Wed 05 Mar 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,851

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

‘Why fuel scarcity persists’ From Hendrix Oliomogbe (Asaba), Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Collins Olayinka (Abuja), Gordi Udeajah (Umuahia) and Adeniyi Idowu Adunola (Lagos) S the fuel scarcity continA ues to cripple economic activities nationwide, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has attributed the shortfall in supply to non-renewal of contracts of some independent marketers to import the product.

Meanwhile, the current fuel scarcity in some parts of the country is principally caused

• Marketers push for rise in pump price by marketers’ subterranean ploy to stampede government into increasing the pump price, The Guardian has gathered.

But the government is seeking ways of ending the artificial scarcity without bowing to pressure from marketers to increase the pump price.

In a related development, Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called for an end to the fuel scarcity.

The DPR, which disclosed

this yesterday at its budget defence before the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), also alleged that non-payment of subsidy fund to the marketers by government had hindered the importation of the product, resulting in shortage in supply.

In his presentation to the committee, Director of DPR who was represented by the Zonal Operations Controller, Abuja, Aliyu Halidu, said that

marketers were uncomfortable with the current pump price of N97 per litre.

According him, the marketers had complained that the operational cost had seriously eaten into the pump price, making it difficult for them to break even at the current price.

Halidu also noted that the shortage in supply of fuel was equally affected by the increased activities of illegal bunkering in the country.

Consequently, he urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the process of legalising bunkering, in addition to resuscitating other laws which could facilitate elimination of illegal bunkering from the system.

He, however, pointed out that the department had already forwarded a proposal to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in respect of legalisation of bunkering to curtail illegal operations, noting that the NSA assured that the relevant laws would be resuscitated to help tackle all the

problems emanating from illicit bunkering activities.

The zonal controller also implored the Senate to fasttrack the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in order to help strengthen the DPR’s regulatory powers for effective operations in the industry.

Commenting on the decline in revenue generation of the Department, Halidu blamed it partly on the failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay royalties due to DPR. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Govt explains drop in 2014 budget estimates - Page 2 Aviation agencies get new heads - Page 3 101 feared killed in Borno, Nasarawa attacks - Page 5

Court okays forfeiture of property over pensions scam - Page 5

National Publicity Secretary, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olise Metu (left); Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe; Anambra State Governor-Elect, Willy Obiano; Vice President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and others, during a courtesy visit of Anambra people to the State House, Abuja... yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 3

Jonathan, Sanusi and poverty of leadership - Editorial Page 12

Nigeria needs 85,000mw of electricity to meet demand, says NACCIMA

By Ade Ogidan (Business Editor), Adeyemi Adepetun and Femi Adekoya IGERIA requires a miniN mum of 85,000 megawatts of electricity to cope with industrial and commercial customers’ needs in the country, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has stated.

Besides, the chamber decried the ongoing fuel crisis, adding that it has continued

• Seeks govt, Cameroun partnership over Boko Haram to inflict untold hardship on the citizens while hauling the economy into misery.

Also, NACCIMA urged the Federal Government to partner the Camerounian government in addressing the lingering Boko Haram insurgence in the northern part of the country, describing the insecurity in the region as inimical to industrial and economic activities.

Furthermore, the chamber advocated policies that

would aid the ease of doing business in the country, citing the decimation in its membership size from more than 10,000 registered firms in Lagos alone, to less than 1,000 presently as many businesses have been shut down due to the harsh operating environment.

The chamber’s National President, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar who led his team on a courtesy visit to The Guardian yesterday, not-

ed that the competitiveness of businesses in the country has been hampered by key factors like electricity, security, high interest rate regime and inconsistencies in policies.

According to him, evidence from earlier studies shows that with an average consumption demand of 500 megawatts per one million Nigerians, a total of 85,000 megawatts would need to be generated by the privatised

power companies to cater for the growing electricity demand in the country.

“Although no one will tell you the precise amount of electricity needed to be generated as more generation will increase demand, early research conducted by the chamber showed that an average of 15,000 to 20,000 megawatts were being generated from generating sets.

If South Korea with a population of less than 55 million people generates about 83,000 megawatts, Nigeria

that has triple that population and needs to generate more and make many businesses more viable.

“The power crisis has affected the nation’s competitiveness and ability of businesses to operate profitably. The cost of production is very high and affects competitiveness. The new development of privatisation may help the real sector if there is sincerity in the process”, Abubakar added.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2 | NEWS Wednesday, March 5, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Govt explains drop in 2014 budget estimates From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE Director-General of T the Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogu, disclosed yesterday that the drop in the 2014 budget estimate of N4.642 trillion from the 2013 N4.95 trillion appropriation was deliberate and intended to attain a realistic performance.

Okogu, who spoke before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, also disclosed that N2.3 billion is proposed for entitlements of former Heads of State and Presidents from the Service Wide Votes in the 2014 budget.

According to him, government was worried about the incidents of abandoned projects across the country and despite the continued plea by his office to differ-

ICPC arrests PENCOM official with 50 bank accounts ent sectors, the spate of abandonment by government MDAs leaves much to be desired from the yearly level of budget implementation.

He noted that out of the expected revenue size of N4.1 trillion, only 80 per cent of the amount, representing N3.3 trillion, came to the Federation Account in 2013.

Okogu explained that the shortfall was due to the drop in crude oil production occasioned by pipeline vandalism and the Federal Government’s policy of empowering local production of rice in the non-oil sector.

He added that N1.01 tril-

lion out of the budgeted N1.59 trillion was released to MDAs for the execution of capital projects, with 99 per cent release of recurrent expenditure for the 2013 fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, yesterday assured that the 10,000 megawatts of electricity promised by the Federal Government could be achieved before the end of the year if more fund was made available to the ministry.

He gave the assurance while defending the ministry’s 2014 budgetary proposal. He noted that areas of

priority in the current year included the completion of 215MW Kaduna power project, completion of bankable feasibility studies on 17 small/medium hydropower sites and coal-fired power plants at Enugu/Gombe axis.

Others include to fast track the development of 70MW Zenguru hydropower projects, fast track Operation Electrify Nigeria Project, development of the power component of 40MW Kashimbilla multiple purpose dam, and completion of the power component of 34MW Dandinkowa Dam in Gombe State.

In another development, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Ekpo Nta, disclosed yesterday that the commission had nabbed a junior officer with the Pension Commission (PENCOM) who operated 50 different bank accounts under 50 different names with several millions on naira lodged in them.

Nta revealed this yesterday when he appeared before the Abiodun Faleke-led House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values for the 2014 budget defence session and the 2013 budget performance.

The ICPC boss explained

that the officer successfully operated the 50 different bank accounts as he kept a diary containing them, names allocated to each of them and their signatures for easy transactions.

He lamented that the junior officers in PENCOM had perpetrated monumental fraud in the commission running into several billions of naira while attentions were only focused on the top officials.

Also, Nta disclosed that the commission discovered N1.2 billion stocked in the accounts of four MDAs based on court orders and that the amounts were yet to be remitted to the Federation Account due to litigation.

NACCIMA seeks govt, Cameroun partnership over Boko Haram CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 On insecurity in the northern region of the country, he said: “The Boko Haram crisis should not be seen as Nigeria’s crisis but a shared one with our neighbours. The effect of this insecurity is being reflected in the economy and the way businesses thrive. Nigeria and Cameroun need to work together to address this issue.”

On the lingering fuel scarcity, the chamber’s boss described the situation as hampering the movement of goods, thereby reducing capacity utilisation and profitability of many businesses.

“For members whose goods have to be transported from one point to the other, the lingering fuel scarcity is a major source of concern. The more prolonged the scarcity of the product becomes, the further reduction in the utilisation of capacity of these firms as well as a reduction in their profitability.”

Furthermore, Abubakar decried the crowding out of many indigenous manufacturers and businesses in areas where the nation has competitive and comparative advantage due to the

high cost of doing business in the country, particularly the high interest rates.

He stressed that the monetary policy rate of 12 per cent is not sustainable as foreign interests who have access to cheaper funds take advan-

tage of the market and crowd out local investors who borrow at rates hovering between 23 to 30 per cent.

With the Common External Tariff (CET) expected to take off next year, the chamber

noted that it was working with sub-regional chambers and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in ensuring that regional trade is boosted and local manufacturers protected.

FCT loses N100m to illegal land deals From Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE Abuja Geographic InT formation System (AGIS) is set to rake in N2 billion every month beginning from the end of March 2014 even as FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed disclosed that the administration was losing N10 billion monthly to illegal land deals,

manifesting in cases of double allocations, land racketeering and forgery.

Mohammed, who made the disclosure at the commissioning of AGIS Upgraded Technology Infrastructure in Abuja yesterday, said the FCT administration had already taken measures to forestall the violation of its systems and ensure that honest land

owners and intending ones are saved from the pains inflicted by fifth columnists.

The FCT minister disclosed that the effort recently aided the administration to fish out some fraudulent officers most of whom were interdicted and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

Fuel marketers push for rise in pump price CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 He explained that rather than pay royalties to DPR, the Corporation was paying it as part of its crude oil sales, lamenting that this had contributed to the recession in the revenue earnings of the establishment.

The Guardian gathered in Abuja yesterday that the marketers are pushing for increment in their profit margins as they claimed the N5.50 accrued to them is no longer enough to settle their overall costs.

The depot price is N91.50 and marketers sell N97 per litre to the public.

A source said that the claim by marketers about late release of allocation for fuel importation for first quarter of this year is not tenable as releasing allocation few days into new quarter has always been the practice.

He said: “The claim by marketers that first quarter allocation came late is farther from the truth. The last quarter allocation for last year (2013) was meant to last till the end of January and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources approved the allocation on February 20, 2014. That is the practice. We must not lose sight of the fact that the need to streamline the import regime is more necessary now than ever because of the discrep-

ancies that greeted import regime in recent past. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, has shown that all she wanted is a system that prioritises transparency and that informed why all the details were taken into account before the allocation for the first quarter was released.

Even at that, the exercise was done within the correct time-frame.”

The moves by marketers to push for an increment in the pump price of petrol has been seen as a ploy to induce political tension as the nation moves towards the 2015 general elections.

A source at the Presidency told The Guardian that government has directed the NNPC to increase allocation to Lagos and other denselypopulated cities with a view to ending the queues. Also, the DPR is stepping up its fuel monitoring duties, including the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

A statement by the President of TUC, Bobboi Kaigama and General Secretary, Musa Lawal, said: “The familiar trend of periodic scarcity of fuel is simply unacceptable.

Nigeria remains about the sixth largest oil producing country in the world and ‘giant of Africa,’ and one ordinarily expects this to translate to great fortune

and comfort for the average Nigerian.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case as majority of the masses have remained impoverished in the midst of plenty. More depressing are reports that the scarcity is artificially created by the same cabal that has vowed not to see our ailing refineries work let alone new ones built.”

Many Lagos residents were forced to stay out of work yesterday due to the fuel scarcity which has almost crippled commercial activities in the city.

The Guardian investigation revealed that very few petrol stations were dispensing fuel in most parts of the city, as queues stretched as far as the eyes can see.

It was observed that most of only the major marketers dispensed the products yesterday.

At the Oando filling station along Shasa Road in Egbeda area of Lagos, it was chaos let loose as it appeared all the city’s residents came to buy the scarce product petrol that hot afternoon.

The chaotic situation was replicated across the state as there were indications that the scarcity may get worse this week as most of the stations exhausted their stock at the weekend.

It was learnt that with the heightening scarcity, many stations have been making

brisk businesses with a litre selling as much as N150.

In Asaba, Delta State capital, motorists paid as much as N130 for a litre of petrol as only few retail outlets currently sell as most of them are locked up with the ubiquitous “No Fuel” sign hung at their entrances.

On Nnebisi, Ibusa, Anwai and Summit Roads, only few retail outlets seem to have the precious fuel which of course they sold at very exorbitant prices.

While some that had fuel sold for N120 per litre, some sold for as high as N130 per litre instead of the approved N97 per litre.

As a result of the scarcity, there has been a rise in transport fares within Asaba as a trip to the Summit Road from Ogbeogonogo Market presently cost N70 instead of N40.

The Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals Development, Chief Okwubunka Don Ubani, has said that the present fuel scarcity in the country was artificial. He attributed the scarcity to greed and the penchant for exploitation and extortion by some marketers.

He said in a statement yesterday that the NNPC depot at Osisioma Aba has been supplied with fuel and has equally started sale of same to marketers in the state and environs.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 | 3

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

News Govt appoints new chiefs for aviation parastatals

By Ibe Uwaleke (Lagos) and Karls Tsokar (Abuja)

MAJOR sanitization exerA cise has left the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Meteorological

Agency

(NIMET), Mr. Tony Anuforo, as the only survivor among other managing directors of departments and agencies in the Aviation Ministry.

New heads have been appointed to take over

immediately. The cleansing, as approved approved by President Goodluck Jonathan, is meant to sanitize the entire ministry before a new substantive minister takes over.

A statement yesterday in Abuja from the Special Assistant on Media to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Sam Nwaobasi, listed the affected agencies as the

Eternal Filing Station on Iju Road, Agege, Lagos selling fuel in jerry cans while motorists were shut out of the station, as shortage of the product lingers across the nation… yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Police promote 24,118 personnel From Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE Nigeria Police has approved and tidied the promotion of an unprecedented 24,118 officers to various ranks.

According to a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Frank Mba, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, “ordered” the release of the promotion to the elevated offi-

T

cers.

Abubakar said it was part of “ongoing measures geared towards boosting the morale of police officers and rewarding those who have excelled in their assigned roles, particularly in combating crimes and criminalities in the society.”

While acknowledging the number as unprecedented in the history of the Force, the statement said that over 16,000 of the affected officers

are of rank and file. It said the promoted included a Commissioner promoted to Assistant Inspector General, and six Deputy Commissioners promoted to Commissioners.

Others were seven Assistant Commissioners promoted to Deputy Commissioners, seven Chief Superintendents promoted to Assistant Commissioners, 242 Superintendents promoted Chief Superintendents, 424

Deputy Superintendents to Superintendents, and 715 Assistant Superintendents to Deputy Superintendents of Police.

There were also 5,115 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendents, 55 Senior Inspectors to Principal Inspectors, 525 Inspectors to Senior Inspectors, 2,671 Sergeants to Inspectors, 2,876 Corporals to Sergeants and 11,474 Police Constables to Corporals.

Jonathan explains delayed take-off of second Niger Bridge From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja ONSTRUCTION work on C the second Niger Bridge will begin after the groundbreaking ceremony next Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan told a delegation from Anambra State at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

He explained that the delay in starting off the project was to ensure that all financial and other logistics arrangements were in place before the ground-breaking ceremony to avoid abandonment.

The delegation, led by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, and included many prominent Anambra indigenes like foremost constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), was in Abuja to thank Jonathan for his administration’s support to the state government under Mr. Peter Obi and also to solicit the federal assistance to the governor-elect, Mr. Willie Obiano.

The President recalled his commitment during his courtesy visit on the Onitsha monarch, where he said he wanted to embark on the construction of the bridge before Obi’s exit, and “I told the royal majesty that ordinarily, we would have done the groundbreaking before this time.

“But I said that until we are fully ready, until the finances have been worked out, I would not want to go for a ground-breaking ceremony and another two years, four years, another President would go there again for another ground-breaking ceremony.

“I insisted that the Finance Minister and the Works Minister must work out details so that if we are going for the ground-breaking ceremony, we know that the work will not stop until the project is completed and God willing, that is what it is going to be.

“The Minister of Works has briefed me that they have done a lot of mobilization. We

are coming to do real groundbreaking ceremony of the Second Niger Bridge and any other project in terms of our programme, our plans for Anambra will continue.”

Extolling the outgoing governor, Jonathan said that Obi threw aside party differences to work with the government at the centre in the overall interest of the people of Anambra in particular and Nigeria in general. He stressed that if other states’ chief executives adopt similar approach, the country would be better for it, as no progress would be achieved if governors go hand in glove fighting the President of the country.

“Peter Obi worked very hard as a governor (and was) very friendly to the government.

He is a member of our Economic Management Team and an Honourary Adviser to the President on Finance and Commercial Areas and he worked very hard, attended all the meetings, made very meaningful contributions,”

he noted.

“A number of politicians feel that the best thing to do is to be abusing Mr. President, abusing the Federal Government and so on. You are elected to develop your state, I think the best thing is to have good relationship with the centre.

“Wearing boxing gloves, jumping into the boxing ring to face Mr. President does not help the development of any state. Peter Obi demonstrated clearly that he is a person very distinct and he was able to manage the State Assembly that is predominantly controlled by another political party and we never had crisis.

He has shown very clearly that he is a politician that believes in the people, not for himself.”

On his part, Obi said: “I have worked with three Presidents and I know the difference. For that reason, I would appeal to Mr. President to continue to extend the same cordial working relationship to my successor.”

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), where the former Director of Projects, Saleh Dumona, replaces Mr. George Uriesi as Managing Director.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is now headed by Ibrahim Abdulsalam (former General Manager, Procurement), replacing Nnamdi Udoh, while Capt.

Samuel Akinyele Caulcrick, formerly Government Safety Inspector & ICAO Focal Point for Nigeria on line Aircraft Safety Information Systems (OASIS), replaces Capt.

Chinyere Kalu as Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).

Felix A. Abali (formerly the NCAA Director, Licensing) replaces Capt. Muhktar Usman as Commissioner, Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIPB), while Capt. Usman replaces Capt. Fola Akinkuotu as Director-General, NCAA subject to Senate confirmation.

Benedict Adeyileka will act as DG, NCAA pending

Usman’s confirmation.

Reacting to the development yesterday, the former assistant Secretary General of Airline Operators Association of Nigeria (AOAN), Alhaji Mohammed Tukur, said he welcomed the exercise as it marked the end of the anticipated clean up to set the sector free and put things right.

In a telephone interview with The Guardian, he said the purgation started with the removal of the minister and is now completed with the sack of the chief executives of the aviation parastatals.

However, he regretted the removal of the NCAA DG, Akinkuotu, who he said had brought sanity and safety to civil aviation within one year of his appointment.

The NCAA was in the centre of the controversy over the purchase of two armoured cars for the former Minister, Mrs. Stella Oduah, in violation of Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act, and ultimately necessitated the reshuffling of the leadership of all the agencies.

Confab delegates urged to study Awolowo’s constitutional recommendations

By Seye Olumide OME prominent Nigerians have urged delegates to the planned national conference to study and bring up in their deliberations the ideals of true federalism and thoughts on constitution as espoused by the former Premier of the South West Region and leader of the defunct Action Group (AG), Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Speaking yesterday at the 2014 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Symposium with the theme: “The Nigerian Constitution: The Road Not Taken,” they noted that Nigeria would have most likely been better if Awolowo’s suggestions and recommendations had been included in the Nigerian Constitution.

Present at the event were Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Second Republic Presidential Adviser, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, former Minister of Integration, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Prof.

Pius Adesanmi, vice presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, among others.

In his address, Yakassai, who chaired the occasion, said he was an ardent believer in unitary government until he came in contact with Awolowo in 1950 and got converted to a federalist, noting: “He was the one that fought rigorously for federal system of government.”

He stressed that it was imperative for the delegates

S

to avail themselves of some of Awolowo’s thoughts on the constitution in his various works, as it “would assist them in no small dimension.”

And examining some of the challenges confronting the country today, Aregbesola asked, “who could have been the enemies of the late sage?”

To him, “Awolowo has no human enemies, his enemies were poverty and ignorance, which he doggedly fought until he died in 1987.

“He worked hard throughout his life to eliminate these two problems but unfortunately, these are the ones ravaging us today, causing crises in the North East and sending our younger generations into crimes and other forms of vices.”

Aregbesola condemned the Boko Haram insurgency, stating that there is no portion of the Quran that authorised indiscriminate or any form of killings in the name of Islamic religion.

Guest Speaker and Professor of African Literature and Culture, Carleton University, Canada, Adesanmi, said the admonition to the delegates does not mean that they are intellectually lazy. Rather, “it is simply because everything he predicted and prescribed have come to pass.

Similarly, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, Monday Ubani, sad it was obvious that unitary system does not favour development or peaceful coexistence in the country.

Ubani rejected the idea of nogo areas in the conference, “otherwise it would have been a failure right from the beginning.”

4

NEWS Wednesday, March 5, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Jonathan swears in new ministers today

Total clears air on driver’s death IL giant Total Nigeria yes- are informed that the police O terday explained the cir- officer’s gun went off hitting cumstances surrounding the the driver who was seated in death of a driver with one of its service providers in Lagos.

In a statement, it said: “On Monday March 3, 2014, at about 13.15 hours, Sanusi Mohammed, an employee of Nikki Taurus Ltd. (a logistics service provider to Total), was driving on Akin Olugbade Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, accompanied by an armed police escort.

“There were no other occupants in the vehicle.

“For reasons that are yet to be confirmed, the police escort came down from the vehicle on Akin Olugbade Street and while outside the vehicle, we

the vehicle. Mr. Mohammed was transferred to a nearby hospital where medical personnel confirmed his death.

“We understand that the family of Mr. Mohammed has been informed by his employer and that all relevant agencies have also been informed.”

The statement added: “Total regrets this unfortunate and tragic incident and extends its sincere condolences to the family of the late Mr. Mohammed. Total is cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation of this incident.”

From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja ORE than two weeks afM ter their appointments were confirmed by the Sen-

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (middle), Chairman, National Summit Group, Tanko Abubakar Yakassai (left) and professor of African Literature and Culture, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, Prof. Pius Adesanmi, during the 2014 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Symposium at Nigeria Employer Consultative Association (NECA) House, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos… yesterday.

Confab delegates to be inaugurated on Monday From Lemmy Ughegbe, Karls Tsokar (Abuja) and Bertram Nwannekanma (Lagos)

• Presidency yet to release names of nominees • Lawyer prays court to stop national conference

S the leadership of the NaA tional Conference resumes to start preparing to

ruary 20, 2014.

However, Nwaobasi said that every state government has done its bit in line with what was contained in the modalities.

According to the modalities released by the SGF in January, President Goodluck Jonathan has the prerogative to fill the vacant positions left by state governments.

The President also has the right to choose 37 elder statesmen, one from each of the 36 states and FCT, besides 20 others from the judiciary who must be persons not currently serving from each of the six geo-political zones.

As Nigerians wait for the release of the names of the delegates, those that had initially expressed dissatisfaction with the composition after the modalities were released are bracing up to challenge the procedure.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for instance had cried foul and threatened to boycott the conference because the body was allocated “only one slot”.

The NBA through its Presi-

serve the nation, the list of delegates as nominated by the stakeholders is due to be released today, even as the members would be inaugurated on Monday.

In a telephone chat with The Guardian, the Special Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sam Nwaobasi said :“The full list of the delegates would be released on Wednesday or Thursday, without fail because the inauguration is on the 10th of this month”.

Although a source said some states in the North Central and North East had not sent a complete list of their delegates because their nominees are mostly political allies, this has generated controversy among the elders who faulted the process of nomination in the first place.

Some of the states have made efforts to fill in the space after the closing day, contrary to the directive that nominations were to close on the Feb-

dent, Okey Wali wrote in a protest letter that: “This is an area we are supposed to possess enormous expertise and will definitely add a lot of value to the process.

“We do not believe that the single slot given to the Nigerian Bar Association will be enough for an effective impact and so, we request that you, please, reconsider the one slot offer to the Nigerian Bar Association, as we regrettably will be unable to accept that offer.”

Also, coalition of pro-democracy civil society organizations had insisted that the allocations to the President and state governments far surpass the necessary expectation to produce best results , demanding that for the good of the country, a greater proportion of not less than two-thirds of delegates be allocated to the independent non-state actor representatives.

In all of this, the Presidency had insisted that the list from the Federal Government would not be released as it remained sealed until

the appropriate time “when it would not generate unnecessary debate,” a source said.

Meanwhile, a lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi has prayed the Federal High Court, Abuja Division to restrain the Federal Government from going ahead with the forthcoming national conference.

In the suit dated March 3, 2014, Abayomi argued that the President does not have the power to convoke or convene a national conference without a law backing it from the National Assembly.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Attorney-General of the Federation, President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Specifically, the plaintiff wants the court to determine whether a national conference can be convened by the president and/or government of Nigeria without a

law made by the National Assembly enabling it to be done.

In the affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by Mr. Patrick Bisong, a litigation clerk in the office of the plaintiff, Abayomi said that the Federal Government plans to spend billions of public money to fund the conference despite the absence of any law enabling the President to convoke the conference and notwithstanding the limited power vested in the President to use money to execute law or law authorised national idea.

Abayomi prayed the court to restrain the Federal Government from going ahead with the conference, adding if they are not restrained, billions of tax-payers’ money will be spent unconstitutionally.

He said that to settle the rights of the parties to the action, urgent attention to the cause of action has become necessary.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.

ate, President Goodluck Jonathan is set to swear-in 11 new ministers into his cabinet.

Also, there are indications that the president might use the opportunity to rejig his cabinet.

The swearing in is expected to precede the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which is expected to take place at the Council Chambers, Aso Rock, Abuja.

FEC, which is the highest decision making body of the Federal Government that meets regularly, did not convene last week as a result of the series of programmes lined up for the centenary celebration.

Northern govs extol Obasanjo at 77 From John Ogiji, Minna HE Northern States GoverT nors’ Forum (NSGF) has extolled former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his “exemplary leadership and dedication to the promotion of peace, unity and development of the nation.”

In a goodwill message by his spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo, on the occasion of Obasanjo’s 77th birthday, NSGF Chairman and Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, commended the former leader for his contributions to nation building, especially in deepening the nation’s democracy.

The forum said the nation was lucky to have Obasanjo at every twist and turn, describing his life as exceptional, professional and full of political accomplishments.

‘Nyako’s impunity has killed Adamawa APC’ From Emmanuel Ande, Yola MBATTLED Adamawa State E Governor Murtala Nyako, who has consistently been accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of impunity and undemocratic operations has been branded as the “leader of impunity and unrepentant political sinner” by the former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Marcus Gundiri.

Gundiri who addressed journalists on Monday in Yola on why he decamped to the PDP, said that Nyako did not only fail to implement the agreement reached during their reconciliation meeting with the Alhaji Bello Masari committee, but ensured that a majority of APC members were denied registration cards.

He said: “In our agreement the task force committee set up by the governor in the name of mobilising membership drive for the party was disbanded, but after the meeting the governor did not only empower the kangaroo committee, he expanded the team and made the committee officials the leaders of APC in the state.

“It is completely impossible for any mentally balanced

politician to trust a man that his yes means no. This is because his level of deceit has taking over his political life style and that will kill any party that he decamped to.”

He explained that his return to PDP was as a result of the exit of the governor, who he accused of destroying the party due to what he described as unconstitutional and undemocratic activities of Nyako in PDP. “I defeated Adamawa PDP because of Nyako. His activities are good campaign materials for any political party that faces the governor’s party in any election. He is already campaigning for PDP due to his activities in APC now. With the governor as the leader of APC in Adamawa it is a good development for the state chapter of PDP, the game is over for APC,” he said.

Gundiri who urged his supporters to return to PDP, pointed out that APC under the leadership of the governor cannot make any political impact in the state.

Also, the Interim Treasurer of All Progressives Party (APC) in Adamawa State, Alhaji Musa Kama, has declared that APC is heading for the rocks and the political supporters of Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (rtd) might pull out of the party to join PDP if in-

justice perpetrated by Nyako’s leadership continues.

Kamale who spoke to The Guardian in Yola said that many stakeholders were not comfortable with undemocratic practices going on in the party and are presently defecting in droves to the PDP. He said: “As long as illegality becomes the order of the day in APC, we are ready to leave the party with other stakeholders. Enough is enough!

We will not continue working with Governor Murtala Nyako who does not believe in democratic norms.”

According to Kamale, the socalled Task Force, put in place by the governor, has not been dissolved by State Interim Management Committee [SIMC], pointing out that the SIMC itself has been turned to a one-man show.

“Council chairmen in five local government areas have hijacked registration materials from the authentic trained supervisors and finally as I am talking to you, the allowances and transport fees for the registration supervisors and officers are yet to be paid,” he said.

When journalists contacted the state interim chairman of APC, Mr. Kobis Ari Thimnu, he sent a text message “he is free to go.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Jonathan retires two indicted judges From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the compulsory retirement of Justices Gladys Olotu and U. A. Inyang of the Federal High Court and Federal Capital Territory High Court respectively.

The judges were last Wednesday suspended for gross misconduct after the NJC forwarded a recommendation for their compulsory retirement to Jonathan. The President, in relying on the NJC recommendation, therefore, approved their compulsory retirement.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), who confirmed the President’s approval to State House Correspondents in a chat yesterday, said their compulsory retirement took effect from Monday.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014 NEWS 5

101 feared killed in Borno, Nasarawa attacks From Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) and Msugh Ityokura (Lafia) N what is seen as an escalaIsuspected tion of violence, gunmen to be Boko Haram sect attacked Jakana Village in Borno State with explosives and petrol-bomb in 21 Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles, killing 45 people, including two policemen who tried to repel on Monday by 10.00 pm.

Other property destroyed in Monday’s multiple attacks include the police station, a primary school, mosque and several houses and huts of

the villagers.

Jakana is on MaiduguriDamaturu road and 40 kilometres west of Maiduguri, the state capital.

The insurgents that attacked Mainok last Saturday also killed 39 people before setting Jakana Village ablaze, 20 kilometres east of Mainok.

And in Nasarawa State, Fulani marauders have allegedly killed 54 people in the past week in the latest wave of violence in some communities in Nasarawa South Senatorial District with over 70,000 displaced.

However, Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer

(PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police, Umaru Ismaila, said a list of those killed in the ongoing attacks was still being compiled by the police and would be made available to journalists soon.

The latest death casualty figure is recorded from Aloshi in Keana Local Council Area of the state where intense killings have been on in the past one week.

Six corpses were yesterday seen being carried on a motorcycle in Aloshi to an unknown destination apparently for burial. Elsewhere in Kadarko, another

corpse covered in a wrapper was being ferried on a motorcycle on Lafia-Makurdi road also for burial.

A crowd with machete cuts and various degrees of injuries were sighted in a native doctor’s compound in Gidan Sule also in Keana Local Council along Makurdi road. They were being treated of their injuries sustained from the attacks.

At a refugee camp in a primary school in Hir Nyam Village, also along the expressway between Lafia and Makurdi, three people were said to have died due to an infection.

Senate panel rejects budget, summons minister From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja OR allegedly failing to apFCommittee pear before the Senate on Sports and Social Development within the last three years, the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, has been summoned by the committee to appear before it next Tuesday.

The committee also threatens zero allocation in 2014 fiscal year for failure of the ministry to heed the summon.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Adamu Gumba, gave the directive yesterday during ministry’s 2014 Budget defence.

Every effort by the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye, to persuade the committee to consider the budget presentation and defence, proved abortive as members of the committee insisted that without the presence of the minister, the budget would not be considered, let alone approved.

Christians mark Ash Wednesday, begin fasting

By Chris Irekamba HRISTIANS all over the world will today observe Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season, which is also a period of 40 days abstinence from food and other ‘worldly activities’ to engage in fasting, prayers and alms giving.

According to a release by the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Msgr.

Gabriel Osu, “the faithful are expected to receive ash on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and a reminder that we all came from ash and will someday return to ash. Here in the Archdiocese of Lagos, the faithful would be led into the Lenten season by the Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Alfred Adewale Martins at the Holy Cross Cathedral.”

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Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu (left); Director Administration, Budget Office, Mr. Francis Ojiah and Director, Staff Welfare and Training, Budget Office, Mrs. Ejiofor Nkiruka, during the Budget Defence by the House of Representatives in National Assembly in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Medical sources, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that it may not be unconnected with the wave of cholera, which has been ravaging various communities in the for sometime now.

The state Commissioner for Information, Hamza Elayo, while speaking with The Guardian over the latest orgy of violence in the state, attributed it to the historical nature of Fulani, whom he alleged, are warriors known for revenging the killing of any of their own, hence the continued attacks.

An eyewitness and resident, Ba Mala Modu in a telephone conversation with The Guardian yesterday in Maiduguri, said the insurgents stormed Jakana village at 10 p.m. with explosives and petrol-bombs, chanting ‘God is great’ in Arabic and commenced shooting indiscriminately before setting the houses ablaze for three hours.

“The gunmen came in droves in Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles and started shooting, killing and at the same time, pouring petrol on our houses and huts to set them on fire. The people in the houses cried for help, but no one was there to prevent these multiple attacks and killings. Some of us had to flee towards the neighbouring villages, farmlands and bushes. “I am talking to you now from a hiding place in the bush. I cannot get into the village, but the number of bodies pulled out from the torched houses are 35 this morning; and more bodies could be retrieved before noon today (Tuesday), because several people were trapped in their houses when the insurgents unleashed havoc on both lives and property.”

TCN raises alarm over threat to electricity equipment From: Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief HE Transmission Company T of Nigeria (TCN) in Kaduna State have raised the alarm over the encroachment by some on the landed property where the company’s transmission facilities were stationed thereby posing danger to the power equipment.

The General Manager, TCN, Mando, Kaduna, Mr. John Obajulu however, stated that the station was under security threat as a result of failure to fence the transmission station.

Obajulu said yesterday, that some people have started encroaching on the land and erecting structures illegally, pointing out that this could pose danger to the safety of equipment in the transmission station.

He spoke when some board members of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) undertook facility tour of the properties.

Besides, he explained that staff of the station needed training and retraining on the new equipment acquired to upgrading the transmission of electricity, particular as the Company has switched to digital operation from analogue.

According to him, “there are security challenges here because, one, there is no parameter fencing around this station, and more over people have started encroaching on our land. The area is very porous.

“We need to train and retrain

our staff as we switch to digital operation from analogue, this is very important in order to achieve maximum efficiency in operating the new equipment we have acquired.

“We also need a store or depot within this region to make acquisition of equipment easier instead of going all the way to Lagos.”

However, fielding questions from journalists shortly after the assessment tour, the Director, System Operation,

TCN, Alhaji Musa Gumel said, “We have seen a lot, of course, we have seen transmission, a brief was even done by the General Manager, Transmission. We have seen the equipment physically, the transformers, the brakers, the insulators, the switch board and so on.”

“And we equally heard from the operation man, how he carries out the operation, where he is getting the supply, why he is taking the sup-

ply, how he distributes supply from here to Jos, Gombe, Yola, from Kaduna to Kano, Katsina States and beyond, so we have seen a lot.”

“We are going to study the catalogue of challenges raised by the General Manager. We are just mini board, because like I said earlier, the whole 17-man board as a team cannot come, and the country is very vast. So we spread into some groups, some went to Port Harcourt/Enugu region, some

went to Lagos/Ibadan region, and we are here in Kaduna/Bauchi region and so on.

“We are going to put our problems together on a sheet of paper, discuss at the board level, and then, the departments that are concerned, be it System Operation (S/O), be it transmission service provider, be it market operation, these problems will tabled before them, and then we will now see how to proffer

Court okays forfeiture of property over pension scam From Abosede Musari Abuja HE Federal Government, T through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday got the order to take over Brifina Hotel, one of the properties allegedly bought with stolen pension funds by former director in the pension department of the Head of Service office, Dr. Sani Shuaibu Teidi.

Though the defendant claimed he did not own the property, the original owner said the property had been sold to Teidi for N339 million, the EFCC said.

The hotel, located at Plot 1106 Cadastral Zone B02, Durumi District, Abuja, is alleged to be one of the properties acquired by Dr. Sani Shuaibu Teidi.

Though the hotel was traced to Teidi, he denied owner-

ship of the property despite claims by the original owner that he sold the property to him. Investigations by the Commission revealed that the said hotel was purchased by the accused through his company, Badawulu Ventures for the sum of N339 million.

The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on the property from Justice Adamu Bello.

When the matter came up today, counsel to the EFCC, Godwin Obla, SAN urged the court to grant his prayers for final forfeiture of the property in line with the provisions of section 264 of the CPA, section 34(i) of the EFCC Act and the rules of the Federal High Court as it has been established that the property was acquired from proceeds of crime.

The defence counsel, James

Ogwu Onoja did not oppose the application stating that the accused was not aware that money used to acquire the property was gotten from proceeds of crime and will not be contesting the property.

Justice Ademola therefore granted the prayers of the prosecution ordering that the property be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Teidi is facing a 22-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to commit fraud and concealing the origin of stolen pension funds to the tune of N18.3 billion.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu, former Director, Pension Accounts, office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federal of Nigeria, Udusegbe Eric Omoefe, Gozinda Enterprises, Bash-

inta Nigeria Limited, Haleath Enterprises, Uthatak Nigeria Limited, Krasiva Nigeria Limited and Ribaile Petroleum Limited at various times between 2009 and 2010 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired together to obtain by false pretence and with intent to defraud from the Pension Account, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation of Nigeria various sums in the aggregate amount of N1,951,592,000.00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty One Million, Five Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand Naira) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advance Free Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006 and Punishable Under Section 1(3) of the same Act, 2006.”

6 | NEWS Wednesday, March 5, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Sokoto picks delegates for confab

Assembly alleges illegal deduction of N480m from Ekiti allocation

From Eric Meya, Sokoto OKOTO State government yesterday announced the nomination of three eminent personalities to represent the state in the upcoming national conference in Abuja.

They are former DPP governorship candidate in 2007 election, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, former Power Minister, Bello Sulaiman and Prof. Aishatu Madawaki of Usman Danfodio University Sokoto.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Malam Sani Umar, the three are representing the three senatorial districts of the state and that their nomination was approved by Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

The governor, it was said, has urged them to distinguished themselves at the conference in order to justify the confidence reposed in

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From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head South West Bureau Ado Ekiti)

RKED by alleged illegal Ienues deductions from oil revfrom the Federation Account, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday called on the National Assembly to commence impeachment process against President Goodluck Jonathan.

The legislators, at a plenary session, described as irresponsible and criminal, the alleged monthly deduction of over N480 million from revenue accruable to the state. They claimed that the deduction has been negatively affecting the living standards of the people and the state’s economic development.

The legislators spoke in reaction to the allegation made by Governor Kayode Fayemi on the floor of the House on Monday that over N4.62 trillion has been frittered away from the Federation Account in the last three years, being the amount not remitted by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The Assembly also resolved that the National Assembly must hire the services of an independent audit firm to scrutinise the finances of the NNPC, and ask the Federal Government to return all illegal deductions from the Federation Account.

The House’s resolution include that the Supreme Court should expedite action on all cases relating to Sovereign National Wealth and illegal deductions and immediate review of the allocation sharing formula among the federal, state and local governments.

The lawmakers are to pass the resolution to Governor Fayemi for onward transmission to the National Assembly.

Speaking after the sitting, the Speaker, Adewale Omirin, maintained that the alleged looting of the nation’s commonwealth under President Jonathan has confirmed that he is incompetent to govern the nation.

Omirin said, “this president seems to be incompetent with the massive looting being experienced under his nose at NNPC. He looks gentle and innocent, but he must be able to manage the affairs of the state or resign for more competent people to take charge.”

Speaking earlier, Ajibola Samuel, Ade Ojo, Adeniyi Adeloye, Gabriel Ogundele, Omowumi Ogunlola , Ayo Fatumbi , Adeniyi Adeloye and the Majority Leader, Churchill Adedipe expressed resentment at the alleged deductions from the allocation accruable to the state.

According to him, the deductions from the Federation Account contravenes section 162 of the Constitution and should be condemned by the national Assembly and other rightthinking Nigerians.

Chairman, Nigerian Electrical Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi (left); Permanent Sectary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Commissioner, Government and Consumer Affairs, Division NERC, Mary Awolokun, during a meeting of the House Committee on Power in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Panic as security man discovers explosive device in Osogbo bank From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo ANIC gripped residents of P Osogbo, the Osun State capital yesterday following the discovery of a strange object suspected to be a bomb inside the premises of an old generation bank in the town.

The development hampered commercial activities in some areas while other banks in town suspended operation and asked their customers to leave.

The Guardian learnt that the explosive reportedly concealed in a polythene bag was discovered by a security man in the bank located on Station Road, Osogbo, who immediately alerted the branch manager.

The development was later reported to the police and officers attached to the antibomb squad of the state police command who were drafted to the bank for appropriate action.

The bank hurriedly closed

down operation as a result of the development and as the news spread, other banks in the town also shut their doors to customers.

Also, owners of shops located in the neighbourhood of the bank hurriedly closed down their shops. Bank customers, who learnt about the incident late, were stranded while security operatives mounted surveillance in all the banks in the town.

The Commissioner of Po-

lice, Mr. Ibrahim Maishanu, while commenting on the incident, said he had received report of the situation at the bank and that bomb detectors from the Police Command confirmed that the object detected was an improvised explosive device.

He allayed fear of the residents, urging them to go about their legitimate business as, according to him, the state police command was on top of the situation.

German Foundation urges early preparation for 2015 polls From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado-Ekiti, Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba and Abosede Musari, Abuja O avoid the hiccups that characterise the conduct of elections in Nigeria, German Foundation in Nigeria, Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to start preparing early.

The advice came as Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi said the future of Prof. Attahiru Jega, as the nation’s number one electoral officer, is tied to his handling of the coming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State government has declared Friday March 7, as a work free day to enable workers in the State Public Service and the entire people collect their permanent voters cards.

A statement by Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo in Ado-Ekiti explained that the work free day was declared to also enable people of the state take part in the verification of voters register taking place between Friday, March 7 and

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• Fayemi tasks Jega on Ekiti, Osun elections • Declares holidays for INEC exercise Sunday, March 9, 2014.

Country Representative of the Foundation, Mrs Hildegard Behrendt-Kigozi said in an interview yesterday in Abuja that the best time to start preparing for the 2015 general elections is now. She suggested that the commission should be working towards completing voters’ registration by September 2014 and that movement of election materials should commence at the moment.

“INEC has a big job to do. I don’t know if INEC can do it.

A lot depends also on the local people, it is not INEC alone. INEC should start now, starting two months before election in such a huge country will be too late. They should consider finishing registration by September.

They have to hurry up,” she said.

Behrendt-Kigozi expressed the hope that elections would hold in the three states where state of emergency has been declared; but she admitted that conducting elections in Borno,

Adamawa and Yobe states would be difficult because of the security situation.

Earlier at the discussion held to promote cooperation of civil society organisations and the media in preparation for the coming elections, Behrendt-Kigozi urged the media particularly to educate the populace to shun violence, remain calm and vote.

“It will be helpful if there is connection between the local media persons and stakeholders,” she said.

Paper presenter from the CSOs viewpoint, Laz Apir, programme manager at Transition Monitoring Group, though commended the media for their role in enthroning democracy, rejecting the third term agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other feats, however, disapproved of the media for what he called wrong reportage, saying it is wrong for them to engage politicians instead of CSOs during elections.

Fayemi, who spoke on Mon-

day night during his monthly media chat, Meet Your Governor, urged Jega to see the two elections as a “serious test” which “must not go the way of the similar poll in Anambra State.”

According to him, should INEC bungle the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial polls, “Jega may not be the one to conduct the 2015 general elections.”

The governor argued that it is in the best interest of INEC to get it right this time around, starting with the June 21 Ekiti governorship contest, noting that the people of the state had witnessed electoral heists in the recent past.

“It is in the best interest of INEC to conduct a credible and transparent election in Ekiti in June. Jega should see the Ekiti poll as a serious test because if he fails in Ekiti and Osun, he may not be the one to conduct the 2015 general elections.

“They should ensure that the process is credible, they must demonstrate their readiness to conduct a credible election. You know that Ekiti people are very sensitive,” Fayemi said.

NUT opposes competency test for Edo teachers HE National President of T the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Michael Olukoya, yesterday described the competency test organised for teachers in Edo as a ploy “to weed out teachers.”

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olukoya made the statement in Lagos at a news conference organised by the Lagos State Branch of the NUT. He said that the competency of an employee is determined at the point of appointment. ``It must be emphasised that teaching is a service industry and not a product industry like breweries and textile manufacturing, where products pass through quality control mills to qualify for the market.”

According to Olukoya, in teaching and other service industries, competency is behavioural and not mechanical.

“In teaching, which is powered by the science, principles and work of teaching, the competency of a teacher takes very many dimensions. These include the knowledge of the subject.

“The knowledge of the subject must conform to appropriate methodology, class management and control.

“A teacher in his approach must understand the psychology of his pupils or students, which includes the home background, individual differences and intelligent quotient to determine the gifted and mentally challenged.

“The question is, given these many competencies that must combine to make effective teaching, which of the competencies is our Edo State comrade governor intending to test?

“If he must test all, how many hours examination is required.”

Olukoya said that on Dec. 4, 2013, a letter was given to the Edo State Branch of the NUT entitled: “Competency Test for Teachers in Edo State.”

He said the letter was signed by the Edo Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Agunede Patrick.

The letter’s intent, he said was “to enable the government determine the level of competence of teachers with principal intent of upgrading their capacity.”

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 NEWS | 7

Gunmen kidnap Bauchi Assembly member

Imo hospital workers protest non-payment of salaries

From Ali Garba, Bauchi HE member representing T Lame in the Bauchi State House of Assembly has been

• Govt wants N1.3b UBE fund released

kidnapped while praying in a mosque in his village, Zalau.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, who briefed newsmen in his office, said the Command received the shocking news at about 8:30 pm yesterday of unknown gunmen abducting a serving lawmaker by name Yusuf C. Nuhu, representing Lame District in Toro Local Council Area.

According to him, when the police chased the miscreants suspected to be terrorist, they abandoned their vehicle, a green Golf 3 Station Wagon, at Rahama Village, a border town between Toro and Saminaka in Kaduna State.

Mohammed said among the items recovered from the suspects were eight live ammunition of SMG Rifle and phones. He told journalists that the Police Task Force and vigilance group have cordoned off the entire area in order to arrest the culprits while investigation is in progress.

From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri

Obi swears in new perm secs From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka EN newly appointed perT manent secretaries in the Anambra State civil service were sworn-in yesterday by Governor Peter Obi, who advised them to make good use of their new positions for the betterment of the state.

Addressing the officials yesterday during a brief ceremony at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Obi reminded them of the need to make decisions that promote the collective interest of the state to sustain the current high tempo of development.

“Use your new offices to contribute in consolidating on the achievement already on the ground,” Obi said, assuring that government will always implement policies that would be in the interest and welfare of civil servants in the state.

NDDC boosts Abia’s fire-fighting capacity From Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia ORRIED by increasing W rate of fire outbreak in Abia State, which recorded 90 incidents in four months (November 2013 to date), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) yesterday donated two modern firefighting trucks and two water tankers to the state.

While handing over the trucks to Governor Theodore Orji at Government House, Umuahia, the new Commissioner representing Abia State in the NDDC Board, Mr. Sam Nwogu, said: “This equipment will help in fighting fire outbreaks in any part of the state, thereby helping in protecting lives and property.”

He urged the state to make judicious use of the modern equipment for optimal result.

The governor told the NDDC to go further and train the Abia fire-fighters on the use of the trucks, adding that with the new trucks, the state Fire Service has become more and better equipped.

EALTH workers in the Imo H State Specialists Hospital have protested over alleged

Chairman, 50th Anniversary Committee, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Prof. Wale Omole (left); Rt. Rev. Dapo Ashaju; Bishop, Diocese of LagosWest, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji and Dean of Cathedral, Venerable Abel Oluyemi Ajibodu, during the Eucharistic Service in commemoration of 50th Founder’s Day Anniversary of the church in Ikeja, Lagos

Ekweremadu, Jega, others chart path to credible poll in Nigeria From Oghogho Obayuwana (Abuja) and Tunde Akinola (Lagos) S next year’s general elecA tions draw nearer, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and international poll experts are charting ways to make the 2015 exercise credible.

At the international conference on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, which began yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria’s electoral umpire said that despite the challenges of conducting elections in Nigeria, it sees hope of a credible exercise.

While Ekewremadu called for restraint in the use of information and communications technology, a representative of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya (IEBC), Immaculate Kassait, maintained that the drawbacks of electronic processes are not as scary when followed through diligently.

At the event organised by the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the panelists and presenters also looked at the opportunities and chal-

lenges in information and communications technology.

Speaking through the National Commissioner, Dr. Nauru Yakubu, the INEC chairman stressed that everything humanly possible to ensure that hitches in next year’s selection are minimal are being put in place, noting that the right lessons have been learnt from previous exercises.

The major submissions were made by Ekweremadu, who maintained that the infusion of ICT into any sensitive aspect of Nigeria’s election management system in particular must be “very strategic, tested, gradual, and go with adequate mobilisation, education, and consensus building. It must also take cognisance of the infrastructure needed to support such ICT solutions to avoid the pitfalls and challenges, which manifested in our various attempts at electronic voter registration through the Data Capture Machine.”

Describing the idea of exploring the opportunities of information and communications technology as a welcome development, Ekweremadu said: “When properly handled, technological advancement is a great way to improve the quality of the electoral process. The world over, Information Com-

munications Technology (ICT) has highly and positively impacted all areas of the electoral process such as voter registration, voter education, electioneering campaign, data acquisition, integrity and transmission, actual voting, vote counting, election monitoring, and security. Nigeria cannot be an exception, especially with the unprecedented level of ICT penetration across the nation.”

He noted that as part of the global democratic village, Nigeria too has been grappling with infusing ICT in the nation’s election management and the electoral process with varying degree of success and challenges.

“However, the good thing is that despite the ingrained fears, mutual suspicion among the political elite and parties, and various technical challenges, Nigeria is positively disposed to ensuring that ICT plays greater role in every aspect of its electoral process to make our elections smoother, more transparent, efficient, participatory, freer, fairer, and indeed more credible,” he added.

According to Ekweremadu, “The National Assembly on its part is committed to matching this desire for increased ICT

‘APC’s emergence in Kwara is blessing for PDP’ From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin ORMER Peoples Democratic Faspirant Party (PDP) governorship in Kwara State, John Dara, has described the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a blessing in disguise for the PDP in the state.

According to him, this is so because the APC has taken away from the PDP all the undemocratic politicians.

Dara, who stated this in an interview with reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, said because of the alleged undemocratic attitude of people who now parade themselves as APC leaders, including former governors, many members of the PDP had left the party out of frustration. He said the former governor led the party with alleged over-

bearing arrogance, which many people did not find encouraging and endurable.

He said the exit of the former governor from the PDP offered an opportunity for the aggrieved erstwhile members of the party to return to it to rebuild it alongside their former colleagues and those newly joining the party.

Dara said the unity rally the PDP held in Ilorin on Monday and attended by President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and some PDP governors, as well as the national executives of the party present, was a signal that the party in the state has grown greater and ready to take over the state government by 2015.

He said Kwara State, which was created in 1967, has been

stagnant in the last 13 years in term of economic and infrastructural developments.

To him, the journey of the state to freedom from misrule commenced with the Monday rally, assuring that the PDP will lead the state to attainment of the freedom by 2015. Dara expressed confidence that the party would win the year’s governorship election.

The politician said the PDP would have its current members multiplied in about four folds by the time it mobilises for its membership registration later in the year.

He faulted the over 370,000 figure of members APC quoted after its membership registration in the state, arguing that the party did not register up to 100,000 people as members.

role in our election management and electoral process with the requisite appropriation and law reforms. In the present amendment to the Electoral Act, we seek to delete Section 52, which bars the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from using electronic voting. This is to allow the Commission use its discretion to apply electronic voting at any time it deems it appropriate. We are well disposed to taking advantage of the best that modern technology has to offer in order to ensure that our people vote and that their votes count. We are equally ready to carry the message of change and innovation to our constituents to ensure that they buy into it”.

non-payment of their eight months’ salaries despite “the untiring efforts” they make in handling health cases of patients.

They are also demanding that they be transferred to their parent establishment (Health Management Board- HMB), where they say, prompt salary payment is guaranteed.

In a statement they released to The Guardian on Monday evening in Owerri after their meeting, they said if the decision of the state government is to privatise the hospital, they should make it open, adding that they were not ready to enter into any negotiation with any individual for such.

The statement signed by the Secretary of the Joint Health Sectors Union (JOHESU), Anthony Osuji and the Chairman, B. N. Nwangwu, said: “For eight months now, we have not received our salaries. We will not allow any kind of transfer of service from government to anybody. If we are autonomous, we should also receive our salaries when other workers of the state are receiving theirs. If this hospital is for privatisation, the government should send us back to HMB, our parent body.”

The protesters also demanded that their annual leave allowance since 2011 be paid to them as specified in the civil service rules and regulations.

Expressing their disappointment in the system, they said: “We want this place to be shut down until all payments are made. We do not have money for transportation.

Our children cannot go to school because of non-payment

8 | Wednesday, March 5, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

PHOTONEWS

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Olayinka Oladunjoye (middle) presenting an award to Dr. Bose Durojaiye (second right) for the Touch-A-School-Project by Grange School PTA at the recent CSR award breakfast meeting with the Lagos State governor.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio (right), sharing pleasantries with the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, Ruto William Kipchirchir, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Abuja.

Central Bank of Nigeria representative, Bunmi Adebiyi (left); Group Head, Customer Experience and Analytics, Heritage Bank, Ralph Omoriegie; Brand Ambassador, Zuriel Oduwole; Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Heritage Bank, Mary Akpobome and Executive Director, Manilla, Niyi Adeseun, during the launch of Heritage Bank financial literacy programme at the bank’s training school in Lagos.

Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of The Guardian Newspaper, Gbenga Popoola (right, back roll); Head, Advertising/Marketing, The Guardian, Abayomi Adisa Oguntuase (fourth right) with the teachers and pupils of Peculiar Treasure School, Ire Akari, Isolo, Lagos during the school’s courtesy visit to The Guardian Newspaper corporate headquarters.

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Popular music act, KCEE (left); Managing Director, UACN Property Development Company, Hakeem Ogunniran and General Manager, Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Shousha Mohsen, at the media briefing on the second Annual Music Festival in Lagos.

IT Manager, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Tunde Dada (right) taking the students of Federal Science and Technical College Yaba round the operation room of Vodacom Business Nigeria, at a one-day ICT field trip to the company in Lagos.

Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), George Uriesi (left); Minister of State, FMTI and Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Jamila Shu’ara, during the inspection of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.

Representative of Chairman, Parents Teachers Association, Babcock University Schools, Elder Ofomba (left); The School Principal, Gabriel Fashanu; Education Director, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mainland Conference, Joseph Alao and school bursar, Temitope Majolagbe, at the commissioning of the school library in Lagos.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

WorldReport UN troops wounded in DR Congo attack IVE United Nations peacekeeping troops were Fwounded on Monday when

United State Secretary of State, John Kerry (centre), Ukraine’s interim President, Olexander Turchynov (left) and the Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk during their talks in Kiev yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Military force will be ‘last resort’ in Ukraine, says Putin I N remarks apparently intended to ease East-West tension over fears of war in the former Soviet republic, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that Russia would only use military force in Ukraine as a last resort.

Russia however reserved the right to use all options in Ukraine to protect its compatriots there who were living in “terror”, Putin said. His comments lifted Russian bond markets after a panic sell-off on Monday.

While Putin said sanctions being considered against Russia would be counter-pro-

ductive, a senior U.S. official said Washington was ready to impose them in days rather than weeks.

United State Secretary of State, John Kerry arrived in Kiev and announced an economic package and technical assistance for Ukraine in a show of support for its new government.

Putin said there had been an unconstitutional coup in Ukraine and ousted leader, Viktor Yanukovich, an ally of Russia, was still the legitimate leader of the country despite giving up all power.

Last month’s ousting of

Yanukovich after months of street protests in Kiev and Russia’s bloodless seizure of Ukraine’s Crimea region prompted a confrontation between Moscow and the West widely seen as the most serious since the end of the Cold War. The West has been alarmed at the possibility that Russia might also move into eastern and southern Ukraine, home to many Russian speakers.

“There can be only one assessment of what happened in Kiev, in Ukraine in general.

This was an anti-constitutional coup and the armed

Egypt bans Palestinian Hamas group N Egyptian court yesterday A banned the activities of the Palestinian militant Hamas group that rules the neighbouring Gaza Strip and ordered its assets seized, a judicial source said.

Hamas denounced the move, which it said, “serves the (Israeli) occupation.”

Egyptian officials have accused Hamas of plotting with deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood movement to carry out “terror attacks” in the country.

Several Hamas militants have been named among scores of defendants on trial with Morsi for organising jailbreaks and attacking police stations during the 2011 revolt that toppled strongman Hosni Mubarak.

In a separate espionage trial, Morsi and 35 other defendants are accused of conspiring with foreign powers, including Sunni Hamas and Shiite Iran, to destabilise Egypt.

Ties between Cairo and Hamas, the Palestinian affiliate of the Muslim

Brotherhood, flourished during Morsi’s year in power but have deteriorated since the military overthrew him on July 3.

Cairo’s new military-installed authorities were furious after Hamas officials openly criticised their decision to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood, the target of a deadly crackdown since

Morsi’s ouster.

Amnesty International says more than 1,400 people have been killed in street clashes, mostly Islamist supporters of Morsi, since his overthrow.

Senior Hamas official, Bassem Naim told AFP the court’s decision was “an attempt to besiege the resistance, and serves the Israeli occupation.”

seizure of power,” said Putin, looking relaxed as he sat before a small group of reporters at his residence near Moscow.

“As for bringing in forces. For now there is no such need but such a possibility exists,” he said.

“What could serve as a reason to use military force? It would naturally be the last resort, absolutely the last.”

Earlier yesterday, Putin ordered troops involved in a military exercise in western Russia, close to the border with Ukraine, back to their bases.

He said armed men who had seized buildings and other facilities in Crimea were local groups.

Russian dollar bond markets rebounded yesterday, encouraged by Putin’s comments.

Russia had paid a heavy financial price on Monday for its military intervention in Ukraine, with the Moscow stock market falling more than 10 per cent, wiping nearly $60 billion off the value of Russian firms.

two people on a motorcycle threw a grenade at their patrol in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN force said yesterday.

The UN mission for the stabilisation of the country (MONUSCO) said in a statement the attack occurred in the area of Beni in North Kivu province. It did not say how seriously the troops were hurt.

“This unacceptable attack... does not in any way reduce our support for FARDC (DRC Armed Forces) in the fight against armed groups,” MONUSCO chief Martin Kobler said in the statement.

“Our brief is to neutralise all the illegal armed groups in the east of the DRC, and we are determined to carry it out,” he

Mozambican police killed by suspected ex-rebel USPECTED members of Mozambique’s ex-rebel Smovement turned opposition, Renamo killed four policemen and wounded five others at the weekend, local media reported yesterday.

“Four members of the border police died and five were wounded as a result of an attack by armed men from Renamo on Sunday morning in the district of Gorongosa,” independent daily, O Pais said.

The ambush took place in the Mussicadzi district, 60 kilometres (40 miles) from the Gorongosa mountains in central, Sofala province, said the paper.

Renamo’s leader, Afonso Dhlakama is believed to be holed up in those mountains.

Supporters of Renamo have fought a low-level insurgency against government troops, attacking public infrastructure and killing civilians and soldiers in the past months.

In the capital Maputo,

Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta yesterday, an official said.

The migrants were the latest in a tide of desperate people trying to breach the frontiers with Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish-held cities perched on the north African coast.

Hundreds of people have managed to cross the borders in recent months but scores have been injured in the attempt and at least 14 drowned last month while trying to

swim to Ceuta.

In the latest attempt, hundreds of migrants approached the Tarajal border crossing to Ceuta at dawn and others tried to scale the high fence at another nearby point, a government official in Ceuta told AFP. “The Moroccan security forces and the (Spanish) civil guard coordinated to stop them entering,” said the official, who asked not to be named.

“None managed to cross,” the official said. One group turned back after seeing that others had failed to make it across, he

added, without giving further details.

Across the Strait of Gibraltar from mainland Spain and surrounded by Moroccan territory, the coastal cities of Melilla and Ceuta have the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.

They are seen as stepping stones for African migrants desperate to reach Europe.

At least 14 migrants drowned in Moroccan waters on February 6 while trying to swim to Ceuta from a nearby beach after several hundred also tried to storm the land

Renamo and government negotiators are meantime locked up in new series of talks to ease tensions ahead of the October general elections.

The talks are aimed at ending the armed conflict, including the disarmament of Renamo guerrillas.

Last month lawmakers rushed legislation through parliament in order to agree changes to the election law demanded by the opposition party.

The rebel movement Renamo became the official opposition after a peace treaty in 1992 ended its 16-year civil war against the ruling party Frelimo.

But as its power and influence has waned in recent years, it re-mobilised its veterans, killing dozens of mostly civilians in attacks on highways, demanding a more equitable spread of the country’s wealth and a change to electoral laws.

Berlusconi denied permit to attend Dublin conference FFORT to leave Italy to atE tend a conference in Ireland by former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi has been rejected a Milan court.

Berlusconi passport was confiscated after his conviction for tax fraud, , judicial sources said yesterday.

Berlusconi, leader of the cen-

Police halt migrants at Spain-Africa border OLICE stopped more than P 1,600 migrants trying to cross the border from

added.

Beni is more than 300 kilometres north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, a restive resource-rich province that borders Rwanda and Uganda.

On January 16, the FARDC regular army launched an offensive against the Ugandan Muslim rebel group ADF-Nalu and announced in midFebruary that it had inflicted severe losses on the rebels.

The UN provides them with logistical and tactical support to the FARDC, but on Saturday, for the first time since the start of the operation, two MONSUCO attack helicopters fired on a large ADF-Nalu base.

ADF-Nalu stands for Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda. It is one of the oldest but lesser known rebellions based in North-Kivu and is considered the only Islamist organisation in the region.

border.

In that incident, Spanish security forces were accused by human rights groups and witnesses of firing rubber bullets at the immigrants.

The ministry said civil guards did fire rubber bullets during the attempt on Ceuta, but denied that contributed to the drownings.

On Friday, more than 200 migrants stormed across a triplelayer border fence into Spain’s other north African territory, Melilla, in what Spanish authorities said was one of the largest such crossings in years.

ter-right Forza Italia party, wanted to attend the European Popular Party conference in Dublin on March 6-7.

But he cannot travel abroad unless he is granted a temporary permit by judges.

Berlusconi was stripped of his passport last year, when he was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to four years in prison, which was commuted to a year under house arrest or in community service. He was also banned from parliament.

Berlusconi, who accuses magistrates of waging a politically motivated campaign against him, has denied wrongdoing as well as suggestions that he might flee abroad.

Last December, he made a legal bid to reclaim his passport by arguing that the travel ban violated Europe’s Schengen accord on the free movement of citizens. The court rejected that argument.

One of his most outspoken allies, Daniela Santanche, called the Milan court’s decision on Tuesday “a disgrace.”

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 11

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Politics Nigeria’s unity is negotiable, says Ozekhome (2) Lagos lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), is a human rights activist, who has been at the forefront for good governance and social justice in Nigeria. He was in Benin City recently where he spoke to a select group of journalists on the proposed national conference, taking the potential challenges and associated problems one by one and proffering solutions, reports Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu. only five political parties, whose members are in the National Assembly — the PDP, the APC, Accord Party, APGA and Labour. What happens to the other 20 parties?

You are again going to make it a do-or-die thing to win election — at least to have one person in the National Assembly in the next elections.

I think for fairness, equity and justice, we should give those political parties one slot each because they represent a group.

And that is why I also said it is ludicrous, laughable to say that you are giving one slot to Nigerian lawyers, who are more abreast of the legal framework that this constitutional conference should take. You are just giving one slot; you cannot do that.

That means you are not giving regard to the monumental issues of law because you are going to see that the plenary session debate — the first one week debate — will be devoted to whether the constitutional conference is even legitimate or not.

You are going to see that within the first one week: The egg or the chick, which comes first — the law establishing us or we establishing a law; which comes first?

CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY HOM do we submit the W reports of the national conference to? Mr. President said we are going to submit the outcome of the conference to the National Assembly so that they will engraft it into the constitution. Which constitution?

The 1999 Constitution that has shown it is fundamentally flawed, being a military imposed constitution, imposed on the people of Nigeria by 28 members of the Provisional Ruling Council headed

by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar?

Which makes the constitution to lie against itself when it says, in its preamble, that, “We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have decided to give ourselves the following constitution.” We never gave ourselves that constitution.

NASS can’t give birth to constitution NOW, the National Assembly, under section 9 of that constitution, is only empowered to amend the constitution and promulgate ordinary laws. Nowhere in section 9 were they given powers to promulgate a new constitution.

In fact, it is the constitution that gave birth to the National Assembly. The National Assembly does not give birth to the constitution. In the same way that it is the dog that wags the tail as the tail cannot wag the dog.

See the problem area. If you say the decisions of the conference should be subjected to the National Assembly, what if the people of Nigeria have decided in their wisdom to abolish a bicameral National Assembly, that we want just three per state; that means only the Senate will stay and the entire House of the Representatives will go. Will they agree to self-destruct? They will reject it.

That means a small clique of people that are not really the true representatives of the people would have rejected the entire decision of the people of Nigeria.

Problem number two. Assuming the people of Nigeria say we don’t even need a Presidential system of government; it is too expensive.

We want to revert to the Westminster Parliamentary system of government, which, of course, will abolish the entire National Assembly and bring about a new form of government, will members of the National Assembly agree to engraft that into a constitution? That again is no.

Referendum/plebiscite FOR us to have a homegrown constitution, the people of Nigeria must have the final say in a plebiscite or referendum, after the national conference would have ended its debate.

Since the 1922 Clifford Constitution, up to the 1999 Constitution, apart from the constitution of the Midwest Region of Nigeria, which was subjected to a plebiscite of the people on the 9th of August 1963, to make the Midwest to break away from the

Jonathan

Mark

Duration of conference I WANT to suggest five months for the conference. Three months will not be enough. But I know the members will have to write the President about that; I can see that coming.

Tambuwal old Western Region, no constitution of Nigeria has ever had that advantage. This situation is unacceptable.

The process by which a constitution comes into being is even more important than the content of the constitution; that is what gives it legitimacy, credibility of the people of Nigeria.

To run away from that is to merely postpone the evil day and make the national conference a merely cosmetic jamboree for people to go and rest for three months.

What I am saying is that the National Assembly is not legally authorised to tamper with the decision of the people of Nigeria after their discussion because, the truth is that many of them did not even go to the National Assembly through a free and fair election.

Many of them were imposed and many rigged themselves in.

We cannot, therefore, run away from the fact that only the people can give themselves a constitution that will be acceptable to all.

Although I do not agree with the critics that the President had a hidden agenda in inaugurating the national conference, as it is now, it is

Ozekhome more or less sub-optimal; it is not optimal, it is not fully made.

We may find ourselves going for another constitutional conference in future, to still discuss the issues that are outstanding.

Ethnic nationalities I NOW come to the issue of representation on the basis of ethnic nationalities.

The ethnic nationalities in Nigeria are the real stakeholders. There is no Nigeria if you remove the ethnic nationalities. So, to give them only 90 slots is not enough, I dare say.

Now, the reason is that who are these ethnic groups you are going to give it to because, even within the ethnic groups, we have different groups or tribes.

A lot of people don’t even know that the North has more ethnic nationalities than the South. In Adamawa alone, you have more than 20 ethnic groups, the same in Sokoto, Niger.

So, whom are you going to give the slot to? I think that the 90 slots should be looked into.

Official, interest groups representation LET me tell you that in 1994, the Abacha conference had 396 dele-

gates. Abacha alone single-handedly nominated 96, and the rest were elected across the country.

Which is better than when you nominate people.

But let us concede to the President that it was because of the timeframe, due to the coming elections. That to talk about electing people to go to the conference, a lot of people will go to court and stall the entire process and it will never see the light of the day. Probably, that informed his nomination of delegates.

And it is also good that he (president) allows each segment of the society, like the civil society groups, to be the people to nominate and elect their members who will represent them. In other words, the president is not choosing the representatives of these people for them.

In 2005, the Obasanjo National Political Reform Conference had about 400 delegates. Obasanjo alone single-handedly nominated 50 while others came from other groups.

But I want to say that it is unfair to say that all out of the registered political parties in the country today, you are giving five slots to

Possible effect on political timetable I DO not think the conference will affect the activities of the political parties because they (majority of them) will not nominate people that will represent them and as such, the political parties will not be giving their own ideas to the conference.

That is why I said the marginalisation of the other political parties is not good enough because what you have done is to cut off their voice because they cannot speak through the five dominant political parties.

I do not see the synergy between the campaign for political parties and these conference members, who are going to Abuja.

But let me say I have had the opportunity of attending the 2005 National Political Conference and also in 2009, I was a delegate to the Vision 20:2020; all the beautiful reports of those two bodies are set aside.

And this is my greatest problem with this same conference, where we are going to know whether Jonathan has an agenda or not and whether he will be able to ruthlessly implement, without alteration, the agreement reached by Nigerians after three or five months.

But in all, I want to say that the President has taken the bull by the horns and has done what Napoleon Bonaparte could not do.

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12 | Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

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

Editorial Jonathan, Sanusi and poverty of leadership ITH his petulance, foul temperament and imprudent conduct, Sanusi Lamido W Sanusi impoverished the sobriety and dignity of the office of Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria in ways that made his appointment seem like an error in the first place.

However, in timing and manner, his suspension from office the other day by President Goodluck Jonathan is equally imprudent, almost puerile, in a way that advertises a certain pettiness at the highest level of Nigeria’s leadership. The result is that, once again, in place of lofty ideals or a contention of principles, only the poverty of ideas and absence of grace in the highest realms of governance are on display.

For, after all is considered, neither the course of Nigeria’s economy nor that of graceful purposeful leadership has been served by both men, a tragedy that Nigeria can do without.

Expectedly, Sanusi’s suspension has excited intense public debate and recriminations. The President rationalised his action on the point that Sanusi’s tenure has been characterised by “various acts of financial recklessness and misconduct that are inconsistent with the administration’s vision of a central bank propelled by the core values of focused economic management, prudence, transparency and financial discipline.” Legal analysts and politicians have equally faulted the action of the President, claiming it was illegal and a violation of the CBN Act. Others have interpreted the action as being in bad faith and self-serving on account of the weighty allegations of the CBN Governor against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the non-remittance of billions of petrol dollars into the Federation Account. This perception also runs through the international media and has been the strongest point of those who define as impolitic the action of the President.

The CBN Act empowers the President to appoint the Governor of the Central Bank with two-thirds approval of the Senate while the issue of suspension is dealt with in the Interpretation Act. So, even now, Sanusi remains the substantive Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and whether the action of the President is legal or not is a matter to be best resolved by a judicial review. However, what is currently at stake is power and its use or misuse, decorum and, of course, probity in the public sphere.

Firstly, contrary to his mandate of being a frontline steward of the nation’s economy, achieving low inflation, stabilising the naira, and protecting the autonomy of the apex bank, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank spent more time playing politics and playing to the gallery. As the chief economic adviser to the President ex officio, he ought to have exercised restraint and made decorum the watch-word in his work-a-day activities. In his public outbursts and most recently, on the NNPC’s funds, he had approbated and simultaneously reprobated to the extent that the primacy of his concerns and revelations were obviated by his flippancy. With his style and actions, there was no doubt that there had to be infractions on the normal run of the apex bank. The independence of the governor is to ensure that it does not become an appendage of the Presidency, but on Sanusi’s watch, the CBN veered off the path of decorum into the quagmire of political grandstanding and extra-banking melee.

In suspending Sanusi, however, the President might have been right but he did not act wisely. He misread the political climate, dithered too long and acted imprudently. He appeared too petty with the suspension and lost much deserved political capital with his characteristic tardiness. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) raised questions on the CBN books as far back as February 2013 and he could have

LETTER

The ‘Dubious Self-Appraisal’ IR: When I read the article titled ‘The Presidency and Dubious Self-Appraisal’ by Lai Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in some newspapers, I was sorely disappointed. I wondered why some politicians choose only to castigate those in power as if that is the only way opposition politics can be played.

Whether opposition or not, we are all Nigerians and we are free to air our views in a democracy, but it should not be to the extent of falsely accusing persons in government just for selfish ambitions.

For Lai Mohammed to say that President Goodluck Jonathan appraised his administration’s performance only as a result of criticism from the APC is totally without basis. This is because,

S

be it Jonathan or any person in a leadership position, leaders periodically appraise their administration and outline their achievements.

Well, it is unfortunate that Lai Mohammed seems not to be aware that President Jonathan has recorded many successes since he was voted into office by the majority of Nigerians. For example, it is on record that the Jonathan administration is creating jobs.

Programmes such as SURE-P and You-WIN are there for all to see and are still employing and empowering many youths across Nigeria.

Is it not noteworthy that Lai Mohammed, who accused Jonathan’s government of poor performance in agriculture, has lately been contradicted by the Chairman of the House of

Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Mohammed Monguno, a gentleman who happens to be an APC member like Mohammed?

Moreover, it is incredible for Lai Mohammed to insinuate that President Jonathan was snubbed at Nelson Mandela’s burial in South Africa when we all know that close to a hundred world leaders were in attendance at the event but only six spoke. It was made clear at the occasion that the Chairman of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma would speak on behalf of African leaders and she did so.

With the elections of 2015 in view Nigerians should watch out for over-ambitious politicians who will never admit that any achievement has been recorded by President Jonathan.

• Chika Onuorah, Asokoro, Abuja.

acted promptly and fast-tracked the investigation over the issues raised. His inability to act speedily allows his last minute diffident act of suspension of a man whose tenure ends in weeks to generate an unusual uproar in ways that allow mischief makers to play up primordial sentiments.

By far more worrisome, however, are the implications of Sanusi’s revelation of accounting impropriety in NNPC on one hand and the FRC’s indictment against him on the other. No doubt, undermining of the autonomy of the apex bank and draining of investors’ confidence in the financial market are the immediate consequences of Sanusi’s suspension. The alleged infractions in the CBN also implicitly inflicts a credibility crisis on the national economy in ways that may erode investors’ confidence in doing business in Nigeria. The situation also has grave implication for peace and stability of the country with the aforementioned dichotomy of view bothering on ethno-geopolitical fault lines which the President’s action has unnecessarily engendered.

All these notwithstanding, Nigerians expect the President and the relevant agencies to move quickly to address the point at issue: accountability. The alleged missing funds from the national oil company, whatever the figure, must be subjected to forensic audit by independent external auditors. The amount in dispute is too large to be glossed over by any serious government and a people. Also, the CBN must provide convincing answers to the queries from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and be subjected to further audit. This government must not validate the growing perception that Sanusi’s suspension is to pave way for the covering up of tracks.

It is important to note that Nigeria’s current condition is due to the weakness of appropriate government organs to live up to their responsibilities. If the offices of the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly with their investigative remit had been up and doing, Nigeria would have been spared this mess.

The ambiguity of the CBN Act must also be addressed. As it currently stands, the CBN governor is the chief executive of the apex bank and equally the chairman of the CBN Board of directors in ways that make it absolutely difficult for the CBN to properly superintend over the issue of financial impropriety that involves the leadership of the bank. Though the spirit behind such duality must have been the need to protect its autonomy but in Nigeria’s circumstance, there is need for caution and measures of horizontal accountability. The autonomy of the CBN must be balanced with mechanisms for accountability.

Sanusi is on suspension or may be gone forever. But the issues of corruption and accountability he raised and the alleged mismanagement or misconduct which was further raised against him leading to his own suspension must be tackled to the eternal satisfaction of Nigerians. That would be one redeeming value from the poverty of sound leadership currently on parade in Nigeria.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

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13

Opinion Weighing the legality of Sanusi’s suspension

By Ikenna Amadi HE suspension of Malam Sanusi Lamido T Sanusi as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has raised some legal questions which call for answers regarding the legality or otherwise of the said suspension.

First and foremost, the President has stated that he only suspended Sanusi. Is it legal and constitutional for the President to so suspend the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria on allegations of gross financial impropriety, by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria? The only stipulated statutory procedure for the removal of CBN Governor as set out in Section 11 of the Central Bank of Nigeria, C4 Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 is clear and unequivocal. Specifically, Section 11 (2) (c), (f) and the proviso: The Governor…shall cease to hold office in the Bank, if he is… (c) is guilty of a serious misconduct in relation to his duties under this Act; (f) is removed by the President: provided that the removal of the Governor shall be supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.

There is no provision in the Act for such exercise of right of “suspension” by the President. It is a fundamental principle of law as well as rule of statutory interpretation in Nigerian legal system and jurisprudence that the express mention of one thing is the exclusion of the other (Latin:expression unius est exclusion alterius). In her book, Driedger on the Construction of Statutes (3rd Ed) on the topic, the Learned Jurist, Ruth Sullivan wrote: “An implied exclusion argument lies whenever there is reason to believe that if the legislature had meant to include a particular thing within the ambit of its legislation, it would have referred to that thing expressly. Because of this expectation, the legislature’s failure to mention the thing becomes grounds for inferring that it was deliberately excluded. Although there is no express exclusion, exclusion is implied.”

If according to Olalekan Adetala in his article published in Punch Newspaper of February 22, 2014 entitled “The FRCN’S Report on Sanusi”, the decision to suspend the ousted CBN Governor was rooted on the Financial Reporting Council

of Nigeria’s report dated June 7, 2013 only, I find it a total infraction of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 in Section 36.

I, therefore, most respectfully submit that Lamido Sanusi cannot be justifiably subjected to suspension on the basis of mere allegation yet to be substantiated or proved.

According to the above source, the report upon which the President acted was made only after a review of Sanusi’s response to the President’s query over the apex bank’s financial statement of 2012. It is also worthy of note that the CBN Governor’s response dated May 20, 2013, was to the President and never the Financial Reporting Council.

The direct interpretation is that the Governor never appeared nor made any representation to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria before he was suspended. To this extent, the suspension cannot stand in the face of law, having offended the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the CBN Act. Furthermore, there is no gainsaying that the suspension was made without confirmation from the Senate as required by the Act. A further reliance on Section 11 (1) of the Interpretation Act, Cap 123, LFN, 2004, will not also be helpful in validating the suspension by the President. The section under reference provides thus: “Where a power to appoint a person either to an office or to exercise any functions whether for a specified period or not the power includes: (b) power to remove or suspend him; (c) power exercisable in the manner and subject to the limitations and conditions (if any) applicable to the power to appoint. (ii) To appoint a person to act in his place, either generally or in regard to the specified functions, during such time as is considered expedient by the authority in whom the power of appointment in question is vested.”

Granted, by the provisions of the Interpretation Act set out above, the power of the President to appoint the CBN Governor under Section 10 confers on him the power to suspend the CBN Governor. However, a detailed and composite analysis of both section 11 (b) and (c) (ii) of the Interpretation Act and Section

10 and 11 of the CBN Act, reveals that the laws expressly require the confirmation of the Senate in either cases of appointment or removal.

Consequently, since the right of the President to suspend derives directly from his right to appoint or remove with the confirmation of the Senate such right to suspend cannot stand without the confirmation of the Senate as in either cases of appointment or removal.

In the course of my reflections on this subject, I ran into an article written by Chief Mike A. Ozekhome, SAN entitled “Sanusi’s suspension is overdue” published in the Nigerian Voice on February 22, 2014. The learned SAN submitted as follows: “It is, therefore, my respectful submission that the President was right legally, morally and constitutionally to have suspended Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Governor of the CBN…” The President could have easily removed Lamido, from office under Section 11 (2) (c) of CBN Act, if he so desired. This would be justified based on “serious misconduct” can anyone argue that the copious, infraction of the law by Sanusi earlier enumerated above do not constitute serious misconduct.

“All that is required for dismissal is two-third majority vote of the Senate but the President has to first “remove from office” before he can request the Senate to approve the removal, what the CBN Act, therefore, boils down to is that the President can remove Sanusi from office following due process, or suspend him following no process at all since the Act suffers a lacuna in this regard.”

With due respect to the Learned Senior Advocate (SAN), I find no ground in his argument to agree with him even in the least. I will most honourably depart from his reasoning on the following points seriatim: (a) I may not vouch on the morality or otherwise of the President’s action for the CBN Governor’s suspension, since my bid is to restrict myself to the legality or otherwise of the President’s action; (b) It would appear premature, rash and or hasty to conclude that the President “was right, legally, constitutionally to have suspended” the Governor and could have easily removed the

Governor under Section 11(2) (c) of CBN “without any explanations or recourse on how this was or could have been achieved; and (c) To use the expression “copious infraction of the law” appears hasty too.

The law is that a person is presumed innocent until he is proved guilty: Section 36 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999. I have not heard of any trial where Sanusi pleaded guilty to those allegations levelled against him or where it is proved that he indeed committed the said “serious misconduct” (d) To say that “the President has to first remove from office before he can request the Senate to approve” did not go down well with me. So I had to take a deeper study of the provisions of Section 11(2) (f) of the CBN Act, a second time. There is nothing in the provisions that required the Senate to confirm a completed act. Section 11 (2) proviso specifically used these words: supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed. (Underlining mine). By these clear words the Act contemplates a simultaneous act of removal and the support or confirmation of the Senate. None can stand without the other. (e) There is no lacuna in this regard under the law, since what CBN Act did not contain, the interpretation Act has come to fill it in under Section 11.

In the same vein, to hold that in the absence of the CBN Act not creating for “suspension”, the President can suspend unilaterally the CBN Governor would amount to a naked usurpation of legislative functions under the thin disguise of interpretation; see Major & St. Melions Rural District Council Vs Newsport Corp. (1951)2 All BR839 at 84. See also AG Federation & Ors Vs Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Ors Sc. 31/2007, delivered on Friday 20th day of April, 2007.

Finally one may ask: why do we have laws in Nigeria, if we are not ready to follow the tenets and procedures as contained therein. The Senate and courts have roles to play here. They should not also keep quiet and pretend that nothing has happened. This is an affront or usurpation of their constitutional duties. On the other hand, is there a lawful remedy for Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi the ousted Governor? Ubi Jus Ibi remedium (where there is a right, there is a remedy.)

• Amadi, a Senior Attorney, wrote from Eket.

A game-theoretic analysis of defections (2)

By Steve Onyeiwu • Continued from yesterday ITH the return of some of its former members, the PDP has apparently regained de facto control of the House. Because it is no longer desperate in the House of Representatives, its bids for the rest of the defectors in the APC are probably not high enough to induce them to return to the PDP. This explains why many of the defectors are still standing their ground, at least for now, in the APC. For defectors, therefore, the timing of defection is very critical for obtaining a high bid. The earlier you signal your availability for defection, the higher the monetary bid for you. But in the long-run, malignant defectors will receive a lower bid because of their high probability of re-defection. That bid will tend toward zero, following multiple defections. Thus, the PDP may regard the remaining defectors in the APC as unreliable, with a very high probability of re-defecting the second time to the APC. One of the novelties of game theory is that players often reach what is known as the “Nash Equilibrium.” A Nash equilibrium occurs when each player/bidder chooses his best strategy (high or low bid), based on what he thinks the other player will do.

Game theory is a rational-choice model that rules out altruism, and assumes that players will always act in their self-interest, rather than the interests of the electorate. Nash equilibrium is attained when each bidder no longer has the incentive to change its strategy.

I believe we have reached a Nash equilibrium in the defection game in the House of Representatives. In this equilibrium, both the APC and the PDP now offer very low bids for defectors. Because the PDP has adopted a tit-for-tat approach to bidding for defectors, and is wealthier than the APC, the APC is unable to sustain a strategy of high bids. Given the fact that the PDP is aware of APC’s inability to sustain high bids, the PDP is now more inclined to offer lower bids that are inadequate to induce more defections from the APC. Thus, we are unlikely to witness largescale defections in the House.

Interestingly, the Nash equilibrium of the defection game has

W

not changed the power configuration in the House of Representatives. This observation points to a well-known quandary in game theory, namely that the most rational outcome of a game is not always the best outcome. It was rational for each party to bid for defectors, but look at where it has led them. After spending money to woo defectors, the APC failed to gain control of the House. It was a strategic mistake for the APC to have engaged in a bidding war for defectors. It was a war the APC was destined to lose, considering its weak financial profile compared to the PDP. On the other hand, the PDP is not in a stronger position after the bidding war than it was before the war. Thus, its victory is tempered. The Nigerian people are the major losers because funds that could have been invested in their welfare were used to bid for defectors. And what did the defectors and re-defectors do with their illicit largesse? Your guess is as good as mine.

I hypothesise that the defection game was played differently in the Senate. It would seem that the PDP simply paid the Senate auctioneer a very high bidding fee to prevent an auction in the Senate. Due to its failure to match PDP’s bidding fee, the APC was unable to induce the auctioneer in the Senate to proceed with an auction. It may well be that a clandestine auction was held that targeted only PDP defectors with a low probability of re-defection. For instance, we were told that one of the 11 or so PDP defectors in the Senate inexplicably backed out of whatever deal he might have struck with the APC. One thing is clear: there does not seem to be a Nash equilibrium in the Senate. To use a technical term, there is no “unique” equilibrium in the Senate defection game.

The question, then, is why the PDP failed to offer the House auctioneer a high enough bidding fee to jettison the auction in the House? Three reasons. First, the House auctioneer may have concluded that he has a brighter political future in the APC. Thus, no amount of bidding fee would have dissuaded him from holding an auction that would initially favour the first-mover, the APC. Second, it could be that the APC offered the Speaker a bidding fee that matched PDP’s, since holding an auction and gaining control of the House was a major trump card for the APC. Third, the PDP may regard the House auctioneer as unreliable and un-

trustworthy. He is not worth bidding for!

A major driver of the defection game is the differences in the resource endowment of both political parties. Theoretically, game theory assumes there are no wealth effects; an assumption that must be relaxed in the Nigerian case. The PDP is clearly more endowed than the APC. If both parties were equally endowed, the current Nash equilibrium in the House of Representatives would be different. For instance, the game would be played repeatedly (many rounds of defections and re-defections) until the firstmover’s resources are exhausted. Thus, in many sequential games, being a first-mover may not be advantageous.

Having reached a Nash equilibrium in the House, and possibly multiple equilibria in the Senate, the defection game has now moved to the states. Auctions for defectors are being held across states, with governors, party chairmen, and other political operatives as auctioneers. In those bids, the PDP appears to be having the upper hand, by virtue of its high bids relative to APC’s.

One prediction from our game-theoretic modeling is that we might soon end up with Nash equilibria across states, characterised by more defections from APC to PDP. We have already witnessed mass “defections,” or shall we say auctions with high bids, from the APC to the PDP in the following states: Sokoto, Kwara, Bauchi, and Imo. In conclusion, it should be emphasised that this is not the first time, neither will it be the last, that the ruling class would create a phantom platform for surplus redistribution. It happened during the 2005 phony political reform programme that turned out to be nothing more than a jamboree, in which huge sums of money were shared in exchange for the botched extension of President Obasanjo’s term. One thing you can be sure of is this: the ruling elite in Nigeria are not bereft of creative mechanisms for primitive capital accumulation. In doing so, they might draw inspiration from Harold D. Lasswell’s contention that politics is about “who gets what, when, and how.” Whether it is through an auction in the “defection market” or otherwise is immaterial.

• Concluded • Onyeiwu is a Professor of Economics and Chair of International Studies at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, USA.

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14 Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Opinion Against genocide, violence from Boko Haram

By Oluyinka Esan HIS time, it is in a boarding school in Yobe, T one of our northern states. Children have been slaughtered in their sleep. The report was on one of the African TV channels on the Sky platform. My beloved nation was on the news in the United Kingdom again; there has been another tragedy. Oh God for how long must this continue? And this is the year we celebrated our centenary as a united nation. The crime scene occasion is a unity school. Boko Haram has desecrated the altar again. After all we have been through as a nation, must our children be butchered so? Remember, the price we paid, and our resolve – “To Keep Nigeria One is a Task that Must be Done!”

The news report included a clip of an interview with President Goodluck Jonathan – a file tape – evidence that we had encountered this challenge before. It required a voice-over to make our President’s speech discernible; It would not matter if it were merely an insult or perceived dent to our collective ego. What matters more is the symbolism of the president’s physical and aural posturing. These were very symbolic, suggestive of the kid gloves with which this matter of Boko Haram is being handled. GEJ appeared to be wringing his hands, while pledging to do his best. The image spoke of a man, indeed a nation perplexed by a band of hoodlums. That file tape had been recorded after a previous atrocious incident committed by the group and there has been several.

According to their profile on the BBC News website, the group was established in 2002.

Their mission and grievances are unclear; though they have declared a war against Western Education, it is not clear what they seek to achieve by their wanton destruction of life, and they have been getting bolder in their senseless aggression towards the rest of us. According to BBC’s timeline of their activities, their earliest attack was in 2009, that is five years ago. Records from Nigerian media which have more intimate knowledge of the localised incidents will no doubt be more comprehensive; they are likely to have accounts of earlier albeit ‘smaller’ incidents which world media had missed. Not so those in states like Borno, Bauchi and Yobe who felt the blows dealt. These are states in the extreme North-East, but the people (victims) are our compatriots. In terms of social infrastructure, their needs are far greater than what is required in most other states. Yobe is far behind on various indices of development and Boko Haram merely compounds the situation, laying siege on the locals, redefining concepts of nationality and citizenship by the selection of their targets, instilling fear, deepening isolation and

stifling meaningful economic or development activity as well-meaning development agents stay away. I mean who wants to die?

In its 12th year of existence, Boko Haram continues to wax strong.

By 2011, the group gained national and global notoriety, first by attempting to disrupt the inauguration of GEJ as President in May. Some of our international guests gave that ceremony a miss. On that occasion there was no big bang in Eagle Square Abuja, but some Nigerians in the northern states paid the price for Boko Haram’s publicity. There was another media spectacle which they created in June. It was a forerunner for more despicable acts to follow, a blatant act of defiance to the authorities. The move shouted loudly, “Catch me if you can!” They took on the Police HQ in Abuja with such impunity. In this they had desecrated the altar, but not much progress was made in apprehending them and securing the nation. By August, global media attention was secured by bombing the UN building in Abuja. World community had been defied; Boko Haram gained recognition as a terrorist group with two fingers in the air. The response from our leaders? Pledges and promises, some hollering, some arrests, some criminals paraded, some vagabonds roam free, and the carnage continued till the mother of all atrocities. We thought we had seen the worst with that attack on the churches in Abuja on Christmas day 2011. Three years later, many senseless violent acts in between, and here we are again lamenting the killing of defenceless children in the dead of night. Haba! This is no act of terror, it is an act of cowardice that must be stopped.

Without editorialising, the report which I saw revealed the shame of the nation. Why have we been so helpless in tackling this issue? Is there a growing numbness in citizens and leaders alike, to the situation? I was gravely incensed but I admit I turned over and ‘slept’. Surely that is not the right response. Such carnage cannot, must not be normalised. So what to do? Siddon look? Shout at the walls? Tweet about it? Light a candle on Facebook page and BB, Whatsapp, BB, Viber, (what else)? Share gruesome photos on Instagram? Social media does give us room to vent our spleen. Sometimes that makes us think we have done something, but might these merely be illusions of action? This situation calls for real action from us all.

As citizens, we have been ‘quiet’ for too long.

Our silence makes us complicit, so no more of that. We must cash in the dividends of democracy and call on our president to stop

‘wringing his hands’ and ‘pledging his best’.

He is an elected President, he must give an account of his stewardship now. As the commander-in-chief of the nation, what has he done? Who or what are the obstacles in his way? We have seen in other shores, what leaders do when children are massacred. These are not even the consistent purging that the Boko Haram campaign is turning out to be. We have seen the response of the leaders in those places; their sorrow, sense of indignation and resolute commitment to root out evil. Not so in this case. Our president dare not visit the crime scene, make solemn declaration to obtain justice for the slain. Or can he? What would he do if any of the deceased were his children? Come to think of it, they are! These were students in a Federal Government College, while in school, they are wards of the federal government, just like the Youth Corps members who are in the service of the nation.

Many of these have also been slain by the same Boko Haram in the course of their service, with what reprisals? Boko Haram is getting more audacious – launching their attack in government premises on hapless children as they sleep. It really is time for a concerted effort.

Frankly the President is not the only one to be indicted. Everyone who has ever ruled or led in this country, every person of political (religious or economic) influence (and that includes the traditional structures – emirs, obas, obis, all the titled persons in the land, lords spiritual and temporal, captains of industry with extensive distribution networks), if you have a sphere of influence and can reach people in your constituency you have a duty and a role to play. The closer you are to the grassroots, the more effective you can be.

But to those whom we have elected to govern must the burden fall. Don’t you just wonder what happens at the Governors’ Forum?

What about our legislators, councillors and local government chairpersons? Are they simply jostling for power – deliberating on who should lead, who is in or out of favour.

Too bad. This is the time for action, not for sharing spoils of war. It is time to form lobby groups and networks that can appeal to the good sense of those propping up Boko Haram.

It is time to reap the benefit of the extensive and expensive political machinery that we run.

By the way, where are our self-appropriated “First Ladies”, whose offices are funded by taxpayers? Do they not realise that by virtue of African tradition, the arrogated title makes them chief mourners at times like this? Oh forget about them if they won’t budge, let the

women in the land arise. Those of us in distant shores can lend our support. As mothers, the milk in our breast should curdle at the fact that the fruit of the womb is being wasted so. The ‘fathers’ likewise, wail and mourn – the seed of your loins has been squelched. So let the labour leaders and market women refuse to sleep while our children are slaughtered like sheep.

I say on this occasion, let the women take the lead. Let’s take a cue from the Leymah Gbowee (2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner) and the Liberian Women’s Mass movement for Peace. They “prayed the devil out of hell”, on their knees and with their heads. Surely, Nigerian women can do so too! Already there are calls for rallies, for prayer and fasting. That is a start. May we be divinely guided, emboldened and equipped for the cause. Yet, added to our acts of faith must be concrete action – faith without works is dead.

So I say, let us mobilise to register our protest at the leaders’ ineffective handling of the issue. Let us rally women’s groups nationwide – market women’s associations could be the focus for our grassroots movement. Let us say “No more of these violent acts!” We are more in number than them, we should not be intimidated. They have machetes, bombs and guns, but we have our cooking pots and feminine wiles. We can constitute a superior intelligence force as our sisters in Liberia did. But we must be resolute and refuse to compromise. The task is daunting, but it may not even be so onerous, once there is the political will to act, and efforts are not compromised. After all, it was once reported widely (credited to GEJ) that these criminals have sympathisers in government, which means they are known. Some women somewhere will know these big shots. Indeed some women somewhere know the minions. We should consider the pains of childbirth and unveil these masquerades. Methinks it can be done.

If our mothers – Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Madam Tinubu, Margaret Ekpo, the Aba women, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba and all their collaborators could put a stop to oppression in their time, so can we. Really enough is enough.

Our Liberian sisters eschewed the temporary comforts to get lasting gain for their children. They put a stop to the senseless killings and maiming which drew legitimacy and became valourised under the label of war. They took on the warring parties, Charles Taylor and the rebel warlords; they showed them up as pieces of the same cloth. It is time for us to do the same. Women of Nigeria, arise against violence from Boko Haram and those who one way or another aid their dastardly acts.

• Esan PhD is Reader, School of Media & Film University of Winchester, UK.

Stop brain pollution: Racism, stereotypes, prejudice

By Bridgette Olumhense HEN I take a stroll through my memories, I always seem to W come to the first basketball game I ever attended. I and the rest of my Girl Scout troop were jumping around New York City – high off excitement and candy. We were going to see the New York Liberty Women’s basketball team.

Though the fog of time obscures the details, I remember jogging down the city block when a woman in front of me dropped her money. It was $15, a fortune in a seven year old’s mind, but Mom always said to return what isn’t yours. I was tall for my age with long legs, so I managed to reach her in decent time.

“Lady,” I called shyly and softly as I ran up to her. “You dropped your money.” It was clenched tightly in my fist so it wouldn’t fall, and as soon as she turned, I planned to hand it to her.

Pause. This was the part that always confused me. Maybe it was the look in her eyes, or the weather, or the tension injected into the atmosphere, but I have always felt that moment was symbolic. The lady, a tall pretty blonde woman, and her friend both glanced at me briefly, and without another moment’s hesitation, turned and hurriedly walked away.

Fast Forward. The next couple of minutes went by quickly. My

cousin and I briefly debated over who got the money (I received the 10 for being older, and she was left with the five) and we walked into McDonald’s with the rest of the group to enjoy a long awaited meal. But I could never shake the feelings of confusion and shock at the lady’s reaction. When I think back on it, I recall how her eyes swirled with an unknown emotion similar to wariness.

Maybe she was confused as to why a toothy 7-year-old stranger was talking to her. Maybe she was late for a meeting.

Or maybe, just maybe, she saw a Black girl chasing after her with a clenched fist and did not want to get robbed.

It’s highly possible I’m making more of the situation than it was, but that moment in time has always reminded me of the racial bias that pollutes our society and culture. The biggest fence we have to climb is the one that resides in our minds, but we can never make it that far. It sickens me to see viral videos of girls proclaiming turbans and terrorists are synonymous, or there are too many “brown people.”

What is race, or what separates races? There is but one race: the human race. But white scientists have categorized humans into “races” by the melanin or lack thereof in their skin. Racism is a social construct, an invisible barrier that hinders communication and interaction between humans. It’s strange how

having a certain pigment in your skin can cause so much judgment.

From racism we get stereotypes and prejudice. The result of these stereotypes leads to the prejudice diminishes the joy of many aspects in our lives. We have laws like stop-and-frisk. Children die. Young men die. This not only pertains to Trayvon Martin, but also to Aiyana Stanley-Jones, a seven-year-old girl shot in the head while sleeping, or Jordan Davis, or Jonathon Ferrell, an unarmed man shot ten times trying to get help from a car crash. The greatest fence we have to climb over is in our minds, but Society hasn’t reached the fence yet. Instead, men like Claudius Smith are running and hopping the fence to shoot defenseless 21-year-old men in the name of self-defense. So many accidents, so many mistakes, and so many innocent lives lost.

The idea may be out there, but the lesson is not yet learned.

Too many young people are dying for a cause that is not heeded. We’re taking one step forward and ten steps back.

• Olumhense is a 15-year-old honours student at Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. The sophomore is the 2013-14 Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Ambassador for WPHS and participates in the school’s District Youth Council. This article was first published by the The Michigan Citizen Newspaper, in the United States.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 15

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Business Stakeholders caution govt on EPA, taxation pacts From Bola Olajuwon, Abuja he Federal Government has been urged not to T sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and European Union (EU), details of which concluded and endorsed last week by a meeting of ministers of finance from West African countries.

Besides, the government has been urged to think twice about measures providing beneficial tax rates for dividends, interest, royalties, resident-based taxation of capital gains and rules in respect of taxation of permanent establishments, as contained in the recently signed Double Taxation Treaty (DTT) between Nigeria and Mauritius, which is still awaiting ratification in Abuja.

The cautionary notes on the two critical issues were

made by stakeholders at a one-day technical meeting on review of NigeriaMauritius Double Taxation Treaty organised by Actionaid International in Abuja yesterday.

While agenda of discussion was initially on the issues of treaty on double taxation between Nigeria and Mauritius, but mid-way into the meeting, participants at the seminar were uncomfortable that ECOWAS negotiators and ministers of finance could finally cave in to pressures to conclude negotiations and signing of the EPA agreement after many years of initial resistance.

According to the forum, the EPA agreement, as currently agreed by ECOWAS, is disastrous to the Federal Government’s efforts in rejuvenating the nation’s agricultural sector, promotion of local contents, and resuscitation of moribund industries as well as provision of employments for

youths.

It was also reasoned that the provisions of the EPA are asymmetric to economic and national development of West Africa and Nigeria in particular, as the country, with the largest population in the continent,could be turned into a dumping ground for European goods.

Moreso, it was stressed that industries in West African countries, including those in Nigeria, cannot compete on equal basis with their European counterparts while definition of standard as espoused in the EPA has serious implication for agricultural products, since none of the subregional economies can meet up with specifications governing standard in the areas where they have competitive advantages.

Hence, they urged the National Assembly not to ratify the two agreements for domestication in Nigeria if finally signed by the Federal Government.

However, the Country Director of Actionaid Nigeria, Hussaini Abdul, stirred the hornet’s nest of discussions in his welcome address.

Abdul said although no government globally has enough resources, “but the challenge facing Nigeria now is that of dwindling or limited financial resources for health, education, infrastructure, security among others.”

Therefore, he said since no nation is an island, countries rely on others through treaties for mutual benefits.

But he reasoned that with the way the Federal Government signs all manners of treaties, like the one on double taxation with Mauritius, Nigeria’s drive for Foreign Direct Investment and need to derive maximum benefits from tax revenue may be in jeopardy as a result of “capital round tripping by multinational firms,” who are equally “treaty shopping,”

looking for best tax havens for lower taxes or to evade taxes.

“With the way the treaty with Mauritius is, it will not benefit Nigeria, it will also not curb double taxation.

But since Nigeria has not signed the treaty, Actionaid believes that the citizens now have opportunity to have inputs in the treaty.”

Also, Donald Ideh, who presented a paper on “Review of MauritiusNigeria Double Taxation Treaty,” written by Taiwo Oyedele, a tax expert, said in his answers to 10 issues raised by Actionaid that “one of the setbacks of DTTs is the allowance they create for tax evasion and (or) treaty shopping.

The Nigeria-Mauritius DTT could result in sharp practices by multinationals operating in the countries and especially in Nigeria

LCCI bemoans delays at ports

By Moses Ebosele ITING high demurrage charges imposed by shipping companies and terminal operators, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), yesterday, expressed concern over the ‘long delays’ in the release of cargoes in the Lagos Ports following the introduction of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The scheme, which was originally programmed to

C

Governor, Bank of Ghana, Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah (left); Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu; Director-General, National Council for Women Development, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu; and Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Tanzania, Juma H. Reli, at the sustainable banking forum, organised by the CBN and the International Finance Corporation, in Lagos, on Monday.

Ecobank bows to regulatory directive, adopts governance action plan

By Chijioke Nelson COBANK Transnational E Incorporated may have finally bowed to regulatory directive from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission and international accounting firmKPMG, over governance lapses in the financial institution.

The move may have also informed the urgency with which the adopted 51-point action plan would be implemented, as shareholders have given their nod over the reform at its just concluded extra-ordinary general meeting.

SEC had investigated Ecobank after former Director of Finance,

Laurence Do Rego, said in August that Chief Executive Officer Thierry Tanoh and former Chairman Kolapo Lawson, planned to sell assets below market value, which they denied.

The PIC owns more than 18 per cent stake in Ecobank, while the IFC holds about six per cent directly and a further eight per cent indirectly. AMCON also owns about 8.6 per cent.

However, the motion to create a smaller Interim Board, which would have run the bank until immediately after the presentation of the 2013 results expected in June, was withdrawn.

The smaller interim board would have overseen the implementation of meas-

ures to improve corporate governance.

Resolutions were also passed to amend the Company’s Articles of Association, which would limit the parent company from undertaking any acquisition, merger or disposal of the company’s assets, whose value is equal to or above 20 per cent of the book value of the company, without the approval of a simple majority of the shareholders present in a general meeting.

According to a statement from the bank, shareholders voted to limit the maximum size of the board to 15 members and ensure that no director serves more than nine years in total.

“A resolution to authorise

the board to raise additional capital as the company may require, up to 20 per cent of the current issued capital, without reference to the general meeting, to at any time within a period of three years from the date of its adoption was not passed.

“The vote on the governance action plan was unanimous and should be commenced with immediate effect,” the statement said.

South Africa’s Public Investment Corp., the biggest shareholder in Ecobank, had on March 1, said that it wanted CEO Tanoh to resign immediately on allegations that he used “strange tactics” to stop Ecobank’s board meeting on February 25.

through double non-taxation. This is particularly the case with the reduced rate of withholding tax on streams of income flows from Nigeria such as dividend which are not taxable in Mauritius and the tax sparing provision applicable to reduced tax rates and waivers on income streams such as interest and royalty.”

Overall, Oyedele declared: “The cost (financial and otherwise) of the treaty will outweigh the perceived benefits notwithstanding the unavailability of empirical data to confirm this. It is advisable for Nigeria not to ratify the treaty unless certain changes are made to retain Nigeria’s taxing rights as contained in the domestic tax legislation, including the imposition of withholding tax on technical and management fees.”

be issued within six hours, according to LCCI, “now takes weeks to be released”.

According to LCCI, capacity issues need to be urgently addressed by the NCS in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

LCCI also argued that new arrangement being managed by the NCS is “evidently fraught with capacity challenges”.

While calling for the prerelease of cargoes pending CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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16 BUSINESS Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Lawmakers to enforce local content act in power sector

By Sulaimon Salau

• Task DISCOs on locally produced pre-paid meters

HE high capital flight in T the power sector may soon be checkmated, as the

Speaking on behalf of the House Committee on Power at the House of Assembly, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who made this known during a facility tour to Momas Meter Manufacturing Company Limited in Lagos, urged the ministry of Power and the new management of all Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to promote and patronise local meter manufacturers.

House of Assembly braces up to entrench the local content law to increase local inputs under the economic revival programme.

Besides, the lawmakers are poised to promote patronage of indigenous electricity meters, which have suffered neglect in recent times, due to lack of legislative and policy support.

AFC secures first international credit rating HE Africa Finance and position which is in T Corporation (AFC), a excess of the requiremultilateral development ments of Basel III Capital financial institution, has announced that it has secured its first International credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s).

Moody’s has assigned the corporation an A3 (long term) /P2 (short term) foreign currency debt rating, making the AFC the second highest investment grade rated multilateral financial institution on the African continent.

Moody’s rationale for this investment grade rating was based on a sound capital adequacy position, high asset quality and strong prudential framework that supports a high degree of liquidity, supported by an excellent profit margin and profit retention.

Besides, the corporation’s strong liquidity framework

Accord on liquidity risk management, will mitigate against external economic shocks, and help support planned growth.

The outlook on the rating is stable.

Commenting on the International rating, President & Chief Executive Officer, AFC, Andrew Alli, said “attaining an investment grade International credit rating, only six years after inception, is a tremendous achievement. “ It is a major milestone in the Corporation’s history. This rating, together with AFC’s strong capital position and the quality of its portfolio, will enable AFC to grow its balance sheet, broaden its asset base and expand its geographical footprint.

Dabiri-Erewa said the only way to ensure the growth of national economy is when local Small and Medium Entrepreneurs are encouraged and patronized, adding that Nigeria has one of the best meter manufacturing companies in Africa and there is therefore no need importing the product into the country.

“I am shocked when I saw all the equipment at Momas Meter Manufacturing Company. I don’t believe that we can have this kind of facility and sophisticated equipment in Nigeria and

we still complain about metering challenges.

“Despite this local companies striving to manufacture energy meters, we still go ahead to import meters, this is indeed very bad to our system. I am amazed with what I am seeing here today, it will be a big shame if we do not make use these meters being manufactured in the country.

The legislator urged that all DISCOs in Nigeria should ensure that all its customers are metered to avoid estimated billing and overbilling as it often complained about by

customers.

She however stated that legislators would ensure that local content is embedded in the power sector, just as it was done in the oil and gas sector.

“We are going to invite all parties involved be it DISCOs owners, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Ministry of Power and all stakeholders to know why local manufacturer are not been patronized.

“We as a parliamentarian, under the chairmanship of Patrick Ikhariale will look at it. Nigeria deserves better electricity service and we are going get to the root of the challenge in the sector.

“There is needs for us to give deadline to all DISCOs on installations of pre-paid meters to all electricity customers, although, we equally gathered that most new owners faced financial challenges.”

The Chairman, Momas, Kola Balogun, decried the poor patronage of local products by government agencies and companies.

He said that the low patronage was stifling the growth of local industries.

“Indigenous manufacturers do not get enough patronage from government ministries and that is why our economy is not growing,” he said.

Guest Speaker/Co-Founder, Apple Computer (now Apple Inc) Steve Wozniak (right) General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi and Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN, Omatsola Barrow at the MTN Leadership Seminar “ Exploring New Technology Frontiers for Life and Business” in Lagos.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

LCCI bemoans delays at ports CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 the resolution of the transitional problems, LCCI argued that without the issuance of PAAR, other cargo clearance procedures cannot progress.

A statement issued by LCCI’s President, Remi Bello explained that the delay in processing PAAR has the following consequences for importers including manufacturers: *High demurrage charges imposed by the shipping companies and the terminal operator; *High interest charges on funds used to finance the imports; *Delays in the delivery of raw materials to various factories, which disrupts production time lines; *Inability to meet contractual time lines by logistics providers; and *High Premium charges by shipping lines on Nigeria

bound vessels because of expectations of delay in the discharge of cargo.

Bello explained that the situation has become increasingly unbearable for importers, adding, “This also has numerous negative outcomes for the economy”.

The LCCI President added: “These capacity issues need to be urgently addressed by the Nigerian Customs Service in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

“In the meantime, the PreRelease of cargo pending the resolution of the transitional problems should be restored.

“Speedy processing of import documents is an important element in the trade facilitation process; it is also a major variable in the 2014 World Bank Ease of Doing Business ranking which is currently at a lowly 147 out of 189 countries profiled”.

The Deputy Comptroller of

Customs in charge of Information and C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology, Yusuf Bashar, recently explained in Lagos that over 800 import documents, each of which contains information on about 200 containers, are being processed daily under the recently introduced PAAR. He described the development was a marked improvement over about 230 applications, which it started with shortly after taking over the destination inspection of imported goods from three service providers recently.

He said: “Our target is to do up to 1,000 daily. We are pushing the bar every day to reach the target. If we are able to generate 839 PAARS daily, it means the compliance rate is improving. We can only generate the PAAR if they are sending in good documentation and everyone is doing its own bit.”

Govt to establish transport commission

By Chuka Odittah,Abuja HE Federal Government T has unfolded plans to establish the National Transport Commission to take charge of regulatory duties in the nation’s transport sector.

The move was disclosed yesterday by the Minister of Transport,Idris Umar in Abuja, when a delegation of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its National President, Malam Mohammed Garba, paid him a courtesy call.

He explained that the proposed commission, when established,would act a supervising authority to address the challenges and also coordinate the activities of the entire transport sector,just as he revealed that the bill for its establishment will soon be sent to the National Assembly.

Umar noted that currently, the Nigerian Shippers Council has been mandated to play regulatory roles in place of the ministry’s youngest commission, pending passage of the law.

The minister, who stressed

the need for continued partnership between the press and the government, said that the media tour organized by the Minister of Information is an eye opener for people to see the achievements of the present administration in all sectors of the economy.

He affirmed government’s commitment to complete the Eastern rail line before the end of the year, emphasizing that it is the desire of the govt to complete the Eastern rail line from Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 17

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TheMetroSection That they may say no to cultism...!

• Police arrest 13 suspected cult members in Lagos during initiation Manko said 13 suspected cult members were arrested and they were wearing T-shirt vests bearing the inscription ‘Supremost Eiye confraternity’ HE Lagos State Police Command has arrested T 13 suspected members of the deadly secret cult group called “Eiye Confraternity.”

Aibangbee The suspects

Maria Otoibhi for burial

transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and that further investigation revealed that the celebration was a birthday for new members who were just initiated into the cult.

However, one of the suspects, Adebayo, said

he was arrested at about 2.00am in the hotel while he was waiting for a senior member of Eiye who asked him to come for a party.

Manko warned youths to desist from cultism, as the Police would deal decisively with anyone found in connection with cult activities.

Illegal gathering at old toll-gate worries Lagos lawmakers

By Wole Oyebade O forestall a threat to lives and T property in the state, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday raised concern over the illegal gathering and training of some men identified as “Federal Task Force” around old toll gate in Lagos.

Their worries may have been worsened by a disclaimer credited to the Minister of Works that the men were not known to the Federal Road Management Authority (FERMA) as popularly thought.

Deputy Whip of the House, Rotimi Abiru, who under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, brought the issue before his colleagues, noted that the House had sometime ago invited the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, on the issue of recruitment and train-

ing on that axis, after which he (Manko) promised to investigate the issue.

Abiru observed that there had been reports that these men and women, often in black uniform, have already been going round the state to extort and harass motorists.

According to him, the Minister of Transportation has denied knowledge of this task force and the Managing Director of FERMA, Gabriel Amuchi, has also dissociated the agency from the task force and the recruitment exercise.

While expressing fear that these young men and women were being trained to be used during the 2015 general elections, the lawmaker, however, urged the House to call on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to quickly swing into action by investigating

this recruitment exercise.

Contributing to the matter, member representing Mushin I Constituency, Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, noted that it was becoming worrisome and the House could not afford to keep quiet on the issue.

Tejuoso suggested that the House, which is representing the interest of Lagosians, should send another “powerful letter” to the state Commissioner of Police.

She said: “These people are a great threat to the state and I think they are being trained to cause commotion during the general election.”

Sanai Agunbiade representing Ikorodu I Constituency, informed that such an incident occurred in 2007 when there was a clash between men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and FERMA. Agunbiade said: “The Minister of

Transportation has disowned the task force, if you go to where they are being recruited, you will be scared because many of them are fierce-looking. So I think we should send a letter to the Presidency and he must commence investigations immediately.”

Bolaji Ayinla representing Mushin II Constituency noted that the recruitment ground is very close to the office of Department of State Security (DSS) “and therefore, the Director of the DSS should be called upon to do something about this because these people are being trained for a purpose.”

On his part, Lanre Ogunyemi representing Ojo I Constituency, said Manko should again be called to come and brief the House on his findings about the recruitment exercise “because he has promised us that he would investigate.”

‘Pastor raped me countless times to cleanse my spirit,’ victim tells court ASTOR Princewill Basil, P who is standing trial before an FCT High Court over alleged rape of two girls, was on Tuesday confronted by a second victim who claimed he raped her countless times.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Basil, the General Overseer, Mountain Movers Fire Ministry Church, Nyanya, was arraigned in 2012 for allegedly having unlawful carnal knowledge and impregnating two studentmembers of his church, aged 14 and 15.

Giving evidence under cross-examination by the defense counsel, Mr. Sunday Kekere, the victim said the

UNERAL rites for Mrs. Alice Fazuwa), Ehiosu Aibangbee (nee Oswho died at the age of 102, begin on Friday, March 7, with a service of songs at her residence, No. 12, Saint Emmanuel Street, off Esigie Road, Benin City, Edo State at 4.00p.m.

Social dance holds on Saturday, March 8, at Eyeanugie Primary School field, old Western Road, off 2nd East Circular Road, Benin City, at noon. A thanksgiving service holds on Sunday, March 9, at Divine Temple of God Mission, No. 1, Osaro Street, Ohovbe Quarters, Ikpobahill, Benin City at 8.00a.m.

She is survived by children and grandchildren among whom are Roland Aifuwa Aibangbee, Johnbull Aibangbee and O. C. Aibangbee.

By Odita Sunday

The suspects were allegedly nabbed at a popular Hotel around Lekki Area of Lagos State during the initiation ritual of new members.

Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command, Alhaji Umar Manko, who paraded the suspects yesterday at Command Headquarters, Ikeja, said their arrest was sequel to a distress call received at the weekend by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ilasan, Lekki that a group of hoodlums and cultists were converging at 5O50 Hotel situated at Igbokosun and were about to perpetrate their evil act.

Manko said based on the information, a team of policemen led by the DPO, Gbenga Olorunfemi, proceeded to the scene and, on sighting the policemen, the cultists took to their heels.

He said 13 suspected cultists were arrested and they were wearing T-shirt vests bearing the inscription ‘Supremost Eiye confraternity’.

He said three vehicles with which they came for their initiation were seized from the suspects.

Manko told newsmen that the case has been

Briefs Aibangbee for burial

pastor raped her to “cleanse her spirit of dirt.’’

“I cannot remember the number of times he raped me.”

“Papa told me it was a continuous deliverance, and he had to sleep with me to clean all the dirt inside me and also cleanse my future,’’’ she told court.

When asked if in her statement to the National Agency For the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP), she admitted living with the accused, she answered “no.”

“I never told them (NAPTIP) that. I told them that I always went there to assist Papa’s former fiancée Cynthia, with household chores.

“There were days that I would sleep over to finish my chores,’’ she said.

When asked if the pastor had paid her school fees before, she said: “Papa had once told me during deliverance that he gave my mother N40, 000 for my school fees.’’

“When I asked my mother, she said it was not true,’’ she testified.

The victim alleged that the accused had on some occasions, threatened her with a knife to force her to sleep with him.

After her testimony, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case to March 14 for continuation of testimony.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that at the last sitting of the case on February 11, the first victim told the court that Basil allegedly told her that her father’s wife was trying to kill her and that the Lord told him to perform a quick deliverance on her.

“I agreed for the deliverance to be carried out on me. During the deliverance, he carried a white handkerchief and a bottle of oil and asked me to remove my clothes.”

“He also asked me if I was menstruating and I told him no.”

“He told me that I was possessed with many evil spirits that had stained my blood,

and it would only take my husband to deliver me and I was not married.

“He said that he would carry out the cleansing on me,’’ she said.

The victim testified that the accused led her into his bedroom and asked her to close her eyes, brought his handkerchief and placed it over her head and she became very weak.

The victim alleged that the accused raped her.

The offences, NAPTIP said, contravened the provisions of Sections 97, 179, 397(B) and 268 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, he is liable to 14 years in prison.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

HE families of Otoibhi of T Egbiki, Igueben of Edo State has announced the death of Madam Maria Amhandin Otoibhi at the age of 90.

A Christian wake holds on Friday, March 7, at the family compound at Isibor Quarters, Igbiki-Igueben at 6.00pm while funeral service / interment will hold on Saturday at 10.00a.m. Outing Service holds on Sunday, March 9, at 10.00a.m.

She is survived by Mr. Augustine Otoibhi, Mr. Lucky Otoibhi and Mrs. Veronica Lawani.

Otoibhi

David Coker, 82, for burial Friday HE death has occurred of T Pa David Babatunde Coker at the age of 82.

A Christian wake holds tomorrow in Abeokuta, Ogun State at 5.00p.m. He will be buried on Friday after a funeral service at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Ikija Iberekodo, Abeokuta, Ogun State at 10.00a.m.

He is survived by many children and grand-children, among whom is Rev. Afolabi Samuel Coker, the Senior Pastor of The King's Chamber, Lagos.

Coker

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18 Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Suspected robbers kill three in Borno From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri GANG of armed robbers on Sunday attacked a Miringa businessman at his shop and shot dead three persons while scaring other residents away, to snatch an undisclosed amount of money from the man’s house at about 7.35p.m.

The businessman, according to Yerima Isa, had just closed from the Sunday Market with an undisclosed sales money, before the bandits struck. They fired gun-

A

shots to scare away other residents, while they were perpetrating their heinous act.

“Contrary to speculations that the attackers were suspected Boko Haram members, they were said to be armed robbers as they did not attack any other person or business centre in the town. But unfortunately, the stray bullets apparently hit two persons who were running away from the scene. Both died at the spot.

The other person was killed in a nearby village of Miringa when one of the fleeing robbers fired one shot at the man who attempted flashing the robbers with a torch light and asked them to identity themselves for being in this town by night,” Isa said.

The Guardian also learnt that normalcy has returned to Miringa Township; as people are busy going about their usual businesses; and not Boko Haram

attacks that occurred in Maiduguri, Mainok and Mafa Town that claimed scores of lives and property at the weekend.

The Borno State Police Commissioner, Tanko Lawal confirmed the incident, but no arrests were made by either the military or police.

He said the bandits that attacked and the businessman were not Boko Haram insurgents, but came to the town to steal and unleash mayhem on innocent people.

Photonews

Briefs Group honours Isolo council boss, monarchs

By Adeniyi Adunola HE African Child Social Empowerment Centre, a non-governmental, social organisation, which focuses on children, youths, women and community development, has honoured seven prominent Nigerians.

During an award tagged: “Children Ambassadors Award,” held at the Rotary Club Hall, Isolo, Lagos yesterday, the NGO honoured the Ewusi of Makun-Shagamu, Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya; Chief Osita Okereke, the national chairman of the All Peoples Liberation Party, APLP, who is also the Director General of the national task force to combat illegal importation of arms and Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye, the Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, LCDA. The non-profit initiative, founded in 2008, said it was honouring the recipients in recognition of their immense contributions to the welfare of children and the underprivileged.

According to the Executive Director of the organization, Bonaventure Enemali, “There is a need to appreciate these seven Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in philanthropic commitment and dedication to a better livelihood of African children.”

Enjoining Nigerians to respond more positively to the plight of the African child, Enemali said, “If everybody impacts one life a day, we will make a better continent, Africa.”

Among the people honoured were: Dr. Lawrence Nnamdi, Michael Adegoke, Otunba Mike Osimen and Chief Nicholas Ajayi, in an event that drew people from far and wide.

T

Edo communities hail Oba over verdict on Ughoton headship dispute

By Betram Nnwannekanma HE Chairman of Ughoton community. Rev. Osagie Iyonmahan and Odionwere (Head) representative of the 38 community heads of Ughoton in Ovia North –East Local Council of Edo State, Pa. Osatohawen Obaisiagbon of Uroghogho community, have hailed the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa for his verdict in upholding Pa Victor Aigbovbiosa as the Ohonkun (traditional head) of Ughoton community.

The Oba of Benin had through the secretary of Benin Traditional Council, (BTC), Frank Irabor asserted the true custodian of Ughoton community headship, last week, in Benin City, when rivalry groups visited the palace.

Irabor maintained that the stand of the palace is in conformity with statutory laws of the land dating back 1938 where the traditional headship of Ughoton has come up even to this day being hereditary with the rightful Ohonkun is Pa. Victor Aigbovbiosa.

In appreciation to the Oba’s intervention, the General Secretary of the community, Charles Omoregie and patron, Ughoton community, Mr. Idahosa Bazuaye said the verdict has finally lain to rest all trivial issues hindering development in the community.

Bazuaye stressed that the new Ohonkon (Pa. Victor Aigbovbiosa) and Rev. Osagie Iyonmahan meant well for the community and urged all Odionweres and members of the community to support them by working for justice and fairness in the interest of Ughoton community.

T

Father of the groom, Alhaji Folami Ajala (left), mother of the bride, Chief (Mrs.) Abike Akomolede, the Couple, Bolaji & Olabisi Ajala, groom’s mother, Mrs. Toyin Ajala-Amos and father of the bride, Chief Kola Akomolede after the wedding of Olabisi & Bolaji at St. Charles’ Borromeo Catholic Church, 1004 Estates, Victoria Island, Lagos... on Saturday.

Lagos Assembly approves N555m for LASTMA, KAI operational vehicles

By Wole Oyebade N line with the request of the State government, the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday approved the sum of N555 million for the purchase of 200 customised and branded operational vehicles for the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

The sum is 50 per cent of the total cost of purchase for 140 units of customised Kia Rio (100 for LASTMA and 40 for KAI) and 60 Mistubishi vehicles for KAI. In line with the Appropriation law of 2014, which demands that State expenditure more than N200m must get approval

I

Ikuforiji of the House, the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ben Ak-

abueze had requested approval of N555 milio from Special Expenditure Vote.

The letter, read on the floor, is dated February 24, 2014.

Entertaining the motion, Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji said the vehicles were important to effective functioning of the agencies, adding that the purchase was time-bound.

Ikuforiji said given the Federal Government’s new Automotive Policy, prices of vehicles are bound to go up in a matter of days, “hence the need to act quickly.”

Following the consensus of the House, the Speaker ruled on the approval of the

sum of N555 million for the vehicles.

House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Mudasiru Obasa, added that there was the need to have heads of the units (LASTMA and KAI) visit the House to explain their activities and rationale for the use of new vehicles.

Ikuforiji said given the Federal Government’s new Automotive Policy, prices of vehicles are bound to go up in a matter of days, “hence the need to act quickly

Witness recounts how man was shot to death

By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo LAGOS High Court sitting A in Igbosere has been told how a former police officer, Corporal Shittu Kareem allegedly shot and murdered one Mr. Daniel Nigeria.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Samuel Candido-Johnson, the investigating officer, Inspector Simeon Kunamon told court that he received a distress call from Lagos State Police Command control room, which the Commissioner of Police ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State C.I.D Yaba to investigate immediately.

Kunamon said on February 12, 2012 at about 0910hour, a team of policemen from Onireke Police Station were on anti crime patrol duties within their area of jurisdic-

tion, the team members stopped one commercial bus but the driver refused to stop.

According to him: “The team members were at Agric Bus-Stop on Lagos Badagry Expressway when they stopped one LT commercial bus but the driver failed to stop hence F/No 358000 Corporal Shittu Kazeem fired a shot at the vehicle and killed the deceased person, Daniel Nigeria who was a passenger inside the said bus.”

“At about 1030hrs the same day, we met a crowd attacking the police station. They said a police corporal had killed an innocent passenger in the bus. It was tough on that Sunday morning, police vehicle, windows, generating set were damaged.”

He said the defendant was arrested and the deceased body was deposited at Isolo General Hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Kunamon further told the court that a relation of the deceased, Elliot Tarawou volunteered a written statement.

“In the course of investigation, some witness were identified and their statements were taken, including the statement of the suspect following the administration of cautionary words.”

“We visited the General Hospital to inspect the remains of the deceased person, photograph of the corpse was taken, and later Chief pathologist conducted a post mortem examination.”

Kunamon told the court that members of the team were armed with AK47 rifles with 30 rounds of ammunition each and when it was checked “we discovered that the defendant had expended one round.”

“There was no evidence to show that the deceased, the driver, the conductor and other occupants of the bus were robbers. No offensive weapon was recovered,” he told the court.

However, the prosecution counsel, Mr R.O Aroyewun urged the court to adjourn further hearing in the matter, noting that the witness needed to furnish the prosecution the case file.

Justice Candide-Johnson, therefore, adjourned continuation of the matter till March 31,2014.

He’s Alive Chapel holds couples’ retreat E’S Alive Chapel (Glory Centre) is set to hold its yearly CouH ples’ Retreat on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 10.00a.m. at the Chapel of Light Lagos, State University Campus, off Lagos/Badagry Express way, Lagos.

Host is Pastor Gideon Emmanuel while Pastor Ukachi Austen, Pastor (Mrs.) Yide Ukachi and others will minister.

New US varsity opens in Lagos APLAN International College, which recruits and prepares K students for entry into universities in the United States of America and United Kingdom, recently launched the US Pathway Programme in Lagos in partnership with the Consortium of North American universities, chaired by top ranking Boston-based Northeastern University and the Nigerian government.

The Director of Educational Development for Kaplan, Clare Rawlins, said: “We are inspired by the Nigerian government’s progressive use of education as a tool for development. Such programmes have proven successful in many other countries and we are proud to contribute to this initiative.

“We are thrilled with the high quality of exceptionally bright and talented students who have won scholarships to participate and look forward to expanding the programme next year.”

From June, with the students leaving the Lagos college to complete their first year at universities in the United States, Kaplan will be offering a range of summer programmes in the college to prepare students planning to study in the US and UK in Autumn 2014.

“In the first year of operation, all 180 students are on full scholarships being sponsored by the Special Adviser to the President on the Niger Delta.

“All faculty hold post-graduate degrees from American universities and teach in state-of-the-art facilities in Victoria Island. Students have access to Northeastern University’s Virtual Learning Environment and online library, which holds more than one million books and journals.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on the Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, said: “This pioneering programme, developed in partnership by the Nigerian government, Kaplan and Northeastern University, supports the government’s plans to fast-track the development of this critical region through education.”

The US Pathway Programme is a competitive university preparation programme for talented Nigerian high school graduates looking to study for a Bachelor’s degree at a US university.

Designed by Northeastern University and based on rigorous academic standards, the programme’s curriculum allows students to earn two thirds of the first year of undergraduate credits from Northeastern, ranked in the top one percent of American universities, while in Lagos

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Money Holding company structure as banks’ diversification strategy

Bisi Onasanya, GMD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited

By Chijioke Nelson

ITH extant law that emanated from W the recent banking reforms, universal banking has become obsolete or outlawed in the country. Banks with multiple subsidiaries in other segments of the financial institutions- banking and nonbank financial institutions have long been divested. Indeed, banks are now focused on core banking business.

However, diversification seems to still stand as the only way to reach various segments of the financial industry with one brand name, especially a well-developed one, which has enjoyed trust and confidence. The holding company structure, which emerged on the sidelines of the ongoing banking reforms, seems to be a veritable tool for diversification as it holds attributes of the universal banking, though in another brand of regulatory framework and approach. So far, no fewer than three known financial institutions have exploited the new model, as regulated jointly by the nation’s financial regulatory authorities.

Formerly First Bank of Nigeria Plc was the “early bird” to explore and exploit the structure, along with its diversification offerings. Today, the financial institution is known as FBN Holdings Plc and assessed as the most diversified financial services group in Nigeria.

The affiliates of FBN Holdings offer a broad range of products and services across commercial banking, investment banking, insurance and microfinance businesses. FBN Holdings, employing over 8,500 staff, has over nine million customer-base, through about 807 business locations and over 2,100 ATMs. According to the Group, it parades excellent corporate governance structure, underpinned by strong institutional processes, systems and controls. The

Sola David-Borha, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holding

company is now structured under fourbusiness groups- Commercial Banking, Investment Banking and Asset Management, Insurance, and Other Financial Services.

By the regulatory framework, FBN Holdings’ principal bank subsidiary is First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank)a commercial banking group with operations in 10 countries: Nigeria; United Kingdom; France; South Africa; China; United Arab Emirate; Ghana; Guinea; The Gambia; Sierra Leone; and Democratic Republic of Congo). Other subsidiaries are FBN Capital, a leading investment banking and asset management company; FBN Life Assurance, a life insurance business; and FBN Microfinance Bank, which offers microfinance services. Of course, FirstBank has established itself as a brand of strength and dynamism, with the sustained efforts to be the leading international banking group in subSaharan Africa. For the third time, The Banker Magazine named FirstBank as the Best Banking Brand in Nigeria. It was so ranked in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

FBN Holdings Plc, incorporated in 2010, following the business reorganization of the First Bank group into a holding company structure, was also listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange under the ‘Other Financial services’ sector in November 2012, with issued and fully paid-up share capital of 32,632,084,345 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each amounting to N16.32 billion. The company is owned by about 1.3 million shareholders across the globe, with unlisted Global Depositary Receipt (GDR) programme.

Since the sojourn to the holding structure, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, for the third consecutive year to 2014, has been ranked as Nigeria’s number one banking brand in Nigeria in the Top 500

Philip Oduoza, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Plc

Banking Brands Ranking of the world by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group and Brand Finance in the United Kingdom.

The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) also joined the implementation of an innovative holding company structure that will drive operational efficiency, support its ambitious growth strategies and be a significant driver of shareholder value, while complying with the guidelines mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The new structure streamlined the Group’s operating model, permitting the UBA Group to better serve key market segments, providing superior and evermore personalised services to customers and driving value for shareholders.

Under the new structure, UBA Holdings Plc (UBA Holdings) became the group’s parent, listed in Lagos with three operating subsidiaries- UBA Plc, which will remain listed, UBA Capital and UBA Africa. UBA Properties, the Group’s real estate operations spun off to shareholders as a separate listed entity, offering an immediate and tangible example of the Group’s commitment to identify and realise value for its shareholder base.

UBA Plc, which in line with the new CBN guidelines, held an international banking licence, remained the flagship business of the group and provide banking services to customers within Nigeria and in key international locations, including New York, London and Paris.

It had a large network of 700 branchesand an innovative suite of e-banking products to serve its over 7.5 million customer accounts spread across Nigeria.

Stanbic IBTC also identified with the new structure, with its share being

admitted by the Nigerian Stock Exchange into its Daily Official List as Stanbic IBTC Holding Plc. A total of 10 billion issued and fully paid up shares of N50 kobo each were listed at the price of N13.03 per share.

The former Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the holding company, while her former deputy, Yinka Sanni, took over from her in previous position. By the adoption of the HoldCo structure in compliance with the revised regulatory framework by CBN, the operating subsidiaries of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc included Stanbic IBTC Bank (including Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited), Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited.

Others are Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, Stanbic IBTC Ventures Limited, with newly incorporated Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited and Stanbic IBTC Investments Limited.

According to a statement from the First Bank, the driving force behind the successes, was the recognition of the “immutable merits of maintaining a ‘brand-first’ mindset and culture, as critical components of our business strategy.

The statement added: “Our brand has evolved over the years, with strengthened brand muscles to match the constantly evolving expectations of today’s increasingly discerning stakeholders.

Our brand is at the heart of the holistic experience we seek to deliver to our stakeholders perpetually, which is essential to retaining patronage and the competitive edge that keeps us at the coveted position of the market leader.

“Our brand interacts with our stakeholders and demonstrates an understanding of their busy modern lives or

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

24 MONEYWATCH Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Forex trading’s mystery can only be unlocked by skills, knowledge, says Akinyele Abiola Akinyele is the Head of FXTM Nigeria, a seasoned trader and trainer with over eight years’ experience in the currency market, especially with live trading on the foreign exchange (forex) window. An alumnus of the University of Lagos, he is also a member of the Market Technicians Association. In this interview with CHIJIOKE NELSON, he x-rays the market techniques, opportunities for wealth creation and pitfalls.

Excerpts.

OW would you explain the forex marH ket operation?

The forex market is like most of the other financial markets in the world, with the main difference being what is actually traded. In forex trading, currencies are exchanged for one another depending on their increase or decrease in value.

Traders usually buy the currency, which they predict will rise in value and sell the currency, which they predict will fall in value.

How deep is the global forex market now, and the outlook in 2014?

The global forex market is the biggest financial market in the world with a daily trading volume of $5.3 trillion and we estimate that it will grow even more in 2014.

We are strategizing as well to be a major player in the opportunities that would unfold within the year.

What is the difference between forex trading and gambling and who actually loses?

Akinyele

Gambling depends on luck and blind guesses, but trading is about calculated and informed decisions based on knowledge, experience and strategy. Anyone can lose in forex trading, especially those who are not well informed. This is because they have no strategy in place and use no risk management techniques.

What are the complexities of forex trading?

The complexities that often occur in forex trading arise from the fact that traders do not take the time to educate themselves

before they delve into the currency markets and the chances that they will experience losses are magnified. Another issue is that in the past and even now, there are many unregulated brokers, who are not reliable to trade with and these set of traders complicate issues in forex trading and raise the level of losses for their clients.

How has your brand helped to mitigate these complexities in countries of your operations?

FXTM Nigeria offers forex educational

courses, from basic to advanced level and we also pride ourselves on being an European Union regulated broker, protecting the interests of our clients and placing their funds in secure European banking systems.

What is the entry and exit process?

In forex trading, an entry point is what we call the price, which a trader decides to buy a currency and an exit point is the price, which a trader chooses to sell it at.

Usually, entry and exit points are decided in advance by traders when they are making their trading plans.

Do you have corporate social responsibility in your business model for Nigeria operations and how are you implementing it?

Yes, we have plans on implementing entrepreneurial training on university campuses to make students aware of the opportunities available in forex trading when starting their businesses, as well as being a certified trainer in forex training- training others. Beside the fact that we offer educational services, we also make sure that our trainees get handson experience when they attend our training and when certified, we are always confident that they can stand on the winning path. However, as a company, we do not trade on behalf of our clients.

What is your strategy to winning more customers and becoming top brand this year?

Our strategy in Nigeria is the launch of a nationwide educational campaign and programme. There may also be some promotions like we have been doing before now, to drive the goal.

Where do you see ForexTime Nigeria in the next five years?

In the next five years, we intend to expand further, introducing even more innovative products and services and establishing ourselves as the broker of

U.S. budget offers tax breaks for low-income earners’ education cost NITED STATES (U.S.) President Barack U Obama’s budget will propose tax cuts for low-income families, a retirement savings plan and ask Congress to make permanent certain tax breaks to offset the cost of higher education.

The Obama administration yesterday released excerpts of the president’s $3 trillion-plus fiscal 2015 budget to be sent to lawmakers today. It will call for $56 billion in new spending for repairs of roads and bridges, job training and preschool education.

“We’ll pay for every dime of it by cutting unnecessary spending, closing wasteful tax loopholes,” the president told the Democratic National Committee in a speech Feb. 28. Details weren’t specified.

The sixth budget of Obama’s presidency comes more than a month late and eight months before the midterm congressional elections. It represents a snapshot of his political priorities and is designed to give Democratic lawmakers a platform for their re-election campaigns.

At the same time, it serves as a contrast to congressional Republicans, who’ll block the Obama budget from adoption and likely offer one of their own.

The $56 billion in spending would be on top of a budget agreement hammered out in December with Republicans. Starting in the year that begins Oct. 1, the money would be split equally between the Defense Department and domestic programs. It envisions building more manufacturing technology hubs to boost jobs skills, helping localities battle climate change and expanding programs to reduce energy waste.

The excerpts include plans to strengthen the existing earned income tax credit by extending it to childless adults and young workers. The White House says the program would be a work incentive and help lift millions of people out of poverty.

Obama will also propose an expansion of the child and dependent care tax credit targeted at families with children under five years old.

Details weren’t spelled out, but the excerpts said it would benefit about 1.7 million families

who’d get an average tax cut of more than $600 a year.

The president will also encourage people to begin planning for retirement by establishing a system of Individual Retirement Accounts for people who don’t have them available through their employers, an estimated 13 million people.

In education, the budget will propose a permanent extension of the American

Opportunity Tax Credit that would benefit about 11.5 million families and students with an average of more than $1,100 to help offset college costs. Other proposals would simplify tax treatment of 9 million Pell grant recipients and offer a tax break to student loan borrowers under certain conditions.

Congress has already set spending limits for 2015, damping the impact of Obama’s plan.

While House Republicans may write an alterna-

tive budget, the Democratic-controlled Senate has no plans to do so, according to Senator Patty Murray, chairman of the Budget Committee, who worked out the compromise that already passed.

Representative Paul Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin and chairman of the House Budget Committee, is looking to revamp almost 100 anti-poverty programs that he says encourage people to remain on welfare.

General Secretary, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited, Linda Tobi (left); Chairman of the occasion, Admiral Albert Macaulay (rtd.); Managing Director, Ben Akaneme; and Director, Mrs. Salamatu Aderinokun, at the unveiling of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited, formerly GTHomes Limited, in Lagos, yesterday.

Firms support West Africa telecoms summit, expo cable provider in West Africa is the event Gold sponsor.

The event, which comes up at MovenS preparation for the first West pick Hotel in Accra, Ghana on April 4, Africa Telecom Summit and Expo 2014 is expected to bring together gears up, TNT Group, a leading VAS stakeholders in the telecoms industry. provider in Ghana , West Africa has The Summit with the theme “Consolbeen announced as the Platinum idating Growth in the Telecom Sector”, sponsor, while Dolphin Telecom, ace with focus on data explosion, has also

A

attracted speakers of high calibre in the industry.

According to the Group publisher of MobileWorld, Akin Naphtal the sponsors have shown great passion in taking the industry to the next level.

“The interest our sponsors have for this event is enormous. The summit is the first of its kind and industry issues

across all board will be discussed”, he added.

The Group CEO of TXT Ghana, Nii Laryea said, supporting the industry is a further statement of the company’s commitment in using technology to impact life. He also added that being part of the summit will provide a platform to meet like minds to dis-

cuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

On his part, Commercial Director of Dolphin Telecom, Francis Okoh his sees the summit as a platform to showcase their seamless connectivity services, specifically tailored to help SMEs, larger enterprises and governments in West Africa coun-

By Adeyemi Adepetun N effort targeted at wooing the millions of A mobile telephone subscribers in Nigeria has, to a larger extent become a major source of disturbance to the people.

With the World Bank estimating Nigeria to have about 170 million populations, the country currently has 120 million active subcriptions and about 160 million connected lines as at October 2013.

Indeed, the menace of unsolicited text messages created by increasing telemarketing activities has become a source of worry to mobile phone users lately.

Although telemarketing, in some quarters is being hailed especially among marketing experts, an aspect of it has continued to constitute a nuisance as far as the average Nigerian telephone users are concerned.

Owing to the ‘population advantage’ and ease with which these messages can be sent, subscribers have become regularly inundated with unsolicited text messages from the network service providers and Value Added Service providers.

In fact, consumers, most times are at the receiving end of unsolicited SMS, which many of them regard as containing untruthful and deceptive advertisements.

While SMS are a valuable means of communications, they can also pose a nuisance, especially when sent without the receiver’s consent and then are regarded as spam messages.

Aggrieved consumers lament that these messages are not only received at odd times and sometimes in quick succession but also give them no option to opt out in any way.

Typical examples of these messages often read something like this, “Tomorrows English Premier Leaque games: Man Utd and Chelsea both play! For live match/news SMS and Mp3 alerts, text MANU or CHE to 38747 N100/5days.

“Get the latest blue &white collar job vancancies on your mobile daily. Free for first 1week.

N20 for 3days thereafter. To get started, text JOBS to 30327.

“The power of colours! Analyse what your favourite colour means or says about you, by texting your colour e.g white to 33550.

“Another example goes, “Are you … please send OK to 7070! Your number is one of the successful numbers with access to MTN’s N2, 000, 000 draw today! Subscribe for N100/day.” And then, “To you my dear customer we offer a free 87 day trail of the local sports news service. To receive it, text 4 to 33555. SMS is free.”

A very typical one also goes, “Dettol soap is now N100. 6 participants will win a Galaxy Tab 3 or Blackberry Z10! Text DETTOL to 5030 at N10\SMS. “Include one dark green and one orange vegetable on your plate everyday”.

Menace of unsolicited text messages Some subscribers who spoke with The Guardian in Lagos expressed their grouse over the situation while calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to urgently investigate the trend and do the needful.

But NCC had times without number said that it was wrong for any operator to bill a subscriber for a service not rendered to him.

A subscriber on MTN network, Kunle Kolawole accused the service providers of deducting N50 per week from his air time for a service to notify him of events in Lagos which he never subscribed to.

He said he had sent ‘STOP’ to the code 38261 that sends the message “and the information kept coming to my line and my money is being deducted.”

Another subscriber, Ngozi Ezeonu also explained his plight of being charged for N50 every week by code 33070 from MTN for jobs alert.

Ezeonu disclosed that when she first received the SMS, it was stated that his mobile number has been given free seven days trial for the service but she was surprised when she kept on getting the message since then and was being charged each time she received the SMS. A taxi driver by the name Sikiru Alimi, a Globacom subscriber, could not also understand why his airtime credit account balance should be deducted for an SMS sent to him through his network operator.

For Bola Shadipe, an undergraduate student of Mass Communications, University of Lagos and

a subscriber to MTN and Airtel network said she’s already frustrated.

“I am frustrated. The networks are bad, no good signal, yet you will see barrage of messages wooing you to do one thing or another.

Before this menace of unsolicited messages, whenever I heard any message ringtone, I used to think is an alert from the bank. Only for me to check and be disappointed that it’s from one of the networks. Atimes, I could get up to eight or more in a day. It as bad as that!

I think government should do something very fast about this”, Shadipe stated.

It will be recalled that around July 2013, the NCC issued warning to the operators and VAS providers to restrict sending unsolicited messages on the networks between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm.

NCC listed MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Upstream Limited, Adnol Multimedia Limited, Fun Mobile, Terragon Limited, Rancard Mobility, Mtech Limited, Elseji, Starfish Limited, Next Generation Tele Solutions, One Communications Limited, Cloud and Mobilexcetera as some of those affected.

The warning appears not to be effective or rather compromised, as such messages still come in at odd hours and even appears fraudulent in nature.

Telecoms experts have called on the commission to address the matter urgently, stressing that fraudsters would take advantage by creating some codes and posing as operators to defraud consumers.

A typical example is the case of a Lagos based lawyer, Femi Shonde, who said for some period of time now, “I have been inundated severally with an SMS from one code 33334 claiming that I have won N1 million in the on going Lacaesera promo. This is something I know nothing about. I don’t even do promo. I believe that one is a fraud. The most worrisome trend in this is that it cuts across all the networks and most especially at odd times.”

In one of his interviews with The Guardian, the The President National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Adeolu Ogunbanjo said these unsolicited SMS are

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Oracle urges Nigeria to build computer skills among youths mation technology skills among its youth populations to build a virile and competitive workforce.

According to Oracle, Nigeria needs to tap hugely, the massive opportunities computer skills development can add to the economy.

Regional Director, Oracle Academy, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Jane Richardson, said this at completion of the first “Train the Trainer” Introduction to Computer Science (ICS) course in Lagos, covering database design and programming with SQL orgainsed by GLOBAL information and communication Oracle Academy . technology firm, Oracle, has underscored the Richardson said computer science is a 21st cenneed for Nigeria to develop computer and infor- tury skill, and the technology industry has a

A

role to play in ensuring that students around the He said the addition of the course to the alglobe have access to high quality curriculum and ready successful Oracle Academy engagement resources that help them gain industry relevant in Nigeria further affirms the firm’s commitknowledge and skills. “Robust training proment to support the development of comgrammes for teachers and faculty are a critical puter science skills, which are fundamental to component of Oracle Academy’s effort to enhanceeconomic growth and business development. computer science education.

Speaking in the same vein, Country Manager “We are excited to extend our engagement with of Oracle Nigeria, Adebayo Sanni, said, “Our universities in Nigeria by adding this ‘Train the job as an industry leader is to help teachers imTrainer Introduction to Computer Science course’part globally transferable skill sets to their stuto our existing advanced computer science pro- dents, ones that will be of relevance to a broad gram.” spectrum of careers.”

According to the firm, 25 faculty members from Meanwhile, Usoro said, the three-day training Cross River University attended the course deliv- holds great expectations for a positive future ered by Nigerian professor Dr. Abel Usoro, who of high quality database specialists who will teaches the Oracle Academy course at the West of continue to drive the engine of growth in the Scotland University. country.

26 i-Tech & Telecoms Wednesday, March 5, 2014

IHS Holdings raises $490m for African towers expansion FRICAN tower network operator IHS Holdings has seA cured $490 million in additional funding for its expansion plans.

grid.

Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, IHS, Issam Darwish said: “This important milestone confirms the broadening inSupport from existing investors was combined with strong vestor interest in the African telecommunications infrastrucparticipation from Goldman Sachs, the IFC Global Infrastruc- ture space generally, and in IHS, in particular.” ture Fund and African Infrastructure Investment Managers.

IHS Towers currently owns and manages over 10,500 towers This funding round brings the total amount of capital and has built over 3,500 for its clients across Nigeria, raised by IHS to more than $1.5 billion over the past year.

Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, making it Africa’s largest indeIHS said that it would utilise the proceeds to finance acquisi- pendent mobile infrastructure provider by number of towers tions, expand coverage and capacity by building new towers managed. and continue investing in alternative energy supplies for In Q4 2013, IHS signed agreements with MTN in Zambia and rural base stations that lack access to a reliable electricity Rwanda to acquire over 1, 200 sites in Zambia and Rwanda.

Menace of unsolicited SMS

charge their subscribers for unsolicited message.

Ojobo said subscribers are not supposed to pay for service not rendered to them. But he said the operators could “charge for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 lotteries and it is lotteries that most subscribers are being way through which the operators are creating awareness on charged for”. their products and services but said that some of them are mis- “Many subscribers play lotteries and the operators bill them leading especially those ones on lotteries. for it. If their account balance is being debited because they Ogunbanjo said: “The message will say the SMS will cost an play lottery, we can’t say the operators have erred. But making amount and sometimes they won’t even state the cost and you the subscribers to pay for any service they don’t want is not must have been lured into it and by the time you want to quit, right.” you won’t be able to get out. So unsolicited messages based on Besides, recently, the NCC chief, who said subscribers who are their beneficial promotions as it concerns creating awareness still being inundated with unsolicited text messages at odd for subscriber is good but when it now comes to lotteries it is hours of the day can sue telecoms operators involved for disunsolicited.” turbing their privacy, stressed that the commission is conBut telecoms operators denied that subscribers are being cerned about the comfort of all telecoms subscribers in the charged for unsolicited services.The Chairman of the Associacountry as it is moving to ensure that they are served better by tion of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the operators, every issue should not be left to the regulator Gbenga Adebayo said subscribers are only charged for services alone. they willingly subscribed to.”

“It is not everything that the regulator should handle. In order Adebayo, an engineer said there is no way subscribers would climes people have gone to court for even lesser matters. But in be charged for service not rendered because the industry regu- Nigeria everybody wants the regulator to do everything. If lator is monitoring their networks, including how they charge somebody violates my privacy, why should I always meet with the subscribers. the regulator to seek redress?

According to him, service providers should provide an exit “We need to be able to put our laws to test. It is a contract! code instead of just the unsubscribe process. He stressed that Every network has a contractual obligation with which it is the onus of the matter still lies with the telecommunications providing services to. And for every service they are providing operators by ensuring that Value Added Service providers pro- there are terms and conditions. So if you violate the terms and vide an exit code. conditions they should have a reasonable excuse, otherwise ALTON, he said was yet to receive any formal complaint from they can seek for redress.” subscribers on the issue.

According to him, Nigerians had cultivated the habit of shyNCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Tony Ojobo in one of his in- ing away from enforcing their rights whenever they are tramterviews with The Guardian said operators are not expected to pled upon by service providers.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Nigerian Navy connects major commands with WAN infrastructure

By Adeyemi Adepetun HE Nigerian Navy, committed to achieving better efficiency T and responsiveness through robust ICT, has commissioned the Nigerian Navy Wide Area Network Infrastructure (NNWANI), connected to 378 naval offices across the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin, commissioned the project in Abuja recently and assured that with the facility, a unified operational processes that will maximise return on investment (ROI) is guaranteed.

He conducted a short meeting with major administrative units of Nigerian Navy through the facility to ascertain its efficiency.

“This is the first project I will commission, we should use the opportunity of this commissioning to discuss issues relevant to our operations,” he said.

The meeting lasted for about 40 minutes. The IT infrastructure as a whole is in line with the Nigerian Navy’s transformation agenda which helps it to operate at a far better level of flexibility, efficiency and responsiveness, he noted.

The facility is local content developed, powered by Phinet Systems limited and it’s technical partner Davoise Limited.

Managing Director of Phinet, Keji Oladapo explained that NNWANI was designed to provide the Nigerian Navy with a secured and reliable infrastructure that would transform it’s operations to be highly efficient and technology driven.

Nokia connects the next billion with affordable smartphones T the just concluded Mobile World Congress, in A Barcelona, Spain, Nokia underscored its commitment to connecting the next billion to the Internet by releasing five new affordable handsets, including Nokia X, a family of smartphones that run Android apps, Microsoft services and signature Nokia experiences.

The Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL are priced to capture the fast-growing affordable smartphone market and provide an on-ramp to Lumia and Microsoft services like Skype, OneDrive and outlook.com.

The Nokia Asha 230 is Nokia’s most affordable full-touch Asha device to date, the Nokia 220 is an Internet-ready mobile phone with social apps.

Executive Vice President of Nokia’s Devices & Services, Stephen Elop commented on the launches: “Nokia has connected billions of people around the world, and today we demonstrated how our portfolio is designed to connect the next billion people to great experiences.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 i-Tech & Telecoms 27

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Zinox’s Zpad bags global recognition ORLD’S largest comAmid Zinox’ partnership with W puter, tablet and smart Foxconn which has earned her phone makers Foxconn has

The President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Chris Uwaje (left); representative of Cross River State Governor and Special Adviser on Information and Communication Technology, Odo Effiong and former president, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Charles Uwadie, at the 2014 ISPON’s president dinner in Lagos.

Samsung biometric scanner-enabled Galaxy S5 for Nigeria by April EADING global mobile LElectronics’ phone maker, Samsung has taken the lid off its highly anticipated Galaxy S5 smartphone, adding a new Galaxy device to its range of products in this category. The fifth generation of the Galaxy S series was unveiled at an event during the 2014 edition of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and will be available for purchase in 150 countries, including Nigeria, on April 11.

Powered by a 2.5GHz quadcore processor, the Galaxy S5 sports a 5.1-inch super AMOLED display, making it slightly larger than its predecessor, the Galaxy S4. The device also boasts an upgraded 16-megapixel camera, new fitness tracking features, a heart rate scanner and is dust and water resistant. The highlight of the Galaxy S5 is a new fingerprint sensor, which is integrated with the device’s home button. The finger scanner will provide consumers with a safe, biometric screen-locking feature and also make their mobile payment experience more secure.

Speaking at the unveiling of the device, Director of Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Emmanouil Revmatas said the new Galaxy S5 offers consumers a refined experience with the added advantage of innovation on essential features for everyday use.

“With the Galaxy S5, Samsung is going back to basics to focus on delivering the capabilities that matter most to consumers. A great number of innovations have been injected into the device towards delivering new value to enhance their lives and also provide them with the ultimate communication experience.

The Galaxy S5 represents an iconic design with essential and useful features to focus

on delivering the ultimate smartphone in the market today through people-inspired innovation,” he said.

He added that the device will set the benchmark for how a smartphone can be integrated into daily life.

The new Galaxy S5 features a perforated pattern on the back cover creating a stylish and modern look. It comes in an array of colors, including Charcoal Black, Shim-

mery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold. The device is expected to become the bestselling smartphone in the world once it goes on sale in April.

Samsung also expanded its industry-leading wearable device line with Samsung Gear Fit, a breakthrough and futuristic fitness tracker that offers the convenience of Samsung Gear technology with comprehensive fitness

tools that empower consumers to stay physically active without sacrificing personal style or mobile connectivity. The wristworn device incorporates a built-in heart rate monitor and a lightweight swappable strap, alongside its signature curved AMOLED screen. The Gear Fit will also be available globally from April.

awarded Zinox Technologies Platinum Partner Award for 2014 to celebrate the ingenuity of the Zinox Research and Development team in her New Digital Products – the Zinox Tablet Pcs known as “Zpad”.

According to Foxconn’s Maricar Deocampo, “we are awarding Zinox Technologies our distinguished Partnership status in order to celebrate the newest smart device from the stable of Nigeria’s foremost and most decorated ICT Company.

“Though Zpad series is built in partnership with us but your intellectual strength, competence in digital design and capacity to challenge the best global digital products is unbelievable considering the fact that you are based in an emerging Third World country with all the difficulties with infrastructures and digital capital. Of special interest to us is your exceptional knowledge on Apps content.

We are definitely excited to work with you and it has been very rewarding and we hope your country will appreciate this combined effort to deliver what we consider as one of the best series of Digital Tablet Pcs in the world”, Decampo declared.

Foxconn with a total assets worth of over $1.7 trillion and net income of more than $100 billion in 2012 employs over 1.2million tech professionals and is the original design manufacturers of best digital products in the world amongst which are - ipad, iphone, Dell, HP, Sony, Toshiba, Nokia, Blackberry, Acer, Playstation 3, xbox 360, just to mention a few.

a cherished award, the recognition therefore confers on the Nigerian brand as a company to watch and a domestic company of international best practices. Speaking on the Platinum Award, Corporate Communications Adviser of Zinox Technologies, Uche Nnadozie disclosed that the Zpads are digital Tablets that cure knowledge deficiencies and a tool so reliable that it has extended warranty with extra Apps compared to any other in the market.

Ekeh “When the largest and most reliable ICT manufacturer in the world teams up with the largest on the Africa region, then Nigerians if not Africans are the better for it. It is a privilege to work with Foxconn.

Like President Goodluck Jonathan said last year, ‘a nation without a Digital Identity in the 21st century is a dead nation.

“Zinox has been the digital identity of Nigeria and committed to flying this flag.

“Zpad is going to change the way we educate our children; the way we conduct business; the way we govern our people and the way we relax. The Zpad is a world class, internationally certified product in aesthetics, style and content.”

28 Wednesday, March 5, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 i-Tech & Telecoms

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

29

‘Despite challenges, opportunities abound in Nigeria’s ecommerce sector’ The Chief Executive Officer of Konga.com, Sim Shagaya, in this interview with BANKOLE ORIMISAN, spoke about the online retail market in Nigeria, the challenges and how MainOne’s broadband service has enhanced the operations of Konga.com HO really is Sim ShaW gaya?

I was born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria. My father is from Plateau, and my mother is from Delta. I think what drives me and a lot of my colleagues here to do some of the things we do is a very deep abiding love for our country and for the promise of this great land but even more than that, I think technology has a great role to play in the way that we will conduct business, in the way we trade with each other, do commerce, the way our country is governed and society is organised. We love technology and the application of technology and that’s what drives a lot of the things that we do. It’s what has brought this great group of people together to build Konga, which is a turning out to be an astounding technology company.

You seem to have your fingers in many juicy pies: you own Dealdey, Konga.com and eMotion Advertising. What’s the story behind your many business interests?

I don’t know if I would call them juicy pies as they are still young businesses that require a lot of work but I have a stake in those businesses along with other Nigerians and a few international institutional investors. eMotion is the oldest of those businesses. I started eMotion in 2006 along with a colleague, and with two digital billboards in Abuja. These days you see digital billboards everywhere but then we were the pioneers. I have been given a lot of opportunities and Nigeria has given me a lot. I had the opportunity when I finished school to stay abroad but few weeks after, I knew I had to come back home. I knew that there were opportunities here. This was in early 2000 and democracy still looked shaky but I knew that the future was bright for Nigeria and so I, like a few others at the time, bet on the country. All our savings at that time were put into this billboard business called eMotion and we started off with two billboards in Abuja and it has grown tremendously. It’s one of the largest out of home advertising companies in Nigeria now. eMotion later gave birth to Dealdey which became one of the first e-commerce companies in Nigeria with considerable size. Dealdey is a special e-commerce company where

you come looking for offers and deals; what we have is what you get, and that experience told me that there was something deeper we could do in Nigeria, something much more profound and that’s what led us to Konga. Konga is a full-fledged retailer with hundreds of thousands of products.

We never really had these retailers in Nigeria. We had some of them like Kingsway and Leventis that were really trying to take off in the 1980s before the Structural Adjustment Programme truncated their existences. But since then, we haven’t had structured retail until the arrival of Shoprite, Game and others. I knew there was an opportunity here for structured retail but I also knew there were real constraints in doing it the old way so I reached for this new way by using e-commerce and believing that it would work better.

It’s not like when you go to London where there is seemingly a Marks and Spencer at every corner; here we don’t have that core retail infrastructure.

So we have to build not just the core but the supporting logistical infrastructure and that’s why we are building Konga, we are building this massive infrastructure not only for us as a retailer but as a platform for other smaller retailers also.

How would you describe the present state of e-commerce in Nigeria?

It’s still early. It’s still a baby but with what I’m seeing, it’s a big baby and we are still trying to figure ourselves out. And just like a baby you stumble, you fall and bump your head sometimes, but it does look like the opportunity is quite bright.

Like many things in the world nothing comes for nothing.

The opportunity looks great but the challenges also look quite big.

Let me tell you about one of the challenges for e commerce; if you were in the United States and you are starting an e-commerce company, you can easily rely on the United States Postal Service or the Royal Mail in the U.K.; all you do is to operate your warehouse, your goods in your warehouse and Royal Mail will come to pick up things from your warehouse. Your focus is on intra-warehouse operations and technology.

Here in Nigeria, NIPOST and EMS have made a lot of reforms, but we still have work to do. You find that as an e-commerce company, you have to build the infrastructure out-

side the warehouse; the goods are not going to get themselves out from your fulfillment center to your customers’ door, so you have to build that link and that is where the biggest challenge is going to come from and that’s what Konga is tackling head on. Same goes for the internet connectivity which is strategic to our deliverables to the customer. We took our time sourcing for a service provider that will ensure that steady, consistent QoS and MainOne broadband gives us that edge.

So I think it’s still very early but we have been encouraged with the signs that we’ve seen; how quickly Nigerians have taken it up and it’s not only Nigerians in the typically assumed areas like the Islands of Lagos but everywhere. We are seeing orders coming from everywhere. A microwave being shipped to Aba, Shoes to Gusau, Phones to Ibadan. Its everything to everywhere. So I think it’s early but the future is bright and there is a lot of work to do.

How would you describe your relationship with MainOne so far?

I think it’s been great; it has been very cordial and professional. They are a very responsive company, which was something we found lacking in other companies. We are a very customer-centric company so we show our respect when other people show similar customer-centricity. Even the CEO gets involved in our service issues few times that they exist; she took a sort of personal interest in how things are going, so I think they are very professional. It’s being great and like I said, they still have a lot more work to do. Some of this work, they shouldn’t be the ones doing it but they just have to do it to really get the cost even lower and have more Nigerians access the internet service.

What service does MainOne provide to Konga as the core ISP? MainOne provides broadband connectivity to our head office and distribution centres.

How has your Internet connectivity been since joining the MainOne network?

The network is of the highest quality from experience till date. The uptime and the speed of connection is impressive.

How has MainOne’s connection impacted on the bottomline of Konga?

We are an Internet-based business. So it is important that we have a reliable connection with integrity and speed for us to serve our customers. If we don’t have that, then we cannot serve our customers. And our business and operations

TechCabal, others reward PrepClass with $20,000

By Bankole Orimisan HE largest online technology publication T focused on promotion conversations around technology, mobile and internet in Africa, TechCabal, in partnership with Stanbic IBTC, iROKING, Jobberman, Konga, Etisalat and more awarded $20,000 to PrepClass, the winner of the innaugural edition of the TechCabal Battlefield competition held in Lagos recently.

According to the Chief Editor of firm, Bankole Oluwafemi said, Techcabal hosted a showcase of Nigerian technology startups at the first edition of the Techcabal Battlefield. Seven startups presented their products and businesses to an audience of users, geeks and investors in a bid to win the biggest Nigerian technology

startup prize ever — $20,000, courtesy of Stanbic IBTC Bank and iROKING.com.

After a rigorous selection process, seven finalists emerged out of a fiercely competitive pool of over ninety startup applications from all over Nigeria - 500Shops, Adugbo, Callbase, CasaGrupo, Decoded, Autobox and PrepClass.

Each of the successful contenders were paired with mentors, a faculty of seasoned professionals in Nigerian technology and business to help them think through product, technology, business and pitch, preparatory to the Battlefield finale. The seven faculty-honed startups then presented their ventures to a panel of five judges as well as an audience of press, investors and all excited about innovation in Nigeria and Africa.

will deteriorate. So reliable connectivity is at the core of our business. It is like asking how important diesel is to a truck driver. It is important because without it, the truck cannot move. So the MainOne network has positively impacted on our business.

What challenges do you face in your business?

On some level we know what the challenges are but I’d tell you about the two that keep me up at night the most. The first and the most fundamental challenge we have is the availability of quality human resource. That is because of the failure of 20-30 years of the poor educational system at the tertiary level especially, so because of that, we find it hard to find people with the sort of analytical thinking that is required for the kind of thing we do. It’s not because Nigerians are not energetic; we think we are very energetic, very intelligent people but the educational system has not done very well for us. This is one of the biggest challenges.

Don’t forget that as a retailer we are subjected to competition from other retailers from other parts of the world that are coming to Nigeria where they have a longer legacy of retail and a stronger technical and educational base. This is the area where young Nigerians and Nigerian businesses are going to struggle the most.

It’s not just in grabbing the opportunities or even the infrastructural deficit of Nigeria, it’s how to compete with players from other parts of the world where the educational system has worked for much longer and the technical experience is

Shagaya there. It means that the average Nigerian entrepreneur or the average Nigerian young business has to run at 150 percent basically.

That’s one big problem, and the other problem is the one I talked about before, which is logistics. We have to build out logistics. The long term vision of Konga is that in every state capital in Nigeria, we will have a physical presence there that pushes inventory out and in; that gets your goods to pass through that centre and goes to your house. If you need to return something because you’re not happy with it or that the device, by chance is faulty, you can take it back there.

These are not internet web pages we are talking about.

This is serious infrastructure.

These are the two things that keep me up at night. But we are confident we can tackle them. We know that the opportunity in Nigeria is large enough or deserving enough for the effort we need to put

in this.

Should banks and other financial institutions play any role in e-commerce?

Huge, absolutely very big and I think they are starting to wake up to it. They have several roles to play on many levels. The first is with enabling the payments. I’d give you a small example. Right now if you come to Konga and you choose an item, there are many ways to pay on Konga; you can pay with your card, pay cash on delivery or you can do a bank transfer or deposit. If you do a bank transfer or a deposit right now on Konga, we still have to go and check with the bank to see that the deposit has come in and that’s a very tedious process, which is not efficient.

But if you go to some other markets like South Africa for example; if you made that deposit in a bank, the bank systems immediately talks to Konga system and there is no human intervention in between. It’s frictionless. It happens much quicker.

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Sharp, Dajcom partner to expand Nigeria’s electronics market

By Adeniyi Idowu Adunola LOBAL player in the electronics market, Sharp has partnered Dajcom Limited, a foremost electronics and home appliances, retailer and distributor in Nigeria for expansion purpose.

This strategic partnership involves the assembly, distribution and retail of Sharp home appliances by Dajcom in the Nigerian market.

Announcing the partnership at a press conference in Lagos, the Managing Director Sharp Middle East, Fumio Yamaguchi expressed delight at the partnership with Dajcom. “For Sharp, Nigeria is an extremely important market and with Dajcom Ltd as our partner, we are committed towards enriching every Nigerian household with our one-of-a-kind technology and products.”

Sharp plans to invest more manpower and capital in Nigeria, which is one of the markets for Sharp in this region.

The two parties in this special deal, Sharp and Dajcom, both believe the partnership is a unique development that will thrill Nigerian consumers.

Sharp, renowned for its innovative Japanese technology, two years warranty, genuine spare parts and widespread professional network of service centres, will make available, at competitive prices, her numerous high quality products. This extensive market coverage will be backed up by Dajcom’s first class aftersales services and excellent distribution network.

Managing Director of Dajcom Limited, David Safa, in his response, said “I am confident about the collaboration, and Sharp products would become

G

popular among Nigerians in the near future.”

“I believe through joint efforts with Dajcom Ltd, Sharp will become one of the top three brands in Nigeria in the future”.

Sharp Middle East FZE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Japan. Its company in Dubai, UAE is the regional hub for the Middle East, Africa and Caucuses (CIS) regions, covering over 80 countries with sales, marketing and customer service operation in its core business of audio-visual and communication equipment, health and environment equipment, information equipment, as well as crystalline and thin-film solar panels.

Dajcom Ltd was established in 2002, as an importer of air conditioners and later, of electronic goods, for the domestic Nigerian market.

President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left) with the three awardees in the Accomplished Contemporary Entrepreneurs category at the Centenary Awards and Dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja over the weekend. Extreme left is Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (2nd right) and Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

Software development is critical to economic growth, say experts

By Adeyemi Adepetun

F

OR Nigeria to rise in the global chart of improved economies, government has been urged to invest more in software development.

According to experts, major investments are required to boost technology education that is needed to advance the country beyond its present level.

To them, except Nigeria act fast, the country may remain a dumping ground for all manners of foreign software, that are yet to meet the needs of Nigerians.

“The software industry is collapsing and government needs

to invest in this area and develop it to a standard that will be appealing to technology developers,” they said, during a panel session at an event organised by Red Media Africa, owners of Future Award Africa and Y Niger, sponsored by GTBank in Lagos, as part of efforts to mark the Social Media Week.

According to the Managing Partner, Red Media Africa, Chude Jideowon, there is need to facilitate networking among people in the technology space, stressing that the event was able to bring together, developers, entrepreneurs in the technology space

as well as start-ups, in a bid to develop the country’s technology ecosystem.

Jideowon explained that the gathering was designed to celebrate technology practitioners in the country, aimed at promoting their businesses.

“We are looking at people that will inspire others in the technology industry and contribute to the development of the country, through technology solutions and innovation, hence we put together the event, which turned out to be very successful,” Jideowon said.

He insisted that Nigerians were innovative people that could develop good software

solutions that would address local needs, and called on government at all levels to support software development in the country.

During the panel session, some of the panelists, including the Country Manager for Google Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan; Chief Executive Officer of Konga.com, Shim Shagaya; Managing Director, Future Software, Nkemdili Uwaje among others were of the view that capacity building among Nigerians was key to technology development and called on government to put in place the right policies that would enhance technology innovation

among youths.

They were optimistic that mobile games and mobile services would drive technology innovation by 2020, if the right policies are put in place.

“Nigeria has a viable market and we do not need anyone else to solve our challenges.

We should not see our population size as a challenge, but we should rather see it as an opportunity that will drive technology development in the country, with majority of our youths being technology savvy an eager to develop software solutions that will address basic challenges of the country and boost technology development,” they said.

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New Horizons opens IT centre in varsity

By Bankole Orimisan

EW Horizons Nigeria, a N private owned information technology (IT) training

Pre Sales Consultant, AVAYA, Dheeraj Mengu(left); President Telewest Technologies Ltd, Benedict Alabi; CEO Telewest, Titilola Fajemisin; and Territory Manager, AVAYA West Africa, Babajide Ogunbanjo during AVAYA awareness Campaign press briefing in Lagos

DOPC upgrades bandwidth speed little over eight months Aafter it transferred the re-

tail aspect of its business to SWIFT Networks, Direct On PC

WOZ:The core of cutting edge computing

By Muola Awolowo

The top of the computer was not attached, it lifts off with little effort allowing easy access Who would have imagined that to the system motherboard a chance meeting between and expansion slots. It can be Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs said that Wozniak’s more fully would explode in creative juices developed Apple II established that have today produced just Apple. what the founding fathers of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak computing technology could are among the most wellonly dream? The explosion of known revolutionaries of the personal computers occurred computing age. Their invenin the early 1970s with the exhi- tion of the first true personal bition of Apple II at the First computer changed people’s West Coast Computer Faire in ideas of what a computer could San Francisco. Wozniak, an look like and what it could do American computer engineer, for them to make their lives and co-founder of Apple Com- easier, and work more efficient. puter (now Apple Inc.) has his Although Steve Jobs is known inventions and machines cred- and well acclaimed for giving ited to this feat. the world this extraordinary Not only did Wozniak create technology, Steve Wozniak was the Apple I and Apple II comthe engineer behind it all and puters both in the mid-1970s, his contribution in the field of the Apple II rapidly gained micro computing is creditable huge fame, eventually becom- and can never be over looked. ing one of the best selling perWozniak has been recogsonal computers of the 1970s nized with countless numbers and early 1980s. Wozniak sinof awards and honors for his glehandedly designed the hard- notable contribution to the ware, circuit board designs, and computing world including operating system for Apple 1. the ACM Grace Murray Hopper On June 29, 1975 Wozniak made Award, the National Medal of computer history when via his Technology which he received creation, a character displayed with his business partner, on a TV screen was generated by Steve Jobs, from United State a home computer.

President Ronald Regan in Wozniak alongside his part1985. In December 1989, he rener, Jobs has been credited with ceived a honorary Doctor of Enrevolutionizing technology by gineering degree from the creating smaller, cheaper com- University of Colorado at Boulputers giving rise to the BYOD der, where he studied in the policy which translates to late sixties. He later donated “Bring Your Own Device”. The funds to create the “Woz Lab” BYOD policy perils the use of at the University of Colorado at personal devices such as PCs Boulder. and smart phones to access In 1997, he was named a Fellow privileged information in of the Computer History Muplaces that hitherto, such per- seum. Wozniak was a key consonal devices were prohibited. tributor and benefactor to the While Wozniak was still work- Children’s Discovery Museum ing for Hewlett-Packard, he of San Jose; the street in front of spent his nights improving the museum has been reApple I, and Jobs figured out named Woz Way in his honor. how to market it. He designed Apple continues to be one of all its hardware and software— the best-known and most popan extraordinary feat even for ular brands of personal comthe time. And what’s more, he puting devices in the world. did it all while working at his Wozniak has several nickday job at Hewlett-Packard. names, including “The Woz”, The Apple II was the machine “Wonderful Wizard of Woz” that brought computers onto and “iWoz.” “WoZ”, short for the desks of ordinary people “Wheels of Zeus”, which is a with its miraculous designs. It company he founded in 2001 became one of the most popu- to create wireless GPS technollar computers ever. Though it ogy to “help everyday people was a vast improvement over find everyday things much Apple 1, it contained the same more easily”. He is also known processor and ran at the same as the “Other Steve” of Apple speed.

Computer, the better known The most important feature of Steve being co-founder and the Apple II was probably its CEO Steve Jobs. eight expansion slots. No other computer had this kind of flexi- Awolowo, a PR specialist, wrote bility or expansion possibilities. from Lagos

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

(DOPC) announced at the weekend that it has upgraded the bandwidth speed for all its broadband services to corporate and enterprise clients.

DOPC is an Internet and intranet service provider in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. From last year, it changed its strategy of catering to all segments of the market to focusing on enterprise segment. DOPC provides connectivity solutions based on satellite, radio and fibre platforms.

Managing Director of DOPC, Anurag Garg, said in a statement, “enterprise solutions is our forte and we are now fully focused on providing services to enterprise customers like, Oil and Banking sector, MNCs, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Government parastatals.”

He further added: “With the newer technologies coming to the market, business customers are requiring more speed for rapid data transfer between their various offices globally and this is where

institute has opened an international IT resource centre valued at over N100 million at Landmark University, Omu-Aran, near Ilorin in Kwara State at the weekend.

The centre will empower students of the institution with the most sought after IT skills and professional certifications.

New Horizons is a leading IT training institution globally with 300 world-class IT training and education centres in 80 countries on six continents. New Horizons courses are based on leading IT technologies and are tailored to

DOPC is now focused on. Apart from the speed, high uptimes are crucial as more and more business clients are running mission critical applications and this is what DOPC is doing. We provide maximum uptimes in SLA based services.

To achieve this, we have created multiple layers of redundancies in our network.”

SWIFT acquired the 4G infrastructure and related DOPC customers last year. But, the enterprise business of DOPC was not affected by this transaction. DOPC remains a leading provider of terrestrial and satellite based broadband Internet and Intranet services.

position graduates for global competitiveness. The IT resource centre which comprise two lecture halls at the varsity contains 150 state-ofthe-art compact desktop computers, projectors, software for labs practice , over 5 000 textbooks covering several IT and e- businesses courses, etc.

The Pro Chancellor of Landmark University, Professor Yemi Nathaniel who commissioned the IT resource centre alongside the vice chancellor, Professor Mathew Ajayi; the acting registrar, Dr. Mrs. Rachael Adebayo and many other prefessors, academic and non-academic staff and students enjoined the students to avail themselves of the opportunities that new Horizons brings to their future.

The vice chancellor, who welcomed the New Horizons team led by Mr. Tim Akano, its managing director said the journey to actualise the project began four years ago.

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Tapit Tel Solution set for launch in Nigeria

Technology firms, others partner to improve maternal, child health

new indigenous pre paid A intelligent solution firm, Tapit Tel, is set to join the rest

By Adeyemi Adepetun PARTNERSHIP that is billed to improve maternal and child health has been sealed by three technology firms. The firms are Qualcomm Incorporated, Vecna Cares Charitable Trust, the nonprofit arm of Vecna Technologies; InStrat Global Health Solutions, a turnkey health care solutions provider; Etisalat Nigeria; Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA); and Evidence for Action.

The campaign is aimed at ensuring Africa’s mothers and babies survive pregnancy and childbirth, through the development and deployment of a wireless, electronic medical record (EMR) system to clinics throughout three states within the NPHCDA, bringing a paperless, mobile patient registry to midwives throughout rural Nigeria. The CliniPAK360 project aims to reduce the country’s high maternal and infant mortality rates.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country. It also has maternal and infant mortality rates that are among the world’s highest. The US Central Intelligence Agency estimates in The World Factbook that Nigeria experienced approximately 630 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 and approximately 73 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2013. In comparison, the maternal death rate in developed countries is approximately nine per 100,000.

Currently, NPHCDA midwives record patient data in paper notebooks and Regional Health Officers travel to the clinics to review the reports for accuracy.

To lighten this burden and increase accuracies and efficiencies, this Wireless Reach-funded project features a cloudbased electronic medical record system based on Vecna Cares’ CliniPAK software and 3G-enabled tablets powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors to streamline and automate the in-field data capture and reporting process and help improve health outcomes.

Country Manager, Qualcomm Nigeria, Alex Dadson, said: “As part of the project, each midwife uses a tablet to record patient data at the point of care. The data is transmitted wirelessly via Etisalat’s 3G mobile network to the CliniPAK central server, which aggregates and synchronizes the data with clinic-based CliniPAK units.”

The system supports midwives as they interact with patients by alerting them to risk factors and red flags based on information assembled at the point of care. The system also allows clinicians and midwives to more closely track at-risk patients and make timely, more informed, decisions about patient care. In addition, policy leaders at NPHCDA will also have access to the data and use the pilot project to establish the foundation for their entire medical record system.

The project’s pilot phase is currently underway in seven NPHCDA clinics in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dadson said.

InStrat Global Health Solutions serves as the local programme manager with responsibility for technology implementation, training and support, and has closely monitored the evolution of the project while also preparing to implement the project in two additional states in February.

The goal of the programme is to improve health outcomes, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, enable faster response to public health threats and facilitate better coordination of health resources.

A

Cloud computing technology

Temenos solution offers microfinance sector efficiency OLLOWING the successful FRural automation of all the and Community Banks (RCBs) in Ghana on a single instance of Temenos T24 platform for real time online transaction processing; through the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) Apex Bank, the bank has increased her T24 concurrent Users Licence to over 2000 to enable her sustain the increased growth experienced as a result of the deployment.

The software solution, a product of Temenos, represented in Nigeria by Inlaks Computers has enabled the ARB Apex Bank to deepen her statutory regulation/supervisory competence and

Vodacom Business Nigeria engages students on cloud computing technology HROUGH its ‘Power to T You’ initiative, Vodacom Business Nigeria, while engaging some students on field trip on Information and Communications Technology, has provided answers to some cloud computing technologies.

Vodacom Business Nigeria typically invites a number of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to its facility, enabling hundreds of Nigerian students to benefit from complementing their science, computer, engineering and electrical electronics studies with field trips to the company’s facility.

Last weekend, in Lagos, will be remembered by students from the Computer craft trade of the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos as they were taken through the technology and the benefits of cloud computing.

“We are excited that our students were given access to Vodacom’s facility and its excellent educational sessions,” said the Principal Mrs. M.A Nwankwo, adding “Getting children interested in ICT is very important for

our school and coming to an enterprise service provider and learning about ICT firsthand, helps students apply classroom learning to reallife situations and opens opportunities for future careers in ICT for them.”

Vodacome Business Nigeria explained that the field trip included a tour of Vodacom’s data centre, Network design department and Customer support centre. The students, guided by the company’s IT Manager; Tunde Dada, were introduced to virtual hosting, security and Cloud Back-up and Archiving which exposed the students to how Vodacom is able to store and secure large data in a 99.998 per cent uptime environment.

“We’re pleased and proud to host the students of FSTC Yaba in our facility. It is an opportunity that so clearly supports our commitment to youth empowerment through ICT education” said Managing Director Vodacom Business Nigeria, Guy Clarke.

Clarke added: “We believe that ICT can address some of the country’s most pressing

challenges in Education.

There is no better way to drive this change than exposing the youth to the technical, business and leadership skills required for ICT innovations” he said.

It would be recalled that Vodacom opened its doors to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions last year including the students of Grace Schools and Benue State University, on its power to you project aimed at giving the student first-hand experience of ICT at work.

also offers better financial solutions to the RCBs through which the teeming population of the rural communities are efficiently serviced.

Besides, this solution, according to Inlaks also enhance a broader financial intermediation among their rural folks and ensure a wider reach of the rural communities.

According to the Managing Director/CEO of Inlaks Computers, Femi Adeoti “the decision to expand the network was borne out of the achievement recorded so far and the growth. The major expectation of the initial rollout which was to sanitize the microfinance industry in Ghana and ensure effective delivery of Apex Bank oversight functions over the RCBs has been achieved and surpassed.”

The integration of Ghana 700 Rural & Community Banks (RCBs) agencies was a World Bank sponsored project executed under the Rural Financial Services Project (RFSP) and further funding was provided by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Ghana under the Millennium Challenge Compact which was managed by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) to holistically address the operational

bottlenecks of the rural financial sector, provide various levels of support to the RCBs and also outline regulatory functions to all Rural/Community Banks in Ghana.

Director, Sales & Marketing – Financial Business of Inlaks, Olufemi Muraino confirmed that the RCBs in Ghana which form the largest percentage of the Microfinance sector of the Ghanaian economy has grown exponentially and are more profitable upon deployment of the T24 platform. It has offered improvement in service delivery of the RCBs making them more efficient. The project also provided the platform for technology scalability as there are now opportunities for deployment of e-Banking (mobile banking solutions, Point Of Sale, ATM and other related internet Banking”, he said.

The computerization and centralization of the operations of all the 136 RCBs with over 700 branches across Ghana was executed base on the Temenos T24 microfinance version (MCB).

The Temenos MCB product presents preconfigured features, modules and reporting specific to microfinance and community banking.

T24 for MCB supports retail operations, micro lending and credit unions.

of it counterparts in Direct top-up solution in the country to replace the scratch card system by an electronic system.

Set to officially launch in April, the Tapit soultion for pre paid processing according to the firm, is a mobile phone application, a transaction process centred in Dubai and London is the state-of-the-art secure protocol system, a product and service as well as a software solution and top up processing service that will aid online transaction processes.

Speaking ahead the prelaunch event of the solution in Lagos, the Managing Director of Tapit Tel Nigeria, Kenneth Adeniran AjibadeOke, noted that Tapit is set to be a global leader in the rapidly evolving arena of prepaid top up.

“The firm is ready to build a retail network of sales location nationwide to replace the scratch card system by an electronic system via near field communication (NFC) payment terminal phones and cards connected to a secure server”.

Focusing on the third generation top up solutions, the aim is to create a simpler and closest way to scratch card way of top-up system and top up points at every corner.

The solution from server connects to any GSM networks operation virtual platform under a secure protocol to update the end users accounts while the information is send to the SMSC platform for the SMS

Ofserv, Skangix to host technology conference Friday

By Anthony Chidubem Nwachukwu FSERV Nigeria Limited, in O conjunction with Skangix Development Company, is hosting a technical conference and technology open house this Friday to showcase innovative solutions to specific drilling and formation evaluation challenges in the oil and gas sector.

Participating companies stand to gain practical, cost-effective solutions that have eluded operators all along, as well as reduce operational costs without comprising quality of delivery.

The technology open house, being package by a consortium of wholly indigenous service companies - Ofserv, Skangix and Adobel – will feature an insightful technical presentation on “Nigerian Oil & Gas industry, Leveraging Innovative Technology for CostEffective Formation Evaluation While Drilling.”

OAU to host EduNet 2014 conference preneurship in Nigerian Universities” The three day event will look the ICT Centre and the Institute at issues around building Techfor Entrepreneurship Develop- nology Entrepreneurship Ecosystem within the Nigerian ment Studies of Obafemi Awolowo University in Partner- University Community with key examples from the Israel ship with Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Centre (Star- Technology and Innovation Ecosystem.

TAU), Israel.

“We are happy to host this A statement from the coordiyear’s EduNet Conference at the nator, EduNet 2014, Kenneth ICT Centre of the University,the Omeruo informed that the idea of fostering Technology theme of this year’s event Entrepreneurship in Nigeria is scheduled for May 20-22 is: key to economic development “Fostering Technology EntreHE 4th Edition of Education T Network Conference EduNet 2014 will be hosted by

of the country. That is why our centre will be playing key roles in the conference” Prof Adeshola Aderounmu, director ICT centre of ObafemiAwolowo University, said.

Founder, Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Centre, Oren Simanian and his team from Israel will lead discussions on How Nigeria can create Technology Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with lessons from Israel (Start-up Nation).

“Our Entrepreneurship development centre in Tel Aviv Uni-

versity has contributed greatly to the development of the entrepreneurship and the Startup ecosystem in TelAviv,Israel and so we are happy to partner with Nigerian Institutions to help share ideas and develop the ecosystem in Nigeria bearing in mind the triangle of innovation around the world is held together by the cooperative endeavor of the Government, the academic community, and the Technology Industry.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Maritime Dilemma over import duty on rice

Dikko

By Moses Ebosele HAT is the permanent W solution to the alleged sustained smuggling of rice through land borders into the country?

That is the question currently agitating the minds of stakeholders in the maritime sector as the federal government moves to address the controversy surrounding the 100 per cent import duty and 10 per cent levy on rice.

Indeed, available statistics are mind-boggling: Sustained smuggling of rice into the country. Nigeria losses about N300 Billion to neighbouring countries annually. About 40 ships with rice onboard diverted to neighbouring ports last months.

The unfolding events and clamour from stakeholders may have prompted the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, Dr Nngozi OkonjoIweala to propose a policy review last week.

Besides, economic experts

Akinwumi

Okonjo - Iweala and stakeholders in the maritime sector are of the opinion that the policy of 100 percent duty and 10 percent levy introduced by the federal government last year has done more harm to Nigeria’s economy.

An economist, Matthew Otoide, who spoke with The Guardian on Monday, called for a detailed research before any future policy on rice is announced by the federal government, He said: “The major challenge we have in Nigeria is lack or inadequate data base. No reliable data. No research. The country is literally on auto pilot. It was clear right from the beginning that the policy was going to make neighbouring ports richer. What have we achieved since the policy was approved by the federal government? The demand for rice is very high nationwide”.

According to Otoide, the proposed review should be fair enough to discourage smuggling under any guise,

adding that “smugglers are illegal business men and women.

They commit resources to their ventures. If the risk is very high and the profit margin is not huge, they would naturally look for another means of livelihood.”

Presently, in Nigeria, import duty on rice is 100 per cent coupled with 10 per cent levy while neighbouring ports in Benin Republic and Cameroon according to reports charges seven and zero per cent respectively.

Announcing proposed policy review recently, Okonjo-Iweala said consultations are on-going between President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and the Finance ministry over the review.

The minister explained that it had become necessary to review the 100 per cent duty and 10 per cent levy on rice because it had created signif-

icant challenges even though it had also led to a marked increase in rice output in the country and created a significant number of jobs.

Explaining further, OkonjoIweala said: “The 100 per cent duty and 10 per cent levy on rice has led to an increase in the nation’s rice output especially in the North and it has created jobs but it has also caused a significant reduction in customs revenue and has been largely hijacked by smugglers and neighbouring countries.”

The Minister added: “So, we are reviewing the rice duties policy and we are discussing with the president and the minister of agriculture”.

The House of Representatives, recently disclosed that three million tonnes of parboiled rice was smuggled into the country in 2013 through Benin Republic.

The lawmaker also called on the federal government to implement the new rice duty regime as to checkmate

importation of rice into the country and boost local production.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has repeatedly announced the seizure of rice in large quantities.

The Seme command of NCS recently, impounded not less than 800 bags of rice hidden in a truck loaded with pineapples.

According to the Area Comptroller, Seme Command, Willy Egbudin, the 800 bags of rice were hidden under a truck with Benin Republic registration number.

He said the truck was intercepted at Aradagun/Mowo, near Badagry, Lagos State at midnight on February 18, 2014, adding, “These seizures were made due to intelligence gathering we were able to get with the help of our officers”.

Explaining further, Egbudin said: “Our men had monitored the truck right from the loading point and allowed it to enter Nigeria.

“It was intercepted at

Aradagun/Mowo near Badagry where the bags of rice were hidden under pineapples”.

Already, according to Egbudin, the driver of the truck confessed that few days before his arrest, he tried a similar operation but was not successful.

“He confessed that he loaded a locally constructed vehicle with about 40 bags of rice and covered it with pineapples to experiment to see if he would catch the security agencies napping.

“The car and goods were impounded but he was able to escape,” Egbudin added.

The command had recently made a seizure of rice, boat with outboard engine and vehicles for conveyance valued at N7.5million.

Also, the Cross River State Command in collaboration with other security agencies recently seized 7, 623 smuggled bags of rice at the Ikang Beach in Bakassi Local Government Area. The bags of rice were suspected to have come in from Cameroon.

Customs apprehends 217 alleged smugglers in 12 months

By Moses Ebosele ETWEEN January and B December 2013, the Federal Operations Units (FOU) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, apprehended not less than 217 alleged smugglers.

According to the unit, “A good number” of the smugglers are still being investigated by the legal unit while others have been “prosecuted in line with legal requirements”.

Also within the period, the unit made 3,553 seizures of prohibited goods valued at

N1.3 Billion with payable Duty of N227.1 Million.

The FOU zone ‘A’ is an arm of the NCS charged with the responsibility to suppress smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade within the confines of its area of jurisdiction.

Giving a breakdown of its activities in 2013 recently, controller of the unit Mahmoud Nuhu also highlighted benefits of capacity building and collaboration with host communities to the zone’s operations.

Nuhu said: “It is important to state that consequent

upon the ban on Rice Importation through the land borders, the command beamed its searchlight on some volatile areas, particularly along the waterways, which have been identified as flashpoints with a view to blocking all loopholes and supply chains.

“The same strategy was also adopted in the case of foreign frozen Poultry Products and all of these strategies provided the unit the necessary impetus to raise the standard of our Anti-smuggling activities over the period.

“Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria in its wisdom placed this ban on foreign frozen Poultry as a proactive measure to protect the investments of our local farmers who have invested heavily on Poultry farming and other Agroallied Industries.

“Also, the issue of job creation for our teeming youths made it more imperative for the Service to enforce the ban. Beyond this, also is the need to safeguard the Health of the nation in view of the understanding that these imported foreign

frozen Poultry Products contain chemical substances that are injurious and detrimental to health”, said Nuhu.

In 2013, according to Nuhu, the zone employed what he identified as ‘strategic planning’ in all areas and spheres of its operation.

“However, the unit takes serious cognizance of the six point’s agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and this has always guided the operational modalities of the unit.

“In view of the above, the issue of capacity building,

welfare, Information and Telecommunication Technology (ICT), collaboration with stakeholders, coordination and integrity are all essential ingredients which we carefully integrate and factor into our operational strategies and this has led to increased and remarkable successes.

“We also engage the concept of Risk Management, Cargo Profiling and selectivity in our attempt to align with latest and acceptable standards in modern Customs Operation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 MARITIME 37

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NIWA begins safety campaign, seeks access road to Baro port

By Moses Ebosele (Lagos) and Kolawole Timothy (Lokoja) HE National Inland T Waterways Authority (NIWA) will today flag-off an awareness campaign aimed at ensuring safety for Nigerians who use waterways to commute from part of the country to another.

According to NIWA, the programme which commenced yesterday in Malale will be unveiled today in Nupeko, Niger State “where some water accidents that led to the loss of lives were recorded recently.”

A statement issued by NIWA’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Tayo Fadile explained that the nationwide programme is designed to sensitise Nigerians living around coastal areas.

He said the programme involves safety talk, distribution of reflective jackets and other safety items.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Marine Transport has restated federal government commitment to the timely completion of Baro River port in Niger state and others presently under construction.

The management of NIWA has also appealed to the Minister of Works and the Niger state government to construct the access road leading to Baro River port in order to ensure the full utilisation of the port when completed.

Speaking on behalf of the committee when members paid a working visit to the Baro port in Niger state, its chairman, Senator Zainab Kure explained that the committee was at the port to access the level of work currently going on in order to justify the appropriation for the sector.

Kure said: “we can just sit down in Abuja and go through your [NIWA] papers on the level of work so far carried out. But, we decided to visit the site to have on the spot assessment of what is going on in order for us to know how much you have received so

far from the budget and some of the challenges you are facing”.

Explaining further, Kure said: “Baro port and other ports across the country are very important to the socio-economic development of the country and I want to state here that the federal government is committed to the timely completion of the project which will reduced the pressure on our road.”

Speaking on the need to construct an access road to the port, Fadile informed the committee that without an access road it would be difficult for investors and the business community to use the port, adding that “without good access road our effort may be in vain as no business person will have access to the port without a good road”.

Fadile, who led some management members of the authority to receive the senate committee on behalf of the Managing Director of NIWA, Mrs. Inna Mariam Ciroma said the port has attained 90 per cent completion, adding that the catchment states and host communities may be cut off, if the access road is not constructed.

He said the access road is 240 Kilometres from AbujaLapai to Baro, pointing out that when constructed, it would enable all the Northern states to enjoy the facilities.

AS part of measures to enhance water transportation, NIWA recently announced plans to launch a Code for the regulation of inland waters.

Speaking at the just-concluded 2014 stakeholders’ Conference on the economic use of the Onitsha River Port, NIWA’s Managing Director Mrs. Inna Ciroma said that the Code is long overdue.

Ciroma explained that the Code will also serve as a guide, law on the use of the waterways for operators.

She explained that the need to regulate the use of the nation’s waterways cannot be overemphasised con-

COSCO Container ship

sidering the security challenges that have been facing the nation in recent times.

Stakeholders in a comminique issued at the end of the forum urged the Federal Government to come up with legal and administrative framework that will help bring to light the enabling environment that will encourage businesses to thrive at the Onitsha River Port.

The conference also adopted the following resolutions: Commended the federal government for the huge investment expended on the dredging of the Lower River Niger and the successful completion of the Onitsha River port to facilitate inter-modal transport system for evacuation of both cargoes and passengers in view of the economic advantages; Urged the federal government to guarantee safety through an effective round-

Customs apprehends 217 alleged smugglers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 “Our operatives have also benefitted very immensely from the capacity building programme of the present Customs administration under our CGC Dr. Abdullahi Dikko Inde CFR and his management team.

“We have also intensified effort towards effective collaboration and synergy with the members of the host Communities where we operate. This strategy has helped in winning the confidence of the host communities who hitherto were very unaccommodating and sometimes exhibited violent characteristics which hindered our operations.

“This hostile tendency was doused through continuous dialogue and interface with the host communities where they were sensitized on the dangers of smuggling to their lives and the Nation’s economy. Periodically, we

embark on enlightenment campaign aimed at educating the public on the dangers of smuggling”, said Nuhu.

According to Nuhu, Some of the items seized within the period include: *1,273 50kg parboiled Rice. *399 foreign poultry products, totaling 59, 058 cartons valued at N225,493,000 with a Duty Paid Value of N270,591,600. *865 different general merchandise valued at N320,495,924 with a Duty Paid Value of 383, 966, 033 *Eight hard drugs and narcotics valued at N40,122,500 with a Duty Paid Value of N42,965,500. *28 different seizures of used tyres valued at N23,777,500 with a Duty Paid Value of N29,761,825 * 408 vegetable oil valued at N49,042,550 with a Duty Paid Value of N66,207,500 Nuhu said the unit is also conscious of the directive by

the CGC on ensuring that all seizures are accompanied with suspects.

“In the light of this, the Unit apprehended a total of 217 suspects in connection with the seizures during the period under reference.

“A good number of them are still being investigated by the legal Unit while others have been prosecuted in line with legal requirements.

“The Unit has also had its fair share of operational challenges/hiccups, particularly with death of some Officers/Men during the period under review, amongst other logistic challenges.

“However, the Unit has been able to rise up even stronger in the midst of these challenges. We are also conscious of the fact that nothing good comes easy and this has helped to strengthen our resolve not to despair in our determination to excel”.

the-clock patrol by joint Military Personnel and application of other safety measures to safeguard lives and property; Recommended that the federal government come up with legal and administrative frame work that will help bring to light the enabling environment that will encourage businesses to thrive at the Onitsha River Port;

Urged the Federal Government to hasten the setting-up of the administrative delivery team with members drawn from various related organisations for the quick take-off of operations at the River Port; Noted the importance of synergy between the federal government and the Private Sector under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and encourage re-doubling

of efforts at concessioning of the River Port.

Emphasised the need for constant upgrading of Maritime and Port infrastructure to enable the investors take optimal advantage of Anambra State’s expansive coastline in areas of shipbuilding, Dockyard Operations, Metal fabrication, dock labour, warehousing and recycling plants, among others

Seafarers get new minimum wage

By Moses Ebosele SUBCOMMITTEE of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has approved a resolution raising the minimum monthly basic wage figure for able seafarers from $585 to $592 with effect from January 1, 2015 and $614 the following year ( January 1, 2016).

ILO explained that the mechanism for setting the minimum monthly wage for able seafarers is the only one for setting the basic wage for any industry.

The minimum monthly basic wage figure for able seafarers was recently included in the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006).

The Convention, known as the “seafarers’ bill of rights”, entered into force on August 20, 2013, and has been ratified by 56 ILO member States representing over 80 per cent of world shipping tonnage.

The Director-General of ILO, Guy Ryder, explained recently that the convention is a milestone in maritime history.

“The product of tripartite dialogue and international cooperation, it enables decent working and living conditions for seafarers to be advanced, along with fair competition for ship owners in this, the most globalised of industries.

“I call on all countries with a maritime interest to ratify – if they have not yet done so – and urge governments and ship owners to work effective-

A

ly to implement this Convention,” Ryder added.

According to ILO, the Convention has the full support of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which represents seafarers, and the International Ship owners Federation (ISF), both of which played a key role during the five years of its development and in the adoption of the Convention at a special ILO International Labour Conference in 2006.

The MLC, 2006 also has the strong support of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which oversees the global shipping sector, that moves some 90 per cent of world trade. The European Union has adopted Directives to give effect to the Convention, while the Paris MOU and the Tokyo MOU, which are port State control regional organizations have adopted MLC, 2006 compliant guidelines to strengthen port State control inspections.

“The coming into force of the MLC, 2006 is a unique event in the history of international maritme labour law,” said Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, ILO Director of the International Labour Standards Department.

Meanwhile, guidance on training and certification requirements for ship security officers and seafarers with designated security duties has been agreed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address practical difficulties

seafarers have reportedly experienced in obtaining the necessary security certification under the 2010 Manila amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and STCW Code.

The guidance recommends that, until 1 July 2015, relevant training under section 13 (Training, drills and exercises on ship security) of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code should be accepted as being equivalent to that required under the STCW Convention and Code.

The guidance was agreed by the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), meeting for its first session from 17 to 21 February 2014, which expressed its concern that large numbers of seafarers were reportedly unable to have access to approved training courses or were unable to be issued certification of security-related training in accordance with the STCW regulations.

The Sub-Committee approved an STCW circular on Advice for port State control officers, recognized organizations and recognized security organizations on action to be taken in cases where seafarers do not carry certification required in accordance with regulation VI/6 of the STCW Convention and section A-VI/6, paragraphs 4 and 6 of the STCW Code after January 1, 2014.

38 Wednesday, March 5, 2014

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Industry Addressing lingering sub-regional trade barriers in a ‘borderless’ ECOWAS It is no longer news that Africa does not trade with itself, as evidences continue to show that trade within the region and sub-regions remains low at less than 20 per cent, compared to over 60 per cent with Europe and America. To drive the shift from export patterns dating back to Africa’s narrow focus on trade with Europe; as well as a shift from dependency on aid to investments that can reduce poverty, generate shared growth and increase internal demand, stakeholders at the seminar organised on the sidelines of the 2014 edition of the Borderless conference examined how Africa, particularly the West African region, can address challenges mitigating intra-continental and intraregional trade in enhancing economic growth. FEMI ADEKOYA writes on the road less travelled in the realisation of a borderless ECOWAS economy.

Containers awaiting clearance at a port. Sea transportation is seen as a viable alternative and driver of borderless trade in ECOWAS. RACES of logic is reflected in the sarcasm that ‘if only goods moved around Africa with as much urgency as the continent’s Presidents’.

Apparently, the pitifully weak intra-African trade links would be strengthened.

With trade within sub-regions still landlocked, given that so much of what crosses the internal borders is either on its way to or from other continents, it has become a necessity to address poor infrastructure networks by harnessing other alternatives.

Top on the list of hindrances to growth of subregional bilateral ties is poor infrastructure. The continent’s multiple trade agreements are another hindrance. For instance, Africa has 14 different trading blocs with overlapping members. Most countries belong to at least two blocs.

Many belong to three. Yet traders find a way around such barriers, as many informal trades are not properly recorded. Many other goods move across borders but elude the customs inspectors who record official trade flows.

In West Africa, imports are shipped into Benin and Togo and spirited across borders to consumers in neighbouring Ghana and Nigeria.

Such networks mean there is more trade going on within Africa than is acknowledged. But it is not as nearly as much as it could be.

This further explains why inter-border trade in West Africa remains painfully slow, inconsistent and expensive.

At the root of these are a slew of tariff and nontariff barriers (NTBs). Companies, instead, invest in select localised West African markets rather than the region as a whole.

The last half a decade has been quite eventful with many economies slipping into and moving out of financial crisis. With many developed economies contracting due to lingering global financial crisis, Africa offers new markets for expansion, especially with its growing population of youthful consumers.

Industry watchers however believe this population holds a great potential for the continent in serving as a powerful engine for growth, employment and intra-African trade, especially at a time when other markets are contracting.

Achieving this feat requires sustainability and implementation of policies that transcends open declarations.

The weak links Already, international donor and agencies, senior African policy makers, private investors, trade and development experts are beginning to re-examine and re-evaluate the litany of meas-

T

ures aimed at curbing behind-the-border trade constraints; improving trade facilitation and logistics; and reforming customs unions and other regional trade institutions.

Indeed, the lack of coordination between regional economic communities (RECs) and the lack of funding windows for regional undertakings alongside the weak political will among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been identified as key barriers to regional trade within the region.

According to the stakeholders, there is a need for a coordinated and harmonised implementation of ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of goods and people across the region in enhancing bilateral trade between Nigeria and other regions.

Indeed, regional stakeholders in the export sector during the 2014 edition of the Borderless conference identified the need to embrace a sealink project that would facilitate trade, particularly dismantling the numerous security outposts and checkpoints along the borders, in order to reduce smuggling activities and promote regional investments in trade.

To this end, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) noted that a private placement of $60 million would be floated on Monday to aid the establishment of shipping company that would drive the sealink project.

The stakeholders, while speaking at the Borderless Conference on Enabling Growth in Lagos, recently emphasised the need to identify priorities for stimulating regional trade with emphasis on a coordinated approach to implementation of frameworks.

The stakeholders who cut across the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Export Promotion

Council (NEPC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and Parliament, USAID, West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), African Development Bank and UEMOA, have a mandate to encourage an export supply response in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and mining.

Government’s worry on poor regional integration The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga noted that despite the continent’s potential in terms of population growth and rich agricultural and mineral endowments, its contribution to global trade remains poor, just as its intra-regional trade has become stagnated.

Aganga, who was represented by the Managing Director, NEXIM, Roberts Orya emphasized the need to address key challenges affecting trade growth within the region, citing a collaboration of the public and private sectors in removing such impediments therefore creating a freer and bigger market that would attract investment capital.

According to him, some of the impediments to trade, particularly in the ECOWAS region include tariff ad non-tariff barriers and removing such trade barriers largely require the cooperation and strong political will among member countries to bring about the needed redress.

U.S. seeks softer protectionist stance On his part, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle added that facilitating trade remains a development imperative for the African region.

According to him, with freer trade comes increased economic growth and prosperity throughout the region, adding that the U.S. was

Top on the list of hindrances to growth of sub-regional bilateral ties is poor infrastructure. The continent’s multiple trade agreements are another hindrance. For instance, Africa has 14 different trading blocs with overlapping members. Most countries belong to at least two blocs. Many belong to three. Yet traders find a way around such barriers, as many informal trades are not properly recorded. Many other goods move across borders but elude the customs inspectors who record official trade flows.

ready to lend its support to the region in attaining its development goals.

He noted that addressing protectionist measures, particularly removing such policies, may have a short-term pain on the region, especially Nigeria, but would eventually produce longterm benefits.

Stakeholders seek measures to tackle infrastructure deficit Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Olusegun Awolowo, explained that enhancing regional trade would require efficient transportation system to affect and facilitate sustainable trade flow for stronger economic growth and profitability.

He further said: “NEPC has realised the need for a critical exercise on increasing the volume of trade through drastic reduction of widening informal trade. There is the need to encourage partners like ECOWAS Commission and other agencies to consider development of infrastructure, regional value chains, the effect of corruption and the value of regional integration when identifying priorities for stimulating intra-African trade.

“In addition, there should be emphasis on development and growth of corridors and regional hubs as useful strategies for stimulating economic activities and inspiring diversification. National and regional industrialization strategy should focus on transforming agricultural products into manufactured goods and the provision of high-technology services at competitive prices to enhance the potential for trade and competitiveness within the ECOWAS. “The need for a coordinated and harmonized implementation of ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of goods and people across the region by, in particular, dismantling the numerous security outposts and checkpoints along the borders will in our view, facilitate trade, reduce smuggling activities and promote regional investments in trade.”

President, Borderless Alliance, Ziad Hamoui explained that the conference was designed to address critical issues in trade and transport across the region.

“As a leading advocacy platform in West Africa by promoting economic integration and removing the barriers to trade and transport, we would continue to seek sustainable solutions that would leave a positive impact on the business environment in the region”, he added.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014 INDUSTRY 39

Nigeria, Taiwan seek closer bilateral ties Stories by Femi Adekoya a decline in bilateral ties between FtwoOLLOWING Nigeria and Taiwan in the 2013 fiscal year, the countries have sought new measures to drive profitable trade relationships under a new

initiative.

Indeed, the initiative will see the trade partners encouraging knowledge sharing in a bid to identify new investment areas while promoting commercial interaction and industrial cooperation.

Rice dealers move to address smuggling IQUED by the rising trend of smuggling activ- cials, Rice Market Leaders from Daleko, Isolo, P ities in the country, rice dealers in Nigeria Lagos, G.Cappa, Oshodi Lagos, Iddo Rice Market have declared that it would no longer be business as usual for smugglers of the commodity into the country.

Following a resolution at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos yesterday, the dealers which included Rice Millers, Importers and Distributors Association of Nigeria, (RiMIDAN), key rice distributors, importers and other relevant stakeholders including security agencies, made it clear that smuggling of rice into Nigeria has brought untold hardship to all and sundry.

They therefore issued a communiqué which formed their resolve to stop rice smuggling from neighbouring countries particularly Republic of Benin into Nigeria markets.

The meeting equally resolved to alert government agencies and functionaries such as the Nigeria Custom Service, Special Fraud Unit of Nigeria Police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, among others, on those dealing with smuggled rice so that the law would take its course.

The stakeholders also resolved to ensure that in the next few days, every knotty issue about rice policy like high tariff, improved value chain, prosecuting the federal government’s agricultural agenda especially in the areas of boosting food sufficiency and so on, would begin to take shape properly.

It would be recalled that rice dealers under the auspices of RiMIDAN has been crying hoarse over the non-implementation of the 2013 benchmark of $190 per metric ton duty on imported rice which in ton has resulted in the flooding of the Nigerian markets with smuggled rice from Republic of Benin.

President of RiMIDAN, Tunji Owoeye while explaining the rationale behind the stakeholders meeting, disclosed that the Federal Government has assured that it would soon resolve every contentious issue in the rice business in order to boost economy and make those in the sector to survive.

“We want zero-tolerance on rice smuggling. The leadership of the distributors are ready to work with us, importers can now import legally while millers and rice farmers should fully be back to business,” Owoeye stated.

The rice dealers agreed to continuously collaborate and work together towards sanitising the sector, which they said, has been taken over by unscrupulous people due to the inaction of the federal government on the agreed duty.

However, the rice dealers expressed joy that government has now started listening to them and has promised some incentives for millers as well as make the business competitive by encouraging local production of quality rice.

The meeting was attended by RiMIDAN offi-

Anjorin heads Lagos MBAN The Master Bakers and Caterers Association of Nigeria (MBAN) that endorsed the food and beverage (F&B) exhibition - Foodbext West Africa, was actually the Lagos chapter of the national body headed by Jacob Anjorin.

Simeon Abanulor remains the National Caretaker Chairman.

Leaders, importers as well as representatives of enforcement agencies from Special Fraud Unit of Police, EFCC as well as the Customs which team was led by D.C. Chaza, Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Enforcement.

Speaking at the forum Mrs Ifeoma Okorie, among others, were unanimous that increased rice smuggling could rubbish the federal government’s Agricultural Agenda and therefore should not be allowed to continue.

The sensitization campaign against patronising smuggled rice would be carried out in other parts of the country especially areas where the products are being sold cheap to the detriment of legal dealers, the stakeholders said.

Specifically, information obtained by The Guardian showed that trade volume between the two countries dropped by 45 per cent to $855.7 million between January and November 2013.

Furthermore, exports from Taiwan to Nigeria totaled $235.9 million, representing an increase of 331 per cent, while imports from Nigeria to Taiwan hit $619.7 million, representing a decrease of 55 per cent when compared with 2012..

Speaking at the third Nigeria-Taiwan Joint business council meeting on “Trade and Investment Opportunities in Nigeria” in Lagos on Monday, the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar explained that there is a need to expand business interactions between Nigeria and Taiwan in order to boost bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

He added: “Nigeria is Taiwan’s largest partner in Africa. If Nigerian and Taiwanese businesses must continue to survive and thrive, they must intensify and improve on their joint venture partnerships to boost their trade relations through greater imports, exports and manufacturing activities.

“This business dialogue and exhibition is a demonstration of the commitment of Taiwan and Nigeria to fast-track the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, with a view to strengthening the existing mutual bilateral relationship, as well as accelerate the improved cooperation the business communities of our two countries”.

On his part, the Chief Delegate, Taiwan Trade Delegation, Mike Hung, noted that the country has continued to keep itself abreast of opportunities in the Nigerian market, adding that Taiwan would continue to seek new ways to harness the potential trade and investment opportunities that Nigeria has to offer.

“Given the significant decline in bilateral trade between our two countries, the trade delegation and NACCIMA need to work more closely to promote commercial interaction and industrial cooperation. I am convinced that frequent exchange and interaction between our business people will eventually bear fruitful results in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment”.

Giving an overview of new opportunities in their countries, the trade partners sought the need for potential in the Small and Medium Enterprises sector to be properly harnessed in driving trade growth.

Director, World Chambers Federation, Anthony Parkes (left); Council Member, Vasily Kozhan; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Remi Bello; and Chairman, World Chambers Federation, Peter Mihok, at the Council Meeting of the Federation in Paris.

Dangote to stake $600m on cement factory in Kenya S part of its expansion project in Africa, On his part, Kenyan Deputy Prime Minister said Information and Communication, Dr Fred A President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote he was impressed with what he saw at the Natiang; Secretary of Industrialization Mr. has disclosed that his conglomerate is plan- Obajana factory, considered to be one of the ning to build a $600 million cement plant in Kenya.

The Group Chief Executive made this disclosure during the visit of the Kenyan Deputy Prime Minister, Wiliam Ruto, to Dangote Cement Obajana plant in Kogi State recently.

Dangote said the three million metric tonnes factory may start operation very soon because preparatory arrangements have commenced.

He expressed satisfaction with the level support and partnership from the government of Kenya.

biggest cement factories in the world.

He said: “I am now convinced that we are dealing with the right person. I am really impressed with what I have seen here. I am convinced that as soon as the remaining two licenses are secured and the company is established it will create jobs for our people back home.

"I also want to assure Alhaji Aliko Dangote that Kenya is a peaceful and friendly country to do business", he said.

On the entourage of the Deputy Prime Minister were: the Kenya’s Secretary of

Adam Muhammad; Chief of Staff to Deputy PM, Mr. Marrianne Keitanany, Director of Communication Mr. Emmanuel Talam, Secretary of Policy Mr. Peter Karinki, member of parliament Hon. Annah Kenyata and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Mrs Phannie Mogaka.

Dangote Cement Plc has three plants in Nigeria. They are the Obajana Cement Plant which produces about 10.25 million metric tonnes, the Ibese plant which produces six million metric tonnes and the Gboko plant which produces about four million metric tonnes.

FAO, IFAD seek measures to promote export, food security in Nigeria, others S the Federal Government A continues to drive its agricultural transformation agenda, key development agencies have advocated a greater policy focus on staple foods as part of measures to increase its export and unlock unexploited trade potential.

Indeed, the agencies identified the need for government to encourage incentivised agricultural productions while encouraging bilateral ties along the West African trade routes.

In a joint publication by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Fund for

Agricultural Development (IFAD) entitled ‘Rebuilding West Africa’s food potential: Policies and market incentives for smallholder-inclusive food value chains’, the agencies urged West African governments to “direct greater efforts to develop staple food crops, which in the past have been sidelined in favour of a few export commodities”.

The publication, which brought together seven analytical policy pieces and nine case studies on the scope for development and the agricultural potential of West Africa, maintains that “maize and cassava could form the backbone for a

thriving agro-industry given their multiple market applications,” while rice production offers huge potential, in view of the deficit in production in West Africa, as 70 per cent of the region’s rice consumption is imported.

Some of the products covered in the publication include: cocoa, cotton, high-value horticulture products, palm oil, rice, sorghum, millet and cassava.

In addition, the publication maintains that “yields on sorghum and millet could double or triple with the help of improved seed varieties.”

However, it is recognised that

there is little incentive for farmers “to increase production if they can’t sell their crops because of cheaper and easily accessible imports”.

The agencies argued, “Policy and market incentives are needed to improve the competitiveness of locally grown crops and increase their share in the consumer market.”

While calling for a greater policy focus on staple crops, the FAO publication “underscores the importance of continued investment in export crops such as cotton, coffee and cocoa, which play a significant role in generating income and employment”,

and highlights the potential for growth in tropical fruit and vegetable exports targeting emerging niche markets.

Furthermore, the agencies noted that “tapping [of] unexploited trade potential within the region”, is seen as “critical for agricultural development”.

According to the agencies, “the real challenge for West Africa is learning how to unlock the intraregional trade potential”, by addressing key constraints such as “poor transport networks, excessive regulation and conflicting trade policies among different countries, all of which result in costly delays on West African

trade routes”.

The publication further calls for greater attention to be paid to public–private sector partnerships “to improve access to credit and markets for smallscale farmers”, particularly for women farmers. This is seen as vital to strengthening “postharvest processing and marketing”.

Similarly, the publication highlights “the importance of strengthening farmers’ organizations”, particularly strengthening their capacity “to negotiate arrangements with suppliers and buyers” and play a full role in policy dialogue with governments.

40 Wednesday, March 5, 2014

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GUARDIANENERGY ENERGY /42

Crude oil theft a national tragedy, says Shell

NNRA raises alarm over radioactive materials in scrap metals

ENERGY/42

OIL

Path to successful marginal oil field business in Nigeria, by Habib ENERGY /43

POWER

GAS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014

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Oando tank farm

Depot owners canvass policy dialogue on kerosene From Mathias Okwe, Assistant Business Editor, Abuja HE Depot and Petroleum T Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) has raised concern over the lingering controversy in the subsidy administration of Dual purpose Kerosene (DPK) also known as kerosene.

Besides, the association has advocated for a policy dialogue on the subject as part of a permanent solution, which could eventually lead to the deregulation of the kerosene product.

The position being canvassed by the association was contained in a response to The Guardian’s enquiry from DAPPMA on the state of the

kerosene availability and price regime following accusations that the product was in short supply and also getting out of the reach of the masses.

According to the DAPPMA President, Dapo Abiodun, the policy dialogue had become imperative as kerosene consumption has become very competitive between house hold and industrial usage in the country, thus making the product to be in high demand.

Specifically, Abiodun declared that of the about nine million liters of kerosene’ s daily consumption in Nigeria, household accounts for 58 per cent while industrial demand gets the balance of 42 per cent,

thus making the product scarce and expensive for household usage.

Accordingly, he canvassed for a paradigm shift where an alternative energy source such as LPG should be developed to replace kerosene to address the seeming crisis surrounding the product.

Abioudun gave insight into the kerosene product availability and price regime situation in the country.

He described kerosene as a combustible hydrocarbon liquid. “It is a thin, clear liquid formed from hydrocarbons and is also usually called paraffin in some areas across the globe. It is a source of energy and has various uses categorized in the following broad categories: domestic usage, airline industry usage and manufacturing/construction usage.

“The average supply of

kerosene nationwide is pegged at approximately 9,000,000 litres/day. This is expected to serve the teeming population of 170 million people as energy for cooking.

However because of the dual purpose nature of kerosene as

its name implies, the demand for kerosene from other sectors of the economy is very high.

“Research has shown that only about 58 per cent of the total quantity of kerosene made available for use by the

masses is actually used by households. The remaining 42 per cent don’t get to the masses and the reason is not farfetched. Invariably DPK finds its way as ATK in the avia-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

How to check fuel scarcity, by stakeholders

By Sulaimon Salau rked by the lingering scarcity of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), concerned stakeholders in the industry have tasked the Federal Government on strategies that could permanently put an end to the phenomenon.

Specifically, the stakeholders canvassed robust political will to implement certain policies in the petroleum sector in other to entrench competition and ultimately crash the prices of products.

I

The Executive Vice Chairman, Techno Oil Limited, Mrs. Nkechi Obi, in a recent interview with The Guardian, canvassed for deregulation, describing it as the bedrock for transformation and growth in the downstream sector.

She said: “Full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector is vital to enable a viable oil and gas sector and efficient economy that would provide employment and encourage investment in different sec-

tors.

“Government must handsoff the downstream sector, we have been on this issue for too long. I have always been an advocate of deregulation, currently the downstream sector is over regulated and the earlier we deregulate the system the better for everybody.

“Ultimately, I see no reason why government should continue to be a key player in the downstream sector because the resultant effect has always been the stiffening of the operations of the downstream sector operators.

“To postpone deregulation, even for one day is dangerous for the products supply and distribution in the country. If we fail to deregulate now, the whole downstream sector of the Nigeria oil industry would collapse years to come and the consequences would be too grave for our national economy. Indeed deregulation is

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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ENERGY Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Crude oil theft a national tragedy, says Shell

By Sulaimon Salau HE Shell Petroleum DevelT opment Company (SPDC) has described the menace of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta as a national tragedy which has hit hard on the economy.

The Managing Director, SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, who spoke at the Aret Adams yearly Lecture in Lagos recently, said “crude oil theft is a national tragedy because it is a major threat to Nigeria’s economic

development and our environment,” He stressed that the menace has hit hard on the economy considering the fact that Nigeria’s economy is heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry, and the industry produces 80 per cent of government revenues and 95 per cent of all government export earnings.

Sunmonu quoted the Chatham House reports, which stated that Nigeria lost

at least 100,000 barrels of oil per day (about five per cent) of total output in the first quarter of 2013, to theft from onshore and swamp operations alone.

He therefore solicited for a concerted effort by the government and all stakeholders to work towards curbing crude theft in the country.

The Shell boss said beyond surveillance, Nigeria needs substantial investment in the power and refining sectors, to

ensure that there is enough electricity to kill the demand for illegally refined fuel used to power generators.

He however, noted that: “SPDC has been supporting the government in its efforts to provide more energy for Nigerians, in order to help lift people out of poverty and provide basic needs.

According to him, most of this oil is shipped and sold in the international markets, while some of it is refined ille-

gally along the creeks. “You don’t need a mathematician to calculate the value of this stolen oil. We are talking about billions of dollars. Money that could be used to finance much needed development in the country: roads, hospitals, schools, power generation.

The list is endless,” he lamented.

Recounting the ordeals of his company, which was the most hit by the menace, Sunmonu said crude theft affects oil and gas operations on land and swamp across the Niger Delta.

“However, as the international oil company with the most extensive footprint in the country, SPDC has been hit the hardest. There were over 80 reported incidents of crude oil theft from SPDC facilities that involved vandalism, spills, fires or arrests in 2012. The Nigerian authorities seized several tankers, barges, and locally made boats that were in-

volved in these criminal activities.

“SPDC shut down the Nembe Creek Trunkline (NCTL) in April 2013 for more than 100 days to remove crude oil theft connections and investigate suspected oil theft leaks. It is worth noting that this line has the capacity to transport about 150,000 barrels of oil per day and was shut a number of times in 2013 alone. We also shut the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) several times during the year declaring force majeure on Bonny Light exports and gas supply to NLNG. “In addition to these severe incidents, we also recorded eight crude oil theft and sabotage related spill incidents in Adibawa Field in Eastern Niger Delta between January and June 2013. No matter the scale of the incidents, it is a saddening situation, and these are just some examples of the problems we faced in 2013.

Depot owners canvass policy dialogue on kerosene CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

President, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG),Comrade Achese Igwe (left); Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; NUPENG Zonal Chairman , Tokunbo Korodo and THE Managing Director, Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO),Venkataraman Venkatapathy, at the commissioning of zonal secretariat of the union in Lagos .

NNRA raises alarm over radioactive materials in scrap metals

By Eno Bassey HE Nigerian Nuclear ReguT latory Authority (NNRA) has stressed the need to put in place adequate control of metal recycling and production industries to guard against harmful radiation.

This was the focus at the justconcluded two-day stakeholders’ workshop on dealing, processing and recycling plants/scrap metals and other commodities that could inadvertently contain radioactive metal, held in Lagos recently.

According to the acting Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NNRA, Dr. Martin Ogbarandukun “Several accidents involving radioactive sources have occurred in the metal recy-

cling and production industries, hence, the need to institute adequate control of these sources.”

Speaking on, ‘Dealing, Processing and Recycling of Scrap Metals and other Commodities that could inadvertently contain Radioactive Material’, and which drew stakeholders including Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Centre for Nuclear Research, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Ogbarandukun described scrap metal as an important source material for metal recycling and production industries, contributing a large fraction of the final product.

“The melting of a radioactive source with scrap metal or its rupturing, when mixed with scrap metal can result in con-

taminated recycled metal and wastes. Consequently, expensive cleanup operations may be necessary. Furthermore if the contaminated material is not detected at the metal recycling and production facility, workers may be exposed to radiation and radio-nuclides might become incorporated into various finished products and wastes, which, in turn, may lead to the exposure of users of these products,” he said.

He continued: “Nigerian Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources Regulations, 2006 provides that export of scrap metal shall only be done through designated ports where portal monitors are provided and that a certified document indicating that the consign-

ment does not contain high level of radioactivity should be provided to the Nigerian Customs Services before export. The regulations also provided that industries that use scrap metal as raw materials in the country should provide radiation monitors for screening of radioactivity. As an important component of the overall system of control of radioactive material within Nigeria, monitoring of scrap metals therefore will help prevent radioactive material from being inadvertently processed within the metal recycling and production industries. The proper management and recycling of scrap metal by metal recycling and production industries is an essential part of the regulatory framework of NNRA”.

EMS commences review of national electricity pole manufacturers’ directory From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE Electricity Management Services Limited (EMS) has commenced the review of the National Electricity Pole Manufacturers Directory (NEPMD), to ensure that only those who meet current international standards are the ones that are retained.

As part of the reforms in the sector, and the successful handover of the generation and distribution companies to private investors, the Federal Ministry of Power has formally handed over its inspectorate services to the Electricity Management Services Limited (EMS).

EMS, which inherited the Electricity Inspectorate Services Department of the Min-

T

istry of Power, recalled that the agency had earlier been mandated to take over the responsibilities of some noncore professional and subsidiary services of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and its successor companies.

To actualize this, EMS says it has started complying with all needed ancillary and support services to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), commenced the process for the review of the National Electricity Pole Manufacturers Directory, as it embarked on an intensive enforcement of standards in premises of pole manufacturers.

Managing Director of the Electricity Management Serv-

ices Limited (EMS), Engr Peter Ewesor, who led a team of inspectors from his organization to some pole manufacturers in Abuja, stressed that EMS was still under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Power, it would now give speed to its mandate of ensuring quality and standardization of materials, equipment and machines used for electricity generation, transmission and distribution networks in Nigeria.

He told newsmen: “Before now say in 2005, the Electricity Inspectorate Services Department (EIS) in the Federal Ministry of Power was a statutory body carrying out inspection, testing and certification

of electric equipment in the industry to ensure that low quality and substandard materials are not used in the industry. Equally, when these networks have been concluded, what happens is that even though good quality materials and products are procured, the constructions are of sometimes of low quality.

“Like somebody planting poles in the wrong place, putting the crossing at the wrong angle, or putting the conductor in the wrong place. You find all these things are actually discovered during inspection and these are corrected.

But if you do not effectively monitor the industry, you have bad networks that are in the state of disrepair.

tion industry, in the same manner it is directly smuggled across the borders to neighboring countries, it is also mixed with diesel for the purpose of increasing the volume of diesel used for fuelling, and its use by construction companies for road building cannot be left out. These factors combined are crucial to the analysis of the dynamics of DPK usage and is the crux of the matter.

“Be that as it may, NNPC currently remains the sole importer of DPK; marketers are expected to augment the supply abreast with the subsidy burden, and have tactfully avoided the DPK importation imbroglio. NNPC on the other hand, is and remains the supplier of last resort thus tries to ensure the availability of kerosene come rain or shine.

Most times this is done at a huge cost and burden to its commercial model and business interest.

“The price regime of DPK exrefineries/depots in Nigeria is at N40.90k/litre, NNPC sells DPK at its retail outlets for N50/litre. If the PPPRA template is taken into account, DPK is expected to have a landing cost of N130/litre leaving a gap of about N80/litre which is a cost element to NNPC and the tune to which DPK is subsidized for the populace.

“The question ‘where does the subsidy go?’ then arises.ooThe total demand for DPK across all sectors by far

outweighs the supply available nationwide thus leading to a shortage of the product and a resultant increase in the equilibrium price. This is the major reason why the subsidy though enormous is not being felt by the populace.

“Unless other alternative energy sources are harnessed to replace DPK as the preferred energy of choice in households, the domestic demand for kerosene will always exceed the supply and this trend is bound to continue. There has to be a concerted effort to wean the populace from relying on Kerosene as domestic energy and replace same with an alternative like LPG, which also has various other uses,” he emphasized in the response”, he stated.

The DAPPMA Chairman described LPG to be a very clean and efficient fuel, and can be an effective substitute for kerosene, adding that at the moment there is an excess amount of LPG awaiting consumers.

He disclosed: “The Nigerian LPG market is growing in leaps and bounds, in recent times major milestones have been achieved with the consumption of LPG in Nigeria peaking to 250,000 MT in 2013. The domestic quantity available for consumption from the major sources of supply is approximately 840,400 MT leaving a gap of about 590,000MT. Obviously, this portends a lot of potential for teeming entrants, investors and willing businesses alike; the critical factor being supply is adequate and increasing, this is

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Youths protest electricity bill, demand prepaid meter From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka OME youths in the comSfaulted mercial city of Onitsha have the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), accusing the company of pronouncing a bloated amount of N1.5 billion as debt owed the company by consummers in the town.

This is coming a day after the Manager of Onitsha business unit of the company, Kingsley Aja, declared that electricity consumers in Onitsha are owing EEDC a huge sum of N1.5 billion, Aja had in an interview with a national daily declared that electricity consumers in the commercial city of Onitsha owe EEDC the sum of N1.5 billion The youths, under the aegis of Fegge Youths Association, who organized a peaceful protest across major roads in Onitsha, declared that EEDC should provide residents with appropriate billing system.

“Henceforth EEDC should

supply residents with prepaid meter system and not estimated bill, the EEDC officials are issuing us with amount of bill that is far higher than what they consume, even when power supply is poor in the city”.

The aggrieved youths carried placards with inscriptions like, “We want prepaid meter not estimated bill”, We cannot pay more than what we consume”, “Your bills are no longer acceptable”, “Estimation is fraud”.

The Fegge youths through their leader Comrade Kenneth Aloka, stated that in some cases they issue them with monthly bill of up to N7,000 to N13,000, for a three bed room flat despite the poor power supply.

Aloka saidL: “How can residents who don’t have electricity consuming equipments pay such amount of money in one month, it is no longer acceptable to us, and all we are saying to whoever in charge is to make prepaid meter available to us, finished”.

The Chief Executive Officer, Emadeb Energy Services Limited, Mr Adebowale Emmanuel Olujimi (left); Pastor Kalejaiye of the RCCG being assisted by the Director Emadeb, Mrs Gbemisoye Olujimi, during the commissioning of the ultra modern 50 million litres capacity petroleum products tank farm at Folarin Waterside, Ijegun, Lagos.

Isoko group frowns at NPDCs partners’ activities in communities SOKO Development Union Iover has expressed displeasure its failure Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to sign a memorandum of agreement with the host communities of OMIs 26 and 30 in Isoko community after the divestment carried out by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its Joint Venture Partners between 2010 and 2012.

The President General of the union, Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu, made this statement in a letter titled: “The Stealthy Presence of IGPES Gas And Power Limited in Isoko land and its Condemnable Policy of Marginalization of the Isokos in the employment/recruitment of

Workers into the Company written by the union’s Solicitor - Okiroroiki-Ebieroma of O. Iki -Ebieroma & Associates.

In the letter made available to The Guardian on Monday, the union accused IGPES Power and Gas Limited of marginalizing Isoko people, witch-hunting and involve in employment racketing for NPDC. The letter said that IGPES of sneaked into Isoko land without obtaining the requisite Free to Operate (FTO).

The letter read in part: “Our client’s instruction is that the attention of the leadership of the Isoko Ethnic nationality has been drawn to the presence of your company in Isoko land since February, 2013. It has also been

revealed that your company is a contracting firm for NPDC, the company supposedly in charge of the operatorship of OMLs 26 and 30 after the divestment carried out by SPDC and its Joint Venture partners. Upon the said divestment, NPDC contracted the same to your company in the name of ‘operate and maintain contract’ to the extent that your company is in charge of the day to day running of both OMLs”.

In order to resolve all pending issues, the union has invited the management of IGPES for a meeting with the leadership of Isoko nation.

According to law firm, the whole essence of the meeting is for the leadership of Isoko nation and IGPES to resolve

the burning issues in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

In related a development, the President General of Isokos in North America Emmanuel Ojo and a U.S base business executive, Chief EzekielIki-Ebieroma, have decried the extreme marginalization of Isoko communities in contrast with their counterparts in oil producing communities.

Their position was made known to the President General of IDU, Gen Omu, when they paid him a visit.

Omu, in his responds commended them for the visit and encouraged them to be good ambassadors of Isoko in Diaspora.

The visitors also indicated

Emadeb buoys fuel supply with new depot facility

By Sulaimon Salau N independent fuel marketing firm, Emadeb Petroleum has floated a new ultra-modern petroleum storage and distribution depot in Lagos State to enhance fuel distribution across the country.

The facility, located in a newly discovered location at Folarin

A

Waterfront, in Satelite Town, Lagos, has about 50 million liters capacity, with fully automated loading gantry, with capacity to load about 6 million litters a day.

Besides, the multi billion naira depot is built with a dedicated jetty which has capacity to berth about 15,000 metric tonne vessels.

The Chairman/Managing Director, Emadeb Petroleum, Debo Olujimi, said: “Our focus is to efficiently distribute and ensure that consumers access the products easily. We were initially looking into Apapa Depot axis, but the opportunity of this land at Folarin Waterfront came after a long while, and we immediately began processes since 2011 and the rest is what we celebrate today.”

Olujimi applauded some Nigerian banks for their financial commitment to the project, boasting that it can conveniently load about 200 trucks in a day, under a very safe atmosphere.

According to him, the company is making frantic effort to ensure that corporate social responsibility is extended to the host community, especially through constructing access roads to the depot, which would be completed in 2015.

“If you look at the plan, we have actually started the full construction of the entire road structure, which is a

value of about N700 million to put the infrastructure in place, including road, lighting and drainages. We started from our own facility here to the major side of the main road, so we are committed to that project with other stakeholders. Within the next 12 months, Gods willing, we should be able to complete the road structure,” he said.

On safety measures at the facility, Olujimi said: “Safety is key to our operations, and we have been doing so much to train the workforce on safety while all necessary safety gadgets and techniques are available in the facility.”

The Operations Controller, Lagos Zone of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Olugbenga Koku, confirmed that the company met all statutory compliance required to put up such facility in the country.

Describing it as a state-of-theart facility, he urged the company to make good use of the depot to enhance product distribution in the country.

How to check fuel scarcity, by stakeholders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40 an economic inevitability,” she said.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Elshcon Nigeria Limited, Emi Membere-Otaji, berated the current lingering scarcity, urging the Federal Government to deregulate the sector so that Nigerians could benefit from the abundant petroleum resources.

Membere-Otaji, however solicited for revival of the refineries in-country, stressing that Nigeria needs to refine its own product in other to reduce reliance on importation.

“I am totally in support of deregulation and I believe that what is happening today, the fuel scarcity is because the some people are proved to be smart. Proper deregulation of the downstream sector is key, if Nigeria want to do away with fuel scarcity,” he said.

“If we deregulate the sector and our existing refineries cannot compete, people bring fuel from neighbouring countries that all have refineries now. All these things have to do with political-will

on the part of government, so I will implore them to build up the will to save the industry,” he said.

The Chairman/Managing Director, Emadeb Petroleum, Debo Olujimi, urged the downstream operators to nurture their integrity, as a major factor need to efficiently run, procure and distribute petroleum products in Nigeria.

“Every stakeholder in the downstream industry wants deregulation. The subsidy regime is not so convenient for the operators. We have to go deregulation. I am sure we cannot continue to sustain this system. It’s a huge spending on the part of the government.

“We cannot continue to be an import dependent country.

So, we have to build structures to be able to run things efficiently, and I hope we have a listening government and that they will work towards it.

Hopefully if deregulation starts people will be able to raise funds better, makes products available and cheaper to the citizenry,” he said.

Centre moves to reduce over -dependence on expatriate engineers From Ann Godwin (Port Harcourt) O reduce the use of expaT triate engineers in the oil industries and give Nigerians the opportunity to showcase efficiency and grow their economy, an Asia’s biggest network training centre, CADD has unveiled new training office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

General Manager, CADD Centre Nigeria, Vijay Baskar, said the training Centre would help strengthen the skills of engineering students and make them employable after graduation.

He regretted that high percent of engineering graduates have lost several opportunities in the industry due to lack of requisite skills but expressed hope for a reversal.

Baskar who spoke at the in-

auguration of the centre weekend in Port Harcourt, however urged the Federal government to hastily sign the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) into law noting that the training centre have all its takes to train the local engineers to fill the gap.

According to him, “over the years many Engineering student are not been giving their rightful place in the industry after graduation because they have no requisite experiences to showcase efficiency”.

“But CADD is in Nigeria to train those with engineering experiences to strengthen their skills to be employable, productive and efficient for the good and growth of Nigeria economy”.

He pointed out that the Centre has all the available courses and teaching aid that will improve the skills of all those under their training.

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ENERGY Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Path to successful marginal oil field

Habib

Adam Habib is the Chief Executive Officer of ME-A Resources Limited, an investment company domiciled in Mauritius, with operations in Middle East and Africa.

In this interview with Roseline Okere, he spoke on the importance of alternative funding for oil and gas companies in Nigeria and the company’s interest in providing technical expertise needed in the operation of marginal oil fields in the country. Excerpts.

E-A Resources Limited is an upstream M oil and gas investment company registered in Mauritius. Why the interest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector?

ME-A Resources Limited (ME-A) is an upstream oil and gas investment company that focuses on alternative funding of marginal oil and gas assets across the Middle East and Africa.

The plans by the Federal Government to organise another licensing round for marginal fields in the country have generated interest among prospective investors. This has raised a lot of interest among Nigerian companies. There are many investors who are interested in buying these oil blocks, but having the challenge of raising enough capital to buy these assets and to bring them into production. Many of them do not have the required expertise and the technical capability to develop these fields. What we are trying to do is to talk to people that it might make more sense to invest in companies like ME-A, while they are trying to acquire marginal fields from government.

The advantage of investing in ME-A is that

we will do the technical due diligence and deal with the right blocks. Instead of getting blocks, which the investors may not be able to bring into production, we will select the block that has the best possibility of producing crude oil. This would help the investor to be able to get return on investments. There are many reasons why some marginal fields are not producing in the country. For some, it could be lack of access to adequate finance to bring the field into production and for others; it could be lack of expertise to bring the oil blocks into full production.

What the investors need are term of experts, finance companies who are looking for a range of opportunities and are able to select the right opportunity to ensure that they get the first oil very quickly. It is all about getting all the risks covered. Such as identifying the right block that will produce oil; political and community issues; and taking all our cash flow and bringing it back into the business to further develop the assets that we have. So, it is more of development cost. Even the smallest asset needs about $25 million to $35 million. This is a lot

of money. Buying assets and not having adequate means of financing it, is really the wrong way to go.

We are here in Nigeria to meet service providers, asset owners as well as interested individuals or companies that want to invest in our business. So, we have

arranged to meet prospective investors, owners of oil blocks who are looking for money, service providers, like lawyers, accountants, oil servicing and drilling companies and many others. We will be meeting a whole range of people to talk about what ME-A Resources is doing and

The reason why many of the wells many not yield the expected result is lack of necessary expertise. At ME-A, we have the necessary experience to ensure that we identify the right well with good opportunity, engage our technical expertise and ensure that the investor get return on investment. ME-A has drilled over 1000 wells across different countries. We have some experts that have worked with reputable companies who have one time or the other made the decision of which assets should keep on producing and which asset should be marginal.

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business in Nigeria, by Habib trying to here in Nigeria, across Africa and the Middle East as well.

The Federal Government announced its plans recently to organize another licensing round for marginal fields. How would interested investors engage your company in acquiring these assets?

There are many indigenous companies looking for money to acquire the marginal fields. The truth is that most of them may fail due to lack of necessary technical capability and expertise needed to develop the fields. Many of the companies are running a very low probability of success with the money they have put into the company.

But, we at ME-A Resources are going to use our technical ability to look for the best assets and assist the interested buyer. The investor that engages our company is going to end up with a higher success. We have never funded a company that does not end up in acquisition. We can assure you of continuous cash flow.

We are focused on rapid return of capital and cash flow generation. ME - A makes royalty investments in assets which our analysis shows can return initial invested capital within 18-24 months through sales of oil & gas, and can double this return in a further three years. Thereafter MEA will retain a fixed percentage of revenues earned from production, for the life of the asset. MEA will also receive enhanced returns on each asset through the use of warrants, or other equity type holdings.

There are some marginal fields in Nigeria that were acquired and are facing serious challenges. Do you have provision to take care of the possible risk in investing in an asset that may not yield the expected return at the end of the day?

When the oil price was around $60, it may have made more sense in trying to produce from these assets, because the cost of production from the smaller assets are much more higher than a bigger assets. This is because you have to drill more holes to attract the crude oil. There is also need to put more water or gas so as to ignite the pressure and to ensure that crude oil keep on flowing from the asset.

Return on investments from the smaller assets is lower than bigger assets. If you have the capital to drill the supporting wells that will keep injecting water and gas to keep the oil flowing, you are sure of making good return on investment at the price of $60 per barrel. So, the thing that has changed in the last 20 years is the technical expertise needed to produce the oil and earn profit. There are people who are using below power equipment and technical term and they are unable to maximize the opportunities in a particular oil well. So, they discover the well and are unable to control it.

The reason why many of the wells many not yield the expected result is lack of necessary expertise. At ME-A, we have the necessary experience to ensure that we identify the right well with good opportunity, engage our technical expertise and ensure that the investor get return on investment.

ME-A has drilled over 1000 wells across different countries. We have some experts that have worked with reputable companies who have one time or the other made the decision of which assets should keep on producing and which asset should be classified as marginal.

How do you handle crude oil theft, disruption, political and other associated risks?

MEA demands that operating companies into which it invests put in place suitable insurance to protect crude oil theft. Additionally, as royalty payments are calculated from gross revenues and are not linked to increased costs, any costs associated with security would be absorbed by the equity investors and not ME-A. ME-A will minimise political risks by investing in projects in a variety of countries and regions, and with locally respected operators. By having a diversified portfolio of assets in different countries ME-A will significantly reduce the effect of loss on any single asset; one of the many benefits of having a broad investment mandate of the Middle East and Africa.

The royalty structure employed by ME-A

We want to use our extensive experience in finance, combined with technical oil and gas expertise, to craft a truly unique exposure for investors who wish to invest in upstream oil and gas. As always, cash flow is king and companies can only realistically get financing for asset that are either producing or are close to production.

What we do at ME-A Resources is that we make investments and get our cash return every month from the asset. has in-built payment mechanics designed to achieve an accelerated return of invested capital over negotiated time horizons. If the oil price drops or if production is lower than estimated resulting in uncertainty of achieving the payback time horizon, ME-A will automatically receive a higher proportion of revenue thereby providing some insurance against these risks.

For longer term price fluctuations ME-A will also put on hedging positions in the market.

We have seen a situation whereby companies like Shell had to leave a particular oil producing area in the Niger Delta of Nigeria due to its inability to deal community issues. Has ME-A put into consideration the fact that community issues could be a challenge?

We are talking with local companies on how to handle any community issues that may arise in the future. We are not taking possession of the assets. We are only giving them money and helping them to bring the assets into production or increase the production base of the assets that are already producing. What we shall be doing is to use the indigenous companies that have been able to manage community challenges. We are going to be engaging some companies that have been successful in helping the multinational oil companies to resolve community issues.

One of the reasons why some interested marginal field investors are finding difficult sourcing for fund may be as a result of these community issues. But, what we need to understand is that there are some people who are successful in resolving these community challenges. As an investor, not a shareholder, we can decide which company to invest our funds. We are going to do research and everything possible to ensure that we handle every risk that may arise. Nigeria is not the only country that experience community problem.

Wherever there are valuable assets, there will definitely be community issues.

ME-A Resources seems to engage in royalty financing. How would you describe this mandate and what’s its benefits to the Nigeria oil and gas sector?

If we go back to about 100 years in the

ME-A will minimise political risks by investing in projects in a variety of countries and regions, and with locally respected operators. By having a diversified portfolio of assets in different countries ME-A will significantly reduce the effect of loss on any single asset; one of the many benefits of having a broad investment mandate of the Middle East and Africa.

United States, when people were prospecting for oil in the 18th century, the entrepreneurs who wanted to drill oil would go to the land owners and offer them money to have the right to drill crude oil from their land. The landowners will tell the entrepreneurs that they are not only giving them the right to drill the land, but requested for a percentage of their production. For many years in the United States, the oil companies were paying royalty to land owners. That was when the concept started.

Royalty financing provides the investor with a fixed percentage of future oil revenue from all the production given block or field. Such a fixed percentage of revenue is far more attractive than simply a fixed percentage of revenue is far more attractive than simply a fixed percentage on a loan amount. It is also more attractive than a percentage of net operating income. Not to be left out of some equity upside royalties often come with enhanced returns linked to the long-term equity price of the company that owns the block or field. So as you can see, royalty financing has the protection of being debt with the future upside of capturing equity like returns.

Seeking to protect their investors, however, many of these newcomers will only lend money to opportunities where the underlying asset has cash flows. Although, beneficial to the investors in the company, this requirement can restrict the number of opportunities, which can approach companies like ME-A for financing.

ME-A for example uses royalty financing to lend to its upstream clients.

Royalty financing is an alternative and unique investment strategy currently not offered in the upstream oil and gas space

Habib

in the Middle East or Africa. The structure is however, well-known and proven in the U.S and has been popular with investors for the past 100 years, delivering strong returns of between nine to 18 per cent in US dollars terms on US based upstream oil and gas investments even during these low yielding years since the financial crisis.

We want to use our extensive experience in finance, combined with technical oil and gas expertise, to craft a truly unique exposure for investors who wish to invest in upstream oil and gas. As always, cash flow is king and companies can only realistically get financing for asset that are either producing or are close to production.

What we do at ME-A Resources is that we make investments and get our cash return every month from the asset.

Do you think the exploitation of shale oil and gas in the United States and some parts of Europe would affect marginal and minor oil field sector?

ME-A expects the next few years to provide exciting opportunities in the marginal and minor field sector, which is not expected to be affected by shale exploration and production because emerging markets such as Africa will have bigger consumption and want independent oil supplies. The population is forecasted to treble in the next 30 years and the middle class consumption is set to multiply by several thousands of percentage points during this time.

Other global regions have growing consumption rates. For instance, India alone is consistently taking an average of 120,000 barrels of oil per day from Nigeria. In addition, European demand is increasing having seen a rise in 2011-2012 of imported Nigerian crude oil from 28 per cent to 38 per cent.

International Oil Companies (IOC’s) are continuing to invest in conventional oil exploration and production as the marginal cost per barrel is still far more attractive in a reducing oil price environment; whereas shale costs are greater than conventional methodologies.

The shale industry is still proving itself and should the water table be affected, the shale industry would likely face consumer push back and litigation issues.

The cost of production and required capital investment for shale oil and gas is substantial. Although significant progress has been made and is being made in capital raising, there are still large capital requirements in the shale industry with no

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GlobalStocks World’s richest lose $44 billion to Russia’s invasion

New York Stock Exchange

HE world’s 300 wealthiest people T lost a combined $44.4 billion yesterday as global stocks tumbled the most in a month and the ruble dropped to an all-time low amid Russia’s growing military presence in Ukraine.

The day’s biggest losers were Gennady Timchenko and Leonid Mikhelson, who fell a combined $3.2 billion after OAO Novatek slumped almost 18 per cent, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the richest people on Earth. The two billionaires own almost half of Russia’s largest gas producer after Gazprom OAO. “The Russian invasion of the Crimean peninsula has raised risk premiums for emerging market risk, geopolitical risk and risks to economic growth,” Gautam Batra, a Londonbased investment strategist at Signia Wealth Ltd., said by phone. “Even before the events in Ukraine, it was

natural to expect some sort of volatility this week after a strong run into the end of February. One would have expected a correction or pull-back from the markets anyway.”

All of the Russian and Ukrainian billionaires on the ranking lost money, falling a combined $12.8 billion during the day. Ukraine said Russia threatened to seize its warships in Crimea amid the worst standoff between the West and Russia since the end of the Cold War. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will arrive in Kiev today.

The Russian benchmark Micex Index (OPNMICX) tumbled 11 percent yesterday, its biggest loss since November 2008. The index was up 5.8 percent to 1,363.71 at 4:25 p.m. in Moscow trading today.

Vladimir Lisin, the chairman of Lipetsk, Russia-based Novolipetsk Steel OJSC, the country’s most valuable steelmaker, lost $1.2 billion as

the company retreated 7.1 percent.

He has a net worth of $10.6 billion, down $3.9 billion year-to-date.

Lukoil chief executive officer Vagit Alekperov dropped $960 million after the Moscow-based company, which produces 2 percent of the global oil supply, slumped 9.2 percent.

Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest person, lost almost $700 million. The billionaire owns System Capital Management JSC, the country’s largest industrial conglomerate. The Donetsk, Ukraine-based company had $23.5 billion in revenue in 2012, and has investments in metallurgy, mining and energy. It also controls a 71 percent stake in closely held Metinvest, the country’s largest steelmaker.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft Corp., remains the world’s richest person. The 58-year-old

tycoon’s fortune fell $527 million after the company’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella appointed former political operative Mark Penn to the new role of chief strategy officer, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Gates recaptured the title of world’s richest person on May 16 from Mexican investor Carlos Slim. Gates’s fortune also includes stakes in Canadian National Railway Co., sanitizing-products maker Ecolab Inc. and Republic Services Inc. Slim, 74, has a $63.5 billion fortune and is the biggest dollar loser so far this year. His net worth has fallen $10.2 billion year-to-date.

Warren Buffett, the world’s thirdrichest person, assured shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. that he has plenty of ways to deploy cash after posting record earnings in 2013.

In his annual letter to investors,

posted March 1, Buffett highlighted how Berkshire’s energy unit will seek another takeover after its $5.6 billion acquisition of NV Energy Inc., and explained why a $12.3 billion investment to help take HJ Heinz Co. private was a template for future deals. The Berkshire chairman also discussed subsidiaries’ appetite to spend billions of dollars on smaller transactions, as well as equipment and plants.

“Though we invest abroad as well, the mother lode of opportunity resides in America,” Buffett, 83, wrote in the letter, referring to his company’s capital spending, which climbed to a record $11.1 billion last year.

Amancio Ortega is No. 4 on the ranking. The 77-year-old co-founder of Inditex SA (ITX), the world’s largest clothing retailer, has a net worth of $57.7 billion, down $8.7 billion for the year.

World markets steady as Ukraine impact fears ease LOBAL stock markets steadied yesterday, G with Russia’s main share index rising by more than five per cent, after concerns about Ukraine sparked a sell-off on Monday.

Markets across Europe were higher on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 up 1.7 per cent and Frankfurt’s Dax up 2.5 per cent.

The recovery came despite Russia’s threat to abandon the US dollar as the country’s reserve currency.

And Russia’s top gas producer Gazprom also said it would remove a discount on Ukraine gas prices from April.

However, Alexei Miller, chief executive of the Russian state gas producer, has said Gazprom could lend Ukraine between $2bn (£1.2bn) and $3bn to pay off the country’s debt.

The offer comes after Ukraine told Gazprom it would be unable to pay in full for gas deliveries in February, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

But the European Union later said it would

help Ukraine pay the $2bn it owes Gazprom.

“Payment of the outstanding Ukraine bills is high up in the European Commission’s aid package,” EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said.

Mr Oettinger said the EU could even supply the country with gas.

EU officials are expected to reveal the details of the Ukraine aid package on Wednesday ahead of an EU leaders’ emergency summit on Thursday.

Brussels has offered Ukraine 610m euros (£502m) so far, and reports suggest the 28-member bloc could free up an additional 500m euros.

No more US dollars Ukraine’s interim government has already said that it needs $35bn to pay its bills over the next two years, and has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for rescue funds.

The IMF is currently in Ukraine and will remain there for 10 days, to assess the economy and begin negotiations over a potential bailout.

“We are ready to respond,” IMF managing director Christine Lagarde said last week.

She said the body was also discussing with its international partners how best to help Ukraine “at this critical moment in its history”.

US President Barack Obama has said Washington is considering economic sanctions to “isolate Russia”.

But on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin said those considering sanctions should think of the damage they may incur.

However, in a move that further calmed markets, he told a news conference he saw no need to use military force in Ukraine’s Crimea region at present.

IMF head Christine Lagarde Christine Lagarde says the IMF is “ready to respond” The MICEX share index was up 5.3%, while the rouble rose 1.2% to 36.09 against the dollar.

Kremlin economic aid Sergei Glazyev had earlier been quoted as saying that if the US imposed sanctions, Russia “would find a way

not just to reduce our dependency on the United States to zero but to emerge from those sanctions with great benefits for ourselves”.

He said Russia would figure out a way to use a new payment system that was not reliant on US dollars for international transactions.

The EU has also threatened sanctions, but on Monday a British official was photographed holding policy documents that suggest the UK will not seek to curb trade with Russia or close London’s financial centre to Russians.

“The lack of coherent response from the West may actually be providing some reassurance to traders that things won’t escalate too far, with the reasoning being that the only thing the West will be firing towards Russia are harsh words,” said Jonathan Sudaria, a dealer at London Capital Group, in a note to clients.

Oil prices also dropped, with Brent crude down 2.2% to $109.3 a barrel, with investors believing the threat of supply disruption due to the Ukrainian crisis has decreased.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 04-03-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 MARKET REPORT 51

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 04-03-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA

Market capitalisation down by N117b on profit taking Stories by Helen Oji ROFIT taking by investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) pulled market capitalisation by N117 billion, even as major bluechip stocks depreciated in price.

Specifically, at the closed of transactions yesterday, market capitalisation of listed equities fell by N117 billion or 0.92 per cent from N12.708 trillion recorded on monday to N12.591 trillion.

Also the NSE All share Index went down by 365.02 basis points to 39199.41 points from 39564.43 recorded the previous day.

Analysts attributed the drop in indices to profit taking by investors on the NSE. According to them, investors leveraged the marginal appreciation witnessed in the past few weeks to recoup their investment.

Further analysis of yesterday’s transactions showed that 29 stocks constituted the losers chart, as Nestle Nigeria Plc emerged the day’s highest price loser, depreciating by N25.00 to close at N1,075.00 per share while Nigerian Breweries trailed with a loss of N13.98 kobo to close at N145.01 per share.

Guinness, Conoil, International Breweries dropped N9.10 kobo, N2.58 kobo and N1.30 kobo respectively to close at N179.00, N49.12 kobo and N27.25per

P

share. Larfarge Wapco on the other hand led the gainers table, adding N4.46 kobo to close at N110.00 per share.

Glaxo SmithKline followed with a gain of N1.00 to close at N70.00 per share while Unilever Nigeria Plc appreciated by N1.00 to close at N49.00 per share.

Other stocks that improved in price were Dangote Cement and UAC Property, adding N1.00 and N0.98 kobo respectively to close at N240.00 and N20.97 per share. Financial service sector led trading activities in volume terms, exchanging 272.362 million shares worth N3.045 billion in 2782 deals.

Banking subsector was the toast of investors, accounting for 188.659 million shares valued at N2.659 billion in 1691 deals.

UBA Capital stocks came second in the financial service sector with account of 70.163 million shares cost N375.546 million in 858 deals. Zenith International Bank Plc was investors delight in banking sector with a total of 75.910 million shares worth N1.626 billion in 397 deals.

Conglomerates sector enhanced by Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TRANSCORT) followed in daily activity chart, trading 32.818 million shares worth N151.949 million in 296 deals.

NSE commences transaction cost reduction HE Nigerian Stock T Exchange (NSE) has announced that it has com-

What Happened?

The NSE All-Share index declined by 92bps (0.92%) and closed at 39,199.41. This represents a year-to-date performance of - 5.15%.

Market Capitalisation also depreciated 0.92% to close at N12.591trillion. Total value traded increased 98.18% to N 4.839 billion and total volume traded increased 42.24% to 341.17 million units.

Where?

At the close of trading, the banking sector represented 58.82% of the total market value traded, while the breweries sector represented 9.62% The Top 5 stocks as a % of total market value traded were: ZENITHBANK (33.60%), NB (9.62%), DANGCEM (7.46%), GUARANTY (6.08%) and UBA (5.64%).

On a volume basis, the Top 5 most traded stocks for the day were: ZENITHBANK (75.91m), UBA (34.60m), TRANSCORP (32.05m), AFRIPRUD (27.86m) and UBCAP (21.06m).

menced the reduction of the cost of its Trade Alert service by about N1.24 billion from March 2014 by scrapping of the current charge of 0.06 per cent of every trade on the Exchange, as well as introducing an enhanced notification system, X-Alert which will be charged at a flat fee of N4 per transaction.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of Market Operations and Technology at the Exchange, Ade Bajomo noted that the enhanced XAlert is a service that will allow the investing public know when a transaction has been made on their account.

“Each time investors buy or sell a security, an alert is sent to them via a Text Message to the recipient’s mobile phone or via an email to the recipient’s mailbox. So what that does is to bring real time notification plus transparency to the market at market rates while safeguarding against unauthorised sale or purchase of securities.

“The big difference for the investing community is

that rather than paying 0.12per cent of every trade roundtrip, investors will now pay a flat fee of N4.00.

Based on 2013 figures, the trade alert charges with the old system was some N1.25billion; with the improved notification system however, the annual cost of the alerts would be some N5.52million based on a N4 flat fee – that is a reduction of N1.24 billion per annum in the cost incurred by investors transacting in the market”.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director of CSCS, Kyari Bukar noted that the enhanced service is delivered to customers at the appropriate time.

He also urged customers to ensure that their brokers are provided with up- to date mobile phone numbers and email accounts to enable the notification system work effectively and provide timely update on all account transactions.

“There are also the added benefits of effective fraud alert in cases of unauthorized transactions on account, reduction in time spent confirming trades and an enhancement of transparency between the trader and its clients” He added.

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Midweek Arts NIGERIA @ 100

Prof. Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa (left); Prof. Obaro Ikime; Prof. Akinwumi; and Prof. Godknows Igala ... at the colloquium on amalgamation organised by the Historical Society of Nigeria held on February 19 and 20 in Abuja

When historians gathered for centenary

By Bridget Chiedu Onochie ISTORIANS have debunked opinions that H the 1914 amalgamation was a mistake and as such, Nigerians have no cause to celebrate the centenary anniversary.

This was the position at the Historical Society of Nigeria’s Colloquium held recently in Abuja to mark the society’s 100 years of existence.

With the theme, The House That Lugard Built: Perspective on Nigeria’s Centenary - The Gains, the Challenges and the Agenda for the Future, the forum, according to the organisers, was aimed at setting the record straight on amalgamation.

At the forum were the country’s renowned historians including Emeritus Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, Professor of History, University of Ibadan, Professor Obaro Ikime, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor Ibrahim L. Bashir and Dr. C. N Ogbogbo. Also in attendance was the former Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Welcoming fellow historians, President, Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, frowned at the relegation of the society in issues relating to the history of Nigeria including the planning of the centenary celebrations.

Even with its marginalisation, the Society said it has come together to give what it described as the academic perspective of the amalgamation for the benefit of Nigerians, especially those who see the unification as a fluke.

His words: “This is the first academic society in Nigeria but we have realised that in recent times, the society was not contacted in anything that has to do with the history of Nigeria such as the Centenary celebration committee.

“But we think that such was a mistake and we decided on our own to give the academic side of the amalgamation and that is what we are doing.

“Like I said in my presentation, recently I read a poem titled, God Punish Lugard, and I felt this is the best time to set the record straight. That is the import of this conference, to see how we have fared in the last 100

years, the gains, the pains and the agenda for the future.”

Giving his personal perspective of the amalgamation, Prof Akinwumi said it is a blessing.

He said that aside from increasing the size and population, it has also brought recognition to the country at regional, continental and global scenes.

“Personally, I see the amalgamation as a blessing. Without it, this great nation would not be recognised globally the way it is, now.

“It has given us big population and large land area and that is the reason everywhere in the continent today, Nigeria is being mentioned. We know there are challenges here and there, but we will overcome the challenges.

“Many things have been said about amalgamation, some said it was a mistake of 1914, others said Nigeria is a mere geographical expression. Others believe that there was no need for amalgamation and that Lord Lugard made a mistake by uniting us.

“These are the issues we want to set straight.

Recently, there was an issue that came up, that there was a clause in the proclamation that after 100 years, any group that is interested to secede should do so, but we are saying that there is nothing like that in the proclamation. These are some of the records we want to set straight.”

The society also faulted the withdrawal of history as a compulsory subject in the secondary school. Akinwumi stressed that it would be difficult for Nigerians, especially the younger generations to fashion the future without adequate knowledge of their past.

Right now in the secondary school, History is no longer compulsory. It is not even taught in primary schools and we ask ourselves how we intend to move forward if we don’t know our history. If we don’t know about ourselves, how then can we become patriotic and nationalistic about our country?

Emeritus Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa said “the unification in 1914 was not a mistake or a fluke thing that happened because the people of Nigeria have always lived together, communicating with each other, changing things - ideas, products, languages, cultures and so on for thousands of years before 1914 and if Lugard or whoever finally did it and brought

us together as one nation, it was not an accident.

It is something definitely very important for all of us right now in terms of all the groups within Nigeria itself and even for the Africa because all African nations are looking up to us.

However bad we may think ourselves to be, for Africa, it is important that we remained together.”

For the Professor of History, University of Ibadan, Professor Obaro Ikime, the problem with Nigeria is not the amalgamation, but the political will to recognise and treat everybody and every group equally irrespective of size and geographical location.

He maintained that it was the amalgamation that defined the role of Nigeria in the comity of nations.

“It is our coming together that fixes our size, our population and the roles we play today in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), Commonwealth and now also in the United Nations.

“Our size also is responsible for the investment that we are getting from outside. I am sure we all know that these investments were not some act of kindness to us. Those who come to invest make their money due to the largeness of our size and market.

“Although these things were not foreseen in 1914, we are the beneficiaries of that amalgamation because it has given a stature which no other black nation of Africa has and that also has given us a major challenge, given our size, our population and manpower.

“So, when we call ourselves giant of Africa, even though sometimes, our policies do not fit with our claims, it is because 1914 has happened. If it did not happen, we would not be this size. This is one reason we think celebration is important,”Ikime said.

While blaming the several challenges of nationhood on multifaceted nature of the country, the historian believed that it is possible to have a meaningful nation state where automatic commitment to Nigeria is guaranteed.

“I am saying that the amalgamation gave us first, this big size advantage but also threw up these challenges of nation building. Fusing these people into a meaningful nation state where automatic commitment to Nigeria is possible.”

Emphasising the benefit of leaving together as an indivisible nation, Ikime noted that many

great countries went through the process of amalgamation at one point or the other.

He said: “In all of these, we are forgetting something. History is not limited to Nigeria. We have forgotten that in Italy, they were also separate entities and there had to be wars of unification in the 19th Century.

“In Germany, Bismarck came on and fused different people and groups together. That was how Germany emerged. In fact, Germany has become a single entity only recently.

“So, Nigeria is not the only place where hitherto separate entities came together to form a state. But that has happened. That ‘mistake’ of 1914 has happened, but I think that it is only in terms of the politics of today and the challenges of nation building that forced some people to say it is a mistake.

“Instead of rising to the challenge and say ‘yes’, we are together, let us build it into a meaningful entity, we are saying it is a mistake.

“The challenge now is how to give a new name, how to give a life and how to give equity to this ‘mistake’. I am fully persuaded that Nigeria will survive as one entity because I believe that it is not an accident that we are this size.

“God has fixed the boundary before Lugard came and those boundaries have given us what we have today.

“Our challenges would be overcome. Look at America, there are different tongues and different people there, yet, they are together. We must get to the point where Nigerian citizenship becomes a meaningful entity that everybody wants to embrace because they derive benefit and that is where the challenge is,” he said.

With Regional Perspectives on the Centenary: The Gains, Challenges, and Pains since Amalgamation and the Agenda for the Future, as theme, the colloquium’s plenary session featured six presentations covering all the regions in Nigeria’s geopolitical configuration. Professor Monday Y. Mangvwat of University of Jos anchored northcentral perspective; South-West perspective had Professor Siyan Oyeweso, FHSN (Osun State University); North-east perspective, Professor Ibrahim Bashir (former DVC, University of Jos); South-east perspective, Okoro Ijoma (University of Nigeria, Nsukka); Northwest perspective had Professor Adam Okene (Dept. of History, NDA); while Dr. Chris B. N. Ogbogbo (Associate. Prof,

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 ARTS 53

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Nollywood… once neglected, now loved by government

By Chike Ofili IGERIA’s Nollywood was first a N prophesy, a prophetic projection by poet, playwright and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka in reaction against capitalist stranglehold on honest filmmakers of the Nigerian of the 1970s: “Let us get away from the idea of cinema as image, capital and get back to cinema as images, related, relevant images found in society... from the capitalist clutches and mandates...

In cassette, the video camera is very much an instrument of today, not just of the future. There is no need to burden ourselves with those very clumsy things which require about six horses to pull through any sandy location.’’

Then it became an emergency, the urgency to rescue a threatened and dying art form by Yoruba semi-literate practitioners long after it was abandoned by educated and trained professionals who threw in the towel to a weakening naira and high import cost and the attendant frustrations. But their semi-literate counterparts with an Igbo trader and financial backer who found a secondary use for his main trade of dealing in empty VHS cassettes, adopted a solution-seeking approach through shooting on VHS cassette, a less thought-of format.

This way, they kept afloat a dying love and the only preferred competence in the similar way Nigeria mechanics show more genius than the Nigerian engineers.

Then to the full fulfilment of the prophesy through an unsolicited solution to a nutty production challenge in progress on-location at the National Theatre, Lagos by a beholding Mr. Okey Ogunjiofor, Igbo road-side hawker remembering his training as a graduate of the Nigerian Television College, and his

Goodluck Jonathan dream of trading on his training in motion pictures rather than the circumstance of hawking ladies’ wares. His appreciated solution earned him a written recommendation on his desire to shoot a film from Mrs. Ruth Osu, one of the casts on Mr. Sam Vaughn’s soap, Vices, to a certain Igbo business man, Mr. Kenneth Nnebue who she informed sponsored Yoruba video productions. It was this appointment which he kept straightaway in his hawking shorts looking weather-beaten and disheveled

before the far much richer Nnebue who did not know what to do with him, but for Mrs. Osu’s letter.

This was the meeting that gave birth to destiny. The meeting that led to their production of the first ever Igbo language video film, Living in Bondage, the video film that was not the first in that format, but the 1992 industry maker long after it was foretold. It was the chart buster that led to a massive following; an avalanche of productions that brought back some frustrated, tired and retired practitioners, and

gave rise to many debutants who made good from dabbling in and experimenting with the new trend.

Even professionals in other fields with artistic inclinations resigned their jobs to find a calling long lost or abandoned. Much reminiscent of what Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s West Africa Pilot newspaper of the late 1930s did to journalism in Nigeria.

The arrival of Living in Bondage had as much electrifying effect on the entire Nigerian artistic circle, particularly drama, TV and film makers.

Those with the right spirit responded in kind and moved happily into the new economic paradise, while cynics and skeptics watch them prosper, and hating them for it. The earliest come along being the Igbo neighbours, the Edo/Niger Delta filmmakers just similarly finding their way in an entrenched profession. Some even dared to quit their jobs at the flagging monopoly, the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA that had begun to lose its allure, and they later established their own independent production outfits that now litter many states of Nigeria today. In fact, the director of the video film, Mr. Chris Obirapu had to do so under cover of a pseudonym, because NTA would not brook it from its staff. The initially displaced market leaders and practitioners who would not brook the name and success called Nollywood too, now come under its umbrella to share the hard-earned national and international benefits.

The captivating story of Nollywood is returning to how it all started – daring to solve industry threatening problem, It would appear that things came to a halt when it was no longer about profiting from problem-solving productions when a sense of arrival set-in, and the need for higher performance gave way to greedy money-making supported by

the need to only run private empires and mafia-like operations.

A situation which all the awards ceremonies, film festivals, film markets, guild parties and personal celebrations that swallowed and silenced the need for training even where scantily available could not cure.

After a long history of lip service by many Nigerian governments and half-hearted absent minded support of corporate Nigeria to give financial backing to this rare performance in global social power that Nollywood became as did the earlier Igbo small and medium sized traders did to birth a fledgling industry during the Military era, the Presidency of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan that has most romanced the industry for electoral gains, has begun something critical about it with a demonstrable N3billion intervention fund.

There is now a project implementation group, Project-Act Nollywood that has chosen the grant-giving approach to reviving a phenomenon that was allowed to fizzle out since there were no structures on ground to effect a more enduring approach as the presidential aid on research, Mr. Oronto Douglas’ investigations attested to.

Planting enduring new structures that would outlast governments seem to have been shied away from.

Since July 2013, an on-going N30m human capacity development fund, N700m film production fund and N2billion creative distribution implementation funds have been earmarked for the transformatory change from the much promised and awaited N3billion presidential intervention fund. Even those who would not associate with the name and its historical market triumph and global power now seek after and benefit therefrom.

Star trip to Brazil… reward for brand loyalty

By Gbenga Salau NE of the lovers of Star Beer O got compensated in Lagos last week for being a loyal customer of Nigerian Breweries; when his ticket was picked in the first Lagos raffle draw of the ‘Win a trip to Brazil promo’.

Before Mr. Timothy Victor was picked that night, as the grand prizewinner, 30 other prizes were dished out after three rounds of draws were held. The gifts were ten fans, five jerseys of European clubs, five home-theatres, five LCD television and five generators.

In the first set of draws, two jerseys, five fans, two home theatres and generators were given out while three jerseys, five fans, two home-theatres, LCD TVs and generators were dished out. In the last round of draws, an LCD TV, a generating set and an all expense paid trip ticket were presented.

To qualify for the draw requires exchanging the crown-cork of the two bottles of Star Beer bought at the venue for a raffle ticket. Those whose tickets prop up more than once were denied winning twice to ensure that more people have the chance of winning. A guy whose name was Lucky propped up thrice during the draw but he was only able to smile home with home-theatre, which was what he won first.

During the second and third sets of draws, tickets whose owners had left the scene were thrown out.

Michael Ekemeka, who won a generating set because the two people whose tickets were picked during one of the rounds of

draws for a generating set had gone, said he was happy that at least he won something, though his aim when he left home for the venue of the draw, was to among those that would win a trip to Brazil.

Those who participated in the draw were from across Lagos as locations like Ikorodu, Ojota, Amuwo-odofin, Ijora, Iponri, Yaba, Mushin, Ikotun were some of the places mentioned the winners came from. For each ticket, depending on the information provided, the names, location and ticket numbers were read out.

Speaking with excitement after he was presented with his dummy cheque for the trip to Brazil, Victor, who is from Agbani, Enugu State, said he was happy to have won because it is not easy.

The father of three kids thanked God for making him a winner. He revealed that he would have missed out if not for his friend who told him to stay on till the end.

As the guests were drinking, a deejay was providing entertainment, dishing out popular and love songs. There was also a comedian, who intermittently came on stage to amuse the audience with jokes.

In case Victor is unable to travel for any reason, the two other people that are on stand-by are Tajudeen Babatunde Bello, the first runner-up; and Mohammed Lawrence, the second runner-up; who won a generating set and a 32 inch TV set respectively.

Brand Manager, Star, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Omotunde Adenusi said that the Star Trip To Brazil promo was the brand’s way of appreciating consumers for their patronage.

Timothy Victor, winner of the grand prize of Ticket to Brazil promo, held at the Cyclic Centre, Costain Roundabout, on Saturday.

Winners of generating set at the Star Trip To Brazil promo, held at the Cyclic Centre, Costain Roundabout, on Saturday.

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Jang pledges to complete projects From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos

Court dismisses suit against monarch in land dispute

By Bertram Nwannekanma

OVERNOR Jonah David G Jang of Plateau State has USTICE Morenike Obadina said his administration J of a Lagos High Court, would remain committed to Igbosere yesterday struck out completing on going projects he had embarked on in the state.

Jang stated this on Monday while signing into law the 2014 Appropriation Bill of N225 billion and the swearing-in of 14 newly- elected local council chairmen at the Government House, Jos. According to him: “We are aware that tomorrow will judge us based on what we do today. That explains why our administration has always encouraged the local council authorities to develop their communities.

“While we strive to better the lot of our people, we are challenged by limited resources.

We have had to reorganise all our revenue-generating agencies towards mobilising sufficient funds to finance our projects. We also appeal to our citizens to cooperate and pay all taxes such as land levies and water rates, among others.”

He said: “In addition, we are exploring all avenues for revenue including the Federal Government and the private sector. A major bane of budget implementation is monitoring. I, therefore, wish to direct the State Planning Commission to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) strictly comply with budgetary provision.

I also charge them to immediately commence the process of budget implementation so as to avoid last-minute rush.”

Police deny claims of bomb explosion in Kano From Abba Anwar, Kano ANO State Police K Command has dismissed as false that an explosive device was detonated at the Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano.

The secretariat houses Kano State House of Assembly, Ministries of Justice, Finance, Environment, state Civil Service, among others.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Magaji Musa Majiya, described the speculation as another rumour by some disgruntled elements planning to disrupt the peace the state has been enjoying for some months now.

Majiya added that people should go about their normal businesses and forget about such speculations. According to him, there was nothing like that at the said secretariat.

Investigation shows that when the information started making the rounds at the secretariat, workers were directed by their superiors to vacate their offices and keep away from the secretariat. This happened around 2:30 pm.

When asked, Sani Sallau, a worker with one of the ministries at the Secretariat said: “We were skeptical about the authenticity of the information, because we were all alive a few years back when bomb detonations were frequently taking place in the state.

Whenever there was any bomb detonation, people at times hear an alarm and thereafter a big bang indicating the detonation of the device, but we didn’t hear any sound today.”

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a suit filed by Adeshiba Ayeloja Adedewe family seeking to stop the Ojora of Ojora, Oba Fatai Aromire from demolition of houses on a vast area of land measuring approximately 1,324 hectares situated in Awori, in Badagry area of Lagos State.

The Supreme Court had in its judgment delivered by Justice Gorge Oguntade (rtd) affirmed the judgment of a Lagos High Court delivered on December 13, 2000 and affirmed by the Appeal Court delivered on November 18, 2004.

The apex courts had ruled that the disputed land belongs to the Ojora family and not the Adedewe lineage.

But the claimants (Adedewe’s family) in an application brought through their lawyer, Chief Segun Raji urged the court to set aside the judgment granted the 1st and 2nd defendants in suit alleging that the said judgment was obtained by fraud. .

Ruling on the application, Justice Obadina held in favour of the monarch’s lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), that the family cannot feign ignorance of the suit, adding that there were several newspaper publications covering its court’s proceedings.

However, the claimants have vowed to appeal against the ruling, insisting that Ojora family obtained judgment by allegedly presenting false documents.

The claimant in the 92-page statement of claim had averred that the land in dispute exclusively belonged to their great grandfather, Adeshiba Ayeloja Adedewe over 500 years ago.

The claimants namely Shehu Adedewe, Nureni Adedewe and Morufu Adedewe suing for themselves and for the family are also asking for an order of

perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from selling, allotting, destroying or building any structure on the land in dispute.

Other defendants in the suit are the Odofin of Ojora land, Chief Fatai Sulaiman, the Attorney General, Lagos, the Surveyor General, Lagos State, Lagos State Physical Planning, Surveyor General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

They further averred that their great grandfather had

The claimants namely Shehu Adedewe, Nureni Adedewe and Morufu Adedewe suing for themselves and for the family are also asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from selling, allotting, destroying or building any structure on the land in dispute.

been in possession of the land before the Logos Colony was divided into three, among others.

But, the 1st and 2nd defendants (Ojora family) in their statement of defence and counter claim filed by their lawyer Ola Okunniyi urged the court to dismiss the suit being an abuse of the judicial process and having regard to the final judgment of the Supreme Court in suit NoSC/54/2005 which determined the rights and interest of parties in respect of the land in dispute.

They prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the claimants whether by themselves, servants, agents or privies from further trespassing or attempting to exercise proprietary rights over the land.

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Focus Discordant tunes over Nigeria’s debt

By Chijioke Nelson HE issues surrounding Nigeria’s current T debt profile have become topical, with uncertainties about its origin, necessity and geometric ascendance.

As at July 2005, Nigeria external debt was $34 billion, with about $28 billion or 85 per cent owed to the Paris club of 15 creditor nations.

Besides, domestic debt as at July 2006 was about N1.5 trillion. The domestic debt consists of Nigerian Treasury Bills, Treasury Certificates, Bonds, Federal Government Development Stocks, Contractor Debts, among others.

By November 2013, domestic debt had climbed to about N7.03 trillion, representing 84.50 per cent of the total. The external debt component, owed by the Federal Government and the states, represented 15.50 per cent and estimated at about N1.29 trillion. Thus, the nation’s debts currently stand at N8.32 trillion (about $53.42 billion at the exchange rate of 155.75/ $1). The total debt stock represents an increase of 10.20 per cent from the December 31, 2012 figure of N7.55 trillion.

The external debt contributed about 13.59 per cent to the total debt as at second quarter of 2013. The increase in the percentage of the external debt in the third quarter 2013, compared to second quarter, was due to the benign interest rate environment in the international financial system, which the federal and state governments utilized to their advantage.

Meanwhile, the National Debt Management Framework (2013-2017) prepared by the Debt Management Office (DMO), indicates that the acceptable optimal ratio of domestic to external debt by the Federal Government should be 60:40, as opposed to the current distribution of about 84:16, as at the third quarter of 2013.

The breakdown of the external debt as at September 2013, showed that 71.23 per cent was owed to multilaterals, which include the World Bank Group, International Fund for Agricultural Development, African Development Bank Group, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, International Development Bank and the Economic Development Fund; 10.29 per cent was owed to bilateral parties, while 18.47 per cent was owed to others.

The breakdown of the total domestic debt stock by instrument type, as at September 30, 2013, showed that the FGN Bonds accounted for N4.22 trillion, representing 59.93 per cent; Nigerian Treasury Bills N2.48 trillion, representing 35.31 per cent; and Treasury Bonds, N334.56 billion, representing 4.76 per cent.

The Minister’s Clue At the recent Economic Summit meeting in Lagos, Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that the regime of tight fiscal policy may be sustained this year, as pressure for more expenditure from unions and groups continue to mount amid dwindling revenues occasioned by unabated oil theft. She added that recurrent expenditure would still sustain its dominance. The recurrent expenditure estimates in the 2014 budget proposal is 72 per cent.

She said: “People want increased salaries and employment from government. But how did we get to where we are today? In 2010, we had 53 per cent increase in expenditure, associated with salaries alone. How many countries can you see make such increase? Yet, people seem to be oblivious of its implications and nobody said it was unacceptably high. In an effort to make up for the 53 per cent increase in 2010, our domestic debts increased sharply. We floated bonds, which ordinary we shouldn’t have done. I want the media and everybody to know that the rise in debts was from 2010 and not from any other time.

“The increases effected in 2010 only delivered shock to the economy. Still, you have pensioners and others standing out there with demand for another increase. This is why you see recurrent expenditure also high in 2014, because we would be absolving some of those

Jonathan

Okonjo-Iweala

costs. We are really doing the best we can, but we all have to live with the consequences of our decisions. The increasing pressure on the government had taken away the proceeds of privatisation of oil companies and funds from the national budget in settlement of workers from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).”

This explanation may have partly solved part of the puzzles. But other questions persist. For instance, were all the debts accumulated in payment of salaries and wages? Were the workers not on the payroll of government before now? What is the percentage of salaries and wages in the total recurrent expenditure?

Does it mean that government borrows every year to pay salaries and wages?

Related to this development, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Finance recently gave the minister a 50-question quiz on the economy. Among them is the one that sought to know how an economy that spent 80 per cent of its annual budget on recurrent expenditure could claim to be “one of the fastest growing economies?” Another question required her to list the “major economic achievements of this government in 2013.” But more apt was another one: “Why should our internal debts continue to represent more than two-thirds of Nigeria’s external debt profile, when the cost of servicing domestic debts is ridiculously far more expensive that servicing external debts?

There are allegations the country’s debt issue has become a conduit for siphoning public funds. Some argue that government bonds are allotted and patronized by high net-worth individuals and banks. Others argue that those who are “privileged” to buy the bonds are the same people whose influence determines the rates and authorization of redemption at maturity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the presentation of a report of 15 years of United Kingdom’s partnership with Nigeria on debt management, the minister conceded: “External debt is only two per cent of what we owe and 98 per cent is domestic debt. We want to reduce that so that the private sector can have a chance to borrow, so that interest rate can come down.”

Shortly after the presentation the minister, said: “The economy is stable, it is going well and we have just started the New Year and we have such big plans for the year. We are here to talk about the wonderful thing that has happened in the Nigerian economy, which is that a partner is saying we have one of the best Debt Management Offices in Africa; that we should now be advising other countries even beyond Africa.”

She faulted claims that the Federal Government was piling up debts, saying those who hold such views lack information.

On the contrary, she explained that the federal government had embarked on a policy of reducing the nation’s debt, particularly domestic borrowing, which forms the major part of Nigeria’s debt. She said: “From 2011 till now, we have gone from about N852 billion down to N571 billion. It is a very big reduction.

So, I beg to differ from those who say we are piling debts. We actually have a very good strategy. In addition, for the first time ever, we actually retired N75 billion in bond last year.”

But in a swift reaction, the Clerk of the House Committee on Finance, said: “It is regrettable that while talking to reporters after the presentation of the report of the 15year strategic partnership on debt management between UK and Nigeria, the Minister accused critics of the huge domestic debt profile under her stewardship of lacking information. Interestingly, that is why the Committee invited her to share such information with Nigerians. It would also be an opportunity to let her know some of the things we know.

“The Department for International Development (DFID), whose collaboration with Nigeria she is so enthusiastic about, has published a report on the 2014 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. We strongly recommend that the Honourable Minister enrich her knowledge with that report. We also call on the DFID to present the report to the general public for the good of this country.

Additionally, rather than all the speeches, why has the Minister failed to heed our call for her to present an exit plan (timetable) for domestic borrowing, three years after taking

over as Minister of Finance?

“It is high time the Minister realised that we do not need any other country to tell us that our economy is doing well... Nigerians will positively feel the impact if their economy is really doing well as the Minister claims. Nigerians need to be vigilant of an attempt to divert attention from the state of the economy presentation and 50 questions we demanded from the Minister. We call on well-meaning Nigerians to support this effort by the Committee on Finance so that we can know the true state of our economy in order for us not to end up like Greece, whose genesis of economic problem was the concealment of the true state of her economy.”

Historical Perspective It is generally believed that developing countries, facing inadequate and/or misappropriation of capital, resort to debt contracts, whether internal or external. In fact, debt, if properly utilised, is expected to help the debtor country’s economy and the argument is still raging in favour of borrowing, on the allusion that no nation is free of debt.

However, the odds have been against Nigeria and several other sub-Saharan African countries, where allegations of misuse of public funds are rife. Besides, debt servicing had also been a major impediment to development, while sometimes, the dollar-denominated means of honouring debt obligations have “perforated” the macroeconomic performance.

The theory of standard “growth with debt” is that a country should borrow abroad as long as the capital thus acquired, produces a rate of return that is higher than the cost of the foreign borrowing.

The contrary is the case if debts are misappropriated. Before the $18 billion debt cancellation granted Nigeria in 2005, Nigeria had external debt of close to $40 billion with over $30 billion of the amount being owned to Paris Club alone. The burden was so high that Nigeria was paying about $4.9 billion every year on debt servicing. This year, the Federal Government proposed N712 billion as debt service charge, an increase from the 2013 level of N591.8 billion.

But the benefits of the debt cancellation, which were expected to manifest after couple of years, seem to have been wiped off, as the country has accumulated more debt than what was forgiven. Worse still, the prevailing high foreign exchange rate has reduced the Naira’s value. For emphasis, the Naira-dollar exchange rate hovers around N155 to N160, as against N120 some years ago.

Predisposing Factors According to reports, Nigeria’s foreign reserves fell 9.7 per cent from its 2013 record to $43.2 billion as at January 15, while Excess Crude Account dropped to $2.28 billion as at December 2013, from $9 billion at the beginning of 2013.

Outright stealing and misappropriation of public funds have also been identified as a predisposing factor to the nation’s rising debt profile. There are still many unresolved corruption cases, while allegations put the figure of stolen public funds at the billions.

Former United States’ President, George W. Bush, recently stressed the need for Nigerian leaders to earn the confidence of the masses by tackling corruption.

At the “Access Conference 2013: Embracing Sustainable Leadership,” organised by Access Bank Plc in Lagos. He said in order for democracy to thrive in Nigeria, accountability was indispensable.

Bush said: “I think it is very important to hold people to account. During my administration, I was a strong believer that it is very important to earn confidence in people by busting corruption. Seven congressmen in my party were jailed because they were corrupt. My advice is to have clear rules to enforce without prejudice and hold the government accountable to honor the people by ensuring that their money would be protected by the law.”

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Sports Mexico Friendly

Lagos Premier Lotto Athletics Championship

Balogun, Ezekiel in fine form, as team wishes Yobo quick return

NASCOM boss, Oshodi, for district six qualifiers

HE newest faces in the Super T Eagles ahead today’s friendly against the El Tri of Mexico, Leon Balogun of Fortuna Dusseldorf and Standard Liege of Belgium’s Imoh Ezekiel, have acquainted themselves well with the team and created sensation in the last 36 hours.

The duo of Ramon Azeez and Michael Uchebo, who are also new in the setup have also proved to be assets.

With skipper of the side, Joseph Yobo, forced out of the international friendly due to injury, while featuring for his English Premiership side, Norwich City, Balogun is seen as a natural replacement for the most capped Nigerian international.

Head Coach Stephen Keshi has said he is not too happy about the latest setback for Yobo and wishes him a quick recovery even as he said Balogun has been trailed for a long while before now.

“He is not replacing Yobo at all. Yobo was still bent on coming for the game even if just to support the team, but I told him to relax and recover quickly for the World Cup. We have to look to the future and that is why we called up Balogun, he has been in our plan for a long time and it was just time that he steps out into the team for us to see what he can do. I must say I am glad that he responded well. We also have an opportunity to see Imoh who is a part of the system now for us

to see what they can do to make the team better, we must look ahead,” Keshi said.

Stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, was very glad at the invitation of Ezekiel and Balogun and has been doing all he could to integrate them into the system, something Yobo is also shocked everyone with the way he related with the squad. The team had a full house training session yesterday at the Georgia Dome where the match will be played.

Meanwhile, the match between Nigeria and Scotland on May 28 at the Craven Cottage, London has received the blessing of Keshi.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had already given provisional approval for the game, while awaiting final words from match organisers and the coach of both sides.

And on Monday in Atlanta, Keshi declared his readiness for the game and thanked the NFF for always being forward looking as it concerns Nigeria’s preparations for Mundial 2014 in Brazil.

Hear Keshi: “We are delighted to be playing the Scottish team in London as part of our preWorld Cup preparations and we know it would be a real test in front of a passionate crowd.

We hope that many London based Nigerians will come out en masse to give the Eagles a rousing send forth ahead of Brazil 2014”.

Standard Chartered Trophy

Winners to represent Nigeria at Road to Anfield 2014 tourney TANDARD Chartered Bank Sfootball is organising an amateur tournament, which will see the winning team representing Nigeria in a tournament at Anfield, The home ground of Liverpool Football Club.

According to Standard Chartered Bank’s Managing Director, Bola Adesola, “As part of the sponsorship deal between Standard Chartered and Liverpool Football Club, the bank is entitled to leverage on the sponsorship not only to promote its brand, but also give back to the community and reward the institution’s partners and clients.

“In view of this, we have invited 40 teams drawn from our clients across our Wholesale and Consumer banking segments to participate in the ‘Standard Chartered Trophy – Road to Anfield 2014’ qualifying tournament, which will be held from March 15 to 16t March, 2014.

“We know our customers will enjoy participating in this tournament as football is the most popular sport in Nigeria.

The EPL is also an extremely popular league in Nigeria with many avid fans so the

concept of the tournament is a splendid one to create some fun and excitement for our customers” Aptly named the Road to Anfield, the Standard Chartered Trophy will be played in a two-day 5-a-side tournament attracting players from across the country.

HAIRMAN, National C Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM), Yemi Idowu and Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, will today grace district six qualifiers of this year’s Lagos Premier Lotto Schools Athletics Championships.

NASCOM supported the tournament during the maiden edition and the presence of its helmsman is another effort to back the competition this year.

Oshodi, whose efforts to revive sports at grassroots have continued to yield positive result in the state will join the NASCOM boss for the championship.

Schools from Oshodi, Isolo, Mushin and Ikeja will compete for places in the grand finale slated for Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Amosun charges Eagles GUN State Governor O Ibikunle Amosun has called on the players and the technical

Ezekiel

Eguaveon wants Keshi to field World Cup Team

By Alex Monye Eagles coach, FthatORMER Austin Eguaveon, has said Keshi should concentrate more on testing the players he will take to the World Cup rather than placing priority on discovering fresh legs for the Mundial.

Eguaveon told The Guardian yesterday that the tune up tie was an opportunity for the ‘big boss’ to correct the anomalies in the team after the Super Eagles failed to excel at the Confederations Cup last year.

The former Enyimba of Aba coach also urged team handlers to use today’s friendly to

monitor the fitness level of his defenders. He said it was important since the defenders would have to be fit to curtail rampaging world-class strikers in Brazil.

Eguavoen noted that the Super Eagles has quality players within and outside the country who can make the nation proud at the World Cup. He stated that the team needed more grade A warm up games to keep the players in high spirit ahead of the world football showpiece.

“The friendly tie against Mexico is a good chance for Keshi to get the players he wants for the World Cup. Mexico friendly is not a do-or-

die affair because both teams are preparing for the World Cup. As you would understand that no coach has released the main players for the championship.

“Both teams are using the game to test players. Keshi should not only concentrate in sourcing for players or winning the friendly, he should also focus on discovering technical lapses in the Eagles.

He enjoined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep giving the Eagles the necessary backing needed as they fine-tune preparations for the World Cup.

crew of the Super Eagles to use today’s friendly against Mexico and subsequent ones to show Nigerians what they are capable of doing at the World Cup. In a release signed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, Governor Amosun said it is by displaying good understanding of the game coupled with the usual Nigeria ‘never die spirit” that Nigerians would be looking up to their matches at the Mundial.

While praising the team for their recent achievements, which brought joy and honour to Nigerians, Governor Amosun advised them not to rest on their laurels, as Nigerians were looking forward to a good outing in Brazil, especially in Nigeria’s Centenary year.

Amosun urge stakeholders to continue to support the team rather than dwelling on issues that would distract the Eagles from doing well in Brazil.

While wishing the Super Eagles all the best, as they step up preparation for the Mundial, Governor Amosun said the government and the good people of Ogun State would continue to support the team with prayers.

AFN banks on George, women’s 4x400 relay, as team departs for Poland

By Gowon Akpodonor IGERIA’s contingent to this year’s IAAF World Indoor Championships left Lagos for Sopot, Poland, yesterday with officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) banking on women 400m star, U.S.-based Regina George, for a place in the final. The competition will run from March 7 to 9.

The contingent, which includes the President of Track and Field Coaches Association of Nigeria, former junior international, Gabriel Okon, was expected to depart Lagos for Frankfurt, Germany last night where it will connect a flight to

N

• All Nigeria relays in Ijebu-Ode postponed Poland.

Speaking with The Guardian on his way to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday, Okon said he was optimistic that Nigerian athletes will give a good account of themselves in Poland.

“I am very sure we will do well in Poland. I am looking forward to see Regina George in the 400m final and if things work out fine, she should be able to pick a medal for Nigeria. I am also expecting our women 4x400m team to get to the final in the relay. This

is our first international outing this year and I am hopeful our team will do us proud,” Okon said.

President of AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba, Chairman, AFN Technical Committee, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama and Secretary of the federation are also part of the team to Poland.

Meanwhile, the NFA yesterday announced the postponement of the All Nigeria Relays scheduled to take place on March 14 at Ijebu-Ode Stadium.

Nesiama said in an email to

The Guardian yesterday that the event has been rescheduled to hold at a future date in between the period of the Golden League, when the athletics season would be at its peak.

“The Technical Committee has considered it expedient to shift the competition in order to make it more glamorous. It has been considered that the event coming at the beginning of the season would not likely achieve AFN’s desire of making our relay teams hit fast times that can qualify the country for planned world class com-

petitions ahead.

“Sequel to the foregoing, the All Nigeria Relays has been postponed till further notice.

Please advise states to note and adjust their programmes accordingly,” Nesiama said.

In another development, a new national record subject to ratification in the Shot Put event has been set by Nigeria’s new throw sensation, Stephen Mozia.

The AFN informed yesterday that Mozia erased the recent record he set in January by throwing a new distance of 20.79 meters at the Heptagonal Championship at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. U.S.

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Brazil 2014: Akanni, Olisadebe give recipe for Eagles’ success

By Adeyinka Adedipe harmonious relationship between players and coaches as well as a free hand in team selection are some of the prerequisites for Super Eagles success at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, so say former Nigeria International, Waidi Akanni and Nigeriaborn polish striker, Emmanuel Olisadebe.

Akanni told The Guardian yesterday that the team must be united, as Nigeria hopes to better its second round finish at the World Cup. He said: “The need to present a united team at the World Cup is important. The coaches must ensure that they do not make moves or utterances that will tear the team apart.

“The players should also respect the authority of the coaches and ensure that the carry out their instruction to the best of their ability.”

Akanni stated that who makes the World Cup list depends on the coaches, but noted that good play-

A

By Tolulope Okunlola

Mary Slessor House wins Princeton Sports meet inter house sports competition sponsored by Chikki Noodles.

Forty events were competed for at the Union Bank Sports Club, Surulere, last week in Lagos. Mary Slessor House spotting the colour yellow, came first with 13 gold, nine silver and six bronze medals to beat Ahmadu Bello House, which had 12 gold, eight silver and five bronze medals to second place.

The Obafemi Awolowo House spotting colour green came third with seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals finished third ahead

Keshi for transforming the national team and called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give him all the support to excel with the team.

The former Nigerian born polish striker, however, admitted that everyone would not be happy with what the former Eagles captain was doing.

“Coaching the national team is a big job and it comes with a lot of responsibilities. It is impossible for everyone to like what you are doing, but it is important to have the support of the football fraternity,” he added.

While noting that good players would like to be at the World Cup, he, however, stated that only the coach has the final say on who plays in Brazil. “I have heard argument being made in favour of IK Uche, but only the coach decides who makes the team.

He commended Keshi for coming out with his position on IK Uche, saying that if the Villarreal of Spain striker must be ready to work with the team if he

Emerald House wins CEDEC 4th biennial inter-house sports competition

Uche ARY Slessor House has M emerged winners of the Princeton Primary School

ers should be given the opportunity to fight for a place in the team. He, however, faulted Coach Stephen Keshi for shutting the door on Ikechukwu Uche.

He said: “I guess the statement credited to Keshi that IK Uche will not be at the World Cup for indiscipline should not have come up.

He might need the same player if some of the ones he shortlisted gets injured.

However, every player must also play to instruction because that is the way to win matches.

“It definitely going to be difficult to leave out any good player, but again, the players who play at the World Cup or major tournaments depends on the coach.”

Akanni stated that Nigeria’s cause in Brazil would be assisted by Keshi’s winning aura.

“Apart from being good technically, Keshi is a lucky coach and I believe that element might take us far in Brazil. However, he must be left alone to do his job.”

Olisadebe commended

of Nnamdi Azikiwe House spotting colour blue, which had four gold, four silver and five bronze medals.

Todimu Akinyosade of Ahmadu Bello House was decorated as the best overall athlete of the sports meet.

The Red House captain also won the best male athlete, while Precious Eneremadu of Mary Slessor House was awarded best female athlete.

In the opening speech by the School Director, Dr. Mrs. Dolapo Bankole, she advised that parents should not limit their children to just academics as they can find their passion in sports and become very successful.

Parents’ turnout in large

number, looking sporty to support their wards. It was really eventful with the kids starting off with calisthenics displays followed by a glamorous ballet display, then the match past by the four different houses, during which the Ahmadu Bello House was adjudged the best.

Sponsor of the sports meet, Chikki Noodles, hailed the standard and conduct of pupils of Princeton Schools, adding that it accepted to sponsor the meet as part of the company’s social responsibility.

CEDEC School Inter-House Sports Competition after a day of keen competition at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos last week.

The winners garnered a total 10 gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals to top the table.

The competition saw Gold House taking the second position with 10 gold, five silver and six bronze medals; Ruby House was third with five gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals, followed by Diamond House, which

Multichoice rewards winners of DStv ‘let’s go to Brazil’ promo ULTICHOICE Nigeria, a M leading provider of premium pay-TV on the DStv,

We are the winners… Representatives of Ahmadu Bello House, Mary Slessor House and Obafemi Awolowo House display their trophies at the end of Princeton Primary School’s inter-house sports in Lagos.

MERALD House has E emerged winners of the fourth biennial of the

GOtv, mobile and online platforms, has rewarded another set of subscribers in the ongoing promotion tagged DStv ‘Let’s Go to Brazil’.

Prizes presented at the ceremony held on Monday February 3, 2014 at the MultiChoice office in Abuja include all expense paid trip to Brazil, Samsung Tablets and Mobile Phones.

The lucky subscribers won prizes ranging from DStv Explora decoders to DStv Walka devices, Samsung mobile phones and tablets, soccer jerseys among others.

Mariottni Sandro, Ibrahim Damisa both won mobile phones, while Gregory Ukpon, Josephine Iorvihi won Samsung Tablets, Ben Linda won a DStv Walka 3.5,

and Asuquo Sam won a jersey. However, the grand prize of a trip to Brazil was won by Shittu Basiriyu.

placed fourth with a total of four gold, eight silver and four bronze medals.

Speaking at the ceremony, The proprietor of the school, Mrs. Ijeoma Pauline Unachukwu, said she is excited to witness the day, adding that Emerald won the cup in the last inter-house sports and as Emerald is still the winning team, it had promised to retain the cup this season.

She emphasized the need for parents to help children to discover their skills and nurture them by providing the necessary moral and material support when needed.

Also speaking at the event, the First Vice President of National Associations of Proprietors of Private Schools, Mrs. Kehinde Audu, said she knew it was going to be of national standard when she heard the venue of the

inter-house sports, adding, “the enthusiasm of the children thrilled me, they impressed me greatly.

“Sport is a form of physical education and part of the schools curriculum, we should not lay emphasis alone on education in class, physical education is very important”.

She therefore advice young pupils that in as much as they are putting effort in education in the classroom they should not neglect sports as participation in any one of them might turn out to be their means of livelihood in the nearest future.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Obidi Chris Aduaka, said that at “CEDEC School, we encourage pupils to fulfill their potential by giving them the opportunity to excel in all areas of life.”

Victorious Emerald House of CEDEC International Schools during the inter-house sport match past at the National Stadium…recently.

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Wednesday, March 5,

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014 SPORTS

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63

My World Cup story…Keshi

By Mitchell Obi with Gowon Akpodonor OTHING succeeds like N success. And when it comes, it has an appeal that draws many to its side.

Little wonder they say, success has many fathers.

For Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, this has been a season of awards, starting with the decoration of Commander of the Niger (CON), to the Nigerian Coach of the year last Year by the Nigeria Sports Awards and to the more recent one of African Coach of the Year for the second time by Confederation of African football (CAF).

Only last week, he got another acclaim from the SilverBird Communications Limited for his outstanding service to the country. Is there more to come?

Perhaps, until Nigeria defends her African Nations Cup title next year in Morocco.

Before then, it is the World Cup that beckons, and as the Super Eagles begin the journey to Brazil with a friendly early Thursday in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, the 52year-old bilingual coach is tickled by these accolades and appreciation.

Does he let his mind wander to the thought of being named one day as World Coach of the year.

“Say that again! World Coach of the year!! You see, when I got into this stuff, it was not about being best coach of the year. It was about my team and then my players. They play to my instruction; they play to the system of the team. My thing is to have everybody understand what we are out there to do. I just want to make sure that the state of mind of every player is intact for each game and winning the best coach is a plus. It is something but it is not by my doing. It is by the players’ performance, the team’s performance. So if they don’t play well, if they don’t do what they have to do, these awards will never come to me. So I thank the players.”

Having made his mark as a superb central defender, one who joins the attack

‘

when it matters and scores critical goals, does Keshi see in his success a streak of luck, particularly when he cultivates his vocational garden.

As coach of the Hawks of Togo, Keshi was named the African coach of the year for the first time, for qualifying the country to the World Cup even though, like the Biblical Moses, he did not lead the team there.

Also as coach, he had one of his players, Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, named as African Player of the year. It was the same story in Mali, during his time as coach there, which saw Fredrick Kanoute being voted by CAF as African player of the year.

Even in Nigeria, as Super Eagles head coach, one of his players, Mikel Obi, now enjoying vibrant showing in the National team, came close to being African Player of the year.

Is Keshi’s relationship management with players his strongest asset in team buildup or does he apply the lessons from his playing heritage into his coaching style. So easy to imagine the coach, whose father never wanted him close to the ball spare a smile in response.

“I don’t know. You know my first stay in a team is to make sure that my players have personal performances and if I can get a personal performance up, there would be a lot of success coming in mixed with the team’s success.

“When I came in as Nigeria coach two years ago, I was made to understand that it has been a long time, over 10 years, we have not won the African Best Player.

“I was so excited that Mikel’s name was one of the three players shortlisted although he did not win it finally. It is, perhaps, God’s favour. Everywhere I go, one of my players is picked for an award.

As a player, I had my colleagues, Late Rasheed Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, Kanu Nwankwo and who else was there, Emmanuel Amuneke.

So its always a great thing and a good feeling to have in your team, Africa’s best player!!”

Winning has always been an attitude for Keshi. He

The coach and his disciple…Keshi telling John Obi Mikel how to cage the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire during the 2013 CAF Nations Cup in South Africa.

‘Winning is an attitude, a culture’ expands it to say, “it is a culture for me.” Success has been a hard road and as the 19th coach to handle the Super Eagles, there is a ring of expectation that is circling with his ability to make a difference with the team and show another visage of Nigerian football in Brazil.

The ‘big Boss,’ as he is fondly called, has it all summed up. “I give God the glory for the success I have recorded in football, both as a player and a coach. I was privileged to belong to a generation of great footballers both at St. Finbars College and the Super Eagles.

“The discipline and tutori-

al I received as a school boy player at St Finbars contributed so much to the success of my football career and I want children of today to take a cue from it.

“Parents should encourage their children to take to sporting activities in school

The discipline and tutorial I received as a schoolboy player at St Finbarrs’ contributed so much to the success of my football career and I want children of today to take a cue from it. Parents should encourage their children to take to sporting activities in school because it is not just a good exercise for them, but a way of cultivating and building their career from childhood. On the part of the government, we should cultivate the culture of maintaining our sporting facilities and also providing new ones.

We were successful in the past, so why not now!”

’

The ‘Big Boss.’

because it is not just a good exercise for them, but a way of cultivating and building their career from childhood.

“On the part of the government, we should cultivate the culture of maintaining our sporting facilities and

also providing new ones.

We were successful in the past, so why not now!”

The bigger question for Keshi too is, ‘why not now for Nigeria to hit the semi finals of the World Cup?’ • A Mastersport International presentation c 2014

TheGuardian

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Adejoh Idoko Momoh

WOULD often hear my friends say that ignorance is the biggest problem with Nigeria and Nigerians. I would giggle and imagine they were the ignorant ones. For the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria’s principal dilemma is not ignorance, it is willful blindness.

If there is information that you should know and you somehow manage not to know, the law concludes that you have chosen not to know and therefore are willfully blind. Perhaps, no country or government takes advantage of this concept more than Nigeria’s current government or its social media handlers. When you accuse the government of corruption, they quickly point you to the Freedom of Information Act and Nigeria’s relative press freedom. They argue that all the information you need is at your disposal if only you would ask for it.

Willful blindness is evident in Nigeria’s Finance Ministry where the Minister would boldly proclaim that $10.8 billion as opposed to $49.8 billion is unremitted to the Federation Account from Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation and feel like she owes no one an explanation. Willful blindness is evident in Nigeria’s Presidency where the President at first ignored the National Assembly’s recommendation to sack a serving minister who forged both her Master’s and Doctorate degree certificates just so she would be qualified for a ministerial position. She was reluctantly dropped in a manner not to teach anyone a lesson, but rather to suggest she did not fall short in any way. The impression the President created was, “Oh, my compatriots, are you now pleased?” She was removed along with those who are legitimately nursing political ambition! Willful blindness is evident in Nigeria’s Independent Electoral Commission whose National Chairman would come on television, admit irregularities with the Anambra elections, yet refuse to cancel the results from the same flawed elections and dare political parties to go to court. Willful blindness exists on large scales like these but it also exists on small scales.

An organisation does not enroll its employees in its country’s Health Insurance Scheme the employees overlook this, being only too grateful that they have jobs at all in a country where more than half of its population is unemployed. A family that lives in Abuja metropolis does not have tap water, instead of complaining to the Water Board whose duty it is to provide water, they go buy an automatic water pumping machine only too grateful they can afford it. An employee gets paid half of his salary for a full month work and instead of demanding an explanation from his employer, he is only too grateful he has some money to settle bills. All these are not examples of ignorance; they are examples of willful blindness.

The sad thing is, everywhere you go, they refer to the problem as uniquely theirs; the civil servant would say it’s a Nigerian problem. The family would say water scarcity is an Abuja problem. The underpaid employee would say it is an ‘XYZ organisation’ problem. But the truth is it is a human problem.

We are all under certain circumstances willfully blind. Most out of fear, some say it is futile to speak out, some just conclude it is better not to see these things because sometimes considering everything that goes wrong would leave you truly horrified.

Just look at recent Nigerian examples and you would see why most Nigerians think whistle blowing is futile. The ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protests started in the face of a New Year fuel price increase; Nigerians came in unison, raised demands of an outright reversal of the increase amongst others, fast

Willful blindness is evident in Nigeria’s Finance Ministry where the Minister would boldly proclaim that $10.8 billion as opposed to $49.8 billion is unremitted to the Federation Account from Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation and feel like she owes no one an explanation. Willful blindness is evident in Nigeria’s Presidency where the President at first ignored the National Assembly’s recommendation to sack a serving minister who forged both her Master’s and Doctorate degree certificates just so she would be qualified for a ministerial position.

She was reluctantly dropped in a manner not to teach anyone a lesson, but rather to suggest she did not fall short in any way.

I

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Of willful blindness and whistle blowers

forward several years and all Nigeria has seen is a slight reduction in the increased pump price, a reduced number of fuel subsidy firms that still receive humongous subsidy payments and the retention of an

oil minister whose resignation was demanded by almost every Nigerian.

See also the Oduah BMW scandal, as the story broke the Aviation Ministry released a statement saying it would launch an investi-

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gation aimed at finding the person who leaked official documents to the press, and then there was the wide media criticism that met Obasanjo’s open letter to Jonathan or the backlash that met Sanusi’s claim of the NNPC’s $49.8 billion unremitted funds. When courageous whistle blowers speak out, it ceases to be about the message and all the questions it raises, it becomes about the messenger and his personal flaws.

The Nigerian society does not encourage whistle blowers, if anything, it isolates them; refers to them as not loyal and bringing disrepute to their government or institutions. In truth, whistle blowers are passionate about organizational or national growth; they know that more accountable societies are the ones that function maximally.

They also know that keeping official secrets or hiding acts of corruption only benefits a few individuals while exposing corruption works for the good of the whole of society. Take as example, as in the case of the NNPC and Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, if questions are raised as to the unremitted $49.8 billion or $10.8 billion and the sum eventually is reclaimed from the few people who have pocketed it, wouldn’t that lead to funds for the development of national infrastructure that would profit all Nigerians? Imagine if the family described above makes the decision to demand the provision of water from the Water Board as opposed to purchasing an automatic water pumping machine; it benefits larger society as opposed to providing for only one family.

As things are, the Nigerian constitution guarantees basic freedom. The freedom of movement, even though venturing into a Boko Haram stronghold would be at one’s own risk, indeed full hardy! The freedom to speak or write without fear provided you do not accuse the government of corruption: the freedom of association provided the society approves of your association.

What whistle blowers know is that true freedom does not exist if it is not used. This is why they are courageous enough to use this freedom, expose corrupt practices and are determined not to be blind or silent.

As citizens of this great nation, if we all would see this country firmly placed on the path of sustainable development, we must make the conscious decision to shun willful blindness and to a large extent, all become whistle blowers.

• Adejoh Idoko Momoh www.adejoh.blogspot.com