the fullness of that moment. I pray we do. The fate of the nation and the over 150 million people occupying it hang in the balance. The past has not always been kind to us; we hope the future does what the past has not.

Two decades have elapsed since Nigerians cast their votes across ethnic, religious and regional divides for Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola. Despite the passage of time, June 12 remains etched in our national conscience. It symbolizes Nigeria. A day that began with full promise, ended in twisted disappointment because a cunning few thought their interests paramount to the wishes of an entire nation.

Since June 12, we have struggled to reach the level of democratic quality experienced that moment.

Today, we live halfway between sun and storm.

While better off than the bleak days of reactionary dictatorship, we have yet to reach the democratic level of June 12.

This is why we must never forget June 12. We must never lose hope that we can attain the level of democratic practice of that day. We cannot change the past; thus, we cannot return to correct the bad turn taken. However, we can dedicate ourselves to a better future. We can go forward to a new, more complete June 12 that has an ending as benign as it’s beginning.

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The annulment of June 12 and the regression to full-scale dictatorship hurled the country into a severe crisis of legitimacy. June 12 reminds us that, although the vast majority of us want democracy, reactionary elements work to stifle these aspirations. These elements are not always in uniform. No military dictatorship could do to us what they have done without having its full complement of civilian lackeys and courtiers.

Against these forces, the people struggled for democratic restoration at great costs. Many of our compatriots spilled their blood and lost their lives. As such, the struggle for internal democracy has proven more costly than our quest for colonial independence. Sadly, if asked the identity of our worst enemy, all we can do is point into a mirror.

After 14 years of civilian rule, June 12 is not nationally commemorated because of the power of these reactionary forces. Chief MKO Abiola deserves a posthumous honour recognizing him for being so stalwart in his democratic beliefs that he refused to forfeit his mandate. At the costs of personal deprivation and his life, this man stood his ground. In doing so, he stands as our tallest hero in the cause of Nigerian democracy.

Many of those who have come to power since 1999 try to belittle June 12. We must not sweep the lessons of that day under the carpet. Those things will only re-emerge later, in ways uglier and more resistant than the first time. We must imbibe these lessons that they may keep us from tragedy’s repeat and move us to finally realize the full blossoming of our political democracy.

Those who discount June 12 don’t do this because of regional chauvinism or anti-southwest motives. June 12 belongs to all Nigerians, except a certain class frightened by what full democracy would mean for them. This has nothing to do with region, religion or ethnicity. It has everything to do with a person’s view of democracy. Reactionary forces detest June 12 because it reminds them their days will be numbered should the people’s will ever be respected.

At its essence, June 12 serves as a reminder that the struggle for democracy is never-ending. Just as there are heroes willing to lay down their lives and livelihoods to secure the people’s future, there are still elements that would rather snuff out democracy than let the people attain freedom’s stride.

When we talk June 12, we talk not about dead

heroes and dead evil. We talk not about ghosts.

We talk about today and the future to come.

At some point, this government must ensure appropriate national recognition for Chief MKO Abiola and those who sacrificed to protect the mandate so openly and freely won that day. We must safeguard One Man, One Vote, which made June 12 a watershed. We must ensure electoral integrity where the sovereign right of the people prevails.

If things continue as they have for the past 14 years, we shall never attain the quality of elections or the promise of good governance June 12 represents. The country has drifted for too long. The current government is long on problems, short on solutions. We have too much poverty, too much unemployment, too much violence, too much hunger, too much corruption, insecurity and disease. We have too little electricity, jobs, progress, justice and hope.

If we are the giant of Africa, it is a masochistic fellow who revels in shooting himself in the foot instead of feeding his starving children. There are many lessons to draw from June 12. Here, I would like to focus on three of them.

First, the current one-party dominance of the political economy rewards bankrupt governance and corrodes the national fabric.

A more balanced system featuring a countervailing progressive party to oppose the ruling retrogressives promotes democratic competition that augurs great change. This is why agents of the inefficient status quo busy themselves casting roadblocks in the way of the formation of the new party instead of focusing on good governance. They have opened their bag of tricks to thwart the merger. But, there is no stopping an idea whose time has come. Let them waste their time. After all, they have wasted so much of the nation’s.

The other clear lesson from June 12 is, given their free choice, the masses prefer progressive government. Thus, Nigeria is politically bifurcated nation. We have a hard working and progressively-minded citizenry under thumb of an unabashedly retrogressive political elite. The only way this is sustainable is for the elite to impose themselves as a quasi-elected modern aristocracy.

Third, June 12 was a product of an open, fair electoral process. Despite marginal improvements in the current process, we still have a grossly unreliable voters register. This is because the current hybrid, half electronic, half manual system is both engine and fuel for malpractice. To solve this

obvious problem, we must demand a fully integrated biometric voters’ register that guarantees accuracy and eliminates multiple voting.

The use of the biometric system for elections in Nigeria should be non-negotiable. Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Liberia employed forms of the system and it worked in these cases. It is modern and reliable. Nigeria should not be different. Additionally, the National Assembly must pass measures deepening electoral reform by enhancing INEC’s autonomy and ensuring electoral tribunals are reconstructed to have truth and respect for the rights of every citizen as their objective. Currently, most tribunals and the legal processes they employ are constituted in a way that legitimates misconduct instead of punishing it.

Nigeria today stands with one foot on the rock and one in the rising waters. We need to decide whether we want to stand or sink. Nigeria is trapped by a defective federal structure that promotes underdevelopment for the many in the guise of the vast enrichment of the few.

Twenty years after the happy June 12 election and its dismal termination, sufficient lessons should have been learned. I know that the conspirators now must have their regrets. But there is yet hope for redemption. The only way for redemption is for them to embrace a new thinking that will reflect the will of the people. They must now join hands with the progressives to propel a people-oriented government to office.

Then the dream of June 12 would have been fulfilled.

Because those in power look the wrong, undemocratic way, they have learned the wrong, undemocratic lessons. They have learned not to give the people the chance to truly express their political will. The current system does not foster the public’s will. The system squeezes it. The system is so corrosive that even an election among 35 governors for the chairmanship of the Governors Forum becomes an exercise in blatant mischief where the loser is tagged the winner because he is a well-paid courier delivering to those in Aso Rock as they wish.

In the end, there is no end. That is the essential lesson of June 12. A nation never keeps democracy except it continually fights for it. To slumber is to lose. We remember June 12 so that one day Nigerians from all walks of life and all parts of the nation can describe an election as, “It was the best of times,’’ and mean it as the full and complete truth. This is the Nigeria we seek. For today and for tomorrow.

The single term proposal

By Anthony Akinola WRITE on the single-term proposal as one who believes in its Idishonest. necessity, even as one is equally aware that politicians can be President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposal of a single, six-year tenure for president and governor is not seminal, but significant nevertheless. The idea of a single-term enjoys informed opinion and was in fact forcefully presented to the Political Bureau established by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida in 1986. General Olusegun Obasanjo, one honest critic of the politics of the Second Republic (1979-1983) specifically suggested a single-term of six years to the body.

The Political Bureau identified with the informed views of many Nigerians regarding the desirability of a single-term presidency in the context of the history and ethnological realities of our nation but the military leadership rejected their recommendations of a single-term of five years in favour of the existing two-terms of four years each. It is not as if the recommendation of the Political Bureau would have mattered; the transition engineered by the then military regime led to nothing!

Be that as it may, the idea of a single-term executive – once or twice approved by the legislative arm of government – continues to be trumpeted by individuals and groups. A group of well-informed and well-meaning Nigerians, The Patriots, amplified the idea as did also members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) – in the early years of the current Republic. The proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan calls for thorough debate, not least because of its importance to our democracy and our nation. Of course this proposal may not be the most pressing issue of the moment.

The length of time a political leader spends in office is important. We in Africa know what its pernicious consequences could be, as elected leaders are transformed into monarchs of some sort. Presidential tenure has not been the most contentious issue

in the United States of America whose constitutional arrangements inform ours. Until Franklin Delano Roosevelt, elected president in 1932, it was always assumed that the American president was conventionally limited to two terms in office. However, Roosevelt was the only American President to have spent more than two terms in office; he died in 1945 during his fourth term. His successor, Harry S. Truman, established the Hoover Commission in 1947 to look into the prospect of presidential term limits. The outcome was the 22nd Amendment of 1951, which limited the American President to two terms, or a maximum of 10 years where a President had started off by completing the tenure of another. The idea of a one-term presidency was however seriously considered in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.

The two-term presidency is rationalised in political or academic argument. It is argued that a second term ensures that a hardworking President has enough time to complete his or her programmes. It also serves the purpose of rewarding hard work, as the less successful President is replaced after a term in office.

These arguments resonate in Nigeria, even when native wisdom should inform us that the nature of one’s political environment is the most important consideration in all of this. The political arrangement of Switzerland, the second oldest written constitution after the USA, comes to mind here.

The fact that one has been limited to a single term in office would not mean that he or she would embrace non-performance as a policy. Every individual wants to be remembered for something. In any case there is always a mechanism – impeachment, for instance, by which a pathetic President can be removed from office. There is also the political party machinery, which will not go to sleep while its candidate messes up its prospects in a future election. The single-term presidency is not without its checks and balances!

This writer has himself been one advocate of a single-term executive; here are the extracts from the arguments he once advanced in support of this idea “… firstly, when the Executive is not

in a position to seek re-election, there will be little or no inducement to use the instrument of state to facilitate electoral fraud.

This is to say that the President would be wary of any scandal that could tarnish the reputation of his administration … secondly, the President would be induced to devote more of his attention to office, rather than dissipate energy over the question of re-election. It is common knowledge that a reasonable part of the first term is devoted to seeking re-election …

Thirdly, the President would be more of a father figure advancing the national interest to secure a place for himself in history.

He may have been elected on the platform of a particular party, he can nevertheless afford to be non-partisan in certain circumstances … finally, a one-term provision could not but be reasonable in Nigerian society where the ethno-regional origin of the national leader would for a very long time be a major issue. It would be hypocritical not to acknowledge this (see Anthony Akinola, Rotational Presidency (1996), pp 56-57)”.

The proposal by President Goodluck Jonathan should not be disregarded because of a history of leadership dishonesty. His spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, has told us that the proposal does not seek to have a retroactive effect. It will take effect from 2015, after which Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will have vacated office based on his self-proclaimed determination to serve a term of four years only.

If this is the case, the lawmakers do not lack the knowledge of how they can craft an amendment that would give meaning to it.

In fact, the proposal should be blended with the principle of “rotation”, ensuring that the presidency shifts to another region of the Nigerian federation in 2015. The leadership question remains the Nigerian national question, we saw this in the violent reactions to the presidential election in April 2011. It is the responsibility of the Nigerians of today to seek to resolve the problems of their time.

• Dr. Akinola lives in Oxford, the United Kingdom. This article was first published on this page on August 1 2011.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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Opinion Jonathan’s two-year performance in office (2)

By Ben Nwabueze Continued from yesterday THE Patriots’ State of the Nation statement On January 10, 2013 The Patriots held a well-attended press conference at which the following Statement on the State of the Nation was read by me. The indulgence of the reader is craved for reproducing it here: • The central purpose and thrust of this statement is to draw attention of the people of this country to the accelerating descent of Nigeria towards becoming a failed state, and the need for revolutionary action by the President to halt this descent, to change the style of leadership to one fired by the demands of good governance, and to convene a National Conference as a means towards the attainment of the objective of good governance.

• There is great unease in Nigeria today. There is increasing loss of confidence on the part of the majority of Nigerians in the ability of the Government to resolve the enormous problems confronting the people as the country cascades dangerously towards enormous disaster.

These grave challenges include: • All pervasive corruption, exhibition of insatiable greed and the pursuit of self-enrichment on the part of members of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

• The payment of outrageously inflated remuneration in salaries and allowances to political office holders in total disregard of our very low per-capita national income and of international norms, and in the context of increasing pauperization of the people with 70 per cent of Nigerians living below the poverty line.

• The deteriorating situation with regard to the security of persons and property.

• The proliferation of government agencies and the seemingly uncontrollable patronage system, which has made some people stinkingly rich, all contributing to the excessive cost of governance. Even in the 2013 budget, 70 per

cent of the budget is for Recurrent Expenditure on personnel and overhead costs and only 30 per cent or Capital Expenditure.

• Failure to begin to deliver on improved infrastructure of power and transportation.

• Failure to begin to deliver on improvements in educational facilities, access, and quality of education (with the exception of one or two states).

• Failure to punish appropriately and promptly the few persons in high positions found guilty of corruption following due process of law.

• Failure so far to embark on effective and widespread publicity of Vision 2020 and the Jonathan 2011 – 2015 Transformation Agenda to demonstrate the commitment and determination of the Leadership to implement it, and to mobilize and motivate the people to give them hope.

• The great unease among the people is further heightened by the increasing demands for the creation of more States and LGAs, seen by many of the would-be rulers of the new entities as the quickest way to personal fortune and not necessarily for dedicated public service to spread development and improve the standards of living and quality of life of the vast majority of our people.

Time is running out for peaceful well-managed change • In order to avoid the horrors of descent into very bloody and destructive anarchy, there is immediate need for a revolutionary change of attitude amongst key elements of the national leadership and the emergence of a re-awakened and revitalized responsive Government. It is the duty and historical challenge of President Goodluck Jonathan as the democratically elected President of the country in whom authority for government is vested to initiate and lead the necessary revolutionary changes to enable the nation avoid the horrendous holocaust which threatens. This requires: • The immediate return to all the important criteria and conditions of good governance; and • The initiation of the process for convening a National Conference for producing a People’s Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose source of authority, as the supreme law of the land, is the people, acting in a National

Conference and a Referendum, otherwise called a People’s Constitution. The purpose of the Conference is to enable the people of this country, as members of ethnic groups and as individuals, to deliberate and agree on how they are to live together in peace and unity, and to work out a programme for ensuring development, progress and justice for the benefit of all Nigerians and for promoting nation-building and integration of the various ethnic groups in the country in equality and freedom, and the continuing evolution of a Nigerian Nation.

Regarding good governance • A President imbued with a revolutionary ardour for national transformation can in a matter of weeks begin to make the people notice a change in the purpose and pace of government. The aspects of good governance which must be embraced must include: • Total Respect for the Rule of Law; • Efficient and prompt administration of Justice; • Predictability, objectivity and consistency in government measures; • Respect for the sanctity of contracts; • Strict rejection of the pursuit of self-enrichment as the motive for seeking political leadership and office; • Zero tolerance for corruption and the prompt application of adequate sanctions against offenders including seizure of all properties corruptly acquired; • Every effort must be made to reduce the cost of elections; • Immediate and drastic reduction in the cost of governance; • Efficient and timely service delivery by all government agencies, unconstrained by rent-seeking and other corrupt practices.

• Nigeria must improve its ranking in international competitiveness in order to attract sustainable investment; • Return to planning and submission to the discipline of planning, strictly applying the nation’s resources to pre-determined priorities

and programmes; • Continuing reform, retraining and remotivation of the Public Service and staff of the regulatory agencies to re-establish a professional, non-partisan, merit-driven Public Service which is a competent, pro-investment, friendly, patriotic vehicle to help the Government deliver and improve the quality of governance; • The President must lead his party, (and other parties will follow) to become patriotic, issues-oriented, energetic agents for national development and progress if they are to enjoy public acclaim.

On the National Conference The Patriots believe that a national front, comprising itself, Project Nigeria, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Elders Forum, Middle Belt Forum, Conference of Ethnic Nationalities of the Niger Delta, South-South Peoples Assembly and other civil society organisations, is necessary to facilitate the process of convening a National Conference. We (The Patriots) are at present actively engaged in efforts to create such a front. When the effort is completed, a meeting of the front with Mr. President and leaders of the National Assembly will be organised, and a memorandum on the National Conference submitted to them, accompanied by a draft bill on the subject, covering all aspects of it, particularly representation at the Conference, election/selection of delegates, preparation of a draft Constitution and its submission and adoption at a Referendum.

• Efforts at creating a national front include an appeal to, and the use of, certain persons who command reverence and credibility as “Fathers of the Nation” to join in appealing to Mr. President and the Leaders of the National Assembly to accede to the demand for convening the National Conference. It is not wise to reveal the names of the persons selected for this purpose until they have been formally approached and have accepted to act in that role.

• To be continued.

• Professor Nwabueze, SAN, writes on behalf of The Patriots.

Three festering fires

By Tunji Braithwaite We will not allow any more charade elections in Nigeria until and unless, we have dethroned KING CORRUPTION and given ourselves an acceptable constitution to decentralise the disproportionate power at the centre in Nigeria’s governance structure. nd

S I was sharing with you (those of you who have read the 2 A edition of the Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles), there is in place, for mankind, a set of uniform laws that govern and

regulate human societies which, if scrupulously and faithfully invoked or applied, guarantees to every person on this earth all freedoms to which man is entitled without any abridgement or qualification.

I do not have enough time and space here to detail the salutary and beneficial effects of a faithful application of these laws in different lands and clime, on the quality of life of persons domiciled in those territories. Unfortunately, here in Nigeria, these laws have either not been fully comprehended or by reasons of a culture of unnecessary timidity in the defence of core moral values, the salutary blessings of the laws are lost on the people.

The post-independence journey of the nation-state Nigeria is anything but inspiring; yet the paradox of this sad situation is that the various peoples or nationalities that inhabit the geographical space of Nigeria are among the best-endowed humans on the planet. The record bears testimony to this.

This is on the one hand. On the other hand, the natural resources that abound within the area amalgamated, to artificially create a nation in 1914, are enough to make every Nigerian live comfortably, by a reasonable standard of living.

Alas, all these are being frittered and wasted by a coterie, exploiting the ignorance and the primordial culture of subservience, prevalent in the land. The past colonial rule had damaged the psyche of the people only to be replaced by its

neo-colonial mindset.

Those who are presently engaged in the unwholesome manoeuvres of tinkering with decree 14 of 1999, otherwise called the Nigerian Constitution – to give all elective-office holders an extra two-year term across the board and retain immunity for corrupt office-holders – thereby trampling underfoot, the Nigerian Peoples’ Sovereignty – would be igniting a social and political tinder-box. I would urge them not to dare such irresponsibility.

For the moment, the monster of king corruption and impunity in this country at every level of civil administration has exposed the tenuous and fragile foundation of Nigeria’s brand of democracy to the danger it portends for the people. The electoral, judicial and administrative systems and practices are so steep in corruption to the extent that, unless the people collectively and with singleness of purpose stand-up squarely to dethrone King Corruption before any general election, there would be a catastrophic explosion. The ugly phenomenon of corruption exacerbates conditions of poverty so severely and also aggravates problems of insecurity. For 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 would protest violently, quite often to fatalistic proportions.

Let the world 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 what it is, as well a disgrace to the present generation!

What is there to celebrate? It would have been a different thing altogether, if we were celebrating a Founding-Fathers’ birth of a nation that over the years has blossomed into a strong cohesive and socio-political vibrant force in the country of nations. The reverse, sadly is the case here. We therefore call on President Jonathan to perish the idea of this disgrace-

ful celebration.

Instead of clinking glasses of champagne 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. It is a generational duty and an imperative for your generation.

The enduring call and agitation for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) is very much apposite at this time.

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 now voluntarily agree to its terms and or modify them.

In any event, 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.

The dress rehearsals for all these are being played out and will progressively broaden to confront and ultimately destroy and dethrone king corruption in this country.

I would remind you of the 2012 oil subsidy protests and the protests against deployment of soldiers to the streets of Lagos, in the ensuing peaceful demonstrations by the masses. We are still watching and monitoring how the government is handling the massive fraud unearthed, by the laissex fare so-called, ad hoc probe of the subsidy scam and related matters.

The die is cast! The issue is not about 2015 elections or who becomes President or governor in 2015. There are a whole lot of fundamental and foundational matters to be urgently addressed by the Nigerian peoples before 2015.

• Dr. Braithwaite delivered this remark as chairman at the Founder’s Day Thanksgiving Service/Luncheon of CMS Grammar School, Lagos on June 6, 2013.

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Midweek Art

By Kabir Alabi Garba

On May 30, 2013, Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, in his capacity as the Chairman, Governing Board, Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, Osun State mobilised a powerful delegation comprising two governors, arts and culture administrators, scholars and other government functionaries to participate in the jubilee of African Renaissance celebration organised by the promoters of Igbale Aiye (City Headquarters of Humanism) in the border town, Ketou, Republic of Benin. The literary giant seized the occasion to explain why the Osogbo culture outfit has adopted Igbale Aiye project as one of the centre’s priority programmes of action.

UCKED in the heart of Apkotokou forest in T the border town of Ketou, Republic of Benin, Igbale Aiye (City Headquarters of Humanism) played host to ‘unusual guests’ that Thursday afternoon. The occasion was the work-inprogress city’s African Renaissance celebration and eminent personalities from far and near had been invited to identify with the vision of building a “cultural universal city” in tribute to deported and enslaved African ancestors.

Tagged the 21st Century Challenge Project, the promoters of the city led by Olofindji Akande are convinced that such efforts will transform toga of slavery believed to have stunted growth and development among black nationalities into huge wealth for the humanity, thus promoting “rebirth of humanity by the rebirth of Africa.”

Interestingly, the project, initiated couple of decades ago, has attracted support from all over the world especially blacks in the Diaspora Ogun State Tourism and Culture commissioner, Olu Odeyemi (left), Aregbesola, Soyinka, Amosun and Olofindji Akande… at the event on May 30 in Benin Republic including Prof Wole Soyinka, who as a strong supporter of the project facilitate the participation of governors of Ogun and Osun states, Ibikunle Amosun and Rauf Aregbesola in the last May 30 outing.

Although they arrived Akpotokou late in the afternoon due to over three-hour journey by road from Abeokuta, they were treated to rich cultural reception laced with dancing, drumming and singing by locals mainly women from the surrounding villages.

Led by the highly delighted Akande, the guests were conducted round the ancient discoveries such as caves, underground village, Noah’s palace in the City of Humanism.

Soyinka Let me correct that. I am not the patron of this centre. No! I am just one of the supporters. I am not the patron. The vision is that of Olofindji Akande’s entirely, as he explained in the map, which you saw there. What he is trying to do is ground upon which we are standing. I have a ting here, I discovered that, and we have to part of Delta. We will do that and I believe that give it to those that put this together, ultimately it is going to be beneficially to us to turn this place into a kind of universe of personal interest in getting it out.

And already we are connecting this place with because they were very balance and more economically, socially, culturally... if everybody peace, spear-headed by the African people. His plan as you saw on that map is to have each of the UNESCO through Osogbo centre. Indeed, concerned about the unity of all blacks. This comes here, it will enhance rapid developthe nations of the world, but especially the UNESCO already has an interest in this place. is because they could have probably, cited ment, not just Ogun State, or this place, Ketou, black nations, build a kind of embassy here, so But the centre in Osun has adopted this as one this place in just, maybe, Republic of Benin but Nigeria as a whole, and by extension all the that this could be like a neutral ground similar of its projects which comprise Osun Groove, alone. But the way they have done it, it is blacks in the entire universe. I am thrilled, I am to Mecca or Jerusalem of the black people, and this Igbale Aiye, and thirdly, this is very recent, between Iwoye in Imeko Afon Local happy that we are discovering this today. I of the world with the theme of absolute peace. the restoration of the libraries of Timbuktu in Government and Ketou in Republic of Benin. never knew that Igbale Aiye is just at my backThat within that enclave, there will be no bor- Mali, which was partly destroyed by those van- In any case, it is all about our history, some- yard. And I am happy that my brother, der, and there will be no rancour. There will be dals who think they are religionists, but noth- how, our forebears, this is where we all origi- Governor Aregbesola of Osun is here. I also no hostility; there will be no violence. That is ing but barbarians. It has come to our atten- nated from, with what we have seen, we all appreciate the commitment of Prof. Soyinka, as his vision, not mine. And the map which you tion that a lot of manuscripts were taken away came from here, picture, they say, doesn’t lie. well as Olofindji Akande who envisions this. I saw there is how the this place will be ringed by and hidden somewhere, those manuscripts So, if some thousands years back, our ances- commend his efforts and passion to make sure the embassies of the various nations of the are coming out now, and we have joined hands tors, this was where they originated from, that the black race is brought to the fore in the world, that it would become a tourist centre or with institutions like Harvard University and look at their prowess, there was no engi- comity of nations. I am sure everybody will be cultural centre, lots of activities of heritage adopted that as one of our projects to assist in neering feat in those days. We saw the cave, mobilized to see the quantum of wealth culnature will take place here. And it is a scheme the restoration of those priceless manuscripts, the tunnels, we could imagine the kind of turally, technologically and historically buried that people like us should support and in par- and most of them, I am saying this because of technology employed to achieve that level of here. That we are not just ground standing that ticular, the Centre for Black Culture and these characters who call themselves Muslims sophistication in those days. In fact, we had a this is the cradle of civilisation.

International Understanding in Osun State. and they are destroying manuscripts that have big city underneath where we are sitting Aregbesola of Osun State That is why we came here today with Governor to do with Islamic philosophy, faith, works of here. What all these indicate is that thou- What is the link between the vision of Centre Aregbesola, and of course; we are joined by astrologers, astronomers, mathematicians, sands of years back, our ancestors had mas- for Black Culture and International Governor Amosun who is also passionate philosophers of Islamic belief. So, when they tered this technology of constructing caves Undewrstanding in Osogbo and Igbale Aiye in about event like this and about project of this say they are destroying things, they are and tunnels... now we wonder how, in mod- Ketou, Benin Republic?

We will collaborate with this place (Igbale nature. And this concerns him ultimately destroying their own religion. But we who are ern time, people do all these construction, because the area transcends Benin Republic not Muslims who believe in scholarship, phi- without knowing that all these originated Aiye) in our quest to advance the culture, cusand moves into Nigeria through Ogun state, in losophy, art, culture and whatever it is that from here. Of course, we have been told, and tom and tradition of blacks worldwide. That is human mind is capable of producing, this is we are not in doubt, that Pyramids in Egypt my own commitment. I do not think there is other words, the eraser of borders.

What lessons do you want African leaders to one of the reasons why the Centre for Black were built by people who left from here any black person of whatever age that is not Culture and International Understanding has (Igbale Aiye). I am thrilled and happy, this interested in what will elevate the profile and take from this?

Hey hey, I have told you it is not my vision, adopted this as our third immediate project place will be like Makkah of some sort if it is status of blacks. My concern is that, we, as a peotherefore, I do not know what lesson it is, you and we will be talking more about that later well harnessed. So, in Ogun State, will collab- ple, must embrace whatever it is that will eleorate extensively, and we are going to vate our status and give us a pride of place in yourself should extract what you can from the on. mobilise others – our brothers and sisters in the world. My advice to all blacks worldwide is project itself. I do not have to preach to you. Governor Ibikunle Amosun It is a pleasant surprise that I am involved in all the Yoruba speaking states in South West to rally round activities, programmes and poliAnd in particular, mine as somebody who is passionate about archaeology and history, this. When I was told, I initially believed that we as well as South South and North Central. I cies and actions that we make us a proud memthere is a wealth of history underneath this are just going to Republic of Benin. But on get- have Kwara, Kogi in mind, and Edo and some ber of the human community.

Why UNESCO Centre in Osogbo adopts Igbale Aiye project, by Soyinka

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20 Years After June 12

Abiola: ‘Mystery’ one hour, Susan Rice and deadly cup of tea

By Femi Fani-Kayode MBASSADOR Susan Rice was until recentA ly the American Ambassador to the United Nations. Her long-standing aspiration of becoming the Secretary of State for her country was dashed when the Republicans in the Senate started sharpening their knives in anticipation of her formal nomination for that position by President Barak Obama.

Sensing that her nomination would not scale through the Senate and that she would not be confirmed as Secretary of State due to the role she played in the cover-up of the Benghazi affair in which the American Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other American citizens were murdered by a group of Islamist terrorists, her nomination was withdrawn.

Instead of Secretary of State, President Obama has now nominated her for the position of National Security Advisor, which is a job that does not require Senate approval or confirmation.

I wish Susan Rice well in her new assignment but I am constrained to ask the following questions. What did she put in the tea that she served to Chief MKO Abiola on July 8, 1998 just before he died?

She was one of the last people that saw him alive; she served him some tea, he coughed violently and one hour later, he dropped dead. What was in the tea? Was it Abuja “green tea,” Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Liptons or some other more exotic brand?

Can someone, please, ask Susan Rice what her role was in the death of MKO Abiola? Who sent her to do the job and whom was she working for? At that time she was Assistant Secretary of State for America in President Bill Clinton’s government. Was she acting on his direct instructions or simply on the instructions of her boss and controller in Langley?

Chief MKO Abiola was the winner of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections. That election took place on June 12, 1993. The following week (precisely on June 23), General Ibrahim Babangida annulled it.

Shortly after that, as a consequence of the sheer outrage that was generated by the annulment, Babangida was compelled to “step aside” and hand over power to Chief Ernest Shonekan.

In what was clearly a strategic manoeuvre, he (Babangida) left General Sani Abacha (his own Chief of Army Staff) behind to be the Minister of Defence for the incoming administration.

A few months later, Abacha toppled the Interim National Government of Chief Shonekan, which he had served and seized power for himself. Abiola was arrested and detained. He was never granted his freedom again.

Four years later, forces that are yet to be identified, murdered Abacha himself and General Abdulsalami Abubakar took power. Exactly 30 days after Abacha was killed, those same forces that killed him murdered Abiola as well in an attempt to “balance the equation.”

These are the facts and sequence of events.

One thing is self-evident and cannot be denied no matter which side of the divide one may have been on in the June 12 saga — certain questions must be answered. And some of those questions are as follows: Who killed MKO Abiola? Who killed Sani Abacha? What role, if any, did officials of the Abubakar administration play in the murder of both Abacha and Abiola? What role did the CIA play and exactly what transpired in the room when Assistant Secretary of State Susan Rice (as she then was), Ambassador Thomas Pickering and two other faceless and nameless officials from the American Embassy met with Abiola on the very day that he was meant to have been released?

Sadly, instead of being released on that day, he dropped dead in what can only be described as in mysterious and questionable circumstances.

This is all the more so because Abiola’s security officer and the man that was charged with looking after him and protecting him throughout the time that he was incarcerated (an honest, upstanding and courageous

Susan Rice

police officer by the name of ASP Zadok) told the Oputa Panel in 2002 that Abiola was “hale and hearty” and in “very high spirits” just before going into the meeting with the Americans.

He went further by telling the panel that as he was about to enter Aguda House (the premises where the meeting was scheduled to be held) with Abiola, he was asked to leave his principal, to step out of the premises and to go and pick up another car from somewhere else by one of General Abdulsalami’s security officers.

He promptly obeyed the order but half an hour later when he came back, he found Abiola in a terrible condition, coughing violently, writhing all over the floor in pain and breathing his last breath. Thirty minutes later, he gave up the ghost.

Another question that needs to be answered is the one that the veteran journalist and respected columnist, Mr. Gbolobo Ogunsanwo, has dubbed as “the question of the missing one hour.”

Permit me to explain. According to the testimony that was given to the Oputa Panel by Major Hamza al-Mustapha, who was General Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, from the first day that Abiola was arrested right up until the day that he was murdered, he (alMustapha) was in charge of his (Abiola’s) security.

Each time Abiola was moved from one safe house to another, he had to sign for it. Each time Abiola ate his food or drank anything, his men tasted and drank it before hand.

He went as far as to say that each time Abiola went to the toilet, he was made aware of it and that nothing happened around Abiola or to him without his direct permission and the involvement of his most loyal men.

After Abacha was murdered and Abdulsalami Abubakar became Head of State, al-Mustapha was still in charge of Abiola’s security and he still maintained direct responsibility for his life, his wellbeing and his welfare right up until the minute that he was murdered.

When Mustapha appeared before the Oputa Panel, he exposed the fact that in the entire period of four years that he and his team watched over Abiola, it was only in the one hour that he was killed that they had no knowledge or control of what was happening to or around him.

According to him, Abiola was removed from

Fani-Kayode

the Guest House that he had been staying without his (al-Mustapha’s) signature or knowledge and without anyone seeking his permission. Simply put, he was kept in the dark about the whole thing.

Secret orders were given to keep him out of the loop, to take Abiola to a destination, which he knew nothing about and to ensure that none of the usual trusted food tasters and minders were with him.

The only person that accompanied Abiola from the old guards of those that had watched over him for the previous four years was ASP Zadok and when they arrived at Aguda House (the venue of the meeting), he was conveniently sent on a meaningless errand by General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Chief Security Officer and told to leave.

Hence, for the first time in four years, Abiola was left completely on his own, and he was surrounded by a coterie of strange faces who had no genuine affection or empathy for him.

He was with them for one hour and during that hour, not one of those that had watched over him, that had secured his safety and had grown familiar with him over the entire fouryear period of his incarceration was with him.

It was during that “missing hour,” when he was all alone and very vulnerable, that he was poisoned.

Sadly, by the time Zadok, who was undoubtedly loyal to him, returned to the scene, Abiola was already dying. The question is who gave the order for Abiola to be brought to that meeting? Why did they keep al-Mustapha in the dark about it? Why was Zadok sent to bring another vehicle that was obviously not needed?

That one hour, and what transpired during its course, holds the key to everything.

It appears that Abiola was lured into a trap by a group of smiling strangers, who did not wish him well and who had sinister plans for him. It was like leading a lamb to the slaughter.

Given these circumstances, I have no doubt that this was a case of premeditated murder but the question is whose call was it and why did it have to happen? What was the motive?

Was it done just to “balance the equation,” as some said at the time or was it done in an attempt to pave the way for an Obasanjo Presidency one year later? Could General Olusegun Obasanjo have been released from jail and elected President if Abiola had lived

and if he had insisted on claiming his mandate?

The Nigerian people have a right to know the truth and it is about time that those that have wielded power in this country for the last few decades told them. The powers that be must appreciate the fact that they cannot sweep things under the carpet forever and that one day, no matter how long it takes, they will be held accountable by God and the Nigerian people for the morbid, secret and oftentimes homicidal choices and decisions that they made.

Yet, the truth is that the military operates like a cult and we may never get an honest answer from any of them about what really happened.

This is because there are very few Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umars in the Nigerian military. Very few of them are prepared to break ranks with the leadership and break the omerta code of silence like Abubakar Umar did over the June 12 election.

Very few of them are prepared to call a spade a spade, speak the truth, expose the lie and damn the consequences. Most of them continue to spin the yarn and tell the dirty lie that Abacha and Abiola’s deaths were both from natural causes and that it was just a coincidence that one dropped dead on July 8, 1998, just four days before the 5th anniversary of June 12 and the other dropped dead exactly one month later on July 8, 1998.

As they say, “the secrets are embedded in the sequence of events and the dates” and, in this case, the sequence of events and the dates really do tell an interesting and revealing story.

Still, no matter how hard they try to cover her up and silence her, truth is stubborn and she cannot be drowned. She is like a pack of straws that are held together and pinned down by an all-powerful hand at the bottom of a river. As long as she is held at the bottom of that river, she cannot be seen or heard.

Yet, one day, in the fullness of time, that allpowerful hand that seeks to suppress her forever will get tired and let go and at that point, Lady Truth will happily float to the top of the water where she will be seen and heard by all.

It is in the same way that one day, in the fullness of time, the pernicious and perfidious verdict of “death by natural cause” or “act of God” that the powers that be have claimed are the causes of Abiola and Abacha’s deaths, respectively will be exposed for what they are.

Those that continue to spin that lie and conspire to hide the truth will pay a heavy price for their murderous deceit either in this world or in the next. The most filthy and despicable creature under God’s sun is the unrepentant and compulsive liar and he or she that bears false witness, that sheds innocent blood and that seeks to kill, jail, maim, defame and destroy the innocent in the name of the state.

Their evil knows no bounds and they will surely burn in hell.

Those that continue to perpetuate the lie, to hide the truth and to spin the tale that there was nothing untoward or mischievous about the death of Chief MKO Abiola, whose only crime was to win a free and fair election and refuse to renounce it, shall fare no better.

Until these questions are answered and justice is done, Nigeria will not know lasting peace and cannot possibly achieve her full potentials. It is a spiritual thing. Abiola gave his life that we may have a better tomorrow; yet, we refuse to acknowledge it or to bring his killers to justice. We are repaying his good with evil and the consequences of that are set out in the Word of God. Whatever anyone may have thought of him as a person, the fact remains that had it not been for Abiola’s sheer resilience, courage, steadfastness, sacrifice and gallant refusal to bow before the Nigerian military and give up his 1993 Presidential mandate, we would not have democracy in Nigeria today.

He was faithful to his cause to the very last. In return for that, the least we could do is to ask the relevant questions, demand the appropriate answers and expose the bitter truth.

We owe MKO Abiola, his wife Kudirat (who was also murdered) and all the other June 12 and NADECO foot soldiers and martyrs that much.

Fani-Kayode was the Minister of Aviation

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Sports Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifier

Eagles meet Namibia, may qualify for last round today • Game kicks off 8.00 p.m.

By Christian Okpara HE Super Eagles will go into today’s game against the Brave Warriors of Namibia knowing that a win may take them to the last round of the African qualifying series.

Nigeria is on eight points and sit atop the Group F table ahead of Malawi, which has six points.

Namibia is on the third spot with four points, while Kenya props the rear on two points.

The Super Eagles will qualify for the final round of the African series with a win in Windhoek and Malawi fail to beat Kenya in the other game.

Mathematically, Namibia can still win the Group F ticket by beating Nigeria and the other game ends in a draw. That will mean they must defeat Kenya in their last game and hope Malawi hold Nigeria in Calabar.

All that projections would amount to nothing if the Eagles beat Namibia today. The Eagles spent their fifth day in Windhoek yesterday evening perfecting strategies for the game, which also serves as the team’s final preparatory session before the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil.

Six days ago, the travelling Nigeria troupe got the better of their Kenyan hosts in Nairobi, thanks to a late goal by Ahmed Musa. The Eagles are looking forward to a bigger scoreline as they have been emphasising accurate shooting and deadly poaching.

Today’s tie at the artificial turf of the Sam Nujoma Stadium in quiet Windhoek somewhat serves as the return of a 1-0 defeat the Brave Warriors suffered in Calabar a year ago, at the start of the series.

In that match, it took a late goal by Ikechukwu Uche for Nigeria to scoop the maximum points.

In fact, Nigeria’s four goals in this qualifying series have come late in their games.

Midfielder, Gabriel Reuben scored late in Malawi but there was still time for the Flames to equalise, and against Kenya in Calabar, the match was three minutes into added time before Nnamdi Oduamadi saved the African champions’ blushes with an equaliser.

Since coming into the saddle 20 months ago, Keshi has not lost a competitive match with Nigeria. The only two losses, narrow indeed, were the 2-3 defeat by Egypt in a friendly in Dubai on April 12, 2012 and a 0-1 loss to Peru in an international friendly in Lima the following month. The matches were prosecuted by homebased players.

Speaking through the Nigeria

T

Football Federation’s (NFF) Media Officer, Ademola Olajire, Keshi said, “I am confident that we will achieve our objective of earning three points here. We have been training hard here since arriving on Friday and I believe the boys are itching to go into action.

“We have eight points now and can qualify with a game to spare, but we must work very hard as I don’t think the Namibians are a push-over,” Keshi said.

The Brave Warriors have been hit by the exit of their Swedish Coach, Roger Palmgren, 48 hours to the clash with the African champions. Football Association officials are nonplussed but have immediately put his assistants in charge.

Malawi’s Flames host Kenya’s Harambee Stars at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre same day.

After today’s match, the Super Eagles will fly to Johannesburg tomorrow afternoon to connect a South African Airways flight to Sao Paulo, from where they will travel to Belo Horizonte for their first match of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup tournament, against Tahiti on Monday.

Olajire revealed that NFF Vice President, Mike Umeh led a delegation of some top officials into Windhoek yesterday.

According to Olajire, in the delegation were also the Chairman of Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, two members of the House Committee on Sports, Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, Chris Green, NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu and some top secretariat staff.

He added that a delegation of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, led by the President General, Rafiu Oladipo, also arrived in

Nigeria’s Nnamdi Oduamadi (right) vies with Kenya’s Stephen Waruru during the 2014 World Cup Qualifying match at the Kasarani football stadium in Nairobi last week.

PHOTO: AFP

Okagbare for special appearance at Warri CAA Grand Prix IGERIA’S latest queen of N track Blessing Okagbare will make a special appearance at the venue of the 2013 CAA/Warri Grand Prix on Friday.

Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama disclosed yesterday while speaking on the Grand Prix programme.

He said Okagbare will be coming to Warri, but might be rested for the grand prix.

Her appearance is expected to serve as moral boaster to the youth that would throng the Warri township stadium for the international competition.

The meet’s premium events are the Men- 100m, 400m, Women-100m, 400m, 400m with the winner going home with $4,000. Second placed

athlete will receive $3,000, while those that finish third to eighth will get $2,000, $1,500, $1,000, $800 and $500.

The Classic events are Men5000m, Javelin, Long Jump Women-100m H, High Jump and Long Jump.

Winners will receive $2,500, second placed athletes will receive $2,000. While those that finish third to eighth will receive $1,000,$ 800, $600, $ 500, $400 and $300.

The promotional events are the Men’s events -110m hurdles, 3000m SC, 4x100m and

4x400m. The Women events are 800m, 5000m, 4x100m & 4x400m. Winners will go home with $2,000, second $1,500 and third $800.

Those that finish from fourth to twelfth will receive $600, $400,$300, $250, $250,$200,$200,and $200.

Fabregas can leave, Barca boss admits OSEP Bartomeu has revealed Blaugrana’s vice-president has “I’m very happy, it’s taken a lot Jallowed that Cesc Fabregas could be insisted that they will not keep to get where I am and I don’t to leave Barcelona if the the midfielder at the club plan on throwing that away for midfielder wants to move on this summer.

The Spain international has been linked with a return to Arsenal on more than one occasion, while Denis Irwin revealed this week that Manchester United are keen to lure the 26year-old back to England, too.

Fabregas has a contract with Barca until June 2016, but the

against his will.

“Cesc will only leave the club if he himself wants to move on,” Bartomeu said when questioned about Fabregas’ future at a fan event in Arenys de Munt.

The midfielder himself, meanwhile, has downplayed rumors that he could leave the Camp Nou side ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

anything,” Fabregas told Onda Cero.

“The truth is that if I didn’t feel that I was wanted it would be different, but I haven’t been told anything. I’m very happy, the truth is that I want to triumph with Barcelona.”

Fabregas played a key role in Barca’s Liga title in 2012-13 as he netted 11 goals in 32 appearances.

Palmgren is history, support Warriors against Eagles, Mannetti charges Namibians EMPORARY Brave Warriors T Coach, Ricardo Mannetti said Roger Palmgren’s shocking resignation should be relegated to history and has called on the nation to support the depleted side.

The Brave Warriors head into today’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria with a mountain to climb after Palmgren quit on Sunday, while the team’s injury list continues to grow.

Palmgren resigned with immediate effect citing “serious threats directed towards him and his family.”

Namibia Football Association (NFA) then installed Mannetti in temporary charge of the Brave Warriors against Nigeria, with Ronnie Kanalelo as his assistant.

“I worked with Roger for two weeks and the knowledge he has about football is enormous and I learned a lot. So for me as well it was a shock that he resigned but as a Namibian fan and a Namibian coach I think that we should not be in shock.

“We should not let what happened with Roger become a

stumbling block for us to give a good performance against Nigeria on Wednesday evening,” Mannetti said after Monday’s training session, “that has been my plea to the national team, that we must take hands and that we must forget about Roger. He is in the past now and he’s not going to come back - he has resigned, he has moved on. Now we have to look at what we have, and what players we have. We have to roll up our sleeves, and give it our all,” he added.

Mannetti called on the

Namibian nation to support the team.

“We need all the Namibian fans to get behind this team and forget about the fact that Roger is not there. This is their team and it is our team, it is our pride and joy, and we have to treat it as such. So I just have this plea to the entire nation that they must come and support their team, because this team needs their support,” he said.

Mannetti was adamant that they would give Nigeria a tough fight.

“It will be very tough against

Nigeria, they are after all the African champions. We will respect them but we are not going to roll over and let them come and dictate matters in Windhoek. Our boys are up for a fight and we will be Warriors for the entire 90 minutes.”

The Brave Warriors’ injury list, however, continues to grow, as Oliver Risser and Manfred Starke both seem unlikely to play. The recalled Risser injured his knee during training while Starke has a heavy bout of flu.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

60 SPORTS

Mikel defies doctors’ orders to play on artificial turf Eagles’ midfielder, SnotUPER John Obi Mikel, who has played for Nigeria on an artificial turf since he joined Chelsea, will defy the club doctor’s orders to play against Namibia on synthetic pitch today in Windhoek.

Mikel has suffered a recurring back injury and only recently nursed a hip injury with Chelsea doctors maintaining he should avoid playing on the hard surface of an artificial pitch.

Mikel shone in Monday’s

training along with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and Kenneth Omeruo, who is soon to join the Stamford Bridge side. Incidentally, Galatasaray-target Mikel has often been knocked for not showing enough commitment to the national team.

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi told MTNFootball.com that he does not expect any of his players to struggle with playing on the astro turf at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.

“I don’t expect us to have any problems with the pitch. We have trained on astro turf and just decided to use grass today (Monday). Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will train at the match ground again,” he s a i d .

The Eagles on Monday had an hour’s training session in the cold in Windhoek with temperature going to as low as six degrees.

Keshi also declared that his team is battle ready for the Brave Warriors in Namibia.

NCF sanctions Cyclefest Race to produce national cycling team HE Nigeria Cycling T Federation (NCF) has thrown its weight behind the organisers of the inaugural edition of the Cyclefest Race billed to begin at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on S a t u r d a y .

The Cyclefest Race, which is also sanctioned by the Lagos State Cycling Association, is the first privately organised bicycle race in Nigeria and will be competed for in four major categories including Men professional, Female professional, Men recreational and Female recreational.

NCF Technical Director, Bashir Mohammed revealed that the race is aimed at giving opportunities to all the male and female cyclists in

the country to showcase their talents and skills with a lot of prizes earmarked for the winn e r s .

“The coach will also use this opportunity to select the male and female cyclists that will represent the country in the 2013 African Cycling Championship in Egypt and the ECOWAS International Cycling Tour from Lagos to Senegal in the months of September and November respectively,” he added.

Similarly, a founding member of Lifestyle Cycling Club, Port Harcourt, T. Iboroma Akpana said, “this bike race is inspiring a whole generation to challenge themselves to a life of better health and a sustainable environment.”

According to the organisers, CycleShop Ltd, about 250 cyclists from 16 states and four cycling clubs are expected to compete for honours in the 270km road race.

The routes are: National Stadium - Eko Bridge - Marina Bonny Camp - Ahmadu Bello – Bar Beach - 1004 - Falomo Bourdilon - Foreshore - 3MB Oworoshoki - Ojota - Otedola Gardens - Alausa - Awolowo Way – Allen/Opebi - Sheraton Bank Anthony - Airport – Agege MotorWay - Oshodi Anthony - MaryLand - Ikorodu Road - Western Avenue back to Stadium.

The 16 state teams taking part in the race are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Gombe,

Mikel

Dangote, Adenuga, others to raise fund for water sports’ development From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja FRICA’S richest man, Aliko A Dangote and Globacom Chairman, Mike Adenuga, are among the philanthropists, who will on June 19 help the Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation in its search for funds during its summit and fund raising in Abuja.

The federation, which said yesterday that the summit

would help create awareness for the dwindling sports in the country, as well as attract young stars from the grassroots to the three sports, said the events have begun to gain recognition in Nigeria following its exploits at both the last All African Games in Maputo and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

President of the Federation, which was concessioned to the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral

Festus Porbeni (Rtd.), said the federation decided to solicit for funds from the Nigerian public and stakeholders because of the board’s resolve to reposition the sports to add to Nigeria’s medal strength in international competitions.

He added that the board wants to improve on the performance of its athletes at both the All Africa Games and Commonwealth Games respectively.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

BUSINESS ANALYSIS

61

Business icons look beyond 2015, invest in future

By Joseph Lawal OLITICS is a very noisy P enterprise, the actors are always shouting at the top of their voices, pushing and shoving to attract the attention of the public. In order to remain in the limelight the politician has to create a larger than life image of the crisis being nurtured. For example, the public must be made to understand that the rift between the President of the Federal Republic and the Rivers State Governor is capable of bringing the nation to her knees. The protagonists of APC want the public to believe that they have already won the elections and are about to share political offices. As if these tense moments are not enough to scare life out of the patriot, the terrorists have now developed a roster for their destabilizing acts – it’s now the TURN of the group from Nasarawa State.

Investment experts would tell you without mincing words that a stable polity is necessary for the attraction of investments, foreign or local. Unfortunately, the Nigerian polity today is very far from stable because of the activities of politicians and terrorists. It’s a double tragedy that these two sectors keep dominating the headlines and our consciousness. It is against this background that the investment announcements from the Dangote Group and the Zinox Group sound like sweet lyrics with far reaching implications.

It was cheery to hear that the Dangote Group is set to invest over $4bn to build a new refinery in Nigeria.

Again Aliko Dangote has shown that his interest in refining petroleum in Nigeria runs deep. The gentleman has shown that his failed attempt to buy into the Port Harcourt refinery in the twilight days of President Obasanjo in office was not opportunistic but an initiative borne out of his conviction that he has the capacity to make a difference in the petroleum sector in the interest of Nigeria. He has blazed a trail after the numbness that seemed to follow the MOU, worth over $1.5 trillion that the Federal Government signed with some companies to build refineries in Nigeria. His action underscores the fact that only Nigerians can make Nigeria work.

Another sweet news was the revelation that the Zinox Group has installed a fully digital assembly line that would enable the Nigerian IT equipment manufacturers to deliver large orders without compromising international quality standards. The company is also building a world-class ICT shopping mall to be commissioned in 2016. The ICT Mall, located in Abuja, is envisaged to be Africa’s Technology landmark because it would house thousands of booths and shops performing diverse computing and telecommunications functions. Coming from an organization committed to innovation and integrity, the mall would be

a center for genuine ICT products from wholesalers and retailers to satisfy both corporate and individual customers.

In addition, the Zinox ICT shopping mall is designed to meet international mall standards with the provision of parking lots, gyms, bars, restaurants, halls and art centers. The intention is to make the mall a repository of local culture and technology that would catalyze its growth into a tourist attraction. When fully in operation the mall would be a meeting point for European, Asian, American and African technologies bringing about the much talked about transfer of technology. This robust investment decision from

Leo Stan Ekeh, IT Personality of the Year 2011, Chairman of Zinox, who continues to invest in Nigeria in spite of the scary security situation and in defiance of peer group pressures to invest abroad, is an expression of faith in Nigeria.

Aliko Dangote and Leo Stan Ekeh represent the new entrepreneurial class that was empowered by President Obasanjo to build worldclass commercial institutions that can compete with the best in the world while building sustainable capacities among Nigerians. It is obvious that these gentlemen honored as Icons of Hope in 2003 by President Obasanjo are looking at the bigger picture. They are say-

ing to their counterparts in politics “let’s look beyond 2015” Their example would be a source of hope to foreign investors who would be seeking for proof that Nigeria is safe for investments in spite of the loquacity of politicians and terrorists.

Recently, it was reported that young Nigerians in the Diaspora are naturalizing in droves in the countries where they live because they do not see what they are coming back to do in Nigeria. They are scared of the security situation, disheartened by the institutionalization of corruption, and their spirits are broken by the fact that people are more loyal to their ethnic groups

than to the Nigerian nation.

Therefore, they feel more secure making the USA, Europe, and Asia their permanent abode.

Herein lies the legacies of Aliko Dangote and Leo Stan Ekeh because by investing in Nigeria beyond 2015 they have called all of us to order

and attracted new viability to the Nigerian state. Stake holders in the Nigerian economy including governments, political parties, the civil societies, the media, the corporate groups and individuals should borrow a leaf from these gentlemen and focus on the big picture.

62

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

63

TheGuardian

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Emmanuel Onwubiko WO international callers, one from the United States of America and the second T from the United Kingdom, who have had sufficient patience to follow the advocacy activities of the human rights platform that I currently work for - Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) - put several calls across to me not long ago to express opinions on the state of the Nigerian nation.

These callers, one an American Caucasian and the second, a Nigerian-born but British naturalised scholar, expressed consternation that Nigeria is speedily sliding towards the precipice of anarchy because of what they analysed as the overwhelming dominance of the political public space by characters they consider as social misfits and persons with doubtful credentials who are only in public life for what they can maximise and appropriate from the public treasury.

I tried all I could to convince them that their observations may not be an accurate representation of the reality on ground in Nigeria. I used examples of some good Nigerians who are in office not necessarily for self -enrichment but for positive contributions to the enthronement of democracy and respect for the rule of law which could go a long way in transforming Nigeria’s international image.

I went as far as listing out some names of serving great minds just as I reminded them that these statesmen and iconic women are not in the category of the never-do-wells that they probably had in mind dominating our political space. But the callers stuck to their guns and went to the extent of saying that it may take a revolution to change Nigeria for the better.

My American caller, a lady in her mid-30s appeared more informed about the political development in most parts of the country than most of us who live in Nigeria. She has been a frequent visitor to Nigeria.

She took me on a guided tour, painting pictures of political scenarios in the South Eastern states in the last four years. Her conclusion was that democracy had not actually improved the living conditions of the majority of the citizenry. She referred to what may be termed non-observance of the rule of law and disrespect for constitutionalism. There was also the issue of what she called weak civil society, the combined effect of which, she said, contributed to the unprecedented corruption in the states in reference. She singled out Abia as a case study where, according to her, the current Administration has elevated bad governance and deception to an art.

She believes that the governor had spent more time in the United States than he has done in Umuahia, the grossly underdeveloped rural capital of Abia State. Each foreign trip he embarked upon was marked with fanfare.

With the agricultural and industrial potentials of the state, Aba, she believes, stands in a unique position to become the Japan of modern day Nigeria if the enabling environment is created, with the provisioning of roads, electricity, security and other essential services. She would like to see financial institutions such as the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Agency (SMEDAN), the Nigeria Industrial Bank (Bank of Industry) and commercial banks, compelled by the Federal Government to provide liberal credit facilities to the thousands of talented shoe makers in Aba, Abia State. Recently, the garrulous Central Bank of Nigeria’s governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was the guest of the Abia State governor who organised a public lecture on youth empowerment.

Sadly, however, because of the suffocating state of affairs in the state, the ordinary traders in Aba and Umuahia were not allowed to ask him probing questions on pressing issue of banks not helping thousands of local investors in Abia State.

Gladys Fitzgerald (names unreal), my American caller also commented on local government administration, drawing attention to the unsavory practice of governors in most states in the country - filling the coun-

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Growing trivialisation of Nigerian politics

cils with their appointees as sole administrators in contravention of the constitutional provision. Section 7 states that the system of government in local councils must be democratic. She used Anambra State as a case study. There the state governor, Mr. Peter Obi, was not inclined to conduct or supervise free and fair local council elections in seven and half years that he has ruled the state governor. What an irony that the same governor who is a beneficiary of elections would not conduct one. It would be recalled that he won the election and it took the courts of competent jurisdiction to restore his victory which was stolen by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) controlled in Anambra State by pockets of rich political god fathers.

The caller from the United Kingdom who, ironically, is also woman spoke about the bad shape of politics in the northern states. She blamed the political elite for failing to implement programmes designed to reduce the high rate of poverty in those states. Using Jigawa State as an example, she said that the governor’s son was taking his daughter out recently for medical attention which was a pointer to, and an indictment of, the governor for failure to provide, at home, same facilities he was seeking in Cairo which would have made the

trip by the daughter unnecessary. My British caller, incidentally, was born in Kaduna State, of Nigerian parents. He later naturalised as a British citizen.

My conclusion is that because of seeming trivialisation by our leaders it would take a collective action of all lovers of Nigeria to effect a change in our political space now dominated dangerously by characters not suited to elective public offices. They are mostly people whose past was overlooked before they emerged on the political scene.

As the old saying goes, it is too late to teach an old fox a new trick. In the same vein it is too late in the day to expect that in view of weak and compromised enforcement of anti-corruption a clean and repentant person would emerge to run or administer the resources of the public with transparency and accountability.

In Nigerian politics of today, the good, the bad and the ugly are engaged in a fierce battle of their lives to control the organs of governance and in most cases it is the bad people who usually emerge ‘victorious’ in a political race that is heavily polluted with money and influence peddling.

One place politics has been noticeably dragged down is in the election into the national and state assemblies. For instance, the Bauchi State House of Assembly recently suspended the lone female member of the Bauchi State House

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of Assembly just for opposing the transfer of the local government secretariat of Tafawa Balewa local government area council from where it has always been based on ethnic and religious sentiments. She simply got chased out literarily for speaking out in a political assembly whereby the elected legislators are expected to express their opinion without let or hindrance.

I drew my conclusion upon reading the recorded document and minutes of the plenary session of the Bauchi House of Assembly. The minutes contained dozens of grammatical errors which showed me that we indeed have a long way to go to ensure that only square pegs are put in square holes and to ensure that politics in our land is dominated by some of the best minds in the mold of philosopher kings, in the likeness of ancient philosophers - Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

To further prove how half-baked most of our public functionaries are, there was a time that a certain governor on the platform of the PDP was quoted to have regarded the installation of telecom mastheads by a private company as part of his Imo State government ‘democratic dividends’ and achievements made by his government with the several billions that accrued to the state coffers from the Federation Account and the internally generated revenue. In much of the South East states such as Abia and Ebonyi states, government fronts are used to place generous media commercials to congratulate the state governors for drilling boreholes, which cost less than five per cent of the total amount used to place the commercial advertisements.

Whether in the South or in the North where many governors at the slightest excuse junket around the globe with public funds, in a situation their people wallow in poverty, the populace are too busy chasing bread and butter to ask probing questions, to ask that political office holders give proper account of how the people’s money is spent. In Lagos State, the citizens are preoccupied socialising to ask questions. Recently, a study showed that last year alone, the populace spent N1 billion to stage a series of social gettogether.

How can the members of the civil society fully grasp their roles as the real owners of the Nigerian sovereignty who ought to watch the activities of politicians to ensure that the nation is not ruined through corrupt practices? If a majority of the people living in Lagos State alone has developed this gluttonous tendency as to have spent a whopping N1 billion on social and highly unproductive ventures, how then will the growing trivialisation of Nigerian politics not exacerbate? It raises hope that the state governor not known for frivolities has assembled his taxmen to dispatch to run after those throwing lavish parties.

Sadly, what makes the trivialisation of Nigerian politics much more dangerous is the ignoble roles played by religious leaders.

Recently, a certain pastor acquired a choice private jet even when about 70 per cent of his members are impoverished, and to make matters worse, the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was the Chief Guest of honour at the unveiling ceremony of this exotic private jet. At the last count, over five pastors own private jets.

In Niger State, the state governor was shown in some media not too long ago celebrating his birthday in a grand style! His state is one; pupils in rural primary schools receive lessons under trees or sit on the debris of derelict school buildings and instruction given by their impoverished teachers.

Anambra State is warming up to hold another governorship elections and the majority of those running for office are money bags among them is one facing prosecution accused of participating in the monumental heist of petroleum subsidy running to nearly N1 trillion. Our fate is indeed in our own hands. Nigerians, wake up and stop this bad phenomenon of growing trivialization of Nigerian politics.

• Onwubiko is head, Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria and blogs.