The Nation April 24, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Protesters clash in Edo over polls

Akeredolu, Mimiko, Oke at tribunal

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NEWS Page 4

Page 11

•Why we lost, by PDP chieftain

•Panel reserves verdict in poll dispute www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2468 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Outrage over bloodbath U.S. condemns Borno massacre Senate: it’s unacceptable ACN, CPC warn against killings North’s elders call for inquiry

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HERE was outrage yesterday over the killing of 185 people in Baga, a border community in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Among those who condemned the wanton destruction of lives and properties were the United States,

North’s elders, the National Assembly and political parties.

Patrick Ventrell, the acting Deputy State Department spokesman, said: “The United States thus condmen the violence that took the lives of so many innocent civilians in Baga, Borno State.”

The Senate described the kill-

ings of hundreds of Nigerians as unacceptable and mandated its Committees on Defence, Police and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the incident.

It gave the committee members 14 days to table their report before the plenary for consideration.

The Senate’s decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Maina Ma’Aji Lawan (Borno North), who was in tears while narrating the damage to his senatorial district by Boko Haram insurgency.

Northern Elders urged President Jonathan to institute a judicial commission of inquiry

into the massacre.

Its spokesman, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, who led a group of elders to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) secretariat in Kaduna, said probing the incident alone would not address the problem.

He blamed the President for allowing the military to take

over peace-keeping operations.

According to him, soldiers are trained for war and not to deal with the civil society.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) spokesman Lai Mohammed warned the military against extra-judiContinued on page 4

Zenith, First Bank, others sign MTN’s $3b loan

By Lucas Ajanaku, Staff Correspondent

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$3 BILLION medium-term loan agreement was signed yesterday by mobile giant MTN and a consortium of banks.

Zenith Bank, FCMB, Access Bank and about 14 others signed the deal to finance MTN Nigeria’s medium-term loan, which it plans to spend on expanding and upgrading its network.

According to MTN, the loan, which tenure of repayment has been increased from five to seven years, is syndicated from both local and international banks.

Zenith contributed N55billion - the highest. First Bank put in N40 billion. GTBank also put N40 billion on the table. Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and First City Monument Bank added N35 billion, N26.25billion and N15 billion.

Speaking at the Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, Brett Goshen, said it was another milestone in the history of the telco, which, he said, has built a track record of partnerships with both local and international fiancial institutions.

He recalled that in 2003, the $395million

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right) sympathising with one of the victims of the Ibadan fire, Alhaji Yinusa Ajibade (left), when the governor visited Omitowoju in the capital city ...yesterday

Ajimobi to fire victims: I feel your pains

•P AGE 9 •PA

Continued on page 4

Governors: Amaechi can seek second term

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ESPITE moves by the Presidency, most Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and those in opposition are backing the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, for a second term.

Some of the governors yesterday released a copy of the constitution of the Governors’ Forum to justify Amaechi’s bid for re-election next month.

They also said the NGF constitution does not make it compulsory for the ruling party (PDP) to produce the forum’s chairman.

Also yesterday, there were indica-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

tions that the Presidency is in dilemma over the search for Amaechi’s replacement as the preferred candidate, Governor Ibrahim Shema, is said to be unwilling to contest for the office.

Shema is trying to avoid being used as a “cannon fodder”, a source said.

President Goodluck Jonathan had a “curious dinner” with some PDP , All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Labour Party (LP) governors Sunday night, a source said. How to stop Amaechi’s re-election was discussed, Continued on page 4

•Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun (in bow tie) and (from left), Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Environment, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife; member, European Parliament, Alojz Peterle; Amosun’s wife, Olufunso ; Resource Person, Boris Cizelj; Newton Jibunor and others during the Ogun Goes Green International Conference and Workshop in Abeokuta...yesterday.

•SPORTS P24 •LIFE P25 •MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32 •POLITICS P45

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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NEWS

Reps, North’s lea •ACN cautions JTF against extrajudicial killings

T •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second left), his wife Olufunso (middle), Senator Oluremi Tinubu (right), wife of Osun Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (left) and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (second right) at the “Ogun Goes Green” International Conference and Workshop in Abeokuta ... yesterday.

•From left: GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Godwin Emefiele, MD/CEO MTN Nigeria, Brett Goschen and Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Paschal Dozie, at the signing of a $3 billion Loan syndicated by a consortium of banks for MTN in Lagos …yesterday.

•From left: Minister for Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mrs Bola Adesola and Ms. Diana Layfied, at the Nigeria Summit organised by the Economist.

•From left: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Consultant to Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Les Oliver, Director, PMO Operational Strategy, Etisalat Nigeria, Ms. Ndidi Okpaluba, Director/Principal Consultant, Laurasia Associates, Mr. James Wild, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, at the flag off of the Mobile Number Portability scheme in Lagos ... on Monday.

HERE was outrage yesterday over the military invasion of Baga in Borno State in which no fewer than 185 people died.

Northern leaders, the House of Representatives, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), rights activists and lawyers condemned the action. They called for a commission of inquiry into the matter.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) cautioned the Joint Task Force (JTF) against extra-judicial killings.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the security agencies must respect the relevant rules of engagement in their ongoing onslaught against Boko Haram in order to spare the lives and property of innocent civilians.

The statement reads: “Without jumping to any conclusion on what really transpired in Baga, we hasten to say that the military, in fighting an asymmetric war against insurgents, must ensure a strict observance of its rules of engagement to avoid the kind of deaths that were recorded in the border town.

“No matter what defence the military may put forward, the mass deaths and destruction in Baga during the JTF-insurgents’ clash portray the Nigerian military as having little or no respect for human rights and the sanctity of lives. This is not a flattering portrayal for a military that has made its mark in global peacekeeping.”

The ACN also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the matter, saying it is slow and disrespectful to the sanctity of human lives.

The party said: “In the first instance, it took the government almost 48 hours to comment on the killings, as the Presidency only issued a statement on Monday evening over the clash and the deaths which reports said started on Friday.

“Secondly, even the tone of the statement amounted to further victimising the victims of the clash.

Saying that the death toll was ‘grossly exaggerated’, as the Presidency statement claimed, is simply wrong, because the killing of even one innocent person is one killing too many.”

It expressed the hope that the probe ordered into the tragedy by President Goodluck Jonathan would not be another window dressing, as allegations of killing of civilians by the military in some parts of the North have continued unabated, despite previous claims by the government to ensure that such killings do not recur.

The House demanded an inquiry following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance raised by Mohammed Monguno (ANPP, Borno).

Monguno said most of those killed were “innocent civilians”.

He said: “There is a need to set up the judicial commission of inquiry because the soldiers have rules of engagement and being professional, they are supposed to know how to react to situations like this when civilians are involved.

“With this incident, it should not be a surprise if Nigerians become more sympathetic to the sect rather than the soldiers because of the number of civilians involved and that is not good for the security challenges we are facing in this country.

“It is my opinion that the soldiers should be more concerned with

•Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (second left

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TRONG indications emerged yesterday that the Military High Command has started auditing of the Multinational Task Force troops deployed in the border town of Baga, where 185 people were killed last weekend.

Also, it was gathered that the casualty figure was on the high side because of a second attack on Saturday by armed soldiers.

The Military High Command has started taking stock of troops who participated in the Baga invasion.

It was gathered that the auditing, From Yusuf Alli, Victor Oluwasegun, Dele Anofi (Abuja), Adesoji Adeniyi (Osogbo) andTony Akowe (Kaduna)

winning the hearts and minds of the people rather than jettisoning professionalism and rules of engagements.

They should be more cautious in situation like this”.

The lawmakers advised members of Boko Haram to embrace the amnesty offered by the Federal Government.

Northern Elders also urged Jonathan to institute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the massacre.

Speaking when he led a group of northern elders on a visit to the secretariat of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), former Presidential Adviser on Food Security, Prof. Ango Abdullahi blamed the President for allowing military men to take over peace keeping, adding that soldiers are trained for war and not to deal with the civil society.

He said: “We elders of the North came to ACF to exchange ideas and views on the state of the nation generally and the state of the North in particular.

“When we saw the president in March, we presented him with a document on what we saw in the nation, particularly in the area of instability and insecurity and other details in terms of what should be done to mitigate it or to stop it completely.

“We have insecurity problems in various parts of the North with different antecedents and background. Some are ethno -religious, some cattle rearers and farmers we have been living with

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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NEWS

h’s leaders call for inquiry into Baga invasion

‘

Full force will not solve the problem and so they should think of how to deal with it. The danger we saw in full force, particularly where soldiers are involve is that soldiers are not trained to deal with civil society.

They are train for war and wherever they are, the mentality is that of war and at a smallest provocation, they act like they are in a state of war.

’

m Shettima (second left)consoling a victim at a hospital in Baga... at the weekend.

Army begins investigation of Baga invasion known in military parlance as quarantine, was meant to fish out the culprits.

A top source said: “Already, the troops are undergoing a quarantine process to identify those who participated in the invasion and what informed the massive destruction of the

border town.

“The process of quarantine involves auditing of arms and ammunition, analysis of intelligence at the disposal of the troops before deployment against insurgents; what led to attack on harmless aged men, women and chil-

dren.

“This fact-finding step will enable the Military High Command to write a comprehensive report for President Goodluck Jonathan. It will also guide the government appropriately to prevent re-occurrence.

“Intelligence reports seem to be pointing to two attacks on Baga on Friday and Saturday.

this for quite some time.

“But the latest addition to the insecurity situation is the Jama’atul Alhalus Sunnah lilda’awati wal Jihad otherwise known as Boko Haram and we address that in details because it is the current subject of insecurity. We did recommend to the president at that particular time that we did not think full force will bring an end to the violence in this particular sect.

“Full force will not solve the problem and so they should think of how to deal with it. The danger we saw in full force, particularly where soldiers are involved is that soldiers are not trained to deal with civil society. They are trained for war and wherever they are, the mentality is that of war and at a smallest provocation, they act like they are in a state of war.

“This is what led to the considerable amount of violence that has been taken place particularly in Yobe and Borno states. We did recommend to the presi-

dent that he should try and re-evaluate the use of soldiers as peace keeping machines. Soldiers are not good peace keepers. This country is not at war and it couldn’t be at war with its own citizens.

“So, we said some other device should be used but the most important device is to incorporate in this peace move a willing support of the population. If you are a peace keeper, your first need is the population, particularly in terms of intelligence report to advise and so on.

“This is because most of these soldiers that are posted to these areas are not only raw as solders, but they are coming from totally different backgrounds. If you want a peace keeper in Borno, you need a person who can speak Hausa, somebody who can speak Kanuri, somebody who can speak Shuwa and most of the solders that are there cannot

even communicate in pidgin English.

“They are put together and posted to these areas as peace keepers and this is why so far they have failed and we have thousands of people being killed at the slightest provocation. Take the latest one for example. The Commandant himself said they lost a soldier. Is it because one soldier was lost that 200 people should be killed? If you are wearing a uniform, you are wearing it to die in the line of duty.

“And the fact that a soldier died on duty does not justify the excessive force used at night. Shooting people as they move into the bush and virtually razing their houses.

You drove them out of their houses and while running into the bush, you shot them like animals. This is certainly a failure on the part of the so-called security apparatus that are supposed to keep peace in

•‘Why casualty figure was high’ From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Without jumping to any conclusion on what re‘ally transpired in Baga, we hasten to say that the military, in fighting an asymmetric war against insurgents, must ensure a strict observance of its rules of engagement to avoid the kind of deaths that were recorded in the border town.

’

There were indications from the locals that apart from Friday invasion, some soldiers remobilised on Saturday and had a massive shelling of the town.”

In a response to an enquiry, the source added: “After the investigation has been concluded, those found guilty will face trial in line with military laws.”

Borno and Yobe states.

“We advised against it much earlier. The fact that the president is saying there should be a probe does not mean he said more than what he has said before because there are so many people who might have been mercilessly killed in their sleep while their houses are ransacked in the name of searching for Boko Haram members.

“This certainly is not the way an operation like this should be conducted. That is why we believe the president needs not just a probe. We need a judicial commission of inquiry to unravel what has happened in Baga. The commission of inquiry should have expanded term of reference for people to come before it to raise issues that have been happening in Borno and Yobe states.

“It is important for me to say that when you are trying to set up a committee to reconcile people, what is required from both sides is mutual confidence and mutual trust. It is the lack of mutual confidence and mutual trust that led to the failure of the first attempt to engage the group in dialogue.

“What we recommended is for the government to set up a committee. In fact, what we recommended was that reconciliation amnesty commission should be set up and this is usually a creation of law and once they are created by law, they acquire certain independence from those who created

them.

“But where you the government has one of its ministers as chairman of the committee and the secretary of the committee coming from the government, this will not give the kind of confidence one expects to get because the other side was saying they don’t need amnesty because it was the government that offended them.

“The only worry in some quarters is about the independence and neutrality of the committee because of its chairman and secretary. I hope it will work but a lot of efforts must be put in place to make sure that it will work so that the modus operandi are sufficiently worked out.”

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) also condemned the invasion, asking Jonathan to explore the peace option to the insurgency problem.

It also asked the Federal Government to rebuild the over 2,000 houses destroyed by soldiers.

The CPC, in a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, said: “The CPC, as a party, is outraged by the unfortunate incident of the wanton destruction of lives and property that attended the face-off between insurgents believed to be Boko Haram and soldiers of the Joint Task Force in Baga, Borno State.

“The attendant ecological disruption and huge humanitarian calamity had attracted so much attention (international and local) that clearly obviates the need for the continuous passing of the buck.

“True, the president has called for the probe of this needless carnage, which euphemistically means stalemated action on the matter. The houses destroyed must be rebuilt by the Federal Government whilst massive rehabilitative efforts are put in place for the displaced victims of the combatants’ rage.

“We recall that it was a PDP-led Federal Government that authorised the invasion of Odi on 20th November, 1999 on the pretext of redressing the killing of some policemen in the community.

We have equally noted that this template of excessive force that falls far short from internationallyaccepted rules of engagement for internal peace enforcement – which successive PDP-led administrations have stridently followed – is no longer fashionable in the civilised order of human governments.

“We remind the Federal Government to ensure that peace is the preeminent watch-word for military engagement within the nationspace. “Finally, we commiserate with the families of the deceased of the unfortunate incident, while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded.”

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam, condemned the killings.

Salaam described the killings as unacceptable, barbaric, ungodly, and nauseating. He urged the Federal Government to halt the carnage.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, the Speaker said the incident painted a picture of the country as a jungle, where life is cheap.

He said: “Our nation is bleeding seriously, corruption used to be on top of the chart, but insecurity seems to be challenging the menace now, for wanton killings appear to be normal in the country now, our strategies are malfunctioning, and as a nation, we must re-strategise, because Baga people in Borno State are human beings who must be kept safe in their country like any other part of the territory.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

NEWS Zenith, First Bank, others sign MTN’s $3b loan Continued from page 1

•Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, consoling the mother of the flood victim, Mrs. Olufunke Ayeni at their home in Ado Ekiti...yesterday. With them are the victim’s father Mr. Matthew Ayeni and Olumide’s aunty, Miss Bukola Ayeni

Governors: Amaechi can seek second term Continued from page 1

but members of the NGF were convinced that Amaechi should go.

It was gathered that some of those who attended the dinner queried why the President should dictate to them on who to vote for.

According to sources, some of the NGF members, who met in Abuja, have mapped out two strategies to stop Jonathan from “hijacking” the Forum.

One of the governors, who spoke in confidence, said: “The strategies are: canvassing strongly for secret ballot and stopping the PDP Governors Forum from coming up with a consensus candidate against Amaechi.”

He went on: “We are determined to stop being led by the nose by President Goodluck Jonathan on who should lead the NGF. We knew what the strange dinner on Sunday at the Presidential Villa was all about but we have launched a counter-strategy.

“The truth is that most members of the NGF are still backing Amaechi because his sins border on the protection of the statutory functions of the Forum.

“I can tell you that those against Amaechi cannot have

the number. What is at stake is protecting the corporate existence of NGF; it transcends Amaechi as a person.”

Another governor, who also pleaded not to be named, said: “The Presidency knew that it has committed an error with the Sunday dinner. That is why Jonathan wants to meet with PDP Governors again on Thursday.

“The so-called PDP Governors Forum will also meet on Wednesday. We are set to resist any attempt to choose a consensus candidate at the Forum for NGF chair because the constitution does not say that the ruling party must produce our chairman.

“Instead, the constitution favours merit and fairness in whatever we are doing. This is why we favour Amaechi’s return as guaranteed by NGF’s Constitution.

“If you also look at past chairmen, some of them spent more than four years in office.

So, what is the fuss about Amaechi’s second term of just two years?

“The past and present chairmen of the NGF are ex-Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu (1999 2004); Ex-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor At-

tah (2004 - 2006); former Governor of Edo State, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion (2006 - 2007); exGovernor of Kwara State Senator. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (2007 - 2011); and Amaechi( 2011- till date).

“The source released a copy of the NGF’s constitution as verified and approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission on February 2009.The source cited Article 6.7 to prove that Amaechi can seek re-election.

Article 6.7-6.11 of the Certified True Copy of the NGF Constitution reads in part: “Members of the Governing Board shall elect from among themselves a person to be known and addressed as Chairman who shall preside over the affairs of the Board and chair all its meetings and another to be known and addressed as Vice-Chairman, who shall assist the Chairman in directing the affairs of the Board and chair its meeting in the absence of the chairman.

“In electing the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, members shall give due regard to; “The principle of federal character; and the need to reflect political party representation in the Board, so as to ensure that the Chairman and

Vice-Chairman are not persons elected as Governors of their states on the platform of the same political party but on the platforms of the two political parties with the highest representation in the Board.

“The Chairman and the ViceChairman shall hold office for a term of two years but shall be available for re-election for another but final term of two years.

“The Chairman or, in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall present to the Board, at its General Meeting, a report to be known as the Chairman’s Report, which shall be a comprehensive report of the policies, activities, achievements and accounts of the Forum in the preceding year, and a brief on the policy direction, action plans and agenda for action in the following year.

“Where the offices of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, or one of them becomes vacant, either due to resignation by the incumbents or incumbent or because the incumbent or incumbents cease for whatever reason to be Members of the Board, the member shall hold election to elect a new chairman and a vice-chairman, or either Continued on page 62

funding MTN Nigeria received from financial institutions was the largest funding sealed outside South Africa, adding that it won the telco Project Fianace magazine’s “African Telecoms Deal” of the year.

“In 2007, MTN Nigeria again partnered with various local and international fianacial institutions to raise $2 billion to fund our rapidly expanding operations. It was again regarded as the largest laon syndication to any individual telecommunications company in Africa,” Goshen said, adding that in 2010, the telco partnered with 15 local financial institutions and two international lenders to raise another $2 billion described as the largest corporate fianacing deal in subSaharan Africa.

According to him, the es-

sence of these deals is to enable the telco make the capital investment necessary to expand its network infrstructure and meet the growing demands of its customers.

“We certainly put that fiancing into good use, built the most extensive telecommunications network in Africa and grew our customer base to over 50 million subscribers.

With mobile penetration still relatively low, sound economic growth, lower cost of ownership for consumers and the insatiable demand for data services, the growth story continues,” the CEO added.

He said the restructured and additional facilities would enable MTN to continue with the aggressive investment in its network which got $1.5 billion this year, and take advantage of the demands of customers and growth opportunities.

Rivers State PDP crisis: Caretakers take over council

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SEVEN-MEMBER caretaker committee was yesterday inaugurated by the Rivers State Government for Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, following the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of the council by the House of Assembly.

The chairman of the council, Mr. Timothy Nsirim, his deputy and councillors were asked to step aside to pave the way for thorough investigation of alleged fraud in the local government.

The inauguration came on a day a political group - New Rivers Alliance (NRA) - hailed the Abuja High Court ruling that removed the Chief Godspower Ake-led Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the NRA Chairman, Dr Ombo Benibo, praised the political “maturity” of the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, for the immediate inauguration of a new executive committee into office in Abuja.

The removed executive, led by the Godspower Ake, has ap-

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

pealed the judgment.

Benibo called on all wellmeaning citizens of the state to support the Felix Obuah-led committee, pointing out that what is happening in our great party, the PDP, is a family affair and, as brothers, it will be settled amicably.”

Also in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is also the leader of PDP in the state, swore in a seven- member Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The members are: Dike David Chikordi as Chairman, Yellow Ernest Ogbonda as ViceChairman, Ihunwo Ovunda, Wogu Chima, Ejims Chinkweru, Stanley Ehoro and Friday Owhor Kinikanwo.

They were inaugurated shortly after being screened by the Assembly.

Amaechi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. George Feyii, charged the committee members to be diligent in carrying out their responsibilities.

Outrage over massacre of 185 villagers in Borno Senate probes Baga massacre

Continued from page 1

cial killings.

The ACN said: “Without jumping to any conclusion on what really transpired in Baga, we hasten to say that the military, in fighting an asymmetric war against insurgents, must ensure a strict observance of its rules of engagement to avoid the kind of deaths that were recorded in the border town.

“No matter what defence the military may put forward, the mass deaths and destruction in Baga during the JTF-insurgents’ clash portray the Nigerian military as having little or no respect for human rights and the sanctity of lives. This is not a flattering portrayal for a military that has made its mark in global peacekeeping.”

The party berated the Federal Government for waiting for almost 48 hours before responding to the situation.

The House of Representatives echoed the Northern Elders as it called for a commission of inquiry.

Also yesterday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) deployed of-

T

HE Senate yesterday mandated its committees on Defence, Police and National Security and Intelligence to jointly investigate the alleged death of over 185 people in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Members of the joint committee have 14 days to turn in their report for the consideration of the Senate at plenary.

The development followed a motion on alleged massacre of over 185 people in Baga, Borno State last Friday.

President Goodluck Jonathan has also ordered a probe.

The motion was not debated. There was silence in the upper legislative chamber as Senator Maina Ma’Aji Lawan (Borno North), who sponsored the motion, recalled what he tagged “the Baga Massacre”.

Lawan used Order 43, which deals with personal explanation, to present his motion.

At a press conference he addressed later,

ficials to assist in the provision of medical reliefs and aid to the affected people.

Senator Bukola Saraki described the killings as “gruesome” and demanded for an inquest into the activities of the Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the area.

The Military High Command

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the senator confirmed the story published by the The Nation on its front page that over 10 local government areas in Borno State are under the control of Boko Haram insurgents.

An observer in the Senate gallery described the mood in the chamber as “solemn”.

In subdued voice, Lawan said: “I stand before you today a very sad man. My zone, the Borno North Senatorial District, is today a no-go area for normal operations of government and, for that matter, any civil conduct.

“The issue I want to raise is the burning down and death of over 200 persons, destruction of over 2000 houses in my Senatorial District in particular, Baga town and the general activities of the insurgents that make the place almost inhabitable and com-

began the auditing of the MJTF deployed in the border town.

According to the Red Cross, besides the 187 people feared killed, 77 others were injured.

More than 300 homes were destroyed. The military said it confirmed 26 deaths.

The National Coordinator of the service organisation, Mr.

pletely out of control of any authority.

“It is in this respect that I want to make a brief explanation to the Senate.

“In particular, I want to draw your attention to several national dailies in the last four days.

“For instance, the front page caption of Daily Trust of Saturday that reads ‘Boko Haram rules Borno North’. The Nation front page story that reads ‘Boko Haram grounds 10 LGA’s in Borno.’

“And the very wide and extensive coverage of all the international electronic media: CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, SKY News that you are already aware of.

“These news items are largely true.

“Coming closer home, my home town of Baga is today in total ruins with 180 to 200 human lives lost and numerous others unaccounted for.

Umar Mariaga, told AFP that Red Cross officials were still struggling to reach Baga, where the security situation remains uncertain.

“We are making efforts to get clearance from the security agents to get in and assist the victims of the violence,” he said.

A resident, who pleaded to

Continued on page 62

remain anonymous, said much of the town was deserted after the clashes last Friday. He said the confrontation forced thousands to flee the battle grounds.

“Baga is still under military siege. The town is at a standstill, with little food and water, which has forced even those of us that stayed behind to start

•Mark

leaving,” the resident told AFP The military operation in Baga, a town located about 180 kilometres North of Maiduguri, the state capital, left almost Continued on page 62

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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NEWS

My Pikin teething syrup had ‘deadly contaminants’, court told

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Federal High Court, Ikoyi, yesterday heard that the alleged killer teething syrup, My Pikin, was produced with deadly “contaminants”.

A prosecution witness, Momodu Segiru-Momodu said the medication’s components were found to be harmful, after a laboratory analysis.

He was testifying in the trial of a company, Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Limited and others, who were charged with producing the syrup.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) charged the firm, its Chief Ex-

By Joseph Jibueze

ecutive Officer (CEO) Gbadegeshin Okunlola and two of its employees – Adeyemo Abiodun and Egbele Eromosele - before Justice Okechukwu Okeke.

Okunlola, a pharmacist, died last October 27. He was 58.

This necessitated the striking out of his name from the charge.

The defendants were rearraigned on January 7, following the amendment of the charge. But they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

Segiru-Momodu, who is NAFDAC’s Director, Chem-

ical and Evaluation Research, said the analysis was professionally conducted and that there was no doubt about the syrup’s deadly content.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Aminu Alilu, the witness told the court that in January 2009 at the Yaba office of NAFDAC, he received a sealed package containing samples of My Pikin teething mixture with batch number 02008.

The witness said he was Deputy Director in charge of Laboratory at that time and, therefore, took the samples for an analysis.

According to him, the samples were analysed in

line with normal scientific procedure.

Segiru-Momodu said the analysis showed the product contained contaminants called “diaethylene glycol”.

The witness said samples were again taken to the NAFDAC Central Laboratory in Oshodi, Lagos, for confirmation by a qualitative and quantitative estimation of the products.

He said at the Oshodi laboratory, an advanced analytical technique was used with an instrument called “gas liquid chromatograph”.

The trial is expected to continue today.

A

filed on March 14.

“The application is brought pursuant to Sections 155 and 168 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).

“My Lord, this is to reflect the extent of the alleged complicity and participation of the related parties,’’ Obla said.

Mr Sunday Ameh (SAN) led other defendant counsel in the matter to oppose the application.

They said that the move would erode the progress so far made in the case.

According to them, the former charges should be left to stand as each accused person understands the allegation against him or her.

The accused were first arraigned on March 24, 2011, for

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday sent the names of Secretary and other members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Senate for confirmation.

A memo dated April 11, 2013 entitled: “Appointment of secretary and members of the EFCC” stated that Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 provides for the appointment of the Chairman and members of the Commission.”

It said that in pursuant to the provision of Section 2(3) of the EFCC Act, 2004 the nominees were made.

It named Micheal Ebong (South south); Mr. Uwasomba Udochukwu (Southeast), Mr. Emmanuel Ibitolu (Northcentral), Ismaila Mohammed Dokku (Northeast) as nominated members of the commission. Mr. Adesojo O. Olaoba-Efuntayo (Southwest) was named secretary.

Jonathan also forwarded the names of Hajiya Fatima Kwaku and Olumuyiwa Akinboro to the Senate for confirmation for appointment as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•EFCC arrests accused above, the case file will be reassigned by the authority of the Federal High Court.

“The 40 accused are hereby discharged and are no more before this court,’’ he said.

At the resumed hearing, Chief Godwin Obla, the prosecuting counsel, announced that his client gave him an instruction to break up the accused for separate trial.

“My client has instructed me to withdraw an amended charge dated July 26, 2011 comprising 40 accused persons, to give room for separate trial and good case management.

“We have filed seven sets of charges pursuant to this instruction and will be applying for permission to substitute the earlier charges with the one

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Senate approves 10 varsities

Court discharges 40 over ‘N12b pension scam’ FORMER Director of Pension Administration in the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Teidi Shuaibu and 39 others jointly standing trial for allegedly siphoning N12 billion federal civil servants’ pension funds were yesterday discharged by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Teidi, and others were also standing trial for the missing funds.

In a ruling, Justice Adamu Bello said the court’s action was at the instance of the prosecution who prayed for separate trial of the suspects.

He said the prosecution had formally withdrawn the old charges against the accused to create room for the filing of fresh ones.

“This is the only workable option and in the light of the

Jonathan seeks confirmation of EFCC secretary, others

T •EFCC chairman Ibrahim Lamorde

allegedly defrauding the pension department, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, of N12 billion pension funds.

They were arraigned on a 134-count charge.

Meanwhile, NAN reports that at the close of the proceeding, operatives of the EFCC rearrested the suspects and took them away.

HE Senate yesterday adopted the conference reports on 10 new federal universities.

The report was presented by Chairman, Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije.

Before the were adoption Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba, prayed the Senate to consolidate the reports since they dealt with the same issue.

The adoption of the conference reports meant giving legal backing to the new universities created by the Federal Government in last year.

Senate President David Mark, in his remarks warned that the institutions must be adequately funded.

Mark also urged the universities to ensure the production of quality and world class- graduates.

The affected universities included Federal University of Dutsin-ma, Katsina State; Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State; Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Federal University of Lokoja, Kogi State; Federal University of Ndufu-Alike Ikow, Ebonyi State; Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State; Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Federal University of Dutse, Jigawa State.

Others are Federal University Wukari, Taraba State and Federal University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Jonathan okays boards of agencies, parastatals (Continued from yesterday)

Federal College of Education (Tech) Gombe Engr. Saadu Maliki Chairman Members: Bishop Kawas Leonard; Mrs. Uzo Nwandu; Chief Amaete Ntuk Federal College of Education, Abeokuta Sen. Emma Anosike Chairman Members: Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro; Mr. Segun Sinna Ainna; Hon. Beinmo John Jonah Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu Dr E. M. I. Enemuo Chairman Members: Mr. Philip Adda Ikyabo; Mr. Gbeminiyi Olaniyan; Rev (Mrs) Grace Ekanem Federal College of Education, Kano Prof. A A. Akinsola Chairman Members: Alhaji Umar A. Rahama; Mr. Ifeanyi Okafor; Barr. Owuru Federal College of Education, Katsina Col. Bala Mande (Rtd) Chairman Members: Hon. Aliyu Bindawa; Dele Ajadi (Dr.); Jibrin Awose Idase Federal College of Education, Obudu Alh. Adamu Aliyu Sumaila Chairman Members: Mr. Ebuta Ayuk; Emmanuel K. Ogunsalu; Chief Askia Ogiah Federal College of Education, Okene

Hon. Ebenezer Alabi Chairman Members: Godfrey Miri; Clement Adzuanongo; Barr. Igwe Emeka Benjamin Federal College of Education, Ondo Amb. Musa John Chairman Members: Dr. Mrs Buki Olamigoke; John B. Piribi; Kalu Ama Nkama Federal College of Education, Omoku, Rivers State Chief Linus Okom Chairman Members: Chief Cyril Eneh; Salisu Dabo; Chief Robert Usman Audu Federal College of Education, Owerri Prince Ajibola Oyinlola Chairman Members: Okoraoafor Uche; Hon. George Daika; Chief Bola Olu-Ojo Federal College of Education, Pankshin Engr. Mohammed Nura Khalil Chairman Members: Hajia Amina Tagwai; Rose Eneogenyi Ameh; Hon. Ibrahim Diko Ahmed Federal College of Education, Yola Hon. Ugorji Amaoti Chairman Members: Alh. Saeed Dantsoho; Hon. Musa Ausa; Alhaji Aliyu Tukur Federal College of Education, Zaria Dr. Ugwu Samuel Chijioke Chairman Members: Chief Emeka Ojukwu Jr.; Surajo Barau Abdulkarim (Phd); Alh D.U Abdusalam

Federal College of Education, Zuba Dr. Remi Akintoye Chairman Members: Alhaji Ajuji Waziri; Hajiya Azumi Bebeji; Hon. Ganiyu Saka Federal Housing Authority Sen. Lee Maeba Chairman Members: Chief Dele Okeya; Abdulmalik Mahmoud; Gogo Kurubo; Hon. Engr.

Umar Faruk; Hajiya Rabi Mukhtar; Hadiza King; Alh. Salisu Mamuda; Hon. Hassan Salau; Barr. Sola Oludipe; Barr. Arthur Akpowowo Upper Niger River Basin Dev. Authority Hon. Sam Odeh Chairman Members: Alh. Munir Jafaru; Alh. Garba Dandiga; Hon. Jacob Ogwuche; Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin; Chief Bonny Ofoke; Dr. David David Eni Lower Niger River Basin Dev. Authority Hon. David Idoko Chairman Members: Habiba Dione; Arc. Kefas Lar; Alh. Isa Ahmed D/Bahuta; Barr. Bashir Ibrahim; Vincent Okafor; Mr. Boma Iyaye Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority Col. I. H. Biu Chairman Members: Amb. Danladi Wuyep; Sen. Chief Oladipo Odujinrin; Mallam Adamu Aboki; Hasshan Hyet; Chief (Mrs) Olamide Adegbenro; Abubakar Kanam Benin-Owena RIver Basin Development Authority Mr. William A. A. Makinde

Chairman Members: Dr. James Kalu Inyiri (Kelly); Hon. Andrew Odumu; Mr. Nuhu Polomal Lola Ashiru; Hon. Moshood Salvador; Mr. Victor Emuakhagbon Niger Delta River Basin Dev. Authority Chief (Sen.) Tari James Sekibo Chairman Members: Dr. Paul A. Udayi; Sunusi Yau Kaura; Honourable Sani Dahiru; Dennis Kelpai; Major Raphael A. Towobola (Rtd); Engr. Emeka Ebila Cross River Basin Development Authority Hon. Mike Mku Chairman Members: Sanusi Aliyu; Bashir Madoro; M. Usman Ibrahim; Mrs. Bola Oloyede; Sir Marc Wabara; Rt. Hon. Aniefiok Thompson Chad Basin Development Authority Senator Zego Aziz Chairman Members: Chief Goddy Onyimadu; Bello Mohmood Jama'are; Rabi SuleGaro; Aminu Bamanga; Raymond Dabo; Chief Nuremi Akanbi Hadeja-Jama'are River Basin Development Authority Chief Mike Mku Chairman Members: Hon. Shetima Bukar Jalaba; Hon Babangida S. M. Nguroje, OFR; Alhaji Idi Alhaji; Hon. Micheal Fasinu; Chief C. J. Ekpunobi; Barr. Francis Igodo Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority Dr. Abdu Bulama Chairman Members: Alhaji Sadiq A Haske; Alhaji Ab-

dulkadir Shuaibu Abugi; Hon. Zakari Mohammed Shinaka; Alhaji Yaro Makama; Hajiya Binta Kassim; Alh Lamido Mohammed Nafada Anambra-Imo River Basin Authority Dr. Sam Sam Jaja Chairman Members: Umar Gana; Hon. Augustine Awodi; Mr. Vin Ude Omanta MemberMajor Agbo (Rtd); Bede Eke; Chief Emmanuel Okorodudu Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority Engr. Clifford Odia Chairman Members: Barr. (Mrs) Ayoka Lawani; Senator Salihu Bakwai; Alh. Lawal Yakubu; Chief Jossy Elebiyu; Engr. Ezeugwu Joel; Chief Edwin Uzor Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority Dr. Christie Silas Chairman Members: Amb. Ladan Shuni; Yusuf Gagdi; Sen. Greg Ngaji; Engr. Mahmud Mahmud; Dr. Elizabeth Garderner; Mr. Adoga Ibrahim.

Each Governing Council/Board shall include the Ex-0fficio memberships specified in the Enabling Law of the Parastatal/Agency.

The dates for the formal inauguration of the above Governing Councils/Boards will be announced in due course by the Honourable Ministers or the relevant supervising authorities responsible for the various Parastatals/Agencies, a statement by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said.

(Concluded)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

6

NEWS

ANPP to Okupe: you’re Jonathan’s toothless bulldog T HE All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday described the Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe, as a servant who is just barking over nothing.

No matter what Okupe does, the opposition party said, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot stop the All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger of Nigeria’s progressive parties, in 2015.

Dr Okupe, when he addressed reporters in Lagos on Sunday, had described the ANPP as “moribund and lackluster”.

He also berated the emerging APC. A statement in Abuja by ANPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, said it is unfortunate that Okupe, who was hurriedly hired by the Presidency as a “decoy to whitewash this lacklustre government, does not have any constructive job to do but to pollute the remaining breathable air in the nation’s space at any given opportunity.”

The statement reads: “The facts are sacrosanct: PDP has failed Nigerians. Although the curriculum vitae of Dr Okupe

•Party says PDP can’t stop APC From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

is apt for the job he applied for to reinvent his moribund career as a public space banter artist, we must point out that no matter the amount of noise made to obfuscate the citizens, and in fact the world, the truth cannot be hidden. First of all, the United States of America released the findings of a diligent investigation concerning the abysmal level of corruption in Nigeria; the APC did not carry out the investigation. It will also be recalled that when this same PDP government tried juggling figures with the name of Transparency International (TI) in a bid to confuse Nigerians over its non-existent anti-corruption war, the TI dutifully denied them, to the shame of The Presidency and its spin doctors.

“Concerning the policies of the present government, Nigerians are everyday pummelled with policy somersaults and

blatant evidence of a clueless regime. Take for instance, the recent decision of President Jonathan to approve the concessioning of the nation’s two mega-stadia – the Abuja Stadium and the National Stadium, Lagos - with the lame reason that “it has become evident that the Federal Government could no longer maintain the six stadia across the six geo-political zones”.

“It beats the imagination why the same government that saw the concession policy it initiated crumble before it because of its entrenched government by cronyism, embark on another wasteful jamboree in a fake attempt to salvage the nation’s sports infrastructure.

First it was the failed concession of Nigerian airports; then the scandalous Ibadan-Lagos Expressway concession. Why would a government be going round and round the same spot, if not because of incompetence and lack of ideas?

What is more, the propagan-

dised Power Road Map, which promised to give Nigerians 13,000 megawatts at the end of this, year is still a contrived mirage.

“When the citizens cried out, the PDP government hastily engineered a sleight of hand – it shifted the goal post to 2016, a convenient date to come up with another subterfuge campaign slogan during the 2015 elections. But surely, Nigerians are watching, and they are smarter than the ruling party may wish or imagine.

“The ANPP is a great party, founded on a solid foundation; a platform from where many of today’s notable statesmen have sprung up to serve this great nation. If the truth must be told, the PDP today is peopled by many of ANPP renegades, who could not sustain the timeless values for which we resolutely stand and are known for. In fact, the PDP, a well-known gang of unprincipled ‘share-and-destroy’ pseudo-politicians, is irked at the realisation that despite its orchestrated onslaught on the fabrics of our great party, we are still standing, girded by the singular thread of democratic best practices.

Mum accused of ‘flogging’ adopted Nigerian daughters

A •Okupe

“More so, Dr Okupe’s apprehension that we have found kindred spirits in fellow progressives in the nation’s political space, with whom we are set to lead the country away from PDP’s cloak-and-dagger politics of personality to ideas-based and issues-driven politics. To be candid, the legend, which says that dogs start to bark a few minutes before earthquakes, is certainly manifesting in Nigeria.

“As a party, we believe that Dr Okupe, PDP’s faithful attack dog, has an inkling of the coming electoral natural disaster about to swallow his pay masters. Nevertheless, the universal truth is that though the dog can bark so loud, it can never stop the disaster coming their way.”

•From left: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management and Research, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Babajide Alo; CEO, Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu; Best Graduating Students in MBA, Isiaq Olubukunola; Best Medical Student Ojikutu Seliat; Best Econonic Student Buhari Abiola; UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahaman Bello; CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr Wiebe Boer and Provost, College of Medicine, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, during the N1.5 million Elumelu Legacy Prize presentation at UNILAG.... yesterday.

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Mr. Abolade Aina, wish to inform the general public that I have applied to Isolo Local Council Development Area, that the street formerly known as Abike Akinsoji street situated off Martins Saliu Street, Green Field Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota Isolo, be renamed as Abolade Aina, in my favour.

This is for the information of Isolo L.C.D.A and the general public.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Ifeoma Okechukwu Iloh, wish to inform the general public that I have applied to Isolo Local Council Development Area, that the street situated off Enoma Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota Isolo, be named as Larry Iloh Close, in my favour. This is for the information of Isolo L.C.D.A and the general public.

Indicted ex-governors, ministers now power brokers, says HE pioneer chairman of Mustapha Akanbi era.” the Independent CorICPC ex-chief Akanbi On corruption, Wali said: rupt Practices and Other

T

Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, yesterday said indicted former governors, ministers and party officials have become power brokers in Nigeria.

He noted that the development was widening the vicious cycle of corruption and making the fight against the social malaise a Herculean task.

The retired jurist urged “the President of our potentially great country, governors, political leaders, politicians, top brass civil/public servants, Emirs, Obas and Obis to lead by example and be in the vanguard of the struggle to eliminate corruption or reduce it to tolerable level”.

Akanbi, a retired President of the Court of Appeal, spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State caporal, at the 46th annual conference of the National Associ-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ation of Law Teachers.

He said: “Many well-meaning and responsible Nigerians have been crying foul at the turn of events and the apparent cover-up of purveyors of corruption in recent times and the lethargic manner corruption cases are being handled.

“Given the situation described above, more often than not, mediocre, incompetent and corrupt officials, rather than resourceful, efficient and competent hands, find their way into positions of power and authority, which they use and manipulate to their own advantage and not to the benefit of society or the public good.

“The result is that the nation begins to drift and slide dangerously down the slippery road of economic ruination. In the process, there is the

general desecration of societal and normative values, low level performance in both socioeconomic and technological developments and, ultimately, a putrefying decadence, the stench of which often puts off or prevents other nations with a record of transparency and probity from wanting to interact or do business with a corrupt nation.”

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Okey Wali (SAN) said the association would de-register any lawyer found to be corrupt.

He said: “Any lawyer implicated in any act of corruption will lose his membership of the NBA. On the Bench, we are working seriously with National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). We are very determined to turn our Judiciary into the Judiciary of the Hon. Justice

“The worst problem we have in Nigeria is corruption. The Americans are telling us what we already know. The report that …there is corruption in this country is not news; that there was fuel subsidy scandal is not news; that some people are feeding fat on the savings of other people via pension is not news; the widespread perception of corruption in the Judiciary is not news.

“The only thing that is news is that the Americans are now telling us that there is corruption in this country. Corruption is the biggest cancer that has eaten up this country. You can trace the lack of funding to corruption. You can trace the lack of infrastructure to corruption.

You can trace almost every problem, including insecurity, to corruption. So, it is very important that we address corruption.”

HOUSTON, Texas, United States (US) mom is being accused by prosecutors of severely “flogging” her two Nigerian adopted daughters last month.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Onyeka Lucy Asonye has been charged with two counts of felony injury to a child.

The 46-year-old remained jailed on Monday.

Authorities said a daycare worker first noticed injuries on the three-year-old girl. Investigators said both she and her four-year-old sister had multiple bruises and scars over their bodies.

Prosecutors alleged that Asonye initially denied hurting her daughters but later confessed. The woman said she caused some of the injuries by “flogging” them with sticks at their home.

EFCC arraigns man for stealing N635,000

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

HE Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a 30-year-old man, Benjamin Otuorimo, before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly stealing $4,016.25 (about N634,567.50) belonging to Kemud International Company Limited.

Otuorimo, who is facing a one-count charge of fraud, was arraigned before the court presided by Justice Olabisi Akinlade.

The EFCC counsel, Gbolahan Latona, told the court that the defendant, on September 12, 2012, with intent to defraud, obtained the money from Kemud International Company Limited.

He said Otuorimo hacked into the company and that when he discovered that it was owing Intech Process Automation Nigeria Company Limited $4,016.25, he impersonated as a representative of Intech Process Automation Company.

Jonathan names lawyer Amnesty Committee member From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday appointed a lawyer, Aisha Wakil, as a member of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.

Some members of the 26man committee announced by the Federal Government last week had rejected the appointment.

The committee, which is expected to find lasting solution to the crisis in the region, is expected to be inaugurated today by President Jonathan.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, reads: “The inauguration by President Jonathan of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and the Committee on Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, originally scheduled for 10am on Wednesday, April 24, has been brought forward to 9am.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

7

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Nigerite, NGO support asthma victims

S

TACEY Okparavero Art Exhibition for Life, a non-governmental organisation, supported by Nigerite Limited, yesterday donated drugs worth millions of naira to asthma patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Lagos.

The items, which came out of proceeds from an exhibition tagged, “Art for life,” held in memory of Stacey’s only sister who died of asthma last year, were received by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Oke. Prof Oke said: “You can never imagine how much you are going to touch people’s lives with these drugs because these are the drugs that determine life in an asthma patient. You have really done us a great favour at LASUTH. On behalf of the management and patients we say thank you.”

The convener of the exhibition, Ms Stacey Okparavero expressed gladness that the project was successful, adding: “My appreciation goes to the management of Nigerite Limited for its contribution to the initiative by donating these life-saving drugs.”

Nigerite representative, Chris Adegbile, an engineer, the company decided to solely sponsor the exhibition because it deals with life, adding: “This initiative will help people to learn how to deal with the ailment and also save some lives in the process.

Nigerite is committed to building life.”

Fiberesima plans beauty pageant

T

HE President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), actress Ibinabo Fiberesima, is stepping up efforts to stage a beauty pageant tagged, Miss Earth Nigeria 2013.

The thespian said the pageant is aimed at preparing brighter future for teenage girls who are interested in making a career in the fashion and beauty industry.

The pageant, she said, is slated for the third quarter of 2013. She disclosed that the eventual winner will represent Nigeria at the World Miss Earth Pageant billed for the United States later this year.

• Bamigbetan addressing the workers... yesterday

PHOTO: SEUN AKIOYE

Rousing welcome as Bamigbetan returns to work E

JIGBO Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairman, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, returned to his beat yesterday, three days after he was released by his kidnappers.

He got a rousing welcome from the council's workers yesterday.

Songs of joy filled the council secretariat as the workers, well-wishers, and residents of the neighbourhood gathered to receive him.

The songs began before his arrival.At 2:30 pm, dressed in a white lace and a cap to match, Bamigbetan walked into the waiting hands of the dancing workers.

Inside the premises, Bamigbetan addressed the workers, thanking them for their prayers and solidarity. He told the jubilant crowd that they played a prominent role towards ensuring his release.

"This is an occasion to celebrate workers' solidarity. One of the things that led to my release was the good things you said about me when the kidnappers came here for information about me. They told me that on account of what they heard the workers say, I would not die but would ensure my safe return home.

I also thank my council manager, Babatunde Mesewaku, who carried the sacrifice for me. Without him and you all, I might not be here today. I thank you all and pray that none of you will experience this in-

•Council chief holds thanksgiving today

By Seun Akioye

cident," Bamigbetan said, amid applause.

He called for social justice and employment, especially for jobless graduates, saying: "We have come to a stage in our country when the problem of graduate unemployment has taken a violent turn. We leave our graduates to the mercy of the market economy without making adequate provisions for them. While 90 percent of our unemployed graduates will go to church and mosques to wait on the Lord, there will be 10 percent that will decide to take their pound of flesh on the society.

"The kidnappers were not looking for Kehinde Bamigbetan, they were looking for anyone with cash value; someone who could afford to pay a ransom."

He sought dedication to service and good governance at all levels of government, saying: "One of the lessons that we can learn from this is that we should serve with the fear of God. When you work for the people, it may be the only thing that will save you when you are in a place you don't know - your hands and

•Fiberesima

T

examination.

"We as a government value the education of our children very dearly, but we shall no longer succumb to individual, organisation, group, government or examination bodies' request for a waiver in future. The fact remains that we all know as individuals, groups and bodies that the last Saturday of every month is observed as sanitation day in Lagos.

“We expect event planners and planning officers in the private and public sectors to arrange their programmes outside 7.00am to 10.00am, which is the stipulated time for the sanitation exercise," he said.

He further advised that examination bodies like WAEC/NECO/ JAMB etc should respect the state laws and not fix their future examinations on the state sanitation day.

While urging Lagosians to actively participate in the April sanitation exercise, despite the lifting

feet are tied and you are blindfolded. We must try to do our best at all levels."

Earlier yesterday, Bamigbetan had hosted about 40 of his colleagues at his residence. The council chiefs came to rejoice with him on his safe return. Bamigbetan, who recount his experience, thanked God for his safe return.

Meanwhile, a special thanksgiving service to celebrate Bamigbetan's return will hold today at the council's secretariat.

According to a statement by the

Smith, others for Onasanya's book launch

Free movement on sanitation day HERE will be unrestricted human and vehicular activities on Saturday during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, has said.

Bello, who made the announcement while monitoring the environment yesterday, said the decision followed appeals by parents and stakeholders in education to allow students, invigilators and other stakeholders to participate effectively in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination organised by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), which will hold on that day.

The commissioner explained that as a responsive and responsible administration, it became imperative for the state government to waive the restriction of movement order so as not to jeopardise the future of the innocent wards, whose counterparts in other parts of the country will write the same

‘The kidnappers were not looking for Kehinde Bamigbetan, they were looking for anyone with cash value; someone who could afford to pay a ransom’

council's Information Officer, Rabiu Hassan, the event will begin at 10am.

Most councils chiefs have started reviewing their security following Bamigbetan’s kidnap. Checks on some local government secretariats showed that security had been beefed up with more neighbourhood watch members deployed in strategic locations at the secretariats. Some workers who confided in The Nation said the chairmen were no longer leaving anything to chance.

"We are not leaving anything to chances. Apart from increasing the number of our security men, we are re-organising and we will give our men all the tools they need to succeed in giving us adequate security," a source at the Agege Local Government Area said.

The Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Adegbenga Basanya, said he had made some adjustments on his security, adding that he relied on God for his safety.

He said: "God is our security; it is about awareness. You must know where you should not be at a particular time.

It is about being watchful - where you go and the people you mix with - but at the end of the day, we take it back to God. I try to be conscious about what I do and I have made some adjustments.”

“There is also the possibility of human elements; even your aides can betray you. The most important issue is the community. From what we heard, those guys don't have jobs. It is one area we should tackle." Basanya added.

F

ORMER Inspector General of Police and ex-Chairman of Skye Bank Plc, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, will tomorrow chair the launch of Soul Refreshers and Pleasant Dreams, two new books by Femi Onasanya, a widely-acclaimed personal development enthusiast and United Kingdom-based life coach.

The event, which will hold at the Function Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, by 10am, will parade dignitaries including Chief B. A. Adenuga, Chairman, Capital Assurance Limited and Mr Olada-

By Paul Oluwakoya

po Osibodu, Chairman/CEO, Sodapex Nigeria Limited as chief launchers.

The author's debut, One Missing Ingredient; was launched in April, lasy year, under the chairmanship of former chairman of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan and exPresident, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Nike Adeniran.

Onasanya is a youth worker, bible teacher and a graduate of the South Bank University, London.

Madam Ige goes home •Bello

of the restriction order, he advised: "We should concentrate on the cleaning of drains in our frontages as we are gradually approaching the rainy season."

The commissioner enjoined Lagosians to shun acts that could contribute to flooding, warning that "people should not dump wastes in unauthorised places like canals and drainage channels."

M

ADAM Comfort Aduke Ige, popularly known as Mama Olopo-Ewa, is dead.

A statement by her family said she died last Friday in Lagos after a brief illness.

Sympathisers who have been pouring tributes on her described her as a hardworking, God-fearing, reliable, trustworthy and caring woman. She was said to be a unifying factor among her people.

She was also described as a virtuous family woman and a devout Christian who touched many lives.

According to her burial arrange-

ment announced by the family, a Christian Wake will hold on May 24 at her K52, Isare Street, Efon-Alaye, Ekiti State home by 5pm. It will be followed by a church service on May 25 at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Idagba Street, EfonAlaye at 11am, after which interment will hold.

Reception follows same day at Oke Are Primary School, Efon-Alaye from 2pm to 7pm.

She is survived by Mrs Folake Idowu, Chief Kayode Allen Ige, Bankole Julius Ige, an engineer; Mr Kehinde Festus Ige, Mr Taye Ige, Mr Idowu Ige and Mrs Alaba Oderinde.

8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

9

NEWS 50 lawyers represent ‘brutalised’ colleague in N500m suit

Ajimobi, Lanlehin visit Ibadan fire victims

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

O

VER 50 lawyers from the Ibadan branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) yesterday represented their colleague, who was allegedly brutalised by policemen, at the State High Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Mr. Joshua Olaniyan has sued the police for N500 million damages.

Olaniyan was allegedly assaulted by policemen at the Kajorepo Police Division in Ibadan on April 3.

The respondents in the suit are the Inspector-General of Police (IGP); the Commissioner of Police; the Divisional Police Officer; an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mrs. Sola Olarenwaju; Kajorepo Divisional Crime Officer Etim Ebighe and a Corporal, Egunnusi Dominic.

Olaniyan is seeking a declaration that his alleged detention and brutalisation were illegal.

The lawyer was allegedly detained and brutalised by Mrs. Olanrewaju and her colleagues when he went to secure the release of a truck that was impounded by the police because the driver could not produce the waybill for his consignment.

He said he took the waybill to the station and tried to explain to the police that the driver forgot it at home, but he was beaten up and detained. Olaniyan was released in the evening when the DPO intervened.

At the hearing yesterday, 50 lawyers, led by Abiola Olagunju, made two applications. The first was a “Notice of Application for an Order Enforcing the Fundamental Rights” of the applicant.

The second was an application to serve the notice on the third and eighth respondents through the office of the second respondent (the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan).

Justice Muktar Abimbola granted the second application and adjourned hearing of the first application till May 23. The applicant’s suit was filed by the office of R.O. Ogunwole (SAN).

•Reps to empower NEMA From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan; Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

•Lanlehin

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday visited victims of Monday’s fire in Inalende, Ibadan, the state capital.

A fuel-laden tanker spilled its content in the area on Monday evening and it resulted in a fire.

Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South District), Ibadan North West Local Government Caretaker Chairman Alhaji Wasiu Olatunbosun, social workers and community leaders also visited the victims.

Ajimobi assured the victims

of the government’s assistance.

Moved by the extent of the injury sustained by one of the landlords in the area, Alhaji Yinusa Ajibade, the governor directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to arrange for his treatment at the government’s expense.

Inspecting the affected houses and shops, many of which were completely burnt, Ajimobi described the incident as “most unfortunate”.

He said he felt the pains of the victims because he had a similar experience in 1992, when his newly-built home in Lagos was reduced to rubbles by fire.

Residents urge Fayemi to sustain free health mission

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ENEFICIARIES of the Ekiti State Free Health Mission, a medical intervention of the state government, have urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to sustain the initiative.

Over 65,000 people in the grassroots benefited from the seventh edition of the programme, which was organised by the government in conjunction with the House of Assembly.

The edition was executed as the constituency projects

of the lawmakers.

Residents, who trooped out in large numbers, described the free treatment, drugs and eye glasses as “examples of the dividends of democracy”.

Mr. Albert Iyunade from Odo-Ayedun in Ikole Local Government said the programme brought relief to indigent patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes, eye and dental problems.

Mrs. Opeyemi Awe from Aisegba, Gbonyin Local

Government, said the programme was one of the best initiatives of the Fayemi administration.

Commissioner for Health Prof. Olusola Fasubaa told reporters yesterday that the mission covered 13 of the state’s 26 constituencies.

Fasubaa said he was impressed with the turnout of residents. He said the next edition would cover the remaining 13 constituencies.

The commissioner said the programme helped to gener-

ate statistics that would help improve the government’s health policies.

The head of the team of doctors, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said many hypertensive and diabetic patients were not aware of their health status until they were tested.

Mrs. Fasawe said: “Many of them were not aware of their health status. During the mission, we told them their health challenges, how to prevent the ailments and how to manage them.”

The governor urged the victims to thank God that no life was lost.

He said: “My coming here is not to exploit the incident to campaign, but to sincerely sympathise with you. I know how painful it is to lose one’s means of livelihood in a fire, because I once experienced it, but we should take solace in the fact that no life was lost. You should also have faith that God can replenish your lost property in multiple folds.”

Ajimobi said he had told some government officials to compile the names of the victims and indicate the property lost.

One of the leaders of the community, Mr. Joel Adewumi, thanked the governor for his concern and assured him that residents would maintain a clean environment.

Lanlehin urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the victims.

Pledging to help the victims, he said: “Something urgent needs to be done to ameliorate the pain of the loss. I hope this does not happen again. I see sadness on the faces of the people because they have lost their lifelong investments and houses, but let us thank God that no life was lost.

“Of course, some people were injured, and I am sure they will be taken care of. The state government will obviously as-

sist the victims. I will also do whatever I can to get the Federal Government to help through the appropriate agency.”

The House of Representatives also sympathised with the victims. It considered making a law that would make NEMA more responsive to emergency situations.

This followed the adoption of a matter of urgent national importance raised by Mr. Abiodun Awoleye (Ibadan North Federal Constituency), who regretted that NEMA did not respond to the fire until the following morning.

He said: “The fire consumed over 50 houses, 35 shops, two mosques, vehicles and motorcycles. It is disturbing that only the State Fire Service responded to curtail the fire.

NEMA did not respond until Tuesday morning.

“In view of this, it would serve the nation better, if the House could mandate the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to come up with a legislation that will make NEMA more proactive to disaster management.”

Awoleye said though those critically injured had been taken to hospitals, the casualty figure could have been lower, if assistance came on time.

He also urged the House to mandate the committee to visit the scene of the fire and commiserate with the victims.

The prayers were adopted after the motion was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.

10

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

NEWS Gunmen kidnap nonagenarian in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

F

ORMER President of the Master Bakers’ Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Alhaji Musa Adisa, popularly called Labaika, has been kidnapped.

He was abducted in Akure, the state capital, yesterday morning by three gunmen.

The nonagenarian was said to be on his way to a mosque near his home on Isolo Street, when the gunmen, who were in a red Toyota Camry car parked besides the mosque, seized him.

An eyewitness, who was at the mosque, said the gunmen covered Adisa’s mouth and forced him into their car.

The witness said the hoodlums fired many shots into the air as they drove off.

The incident was reported at the Ijapo Police Station, where other police formations were notified and a team of detectives was dispatched to the scene of the abduction.

One of the victim’s sons, Alhaji Musibau Iyiola, who took over as the State President of the Master Bakers, urged the kidnappers to release his father.

He said the old man had been sick for some time and could not walk well.

This brings the number of abductions in Akure to four in the last six weeks.

Governor condoles with drowned boy’s family

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday visited the family of a seven-year-old boy, Olamide Ayeni, who was swept away by flood in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Sunday night.

Fayemi described the incident as “pathetic”. He said: “The loss of a child gives one a lot of pain. Olamide was an innocent child, who had a good future ahead of him, but we have lost him to an avoidable tragedy. Having lost an older person, my deputy, I know the pain Olamide’s parents must be feeling.

“From what the parents told me, the incident could have happened to any one. The drains overflowed with water and the child could not tell where was land because there was water everywhere. We must do everything to protect our children. The government will put proper drains in place. “Incidentally, we just fixed the road in the area. If it was before when there was no drain, it could have been worse.”

Fayemi prayed for the repose of Olamide’s soul.

The boy’s body is yet to be found.

Lagos court frees five awaiting trial inmates

By Precious Igbonwelundu

A

N Igbosere High Court, Lagos, yesterday, ordered freed five awaiting trial inmates, who had been at the Kirikiri Prisons for over six years.

Justice Deborah Oluwayemi released them after the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) admitted that there were no charges against them from its record.

Abayomi Adeyemi; Saheed Toheeb; Joseph Robert; Kingsley Ewenye and Gboyega Alatise had been in prison since 2005 without trial for alleged offences ranging from armed robbery to murder.

They were never arraigned before any court.

They were freed following a suit instituted on their behalf by the Director of the Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mr. Ahmad AdetolaKazeem.

In 2011, Adetola-Kazeem filed a suit for the unconditional release of 106 inmates, who had been awaiting trial for over five years.

Eight were released by a vacation judge and 56 by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Philips, during her visit to the prison last year.

•From left: The deceased’s children - Lolade, Olamide and Yeside; the widower, Lanre; Erelu Fayemi; Mrs. Ajimobi; Dame Fashola; Senator Tinubu and Erelu Adebayo...yesterday.

Nigerians eulogise Olayinka at Service of Songs •Ekiti opens website for Deputy Governor

T

HE week-long activities linedup for the funeral of the late Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, began yesterday with a Service of Songs at the Haven Events Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.

It was attended by the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues and associates, who described her as a mother, sister, wife, friend and Ekiti’s brain box.

Others described her as an Amazon of Christ and a rare gem, who served God quietly.

The Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, Lagos, where the late Mrs. Olayinka, her husband, Lanre and their children, Lolade, Yeside and Olamide, worshiped said the deceased served the church diligently.

In its tribute, the church said: “She had an impeccable dress sense and was a fashion icon of sort. Mrs. Olayinka sacrificed her leisure for the love of God. She was a licensed lay-reader before her political appointment and never missed her schedule to serve.

Her demise has left a vacuum in the church. She was very humble and accommodating.”

For the people of Ekiti State, she supported the governor in poverty alleviation and to attain the state’s 16-point agenda. They described the late Mrs. Olayinka as “a bold and courageous woman, who death took at the prime of her life and when the state needed her most”.

People wept as gospel artiste Lara George sang the Yoruba song titled Ijoba Orun.

Ikimi, House of Reps, Southsouth ACN, NANS mourn Ekiti Deputy Governor

F

ORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs Chief Tom Ikimi; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Vice-Chairman, Southsouth, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have visited Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to condole with him on the death of his deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.

Ikimi said her death is not only a loss to the ACN and the state, but also to the women folk “she represented with dignity and selfless service”.

He said many people did not know the late Mrs. Olayinka was ill because she always carried herself with elegance.

The former minister, who also visited the deceased’s parents, described the late Mrs. Olayinka as “a shining star, an articulate, determined and like-able person, who endeared herself to people everywhere she went”.

He said: “We are saddened by the death of the deputy governor. She was a shining star and, as you know, our party is gender conscious. We are looking for women like her, who will take prominent positions in our states and nation. She was a very articulate, determined popular and like-able person. I know how much she supported the governor and how much work she did for women in our party across the country. So it is indeed a big loss for us.”

NANS President Yinka Dada said the late Mrs. Olayinka was not just a leader, but “an agent of positive change”.

Dada said she was a key player in the transformation of Ekiti State and should be immortalised to encourage people to be selfless.

Fayemi said his late deputy played a major role in the draft of the ACN’s manifesto for the active participation of women in politics.

He said her memory would be kept alive.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, said the late Mrs. Olayinka was an exemplary leader and urged the people to emulate her.

The House of Representatives also commiserated with the Government and people of Ekiti.

At plenary yesterday, the lawmakers observed a minute silence in prayer for the repose of the soul of the late deputy governor.

By Nneka Nwaneri; Abike Adegbulehin and Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

In attendance were Fayemi; his wife, Bisi; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Senator Femi Ojodu; Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; her predecessor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo and his wife, Angela; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Sec-

retary of Health Julius AdelusiAdeluyi; activist lawyer Femi Falana; Chief Jimi Agbaje; former Defence Minister Demola Seriki and Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin, among others.

There will be a commendation service for the late Mrs. Olayinka at the Anglican Church of Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, today before her remains would be taken to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

A website dedicated to the late

deputy governor has been created.

The website, www.funmiolayinka.com, contains speeches, photographs, biography and activities of the late Mrs. Olayinka between October 15, 2010, and April 6, 2013.

It also contains tributes written by the deceased’s friends, colleagues and well wishers.

Nigerians are encouraged to visit the website and upload their tributes before the lying–in-state and special tributes session tomorrow.

The State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it has mapped out strategies to ensure freeflow of traffic during Mrs. Olayinka’s funeral on Friday.

The Sector Commander, Rindim Kumven, said the commission will partner other agencies to ensure a hitch-free funeral.

He said: “We have met with security agencies, the Secretary to the State Government, the State Traffic Management Agency and other agencies and mapped out the routes through which traffic will flow.

“We have dedicated some routes for VIPs and will close some. We will also divert traffic in some areas to prevent gridlocks.”

Kumven urged motorists to cooperate with security agents, who would be stationed at strategic locations, and obey traffic rules.

The police are also ready to ensure that the funeral is crime-free.

Police spokesman Victor OluBabayemi said his men had “been ordered to search people and vehicles on major roads”.

Babayemi said: “The command is aware that there would be an influx of people into the state on Friday and we are taking precautionary measures to ensure a hitch-free funeral for Mrs. Olayinka.”

Ondo Election Petition Tribunal adjourns for judgment

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), yesterday adopted their final written addresses on their petitions at the Ondo State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Akure, the state capital.

Counsel to ACN and Akeredolu, Akin Olujimi (SAN), said the petitioners have proved that the October 20, last year, election was marred by irregularities.

He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not defend any of the allegations against it, especially the illegal injection of names into the 2012 voters’ register, even though it admitted injecting over 100,000 names into it in its reply.

The ACN’s counsel urged the tribunal to nullify the election because it was conducted with a compromised

•Date to be communicated to parties From Damisi Ojo, Akure

voters’ register.

Olujimi said Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s witnesses confirmed that there were multiple registration and persons whose fingerprints were not captured were allowed to vote.

He said INEC could not explain how some names appeared four times in the register and all the people laying claims to the name voted.

Olujimi reminded the tribunal of the ACN’s expert’s report, which showed areas where INEC registered human hands as voters.

He said the irregularities were widespread and substantial to invalidate the election.

Olujimi urged the tribunal to disregard Mimiko’s reply to the ACN’s

written address on the grounds that some issues raised in it were not contained in the respondent’s main address before the tribunal.

He said to rely on the said reply would be a breach of fair hearing because, according to the tribunal’s rules, the petitioners can no longer file an address to respond to the reply.

Mimiko’s counsel Chief Wole Olanipekun urged the tribunal to disregard all the INEC documents tendered by the ACN because they were not properly certified, based on the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

INEC distanced itself from Olanipekun’s submission. It said the documents were duly certified by the commission and tendered with the consent of all parties to the petition.

INEC said it did not call any witness

because the documents used in the election had been tendered by the ACN. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) objected to the Labour Party’s (LP’s) argument that the illegal injection of names into the’ register was a pre-election matter.

It said the register was part of the election process and germane in determining the poll’s credibility.

PDP urged the tribunal to either declare its candidate, Mr. Olusola Oke, winner of the election or conduct a fresh one.

For the first time since the tribunal began sitting, Mimiko was present.

The tribunal Chairman, Justice Andova Kaka’n, thanked the lawyers for their good conduct.

He said the date for the judgment would be communicated to the parties and adjourned the sitting.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 24, 2013

11

NEWS

•One of the building marked for demolition

•The church

Delta to demolish church, houses, others

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HE Delta State Government has earmarked some multi-billion naira buildings for demolition. The buildings are on natural waterways and drains in Warri and Effurun metropolis.

The Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) recently predicted severe flooding in 12 states, following last year’s devastation, which rendered over one million homeless.

The buildings include a regional headquarters of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), a filling station and choice property in Effurun and various parts of the twin cities.

Commissioner for Environment Frank Omare yesterday said this was part of the ongoing clearing of drains and opening of natural waterways. He said he would pull down the house of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, if it obstructed drains.

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

Omare said: “These houses are owned by Nigerians; and the filling station is built on the direction of the canal, which is wider than what we are seeing here.

“The owner of this beautiful house narrowed down the flow of the canal itself.

“We are going to bring down this house regardless of the owner. The owner may be an activist, a civil servant, a trader, a commissioner or the governor, it must come down,” he added.

It was gathered that that the “offending houses” were built with the alleged connivance of workers of the Ministry of Survey, Lands and Urban Development, who reportedly collected money and approved the plans.

But the commissioner said: “Whoever gave the approval gave it wrongly, the Ministry of

Lands and Survey has directed that the right thing be done, which is what we are seeing here.

“We are even going to a church that has the same problem; about five major buildings have the same problem in this area. We are doing this so the people of Uvwie Local Government can enjoy free flow of water, especially now that the rains are about to set in,” he added.

Some property owners, including Mrs. Lucky Oviomor, have appealed to the government to allow them expand the drains rather than demolishing their houses.

But the commissioner said the government was strictly working with the plan it got from Shell and is not ready to deviate.

“If you are lucky I won’t get to your bedroom, if you are not lucky, it will be knocked

off, just be praying.”

Speaking at the church, Omare said: “What I want all Deltans and Nigerians to appreciate is that the government is not witch-hunting anybody.

“We just want to ensure that the flood that we are expecting does not affect our people and that is what we are doing.

“The swarm buggy is going to come and when it is coming we are going to cordon off this place.”

The commissioner ordered the closure of an illegal abattoir situated between Eburu Street and Eboh Road on Okumagba Avenue and ordered officials of Warri South Local Government to apprehend anybody operating there.

He ordered the arrest of all those trading on drainages on the Effurun/Sapele Road.

Protesters clash in Edo over local govt polls

T

HREE people were injured yesterday in various protests held

in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

There was a protest on the outcome of last Saturday’s local government elections and another on the non-inclusion of ex-militants in the Federal Government amnesty programme.

The protesters were supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), supporters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and some aggrieved “ex-militants”, who claimed to have been excluded from the third phase amnesty programme.

PDP supporters began their protest at 7am, blocking major routes and made a bonfire at the King’s Square.

They sang anti-ACN songs and vowed not to leave until the elections were cancelled.

Some few minutes later, ACN supporters stormed the Square, praising Governor Adams Oshiomhole for conducting free and fair polls.

The protests paralysed commercial activities around the Square and halted vehicular traffic as the two groups engaged one another in a free-for-all.

Men of Operation Thunderstorm, the special security outfit, brought the situ-

Deputy governor denies reports

E

DO State Deputy Governor Pius Odubu has denied media reports linking his convoy to the distribution of election materials during last Saturday’s local government elections.

A statement by his Press Secretary, Kelly Odaro, said: “The attention of Deputy Governor Pius Odubu has been drawn to an erroneous report in which he reportedly said his vehicle conveying electoral materials was waylaid and vandalised by hoodlums suspected to be opposition party members in the ward headquarters.

“To set the records straight, Odubu merely mentioned in the interview that the bus assigned to escort the vehicle conveying electoral materials to Urhonigbe North in Orhionwon Local Government was attacked by miscreants.

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

“It is pertinent to say that the deputy governor is not the State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) Chairman, whose duty it is to provide the logistics for movement of electoral materials.

“For emphasis, what the deputy governor did was to assign some party agents to escort the vehicle bearing the electoral materials to the polling units. And the vehicle was attacked on the way to the units.

“Dr Obudu, therefore, considers it absurd and mischievous for anyone to suggest or conclude that his vehicle was used to convey election materials.”

•Accord: election was free • Why we lost, by PDP chieftain From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ation under control.

The group’s spokesperson, Abiodun Peter Eda, aka Kabiru, said they were certified and documented under the third phase of the Amnesty Programme but were yet to be absorbed.

Abiodun said they would shut the operations of Dublin Oil at Gelegele, if they were not absorbed.

“We don’t want to go back to crime. That is why today, we said we should come out and state our position. Today, they have attended to people from Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states with

the exemption of Edo State.”

But the Head of Media and Communications, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Daniel Alabrah, said the protesters were impostors.

“We just finished our arms verification exercise. Where did they surrender theirs? I think they are making claims they cannot justify.

“Some people who don’t have jobs submitted catapults and axes. They are now claiming to be ex-militants.

“Where were they in October 2009 when the amnesty programme started?

“Our verification committee has gone round and finished with the genuine militants who submitted and

have been identified.”

National Secretary of the Accord Party Samson Isibor has described the elections as “free, fair and credible.”

Isibor, who doubles as the State Chairman of Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), described the late arrival of election materials as a human error.

He said members of his party witnessed the distribution of electoral materials in remote villages such as Idibo, Udeni, Ewoghan in Uhunmwode local government.

Isibor said the party’s candidate won the councillor’s seat in the locality and urged aggrieved parties to seek

redress at the tribunal instead of causing political tension.

Also, the Chairman of Edo is in Safe Hands, Washington Osa-Osifo, said the governor could not be blamed for EDSIEC’s inefficiency.

A PDP chieftain, Aisulimen Ighodaro, has blamed the party leadership for the woeful performance in the elections.

He said there were no strategies by the party leadership to win elections.

The PDP chieftain said the resort to use youths to cause mayhem was a ploy to make the state ungovernable.

Ighodaro, who spoke at a briefing yesterday, said the PDP has failed to win elections since the chairman, Dan Orbih, assumed office.

The PDP chieftain said rather than blame the government for their failure, the party leaders should look inward and investigate why their members were leaving for the ACN. His words: “It saddens my mind that we are now crying foul after losing woefully, even when we know that we were not prepared for the election.

“I advise our youths to shun Orbih and his desperate tactics. They should avoid being used as cannon fodder to settle political scores.”

Panic as JTF storms Bayelsa, Delta creeks

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HERE was apprehension in riverside communities of Bayelsa and Delta states yesterday as the Joint Task Force (JTF) began a security operation targeting illegal bunkerers and sea pirates.

The operation followed a directive from the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, to the Task Force to round up ex-

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

militants and other criminals terrorising the areas, particularly the suspects behind the killing of 12 policemen in Bayelsa State.

It was, therefore, not surprising when feelers from the creeks indicated that the troops’ deployment was large around Azuzuama

creeks, where the policemen were ambushed.

JTF spokesman Lt-Col Onyeama Nwachukwu told The Nation that bandits, renegade ex-militants and other criminals were targets of the latest onslaught.

He said: “Painstaking investigations by our operatives revealed that kidnappers, sea robbers and other

criminals have clandestinely developed hideouts in some parts of the creeks in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State, from where they launched attacks on unsuspecting victims going about their businesses.

“Given our mandate to rid the Niger Delta of

criminality, we are spurred by this unwholesome development to commence today, a clean-up operation of criminal hideouts where kidnappers and sea robbers hibernate. Our troops have successfully clamped down on four hideouts at Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government,” he added.

David-West warns Amaechi’s detractors From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

F

ORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam David-West yesterday decried the political victimisation of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, saying the governor’s opponents would fail.

The don, who spoke in Ibadan yesterday, described Amaechi’s “orchestrated travails” as unfortunate in view of the fact that the governor has worked to restore the glory of Port-Harcourt.

David-West described Amaechi’s travails as “Nigerian paradox” where he said excellence is relegated and mediocrity is elevated.

He said: “The ongoing orchestrated political travail of Amaechi is most unfortunate.

“I’m particularly worried about the trend, not only because I am a Rivers State elder, not only because I am a strong supporter of Amaechi without any regret, I am also worried as a Nigerian because what is happening to Amaechi underscores a terrible Nigerian paradox, which I call the paradox of excellence.

“In Nigeria, excellence is always degraded and mediocrity is elevated. No nation in the world can succeed without excellence. Amaechi is excellent.

“We support him because those of us who grew up in Port Harcourt as a famous “Garden City” knew how the city changed to a rotten city.

And Amaechi, who is also a Port Harcourt boy, changed the city back to its glorious “Garden City” status. Any person that does not realise this is not only blind but terrible.”

But he reminded Amaechi’s opponents that the governor would laugh last because his first name, Chibuike means “God is strength.”

“God is Amaechi’s strength,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 24, 2013

12

NEWS One killed, 200 homes destroyed by windstorm in Zamfara

T

HE Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) yesterday said a nine-year-old was killed and over 200 homes destroyed during last Thursday’s windstorm in Gummi Local Government Area.

ZEMA’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Atiku Maradun, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau, the state capital, that eight villages were affected.

They are: Gabtu, Masama, Dangui Babba, Dangui Karama, Dan’awo, Gambandar Godabe, Gidan Zakka and Kurfa.

“A nine-year-old boy was killed. The storm also destroyed foodstuffs, valuables and animals.

“The agency has relocated those whose houses were destroyed to some primary schools where they are being catered for,” Maradun said.

He added that the agency would soon submit the cost of the damage to the state government for appropriate assistance to the victims.

The agency chief advised the villagers to consider the disaster as an act of God.

Benue Assembly rejects Suswam’s commissioner-nominees

T

HE Benue State House of Assembly has rejected seven of the 12 commissioner-nominees Governor Gabriel Suswam sent to the House for screening and confirmation.

The Assembly accused the governor of recycling some political appointees in the last five years.

The Nation learnt that the lawmakers were not happy about the screening of some commissioner-nominees, especially those who were sacked and re-nominated.

It was also learnt that the lawmakers believed that those who were reappointed did not perform well.

The legislators were said to have queried the sack of some commissioners and their reappearance on the list.

A lawmaker, who spoke in confidence, said the Assembly was unhappy with some of the names on the list.

He said: “Why did Governor Suswam sack the commissioners in the first place?

What is the reason behind re-nominating all of them?

We thought he was out to

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

inject new blood into the system, because we, the legislators, are not satisfied with the performance of some of the nominees.”

However, a close aide to the governor told The Nation that Suswam has the right to re-nominate anyone among the sacked commissioners because the matter is for the executive and is it left for the legislators to perform their constitutional function rather than grumbling.

Shortly after Suswam forwarded the list of the commissioner-nominees to the Assembly, the House went on a two-week break and resumed sitting yesterday.

But instead of screening the 12 nominees, the lawmakers chose only five, saying Suswam had been recycling some commissioners for six years, including those said to have performed below expectation.

The governor was still in Abuja yesterday for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

PUBLIC NOTICE ASSOCIATION OF KNITTING MAKERS OF NIGERIA Headquarters, Saki West Local Government, Saki

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matter, Act 1,1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Madam Adedokun Sikirat - Chairman 2.

Madam Oyewole Victoria - Member 3.

Madam Falilat Adedigba - Member 4.

Madam Adewoyin Medinat -Member 5.

Mrs Alao Rasheedat - secretary Signed

T . A . ADENIJI & CO Adunke Chambers Solicitors

S

Six dead in Taraba/Benue crisis

IX people were killed yesterday in the ongoing Tiv-Kuteb crisis at the boundary between Taraba and Benue states.

Several other persons were reportedly missing.

Sixteen people were reported killed when the communal crisis first erupted.

The querrel is about a piece of land which has torn the two ethnic groups apart.

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Taraba State Acting Governor Garba Umar met two weeks ago at

•Many missing From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Dogon Gawa to broker peace.

A 12-man peace committee was set up. But the truce did not last.

The peace committee held its first talks in Katsina-Ala on Monday but discovered the following day (yesterday) that the crisis was far from.

Gun shots were heard across the area throughout

yesterday in the renewed hostilities.

Tiv and Kuteb militants reportedly attacked one another and set some houses ablaze.

Eyewitnesses said the militants mounted roadblocks on the Takum-Katsina Ala Road where they eliminated "enemies" plying the route.

"Two commercial vehicles were recovered by the Army, but the whereabout of the passengers was not known," a source, who spoke in confidence, told The Nation.

Another resident, who did not give his name said he escaped with gunshot injuries.

The police said they were searching for 11 residents, were earlier declared missing. Among them were farmers and wood cutters.

Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed yesterday's renewed violence.

He said the attacks were on Benue side.

Akume eulogises ex-Deputy Ajene

S

ENATE Minority Leader George Akume has described the death of former Benue State Deputy Governor Ogiri Ajene as a gulf which would be difficult to fill.

Akume noted that even in death, Ajene’s legacies would linger on in the hearts of the residents of Benue Northwest Senatorial District, Obi Local Government Area and the entire Benue State.

In a statement in Abuja, the senator expressed his condolences on behalf of his family.

He recalled that from his relationship with the late Ajene, which spanned almost a decade, the former deputy governor proved himself through sheer diligence, brilliance, discipline and doggedness.

Akume said the late Ajene was a trustworthy fellow who believed in him (Akume) and worked for the success of his administration when he was governor.

Describing Ajene as a “friend”, Akume noted that history would single him out for being among few deputy governors who did

PUBLIC NOTICE UDOH PRECIOUS OWOH and OWOH PRECIOUS. Refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as OWOH PRECIOUS, all former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME DANIYAN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Daniyan Yemisi Abimbola now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs. Tairu Yemisi Abimbola. All former documents remain valid. Standard organisation of Nigeria and the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FARINU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Farinu Basirat Adedayo now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Tijani Basirat Adedayo. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SULUK I, formerly known and addressed as Suluk Effiong Udoh now wish to be know and addressed as Edok Effiong Udoh. All former documents remain valid. Standard organisation of Nigeria and the general public should take note.

SOLE GUARDIANSHIP The Sole Guardianship of Miss Adelakun Sidikat Teniola Onola is hereby sought to be awarded to Mr. Adelakun Adetunji Fatai owing to the neglect and non contribution of the father (Mr. Dayo Aladegbami) to the welfare of both the mother Ms. Adelakun Adebisi Ganiyat and the above named child.

CHANGE OF NAME UBINI I, formerly Miss Ubini Eunice Erhuvwu wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akarue Eunice Erhuvwu all former document remain valid general public take note.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

not betray his boss.

The statement reads: “I received with shock the news of the death of a colleague, a friend and my deputy when I was the executive governor of Benue State, Chief Ogiri Ajene. I write on behalf of my family and the good people of Benue Northwest Senatorial District to commiserate with his immediate family, the Obi Local Government, the Igede nation and Benue State at large.

“Chief Ajene was a man I knew for a long time and worked intimately with for eight memorable years. He was from the lineage of very honourable and hardwork-

ing men and so he distinguished himself by his sheer brilliance, diligence, discipline and doggedness.

“He was ambitious, but never to the point of insubordination. We were a team and his sense of loyalty to the cause we espoused and worked for never swayed. At no point, throughout the years we were together, did I have any cause to doubt his allegiance. His preoccupation was to provide the best for the people, and his humility at every turn was perhaps one of his strongest points and I believe history will remember him as one of the few deputy governors of that era that never rebelled against his boss.

“The death of this great

•Akume

man has left a gap that will

be very difficult to fill, how•

ever we are consoled by his legacies. To me it is a personal and a heartrending tragedy. He was indeed a man of many virtues and he will be remembered by many for the passion he had for his people.”

Kwara doctors threaten to go on strike

T

HE Kwara State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) may soon withdraw its services over rising cases of attacks on its members in the state.

At 11pm last Friday, suspected gunmen killed a former Vice-Chairman of the association, Dr Adewumi Ariyo, at his home in Harmony Street home, Basin, Ilorin, the state capital.

NMA berated the state government for not providing security at its biggest health facilities in the state.

Kwara State NMA chairman Prof Mikhail Buhari told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, that “there is a general sense of insecurity in the town at this

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

moment”.

He added: “As an association, the moment we feel it is no longer safe to work under the present state of insecurity, at the risk of disruption of services, we will adopt the safety-first approach.

“The gruesome murder of Dr Ariyo has brought home the fact that we are endangered as practitioners.

“It is a fact that since the beginning of this year, at least 10 doctors have lost their vehicles to carjacking and theft, either at their places of work or while transiting to and from work.

“Our workplaces lack the basic amenity to protect us from these attacks. As I speak

with you, the biggest health facility owned by the state government lacks any security presence. At best, you have gatekeeper, who are helpless should they be challenged by anything or anybody. Doctors, who are on call and are not sleeping rely on their own personal vehicles to return to their homes at odd hours with the attendant risks.

“This is one death too many.

We need the relevant government agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime. We need the Ministry of Health and the state government to revamp the security arrangements in the hospital and properly secure the lives and property of patients and workers. Only those who are safe can save the lives of others.”

Kwankwaso: Realistic budgets aid sustainable development

K

ANO State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has said sustainable development can only be guaranteed in Nigeria, if governments at all levels insist on realistic budgeting.

The governor noted that the three tiers of government in the country need to focus on specific and achievable projects, which should be based on priority, need and spread, instead of embarking on projects that would end up being abandoned.

Kwankwaso spoke in Kano when he received this year’s participants of the Senior Executive Course Number 35 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.

The governor urged Federal legislators to carefully select developmental projects before including them in the budget.

According to him, it is not

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

in the best interest of the nation that the Federal Government embarks on small projects in the name of “constituency projects”, which are later abandoned.

Kwankwaso said the Federal Government should have included in its budgets the completion of major projects, such as the Kano River, Bagwai and Kunchi, which were started decades ago in Kano, instead of executing almost 100 abandoned primary health care centres that should have been built by local governments.

The governor urged leaders at all levels to be more serious in discharging their mandates and adopt proactive approach to implementing various reports and recommendations of experts and stakeholders on critical issues.

He said most of such reports

have been abandoned on the shelves of libraries and archives.

Kwankwaso, who listed the achievements of his administration in several sectors, said he recorded the feats without obtaining loans and because the administration blocked leakages, improved its internally generated revenue (IGR), cancelled security votes and ensured strict budget discipline.

The team leader, Prof Olu Obafemi, who highlighted the theme of this year’s course: Strengthening Institutional Frameworks and the Transformation Agenda, said the tour was a partial fulfilment of the course requirements.

The academic noted that Kano has been growing rapidly in recent years, adding that the Kwankwaso administration was executing projects that would uplift the society.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, LAGOS DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: 1. Alimi Abudu Adeyemi (Mr.) known as Abdulahi Raheem Alimi late of Oke-Imole Street, Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st September, 2011 at Oyo. 2. Mrs. Theresa Ndubuisi Ogunnowo late of 34, Enitan Street, Aguda, Lagos who died intestate on the 4th August, 2009 at Lagos.

3. Adeniji Adenike late of Federal Fire Service Quarters, Surulere, Lagos who died intestate on the 17th January, 2012 at Lagos.

4. Mr. Nwodo Innocent late of 4, Ifeanyi Close, Ishashi, Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on the 25th September, 2009 at Lagos.

5. Asika Patricia Ifeyinwa known as Asika Patricia late of Ogbeoza Village, Onitsha, Anambra State who died intestate on the 15th November, 2011 at Lagos.

6. Chief Dominic Njoba Nwakpa known as Nwakpa Dominic Njoba late of 13, Unipetrol Road, Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th June, 2012 at Lagos.

7. Mr. Olayiwola Koda-Olu late of 21/23, Olatayo Street, Agbado, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th May, 2012 at Lagos.

8. Eresanya Alani late of Enilolobo Iju/Oke Aro who died intestate on the 9th May, 2011 at Lagos.

9. Mrs. Bernadette Nkem Umeadi late of 13, Muftau Rabiu Street, Ejigbo, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th August, 2007 at Lagos.

10. Mrs. Olayinka Arinola Osinowo known as Mrs. Osinowo Arinola late of 39c, Cooper Road, NRC Compound, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th October, 2011 at Lagos.

11. James Bolanle Adegbulegbe known as Adegbulegbe James late of 31, Oke-Meta Estate, Ibuje Badagry, Lagos who diedintestate on the 8th July, 2009 at Lagos.

12. Miss. Selegbeha Eradiri known as Miss. Sele Eradiri late of 35, Community Road, Akoka, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th May, 2012 at Lagos.

13. Dada Adio Joshua late of 10, Moshalashi Street, Ota who died intestate on the 23rd January, 2012 at Ota. 14. Mr. Abdul Ganiyu Afolabi Komolafe late of 58, Eyinogun Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd December, 2011 at Ibadan.

15. Aminu Dogo late of 59, Bale Street, Lekki, Lagos who died intestate on the 27th May, 2012 at Kogi.

16. Idowu Esther Dorothy Jumai known as Idowu Esther late of 10, Olatunji Idowu Street, Okota, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th May, 2010 at Lagos.

17. Dr. Bolaji Rojaiye late of 72, Ramon Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on the 13th June, 2012 at Lagos.

18. Daniel Olajide Ajayi late of 2, Oshodi Street, Owode who died intestate on the 13th April, 2012 at Lagos.

19. Mr. Raymond Olugu late of House D6, Flat 48, CBN Estate 11, Staellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th December, 2007 at Lagos.

20. Mrs. Adebayo Tawakalitu known as Mrs. Tawakalitu Adebayo late of 33, Abeokuta Street, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th December, 2012 at Lagos.

21. Dosunmu Toyin Nurat known as Nurat Oluwatoyin Dosunmu late of 1, Ayodele Akinyemi Street, Ago-Okota, Lagos who died intestate on the 24th October, 2012 at Lagos.

22. Eric Anochibimonyenwa Ukwu late of 5, Onikpirisi Cole Street, Ojo, Lagos who died intestate on the 14th February, 2012 at Lagos.

23. Dennis Udeh known as Dennis Nwangwu late of 15, Oremeji Avenue, Bammeke-Shasha Alimosho, Lagos who died intestate on the 24th May, 2007 at Nnewi.

24. Mariam Bolakale late of 39, Apata Street, Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on the 15th September, 1998 at Lagos.

25. Elizabeth Otujo late of 39, Apapata Street, Shomolu, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th June, 1998 at Lagos.

26. Mr. Ebole Innocent Koseku known as Engr. Ebole I. Koseku late of 53, Mawa Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 24th November, 2011 at Akure.

27. Mr. Dauda Adebisi known as Adebisi Dauda late of 13, Moses Kolade Street, Adeyemi Avenue, Alagbado, Lagos who died intestate on the 1st December, 2011 at Lagos.

28. Osinbajo Kehinde Olayinka late of 5, Oremeji Street, Off Ilaje Bariga, Lagos who died iintestate on the 15th April, 2011 at Lagos.

29. Atobilaye Raji Idowu Zubair known as Raji Zubair Atobiloye late of Plot 26, Aribido Oshola Street, Arepo, Ogun State who died intestate on the 1st August, 2012 at Arepo.

30. Rafiu Mustapha known as Alhaji Mustapha Rafiu late of 6, Owodunni Street, Onipan, Lagos who died intestate on the 29th November, 2011 at Lagos.

31. Mr. Olufemi Osilowo late of Veritas DGC Ltd P.O Box 100 Postal Code 116, Mina Al-Fahai Suitanale of Oman who died intestate on 30th January, 2000 at Cote D'Ivoire.

32. Mr. Bassey Nathaniel late of 7, Asajon Close, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos who died intestate on 15th January, 2008 at Lagos.

33. Surakatu Salami late of 57, Lagos Road, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 13th March, 1984 at Ikorodu, Lagos.

34. Pa. Joseph Toye Olabanji late of 19, Tapa Street, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th July, 2009 at Lagos.

35. Mr. Njidda Mallum late of 26, Ago-Ijayi Street, Isheri, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd February, 2011 at Lagos.

36. Oyewola Julius Olaniran Victor known as Oyewola Victor late of 15, Raji Rasaki Street, Gberigba Ikorodu, who died intestate on the 11th January, 2013 at Ilesa.

37. Ashinyabe Jeremiah known as Urumke and Urimke late of 17, Kumuyi Street, Olodi-Apapa who died intestate on 22nd August, 2009 at Ado Ekiti.

38. Mr. Samuel Kekere Ogun late of D1C, James Street, Ebute Metta (West), Lagos who died intestate on 25th January, 2012 at Port Harcourt.

39. Jovita Chima Anyanwu late of DB Quarters, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on 12th August, 2009 at Imo State.

40. Adigun Catherine Omolara late of 9, Aremu Street, Off Alli Dada Street, Okota, Lagos who died intestate on 10th July, 2012 at Lagos.

41. Osita Chukwuma known as Chukwuma Osita late of 10, Ladiga Street, Alaba Oro-Orile, Lagos who died intestate on 11th April, 2006 at Lagos.

42. Albert Adegoke Adelowo late of 13, Ademokoya Street, Ajuwon, Osun State who died intestate on 28th July, 2012 at Lagos.

43. Iniobong Solomon Ukoh known as Mrs. Iniobong Okike late of 5, Star House, Ijegun Egbe, Satellite Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 16th October, 2008 at Lagos.

44. Mr. Isaac Ajulor late of 5, Ajulor Street, Off Ojokoro Road, Eyida, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 30th December, 2012 at Lagos.

45. Mr. Michael N. Egwuatu known as Egwuatu N. Michael late of 16B, Kemberi Road, Okokomaiko, Lagos who died intestate on 8th October, 2012 at Abia State.

46. Mrs. Clara Olubusi Funke Ojo known as Ojo Olubusi Clara late of N5/2121, Lamidi Ajadi Street, Ibadan who died intestate on 10th March, 2012 at Ibadan.

47. Mr. Nwaogwu Nnamdi late of 98, Brickfield Road, Ebute Metta (West), Lagos who died intestate on 17th June, 2010 at Delta State.

48. Anthony C. Okorie late of 11, Alhaji Tijani Street, Shogunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 12th August, 2010 at Lagos.

49. Walter Egbueze late of 8, Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos who died intestate on 19th December, 2007 at Lagos.

50. Ighori Godwin Okhiemoya known as Ighori Godwin late of 2, Osholonge Street, Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos who died intestate on the 30th August, 2012 at Ikorodu, Lagos.

51. Ajibade Esther Abegbo late of 5, Ganiyat Dawodu Street, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos who died intestate on the 10th November, 2011 at Lagos.

52. Mr. James Arthur Adetifa late of 4th Avenue, 403 Road, House 21, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 24th November, 2012 at Lagos.

53. Mr. Abdullahi Jibrin late of 25B, Anthony Agboje Street, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 18th November, 2011 at Lagos.

54. Ukpe Emmanuel Jones late of 10, Olorunmisola Street, Mushin, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th March, 2012 at Lagos.

55. Michael Muraino late of 49, Solanke Street, Akoka, Lagos who died intestate on the 12th February, 2005 at Lagos.

56. Mr. Babatunde Owolabi Jayeola known as Mr. Jayeola Babatunde late of 9, Transit Village, Victoria Island, Lagos who died intestate on 4th September, 2012 at Lagos.

57. Agho Michael Aigbovo late of 11, okotie-Eboh Road, Ikoyi, Lagos who died intestate on the 11th April, 2009 at Sagamu/Benin Road.

58. Mrs. Folakemi Felicia Omotoye known as Omotoye Folakemi late of 34, Low Cost Housing Estate, Oke-Apa, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd October, 2012 at Lagos.

59. Ogunmayin Josiah Olufemi late of 28, Niger Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos who died intestate on the 4th January, 2008 at Lagos.

60. Beatrice Enefazu late of 17, Radiatu Street, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 5th November, 2011 at Lagos.

61. Mr. Ajiboye Busayo Kolawole known as Ajiboye Kolawole late of 5, Ibadan Street, Alapere, Ketum, Lagos who died intestate on the 7th November, 2012 at Lagos.

62. Tiamiyu Adebayo Lawal late of 51, Onitire Street, Itire, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th April, 2010 at Lagos.

63. Ayoola Olayinka Oyelami known as Olayinka O. Ayoola late of 11, Idi Oro Court, Lagos Island, Lagos who died intestate on 10th August, 2009 at Lagos.

64. Lucy Opara known as Lucy Ada Opara, Opara Lucy Nnamdi late of 3, Pelewura Way, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 20th January, 2011 at Lagos.

65. Mr. Dennis Ikechukwu Ibeanu late of Block 59, Olaleye Oluwa Street, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos who died intestate on the 30th April, 2012 at India.

66. Quadri Aremu Akeem late of 19, Aro Street, Off Layinka, Ajegunle, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th June, 2012 at Lagos.

67. Uzoh Damian Chuks late of 12B, Abbi Avenue, Orile Iganmu, Lagos who died intestate on 18th May, 2009 at Lagos.

68. Julius Ilekura known as Julius Kolawole Ilekura late of 202 Road, Block 8, Flat 29, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on 8th April, 2010 at Lagos.

69. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Akolade late of Block 166, Flat 6, Low Cost Housing Ojokoro, Lagos who died intestate on 22nd November, 2012 at Lagos.

70. Mrs. Grace Nneka Adinweruka known as Adinweruka Nneka late of 401 Road, F Close, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 23rd December, 2012.

71. Okon Etim Uwah known as Uwah Etim Okon late of 1st Avenue, 111 Road, F Close, Block 6, Flat 14, Festac Town, Lagos who died intestate on the 6th December, 2012 at Lagos.

72. Mrs. Oloruntoyin Bankole known as Oluwatoyin Bankole late of 1, Erelu Square, Isale Eko, Lagos who died intestate on the 19th February, 2009 at Lagos.

73. Mrs. Caroline Omotayo Ojigi late of 25, Okoya Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos who died intestate on the 31st December, 2012 at Lagos.

74. Muogbo Chima Augustine late of 12, Bamardek Avenue, Ago-Okota, Lagos who died intestate on the 28th December, 2012 at Anambra State.

75. Ernest Ifeanyi Nwizu known as Nwizu Ifeanyi Ernest late of 13, Oshoru Road, Orisha Magodo, Lagos who died intestate on the 8th November, 2010 at Lagos.

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S/N NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT Mr. Rafiu Alimi Abdul and Miss. Risikat Alimi Abdul both of Oke-Imole Street, Ajah, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Olufemi Ogunnowo and Omoniyi Ogunnowo both of 2, Odunlami Street, Lagos. The Widower and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Adeniji Joel Adewunmi and Adeniji Adebolu both of Federal Fire Service Quarters, Surulere, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ebere Juliet Nwodo and Mr. Emmanuel Nwafor both of 4, Ifeanyi Close, Ishashi, Ojo, Lagos. The Widow and Brother-in-law of the said deceased.

Omo Ozemo Onyinye .N and Nzegwu Felicia Ngozi both of House 7, Room 8, Toluwalashe Street, Abule-Ijoko, Ota. The Daughter and Sister of the said deceased.

Madam Veronica Chinyere Nwakpa and Mr. Dominic Nnanna Nwakpa both of 13, Unipetrol Road, Sattelite Town, Lgos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Yemi Koda-Olu and Mr. Dolapo Koda-Olu both of 21/23, Olatoye Street, Agbado, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Eresanyo Sunday Abayomi and Eresanyo Segun both of 2, Michael Olotu Street, Ajah, The Children of the said deceased.

Chukwuemeka Jonathan Umeadi of 1/3, Muffau Rabiu Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. The Widower of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mojoyinoluwa Tolu-Balogun and Dr. Ifeoluwatomi Osinowo of 6, Arcadia Estate, Ogungi Lekki and 39C, Cooper Road, NRC Compound, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Temitope Adegbulegbe and Esther Adegbulegbe both of 96, Bale Street,Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Miss. Ebilabo Eradiri and Miss. Dikore Eradiri both of 35, Community Road, Akoka, Lagos . The Sisters of the said deceased.

Mrs. Olorunda Folasade and Agemo Olubukola Janet both of 57, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Victoria Kehinde Komolafe and Mr. Olaoluwa Komolafe both of 58, Eyinoluwa Street, Mafoluku, Lagos. The Widow and Son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Talatu Luka and Joseph Dogo both of 59, Bale Street, Lekki, Lagos. The Widow and Brother of the said deceased.

Chief Theophilus Olatunji Idowu and Mrs. Bukunola Akinsanya both of 10, Olatunji Idowu Street, Okota-Isolo, Lagos. The Widower and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Evelyn Rojaiye and Miss. Anike Rojaiye both of 17, Ologunkutere P.V Estate . The Widow and Daughter of the said deceased.

Mr. Olusegun Ajayi and Olufunmilayo Ajayi both of 2, Oshodi Street, Owode. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Chika Glamour Olugu and Dr. Taiwo Fadumila both of House D6, Flat 48, CBN Estate II, Satellite Town, Lagos. The Widow and Friend of the said deceased.

Mr. Saka Adebayo and Miss. Aishat Adebayo both of 33, Abeokuta Street, Mushin, Lagos. The Widower and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Bankole Adeniyi Akinremi and Olowofila Opeyemi Samuel both of 1, Ayodele Akinyemi Street, Ago-Okota, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Francisca Ukwu and Mr. Chigozie Ukwu both of 5, Onikpirisi Cole Street, Ojo, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of thje said deceased.

Udeh Hope and Udeh Onyeka both of 15, Oremeji Avenue, Bemmake Shasha, Alimosho, Lagos. The Widow and Son of the said deceased.

Femi Moses Bolakale and Emmanuel Abiodun Otujo both of 39, Apata Street, Shomolu, Lagos. The Only Son and Brother of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Abiodun Otujo and Femi Moses Bolakale Otujo both of 39, Apata Street , Shomolu, Lgos. The only son and Brother of the said deceased.

Mr. Ebole Nwayor Isaac .A. and Mr. Ebole Emmanuel both of 53, Manuwa Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos. The Brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs. Adijat Adebisi, Mr. Shuaib Adebisi and Miss. Rukayat Adebisi all of 13, Moses Kolade Street, Adeyemi Avenue, Alagbado, Lagos. The Widow and Children of the said deceased.

Pastor Adebola Z. Osinbajo and Mr. Adegbinisobi I. Osinbajo both of 5, Oremeji Street, Ilaje Road, Bariga, Lagos. The Widower and Son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Atobiloye Sherifat Olatinuke and Atobiloye Murital Ahmed both of Plot 26, Aribido Oshola Street, Arepo. The Widow and Cousin of the said deceased.

Mustapha Saheed and Musdapha Abdullahi of 70, Herbert Macaulay Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos and 6, Owodunni Street, Onipan, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Omonike Ookanade Osilowo of 13, Omolade Osinowo Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos. The Widow of the said deceased.

Mrs. Glory Nathaniel and Stella Nathaniel both of 9, Asajon Close, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos. The Widow and One of the children of the said deceased.

Alhaji Abdul-Razaq Odukoya Salami and Alhaji Faosat Oluwa Salami both of 57, Lagos Road, Ikorodu, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Raphael Biodun Olabanji and Mr. Femi Olabanji both of 19, Tapa Street, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Victoria Njidda, Mallum and Mr. Danzaria Jona of 26, Agoijayi Street, Isheri, Lagos and 14, Wilmer Street, Isheri, Lagos. The Widow and Cousin of the said deceased.

Babatunde Ojo and Victoria Oyewola both of 15, Raji Rasaki Street, Gberigbe, Ikorodu, Lagos. The Brother and Widow of the said deceased.

Alfred Ashinyabe and Pauline Abadem both of 17, Kumuyi Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Adebayo Bamidele Kekere Ogun both of 1C, James Street, Ebute Metta (West), Lgos. The Son and Widow of the said deceased.

Mr. Celestine Nduawuike Anyanwu and Thaddeus Ukachukwu Nduawuike both of DB, Quaretr Ikorodu, Lagos. The Father and Brother of the said deceased.

Adigun Olawale Olalekan and Ayoola Pade of Olamide Olusola Crescent, Awoyaya, Lagos and 9, Aremu Street, Off Alli Dada Street, Okoda, Lagos. The Widower and Uncle of the said deceased.

Chidozie Chukwuma and Chinasa Chukwuma both of 29, Christaball Street, Igbo-Elerin, Lagos. The Brother and Sister of the said deceased.

Adeola Adelowo and Cecilia Adelowo of 1, Ologometa Street, Akute, Ogun State and 13, Ayinla Adenokoya Street, Ajuwon, Ogun State. The Son and Widow of the said deceased.

Nsikak Abasi Solomon Ukoh and Emem Oshokomaiya of 101, Awolowo Way, Epe and 10, Maryland Estate, Ikeja, Lagos. The Brother and Sister of the said deceased.

Mr. Omokudu Ajulor and Mr. Samson Ajulor both of 5, Ajulor Street, Off Ojokoro Road, Eyida, Ikorodu, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Chibuzor Egwuatu, Ofor Chukwudi Emmanuel and Chief Iroegbu Paulinus all of 3, Church Street, Mowo, Badagry, Lagos.

The Son, Nephew and Uncle of the said deceased.

Akinwale Oluseyi Ojo and Ms. Olutayo Abiodun Ojo of 32, Bakare Makinde Street, and 20, Adebayo Street, Off Demuro Street. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Nwaogwu Chukwuemeka and Miss. Nwaogwu Tina both of 98, Brickfield Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos. One of the Children and Younger Sister of the said deceased.

Okorie Rita Toni Obiageli of 11, Alhaji Ajani Street, Shogunle, Lagos. The Widow of the said deceased.

Magaret Egbueze, Ifeanyi Egbueze and Chineye Egbueze all of 8, Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Widow and Children of the said deceased.

Igbori Dennis, Igbori Martins and Igbori Nero, all of 9, Adeolu Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Sanya Adeyemi Ajibade and Adewunmi Eniola Adesanya of 8, Satadium Close, Eket Akwa Ibom State and 3, Babatunde Adesanya Street, Magoro, Ibafo, Ogun State. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr. James Osei Mensah, Mr. Offie Andrews and Mrs. Rebecca Arthur all of 3, Mopo Street, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos. The Uncle, Brother and Mother of the said deceased.

Mohammed Jibrin, Abdullahi Jibrin and Mrs. Bilikisu Jibrin all of 25B, Anthony Agbaje Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. The Widow and Two children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mary Ukpe and Mr. Michael Ukpe both of 10, Olorunnishola Street, Mushin, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Morifat Kehinde Muriano and Bose Muraino both of 13, Ifesowopo Ilaje, Bariga, Lagos. The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Mr. Samson Jayeola and Miss. Victoria Oluwatobi Jayeola both of 9, Transit Village, Victoria Island, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Agho Esther (Mrs) Agho Amen Allwell and Aighovo Osaremen all of 11, Okotie Eboh Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The Widow and Children of the said deceased.

Augustine Adebomi Omotoye, Olujimi Temitope Omotoye both of 34, Low Cost Housing Estate, Oke-Apa, Lagos. The Widower and Son of the said deceased.

John Olusegun Ogunmayin, Ayodeji Adeola Ogunmayin and Paul Ogunmayin all of Niger Street, Ebute Mella, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Ngozi Enefazu and Uzor Joseph both of 19, Okoya Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos. The Son and Uncle of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ajiboye Ngozi Margaret and Mr. Olayinka Oni of 5, Ibadan Street, Alapere, Lagos and 10, Bolude Street, Oke Ado, Abule Egba, Lagos. The Widow and Cousin of the said deceased.

Mrs. Tawakalitu Adenike Basoru and Mrs. Kuburat Balogun of 22, Tawaliu Ajaju Street, Akesan, Lagos and 10, Adedokun Street, Ikotun, Lagos. The Children of the said deceased.

Temitope Oyelami and Oyelami Oyeleke of 2, Bello Close, Idi Iroko, Ikorodu and 11, Idi Oro Court, Lagos Island, Lagos. The Widow and Brother of the said deceased.

Donatus Opara, Nnamdi Opara and Lucy Uzo Opara all of 3, Pelewura Way, Apapa, Lagos. The Widower, Son and Daughter of the said deceased.

Mrs. Nkeiruka Helen Ibeanu and Mr. Daniel Ibeanu both of Plot 711b, Block 59, Olaleye Oluwa Street, Amuwo Odofin G.R.A, Lagos.

The Widow and One of the Children of the said deceased.

Basirat Quadri of 29, Binuyo Street, Onala, Lagos. The Widow of the said deceased.

Mr. Livinus Uzoh and Mrs. Emmanuella Uzoh both of 12B, Abbi Avenue, Orile Iganmu, Lgos. The Brother and Widow of the said deceased.

Mrs. Alaba Ilekura and Mr. Eyitayo Ilekura both of 202 Road, Block 8, Flat 29, Festac town, Lagos. The Widow and Son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Sadiq Sherif Akolade and Mr. Sheriff Bolaji Akolade both of Block 166, Flat 6, Low Cost Housing Estate, Ojokoro, Lagos. The Widow and Son of the said deceased/.

Mr. Ernest N. Adinweruka and Helen O. Okonkwo of 401 Road, F Close, Festac Town and 7, Ifebajo Street, Topa, Ilogbo, Laogs. The Widower and Sister of the said deceased.

Uwah Okon Udeme of 1st Avenue, 111 Road, F Close, Block 6, Flat 14, Festac Town, Lagos. The Son of the said deceased.

Mrs. Abiola Owolabi, Mrs. Adija Bankole and Mr. Babtunde Bankole of 14, Inabiri Street, Lagos, 1, Erelu Square, Islae Eko, and 21, Makurdi Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Three of the children of the said deceased.

Ibikunle Ojigi and Idowu Ojigi of 120, Mba Street, Ajegunle and 6, Akanbi Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. Two of the children of the said deceased.

Muogbo Ugochukwu Vincent and Muogbo Ijeoma Theresa both of 2/4, Taiwo Street, Okota, Lagos. Two of the Children of the said deceased.

Mrs. Celestina Nwizu and Mr. Samuel Okeke both of 13, Oshoru Road, Orisha, Magodo, Lagos. The Widow and Uncle of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (ESQ.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Boston bomb blasts •Nigeria has many lessons to learn from its handling

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MARATHON event in the city of Boston in the United States of America, turned tragic as two bombs exploded, killing three persons and injuring about 170 others, last week.

Following the incident, many are wondering whether the anti-terrorism instincts of the United States’ security agencies are on the decline. For, in the aftermath of 9/ 11 in 2001, homeland security became of utmost importance to the US; while it also spread its tentacles across the world, to tame the enemy far away from its homeland. Unfortunately, the Boston tragedy reconfirms that the world is still very unsafe for all, including the United States.

But the US’ reaction to the incident has been true to character. Within a matter of days, the security agencies were able to narrow the possible culprits. Also, there are daily briefs about the efforts being made to apprehend those responsible for the bombing. The American President, Barack Obama, in an address, boasted that the perpetrators of the crime would be found and punished. He called it “a heinous and cowardly act”, and while acknowledging that they do not know whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organisation, he emphasised that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was investigating it as an act of terrorism.

From developments, the country is making a steady progress on the matter, with the arraignment Monday, of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the suspects.

His suspected accomplice, Tamerlan, who was also his elder brother, was killed during a firefight with the police. Naturally, many Nigerians would wish that their government exhibit similar speed,

each time the country is attacked. The Nigerian situation is even more pathetic, considering the more severe security challenges facing the country. Unlike in Nigeria, after the attack, the American political and security agencies immediately seized the media space to assure their citizens of the intervention of the state to provide succour for the victims and punishment for the culprits.

There has also been a noticeable cooperation between the agencies of government. Interestingly, in America, there are the federal, state and community police, yet they are working in harmony. There have not been any clashes between the FBI, the preeminent federal police authority in the country and other agencies; neither are there conflicting reports as to who is doing what, and the results that are achieved. It is this cooperation that has paid off, leading to significant inroads in unravelling the suspects.

Comparatively, in Nigeria, we see the Nigerian Police, and the State Security Service, constantly contending for space, and achieving clearly conflicting results, while investigating the same matter.

Another interesting development noticeable from the Boston tragedy is the reaction of the citizenry following the attack. Even before the fire service and security agencies came to the scene of the blasts, the citizens had mobilised. As if primed for such emergencies, the cameras caught many running in to help the injured, immediately the bombs went off. Unfortunately again in our country, scenes of tragedy sometimes are invaded by an unhelpful crowd and those who are more interested in what they can steal

from the victims. No doubt, Nigerians are not effectively mobilised or trained to helpfully react to tragedies.

It is also important to observe that antiAmericanism in significant parts of the world is not in retreat despite the military capacity and preeminence the country currently enjoys. Many would think that with the killing of the Al-Qaeda leader, Osama bin Ladin, the Libyan strongman, Muammar Ghaddafi, and the Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, terrorism against the United States would end. Unfortunately, the recent killing of the American Ambassador to Libya and this Boston bomb attack, confirm that the crises continue to mutate.

As Nigerians, we join in the grief of the United States, and hope that our agencies would learn lessons from the terror attack, in dealing with our own security challenges.

‘Even before the fire service and security agencies came to the scene of the blasts, the citizens had mobilised. As if primed for such emergencies, the cameras caught many running in to help the injured, immediately the bombs went off. Unfortunately again in our country, scenes of tragedy sometimes are invaded by an unhelpful crowd and those who are more interested in what they can steal from the victims’

Father of many children • Robert Edwards, test-tube baby pioneer, passes on

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HE death, on April 10, of Professor Sir Robert Edwards, whose pioneering research into in-vitro fertilisation brought joy to millions of families around the world, marks the end of a significant phase of path-breaking scientific research.

Working in an era when long-standing ethical and religious values had begun to clash with several aspects of cutting-edge science, Sir Edwards displayed the courage and understanding that were vital to getting others to buy into his vision. While he respected the objections of religious and other conservative groups, he repeatedly pointed out the unimpeachable motive which inspired him, namely the desire to ensure that couples that were childless could get offspring of their own.

Today, the vision of Edwards and his

‘Working in an era when longstanding ethical and religious values had begun to clash with several aspects of cutting-edge science, Sir Edwards displayed the courage and understanding that were vital to getting others to buy into his vision. While he respected the objections of religious and other conservative groups, he repeatedly pointed out the unimpeachable motive which inspired him, namely the desire to ensure that couples that were childless could get offspring of their own’

co-pioneer, Dr. Patrick Steptoe has become magnificently manifest, as over four million children have been born as a result of their innovativeness and persistence. This is clearly a positive demonstration of the ways in which committed science can be of use to the advancement of society. In contrast to weapons research, for instance, in-vitro fertilisation seeks to provide hope instead of despair, and to bring life rather than death.

It is gratifying to note that Edwards’ dogged commitment was ultimately rewarding to him on a personal level as well.

In 2010, some four decades after stunning the world with his achievement, the Nobel Prize for Medicine was bestowed upon him. One year later, he was given a knighthood.

There can be no doubt that the connection between science and society is a symbiotic one. At its most useful, science addresses itself to the solving of social problems in such a way that the overall quality of life is improved. However, in achieving this laudable goal, researchers often venture into uncharted waters, thereby sometimes arousing the opposition of society’s more conservative elements. This has certainly been the case in areas of medicine like stem-cell research, euthanasia and cloning, where strong disagreement has arisen on both the ethics and the likely consequences of such research.

Differences of opinion cannot be avoided on these issues, but what is required is the civilised exchange of views in order to arrive at a workable consensus. Just as it would be wrong for the scientists to disparage disagreement with

their research aims, so would it be inappropriate for such research to be denigrated out of hand. History has shown that a great deal of opposition to scientific advance was misinformed, and that society has largely been better off as a result of such advances, especially those in medicine. Yet, given the rapid pace of scientific research and the significance it poses for the very foundations of society, it is unwise to disregard those who harbour genuine fears about the ethical and other consequences of such enquiry.

As a member of the global community, Nigeria has been a beneficiary of the latest advances in scientific research. Invitro fertilisation, which used to be undertaken abroad in conditions of secrecy, is now available in the country as a relatively routine procedure. There also appears to be increasing utilisation of cosmetic surgery, organ transplants and other operations which were also initially controversial.

In the light of these developments, Nigeria must begin to engage with medical research issues in a much more considered way. An impending ban on human cloning by the Senate, for example, ought to have been taken only after exhaustive public discussion and expert commentary. It makes no sense to act in knee-jerk fashion, only to have to backtrack in the future. Indeed, given the penchant for the country’s politicians to rush overseas for medical treatment, it would have been expected that they should have seen the imperative of ensuring that Nigeria is properly positioned at the cutting-edge of medical research.

Boston, bombs and Miranda

• An overly broad interpretation of the ‘public safety exception’ puts Americans’ rights at risk.

ZHOKHAR Tsarnaev, the 19-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen suspected of planting bombs at the Boston Marathon, was charged Monday with using a “weapon of mass destruction” against people and property, and he faces an aggressive prosecution and the possibility of the death penalty.

But that’s not good enough for Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Because Tsarnaev and his brother, Tamerlan, “were not common criminals … but terrorists trying to injure, maim and kill innocent Americans,” the two senators would rather see Tsarnaev plucked from the judicial system, classified as an enemy combatant, deprived of a lawyer and placed in military detention.

To its credit, the Obama administration rejected the senators’ counsel. That position is consistent with the president’s long-standing promise not to authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Yet in one sense the administration is splitting the difference between its approach and that of its critics.

On Friday, the U.S. attorney in Boston said the Justice Department was invoking a “public safety exception” to the Miranda rule that in most cases requires police to advise suspects in custody of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney. Under the exception, announced in a 1984 Supreme Court decision, police may forgo reading a suspect his rights in the interests of public safety — and if the suspect then makes an incriminating statement, it can be used at trial.

In that case, police asked a suspected rapist who had entered a supermarket where his gun was, and the suspect said it was “over there.”

The court allowed the use of that statement even though the suspect hadn’t been advised of his rights because police were motivated by a desire to protect shoppers and employees from being harmed by the weapon.

It would have been a legitimate use of the public safety exception in the Boston case if law enforcement officials had refrained from reading Tsarnaev his rights only for as long as it took to establish whether other bombs had been planted. The problem is that the administration is on record as taking a much broader view of the exception. In 2010, the Justice Department issued a memo that stretched the public safety exception to cover “exceptional cases in which, although all relevant public safety questions have been asked, agents nonetheless conclude that continued unwarned interrogation is necessary to collect valuable and timely intelligence not related to any immediate threat.”

On Monday, a federal magistrate finally informed Tsarnaev of his rights. We hope that, in the days and hours before that intervention, his interrogators didn’t exploit his ignorance to build their case. A public safety exception so broad that it swallows the Miranda rule would be bad for the constitutional rights of all Americans.

– Los Angeles Times

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TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Adamawa North and Borno South senatorial districts are the most neglected region in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. My premise is based on the fact that despite repeated appeals which have been graciously published in most of the national newspapers, the GombeBiu-Mubi road has yet remained a death trap.

My last letter of appeal about this road was in December 2010. It is true that since that letter, some sections of the road in Gombe State and some sections in Adamawa State have been patched by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA). But the whole of the part of the road in Southern Borno has been neglected totally as well as the section between Mubi and Hong towns in Adamawa State.

What is amazing about the whole issue is the fact that virtually every week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves contract for the award of construction, rehabilitation, dualisation and re-surfacing of other roads nationwide but no mention has ever been made of the Gombe-BiuMubi road!

From Gombe to Biu is approximately 129 kilometers, which should ordinarily take a motorist speeding at 100Km/h about one and half hours.

But most road users of that road spend about four to five hours simply because of the many pot-holes on it. In fact some of the sections of the road are washed away. In the same vein, from Biu to Gombe is approximately 76 kilometers. This should take an average motorist just one hour at 100Km/h. But because of the bad nature of the road, it takes a motorist about three hours to ply it.

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Why is FG neglecting Gombe-Biu-Mubi Road?

The Gombe-Biu-Mubi road is approximately 200Km. At the World Bank standard of about six million naira for a standard road construction, all that is needed to rehabilitate the Gombe-Biu-Mubi road is just 1.2 billion naira.

Considering the fact that Mubi is the commercial nerve centre of Adamawa State while Biu is the larg-

est town in Southern Borno, expending 1.2 billion naira on the GombeBiu-Mubi road is justifiable.

I also believe that by rehabilitating the Gombe-Biu-Mubi road it will be a source of employment for many teeming youths in that region that may be tempted to join the Boko Haram insurgency.

The members representing the

above local governments in the National Assembly should as a matter of urgent public importance appeal to the President of the Federal Republic to consider the Gombe-BiuMubi road for rehabilitation during the next Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

It is also important to make it known that this region is the food

S

• Iliya Yame Kwache (Dan Lawan Michika) Hospital Road, Adamawa State.

Michika,

Finally, the long overdue two-party system

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IR: ‘I stand to tell you that for the good of Nigeria, this must be the last and final convention of the ACN’.

This statement was credited to the national leader of the ACN, Bola Tinubu as members of the party on Thursday last week, okayed the proposed merger of the party with the Congress for Progressive Change and the All Nigeria Peoples Party .This legendary move by the opposition parties has sent shocking waves down the spine of the ruling party as to how to manage the consequence of the emergence of APC in the 2015 general elections, having earlier boasted that it would loom large on the trembling polity of Nigeria for the next 50 years. In

the light of this development Nigerians begin to see the signs and realities of the possible emergence of a two party system.

Political pundits believe that nations with two- party system such as the USA, Britain, Japan, Honduras, etc, are more politically stable than those with multi-party system and it is also believed that political stability can benefit economic growth. Again, many people consider the simplicity of a two-party political system to be an advantage.

They say the system is simple for voters as they only have two parties to decide on. It is also argued that our national experience has proved that there will be more harmony and less unruliness in a two-

party system than we have in a multiparty system. Moreover, two-party system offers an easy time when it comes to voting. This is because the voter does not need to take a lot of time to make a choice. Whenever Nigerians look at the ballot paper during any election, the array of party names and symbols are offputting and, to say the least, confusing, especially to an illiterate or semi-literate voter.

On the other hand the anti twoparty System has argued that Nigeria cannot be compared to other nations of the world practising twoparty system because of her peculiarity as being a nation with diverse cultures and ethnic groups. They further argued that the parties

Aviation minister’s sop to the North IR: Permit me to highlight the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah’s hijab attire at the commissioning of the refurbished Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. As a Christian lady and minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is no compulsion on her to wear a hijab for an official ceremony in Kano.

Again the hijab has not been her normal mode of dressing as a public servant. The only safe assump-

basket of the north eastern Nigeria as people from all over the nation come to Michika Town for grains on market days. Mubi Town is well known for its cattle market in the West and Central Africa sub-region in addition to being home to the Adamawa State University and a Federal Polytechnic.

Dear President, please come to our aid and rehabilitate the Gombe-BiuMubi road. After all we are stakeholders in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

When this road is rehabilitated, the politicians will find it handy and useful for their campaign in 2015.

tion therefore is that she dressed the way she did as a sop to Northern culture and purely through self censorship.

That is very shameful.

At the psychological level, Nigerian politics is a battle of cultures.

One culture is insular and conservative while the other is egalitarian and out-going. The tragedy of the Igbo who belong to the latter is that they go all out to court the others in the belief that they are thereby

showing brotherhood.

Ironically, this self-same thirst for camaraderie engenders more resentment against them. Historically, while the late Zik preached forgetting of differences, the late Sardauna preferred the understanding thereof. The portents haven’t changed today. It is instructive that at the same ceremony at which Princess Oduah tried to be full of unspoken apologies for who God made her, the

CBN governor and Kano prince, Alh. Sanusi Lamido, came attired in full royal regalia the same attire he dons with petulant arrogance as a public servant.

At some level therefore, the Kano event was a battle of two royalties, a prince and a princess.

The princess came up real short and a disgrace to her culture, if you ask me.

• Dr. Adighi Eme Ngene Akoka-Lagos.

would turn out to be polarised on Christians versus Muslims lines, as well as North versus the South.

It is my humble view that it is high time we stopped sacrificing our development and progress as a nation on the altar of our ethnic and religious differences. It is no doubt that the decision of the opposition parties to merge to save the nation from the 14 year inglorious rule of the PDP, is a giant step towards the right direction.

Having studied the development of party politics since the First Republic, the country has always had the tendency of moving towards a two-party system. It is worthy of note that another history is about to be recorded with the emergence of APC, which to me is a rescue mission by the opposition at this critical moment in the history of our nation. This golden opportunity of joining the modern world in the practise of two party system should not be jeopardized.

We just need one other strong party, a party that can compete intensely with PDP. If not, PDP will continue to rule this country and continue to swallow up some other weaker ones until the nation turns into a dictatorial one party system.

This should never be allowed to happen.

• Tolu Adekola Esq, Sulu Gambari road, GRA Ilorin.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

COMMENTS

Lessons from Boston; 2020 or 3030?

Crisis of leadership, where is the love?

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UDOS to American law enforcement and citizens’ response in the Boston bombings. Federal Nigerian budgetary authorities take note. Security costs big money in the

Tony Marinho

budget and not security ‘votes’ that are stolen! Enough of police and political ‘security vote’ corruption. We have enough fingerprints from our repeated ID cards and voters’ cards, and mug shots from passports and SIM registration for a Nigerian National Police Database and you say there is unemployment. Who is afraid of being caught?

Here we are struggling to become among the world’s leading economies by 3030. Ups, sorry. I meant to type‘2020’, but my computer chose ‘3030’. Certainly it seemed it will be 3030 to me, in darkness all weekend, my ‘generator finally dying’. It is unimaginable incompetence that 52 years after independence and ‘self-ownership’, with no colonialist to blame, we have merely 2,000 to 4,000Mw while aides, governors, ministers, politicians, contractors and civil servants take home stolen billions.

Our current 2,000-4,000Mw in Nigeria is the power to a small western city. Abroad they talk in Terawatt which is 1,000Gigawatt. A Gigawatt which is 1,000Megawatt. A Megawatt which is 1,000Kilowatt. Every government in the last 40 years has failed in power. They also abandoned roads, water and education. It has taken 40 years to ‘consider’ a second Niger Bridge and 30 years to repair expressways. Schools still have no books! What is the level of incompetence - 80 or 100%? The Japanese love their people and replaced the Fukushima nuclear plant losses in three months using companies which provide urgent power through generator ships and large land generators connected to the local grid. We could have done this, years ago. Giant generators consume far less than the million+ generators in Nigeria from ‘I fine pass my neighbour’ to the 1,000KVa VIP giants powering the Presi-

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dent, his men and women, NASS and country homes and governors, first ladies, assembly men and civil servants.

If Nigeria had a people-loving leadership there would be 100,000Mw now. It is a multiple failure of power policy, commitment of professionalism, political will, competence and a power failure of love. Ultimately it is brain failure and malicious failure of responsibility. Mass transit, mass power supply are better than mono-transit like the lethal motorcycles and dangerous power sourced from belching generators and substitute power in 40 million Nigeria homes and hovels. No love!

The economic losses in family, business and intellectual activities from political incompetence can be calculated by NISER and departments of Social Sciences. The sheer magnitude can only be realised if you, the reader, add up how many 25 litre kegs, filled to 30 litres, are used daily in your home, office, street, estate, office block, by government officials and NASS homes and offices, by your factories and those near you. Multiply that by 365 and then by N4000/keg to get the cost of government incompetence. Your tax pays for political home and office generator and you cannot even get a tax rebate for the losses you encounter paying for power substitution at home. Then add the cost of purchase and maintenance of every generator. Trillions! No Nigerian escapes paying.

Imagine what you would have done annually, times 30 years, with that extra money in your family and office pocket! Add to that the cost of darkness and powerlessness. Your family cannot function optimally and does not read at night with resultant loss of academic potential. Many homes have been broken because the husband has proved ‘inadequate in the power supply area’ and unable to provide ‘one keg of fuel/day and four/weekend’ – a status symbol. You lose business. Business costs are too high. In fact the tax man has no right to take anything until he gives a ‘fuel allowance’ for your home and office- government officials get this free. The people making the money are the generator sellers and maintenance staff, the fuel billionaires and those bribed to keep power off the grid. Through government incompetence we have been unable to refine our fuel in our refineries. But here

comes, yes of course and just in time, a brand new Dangote Refinery to the ‘rescue’ us, just as he ‘rescued’ the falling price of flour, sugar and cement, abi? Na waya o! Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. Do we want power and fuel rescue again by Dangote billions? Do we pay another heavy price for the Dangote touch?

No other leadership in Africa, at war with itself or neighbours, and with such large resources as we have in Nigeria will allow its peoples to suffer so much from the lack of supply of the third element of civilisation –electric power- third only to air and water. Water has gone and the air may be threatened. Can we have a leader who is willing to surgically excise political profligacy and introduce part-time legislation houses? The surgeon has to operate on a family member to save the nation.

Under the burden of a blighted leadership and its ‘CINS: Corruption, Incompetence, Neglect and Selfishness’ a generation of Nigerians has been led badly and has missed out on Nigeria being great. Will Nigeria disintegrate?

Amalgamation celebrations and ‘De-amalgamation’ debates loom. The gum cannot be forced to work. It is love that will bind us, nothing more, nothing less. Bombs and political bombast will disintegrate us. No matter how evil you are, do some good or Nigeria will be destroyed and die!

‘No other leadership in Africa, at war with itself or neighbours, and with such large resources as we have in Nigeria will allow its peoples to suffer so much from the lack of supply of the third element of civilisation –electric power- third only to air and water’

This committee needs ‘amnesty’

N its relentless efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency, the Presidency has constituted a body, the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North. The decision followed the consideration of the report of the technical committee commissioned by the government to review fresh ways of addressing security challenges in the North. The 26-member committee, headed by Kabiru Turaki, Minister of Special Duties, is saddled with the responsibility of engaging members of Boko Haram in dialogue and designing a framework for resolving the violence precipitated by them.

Unfortunately, two members of the committee have declined their membership. They are Shehu Sani, social activist and the Executive Director of the Civil Rights Congress, and Datti Ahmed, the President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria. Sani turned down his membership on the grounds that he was neither consulted nor informed by the Presidency before the announcement of his membership was made. On his own part, Ahmed, a medical doctor, said he rejected membership of the committee because of the bitter experience he had with the government in 2012, when he voluntarily tried to mediate between the authorities and members of the violent Islamic sect.

Alleging insincerity on the part of the government, Ahmed said the composition of the amnesty committee was faulty. He argued that the chairman of the panel, as well as the secretary, who are nominees of the federal government would always tell the government what it

wanted to hear and not the truth.

“The minister and secretary will tell lies to the government and we would be left quarrelling with young Nigerians, young enough to be our children.”

Datti said he previously made such moves twice and that it was not the government that asked him to do so. “We had reached a stage where, had the government agreed with what we resolved with the sect members, by now, we would have forgotten everything. Nigeria would have witnessed peace by now”, Ahmed said. “From past experience, the government was not sincere and it did everything to ensure that the earlier talk failed. It was just like we were going to have a peaceful resolution the next day, and what the government should have done was not something difficult. It was just for them to release their (Boko Haram members) wives, reduce tension in Yobe and Borno states, and stop persecuting the people there. The government said it was going to do that but it did not.

It is the same government that wants to do that now.”

Boko Haram had, in March 2012, picked Ahmed as a mediator between it and the federal government. At that time, it said his choice was based on the fact that its former leader, the late Mohammed Yusuf, served as a member that represented Borno State in the Council of Sharia in Nigeria. But a few days later, Ahmed pulled out of the process after details of the discussions appeared in the media.

Though the government seems not to be perturbed about the two members’ withdrawals, I am quite sure the decline of Ahmed to serve

‘Human capacity development is one sure way to right the perceived wrongs wrought on the North by successive Northern governments’

in this committee has dealt it a ‘ballistic’ blow. The first is that although nobody is indispensable, Ahmed definitely wields a lot of influence both in the northern part of the country and Nigeria as a whole. In my days in TELL magazine, 1991-2004, he was a fearless critic of whatever he perceived to be wrong with the government of the day without mincing words. No wonder reporters naturally flock around him to extract words or interviews from him. He is widely respected and loved by his people.

For such a man with high level of credibility and with whom a lot of trust is reposed, even by the Boko Haram sect, to have pulled out of the committee means that the 26member committee has a long, difficult and tortuous road to travel in the discharge of its mandate. There is no doubt that there are still many members of the committee who are eminently qualified in their own right to be on board, but a person like Ahmed is very vital and may be key to an effective interface with the dreaded sect members. Don’t forget that he had earlier voluntarily interfaced with some members of the sect in the past. So, to me, it was like a right step in the right direction for government to have thought it wise enough to include him in the committee.

But now, the bubble has burst.

How far can the committee go in establishing trust between the government and members of the sect before any meaningful modality towards a peaceful and amicable solution can be found to the lingering impasse which has claimed several innocent lives and property? It is only hoped that no other member drops out any longer. Otherwise, it may seem that this committee itself needs ‘amnesty’ to put it on a good footing.

In my discussion with a friend in the United States last week in the wake of the announcement of the

composition of the committee, my friend, a Nigerian professor, said that the membership list did not include anybody from the SouthSouth geopolitical zone of the country. He pointed out that it was an unpardonable error. For one, amnesty has worked or seems to be working in that part of the country.

It is believed that it is that workability of the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta that may have goaded people to start the clamour for amnesty for Boko Haram. Therefore, ignoring or the omission of such an integral part of the amnesty programme by the Presidency cannot by any yardstick be justified.

It is only normal that people with experience on amnesty be included so as to give the committee a good boost. Now, not even a soul from either the South-South or anybody with background experience on the ongoing amnesty programme in the Niger Delta has been included in the 26-member list. It gives an impression that the President has no input in most of these committees except that people just cook up the lists and bring them to him for his assent from time to time. This is not good enough for the image of the President himself. Besides, many people also believe the membership is unwieldy. To them, perhaps, a seven, nine, 11 or 13- member committee would have just been it.

There are several names in the South-South that could have conveniently made the list. There is Annkio Briggs, a known Niger Delta activist; Timi Alaibe, the immediate past Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty is there, so also is Kingsley Kuku, the incumbent Special Adviser to the President on Amnesty and Alaibe’s successor. There are also those who have been toiling day and night to make the Niger Delta amnesty programme work. One of them is Chibuzor Ugwoha, the immediate past managing director of the Niger

Dele Agekameh Delta Development Commission, NDDC. He is an incurable believer in due process and the rule of law who has been passionately championing the process of human capacity development. The products of his human capacity crusades as the boss of the NDDC are there for everybody to see. The people whose lives he touched by his programmes while in office are proud of him and are able to raise their heads everywhere in the world today. Human capacity development is one sure way to right the perceived wrongs wrought on the North by successive northern governments.

With the amnesty committee in place, the country seems to have moved towards enthroning peace in the North, which, by extension, should extend to every nook and cranny of the entire country where banditry now reigns supreme. One sure way to do this is by properly identifying the root cause or causes of the disaffection in all corners of the society. The fact remains that we cannot continue with all the plethora of crises - violent robbery, pipeline vandalism, Boko Haram, kidnapping for ransom, and all that.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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COMMENTS One other area where people need to exercise serious restraints is in their conversations.

Most often, without knowing, people make themselves easy targets of unscrupulous elements through the reckless conversations they make in open places such as restaurants, public buses, offices, among others. Examples abound of people who have fallen victims to the antics of underground men because they could not ‘control’ their mouths. Some go to the extent of boasting of their material possessions in open places and inadvertently arouse the attention of criminals. Also, those who do business must be careful with the kind of people they deal with.

It is important that they are cautious with the kind of ‘deals’ they are involved in. Most often, cases involving assassinations and other such vices arise from consequences of secret deals that people engage in from time to time. Now, Nigerians should know that as much as government has the responsibility to protect them, an effective public security can only be obtained with the active involvement, participation and support of every segment of the society.

This is because public security is the responsibility of all individuals, groups, communities, organisations and other units that constitute the state.

Traditional rulers and religious leaders have a critical role to play and should motivate landlords and market associations to help report suspicious movements and persons. It is a known fact that despite the magnitude of government investment in public security, there are still Herculean challenges that government’s resources alone cannot tackle.

In as much as everyone in a state pursues varied interests, the pursuit of public security should, nevertheless, be the common goal of all. The involvement and participation of individuals and non-governmental actors in the issue of public security is, therefore, a necessity for the actualisation of a secured society. God bless Nigeria!

• Ibirogba is Lagos commissioner for information and strategy.

Imbibing the culture of collective security

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HE way things currently stand in the country has clearly shown that there is an urgent need for Nigerians to become more security-conscious in their day-to-day life. If there is any time in our national history when we need to be very alert in terms of security, it is now. This is because all across the country, cases of kidnapping, pipeline vandalisation, theft, armed robbery and terrorist attacks stare us in the face on a regular basis. And the usual thing we do when we hear of such negative cases is to first heap blames on governments across the country. While it is true that government has the onerous responsibility of ensuring security across the country, it is equally not far from the truth that security is a collective responsibility.

For instance, for a Mega city like Lagos, the Police-Personnel Population ratio of 1- 400, is considered a big security issue that must be the concern of well-meaning Nigerians. Hence, the Fashola administration in living up its billing, envisioned more highly trained men and women working with modern logistic support, with effective cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders through the now popular Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

In-spite of the state government laudable security initiatives such as the acquisition of two Bell EP helicopters, restriction of the activities of ‘okada’ riders on highways, opening of gated streets between 5am and 12 midnight, lighting up of the city at night, situating and naming of streets responders to get to crisis centres on time, sending those who live or trade under the various bridges in the state packing to get rid of unscrupulous elements hiding in such places to perpetrate evil, among others, it is still quite clear that government efforts alone cannot surmount security challenges. Consequently, it is important for Nigerians to become highly vigilant about happenings within their immediate environment.

Since it is often said that all crimes are localized, criminals and perpetrators of evil deeds no doubt live within us and obtain the information about their victims through our carelessness. They are not spirits and do not have any magic to know our details. We, therefore, have a responsibility in our various neighbourhoods to observe basic security rules.

We all have to take interest in strange characters, movements as well as conduct in our area and swiftly report same to the appropriate quarters for necessary action.

We must identify people with funny tendencies in our various streets, estates and communities. This includes people with no clear cut source of livelihood who, nevertheless, live ‘big’. We need to constantly be on our guards at all times because the agents of evil are very cunning and smart.

By Lateef Ibirogba Religious houses are not excluded in this process of renewed security consciousness.

The various mosques and churches must be extra watchful especially towards men who hide under the pretext of coming for spiritual counselling to perpetrate dastardly acts. These are unusual times that need extraordinary precautions.

Sometime in the past, it is unthinkable that places of worship could become targets of evil men. But that seems to be the norm today. Parents also need to be more proactive in the way they handle security issues relating especially to their children. If the children must be at home, they must be left under the care of responsible and mature adults.

It is risky to live children alone at home, especially during holidays. It is also important that children are taught basic security tips such as being extremely careful with strangers, playing within the confines of their compounds and ensuring that necessary domestic security measures are strictly adhered to. Similarly, children that have come of age ought to know the phone numbers and other personal details of their parents.

Also, schools, especially private ones, should step up on security efforts within and outside their premises. Under no circumstances must unauthorized people be allowed to pick pupils from schools.

Every school must have a fool proof means of bringing pupils to school from their respective homes and vice versa.

It is equally advised that organisations should, as much as possible, discourage the idea of keeping huge amount of money within their premises. Efforts should be made to embrace current trend in cashless transactions to the letter so that people will desist from carrying huge cash around under whatever guise.

Night crawling is another aspect of our social life that we should re-consider. Except for those that must really work at night, it is quite risky to move about at night. For people who love to hang around at drinking joints after work, it is safer to do less of it now especially since they could as well go home from office and ‘catch fun’ with their families. Indeed, considering the prevailing security situation in the country, this is the right thing to always do after a hard day’s work.

‘Also, schools, especially private ones, should step up on security efforts within and outside their premises. Under no circumstances must unauthorised people be allowed to pick pupils from schools’

Akpabio, Leadership and ‘Rebuilding Nigeria’

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HE theme: “Rebuilding Nigeria” presupposes that the nation is in ruins and needs to be restructured. The process, if we borrow from the French Philosopher, Rene Descartes, would involve demolishing certain ancient structures and preserving some for accommodation in the remoulding process. Above all, it involves the human factor who, first, must admit that there is work to be done and sets about doing it to fruition.

It was, perhaps, the consideration of the last factor, the human input in rebuilding Nigeria that informed the gathering of the crème de la crème of the society by the Leadership newspaper, in Abuja. It was April 16. And, specifically, the event built around the theme of Rebuilding Nigeria, recognized those who have so far made significant efforts towards the refashioning movement. From the business to the religious; from the social to the political, recognition went round. But two categories stood out most - the religious and the political. While, very significantly, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and John Cardinal Onaiyekan won a joint award for exemplary, peaceful religious leadership; Governor Godswill Akpabio emerged the ‘Leadership Governor of the Year 2012’ for uncommon transformation of his state with quality infrastructure.

In deed, love him or hate him, Akpabio’s achievement in the area of restructuring the landscape of the nation through infrastructure has so far been unequalled. Some argue that he receives a lot of money from the federation account but fail to explain why some other states who receive similar or more funds can’t develop at the speed of light seen in Akwa Ibom in recent years. Obviously, those convinced by detractive and hateful criticisms are few as it was evident in the International Conference Centre venue of the event. As Akpabio was called upon

By Uduak Edward to receive the award, which as usual he dedicated to the people of Akwa Ibom State, the hall erupted in a deafening ovation. For minutes, the proceedings were on hold as almost everyone present acknowledged that the “wonder worker governor” deserved his day in the sun.

It wasn’t his first “Governor of the Year” or “Man of the Year” award.

He has had several in the past six years; so this one was just a confirmation of the numerous others. But as usual, Akpabio shone brighter than all the stars in the galaxy! Responding, on behalf of other awardees at the Leadership event, Akpabio said leadership needs sincerity of purpose; focus; dedication; commitment and common involvement of all.

Principally, the plank Akpabio stood head above other governors at the event was in his development focus. Space may limit elaboration here but suffice it to say that apart from other evidences, Akpabio is now jocularly knows as “The Roadmaster”, on account of his unprecedented road network development. As he constructs even federal roads for all Nigerians to ply, he is “rebuilding Nigeria”. Some critics even say he’s the “Education-byforce Governor”. Yet, this is one area he proudly pointed out at the event as his effort at “rebuilding Nigeria”, as all Nigerian children resident in his state benefit from the scheme. In deed, the governor’s love for education, in particular, is based on his understanding of the great importance it holds for the people.

He appreciates, like John Maurice Clarke, the English economist that, “knowledge is the only instrument of production that is not subject to diminishing returns”. He has invested in education more than any governor before him in Akwa Ibom State. Challenged by the ignorance

and poverty that had once ravaged the land and affected the psyche of the people, Akpabio is changing the fortune of his people through education. Similarly, the e-Library; the gas plant; the Ibom International Airport; the prisons built and handed over to the federal government; the construction of over 10 buildings within the University of Uyo, a federal institution; the various contributions - structural and financial - to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), another federal body, all aid in “rebuilding Nigeria. Moreover, as the governor mentioned at the event, he doesn’t segregate on account of tribe. For instance, his principal aides are from the diverse tribes in the country; completely mixed and he is blind to religious sentiments, too!

Hence, he was “rebuilding Nigeria” when he built a hostel at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State, recently.

For the above reasons and more, he has in the past won various recognitions. For instance, on February 25, 2012; the Sun newspapers, after a painstaking exercise, picked Akpabio for honour as its “Man of the Year, 2011”. Similar affirmation also came earlier from Daily Independent; Tribune; National Daily, etc.

He was even named an “Emerging Tiger” by the Thisday a few years back. Usually, the Board of Editors of each paper say Akpabio was picked based on verifiable indices witnessed independently while on spot inspections to Akwa Ibom State.

Even members of the opposition parties have admitted that Akpabio deserves a place in history as a “national builder”. ACN’s ComradeGovernor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said that much at the Sun award, last year: “The Sun Man of the Year 2011 that you are being honoured today is not a fluke. It is based on what you have been able to put in place in your state as their

leader since you took over the reigns of leadership. I have been to Akwa Ibom State and I know what I saw. This award is a confirmation of your achievements in office and I can say without any apology that you deserve this award”, he said.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State (APGA) once described Akpabio in similar glowing terms when he visited Akwa Ibom. The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Akwa Ibom recently said: “We have noted with delight, the apparent and heartening pace of developments that have been recorded by Gov. Godswill Akpabio and particularly applaud the development initiative in the areas of infrastructural provision across the state as well as the institutionalization of free and compulsory education”.

Akpabio’s media aide, Chief Usoro I. Usoro, said it was African Church which first recognized that the governor has been “rebuilding Nigeria”; hence they named him “Nehemiah of our time”. Usoro, Senior Special Assistant on Print Media and Research, recalled that even the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also named Akpabio “the Best Governor in Nigeria”, in terms of micro-credits and empowerment of the masses. It was noted the governor has been “rebuilding Nigeria” with his policy of providing 4500 women with direct training and capital for agricultural purposes.

Interestingly, Akpabio talks less about his achievements, yet he delivers more; perhaps in line with Henry Kaiser’s cautions: “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.” But a goldfish has not hiding place and in the words of Apostle, “a city set on a hill cannot be hidden…no one lights a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand that gives light to all who are in the house (city)”. In other words, like marketers would say, a good product markets itself!

For Akpabio, the awards actually spur him to do more. From far and near, the world appreciates his efforts and has risen in diverse locations with words of encouragements. Recently, in far away Houston, Texas, the United States Congress described him as exceptional…confirming a Wikileaks reports that he is one to watch in good governance.

Ms Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the 18th Congressional District of Texas, who conferred Akpabio with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, on behalf of the Speaker, said the governor’s “shining example of leadership is truly worthy of respect, admiration and commendation of the United States Congress”. The governor’s wife, Ekaette, also got an award for her charity works centred on widows, women, poverty and the disabled.( She described Akwa Ibom under Akpabio as “a state with limitless opportunities,” saying “with so many projects delivered, over 3000 of them, and a lot still in the works, Akwa Ibom state now stands out as a foremost state in the Niger Delta, not embroiled in tribal wars, militancy or crime.”

To many, the tide of honours flowing Akpabio’s way is not surprising. The consensus at the award ceremony was that leadership is not about lip-service and convoluted opinions. It is not about precepts and theories but much about exemplary living. When the common people are touched; when they pass a vote of confidence on a leader, it doesn’t matter what the selfish, politically motivated and hate-induced opinions are. A leader, by his fruit exhibited through “rebuilding Nigeria”, will always be noticed and recognized!

• Edward, a journalist and teacher, wrote this piece from Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

Life

25

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761

‘Why Oyo arts was least studied’ – Page 27

‘Help save my boy’ – Page 28

•Prof. Omotoso

Gani-Durbar Festival: Uniting people – Page 38

‘You can’ can’’tt have successful politicians in an unsuccessful polity’ – SEE STORY ON PAGE 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

26

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Prof. Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso turned 70 last Saturday. He is a blend of creativity, scholarship, rebellion and more. In Lagos and his hometown in Akure, Ondo State, friends as well as fans gathered to celebrate the ‘birthday boy’, his works and more, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

A

CONFIDENT and bright-eyed young lad stared at the camera. The wide and starry look in his gaze spoke volume of a courageous boy with a thirst for adventure, determined to rule his world.

Decades after, his life became eventful, full of exploits, controversies, rebellions and more. That boy then, Prof. Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso turned 70 last Saturday.

Famed for his role in the advert of Vodacom Telecommunications, South Africa, he is popularly known in that clime as Yebo Gogo. He is a novelist, dramatist, actor, critic, biographer, founding General Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) while Chinua Achebe was president and in 1988 was ANA president.

The picture of the ‘young Kole’ was an exhibit at The Kole Omotoso Exhibition – Akure to Joburg. It was part of a three-day activities marking his birthday that began with an exhibition at Jazzhole, Lagos and climaxed at the Ondo State capital, his homeland.

Being 70 is a feat worth celebrating, it was said, and so his friends led by the activist-poet Odia Ofeimum with the Ondo State government chose to honour the author whose creative and scholarly works have contributed to the development of scholarship. The events presented many, including family members, the opportunity to honour their own.

For his daughter, Yewande, being 70 is an accomplishment worth experiencing. “It is still my wish to be blessed enough to grow old and be my father’s kind of 70 – sparkly, mischievous and wise.”

The events were also spyglasses through which guests saw the writer, his works, ideologies, controversies and sojourns.

Like a restless sojourner, his soul moved from one phase of life, clime and circumstance to the other, joining other restless but ‘progressive’ minds – Professors Soyinka, Biodun Jeyifo, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Femi Osofisan, Godino Darah, Ofeimum among others, who are bearing compelling voices of revolution. As Ofeimum rightly observed all the while, Omotoso was merely “shifting the camera” of life.

The reading, exhibition and lecture by Prof. Darah entitled: Radicals, Literature and Nigeria just before 2014 and performance of the celebrator’s play, Yes and Know to the Freedom Chatter, a play about post-Apartheid South Africa by Hornbill House of Arts, heralded his convictions.

Guests saw a man that is committed to the ‘Nigerian project’; one who Omotoso believes in “true federalism”. His despair over the state of the country was also evident. With the Democracy Day celebrations on the way, Omotoso asks: “What can we celebrate?” And when the efforts to create the needed change failed, he was left with no choice than to relocate. This led to his sojourns in the academic and abroad, it was said.

“You cannot have successful politicians in an unsuccessful polity. I believe that when we abandon the humanist tradition. Many would play up their own facts, ignoring the facts that affected others, pretending that those things didn’t happen. However, as always the facts people fail to acknowledge is what comes to haunt them,” he said.

Being involved with writers such as the late Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka in forming writers’ organisations in Nigeria, the West Africa regions, the continent and the African Diaspora, one would have thought he would praise the novel for its contribution to the development of the polity. That was not to be because, according to him, there is “an absence of the Nigerian Federation in the Nigerian novel.” Although he opined that the novel should not be prescriptive, it should galvanise ideas that would bring about positive change.

The Nobel laureate, Soyinka praised Omotoso’s penchant for intellectual radicalism, saying Omotoso was one of the radicals who “peppered all discourse and action with Marxian pellets of varied sizes, validity and effectiveness”. He dubbed him (Omotoso) along with Jeyifo, Ogunbiyi and Osofisan the literary quartet which he called “the ‘Gang of Four’”.

He recalled: “Kole Omotoso blew in from nowhere, an Arabic scholar with a yen for literature, and especially – drama. His exit from the Department of Arabic Studies in the University of Ibadan (UI) was a dramatic foretaste of academic Boko Haramism – but where you still lived to tell the tale – so I shall leave the telling thereof to him whenever he chooses. Beginning from UI where I then headed the Drama Department, he had begun to monitor rehearsals. I next transferred to Ife. I believe I invited him to join us for a spell as a visiting lecturer.

“Next thing I knew, he had transferred completely to my department where his presence was soon to be markedly felt as one of the radical faculty – Ife/Ibadan/Ahmadu Bello then formed the radical axis of Nigerian academia, with Ife as the hyper-active fulcrum…when he shifted to South Africa and found that the Rand did not quite fulfil its promise, and with a wife, two fast growing lads and a daughter to maintain in a strange land, he proved a very adroit adjuster and entrepreneur. “…Curiously enough, what I remember most vividly of Kole’s sojourn at Ife had nothing to do with the foregoing. I had just had dinner with him and some others – this time in his home – when, as he saw me off to my car, a heavenly body streaked across the sky in a lance of sparks. It flew so low, and

•From left: Omotoso, Ofeimum and Esere Ozako

•Prof. Omotoso

‘You can can’’t have successful politicians in an unsuccessful polity’ CELEBRATION sank over a horizon so close to where we stood, that I was convinced it could not have landed further than perhaps five to 10 kilometres away. Kole, who had his back to this streaking visitor, had not seen it. For days, I scoured the pages of the media, expecting to read some report of the celestial landing. Nothing at all.

“Then I took to hunting in that direction, hoping I might come across a patch of recently charred forest that would explain the visitation. No such encounter. As I contemplated this piece, that meteoric event flashed yet again across the years. It strikes me now as symbolic of the constellation of some of the astute and restless minds that streaked across the campus sky of Ile-Ife, vanished over the horizon, split up and resurfaced in myriad places – some as far flung as the US and Carribean. Kole’s cinder re-surfaced – and continued to ignite young minds – in South Africa.”

Governor Olusegun Mimiko described Omotoso and the late D.O Fagunwa as two of Ondo’s exports to the world, noting that they are “our contributions to the pool of teachers, writers, scholars and professionals who have done both our state and country proud in their different fields of endeavour.” He said celebrating the writer is part of government’s move to make the state a creative and cultural desti-

nation.

He said: “My first interaction with Professor Omotoso was way back in the 70s in what then was University of Ife. The Ife of that era was the Ife of Socialist ferment, of progressive intellectualism, of committed lecturers – teaching eager and willing students. It was the Ife of Segun Osoba, Toye Olorode and many other scholars of the socialist hue.

“It has been an unending chain of collaboration since then between the birthday boy and his state of birth. he has never looked back in putting something back to the Sunshine State in terms of ideas, suggestions, and as you might have rightly guessed, objective and game changing criticism.

This, therefore, is to say a happy birthday to a worthy son of the soil, global player of repute, commentator, essayist and playwright – our own professor Omotoso.”

Ofeimum said Omotoso’s works herald significant lessons of history for people to learn from.

“As a foremost icon of the literary arts and of popular culture in Nigeria and South Africa, he happens to have been quite a very unobtrusive purveyor of ideas that are true, even if unusual. He always deserved to be feted beyond the rituals of raised wine glasses. Whether he is celebrated in grand Nigerian style or refused to oblige due to some writer’s quirk, it was, for us, less about his age than his devotion to things of the mind.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

27

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘Why Oyo arts was least studied’ A

DON, Prof. Rom Rasaq Kalilu, of the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, has said the Old Oyo arts is the least studied, despite the scholarship on its socio-political history is very rich.

He said prior to his work, of all the Nigerian arts of antiquities, it is the least studied, noting that the Old Oyo is the key to understanding the arts of West Africa.

Kalilu spoke at the 10th inaugural lecture themed Arts For Arts From Arts\Conceptualising Existence In The Space Of The Visual Arts, organised by the Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

He blamed six factors for the initial omission and the lukewarm attitude to its scholarship.

His words:“The capital city of the kingdom moved to about seven different sites. Of the lot, only the last two were identified and one has been archaeologically examined.

There was also the early tendency to take the site of Oyo Ile, the capital city of the kingdom, as the entire kingdom, Oyo Ile had been denuded of its artworks in various ways; the treasures were inadvertently destroyed in several fire outbreaks, particularly, between 1774 and early 1830s.All these posed challenges to meaningful scholarship on the arts of the kingdom.”

Examining the art forms in contemporary religious contexts provenance and significance of masqueraders, Prof. Kalilu said while masquerading (Egungun) is an art to enhance the religious practice of ancestral veneration, the sculpture and the art forms associated with the religion are neither representations of any gods nor objects of worship.

“Egungun is a composite art in motion, resulting from the expertise of different types of artists: cloth weavers, sculptors, costume makers, leather workers and decorators. In principle and practice, it is a means by which the people, through arts, express triumph over death on the one hand, and by which the pre-21 century Yoruba society on the other hand encouraged meaningful living by immortalising dead elderly people who lived well. This artistic tradition is instructive to the contemporary Nigerian

ANTIQUITIES

From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

society which celebrates wealth, even of doubtful sources, at the expense of good moral values and public spiritedness,” he said.

The Yoruba, Kalilu said, constitutes one of the largest ethnic groups and one of the most prolific producers of art in Africa, South of the Sahara. He noted that of all the many kingdoms that emerged in Yoruba, Old Oyo, the most northernly of Yoruba Kingdoms, attained the greatest political, military and economic renown.

According to him, its location in the savannah, especially that of Oyo –Ile, the Old Oyo metropolis and capital, put it at a vantage position for commerce and cavalry, which were the basic sources of its greatness.

“The kingdom headed by Alaafin, its traditional ruler, controlled the trades of western Sudan to the north and the trades of the coast to the south. The kingdom was far superior to others in size, military strength and grandeur.

It was the scourge of its neighbours, and the mere mention of its name was enough to create panic in the circumjacent territories. At its height, it controlled a large empire that extended from the southern bank of the middle of the Niger to the coast as far as parts of the present day republics of Benin and Togo,” he added.

The arts historian observed that with its size and wealth, Old Oyo could not but be a factor in Yoruba and, indeed, West African art.

He claimed that the age of Oyo Ile, the last capital city of the kingdom, predated the date associated with the kingdom, adding that visual evidence did not support a direct migration from Ile-Ife to Oyo-Ile. “Gourd carving, leatherwork, Egungun, masque-dramaturgy and body decoration with scarification (not facial markings) developed among the Oyo-Yoruba. The high artistic merit of the eighth century pottery from Oyo-Ile, the last capital city of the kingdom, is an indication of the existence of art traditions at the site of the metropolis, prior to the supposed 14th century arrival of the Oyo royalty (and their group).

Similarly, the theory of contemporary Yoruba art styles having their roots in Ile-Ife is also not supported by visual evidence. Evidence

•Prof. Kalilu

indicates that the majority of contemporary Yoruba art forms and styles resulted from Old Oyo attraction,” he added.

Kalilu hinted that arts featured in all aspects of life of Old Oyo and was deployed in the cosmisation of the human space within and around the kingdom and the empire.

He added that specifically art objects featured as decorations, emblems, and devices in architectural, clothing, personal adornments, religious, political, ideological, martial, spiritual, magical, educational, historiographical, commemorational and utilitarian contexts among other numerous functions.

“The Old Oyo kingdom’s capital was an emporium and a melting pot for divergent artistic skills and styles even from non-Yoruba groups.”

Kalilu, a specialist in African Arts, developed visual and creative arts programmes, particularly, for examinations or quality assurance in 19 universities that offer the courses. He produced the first doctoral degree in environmental and industrial sculpture in Nigeria, and the first non-African deaf and dump art historian, thus opening the vista for critical art attention to the physically challenged, at least in Nigeria.

Bank supports Nollywood studies

G

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc has announced its support for the Nollywood Studies Centre of the School of Media and Communication, Pan African University, Lagos.

The support is guaranteed for one year, at the first instance, based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the school.

Known as GTBank Nollywood Studies Centre, it is designed to be a onestop resource centre, providing research materials to artistes, script writers, producers, journalists, researchers and film festival programmers on the rich heritage of the Nigerian movie industry.

The centre will also project the African story telling culture and the unique contribution of Nigeria to global film production.

Speaking on the initiative, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr Segun Agbaje, said the support is consistent with the bank’s objective of promoting African art in all its ramifications.

He said the centre, which is the first in the world, will provide a comprehensive and reliable source of information on the Nigerian movie industry.

GTBank has a defined corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy since its inception in 1990. The bank supports numerous programmes across Africa that positively affect child health care, education, the arts, community development and environmental sustainability. Its most recent projects in the arts include the GTBank-Tate partnership seeks to promote African artists and their works globally, the sponsorship of Yinka Shonibare’s art exhibition in West Yorkshire, UK and a film project called the African Metropolis aimed at promoting African short films.

World Book Capital team in Bangkok, excites London fans

T

HE Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 team was honoured by the Deputy Mayor of Bangkok, Mr Amorn Kitchawangkul, at the launch of the Thai City's tenure as UNESCO World Book Capital City (WBCC) for this year.

The team was presented with some gifts by Kitchawangkul at the opening of special events to mark Thai City as World Book Capital this year.

Bangkok will accept the WBCC baton on April 23 - World Book and Copyright Day - from the Armenian city of Yerevan, which had a successful run last year.

UNESCO confers the WBCC on a city in recognition of its dedication to promoting books and reading. Port

BOOK FAIR Harcourt has been nominated as Bangkok's successor, thanks to a bid put forward by the Rainbow Book Club, which is working in conjunction with the Rivers State government.

The Port Harcourt team has been focusing on promoting the plans for next year, and networking to form strategic partnerships. Fresh from a successful run at the London Book Fair, it is set to participate in the Bangkok opening events alongside delegates from some countries, including Armenia, Russia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Singapore and China.

Delegates will be treated to cultural displays and literary exhibitions, and they will witness the launch of a number of

•From left: Effie White, Ngozi Obigwe, Kalango and Kitchawangkul at the ceremony.

initiatives for the year. Rainbow Book Club founder Mrs Koko Kanlango attended an international conference with theme Reading for the Future, the Future of Reading last Sunday, as part of the inaugural events. The Port Harcourt team will learn from Bangkok as the countdown to 2014 begins.

Also at the London Book Fair earlier in the week, the team drew media attention to its exciting events for 2014.

The London Book Fair ran from April 15 to 17, and it attracted the press, publishers, writers and literary enthusiasts from across the world. Most of the participants at the fair flocked the Port Harcourt stand.

Excited attendees expressed their admiration for the work of the Rainbow Book

•From left: Iso Bassey attending to a guest

Club. The positive reception came from industry insiders and the reading public. A British fan of Nigerian literature was startled and pleasantly surprised to learn that Port Harcourt had been given the prestigious title of World Book Capital City. She said she hoped that promoting literacy in Rivers State would have a ripple effect on other parts of the country. This is the aim of the 2014 initiative - to impact not just Port Harcourt but Nigeria and the wider African Continent.

Another visitor, Mr. Isaac Jaiyeoba, an IT consultant, said: "This is exciting because it is exactly what Nigeria needs, a positive story."

Our positive story has also been picked up by the media. Mrs Kalango spoke to the BBC World Service's Focus on Africa programme.

Last Wednesday, in a special arts and culture segment on London's popular Colourful Radio, another team member talked on the impact the UNESCO award hope to have on reading and development in the Garden City in 2014 on London's popular Colourful Radio this Wednesday afternoon.

The Port Harcourt World Book Capital City team is dedicated to raising the country's profile on the international scene and the wealth of literary talent coming out of Nigeria has been a key focus of their discussions with visitors to their stand. The stand showcases some of this talent in the form of books produced by local authors and publishers such as the beautiful new illustrated coffee table version of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart published by Bookcraft and Farafina Publishers' book Introducing Nigeria. Also on display are samples of Rainbow's soon to be released anthology of 50 great Nigerian writers entitled: Nigerian Literature: A Coat of Many Colours.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

28

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Foundation hosts self-taught artist

By Chinasa Ekekwe

I

BRAHIM Adebayo Lawal’s Memory and Metaphor which opened recently at the African Artists’ Foundation Gallery on Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, Works on display from April 18 to May 3 captures traditional symbols of power, deity and origination. Lawal succinctly harnesses the technique of embroidery and quilting to create tapestries of cultural and historical significance that explore traditionalism in contemporary Nigerian culture.

The exhibition was, however, preceded by Meet the Artist, a preamble platform for group and solo exhibitions created by the foundation to introduce young and emerging artists to the public.

Lawal researches and accumulates the ingredients of Yoruba folklore by intricately translating the figures of festival masquerades onto locally woven cloth, aso oke. These works create a visual time-line of folklore and customs while questioning the location of our indigenous identities.

Lawal describes his tapestry work as ‘agbara asa’ which means “power of culture.” Lawal is a self-taught artist with origins in the fashion embroidery industry.

He was born in 1979 and is from Ilorin, Kwara State. Lawal obtained a diploma in Cultural Administration from Nassarawa State University, Lafia, Nassarawa State (2011).

Lawal trained as an apprentice embroiderer for six years shortly after completing his primary school education. He worked in the fashion industry with notable designers where he gained a fine understanding of textiles and quilting. Lawal’s recent work explores the indigenous customs and traditions of Nigeria’s diverse heritage and vanishing ideals in contemporary Nigerian society.

• Mrs Sanusi with Darasimi

Darasimi Sanusi is 18 months old and full of life. But, he has a heart problem.

He is in dire need of N1.8 million for a corrective surgery. But, his parents do not have the means. For this reason, his mother is crying out for help, EVELYN OSAGIE, OLUSHOLA OREBAJO AND SEUN ADEYEMO write.

‘Help save my boy’

F

RIENDLY Darasimi Daniel Sanusi was lost in a world of his own as he played with a pen and paper. In deep concentration uncommon to his peers, the 18-month-old scribbled away his ‘masterpiece’ of uneven lines. Then, suddenly, he broke down in tears, screaming at the top of his voice. Within seconds, his eyes had turned red; and his mouth, tongue, palms and feet, dark blue. It took a lot of petting from his mother, Mrs Temitope Sanusi, to get him back to his game. Once again, he started playing as if nothing happened. But within seconds, he screamed again, wailing.

After staying with the boy for two hours, it was evident that it was a usual practice by little Darasimi; and also that the eyes, mouth, tongue, palms and feet were red and blue. What’s wrong?

Darasimi has a life-threatening heart condition – a holein-the-heart. According to Mrs Sanusi, 26, her son was born with the condition, and it is growing worse each day.

“From when he was born on October 9, two years ago, he always cries and refuses to eat. He even refused taking breast milk. And when he is asleep, he breathes heavily like someone who has been running for long. Also, I noticed that his eyes were becoming redder and redder; and his mouth, tongue, palms and feet had become dark blue.

I kept feeling that something was wrong but did not know what to make of it. By the end of last year, his condition had worsened and he was always falling ill. He doesn’t eat; even up till now. He only takes watery things such as water and juice. Give him anything solid and he will vomit it.

And by February, I made up my mind that I was not going to sit around and watch my child die. That was when I decided to seek medical help,” she said After a series of tests at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Darasimi’s mother received the heart-breaking news.

“Our baby has a hole in his heart, we were told. In fact, after the test, they told us he was born with the condition.

The news broke my heart. We were shocked and confused.

It was the first time I was hearing about such condition,” Mrs Sanusi said.

The news, according to her, has affected their lives. As a student of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), who had just finished her second year of the Ordinary Diploma, she had hopes that she would return to school after wean-

PH ILANTROPY ing her baby. But that was not to be.

She said: “It has affected my education because after my one-year I.T, I thought I would be able to return to school.

Now, I am only concerned with how to save my child.

Although my husband is working with a hotel, he is not earning much. His job is even being threatened at the moment.”

Her constant visit to LUTH for medical checkup instead of easing her pain is adding to her sorrow. I am told that Darasimi’s condition is life-threatening and he requires urgent surgery to correct the abnormality. And the tests show that it is getting worse as the days go by. I asked the doctor what caused it. I was told it is caused by heavy consumption of alcohol or cigarette smoking or an attempt to abort the baby during pregnancy. “But I didn’t do any of that.” But we were told it is also caused by malnutrition and also that children with this kind of problem have slow growth and don’t walk on time. It is making me to be sad.”

Despite the family’s financial condition, Mrs Sanusi and her husband are determined to save their child. The search for medical help took them to the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), an organisation that has helped sponsor several children living with Down Syndrome who have similar heart conditions. But Darasimi’s case was peculiar. He does not have Down Syndrome but a heart defect.

She said: “We were told that the surgery could only be done abroad and that it costs over a million. Still, we are determined to learn more about it and to give my boy the necessary medical treatment as long as his life would be spared. My husband then went to consult with a friend, Mr Kanu Ahaoma, the Public Relations officer of DSFN. He introduced us to DSFN president, Mrs Mordi. From there we found that the surgery could be done in India and would cost about N1.8 million. Although they have been of great help, helping us to draft solicitation letters, Darasimi does not have DS, so we have to source for fund ourselves.”

The task, according to her, has not been easy. For lack of options, she is soliciting the help of well-meaning Nigerians to save their son.

“I tell you it has not been easy. We have been everywhere looking for help. Our families have done their bit but everybody has their own problem. What we raised from them, we have been using for medical care and tests. My husband and I can’t afford the money for the surgery. Like I said before, I am a student and my husband is just managing his job.

Darasimi needs N1.8 million to be flown to India for surgery, to save him from dying. This is my first child and I underwent caesarian operation to deliver him. I don’t want to lose him. Please, help me…help save my son” To raise funds for the surgery an account has been opened at GTbank, Isolo branch, with the account number and name: Darasimi Daniel Sanusi 0126879219.

Rainbow Club’s evening of tributes

T

HE Rainbow Book Club will on Friday, April 26, between 5 and 7 pm, hold an evening of tribute for the late Chinua Achebe who died on March 21. The evening which is being organised in partnership with the British Council will hold at the council’s office in Port Harcourt, River State.

The event will be attended by renowned writers such as Gabriel Okara, Capt Elechi Amadi, ANA Chairman-Rivers State Chapter, Mr. Obinna among others. They are expected to contribute to the conversation on the life and times of the literary icon.

Chinua Achebe, best known for his novel Things Fall Apart, was recently in the news because of his last book There Was a Country. There Was a Country ; Achebe’s personal account of Nigeria’s civil war which stirred controversies when it was released, was Rainbow Book Club’s book-of –the month in January.

Due to Achebe’s special relationship with the book club; he was made honourary member of the club and he also gave the keynote address at the 4th Garden City Literary Festival titled: Literature And Ethnicity: Is literature shaped by the cultural contexts of the authors?,which was read by his son.

The club is dedicating this month to him. Things Fall Apart will be the book in focus.

On Friday members of the book club, writers and lovers of literature will gather to celebrate one of Africa’s finest writers whose work transcended borders, languages, cultures and this work will continue to speak long after he has gone.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

29

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Niger Insurance Gross Premium - N2.73b Profit after tax - N212.95m Mutual Benefits Gross Premium - N2b Profit - N885.633m Regency Alliance Gross Premium – N812.596m Profit after tax – N256.437m Learn Africa Turnover - N1.06b Profit after tax - N58.336m Total Nigeria Turnover - N46.676 b Profit after tax - N942.1m MRS Oil Nigeria Turnover - N51.20b Profit after tax - N712 m Eterna Turnover - N27.64b Profit after tax - N563.834m Okomu Oil Palm Turnover - N2.667b Profit after tax - N1.044b Stanbic/IBTC Bank Net operating income N16.805b Profit after tax - N2.737b ASL Turnover - N1.084b Profit after tax - N101.355m GT Assurance Gross Premium - N3.892b Profit after tax - N710.62m Cornerstone Insurance Gross Premium - N1.223b Profit after tax - N80.01m Oasis Insurance Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax - N79.868m African Alliance INS Gross Premium - N1.215b Profit after tax - N107.213m Berger Paints Turnover - N976.303m Profit after tax - N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover - N835.0m Profit after tax - N18.200m Dangote Sugar Refinery Turnover - N38.251b Profit after tax - N3.49b Studio Press Nig. Turnover - N3.375b Profit after tax - N20.422m Julius Berger Nig. Turnover - N80.125b Profit after tax - N2.55b Intercontinental Wapic Ins Gross Premium - N1.41b Profit after tax - N250.450m Equity Assurance Gross Premium - N2.45b Profit after tax - N287.283m Standard Alliance Insurance Gross Premium - N2.142b Profit after tax - N475.964m Continental Reinsurance Gross Premium - N6.917b Profit after tax - N805m PRESCO Turnover - N2.60b Profit after tax - N800.9m RT Briscoe Turnover - N4.553b

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

CBN expects $55b foreign reserves by Dec. T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expects the country’s external reserves to hit about $55billion by the end of this year, its Director, Reserves Management Department, Mr Lamido Yuguda, has said.

He told The Nation this at the just-concluded World Bank/ International Monetary Fund (IMF) Meetings in Washington D.C, United States.

As at April 16, the nation’s external reserves stood at $48.76 billion (N75.57 trillion), according to the data from the CBN’s website.

India replaces US as biggest crude buyer

From Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor, in Washington D.C

This figure represented an increase of 2.54 per cent over the last figure of $48.75 billion (N75.56trillion).

Noting that one of the factors that led to drop in reserves was a reversal of capital flows, the director said the apex bank does not anticipate this.

He said: “We do not see any reason at the moment why there should be a reversal of capital inflows. So, our expectation is that the reserves should continue to inch up gradually probably towards $55billion by the end of this year. That is our expectation. It is not a forecast. I remember that by this time last year, we were just

30-something billion. So, we have really seen a major shift in the last 12 months.”

He said Nigeria is witnessing a gradual increase in capital flows.

“Right now, we are seeing gradually increasing capital flows into Nigeria.The country has very good economic fundamentals. It has been added to a very major index in the bond market – the JP Morgan Emerging Index and that in itself makes Nigerian debt a kind of instrument that is in demand from portfolio managers,” he said.

“So, because of that, you will see a number of investors trying to come to sell dollars and buy naira so that they can invest in Nigerian debt. If this continues, we should see the reserves continuously increasing.”

He, however, noted that if there is a cause for investors to panic and retreat, the nation’s reserves will drop.

“Once investors panic, you would actually see a lot of demand at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (DAS) for Forex and that will lead to a depreciation inreserves. In any case, that is what the reserves are meant for – to defend the value of the naira.

Another reason the reserves may drop, he explained, is if the government engages in large foreign denominated projects. This, according to him, would lead to increased demand for foreign exchange.

He said: “So, if the government’s project does not require a very high for-

eign component, even with the forthcoming election, we do not anticipate a drop in the foreign exchange inflows. So the (forthcoming election) is really not a major factor. And of course, there is a general feeling in the international community that Nigeria is on a very stable economic path.”

He, however, noted that the nation’s reserves could be protected if the country diversifies her foreign exchange earnings to complement oil receipts Nigeria’s external reserves have maintained an upward trend since the beginning of 2013.

It was $44.18 billion (N68.47 trillion) in December of 2012 and grew to $44.34 billion (N68.72 trillion) in January, representing an increase of 2.82 per cent.

I

NDIA is beginning to supplant the United States as the world’s most significant importer of Nigerian crude and is fast becoming a key fundamental in Nigerian crude trade following its declining sales into the North American market, sources said.

According to Platts report, the surprising growth of US domestic light shale oil production has resulted in a sharp 63 per cent drop in US dependence on imports of light sweet Nigerian crude in just five years - from a peak of 1.084 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2007 to just 405,000 bpd last year, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration.

The 2012 volume was the lowest since 1985 when crude imports from Nigeria averaged 280,000 bpd. And it appears volumes are still falling.

With US reliance on Nigeria diminishing, rising demand from India is not only starting to affect fundamentals of the Nigerian and West African crude market - something it has not hitherto done but is also now supporting prices of Nigerian crude in relation to benchmark Brent.

India is poised to take at least 13 cargoes, or 17 percent, of the 75 scheduled for export by Nigeria in May, making it the single biggest importer of Nigerian crude next month, according to Platts data. In March and April, India took six and seven cargoes, the data showed.

“The Indian refiners have a healthy appetite for Nigerian grades and with less going to the US they are a much big player on the market. The Indian crude tenders always play a role on the West African market,” a Geneva-based trader of West African crude said.

Credit to private sector drops to N15.2t

- P 30

•From left: Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA) Project Manager, Helen Anatogu; Director-General, National Office Information Techology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Cleopas Anagaye; Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson; iDEA Chairman, Adedotun Suleiman; and Permanent Secretary, Federal Minstry of Communications Technology, Dr Henry Akpan at the inauguration of iDEA Software Incubation Centre in Lagos over the weekend.

T

Senate summons NIMASA boss, others over workers’plight enable them to meet on the isHE Senate Committee

on Marine Transport has summoned the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi and some senior officials of the agency to Abuja on issues relating to the welfare of workers.

NI M A S A s o u r c e s t o l d The Nation that the chief executive officer was summoned over a petition that was sent to the Senate on an allegation that many officers of NIMASA were leaving based on their invitation by the management to vacate their positions.

Recently, the source

By Oluwakemi Dauda

said, three directors of the agency relieved some workers of their appointments in controversial circumstances The officers, it was gathered, were not due for retirement before they were booted out.

NIMASA sources alleged that the three officers were offered between N150million and N200million to go on early retirement.

Trouble, sources said, started when another eight deputy directors were forced to resign in the manner the first three directors were asked to go.

Food import bill hits N170b in six years - P31

The affected officers, the source said, sent a petition to the Senate and the Federal Character Commission (FCC) over their ordeal, asking the Senate and the commission to investigate the matter and quash the purported plot to get them out of the agency.

The NIMASA boss and some top management staff of the agency, sources added, were expected to explain to the Senate today or tomorrow what they know about the alleged wrongful dismissal.

Another invitation was said to have been dispatched to NIMASA by the FCC to

sue.

Investigation revealed that the issue has divided the agency.

While some members of staff were in support of the move to ask the deputy directors to go, others said the decision to ask them to resign has political undertone.

“Some people working outside the agency are using their closeness with those in power to get those they claimed are not loyal to them out of the the agency and replace them with their own people.

“Whatever they want to do, let them do, another government is coming and we shall ask for our pound of flesh.

The country belongs to all of us, we cannot all come from the same region,” the source said.

Overhaul NCAT, former minister urges -P 32

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

30

MONEY

Credit to private sector drops to N15.2t on rising bond yields C

REDIT to the private sector dropped by 8.1 per cent to N15.2 trillion last month, from nine per cent decline in February, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismack Rewane, has said.

The drop has been linked to the 10.5 per cent rise in bond yields in March as against 9.42 per cent the previous month.

Rewane, in a report by the company last week, said indicators that determine the direction of the benchmark rate, including rates cut from 12 per cent, appear positive except for the continuous weakening of the naira.

He said the national inflation rate slowed to 8.6 per cent year-on-year in March from 9.5 per cent in February. The 0.9 per cent decline in the inflation rate makes the Consumer Price Index the lowest since April 2008 when it was 8.2 per cent.

“Credit to the private sector growth slowed to 8.1 per cent equivalent of N15.26 trillion yearon-year in March from nine per cent year-on-year in February, due to the rise in debt yields to 10.5 per cent in March from the previous month’s 9.42 per cent,” he said.

He argued that since the inflation

• Interest rate cut likely as inflation slows Stories by Collins Nweze

is below the nine per cent benchmark, the interest rate debate will become more acrimonious and controversial, adding that it will also lead to short position taking by fixed income traders and portfolio managers until May 21, the date of the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

Rewane said the depreciating value of the naira could be linked to falling oil revenue, resulting from the state of the oil sector, where oil output is plummeting and global oil prices are falling below estimates. Nigeria’s oil production has been declining steadily due to widespread oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

In March, Nigeria’s production declined to 1.97mbpd according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Recently, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) declared a force majeure on

its production of Bonny Light crude, effectively shutting down 150,000bpd worth of crude.

He said weak global market sentiment and soft demand for oil have played a key role in the downward trajectory of oil prices, adding that the decline in oil prices and production are pointers to the risks posed to Nigeria’s revenue framework, forex inflows and external reserves.

Consequenty, he said, the Federal Government might be forced to make necessary adjustments that could be fiscal, monetary and/or structural.

He said interest rate moderation was mainly attributed to base year comparison, adding that there seems to be some fundamental downward drift in prices. He said inflation could rise in April due to the wearing off of the impact of the fuel subsidy strike on the base year.

“Anticipated inflation is more important in determining the direction of monetary policy, especially

•From left: Director, Unified Payment Services Limited, Ano Anyanwu; Director, Ik Mbagwu; Company Secretary, Sylvester Adahada; Director, Victor Etuokwu; Chairman, Bisi Onasanya; Managing Director, Agada Apochi and Director, Femi Olaloku, at the 15th Annual General Meeting of the firm in Lagos.

Bids for CBN’s Disaster Recovery Solution open

B

IDS for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Information Technology (IT) Disaster Recovery Solution (DRS) needed for its operations are open for vendors.

In a statement on its website, the apex bank said vendors expected to handle the project should have certified knowledge and verifiable capacity and experience in the data centre industry.

The apex bank said it is retrofitting its data centres in its head office and two other locations to achieve high availability and true disaster recovery capability that will enhance its operations.

The regulator said it is seeking to design, implement and inaugurate an information technology disaster recovery solution and has invited sealed bids from bidders for he project.

It has also requested that experts submit tenders for the design, implementation and inauration of IT DRS for its operations.

The CBN said it has deployed IT infrastructure and enterprise applications to support its core business

processes and enable delivery of its strategic objectives, to fulfill its vision of being the best among the world’s central banks.

The statement explained that the CBN occupies a central position in the economic and social development of the country, adding that it has embarked on a technology refresh project to modernise its IT infrastructure base, saying it secured a $510,000 grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for the establishment of a DRC. The centre is expected to assist the apex bank to fortify and protect e-payment transactions in the country.

It said the grant will be used to finance qualified US firms to provide expert consulting services in determining the technical requirements, business and operational models for the project.

Already, a vendor has been evaluated and selected by the CBN, which has also received a ‘letter of no objection’ from USTDA. Besides, he said the legal unit of the CBN is already drafting a contract agreement that will be reviewed and

binding on both parties.

He explained that the banking watchdog is also developing modalities or work plan for implementation of shared tier-three Disaster Recovery Centre infrastructure and services. The apex bank is also working on shared power infrastructure service to the banks and developing the Nigeria Financial services network (NFSN) to achieve these objectives.

“The CBN is also setting up IT Standards Board and requisite governance framework to oversee the administration of IT standards in the industry and drive its adoption across the players in the industry.

We understand that payment is the key driver of cost distribution in the industry and accounts for almost 60 per cent of the industry cost base,” it said.

It said the CBN having monitored the partial implementation of the cash-less policy and following stakeholder engagement on the effective implementation of the project, decided to reassess its parameters to allow for smooth transition and adoption.

under an ‘inflation targeting’ policy framework. However, several other factors, such as the growth rate, exchange rate, and external reserves are also considered in monetary policy decisions,” he said.

But Razia Khan of Standard Bank Research, Africa, said the drop in inflation was due to a substantial base effect. She said the figure, which reflects in part, the stability in the forex rate seen in recent months, will lead to new calls for interest rate cut. “Should the improvement in inflation be sustained, then the risk of any easing is certainly higher. However, the recent decline in the oil price remains a key risk factor,” she said.

For her, a second risk factor re-

lates to the price outlook once the substantial base effect has run its course, saying the case for sustained easing may not yet be that clearcut.

Analysts at Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, said downward adjustment of the Cash Reserve Requirement would be more effective at relaxing the interest rate, than a rate cut.

The CBN had at its last meeting retained the interest rate at 12 per cent with a corridor of plus or minus two per cent, Standing Deposit Facility at 10 per cent and Standing Lending Facility at 14 per cent. It also maintained the Liquidity Ratio (LR) at 30 per cent and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 12 per cent.

The firm explained that the decision means that other forms of monetary policy, such as Open Market Operations (OMO), will continue to be the preferred method for managing liquidity.

‘Africa’s stock markets should unite to attract investors’

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FRICA’S 24 stock markets should cooperate if they are to seize high levels of investor interest, Nicky Newton-King, Chief Executive Officer, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), has said.

The leader of Africa’s biggest securities exchange, told AFP that global investors have their eye in Africa and the continent’s stock market leaders should seize the opportunity.

“The appetite for Africa is very, very high. I think everybody is trying to find their way, to participate meaningfully in that. All of us who are privileged enough to run exchanges, need to figure out that these waves of investor appetite aren’t yours by right. Once they come, you have to be able to ride them properly. We should not be taking this as business as usual, this is a business opportunity,” she said.

Newton-King said allowing South Africans to more easily place orders into Nigerian stock markets, or by allowing Kenyans to

invest in joint-listed South African stock in KES shillings, would attract more foreign investors.

She added that there are benefits from cross-listing, as the JSE learned when its leading shares moved to London. “When AngloAmerican cross-listed in London, the amount of trades in AngloAmerican increased.

“South Africa’s percentage of trade in Anglo-American decreased, but the decreased percentage was worth more. In those cases you have to think quite bravely,” she said.

She explained that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) forecast that the aggregate economy of sub-Saharan Africa will grow at 5.7 per cent this year, presents an opportunity for the continent, adding that the one way to channel the investor interest through African markets would be to make it easier to invest across borders and to improve liquidity in small markets so that assets can be bought and sold quickly.

‘Nigeria’s business environment tough for foreign investors’

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IGERIA’S business environment is a difficult terrain for foreign investors, despite its long-term potential as an investment destination, a new report published by Oxford Business Group (OBG) has said.

OBG Editor-in-Chief Andrew Jeffreys said Nigeria is a complicated country for a foreign investor to enter because of its problematic infrastructure, competitive labour force, and sizable supply of feedstock, among other factors.

Regional Editor Robert Tashima said although Nigeria had a way to go before it supplanted South Africa as the continent’s biggest economy, the slow and steady reform of the country’s infrastructural bottlenecks, such as electricity generation, had helped improve the mediumand long-term outlook for its industrial and service sectors.

“Oil and gas may still dominate, but fields such as manufacturing, telecommunications and finance are playing an increasingly prominent role,” he said.

He said the risk in Nigeria is no small thing and that short-term returns were hard to come by, but the country’s structural fundamentals, such as a large consumer market and labour pool, a sizable supply of industrial input, accessible liquidity and a wealth of natural resources mean the potential for long-term

growth is immense.

He said the government’s plans for economic growth and development over the short- and medium-term are ambitious, with targets to surpass South Africa as the continent’s largest economy in the coming years and a bid to become one of the world’s 20 largest economies by 2020. However, there are still some obstacles which must be overcome to make that happen, including poor infrastructure, insufficient job creation, and a dependency on oil and gas revenues.

The report also explores some developments taking place in the country’s utilities sector, where the planned privatisation of several state-owned power companies has been subject to a number of setbacks.

It looks at the drag poor electricity supply has on broader output, along with the benefits which private sector participation, if successful, could bring in the coming years, including improved distribution infrastructure.

The report also provides detailed coverage of moves to expand Nigeria’s tertiary sector, including telecommunications — where a new policy is hoped to spur spending on broadband infrastructure —as well as financial services, which have continued to make sustained progress following the domestic banking crisis in 2009.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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MONEY

Food import bill hits N170b in six years D EPENDENCE on imported foods has been on the increase, with N170.2 billion spent in six years, according to a report by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It showed that as growth slowed, output became increasingly inadequate to meet rising demand for food and industrial raw materials.

Consequently, the country became food import dependent, with rising import bills, which accelerated from N89.9 million in 1961 to N3.3 billion during 1981 to 1990; N62.7 billion in 1991 to 2000 and N170.2 billion in 2001 to 2006.

At the continental level, the World Bank report, tagged, Africa Can Help Feed Africa, says the continent would generate an extra $20 billion in yearly earnings if its leaders can agree to dismantle trade barriers that blunt more regional dynamism.

The World Bank said with many African farmers effectively cut off from the high-yield seeds, and the affordable fertiliser and pesticides needed to expand their crop production, the continent has turned to foreign imports to meet its growing needs in staple foods.

“Africa has the ability to grow and deliver good quality food to put on the dinner tables of the continent’s families. However, this potential is not being realised because

•CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi Stories by Collins Nweze

farmers face more trade barriers in getting their food to market than anywhere else in the world.

Too often borders get in the way of getting food to homes and communities which are struggling with too little to eat,” Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa said.

The report urges African leaders

to improve trade so that food can move more freely between countries and from fertile areas to those where communities are suffering food shortages. “The World Bank expects demand for food in Africa to double by 2020 as people increasingly leave the countryside and move to the continent’s cities,” it said. It said countries south of the Sahara, could significantly boost their food trade over the next several years to manage the deadly impact of worsening drought, rising food prices, rapid population growth, and volatile weather patterns.

It said Africa’s production of staple foods is worth at least $50 billion a year. The World Bank report said Africa’s farmers can potentially grow enough food to feed the continent and avert future food crises if countries remove cross-border restrictions on the food trade within the region.

The new report suggests that if the continent’s leaders can embrace more dynamic inter-regional trade, Africa’s farmers, the majority of whom are women, could potentially meet the continent’s rising demand and benefit from a major growth opportunity. It would also create more jobs in services such as distribution, while reducing poverty and cutting back on expensive food imports.

Skye Bank to deploy more PoS outside Lagos SKYE Bank Plc has concluded plans to deploy 8,000 Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals in states covered by the second phase of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) cash-less policy. This is in addition to 7,000 PoS already deployed in Lagos bringing the total number to 15,000.

The CBN had announced that by July, the cash-less policy would be extended to Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, Abia states and the Federal Capital Territory after a successful pilot test in Lagos State.

In a statement, the Group Head, e-Channels, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs Chuks Iku, said to ensure the success of the exercise, branches of the bank in Kano and the FCT have been trained and had consequently started customer education in relation to how PoS could be used, providing product knowledge and creating awareness about the policy and other payment channels. He said the awareness exercise would start in the other states ahead of the roll out.

He said the bank’s staff in the states, which would be covered under the second phase, are undergoing training to ensure that they treat customers’ issues proactively and professionally to make the exercise a success.

He listed some benefits of the new cash-less policy to include safety of transactions, convenient payment arrangement, security and flexibility, saying it would boost trade and commerce. Iku urged members of the public in those states not to resist the cash-less policy but embrace it as its benefits are numerous. According to him, carrying cash has become very dangerous and unsafe.

ICAN chief to lead 500 accountants to Ghana confab THE President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mr Doyin Owolabi, will lead a delegation of about 500 chartered accountants to the Second African Congress of Accountants (ACOA) holding in Ghana between 13 and 17.

The congress is being organised by the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) and hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) in collaboration with ICAN. In a statement, ICAN said the congress whose theme is, Africa’s economic growth, accountability and democracy, will explore issues related to key areas that directly and indirectly affect the accountants’role in economic growth, accountability and democracy through seminars, workshop and exhibitions.

Apart from the theme of the congress, advanced topics and issues affecting today’s dynamic business landscape, such as the implications of implementing IFRS, strengthening financial markets and institutions in Africa, shaping the accounting profession on the continent, promoting the growth of SMPs, building capacity of SMPs etc, will be discussed.

MasterCard records $605m profit

• From left: Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG),Frank Nweke Jr, in a handshake with Group Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Thierry Tanoh, during the World Economic Forum, CEOs Brainstorming Session in Lagos. With them is Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku.

NEFT, NIP daily transactions reach N40b

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RANSACTIONS by the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) under its NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) and Nigerian Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) have reached about N40 billion daily.

NIP and NEFT are products used by corporate organisations to make payment for huge transactions electronically, in line with the cash-less policy. Data gathered from NIBSS also showed that as a result of the policy, cheques, Pointof-Sale (PoS) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) use have continued to rise in volume and value.

The Head, Shared Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chidi Umeano, said the cash-less project has continued to record huge success, adding that the initial challenges associated with the alternative channels are being tackled.

“Banks have continued to roll

out innovative electronic payment platforms to meet customers’ expectations. The cash-less policy has been very successful in Lagos considering when we started and how far we have gone in terms of PoS deployment.

When we started the cash-less Lagos, we had less than 10,000 PoS, but we have over 150,000 PoS machines in the state alone,” he said.

As a result of the significant success recorded in Lagos, the apex bank said it planned to extend the policy to Rivers, Kano, Anambra and Abia states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from July 1.

CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, said: “When we talk about nationwide rollout, we are also being careful to ensure that we make use of resources in a smart way. Cash doesn’t flow in the same volume

in every state. What we would do in July is to look at those other market clusters where large volumes are transacted and add them to Lagos.

“It is cheaper that way because resources needed to cover the entire 923 square kilometres in Nigeria are huge. But you can achieve almost the same thing by looking at the pattern of cash distribution and you can cover about 90 per cent of that by adding about five more locations to Lagos. That is, Abuja, Kano, Aba, Port Harcourt and Onitsha.

“That is basically what we want to do. We would get those five clusters and add them to Lagos. When we add those five locations to Lagos, then we would have covered about 90 per cent of the cash volume. We would see how far that goes and once we perfect that, we then begin to look at contiguous,” he said.

MASTERCARD Incorporated posted fourth quarter profit that beat analysts’estimates as customers made more purchases. Net income excluding litigation charges increased 18 per cent to $605 million, or $4.86 a share, from $514 million, or $4.03, a year earlier, the Purchase, New York-based company, said in a statement obtained by Bloomberg.

“It was a solid quarter capping a really solid year despite the economic challenges,” MasterCard Chief Financial Officer Martina HundMejean said.

Chief Executive Officer Ajay Banga is fending off competitors Visa Incorporated and Shanghai-based China UnionPay as he seeks a larger share of the electronic payments processing market.

Banga is targeting developing countries, such as Myanmar, Ghana, Nigeria and Angola for growth amid a global consumer shift from cash to plastic. “We are gaining traction in our United States credit business with some recent wins, continuing to experience momentum in our mobile initiatives around the world, and securing important business in emerging markets like Africa and Brazil,” Banga said.

Profit comparisons were skewed by a $770 million expense tied to settling litigation with merchants taken in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Including that cost, earnings a year earlier were $19 million, or 15 cents a share.

MasterCard’s total revenue increased 9.7 per cent to $1.9 billion, beating the Bloomberg forecast of $1.89 billion. Worldwide spending on MasterCard- and Maestro-branded cards climbed 13 per cent to $727 billion, based on local currencies, the company said. Processed transactions jumped 20 per cent to 9.2 billion.

‘Taxation promotes global wealth, stability’ THE stability and growth of world economies will depend on their adaptation of efficient and effective tax policies, President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Sunday Femi Jegede, has said.

Speaking ahead of the 15th Annual Tax Conference holding from May 7 to 11 in Calabar, the CITN boss said how tax revenues are generated and spent by different levels of government should be of utmost concern to civil society groups, local communities and entire population. He said such awareness would help put the needed checks that will bring lasting development to the people.

He said the conference with theme: Global stability, revenue generation and economic growth would serve as a unique opportunity for participants to interact with tax administrators and policy makers who will attend from the continent and globally.

The CITN boss said sub-themes are - The imperatives of service delivery in governance; fraud, corruption and taxation; Transfer pricing and thin capitalisation, among others.

He said the theme of this year’s conference was informed by contemporary realities of this era where economies of many countries are passing through turbulence that could be addressed with efficient tax system.

“The conference has been packaged to be a yet another rewarding experience for all participants, and will feature tax experts and policy makers that will enrich the knowledge of participants on tax matters,” Jegede said.

He regretted that tax policies applied in most countries have failed to achieve their objectives, thereby denying the people the potentials and advantages accruable from good fiscal policy reform.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE NATION INVESTORS

Nestle awards bonus shares to Nigerian management N ESTLE Switzerland (Nestle S.A), the parent company of Nestle Nigeria Plc, has awarded some 15,060 ordinary shares of Nestle SA to key management employees of Nestle Nigeria Plc in the past three years under the multinational’s equity incentive scheme.

A report obtained by The Nation showed that five top management executives benefited separately from the employees’ bonus shares in 2012 and 2011.

The equity incentive scheme, otherwise known as Restricted Stock Unit Plan (RSUP), applies to all Nestle SA’s management staff globally. Under the plan, Nestle SA awards restricted stock units to employees, which enable the beneficiaries to either receive freely disposable Nestle SA’s shares or an equivalent cash value at the end

Stories by Taofik Salako

of a three-year restriction period.

According to the report, five top management employees were awarded 5,460 shares, equivalent to N48.34 million, in 2011 for threeyear service to the multinational.

Also, five top management employees were awarded 4,810 shares, equivalent to N46.15 million, in 2012 under the same vesting conditions of three-year service to the global nutrition company.

The report indicated that a total of 4,790 shares had been awarded to key Nigerian management staff in 2010 for three-year service, bringing total number of shares awarded to Nigerian management

employees of the multinational to 15,060. The shares were granted to the beneficiaries on February 1 of each year.

However, while the bonus shares plan is an incentive scheme of Nestle SA and the shares being awarded are shares of Nestle SA, the equivalent cash expenses are deducted in the profit and loss accounts of Nestle Nigeria Plc. The Nation’s invesitigation indicated that the weighted average fair value of each unit the share at the grant date was N9,595 and N8,853 in 2011 and 2012.

Nestle SA holds about 62.76 per cent equity stake in Nestle Nigeria, mainly through its Ghana-incorporated Nestle CWA Limited.

Nestle Nigeria Plc had shown impressive performances in recent years with stronger underlying fundamentals impacting on actual earnings and returns. It had combined appreciable growth in sales with more efficient cost management and substantial deleverage of its balance sheet to deliver its most impressive results in recent years in 2012.

Audited report and accounts of Nestle Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed that significant reduction in financing charges and improved cost management accentuated top-line growth. Total sales grew by 19 per cent but pre and post tax profits rose by 38 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.

With 28 per cent increase in net earnings per share, the board of the food and beverage multina-

tional has recommended increase in cash payout by 59 per cent. The company is distributing about 75 per cent of net earnings for the year, gradually moving back to Nestle Nigeria’s traditional payout policy of almost distributing net earnings to shareholders. Besides, net assets improved by 47 per cent, underlying increase in equity funds due to improving retained earnings.

Earnings per share stood at N26.67 in 2012, representing an increase of 28 per cent on N20.81 recorded in 2011. Gross dividend increased by 59 per cent from N9.95 billion for 2011 to N15.85 billion for 2012, representing dividend per share of N20 for 2012 as against N12.55 distributed for 2011. Net assets per share also improved by 47 per cent from N29.28 to N43.13.

Brokers caution investors on market volatility

By Tonia Osundolire

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•From left: Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyema; Chief Executive Officer, C & I Leasing Plc, Mr Emeka Ndu; and Executive Director, Market Operations Technology, NSE, Mr Ade Bajomo during the listing of C & I Leasing’s corporate bond on the NSE ... on Monday.

Investment experts predict tough outlook for Q2

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NVESTMENT pundits expect the stock market to witness moderation in the second quarter, as investors contend with expected increase in inflation rate and uncertain direction of the monetary policy committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Average return at the Nigerian equity market closed the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 at 19.4 per cent, implying capital gains of about N1.8 trillion within the three-month period.

Analysts at leading investment and research companies however said they expected a moderation in the performance of the stock market in the second quarter.

In its preview of the second quarter, Cowry Asset Management Limited stated that though expectations of corporate benefits fromblue chips and improved quarterly earnings could initially further drivetherally in Nigerian equities market, a temporal price correction after the earnings seasonshould impact negatively on the overall performance of the second quarter.

Analysts at Cowry Asset Management said they expected that the “secondquartershouldcloselower”.

Cowry Asset Management hinted that current overvaluation observed in some blue chip companieson the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) might triggera short term run on “hotmoney” therebymounting a temporal downward pressure on the Naira.

Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) in its latest economic flash report noted that the uncertainty in

the direction of the MPC of the apex bank, which sets the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), would make fixed-income traders and portfolio managers to take short positions.

According to the report, although the decline in inflation rate to 8.6 per cent in March has raised expectations and clamours for reduction in benchmark interest rate from current level of 12 per cent, the likelihood of revenue shortfall may make the MPC to keep the MPR at current level.

“The depreciating value of the naira can be linked to the falling oil revenue resulting from the state of the oil sector where oil output is plummeting and global oil prices are falling below estimates. The MPC will meet on May 20 and 21 and most indicators are in favor of a rate cut.

However, the threat of a revenue shortfall and widening fiscal deficit due to the decline in oil price and production may tilt the balance in favor of maintaining the status quo once again,” FDC stated.

Analysts underlined the importance of keeping the expected rise in inflation rate in the months ahead in view, which would further reduce the real returns on securities.

Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank Group estimated that though inflation rate is expected to remain in single digit throughout 2013, inflation would overshoot March’s 8.6 per cent level in April and May on account of base effects from last year.

FSDH, however, indicated revised average inflation rate forecast of 8.6 per cent for 2013, a target that should

encourage the apex bank to lower the MPR. “Rates and yields on fixed income securities may no longer trail inflation rate in the short term on account of other macroeconomic threats to the economy,” FSDH noted.

Analysts pointed out that the stock market has not shown much enthusiasm to earnings reports and dividend recommendations in recent times because investors had factored the expected earnings into the pricing of these stocks.

“As more result trickle into the market in subsequent weeks, we are most likely to see a haphazard trading pattern. We urge investors to stick to stocks with good fundamentals,” FSDH stated.

Equities had glided through the first quarter with mouthwatering returns that dwarfed

the celebrated performance of the stock market in the previous year.

With three-month returns as high as 231 per cent, the first quarter of 2013 was the most resurgent first quarter in recent years.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all equities quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), closed the first quarter at 33,536.25 points as against its index-on-board of 28,078.81 points for the year. This represented a three-month return of 19.44 per cent.

Reflecting the value inherent in the ASI movement, aggregate market capitalisation of all equities rose by 19.6 per cent from 2013’s opening value of N8.974 trillion to close the first quarter at N10.733 trillion, indicating increase of N1.76 trillion.

CIPM brainstorms on corporate growth

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HE Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, (CIPM) would use its Special Human Resource Forum to address topical human resource issues that could drive effective corporate performance.

President, CIPM, Dr. Victor Famuyibo, said the forum was specifically targeted to address the needs of top human resource professionals and business leaders who have stakes in human capital management.

According to him, the theme for this year’s event: Organisational development: Driver for effective corporate performance, was chosen to

bring to the fore issues affecting human capital development around the world.

He noted that the forum was also part of the institute’s way of contributing its quota towards human capital development adding the forum has been heavily subsidised by the institute to encourage members of the public to also attend.

Famuyibo, who was recently appointed president of CIPM, said as part of its commitment to human resource development in Nigeria, the institute will partner with tertiary institutions within and outside the country.

TOCKBROKERS have cautioned investors to be wary of market’s extreme upswings and downswings due to the recent introduction of 10 per cent daily price change for all stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Market operators said market appears to be more volatile for an everyday investor who ordinarily is not psychologically prepared for losing or gaining 10 per cent in a day.

According to operators, when compared to the fixed income segment of the capital market, an investor can lose 10 per cent he got at the end of one year investment in the fixed income market in just one day if such is invested in the capital market.

However, some operators opined that the remarkable improvement in the fundamentals of the equities market and recovery of the secondary market have increased the confidence of the domestic investors.

Chief Executive Officer, Lambeth Trust & Investment Company Limited, Mr David Adonri, said declining yield on fixed income securities has led to migration of more domestic investors to equities.

“This accounts for the increasing percentage of domestic investors participating in the equities market. Foreign investors are not actually participating less, if you consider CBN report on foreign portfolio investment inflow but rather, domestic investors are participating more,” Adonri said.

According to him, the accelerated growth in equities especially in first quarter was facilitated by several positive factors together with high expectations from investors.

He, however, noted that the market ought to attain its highest point within the second and third quarters of the year, based on seasonal antecedents.

President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr Emeka Madubuike, cautioned that investors should not be carried away with the present price movement but that they should invest in equities with sustained growth of more than five years.

He pointed out that such stocks would not be seriously affected by prolong lull in the capital market noting that there has been an upsurge in the number of short-term investors in the capital market.

He cautioned that investors should not be influenced by greed to avoid burning their fingers.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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THE NATION INVESTORS

Companies to seek further extension of earnings report deadline B ARELY 10 days to the expiration of the extended deadline for the submission of audited earnings reports by most companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), indications have emerged that several companies might not be able to meet the May 3 new deadline.

Less than 20 per cent of companies that are expected to submit their earnings reports within the timeline have submitted, a slowdown that many analysts said have hampered market situation in recent period.

Post-listing rules at the NSE require that quoted companies should submit their reports, not later than three months after the expiration of the period.

Most quoted companies including banks, major manufacturers, oil and gas companies, breweries and cement companies use the 12month Gregorian calendar year as their business year.The business year thus terminates on December 31.

NSE’s regulatory filing calendar indicates that the deadline for submission of annual report for companies with Gregorian calendar business year is March 31. However, the NSE provides that where a filing due date falls on a week-

Stories by Taofik Salako

end or holiday, the filing will fall due on the next business day. Since March 31 fell on Sunday while April 1 was a public holiday in commemoration of Easter Monday, the initial due date for the deadline was Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

However, less than 10 per cent of companies expected to submit their reports meet the initial deadline.

The NSE thereafter extended the deadline for all quoted companies by 30 days as a general concession citing challenges being faced by companies, especially with regards to adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

The extension came a day after The Nation exclusively reported that banks’ results might fall below earnings report due date of April 2, 2013 due to issues around IFRS and Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) approval.

The Nation’s investigation showed most companies which are expected to submit their earnings reports might still fail to meet the

deadline as first-time adopters of IFRS struggled with conversion and regulatory challenges.

The financial services sector, NSE’s largest and dominant sector, is the worst hit with most companies still facing uncertain submission timeline as at the time of filing this report. Besides the scrutiny of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), NSE and Financial Reporting Council (FRC), financial services companies have to undergo prior approval processes of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), which many operators said appeared overwhelmed by the voluminous reports.

Many companies said they still hope to meet the deadline while some indicated that they would seek for extension after a review of their chances next week.

In a statement announcing the extension, the NSE had alluded to challenges being faced by companies, which are expected to start comply with the IFRS. According to the Exchange, the

extension was an intervention to ensure listed companies present their audited and interim repots accurately as well as provide assurance to businesses and advisors affected by the early adoption of IFRS and levels of regulatory approvals which now includes Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

General Manager, Legal and Regulation Division, NSE, Ms. Tinu Awe, said the Exchange was in consultation with FRC and other primary regulators on ways of enhancing timely and accurate reporting.

“While we believe that the timely disclosure of financial information is critical to stakeholders in the capital market as well as investors, the challenges which the entities are facing are germane. It is in view of the extenuating circumstances that the Exchange is granting all listed companies an extended filing date of 30 days from the due date of the required periodic financial submissions,” Awe said.

She pointed out that during the extended period, the NSE would not apply the tag of Below Listings Standard (BLS) on the names of the companies while it would not also impose fines on the companies.

NSE tags and applies fines on companies that fail to meet earnings reports’ deadline. Under the corporate governance and rules compliance assessment report known as X-Compliance Report, NSE identified four different kinds of tags or symbols to alert investors about the status of each quoted company. These included below listings standard (BLS), the first degree alert level indicating a company that has not complied with post listing rules such as late submission of financial statements, unauthorised publication, management failures among others.

Also, financial services companies such as bank and insurance companies awaiting regulatory approval will carry the appropriate symbol of awaiting regulatory approval (ARA).

Companies that are undergoing a capital reconstruction exercise including supplementary issue, share buyback, split, and share reconstruction among others will be tagged with capital reconstruction exercise (CRE) while companies that have indicated that they will be delisting or companies that are being delisted at the instance of the regulator would be kicked off with the Delisting in Process (DIP) symbol.

Industrial firms emerge best-performing stocks •NSE targets 100 industrial companies

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OMPANIES engaged in production of industrial goods have posted the highest average returns at the stock market so far this year, according to the opening returns of sectoral groups this week.

This comes on the heels of efforts by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to woo about 100 industrial goods companies to the Exchange and recent creation of the sectoral index- NSE Industrial Goods Index.

Analysis of week’s opening market data made available by the NSE showed that average return by the industrial stocks was nearly twice of the overall market’s average and more than four percentage points above return by the closest category of stocks.

The industrial goods group consists of companies under the building materials, electronic and electrical products, packaging and containers and tools and machinery subsectors.

There are 27 companies under the industrial goods sector, which accounted for some 28 per cent of total market capitalisation at the NSE. However, the impact of the sector is determined largely by large-cap stocks such as Dangote Cement, Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria, Ashaka Cement and CAP Plc. Besides the four large-cap stocks, other selected stocks that formed the sectoral index were Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, Berger Paints, Cutix, DN Meyer and Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc. Returns analysis showed that the NSE Industrial Goods Index opened this week with the highest average year-to-date return of 33.54 per cent, nearly twice the return by the All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index that gauges the performance of all equities on the NSE. ASI posted average return of 17.50 per cent.

The NSE Oil and Gas Index indicated the sec-

ond highest return of 29.32 per cent, riding on the back of impressive gains by Oando and Forte Oil. The insurance sector returned 26.74 per cent. The duo of NSE Banking Index and NSE Consumer Goods Index recorded below average return of 11.72 per cent and 15.45 per cent. The reluctant pricing trend of the banking sector partly influenced the performance of the NSE 30 Index, which returned 17.87 per cent. The NSE 30 Index tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks on the NSE and it’s dominated by banking stocks.

Management of the NSE has said it was focusing on unlocking the potential of the industrial goods sector with a target to list some 100 more industrial companies.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema, said the NSE was working on attracting more industrial companies to the NSE. According to him, the creation of the industrial goods index was in recognition of the impact of the sector on the NSE and in another way to showcase its potential.

He said the industrial index would lead to development of other derivatives such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) based on the industrial goods stocks.

Onyema however decried the problems of poor infrastructure, influx of substandard goods, unfavourable import tariff regime, inconsistent government policies and proliferation of smuggled goods, which operators said were hampering their performances.

•From left: Wife of former British Prime Minister, Mrs. Cherie Tony Blair; Head, Corporate Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Bola Adeeko; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Henshaw, Barbara James, during by the courtesy visit by Mrs Blair to the Exchange.

Stanbic IBTC, Unity Bank record N18b profits

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OWER tax provisions boosted the performance of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Unity Bank Plc in 2012 as the two banks reported higher posttax profit growths.

Audited reports and accounts of both Stanbic IBTC Bank and Unity Bank for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed that while Stanbic IBTC Bank grew pre-tax profit by a modest 16 per cent, its net profit after tax rose by 53 per cent. The same trend was evident in the performance of Unity Bank, which pre-tax profit growth of about 87 per cent enlarged to about 130 per cent on the back of lower tax provisions.

Stanbic IBTC Bank recorded profit before tax of N11.7 billion in 2012 as against N10.1 billion recorded in 2011. Profit after tax meanwhile rose from N6.6 billion to N10.2 billion. Gross earnings, which stood at N63.4 billion in December 2011, increased to N91.9 billion in 2012, signifying a gain of 45 percent. Stanbic IBTC’s total assets increased by 22 per cent to N676.8 billion as against N554.5 billion recorded in 2011.

Also, Unity Bank grew pre-tax profit by 86.7 per cent from N3.45 billion to N6.45 billion. Profit after tax doubled from N2.69 billion to N6.18 billion. The bank’s balance sheet size expanded marginally by 6.1 per cent from N372.93 billion to N395.72 billion. Shareholders’ funds rose by 17.4 per cent to N51.46 billion in 2012 as against N43.82 billion in 2011.

Commenting on the performance of the bank, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha described the 2012 results as commendable noting that the report was indicative of the soundness of the group’s decision to adopt a holding company structure, in line with its strategy to provide end-to-end financial services and build a franchise capable of generating sustainable and respectable returns to its stakeholders.

“This performance is a testament of the credibility of our strategy to realise our objective of being the leading end-to-end financial solutions provider in Nigeria. We continue to assess our risk assets through our robust and systematic

risk management practices, whilst ensuring that adequate provisions are made for unforeseen shocks in line with the operating environment,” David-Borha said.

According to her, the group continued to expand its business on the back of growth in transactional volumes and activities, money and capital market activities and loan book.

She noted that deposits from customers increased by 24 per cent, while its loan book grew by five per cent despite the sell down of existing large performing exposures to enable it comply with the post restructuring single obligor limit.

She assured that the group would continue to seek opportunities in strategic sectors of the economy in order to grow its business in line with its future growth strategy.

“Our expanded branch network, excellent customer service, diversified business model and access to an extensive pool of experience within the group have put us in a desirable position to generate growing value for shareholders in 2013,” Sola David-Borha said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

34

MARITIME NPA to develop Delta ports

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• From left: General Manager Public Affairs, Capt Iheanacho Ebubeogu; Mr Onuenyenwa; Mallam Abdullahi during the visit.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Lekki port threatened by funding

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ANKS and other financial institutions are shying away from Lekki port in Lagos after showing initial interest.

Investigation by The Nation showed that some banks that showed interest in the port development initially have backed down, because they believe it may not meet their expectations.

Sources close to the promoters said some of the banks approached were not willing to give financial assistance because of the fear that they may not be able to recoup their money promptly.

•Banks dump project Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

A source said out of the over four banks contacted for funding, only one has shown interest without financial commitment.

Apart from bridging the capacity deficit, he said the port would have significant positive macro-economic impact estimated at over $360 billion over the concession period, adding that funding is the major obstackle stalling the development of the port.

He said the port is expected to come into operation in 2016 and would contribute not less than $20 billion to the nation’s economy.

He denied the allegation that the promoters of the port are inexperienced, saying the port would be viable for business when it commences operation. He urged the banks to invest in the project.

About 163,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the economy if supported by the banks, the source, said.

“Don’t forget that the

Lekki port is a multi-billion dollar project, which cannot be funded by individuals. As the promoters need the assistance of the government, they also need the financial support of the banks. The port is not an ordinary port like the ones in Apapa, or any other part of the country, but a deep seaport. The port will spur the economic development around the state.

“The amount involved is huge, the work is ongoing, but they still need indigenous support to develop the port and make it the hub in the sub-region,”the source added.

NIMASA chief deplores procurement law

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HE Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, has described the procurement law as outdated and inimical to the agency capacity building programme.

He told The Nation that the bureaucracy associated with implementing the law, makes it antithetical to the agency’s programmes. Maritime administration, he said, is a security platform that requires urgent attention to meet domestic and international obligations within a limited time.

The agency, he said, was canvassing the establishment of a maritime university, in addition to putting more resources into the maritime academy to bridge the human capacity gap in the sector, hoping that the procurement law would not stall the programme.

He said the Act that established NIMASA stipulates that the agency must give five per cent of its statutory three per cent levy to the academy, adding that NIMASA received an approved budget of N2 billion intervention fund for Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron in Akwa Ibom State to boost human capacity development.

The cash, he said, could only be released to them after passing through the bureaucracy attached to the law.

Despite the bureaucratic nature of the law under which they are carrying out their core responsibilities, he said the agency would continue to boost training to empower people in their businesses; create employment opportu-

nities for Nigerians in the sector and train young men and women in some maritime fields so that the human capacity gap could be closed in a few years.

Akpobolokemi said NIMASA would send another 800 youths abroad to study Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering and Nautical Sciences so that the problem of human capacity, which led to the liquidation of the Nigeria National Shipping Line, could be resolved.

On the procurement law, he said: “Our procurement laws, to be honest, are very obsolete. They are not in alignment with current realities.

The law alone is enough to make budget performance very poor. In maritime administration for instance, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) does not want to listen to complaints about our local law, because there are international parameters they would want to apply in judging all of us car-

rying out the same responsibilities across the globe.

“Nobody cares about the local circumstances you are facing. For instance, if they expect you to pay their dues today and you did not pay because you are following one endless process, that is your own personal business; it has nothing to do with them.

“Also, if you are supposed to police your territorial waters for peace and stability and because of procurement bureaucracy, bureaucracy of the civil service and the rest of them, you cannot meet up, it is your own personal problem, nobody takes it as an excuse. So, maritime administration is more or less a security organisation, and once we accord it that status, a lot of things can be expedited for the good of the agency and the country,” he said.

He said one of the major problems confronting NIMASA is the delay in carrying out their core responsibility of securing the water-

ways and capacity building.

In everything they do, he added, time is very essential.

On oil theft, the NIMASA boss said the agency is making progress based on its collaboration with other security agencies to secure the waters.

Some vessels and equipment would be deployed to secure the nation’s maritime domain soon, he said.

Because of past mistakes, he said the agency is taking its time to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) so that the money will not go into wrong hands.

He said as part of their capacity building efforts to support indigenous operators, the first batch of beneficiaries would emerge soon.

“We have been to the ministry and we are at the final stage for the beneficiaries to get the fund to develop them.

I know that once we are able to get this first set through, the coming sets will not be problematic or challenging,” Akpobolokemi said.

HE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is to develop the Delta port and harness its potentials to make it attractive for business, NPA Managing Director Mallam Habib Abdullahi has said the authority .

Speaking during inspection of the construction of some infrastructure at the ports, Abdullahi said his visit was part of efforts by the NPA to rebuild the port and reposition it.

He said NPA would carry out the dredging, channel marking, wrecks removal, acquisition of new crafts and rehabilitation of the moles at Escravos to increase business activities at the ports.

A channel management

company, Abdullahi said, would be contracted to assist in dredging and maintenance of the channel and wrecks removal.

The Port Manager, Mr Obumneme Onuenyenwa, regretted that despite the huge potential of the ports, only about 40 per cent of the land owned by it had been developed.

He raised the alarm that some unauthorised persons were encroaching on the land belonging to the port, urging the management to tackle the problem.

He listed some ongoing developments in the port to include its perimeter fencing, and the rehabilitation of the quay walls by Julius Berger and China Harbor Engineering Company.

Importers, agents lament

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MPORTERS and clearing agents at the land borders have been urged to stop abusing the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to boost revenue and facilitate trade at the borders.

Speaking with The Nation at Seme border, Managing Director, World Cargo Investment, Mr Adesope Aderoju, said ETLS was put in place by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to facilitate the integration of trade and commerce among citizens of the member states.

Aderoju said the scheme was set up to eliminate barriers and promote free trade in the sub-region.

ETLS, he said, exempts goods manufactured in member states of ECOWAS to move freely, and without the payment of import/export duties, within the re-

gion.

“The scheme, has been subjected to unbridled abuse, especially by some unscrupulous importers and Asian businessmen.

These unscrupulous people bring in goods from China and other Asian countries, ship them into the sub-region and land such goods in ports of neighbouring countries, such as Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Ghana and even lately Liberia. They subsequently change the labels on these goods and smuggle them through the land borders into the country.”

A source said the implications of this act are grave.

Apart from the loss of huge government revenue, goods that find their way into the market in this manner gain unfair competitive price advantage over locally made products.

Nigeria, Indonesia top piracy list

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IGERIA and Indonesia still account for 50 per cent of pirate attacks in the first quarter of the year, the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) piracy reporting centre has said.

Based on the report, Indonesia recorded the highest number of attacks with 25 incidents, which were mainly low level thefts.

According to the IMB’s latest report on Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships, there were a total of 66 incidents worldwide reported between January and March, compared with 102 incidents reported in the same period last year.

In the Gulf of Guinea

alone, there were 15 incidents recorded, including three hijackings, with Nigeria accounting for 11 incidents in the region, in which at least nine of these attacks involved the use of guns.

“An offshore supply vessel with 15 crew members was also hijacked. One crew member subsequently died as a result of a gunshot wound after his chemical tanker was fired upon at Lagos anchorage. A further 14 crew were kidnapped from four different vessels in Nigeria. At the time of the kidnappings, all the vessels were reported to be underway,” said the report.

Customs bans re-examination of cleared containers at gate

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HE Controller of Customs at Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Tajudeen Olanrewaju, has directed that containers released at the port should not be reexamined at the exit gate to curb extortion.

Olanrewaju gave the directive while reacting to complaints by clearing agents of containers delay at the exit gate.

The act, he said, implies that there was an improper examination by the officer in charge of the terminal.

“It is a challenge to us. We

have identified that and we have directed that no container should be re-examined at the gate. Exit gate are not examination points. The terminals are examination points where we have examination bay and equipments.

If you examine containers at the gate, it is an indication of improper examination at the terminals,” he said.

The customs boss, however, noted that based on intelligence gathering, illegal consignments that have been released due to oversight on the part of the officer in charge of the termi-

nal would be reexamined, adding that such officer would be queried.

“Once they have identified the container, it should be re- examined at the terminal and we will look for the officer that examined it and query him because it shows that officers at the examination bay are not doing their job effectively,” he said.

Also, the command said it collected N50 billion in the first quarter of the year.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Chris Osunkwo, said the revenue was N2 billion lower than

the amount it generated in the corresponding period of last year.

He said the decrease was caused by the slow pace of business at the port from the beginning of the year.

Business, the image maker said, picked up towards the end of last month.

“Naturally, at the beginning of the year, international traders are skeptical because of the uncertainties about the budget, but we collected higher revenue in March.

“We generated N17.5 billion in March against the N16.3 billion and N16.2 gen-

erated in January and February, he told The Nation.

Osunkwo said the command seized goods worth over N238 million in the first quarter of the year, adding that 77 containers and a vehicle were seized during the period.

He said the containers were laden with items, such furniture, soap, vegetable oil, soft drinks, used clothes, generators and used tyres.

Other seized items, he said, included lace materials, television stands, automotive batteries, mosquito coil and frozen fish.

THE N

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

35

AVIATION Unions issue ultimatum THE Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have given a 10-day ultimatum to the management of Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo Akwa Ibom to improve the conditions of service of their members at the airport or face a showdown.

They gave the ultimatum in a letter dated April 15, addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Eexecutive Officer, Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo. It was signed by Mr Abioye Olayinka, the Acting Secretary General of ATSSSAN and Mr Abdulkareem Motajo, the Acting Secretary General of NUATE .

The unions accused the leadership of the airport management of failure to embrace dialogue in resolving the problems of the welfare of their staff who are members of the unions.

“Your management chose to deliberately ignore our calls and thereby prompting us to do the needful in accordance with extant rules,” the letter stated.

‘Aerotropolis panacea for economic devt’ •From left: Director, Air Transport Regulation (DATR), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Justus Wariya; Ag. Director-General, Mr Joyce Daniel Nkemaolam; and Head, Treasury, Caverton Helicopters, Mr Simon Ogbe-Ogboyi, at a meeting between NCAA and domestic airlines’ operators over non-compliant with charges collection system at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Overhaul NCAT, former F Minister urges

ORMER Aviation Minister in the Second Republic, Samuel Mafuyai, has called on the Federal Government to overhaul the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, to enable the institution to have adequate capacity for training.

He said more investment in the institution would reposition Nigeria as a leader in the training of personnel in Africa and across the world.

Mafuyai said more investment in the institution is one way the government can address the challenges of manpower in the sector.

He said if NCAT is supported with modern facilities, it could assist in churning out more pilots, air traffic controllers,aircraft maintenance engineers and other personnel needed in the sector.

He said in the 1970s, the college was at its zenith, when it produced the first female pilot, Captain Chinyere Kalu, who is the Rector of the college.

Mafuyai said one way the gains of the on-going airport remodelling project could be consolidated, is for

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

the government to upgrade facilities at the college.

He canvassed the establishment of a national carrier by the government to fly the nation’s flag, adding that Nigeria deserves a big airline that could fly its flag accross the world.

Mafuyai, who served under the Shagari administration, explained that having a national carrier is one way of consolidating the airport ongoing airport remodelling, where over 11 terminals have been reworked. ‘’My appeal to the government is to do something more for that institution in Zaria, to make it a reference point in aviation training in Africa. ‘’Why can’t we do more for the college to become a foremost training ground in Africa,” he argued.

He urged critics to close ranks to help in developing the industry.

He said the massive airport remod-

elling going on the country shows that the government is considering positioning the sector for economic development.

The former minister inspected facilities at the new domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the determination of the minister of aviation to turn around 11 airports shows that Nigeria is ready to be part of the global aviation community, adding that the quality of the terminals compares with others abroad.

He said: ‘’The Federal Government needs to set up a national carrier, that the people could be proud of. ‘’That is the only way Nigeria could redeem its image as a big player in the global community.

With all these efforts to remodel our airports, it will be better to have a strong carrier that could the nation’s flag, ‘’ he added.

NCAA gives domestic operators deadline

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OMESTIC airline operators have been given a two-week deadline to automate their operations to ensure data capture for billing in the authority’s revenue collection.

The Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Joyce Daniel Nkemakolam, gave the directive at a meeting in Lagos last week. He warned charter operators against non-compliance.

Nkemakolam has also read the riot act to foreign airlines, for their inability to comply with the new revenue automation regime of the regulatory authority.

According to NCAA’s regulations on revenue collection, the operating airlines are to forward data at the end of every flight to the regulatory authority at the shortest possible time.

These data are forwarded using NCAA’s AVITECH, Aviation Technology, the contracting firm han-

dling the automation Portal, for easy and transparent transaction to facilitate appropriate billing for the Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge (TSC and CSC).

The data required by NCAA/ AVITECH for billing covers the following: Flight number, flight date, ticket number, ticket class, flight route, originating country, currency of sale, basic fare, security tax, airport tax, total fare and rate of exchange.

IF the aviation sector must serve as a catalyst for economic development, then Nigerians must embrace the establishment of airport cities or aerotropolis as drivers of economic activity, the General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr Yakubu Dati, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said.

He said the authority is working hard on how to actualise the aerotropolis project, aimed at building cities around the airport to stimulate economic and business activities, including distribution, retail outlets, hospitality and other support services, in the area.

Dati told The Nation that the authority is networking with players in the private sector to attract investment into the sector, which will turn boost creation of jobs.

An aerotropolis, Dati explained, is an urban plan in which the layouts, infrastructure and economy is centred on an airport.

He said though the concept is new in Nigeria, it is part of measures by the government to foster airport-driven development, where the airport would be connected to suppliers, customers and others abroad.

Dati said: ‘’The aerotropolis will encompass a range of commercial facilities supporting both aviation-linked business and the millions of air travellers who pass through the airport annually. ‘’When this is in place, you will see an increasing number of businesses and commercial cluster around the airport, which would make the airport a place where air travellers and other members of society work exchange knowledge, conduct business and be entertained.”

FAAN, he said, is working on the initiative by the Ministry of Aviation to attract investors into the sector.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr George Uriesi, said last month that the authority was working out a new plan for investors. According to the FAAN boss, a team has been sent to China to work out the terms of engagement with potential investors, who will build five airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu.

Etihad Cargo broadens network ETIHAD Cargo has added Washington DC to its global cargo network, in addition to boosting frequency to Hong Kong courtesy of its strategic partner Air Seychelles.

The United States capital is Etihad Cargo’s fifth destination in North America, while Hong Kong is already part of the carrier’s five-destination Greater China cargo network.

The news follows the launch of passenger services from Abu Dhabi to both cities in recent weeks. Etihad Airways started direct services to Washington D.C. last month and Air Seychelles, in which Etihad Airways owns a 40 per cent stake, initiated services to Hong Kong via Abu Dhabi.

Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Etihad Airways, Kevin Knight, said: “Our cargo network continues to expand and with the addition of bellyhold capacity to Washington D.C. and anoverall increase in cargo capacity to Hong Kong, we believe these new operations will strengthen cargo services both east and west for our customers.”

Etihad Airways has deployed an Airbus A340-500 aircraft to operate the daily Abu Dhabi-Washington D.C. route, while Air Seychelles has scheduled its Airbus A330-200 aircraft to fly the three times a week service between the Indian ocean archipelago and Hong Kong.

Etihad Cargo offers daily bellyhold cargo capacity from Chicago and New York to Abu Dhabi, and three times a week from Toronto to Abu Dhabi. In addition, Etihad Cargo offers a twice-weekly freighter service from Houston to the UAE capital.

Passengers decry ‘illegal’ luggage checks

•A view of the proposed aerotropolis .

THERE was drama at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos at the weekend as some passengers that arrived from New York on Arik Air flight expressed dissatisfaction over how their luggage were forced open.

The passengers alleged that most of their valuables were missing from the luggage, raising concerns over possibility of alleged pilferage.

The unfolding drama drew the attention of security agencies, including operatives of State Security Services(SSS), to carry out investigations, which caused the affected bags to be weighed to ascertain the veracity of allegation by the passengers on the Arik Air flight.

After investigations, it was discovered on closer examination that New York Airport Security officials left acknowledgment notes on the opened bags after they carried out the routine checks.

The investigations by security agencies also revealed that the bags were opened at the point of departure of the flight, and not at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos as insinuated by the passengers.

The discovery by the security operatives’ however’ doused the tension created by the allegation of luggage pilferage by the passengers .

A source at the airport said about the incident: ”Some passengers aboard Arik Air that arrived at the weekend from New York were unhappy over how their luggage were opened and most of their valuables missing.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP

Turning errand running into business S

OME entrepreneurs have made successful businesses in surprising ways. They call themselves ‘angels of time’. For example, they provide errand service. One of such entrepreneurs is Mrs Omotola Omosebi, Chief Executive, GmotyShop, Lagos.

In today’s busy world, many people don’t have time to run around on errands and would be very happy to hire someone to take the load off their hands.

Mrs Omosebi came to provide a solution to their problems. She helps working families pick up the laundry and do grocery shopping.

Running errands has made her dream a reality. She undertakes errands on behalf of people and organisations. Her company offers helping hands to those with busy lifestyle and schedule. It provides time-saving solution for busy people.

Stories by Daniel Essiet

At GmotyShop, she provides fast and reliable delivery of orders to homes and offices. “Our goal is to save you the ‘market wahala’; we shop at local markets; take the stress off you.Count on Gmotyshop to provide fresh food. The service is designed to promote self-sufficiency and bring a sense of pride for individuals,” she said.

Mrs Omosebi is an example of the kind of success stories the ‘busy’ economy has helped to create.

On how she started, Mrs Omosebi said the concept of GmotyShop was created when she realised how much she enjoyed helping and supporting parents and family members.

“We decided that we needed to expand our support to other citizens in our community. We saw that there is such a need for ‘hon-

est’ help and it was decided that this would be our mission,” she said.

On how much she started the business with, Mrs Omosebi said she started from nothing. “Without much money to start, you can become an errand runner, she said and that the business is still growing. The business is not expensive to start. The start up cost is next to nothing. By using their service, customers can spend time doing the things they really enjoy. They don’t need to spend extra time picking up groceries,” she said.

She said starting an errand business for her was easy because I have “passion for it.”

She said the business primarily serves the untapped corporate market in Lagos.

She said the company is able to do almost any errand the clients need, providing fast and reliable

delivery of orders, expanding and giving our clients the free time they can never seem to find.

“We pride ourselves on offering shopping services that you need at the best possible price. We provide fast and reliable delivery of your orders to your homes or businesses with the same quality that you demand and for your family,” she added.

On working hours, she said: ”We work Mondays to Fridays, including public holidays and weekends.

One of the fastest growing service businesses is running errands for seniors.”

She said the elderly are their target because they are incapable of doing some things.

“New mothers are also part of our potential clients.

“Most new mothers find themselves tied up with duties associated with their newborns that need their undivided attention and suddenly, find themselves incapable of handling their daily chores of grocery shopping and food items,”

she said.

On what it takes to run a successful errand business, she said: From experience, I will say that it takes passion and determination to run a successful errand business. If you are willing to compromise certain liberties and don’t mind working around your schedule, limiting some of your free time, then you can easily succeed in running an errand service.”

She said the company understands the needs working people have and is trying to find that balance between family and career obligations. “If you are busy, travel a lot, or you want somebody to do your errands, we are at your service,” she said.

She is so excited about running the business, because she has a passion to help others. Right now, she is working on building a good name by offering several services. This has not only increased her chance of expanding the business, but people know she is their one stop-shop for their errand running needs.

‘Lending to SMEs key to growth, development’ GROUP, Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN), said improvement in lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is key to boosting economic growth and development.

Its President, Prince Saviour Iche, said access to finance remains a key challenge to SMEs and a stumbling block to recovery.

He said banks and financial institutions are yet to tap into the huge market potential of SMEs’ financing.

Iche, who spokein Lagos, last week, said although many financial institutions are said to have targeted the SMEs segment, the group was yet to feel the impact.

He said SMEs lending needs to be driven like any retail product and that the number of bank branches suggests that there is a strong distribution of infrastructure in place.

He said there is an untapped market for SMEs lending and that bridging the huge funding gap in the small business sector, would aid growth and development of this sector.

He said SMEs requesting loans faced higher interest rates. Credit conditions continued to be tougher for SMEs as small businesses faced shortened maturities and increased demands for collateral.

According to him, the business

A

•From left: Managing Director, Rise Networks, Toyosi Akerele; Head, High Networth Individuals, Stanbic IBTC Bank and WIMBIZ Executive Council Member,Aishah Ahmad; Consultant Anesthesiologist, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Bisola Onajin-Obembe and Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, with participants at WINBIZ conference in Calabar.

‘I started business from nothing’

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RS Aanuoluwa Akerele, Chief Management and StrategicOfficer, Weorthscripe Event & Leisure Company, is among the new breed of successful young entrepreneurs who are making it in the travel and tourism industry.

She noticed the lack of quality services for people in the market, so she started a business of her own to provide those services. She knew in practice what kind of assistance would be needed.

Now her own company works with several organisations, helping them to, among others, find jobs, start businesses, access leisure facilities. Since its inception, the company has soared to the top of the industry. Like every entrepreneur, she has been tough, and says that for her success means “finding alternative ways of overcoming the crisis”.

“It all started in 2010 when I asked God for the line of business in which I would be productive and effective,” she said.

How much did she start with?

“I started the business without money. I found clients who wanted cruise and sold the idea to them.”

How much is the business worth now? She said the e-business has grown to a million-naira enterprise.

On what one needs to start? Mrs Akerele said one needs a computer, internet connectivity and a basic ticketing and reservation knowledge. She said starting the business is easy and quick compared to others.

“It is quick and easy so long as you have the basic requirement

• Mrs Akerele and ready to work.

On what it takes to run a successful cruise business, she said: “You need to be prayerful, committed, passionate, focus, patient to keep at it and getting required knowledge. Cruises and excursions have soared to the top of the industry.”

She said this is because cruises are among the cheapest ways to have a holiday on a ship. Her targets are high demand vacation destinations.

At present, Mrs Akerele said Europe seems to be the highest sortout holiday destinations. “But in my company, we are working at promoting Africa. With as much as N200,000, we can do you a sevenday budget holiday to two countries in East Africa. For example, Kenya/

Kigali hotel and tours inclusive.

She said individuals hoping to become leisure centre managers should always ensure that they are offering the highest level of professionalism to their customers.

“It is also important to maintain high levels of integrity throughout the day. Right now, the market is robust for travel agents who want to make more profit and gain highly satisfied customers,” she said.

She is striving to bring in people who haven’t cruised before. She provides a suite of branded travel and leisure products and services to its business partners. These include cruise, resort, air, car, hotel, tour/ experiential vacations, golf, ski, spa, wine, shopping/merchandise, entertainment, and more.

She is leveraging on the increasing interest in cruising across the globe, especially to exotic destinations.Ports around the world are expanding or upgrading their infrastructure to serve the cruise market, and open the door to new and innovative areas.

She is driving young people to become self-employed.

She has the following pieces of advice for them: They should imbibe the three Hs: hustle, honesty and humour. It is vital to hustle to get the job done, but it is also important to remain honest since this helps to build trust and mutual respect between managers and customers. Humour is important since it will help to motivate staff and provide a welcome atmosphere to customers, she added.

environment continues to be a challenge for SMEs. He explained that SMEs and entrepreneurs are crucial for tracing new paths to more sustainable and growth, adding that their role in developing and diffusing innovation and providing employment. However, they can only fulfil this role if they obtain the finance necessary to start and grow their businesses.

He said there should be adequate funding for small businesses planning to expand into emerging markets.

He said there are opportunities for small firms to be involved in international trade and that they lack funding to maximise these opportunities.

He said SMEs were still being turned down for lending, and that those that get approved said the terms were often prohibitive.

He said small and medium-sized enterprises account for a significant part of the working population.

He explained that small firms are employing more Nigerians than large enterprises, and so specific policies are required to improve the situation among SMEs. According to him, the higher chance of enterprise growth,the greater the opportunities for job opportunities. He said measures should be put in place to improve the chances of SMEs employing more Nigerians.

Acquire basic technical skills, women urged

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HE Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) has urged women in business to acquire technical skills to enable them to compete with their male counterparts.

The President of the association, Mrs Lola Okanlawon, gave this advice at its Sixth Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

The theme of the meeting was Taking your business from start-up to multinational “Women wish to become established entrepreneurs, but have to work hard for it.

“There is the need to imbibe some basic skills that would move your business to the next level.

“Most women do not take time to read and to excel in business.

You have to be versatile. You need to be computer literate, get knowledge on the stock market, customer

care and so on.”

She said the association has so far trained more than 400 women in basic entrepreneurial skills within the last one year.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Florence Seriki, the Chief Executive Officer, Omatek Ltd, urged women to create a balance between business and family.

“When I was breast-feeding, I took my baby as far as Asia for business meetings.

“As an upcoming entrepreneur, don’t expect to become great overnight. It takes a gradual process to build a multinational company.”

Seriki expressed optimism that women could take over most Nigerian businesses by 2017.

No fewer than 1,000 business women were at the event, where products such as smoked fish, handbags, and computer software packages were exhibited.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

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ANA Niger honours Achebe

RITERS converged on the Cyprian Ekwensi e-library at the Niger State Book and Research Development Agency to honour posthumously one of the founding fathers and grand patron of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), the late Prof Chinua Achebe.

The programme was organised by ANA Niger branch.

Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, who was the reading’s special guest, eulogised the late sage, saying Achebe introduced the world to African cultures and traditions. He read a poem Sword he wrote in honour of Achebe.

“He represented the Igbo people and Nigeria to the world through his writings. He is one of the great writers Africa has ever produced and he deserves whatever honour is accorded him.”

According to the Chairperson of ANA Niger, Hajiya Farida Muhammed, the writer is supposed to fight for the right of the people in the society, by speaking against ills.

She regretted that contemporary writers are less concerned with this very important social responsibility, but are rather chasing after money. Hajiya Muhammed obeserved that Prof Achebe was being honoured with the reading in death, because he was a great writer who didn’t pursue money but fought

By Paul Liam

TRIBUTE for humanity.

Achebe’s first book Things Fall Apart was first published in 1958 and some of the late writer’s other works are: Anthills of the Savannah, Arrow of God, A man of the People, No longer at Ease and There was a Country, his last published memoir, among others.

ANA General Secretary Baba Muhammad Dzukogi, who read Achebe’s citation with the events that defined the late novelist’s life, said Achebe was a great writer who represented a lot of things for different people.

Aminu Muhammed, a one-time chairman of ANA Niger, who read a passage from Achebe’s Arrow of God, said he met Achebe like everyone else through his timeless classic Things fall Apart, as a student. He said Achebe not being satisfied with the conditions of his people decided to write about it in his last book.

“Achebe, after writing as a global citizen in his works returned to write as an Igbo man in his There was a country.”

Mallam Kamar Hamza a former chairman of ANA Niger and a critic read from Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. He said all Achebe stood for was the liberation of his race and their eleva-

tion. After the special reading, there was a brief drama sketch by the Vice Chairman of ANA Niger, Nmahassan Muhammed; Secretary BM Nagidi and Assistant Secretary Paul T. Liam, on the pranks of childhood in contrast to those of adulthood by two friends.

The drama sketch was well received by the audience whose laughter filled the hall.

Mallam Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmed gave a very short lecture on the writings of Chinua Achebe. He said Achebe was a reactionary writer, who responded to the West’s’ stereotyping of Africa and Africans. He noted that Achebe’s writings informed the world of Africa and Africans and projected them as capable of functioning as a people with cultures and traditions.

Nmahassan Muhammed performed a song from his yet-to-be released album, entitled, Ladaan. The song though in Nupe was “off the hook” as people clapped and danced to its rhythm.

Yekondunu (Sarkin wasan Nupe) and TV presenter also performed a song in Nupe.

In attendance were Alkasim Abdulkadir, an international freelancer and former ANA Assistant General Secretary; Almamum Mallam, immediate past chairman, ANA Niger; Mallam Umar Dada Paiko, an Islamic scholar and writer; Awal Evuti, former Sec-

retary, ANA Niger; Bilkisu Abarah; a radio producer and presenter; a one-time ViceChairman, ANA Niger, Jalaludeen Ibrahim; Isyaku Bala Ibrahim, Saddiq Dzukogi and Terfa Nenger, among others. Chinua Achebe for writers of ANA Niger, lives forever even in death.

Amila Painting Challenge holds tomorrow

Alaafin launches Culture Foundation

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in partnership with a Portuguese, Dr. Paula Gomes, has launched a foundation, the Paula Gomes Cultural Foundation, for the preservation of Yoruba culture.

The launch of the foundation at the Alaafin’s palace was attended by dignitaries, such as the Ambassador and High Commissioners from Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago and Australia.

The event featured a lecture entitled Yoruba Culture In Diaspora-Brazil which was delivered

by Prof Fabio Batista Lima, an expert in Yoruba culture and tradition in the Diaspora.

He said Yoruba in Brazil is primarily talking about a philosophy of everyday life which is taught to observe, understand and interpret.

“The Yoruba philosophy remains alive in the New World, in Brazil, Cuba and in other parts of the world within the Candombl» (institutions of Yoruba tradition), which becomes a new lifestyle in everyday’s individuals. I speak of the lifestyle as a unitary set of distinctive preferences as expressed in the specific logic of each subspace symbolic (verbal language, body language, decorations, food and ideology). In sum, the Yoruba portrayal through Candombl»s is through the joy of the collective memory of the ancestors. This immense wisdom has been passed through generations orally,” he said.

Lima noted that the teachings of the enslaved ancestors, including the touches of drums, the various rhythms (Alujo beat, Ilu Agere) have great impact not only in the communities of ‘yards’, but more especially in the biggest party on the planet, carnival in Salvador.

He said: “When you are in Salvador you will think that you are here in Africa. You will see the body movements, the gestural respect for older persons in black communities because they are holders of an ancestral knowledge. Everything is familiar. The philosophy of Yoruba traditions is about building a life with a set of guidelines that enhance the day-to-day lives of the people, which is incorporated into their ways of living in the new world.

“The lifestyles generated in the Yoruba tradition function as a strategic plan in the lives of individuals and not that such plans are mechanically intellectualised. Events of individuals’ lives are in the newspapers and magazines are reconstructed according to the circumstances presented in an individual’s everyday life.”

• The late Achebe

•From right: Minister’s representative, Prof. Tunde Babawale, Lima, newly installed Cultural Ambassador, Dr. Paula Gomez, and the Alaafin.

•From right: World Bank Consultant, Mrs Caroline Sage, Mrs Lima, and wife of High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago From

Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

CULTURE He observed that in Brazil, the full essence of Yoruba philosophy is within the Candombl», which focuses on the Orisas, through the myths, by engaging in the project of solving the problems of their faith on issues of work, money, health and sex.

According to him, the Yoruba philosophy lacks an ethical improvement of the world or individuals in the sense employed by Christian religion or Islam. What matters, he said, is that people may enjoy lives in this world, dialoguing with their relationship with nature and cosmos.

“It is noteworthy that Yoruba is not just

words spoken in the ‘yards’ it is also present in the songs of Brazilian popular music. These reconstructions are tied to a web of meanings re-developed in Brazil, giving rise to new symbolic forms ‘yards’, quilombos and blocks-afros.

This encourages African descendants to distance themselves from cultural oppressions caused by colonialist’s action.”

Lima asserted that Brazilians respect and love deep knowledge of the Yoruba tradition, which thus ‘promote interdisciplinary teaching on the question of the historicity of various race relations in Brazil, the importantance of the study on Africa’s need to recognise black culture and its various manifestation as historical, environmental, economic, political and cultural causing black youths to perceive themselves as citizens and assets.”

HE grand finale of the Amila Painting Challenge will hold tomorrow, Category Manager, Food Enhancement & Beverages, Promasidor, Mrs. Abiola Inawo, has said.

She said the company was making arrangements to ensure the success of the competition. Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Amila Powdered soft drink, had, last November, flagged off the challenge in about 200 primary schools in 20 local government areas of Lagos State.

At the first stage, an art teacher in each of the selected schools conducted a general painting competition among the pupils of to determine the best 10 pupils who then participated on Amila Day, that is, the day of its activation from where an overall best winner emerged to represent the school for the second stage.

At the second stage, the overall winner from the schools within a local government area competed to represent the council. The winner at that level got a branded Amila bicycle, while other participants also got Promasidor goodie bags.

Mrs. Inawo said following the successful conclusion of the second stage, all was set for the third stage where the best three pupils would emerge.

The overall winner will walk away with N250,000, first runner-up, N150,000 and the third runner-up, N100,000. There will be consolation prizes of N30,000 each for the other 17 contestants. The art teachers of the winning pupils will also get cash prizes of N25,000 each while their schools will get art materials, among others.

She noted at a press briefing to herald the competition that it would encourage schools to pay more attention to arts. ”We are looking at 200 schools across 20 local government areas in Lagos. The competition will be in three stages, the first stage is at the school level where pupils will paint any art of their choice and the winner will represent the school at the local government area for the second stage. At the second stage, the overall winner from the local government level will get a branded Amila bicycle and Promasidor goodie bags,” Mrs. Inawo had said.

Amila powder soft drink was launched into the market in March 2009. It has four flavours - Orange, Apple Pear, Mango Appricot and Strawberry Banana. Amila is targeted at children but ideal for sharing by all members of the family. Amila sponsors the ‘Amila Spelling Bee’ on Cool FM 95.9 anchored by Mannie.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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The Midweek Magazine

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OT many us would reason that there is any difference between money and wealth. After all, the popular perception is that to be wealthy is to have lots of money. But the authors of this book, ‘Financialism: Water from an empty well’, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brian Browne, insist that this is pure myth. Money may be the measure of wealth; it cannot be its definition. It is this conflation of money with wealth, they contend, that is responsible for the current unhealthy and even destructive transition from traditional capitalism to the reigning economic regime that they creatively christen ‘financialism’. Capitalism is a system of private ownership of the means of production and investment in creation of goods and services by the private entrepreneur for the purpose of reaping profit. Financialism on the other hand is the system of investing and speculating in money for the purpose of multiplying money for its own sake to reap mega profits. This is clearly an unorthodox book. It is suffused through and through with ‘out of the box’ thinking. Many of the views, perceptions, observations, illustrations, pontifications and prescriptions offered by the authors starkly contradict orthodox economic thinking.

But then, the authors, the former Governor of Lagos State and the former United States Consul-General in Nigeria, confess from the outset that they are neither professional economists nor academics. Is this not a draw back for the subject they have chosen to tackle? From what well of expertise, the reader may wonder, do they then draw the intellectual offerings they proffer as solutions to current economic challenges?

Such a perspective, however, obviously exaggerates the scientific status and certitude of orthodox neo-liberal economics. How do we explain, for instance, the failure of orthodox economic experts to forsee the current global financial crisis, proffer policies to prevent the catastrophe and that they appear even more helpless in helping to chart a sustainable course towards a healthier, more equitable global economy?

Tinubu and Browne can, therefore, rightly claim that, not imprisoned by textbook theories or mythical ideologies, their di-

Segun Ayobolu sms to 07032777778 segunayobolu2@yahoo.com

Financialism : Water from an empty well (1) verse life and professional experiences enable them to examine current global economic problems from fresh, more realistic perspectives.

We can thus understand their contention that money is not synonymous with wealth.

Money, they explain, only underpins the creation of wealth when it facilitates the production of goods and services through which employment is generated and value added to society. Speculation and investment in the limitless multiplication of money for its own sake is, for the authors, the equivalent of constructing a sky scrapper on a foundation of nothing. It is this abnormality that defines the transition from capitalism to financialism, a development that is at the root of the current ruinous financial and economic disorder enveloping most parts of our contemporary world. In his thrilling forward to the book, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, points out its central thrust with characteristic pungency: “It challenges the domination of print value over the material goods, a situation where the “virtual” or symbolic arbiter between commodities comes to take precedence and becomes not only valued and marketable for itself, but also tyrannizes over the enabling material base. The skewed world of economics needs to be challenged, a world where the umblical

cord between produce and tally card was slashed when no one was looking”. Eminent African-American statesman, Reverend Jesse Jackson, makes the same observation when he notes in the second foreword that “The book reveals a profound fact: the dominant economic theory is more subjective than it is scientific”.

The authors realize that the economy is not an enclave insulated from the influences of society and politics. Theirs is thus an endeavour in political economy. They state right from the outset that their aim is to contribute towards a better global future through the evolution of “a political economy based on an equitable creation of wealth”. Rather than being a variant of capitalism, Tinubu and Browne claim that financialism is actually an assault against the former. But then, is capitalism itself not essentially defined and motivated by human greed as epitomized by the profit motive?

After all, did Adam Smith, the father of classical economics, not famously insinuate that we do not get our dinner due to the benevolence of the baker or the butcher but their pursuit of pecuniary self-interest? If selfishness, greed and the profit motive are the underlying driving motives of capitalism itself, is financialism then not only an inevitable culmination of the accumulative logic

of the capitalist ethic? Is that, perhaps why Karl Marx declared sarcastically of capitalism: “Accumulate! Accumulate! That is the law and the prophets”?

If the logic of capitalism is the maximisation of profit at all costs and the financial sector offers the best sphere for the realization of this objective, will investment including reckless speculative activity not necessarily gravitate in that direction? It is probably because of their recognition of greed as a constant factor in capitalist economic organization that the authors constantly stress throughout the book the central role of government in maintaining a sound financial system, ensuring that the financial sector sustains a viable real sector, limiting the intensity and ferocity of competition as well as acting as a pivotal economic player that promotes policies capable of fostering economic development. Not for the authors then all that neo-liberal stuff of severely limiting the economic role of the state or maximum deregulation of the economy.

As they put it, “All major financial calamities are described by the lack of responsible government supervision to mitigate private avarice, easy credit, and undue optimism, leading to excessive risk-taking and spiralling asset prices”.

As the authors demonstrate in the book, cyclical crises spurred by speculative greed are intrinsic to the capitalist model of economic management. What are their diagnoses of the root causes of this problem?

What prescriptions do they have for overcoming the limitations of capitalism or what they describe as its financialist variant and ensuring that it functions in a more ethical, life-enhancing way? Are the authors involved in a well- meaning but ultimately futile effort to salvage a capitalist system that has gone utterly berserk and, from all indications, offers humanity nothing but a bleak future? Is capitalism sustainable as a model of economic organization or must we continue Karl Marx’s quest for an economic system that transcends capitalist greed and create a more just, equitable, caring and human society activated by the need of the majority rather than the greed of a few?

Gani-Durbar Festival: Uniting people

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HE second Borgu international Gani-Durbar Festival may have come and gone, but the memories still linger in the minds of those who attended it. It was a feast of culture of the people of Borgu Kingdom in Niger State, and a reward for dedication and selfless service to mankind.

Like the maiden edition, this year’s festival was an improvement in content, quality, attendance and organisation.

People from all walks of life, lovers of culture and tradition converged on New Bussa, in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, penultimate Saturday, to celebrate the rich culture of the Borgu Kingdom. The gathering was also to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the resettlement of the people from the old to the New Bussa in 1968, to give way for the construction of the second Hydro-electric Power generation dam in Lake Kainji.

Mai Borgu (Emir of Borgu), Dr. Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III, the chief celebrator, in his full regalia, rode in majestically into the Sabuke Square with some royal fathers. He was heralded with gun shots by local hunters.

It was a celebration of the rich culture, horse riding and display of mastery of boat riding. The boat regatta among wards in the kingdom and contingents from Benin and Niger Republics was splendid to behold. The dexterity with which the horse riders took control of their horses, adorned with multi-color decorations, kept the august gathering and tourists on the edge of their seats. The Durbar gave a vivid account of the rich northern culture.

The roll at the ceremony cut across socio-economic and political divides. Participants at the one-day celebration of culture came from within the kingdom, the country and neighbouring countries.

Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Governor of Niger State Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu led the pack of political leaders to the festival. The duo were, however, represented by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Hon. Musa Ahmed Ibeto.

Other political chieftains at the event included the former Military Head of State and Presidential candidate of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; Chief Bisi Akande, National Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban Borgu, and former Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari.

Traditional institutions were adequately represented at the festival. The royal fathers included the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Shehu of Bornu, Dr.

•Some traditional rulers and other guest at the event From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

FESTIVAL Abubakar Ibn-Kanem, who was the chairman of the occasion, and the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar. Royal fathers from neighbouring Benin Republic also graced the festival.

The celebration also linked the present with the past. Nigeria’s colonial lords were adequately represented. The nostalgia of the colonial era was refreshed when representatives of Richard Lander and Mungo Park families (colonial masters) from England showed up at the festival. Also, large contingents came from Benin and Niger Republics to show soldiarity with the people of Borgu.

Declaring the festival open, Sambo said Gani-Durbar Festival was a fraction of the country’s abundant cultural potential, which showcases its vibrancy and diversity of cultural heritage.

Speaking through Ibeto, Sambo said the Federal Government would support every effort aimed at transforming the tourism and culture sector. He said our culture as a nation ‘’makes us distinct and unique as a people.”

Praising the royal father of Borgu kingdom for the festival, Sambo en enjoined each ethnic group to preserve its culture and nuture it to the delight and admiration of international tourists.

Speaking in the same vein, Aliyu, praised the Mai Borgu and his people for the festival. Aliyu noted that Gani-Durbar has helped in promoting a sense of history and culture, stressing that as a country ‘’we need to promote our sense of history and culture in every way possible, to help us understand where we are coming from, where we are now and where we need to go.”

On a day when culture took the centre stage, it was not devoid of goodwill messages from notable Nigerians. From Gen. Buhari, the Sultan, Alhaji Sa’ad to Shehu of Bornu, Dr. El-Kanem everyone showered encomiums on the Mai Borgu and his people for upholding their culture.

Tinubu said the annual festival would go a long way in promoting the people’s affinity with the past.

Asiwaju, who rode on a royal horse during the festival, acknowledged that New Bussa, the homestead of the Borgu people ‘’is home to all’’. This, he said, manifested in the calibre and spread of people at the festival. He promised to establish an integrated fish farm in the town to boost the economy of the kingdom.

Mai Borgu said the Gani-Durbar international festival was designed to promote the culture of his people. He also said the festival was “to promote national cohesion, consensus building and peaceful mutual co-existence of the people of the kingdom, neighbours and the country.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

The Midweek Magazine The forest dames U S A L V I

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

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HE Forest Dames is a fictional story of a civil war and its horrifying consequences in the lives of women, who usually suffer in the hands of randy soldiers, who abduct beautiful girls for pleasure.

The book also chronicles the suffering that continues years after the war has ended, asserting that only peace; fairness and equity can guarantee progress.

Crafting the foreword, Chief (Mrs.) Justina Offiah, (SAN) observed that the gender dimension of the book reveals a lot about the vulnerability of the female person and deficient government capacity to protect her in times of war.

Chapter one tells a story of four young girls: Gonma, Deze, Sofuru and Lele (The Forest Dames), who suddenly turned the forest their habitat because of the prevalence of war aggressors who were after them, to satisfy their sexual pleasure. “ Mama, how has it been at home? How is everybody? Deze inquired from her mother, who had gone on nocturnal visit to her in the forest. The heartless manner the abductors were searching, beating and snatching away mothers and young ones with their Land Rovers made the girls all thankful to God that they have become Forest Dames.

In Chapter Two entitled, “ The Endangered Species” the author described the forest girls as the endangered species of the war. “The centre has failed to hold.

The people were no longer at ease because things had fallen apart,” the author quoted Chinua Achebe. “It was a period the girls were displaced in crisis without knowing how it came about, but the joy was that they live away from the harassment of fellow humans who appeared to have more rights than others. The intrigues, dialogue and conflicts that further played out in this chapter are best found by getting a copy of the book.

While Chapter Three tagged, “ Home, sweet home,” celebrates the return of Deze’s family and others from the North where anarchy and ethnic killings reigned.

T R A

BOOK REVIEW Title:

The Forest Dames

Author:

Ado Okere Agbasimalo

Reviewer:

MaryRose Ukah

Publisher:

Author House

Chapter four dwells on “The Air Raids.”

In it, the author explains that the situation that had degenerated into full-scale war.

In Chapter Five; “The Exodus,” the author mirrors a new phenomenon of the war that manifests in hunger and starvation. She recounts that many became sick, and death of children, the elderly and several others, who depended on others for livelihood, became a daily affair.

“Okolochi” is the theme in Chapter Six. It is a story of a village that provided Reuben, Orjay, Jones and their wives safety when the aggressors’ raid became unbearable. The village provided hope for the refugees. While some of the displaced people settle down at the village market, others went for the village church premises. The rest headed for the primary school compound, famished in hunger,

thirst and rest.

In Chapter Seven; “The Funeral,” the book concerns itself with the funeral of Pa Zurike, the patriarch of the Zeela kindred in Okolochi, who passed away. He was also related to Buno.

The heat of the funeral cooled off, giving way for dog eat dog situation in chapter eight. Mrs. Bruno (Deze’s mother) became the cynosure of many eyes as people around her wondered if she had tapped her brand of empowerment and resourcefulness from the natural. The capture of Madam Rosa, a saboteur who was buried alive, attracted the refugees to the school field, a temporary camp for the rebels. Her role was also examined in the chapter.

While Chapter Nine examines the humanitarian help from the International Red Cross to the poor civilians and those afflicted by the scourge of kwashiorkor.

Chapter 10 in “The First Move” cited Jacob Killenberge (2001); “protecting women in war is not merely a question of law. It is also a matter of social responsibility and common sense. Because it is of thanks to women, that life goes on in terms of upheavals.”

The chapter exposes how the intervention of the Red Cross neither grows worse now better, as the rebels and vandals were still at daggers’ drawn.

Chapter 12 laid Mkporo forest, the hideout of Lelenwa and Gonma bare. It is the forest where Mrs Buno and Ofoegbu hid their daughters for safety. Deze and Sofuru later joined them.

While Chapter 13 chronicles Lele’s and Deze’s mothers’ unified approach in what the author tagged “Friends of the Forest Dames”. Chapter 14 in “The Reprieve” extols how the four Forest Dames remained in the forest cut off from civilization and still appreciated the moment of reprieve.

In Chapter 15; “Return Today,” Run again tomorrow theatrics, the author dwelt on the return of the Forest Dames after the enemy soldiers were pushed out again in the war while the people felt safe once more.

The book celebrates Ogwa village as paradise safe enough for the displaced families of Buno and others in Chapter 16, as 17 marks “Happy Survival” that came as a result of news of the end of the war. It recalled the “ No victor, No vanquished,”

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HE Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, has identified the nation’s multi-ethnic and religious composition as a challenge to national development. He said it was disheartening that after five decades of independence, most Nigerians still have fastidious attachment to their ethnic origins to the detriment of national unity.

“Rather than celebrate our unique cultural identities, emphases are still placed on our ethnic and cultural differences,” he said.

Ayakoroma spoke in Lagos last Thursday at the quarterly media workshop organised by the institute for art editors and writers.

The theme of the workshop was Culture as a panacea in the peaceful co-existence of a multi-ethnic nation: The role of the media.

He said: “It is the contention of peace and development experts that the present ethnic, political and religious intolerance in Nigeria can best be addressed if the media is encouraged to play a vital role in educating the citizenry on the immense benefits of embracing peaceful co-existence.

“The media can help promote and project our rich cultural values of honesty, hard work, sanctity of human life, respect for elders and constituted authorities, unity in diversity and love for our dear country.”

Prof Femi Osofisan, who chaired the occasion, noted that the objectivity and partisanship of a journalist can be influenced by the ownership of the media organisation where such journalist works. He wondered if culture means the protection of the ruling elite or is it the survival of common people in a given society.

“How do you define culture in a multiethnic community? Can the journalist promote a melting pot of all cultures? If we recognise heterogeneity, how do we promote unity? And if competition is normal, what then happened to different cultures?

He asked.

In her paper, Nigeria’s Season of Anomie: Fashioning a cultural media tool-kit, Prof Foluke Ogunleye observed that the role of

•From left: Ayakoroma, Osofisan and Ogunleye at the workshop

‘Media’s responsibility to society is awesome’

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

WORKSHOP the media and its responsibility are awesome and huge. According to her, the media should go beyond reflecting and mirroring the society to affecting the society.

“When the media fails to do this, it has disappointed the people,” she added.

On how the media shapes or changes the cultural identity of a people, she said cultural groups think, feel and act differently but that there is no scientific standard for

considering one group as intrinsically superior or inferior to another.

Prof Ogunleye stressed that getting to know activities which focus on similarities rather than differences can reduce barriers between people of different cultures.

“Mass media has a political and a persuasive power over us. Radio, TV, the press and film can manipulate the whole societies. Political propaganda, advertising and the so-called ‘mind bending’ power of the media are long-standing causes of debate and concern,” she added.

Former Editor, The Guardian On Sunday, Mr. Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, spoke on

three Rs of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitations mantra, wondering if the pronouncement is not part of diplomacy. Chapter 18 records “Returnee Refugees” from Ogwa to their home communities. “ Gone with the war” is the focus of the book in Chapter 19. The author espouses the relative calm that pervaded the horizon after the war had ended, and Deze and others had to work around the community free. In the “Twenty Bucks”, the book mirrored excerpts of how the enemy soldiers asked the endangered people of the war who were also known as Edanjaland to surrender their currency for just a token of 20 bucks no matter how much was accumulated.

Chapter 21 begins with one of the three Rs process of Rehabilitation. It reminiscences the post war experiences among the people especially female youths in the market places that bore the brunt of the war. “ Dear Mother” takes turn in Chapter 22 in which the author unveils the spirit of resilience and self-worth that characterized the rebuilding of Edanjaland. The chapter equally celebrates Deze’s admission into university through scholarship while Sofuru one of the captured Dames was having children for her Benedanja soldier who took her to his homeland amidst controversies. “ Still Endangered” is the last of the 207page book. The author in the chapter narrates the gains of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Deze has finished her programe in the university and was deployed in a government secondary school for her primary assignment, but was still endangered. You can read more by availing yourself a copy of the book.

From pages 195-205, the author looks at “Behind the Scenes” and “The Panacea” to the conflicts that brought about the war.

While “Behind the Scenes” expose tribal sentiments that characterized marital entrapment of Sopuru to a Benedanja soldier and rejections that trailed it, The Panacea sought internal resolution of conflicts by Leaders of the Nation (LON).

The author has done well in exposing the ills of the war, so that those who are fanning embers of war could beat a retreat because anybody’s daughter, niece or sister could be a prisoner of the ‘girly thirsty’ soldiers and their bullets. how ownership of media organisation affects the performance of the practitioners who are culture writers. He noted that in a country where there is no operational cultural policy, culture writers would be handicapped as there would be no policy guidelines to pursue in their reports.

He lamented the dearth of critical reporting among culture writers, which he blamed on the corrupt tendencies in the larger society.

“But, above all, I worry for the emerging threat from ethnic papers from different zones of the country. In fact, most newsrooms in the country today are divided along the various ethnic militias.

We now have partisans rather than patriots running media organisations,” he noted.

Associate Editor, The Sun newspaper, Mr. Alvan Ewuzie, said the media should bring to public attention the efficacy of deploying cultural events in fostering unity amongst the multi-ethnic groups with the same potency of football. He stressed that Nigerians must not let the political authorities denigrate and look down on cultural events, as they have tended to do.

“Take the example of the annual National Festival of Arts (NAFEST). Since 1990, no President or Head of State has attended the opening ceremony, a pointer to their rating of the event. Sometimes, governors whose states are hosting the event would leave the town and delegate deputies and other officials to attend. Yet, such governors would fly across continents to watch football matches involving national teams or boxing events,” he lamented.

Ewuzie stated that unity should not be taken for granted. “We have to work at it and know that peaceful co-existence come through deliberate actions that foster togetherness and tolerance. Culture provides a vital key and panacea to peaceful coexistence. The media ought to take its rightful place in deploying culture as an instrument in making it happen,” he added.

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Shoes or seats?

The choice is yours PHOTO: TONIA DIYAN

Art collector makes case for private museums

I

N a few months, Nigeria will host the world economic forum for Africa and artworks collections, including Chief Solomon Ogbonna‘s, will be among those to be showcased, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, has said.

He said he was amazed by the magnitude of artworks in the care of a private collector, adding they are treasures that tell the history of a hundred years ago. He noted that such treasures should not be hidden from public view. He noted that not all Nigerians can preserve historic art for the benefit of the country as they would be enticed by money to sell them.

“I praise this patriotic citizen. Nigeria owes you a huge debt because your artworks can compete with those in the National Museum of Nigeria,” he said.

Duke, who praised Ogbonna for preserving the enormous art works, urged other Nigerians with similar collections to emulate him in developing private and government-owned

•From left: Ogbonna, Duke and Ausbeth Ajagu at the event

By Olushola Orebajo

ART museums. According to him, the most thriving museums in the world are privately owned. He spoke at the house of Ogbonna at Ajah, a Lagos suburb.

Duke said: “For 37 years, the National

Theatre has been there, people have ridiculed the President for abandoning it. That is why a decision has been taken to revive the place. The government is not transforming it into a hotel, neither would it be sold. But it is going to rehabilitate the dirty areas surrounding it for investors who are ready to redefine

China to exhibit at AFAC Expo

T

HE Chinese government will participate

in the sixth edition of the African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The Culture Counsellor, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Jin Hongyue, who visited the NCAC headquarters in Abuja, said his country’s participation would further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and China, boost her craft industry and equip Nigerian artistes with the unique processes of producing Chinese crafts.

Hongyue said China would exhibit children’s toys, masks, textiles and other crafts. It will also participate in the AFAC investment fo-

rum.

NCAC Chief Executive Mr Malgui Maidugu told his visitors that AFAC was created in 2008 as a specialised market for African arts and crafts and that it has continued to attract several non-African countries over the years.

He stressed that China must bring only crafts and artworks so that the objective of the fair is not defeated, assuring participants of a bigger and better outing this year.

“We also want to exchange ideas with your artists just as our craftsmen will want to share ideas with Chinese craftsmen at AFAC”, Maidugu said.

The decision to open its doors to the Chinese, accord-

T

•Maidugu

ing to Maidugu, was informed by the growing need to apply modern technology to craft production, an area the Chinese are doing so well.

He also said AFAC 2013 will create as much as 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria.

the place”.

Ogbonna is involved in the advocacy aimed at protecting and preserving the art, culture and tradition of his people, especially those being eroded by western influence. He is seeking moral assistance and support of the government in creating a standard museum that will exhibit his artworks for Nigerians and the world.

His words: “We should preserve art because it encompasses our culture and history, and culture shouldn’t die because of culture imperialism. The preservation of the art, culture and tradition of the people is a vision flowing in the blood of my family. My grandfather is an art collector, and so is my father,” he said.

He said art is a form of culture and an extension of the mind and nothing would strengthen people as much as a proper appreciation and understanding of their history as recorded by their own people, in their own language.

ANA calls for entries

HE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has called for entries for its 2013 prize. The annual literary contest is open to Nigerian writers, at home and abroad. Prospective applicants are to enter their works which must have been published between March 2012 and May 2013.

To apply, they should submit six copies of the book or manuscript to be entered, specifying the prize entered for, with a covering letter and the photocopy of a receipt of payment of annual dues to a state chapter for the year of entry. All entries, with a covering letter should contain accurate contact details of the writer or/and publisher of the work, including email and surface mail addresses and telephone numbers.

Entries should be sent to The General Secretary, Association

By Evelyn Osagie

BOOK of Nigerian Authors (ANA), C/o Suite 63, National Theatre Complex, Iganmu, Lagos.

According to the organisers, multiple entries, where applicable, are allowed but a work must not have been entered for the same prize prior to the present entry; and must have been published between March 2012 and May 2013.

A release signed by the General Secretary, Mallam Baba Muhammad Dzukogi, said the deadline for the receipt of all entries, except the Prize for Literary Journalism for the 2012 ANA Literary Prizes, is May 30. A shortlist will be announced in early October.

ANA will announce the prize winners at the awards dinner during the 32nd International Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian

Authors in October.

The prizes include ANA/ Chevron Prose Prize on Environmental Issues (Prose) $2,000 (published works only); ANA/Esiaba Irobi Prize for Play writing, N50,000 (published & unpublished works); ANA/Lantern Books Prize for Children’s Fiction N100,000 (unpublished works only, ages 8 – 15). Winning entry to be published by Lantern Books; ANA Prize for Poetry (published & unpublished) – N100, 000; ANA Prize for Prose Fiction (published & unpublished) – N 100, 000; ANA Prize for Drama (published & unpublished) – N100, 000; ANA Prize for Literary Journalism – N 100, 000 (Deadline: September 30, 2012); ANA/NECO Teen Author Prize (prose) N100,000 (published & unpublished works) and ANA/Mazariyya Teen Author Prize (poetry) N50,000 (published & unpublished works).

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha is fighting on all fronts. His party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has turned against him, owing to his identification with the All Progressives Congress (APC). His enstranged political benefactor, Chief Martins Agbaso, wants to take his pound of flesh over the impeachment of his brother, Jude, the former deputy governor. Can Okorocha weather the storm? Correspondent OKODILI NDIDI writes on the governor’s 2015 calculations and the obstacles ahead. tures across the local governments. Many believe that he is an asset to the party in the state.

A

POLITICAL storm is gath-ering in Imo State, ahead of the 2015 general elections. At the centre of the storm is Governor Rochas Okorocha, who is scheming for a second term, despite being at loggerheads with his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other enthrenched forces in the state.

The governor is engaged in a fierce battle with these powerful forces, who are not comfortable with his style of governance.

Many politicians have complained that he has been running a one-man show, adding that, apart from refusing to carry them along, he has not judiciously utilised the resources of the state.

Okorocha’s political opponents are increasing daily, especially since the impeachment of his deputy, Jude Agbaso, in controversial circumstances.

The Agbasos have joined forces with other opposition groups to give Okorocha a run for his money in 2015 elections. One of their strategies is to distract his administration through virulent propaganda. The aggrieved APGA chieftains are joining forces with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to create an image problem for the governor. Already, they have started beaming a seachlight on the administration by forwarding petitions to the anti-graft bodies about alleged financial irregularities in the state.

Last week, the battle ground shifted to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sources said that some politicians from the state were wooing the Presidency to support their onslaught against Okorocha, with a view to neutralising him, ahead of the next elections.

However, the governor’s camp is not relenting. It is matching propaganda with propaganda. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu, recently alleged that he was offered N3 billion to impeach the governor.

He said that those who attempted to bribe him wanted the impeached deputy governor to become the beneficiary of the deft move.

The Speaker fingered Chief Martin Agbaso, the Southeast APGA leader, Col. Augustine Akobundu (rtd) and another millionaire-businessman in the plot.

They have denied the allegation, saying that it was a tissue of lies.

Chief Agbaso is bitter against Okorocha with justification. He is unhappy about the impeachment of his younger brother.

He has also accused the governor of betraying the agreement between them on 2015. He attributed his brother’s ouster to the 2015 calculations.

Now, Agbaso has vowed to challenge Okorocha’s bid for a second term. The Emekuru-born politician has promised to give the governor a run for his money.

Another whirlwind threatening Okorocha’s government is the contentious tenure of the sacked local government chairmen. The 27 elected chairmen who were sacked by Okorocha, following his assumption of office, are fighting back under the umbrella of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). They have the backing of the and their party, the PDP. Also spitting fire are the loyalists of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, who working assiduously for his return to power. Sources said that the governor also have some powerful “Abuja politicians” to contend with. These politicians are also eyeing the governorship in Imo and amassing resources to bankroll the plot to oust Okorocha from office.

Agbaso Agbaso is a great politician. He has a formidable structure in the state. he was a thorn in the flesh of Ohakim. Many people believed that he won the critical 2007 elections, but the poll was rigged in favour of the PDP. In 2011, Okorocha had approached him for collaboration. In fact, he mobilised support for the APGA candidate. According to party insiders, an agreement was brokered between Okorocha and Agbaso that the former should go for one term. As part of the deal, Okorocha selected Agbaso’s brother, Jude, as his running mate. However, as the preparations for the 2015 begins, quarrel ensued between the two politicians.

Agbaso has not jettison his governorship ambition and sources said that he will challenge Okorocha for the number one seat in the next election.

The governor’s strengths

• Gov. Okorocha

• Agbaso

Okorocha... The gathering storm The Contenders Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho One of the major contenders for Okorocha’s office is Captain Emmanuel Iheancho, the Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Oil and Gas. He is a former Minister for Interior under President Goodluck Jonathan.

In 2011, he was removed as minister, following complaints by Ohakim, who accused him of anti- party activities.

Chief Jerry Chukwueke The Chairman of Germaine group is an-

other contender for Douglas House. Reputed for his strong financial strength, Chukwueke is said to be seriously mobilising towards achieving his gubernatorial ambition in 2015.

A known financier of the PDP in the state and brother in-law to the PDP National Women Leader Kema Chikwe, Chukwueke is said to be enjoying the support of the party’s hierarchy.

Emeka Ihedioha The House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, current deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is a governorship aspirant in the PDP. He is a major threat to Okorocha’s second term bid. He has struc-

‘Okorocha had approached him for collaboration. In fact, he mobilised support for the APGA candidate. According to party insiders, an agreement was brokered between Okorocha and Agbaso that the former should go for one term. As part of the deal, Okorocha selected Agbaso’s brother, Jude, as his running mate. However, as the preparations for the 2015 begins, quarrel ensued between the two politicians’

Despite all these mounting pressure, Okorocha has proved to be the cat with nine lives. Efforts to remove him from office have collapsed like a pack of cards.

He had ridden to power on the back of the inept PDP administration in the state. It was a revolution of the masses for change.

The governor embarked on a rescue mission. He converted the state into a huge construction site. Although he also took some controversial steps, the people have maintained attachment to his government because of his widely advertised people-oriented programmes.

The administration is also planning for an empowerment programme fo the masses in appreciation of the mandate they gave to the governor.

Another policy that has endeared the people to Okorocha, apart from the massive infrastructural development in the rural communities, is the creation of the Community Government Council, which has brought government closer to the people. There is hardly any community that has not benefited from the on-going infrastructure development, especially road construction and provision of hospitals.

Another major plus of Okorocha’s administration, which has made him a household name, is the free education policy. Many low income earners who had their wards in the state higher insti,tutions, have heaved a sigh of relief following the introduction of the policy, which formed the fulcrum of Okorocha’s campaign.

Recently, the students and youths staged a protest in solidarity with the government.

Okorocha’s APC calculation Okorocha is conscious of the ambush awaiting him in the APGA. But he will have a platform for the realisation of his second term dream in the All Progressive Congress (APC).

With the move, many opposition figures who would have contested against him have become his supporters in the proposed party.

The appointment of Price Eze Madumere from Owerri Zone as the deputy governor was seen by many as the “Option B” for the governor, if he pushes ahead with his presidential ambition.

Okorocha, who has been described by his admirers as a sensitive and intelligent politician, has not voiced his interest in a second term. But a sourcse close to him said that he will declare his ambition soon.

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POLITICS

I have no VP ambition, says Yuguda

Anambra State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant Mr. Godwin Ezeemo spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the party’s preparation for the next election.

‘Power ‘ll shift in Anambra’ B

W

HY do you want to be the governor of Anambra State?

I am coming out to contest because I want to assist in bringing to Anambra State the much desired good governance they are yearning for. And this will bring succour to the people who have missed good governance for a long time.

What are your chances of getting your party’s ticket?

I have a big chance of clinching the ticket. Having registered, financed and supported the party at the grassroots and the state level, and sponsored many aspirants within the party in the last five years, I am known and I believe these will earn me the ticket Can ACN beat APGA at the poll?

ACN has a very good chance of winning Anambra, if it fields a good candidate. You know Anambrarians are after the personality and not the party. The party leaning has dwindled, owing to disappointments we have had since the Second Republic. I want to draw your attention to the fact that ACN is the only political party in the state, which does not have crisis. This already tells you the stuff the party is made of, unlike other parties that have factions.

What is your agenda for Anambra people?

I will restore the lost Igbo values. You remember that I organised a programme in Awka last year tagged ‘Re-discovering the Lost Igbo Values’. Prominent Anambrarians and Igbos, including Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Virgy Etiaba , academics, legislators, religious leaders, judicial officers, traditional rulers, women leaders, labour leaders, transporters, traders, keke and okada operators, students and other leaders from all walks of life in Igbo land attended. It was a five-day event, and at the end of the programme, our people were satisfied and felt strongly that there was the need to restore and rediscover our values. Secondly, there should be a functional and qualitative education in the state. Moreover, I will bring the Water Corporation back to life. I will prioritise building functional, basic utilities and infrastructure for industrial growth and development.

As an industrialist, I know that when you have industrial growth, jobs will be created for our youths. And when our

•Ezeemo

youths are engaged in gainful employment, our streets will be safer. Then, many social vices will be curbed. The basic healthcare services will be available for all Anambrarians as it is done in other parts of the world where I have lived. I am often surprised when I see how much the state government pays to our civil servants. The truth is that, if you want to get the best out of them and reduce corruption, you should be ready to pay them well.

What is your assessment of the Obi Administration?

Governor Peter Obi has done his part, based on his abilities and that probably, is his best. That is okay.

One can only give what one has.

No one can give what he does not have. However, the reality on ground is that Anambra still yearns for transformation in all areas.

What is your reaction to the insecurity in the country, especially the Boko Haram insurgency, oil pipeline vandalisation, and kidnapping?

You cannot divorce criminality from deprivation. In a society where there are limited opportunities, people, especially youths, are bound to take to crime. However, people have to understand that there is no justification for crime. The problem, basically, is that there is social injustice such that the gap between the haves and the have-nots keeps widening.

The solution to this is for the government to close this gap through gainful and unselective job cre-

ation, emphasis on skills acquisition through technical knowledge acquisition and encouraging local and foreign investors to exploit opportunities here. When people build industries, unemployed people have jobs. When they are gainfully employed, they will have no time to think of crime.

Those who are busy in their places of work or business have no time to think of crimes.

What is responsible for the kidnapping in the Southeast and what is the way out?

Well, as I pointed out earlier, many of the crimes here can be attributed to lack of opportunities.

The way out of this is to have a conducive environment in the Southeast for investment. This is a collective responsibility. The government and individuals who have been blessed by God should help in creating jobs in this region, just as it is done in the Southwest and other places.

How would you assess Jonathan Administration?

The leaders of the PDP have done their best. But the truth is that their best has not been enough. There was high expectation in 1999 that, by 2013, power would have been stable; millions of jobs would have been created and the economy in general would have been among the best in the world, given our vast human and material resources.

But you know, this dream is yet to be realised.

Can APC defeat PDP in 2015?

Yes, the alliance will defeat PDP in 2015. The alliance enjoys the support of the Southwest, the Northeast and Northwest. Do not exclude the Northcentral. Even in the Southeast, many of our people just want a change in leadership, since they feel the PDP has not given them what they have expected.

What is your reaction to the agitation for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC)?

Well, every successful country had challenges in the past. The challenges we are having in this country, though enormous, do not defy solution. I am of the opinion that we can fashion out a way of coming together in a round table to discuss the issues affecting us. I do not think it will balkanize the country.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to do it, although it was not successful. Yes, I think it is necessary and I do not think it will affect our existence, once all groups are represented.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

AUCHI State Governor Isa Yuguda has declared that he has novice presi dential in 2015. He described his purported vice presidential aspiration as a figment of imagination, adding that it is an attempt to create suspicion and distrust between him and Vice President Sambo. The governor spoke with reporters in Lagos on the activities of his administration, insecurity and the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said: “It is a figment of imagination. I look up to Sambo as a senior brother.

He grew up in Bauchi, where I knew him. He is competent. We have close family relations. I am an average intelligent man. I graduated at 20, started work at 21. I even weepat night when I remember how the Almighty God has been nice to me. I had a good career in the banking sector. I was the Managing Director of NAL. At 27, I was the youngest branch manager in Savannah.

“I have five graduate children, with masters degrees. Another four will graduate next year. I joined Obasanjo’s cabinet as the youngest minister. I was a twotime minister. I do not begrudge the Vice President. What do I want to be as the Vice President that God has not tested me with? When I was the MD of bank, I was recruiting my classmates. Many of them were more brilliant than me. I am loyal to the PDP. I am loyal to the Vice President”.

The governor, who spoke on the activities of the administration, disclosed that the Bauchi airport will commissioned in July, stressing the power plant project embarked upon by the state would also remain a priority. He also revisited his tenure as the Minister of Aviation, lamenting that the agreement between the Federal Government and Virgin Airlines collapsed because of policy summersault.

Yuguda submitted that the Boko Haram insurgency has persisted because of the activities of the restless sect, whose members were being manipulated by certain politicians. He also said that Bauchi State is safe for living and business, blaming the media for blowing the security situation in the state out of proportion.

The governor urged Nigerians to emulate the religious tolerance displayed by the Southwest, which he said, had foster religious and tribal harmony in the region”.

He said: “The first Sharia Court was established in Iwo, Osun State. In the Southwest, you have a church upstairs and mosques downstairs and there is no quarrel. Anybody who kills is not a Muslim or Christian. He is a killer. Any person who wants to balkanise Nigeria through religion is a criminal. He is not a Christian or Muslim. A terrorist is a killer and criminal, not a Muslim or Christian”.

‘Criminals benefited from amnesty’

By Musa Odoshimokhe

F

ORMER Secretary General of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Chief Frank Kokori has faulted the amnesty programme, saying that criminals benefitted from the programme.

He expressed concerned over the resurgence of criminality in the Niger Delta, which led to the death of 12 policemen.

Kokori told The Nation that 50 percent of the so-called militants targeted by the amnesty programme of the Federal Government were criminals who have returned to crime, following the completion of the programme.

He said: “Most of the boys who came from the creek for the amnesty programme are criminals. These criminals are mercenaries and not freedom fighters and would always go back to their past deeds.”

The former NUPENG scribe maintained that the system had created the loopholes for such development because of its lack of commitment to the anticorruption war.

Kokori said that the younger generation mirrored the affluence and opulence of greedy politicians in power.

He added: “If you go to a country like Tanzania, where their leaders rarely display ostentatious lifestyle, the people hardly do such things because their leaders show good examples. But in Nigeria, the leaders have become the oppressors.

“The fight against corruption is a lip service project in the country. There is huge moral decadence. The people have no jobs, yet our leaders live in palatial mansions. The criminals among these creek boys see them and are often drawn out of their cocoon to get something from the authorities.”

Kokori alleged that the leaders and representatives of the militants who signed the amnesty deal on their behalf short-changed them, adding that this also led to ill-feelings among them.

• Kokori

Why I defected to PDP, by Orji

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ROGRESSIVES Peoples Alli ance (PPA) chieftain Chief Nnamdi Orji has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State. He defected in his native Ameke ward, Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area.

The defector was presented to the party by Chief Sunday Ifeigbo, who explained that Orji has returned to the party to join the leaders in rebuilding the edifice.

The ward chaiman, Prosper Okoro said: “History is today being made in Abiriba politics and every member of the party is happy to welcome Chief Nnamdi Orji back into the fold.”

Orji recalled the cisrcum stances th at forced him out of the party. He said that, although he won the ticket for the House of Representatives seat in Arochukwu/ Ohafia Constituency, he was denied the ticket.

He said that deprivation was injurious to his supporters in the constituency.

Orji enjoined the party members to make sacrifice for the party, adding that the party can only survive in an atmosphere of unity and harmony.

He said the PDP has a brighter future in Abia State, if its leaders can manage their achievements.

•From left: Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs Senator Ben Obi and the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chris Cooter, commisserating with Senator Obi on the death of his wife, Deaconess Colette.

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NEWS

North rejects Host Communities Fund, split of NNPC

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HE Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has rejected the allocation of 10 per cent of the nation’s petroleum income to host communities.

The Forum said the creation of Host Communities Fund is a ploy to give more revenue to oil producing states.

It also kicked against discretionary powers given to any Minister of Petroleum Resources to determine royalties paid by oil firms.

The Forum, which made its position known in a memorandum to the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on PIB, also rejected plans to split the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The memo, which was signed by the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), Governor Babangida Aliyu, said: “The most controversial provision of PIB 2012 is the introduction of the Host Communities Fund, which is creating a fourth tier of government in the sharing of the revenue of the Federation.

“Whereas the constitution of Nigeria recognises only three tiers of government in directly accessing the Federal Reserve and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is meant to take care of the special needs of the host oil-producing communities.

“The PIB does not state exactly what constitutes a host community or how funds will be conveyed to the community. The provisions of the PIB 2012 relating to the Host Community Fund touches on the question of the revenue allocation and utilisation in a Federation such as Nigeria.

“The Constitution of the

•Abuja Bill ‘will give more revenue to oil states’ From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Federal Republic of Nigeria already allocated 13 per cent of the Petroleum income as derivation precisely to cater for the special needs of petroleum producing communities; the 10 per cent Host Community funds in PIB 2012 is merely an attempt to extend this through an act of the National Assembly without the required constitutional amendment.

“In other words, the issue of derivation has already been exhausted in the Constitution. What is rather needed to be done is improvement on the present derivation factors and formulas to correct disparity and open other opportunities for other part of the country.

“President Goodluck Jonathan presented a draft Executive Bill (The Petroleum Industry Bill 2012), aimed at a comprehensive reform of the Petroleum Industry to the National Assembly.

“Recognising the monumental impact that a new legislation will have on various aspects of the economy and of course, various regions of the Federation, the draft Bill has generated series of discourses and counter-discourses from virtually all parts and sectors of the country.

“It is, therefore, on this premise that the submissions below are made to promote the best interest of the critical views involved within the context of the overall national interest and propose ways of engaging all relevant parties to address the issues and concerns, including the National Assembly.”

‘Many forces are working against PHCN privatisation’

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HE Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power(PTFP), Dagogo Jack, has alleged that beneficiaries of the public sector-led Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) management are still strategising against its the privatisation.

Jack, who was fielding questions from reporters after the Presidential Power Transactions Signing ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja on Monday, added that the beneficiaries have the potential to upstage the exercise.

He said the outgoing management and staff of the PHCN were accused of foul play.

Jack said: "Some people are even saying they are doing something negative because they know they are going."

According to him, the Federal Government has been secretive about its plans for the settlement of labour severance packages because some of the opponents could incite the workers to oppose the exercise.

The chairman submitted that it is preferable for the Federal Government to be strategic in its labour relations.

His words: "There are too many forces. Let me share something with you. And I think you need to go away from here with that. There are a lot of forces that are not interested in this game. And sometimes when we talk about

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

it, they think we are being defensive. But I wish you guys will at some point make it for you to be on this side of the table to know what I am talking about.

"There are some people who benefitted from the fact that there is no reform; that there is no privatisation they benefit from it. And they have been benefiting from it for years, so they have more potentials to upstage it than the people that are just trying to come inside. " So ,when you are saying you are going to discuss labour issues on the pages of newspapers, people will go in there and sensitise labour to take another position. And you won't know how that happens and suddenly, you are very close to closing a deal and the deal gets open again and you will not know how. So, it is better to be strategic in labour relations. That is all I will say."

Jack also explained that it would be better to allow the investors to state their investment projection in terms of power generation and transmission capacity instead of government rolling out plans for them.

He said the electricity market is shifting ownership; when it is completed, the new owners can release their projections.

On the powers conferred on the Minister of Petroleum Resources by PIB, the Forum said they are “too enormous”.

It added: “PIB 2012 grants disproportionate powers and authority to the Minister of Petroleum Resources over policy, regulatory and operational issues.

“Thus, it is not justifiable to grant such vast enormous power to a single function of one tier of government given that the PIB deals with the Federation as a whole. It is noteworthy to establish that such laws should not be enacted because of the present occupant; it should rather embrace generality and universality.

“We should understand the

fact that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources remains essentially a civil service outfit that is ill-equipped to conceive and formulate the required policies for such a complex and sophisticated industry.

“In addition, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has remained a typical public bureaucracy that operates as a huge unstructured cost centre with no sensitivity to the bottomline.

“Also, it should be strongly noted that the fiscal regime of the PIB 2012 has come short of the above in that the discretionary power granted to the Minister of Petroleum Resources to single handedly determine

royalty virtually allocates to the whims and caprices of the single individual the determination of a large chunk of the nation’s revenue and the well-being of the stake holders.

“These royalties are the only stream of revenue from oil that can be predicted compared to taxes that are subject to computations relating to costs, deductions and allowances.”

The Forum, however, asked the National Assembly to intervene and stop the Federal Government from arrogating to itself the power to have the upper hand in the proposed law.

It said: “The PIB is a legislation that not only deals with the assets of the Federa-

tion as a whole, but also seriously impact on the inflow of the income into Federation Account from which all the other tiers of government draw from.

“In addition many issues and provisions in the PIB 2012 are of great concern to all states, including the Northern States of the Federation.

“It is not equitable, therefore, for only one tier of government to reserve to itself the prerogatives of determining all terms of such a singularly important law.”

“Therefore, the PIB is of paramount importance to all the tiers of government in the country and this is what introduced the establishment of a committee by the Northern Governors Forum to study and advise the forum appropriately on the proposed legislation.

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-04-13

Equities swing to negative

E

QUITIES faltered yes terday, ending a twoday recovery as bargain investors sought to take advantage of timid market response to earnings reports to strike deals at lower values.

The level of activities remained at above average with a turnover of N4 billion for 316.09 million shares traded in 5,203 deals.

The above-average turnover and tinge of bearishness underlined bargain hunting, a reference to a largely buyer-driven market situation.

The main index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), slipped by 3.76 points to close at 33,086.29 points while aggregate market capitalisation of all equities dropped marginally by N2 billion to close at N10.576 trillion.

Financial services stocks

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

also remained the toasts of investors, accounting for 231.134 million shares worth N1.971 billion in 3,058 deals.

Niger Insurance topped the activity chart with a total of 37.68 million shares worth N18.84 million. Zenith Bank trailed with a turnover of 34.24 million shares valued at N690.28 million.

Other sectors with relatively high volume were oil and gas, consumer goods, conglomerates, services and industrial goods sectors with 17.832 million shares, 16.857 million shares, 11.678 million shares, 6.313 million shares and 3.714 million shares respectively.

The pricing trend was coloured by losses recorded by some highly capitalized stocks including Nestle Nigeria Plc, Dangote Cement,

Guinness Nigeria, United Bank for Africa (UBA), FBN Holdings and Mobil Oil Nigeria.

Out of a total of 111 stocks that were traded yesterday, 27 stocks depreciated while 23 others gained various points. Sixty One stocks were unchanged.

In percentage value terms, Learn Africa led the gainers’ table with an increase of 16 kobo to close at N1.83. It was followed by AG Leventis with a gain of 13 kobo to close at N1.54. Others with substantial percentage gains were Prestige Assurance, Paint Company, C & I Leasing, Dangote Sugar, NEM Insurance, Honeywell Flour MIlls, Wema Bank and Ikeja Hotel.

On the downside, Livestock Feeds led with a drop of 29 kobo to close at N2.70.

It was followed by John Holt with a drop of 16 kobo to close at N1.49. Other top losers, in percentage terms, were Costain, Royal Exchange, Wapic, Unity Bank, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, Mansard Insurance, AIICO Insurance and IHS.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-04-13

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

Banks’ foreign assets rise to N9.3t

N

IGERIAN Deposit Banks’ foreign assets rose by 2.2 per cent to N9.3 trillion in January, Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Economic Report has indicated.

The increase was linked to the 2.6 per cent increase in the CBN’s holdings of foreign assets. However, other assets of the banking system, on a month-on-month basis, fell by 8.7 per cent to negative N8.6 trillion, compared with 5.4 and 2.1 per cent decline at the end of December and January, 2012, respectively.

According to the report, growth in the key monetary aggregate was moderate in January. On month-onmonth basis, broad money increased by 0.3 per cent, due largely to the 3.8 and 2.2 per cent growth in domestic credit and foreign asset of the banking system, respectively.

However, the report pointed out, there were mixed development in banks’ deposit and lending rates during the review period. With the exception of the average savings and one month deposit rates, all other bank deposit rates trended downward.

Stories by Collins Nweze

Also, the prime lending rate trended upward, while the maximum lending rate declined during the period under review. It said the spread between the weighted average term deposit and maximum lending rates widened by 1.25 percentage points to 16.88 per cent within the month.

In contrast, the CBN report said, the margin between the average savings deposit and maximum lending rates narrowed by 0.10 percentage point, to 22.85 per cent. The weighted average interbank call rate fell to 11.67 per cent from 11.88 per cent in the preceding month, reflecting the liquidity condition in the interbank funds market during the month, the report, said.

Provisional data indicated that the value of money market assets outstanding was N6.2 trillion, showing an increase of 0.5 per cent, compared with growth of 20.9 per cent at the end of the preceding month. The development was attributed to the increase of 3.5 per cent in the value of

FBN Capital wins award

deficit of N178 billion, compared with the estimated monthly budget deficit of N94.68 billion. The dominant agricultural activities in January 2013 included: irrigated cultivation of vegetables; harvesting of tree crops and clearing of land for 2013 cropping season.

Crude oil production, including condensates and natural gas liquids in January was estimated at 2.09 million barrels per day (mbd) or 64.79 million barrels for the month. Crude oil export was estimated at 1.64 million barrels per day (mbd) or 50.84 million barrels during the month. The average price of Nigeria’s reference crude, the Bonny Light (370 API), was estimated at $115.15 per barrel, indicating an increase of 2.4 per cent above the level in the preceding month.

The end-period headline inflation rate year on year, was 9.0 per cent, 3.0 percentage points below the level in the preceding month. Inflation rate on a twelve month moving average basis fell by 0.3 percentage point to 11.9 per cent from the level in the preceding month.

Nigerian Treasury Bills.

Federally-collected revenue was estimated at N774.75 billion, showing an increase of 1.8 per cent above the receipts in the preceding month, but fell below the provisional monthly budget estimate of N807.71.

At N599.0 billion, oil receipts was above the provisional monthly budget estimate and the level in the preceding month. This was attributed largely, to the increase in prices of crude oil in the international market.

The CBN said non-oil receipts, at N175.75 billion was 31 per cent lower than the provisional monthly budget estimate, but 0.2 per cent higher than receipts in the preceding month.

The decline relative to the provisional budget estimate reflected, largely, the fall in independent revenue of the Federal Government and corporate tax. Federal Government estimated retained revenue was N243.62 billion, while total estimated expenditure was N421.62 billion.

The fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in an estimated

Fidelity Bank gives cars to promo winners

F

IDELITY Bank Plc has redeemed its pledge to its customers that emerged winners in the bank’s on-going 25th Anniversary Cars and Cash Savings promo. The winners of the brand new Hyundai Accent car, the Savings promo Star prize, include Musuba Abdulahi, Ogbonna Tochukwu and Ahanonu Odigonma.

Others are Danladi Suleiman and Ndulue Emmanuel. The winners were selected during previous draws conducted in Lagos.

Abdulahi and Odigonma yesterday received their cars at the bank’s office

in Lagos. Speaking after receiving the car, Abdulahi said the bank has by giving out the car, kept it promises which shows that it can be trusted. He said he will continue to bank with the lender and introduce more customers to the bank.

Odigonma said he is happy the bank kept its words. He said the bank’s quality services will continue to attract him to it while he also promised to introduce more customers especially his friends, business partners and relations to the bank.

The bank has so far given out N20

ised its loyal customers since the inception of the savings promo in October last year. So, we have created 20 millionaires. We still have one more to go and that draw will be coming up in May where five more cars and another N5 million will be won,” he said.

He said the promo has been successful and has boosted the bank’s savings deposits. “Several people have taken advantage of this promo. Students, traders among others have been participating. We are using this promo as an avenue to get people to imbibe savings culture,” he said.

million in cash prizes to its customers that won different amounts from N100, 000 to N1 million.

The promo is part of the series of activities organised by the bank to celebrate its 25 years in business, encourage savings culture amongst its existing and prospective customers.

The bank’s General Manager of Lagos, Mr Emeka Obiagwu said: “Today marks the fourth presentation we are doing. The bank has given out 20 brand new Hyundai Accent cars and N20 million out of the 25 Hyundai Accent cars and N25 million it prom-

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 23-04-13

SYMBOL LEARNAFRCA AGLEVENT PRESTIGE PAINTCOM CILEASING DANGSUGAR NEM HONYFLOUR WMABANK IKEJAHOTEL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

1.67 1.41 0.57 1.60 0.53 7.38 0.71 2.71 1.36 0.68

1.83 1.54 0.62 1.73 0.57 7.80 0.75 2.85 1.42 0.71

CHANGE 0.16 0.13 0.05 0.13 0.04 0.42 0.04 0.14 0.06 0.03

LIVESTOCK JOHNHOLT COSTAIN ROYALEX WAPIC UNITYBNK CCNN MANSARD AIICO IHS

O/PRICE 2.99 1.65 1.59 0.61 1.20 0.67 9.60 2.70 0.90 1.80

C/PRICE 2.70 1.49 1.44 0.58 1.09 0.61 8.80 2.50 0.85 1.70

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 0.29 0.16 0.15 0.06 0.11 0.06 0.80 0.20 0.05 0.10

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 23-04-13

SYMBOL

F

BN Capital Limited, the invest ment banking and asset man agement subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, has clinched three international awards: the EMEA Finance Project Finance award for ‘Best Infrastructure Deal in Nigeria 2012 (Apapa SPM)”, the Achievement Award for “Best Local Currency Bond House in EMEA” and the Global Finance “Best Investment Bank in Nigeria, 2013” award.

In a statement, the firm said the awards will be received from the awarding organizations at the Charity Dinner coming up in London in June, and during the World Bank/ IMF Meetings in Washington DC in October, respectively. It said the awards highlight FBN Capital’s leading position in Project Finance and Capital Markets in Nigeria.

The “Best Local Currency Bond House in EMEA” and ‘Best Infrastructure Deal in Nigeria” awards are in recognition of the firm’s excellence in deal making, according to Chris Moore, CEO & Publisher of EMEA Finance Magazine. “FBN Capital’s ability to draw together local and foreign banks to meet clients’ funding needs is a testament to the team’s deep understanding of the market.”

In a survey conducted by Global Finance, the international financial publication based in New York, with input from industry analysts, corporate executives, banking consultants and technology experts in more than 20 countries around the world, FBN Capital emerged the winner in the Country Category. Announcing the award from its New York headquarters, Joseph Giarraputo, Global Finance President and Publisher said “Investment banks are now operating in a world where returns are expected to be lower than ever. The trust of one’s clients is now the most important quality that an investment bank can have”, he said.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 138.34 137.92 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 147.87 147.13 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.15 115 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.07 1.05 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,801.67 1,795.78 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 15.86 15.09 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 10,855.53 10,528.92 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 24, 2013

57

NEWS

Senate urges Anambra, Kogi, Enugu senators to resolve boundary dispute

T

HE Senate yesterday asked senators from Anambra, Kogi and Enugu states to resolve the dispute on the ownership of the oil-rich boundary of the three states.

The mandate followed a motion by Senator Atai Aidoko (Kogi East) on the communal clash between Echenwo/Odeke in Ibaji Local Government of Kogi State and Enugu-Otu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State.

Although the motion was not taken, Senate President David Mark asked senators from the three states to meet

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

and take the matter to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for resolution.

Aidoko insisted that the motion should be taken since he merely asked the Senate to urge the Federal Government to create a buffer zone in the affected states, until the crisis of ownership was resolved.

He added that he wanted the Senate to urge the government to deploy the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) to

protect the people.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu told the Senate that when Aidoko informed him about the motion, he advised him to liaise with senators from Anambra State to sponsor a joint motion on the outbreak of hostilities in the oil-rich area.

Ekweremadu said he was surprised that Aidoko alone brought up the motion.

Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) said President Goodluck Jonathan invited a delegation from the three states to discuss the matter.

Eze, who said he was in the delegation, informed that

Aidoko was also present at the meeting.

He said Jonathan asked the delegation to allow the NBC to look into the matter.

Mark said the senators from the three states should meet to discuss the dispute.

He added that if there was need for a motion, it should be sponsored by the senators.

The Senate President explained that there were usually boundary disputes between communities and insisted that if a motion on boundary dispute was allowed in the Senate, it would become a daily occurence.

Police in Rivers jittery over re-deployment

T

HERE is anxiety among police officers in Rivers State, following the re-deployment of policemen by the Commissioner of Police, Mbu J. Mbu. Mbu had in the past weeks embarked on reshuffling of officials, especially high ranking officers.

He assumed office about a one month ago after his predecessor, Mohammed Indabawa, was moved to Yobe State after nine months in the state.

Some residents believe his actions are not unconnected with the recent political developments in the state.

Speaking to The Nation in Port Harcourt yesterday, some officers, who pleaded for anonymity, said they were worried that the exercise would affect every rank in the command.

According to them, the postings have already affected those in the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) rank.

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

They said: “Every policeman in the state is standing on one leg now. This new commissioner is serious with this redeployment thing; you may come here tomorrow and discover that we have been transferred.

“Everybody is afraid, more so because the transfer is very sudden, nobody has any clue on where he/ she would be moved to.

“ASPs have been transferred, especially those in Operations.”

Security has been strengthened across the state, especially in the Port Harcourt metropolis.

At a briefing earlier in Port Harcourt, Mbu said in the on-going re-deployment, non-performing Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) were his target.

He said then that 18 DPOs had been transferred while more had been listed to be moved.

Dickson declares N28.8b balance

By Precious Igbonwelundu

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday declared N28.972 billion as balance of funds in the state’s coffers at the end of last month.

He said there was a gross inflow of N19.7 billion in February.

Addressing reporters on the financial position of the state in February and last month, in Yenagoa, the state capital, Dickson said the overall Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), was about N1billion, noting that the state’s revenue has increased to N300 million monthly.

For last month, he said there was a gross inflow of N24billion made up of Statutory Allocation of N2.3billion; Derivation N9.5billion; Valued Added Tax (VAT) N658 million; Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme(SURE-P) N1.068 billion and augmentations N10.3 billion, noting that there was no disbursement from the Excess Crude Account.

He said N2.38billion was deducted at source by the Federation Account Allocation

•Dickson

Committee (FAAC), giving the breakdown of the figure to include salaries, N3.8billion; political appointees, N336 million; overheads of N1.1 billion; IGR of N80 million, as well as land acquisition N250 million.

Breaking down the N19.7 billion accruals for February, Dickson said N2.4 billion was statutory allocation; N10.04 billion was derivation; Value Added Tax (VAT) accounted for N648 million; and, SUREP N1.1 billion, among others.

For expenditure, he said a total FAAC deduction of N2.38 billion, which included N1.2 billion Bond deduction; Foreign Loan obligation of N11million, Refund of overpayment to the Federal Government on the Excess Crude Account in three trances of N509.8 million, N187million and N392.8 million totaling N17.27 billion as Net Inflow.

He said: “As of now, the level of discipline in the Force is very high, I have redeployed DPOs, some DPOs that have over stayed like Omoku, and some other areas have all been swapped.

“Over 400 DPOs in Operations Department have been re-deployed; those DPOs who have stayed in a particular place for more than seven years have been moved.

“If you go to the state CID it is the same thing, those who have been there for a very long time, and those who are non-productive have all been re-deployed.

“I have given the DPOs conditions in which they can work with me. If I call you by 2am and you pick my call and I tell you there is something happening somewhere and you move

in immediately you are my DPO. “But if I call your phone by 11pm or 2am and your phone is switched off, I transfer you to the headquarters and make you DPO special duties, and keep you in a room where you will watch home videos all day.

“If I call you and you know you cannot cope with my face, you can apply to Abuja and tell the IG, this new CP is too hard for me, send me out, the IG can now post you out to wherever he feels.

“So far erring DPOs have been transferred, as we speak now, 18 of the 56 DPOs have been transferred, and more have been listed for posting, including that of Elele in Ikwerre Local Government.”

Mbu could not be reached for comments.

Court fixes May 2 for judgment in Yar’Adua’s’s wife’s suit over land From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

USTICE Peter Affen of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Jabi, has fixed May 2 for judgment in a case instituted by former First Lady, Turai Yar’ Adua against her successor, Patience Jonathan following their inability to settle.

Mrs Yar’ Adua had sued, claiming that Mrs Jonathan has trespassed on the 1.84 hectares land in Abuja earlier allocated to her pet project, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF).

Joined as co-defendants in the suit are the Minister of FCT, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Yesterday, WAYEF opposed an application by the other parties for further adjournment, following which the judge informed parties that the judgment was ready and would be delivered if parties failed to settle before May 2.

The disputed land, plot no. 1347 Cadastral Zone AOO, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT, was initially allocated to WAYEF while Mrs Yar’adua was the First Lady.

The FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed had revoked the allocation for what he described as “overriding public interest” and reallocated the same land to Mrs. Jonathan on the 2nd of November, 2011 for the building of the African First Lady Peace Mission headquarters.

Mrs. Yar’Adua complained that the land allocated to WAYEF on 19 February 2010 was being trespassed upon by Mrs. Jonathan and got a court order dated 5 March 2012 restraining the defendants from affecting WAYEF’s title and interest over the land.

WAYEF, through its lawyer, Adamu Ahmed Ibrahim and Company is asking for N1.5 billion as general damages, N100 million as exemplary damages, N100 million as aggravated damages in addition to N261 million already paid for Certificate of Occupancy as well as N454 million paid for building designs.

J

Couple arrested for selling twins From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

T

HE police in Delta State have arrested a nursing mother and her husband for allegedly selling their new born twin babies.

The Nation gathered that Mrs. Ebere Agbona was delivered of a set of twins at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, but allegedly sold them to Anwulie Okogwu, who lives in Lagos for N200, 000 each through Ebere Ofuani from Ogwashi-Uku. Police spokesman Lucky Uyabeme said all other suspects, including the babies’ father, Augustine, have been detained.

Uyabeme said the babies were recovered from the buyer and have been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Asaba for proper care.

According to him, a social welfare worker, Onyeogali Okoli, who was said to be the mastermind of the illegal trade, has also been arrested.

58

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

59

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

Mandela honoured by film installation in Times Square A FILM installation celebrating Nelson Mandela is taking over the electronic billboards in New York’s Times Square.

The short presentation was commissioned by the Tribeca Film Institute, the arts organisation cofounded by Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro.

Inspirational quotes will played across many of Times Square’s screens this month to celebrate the antiapartheid leader’s 95th birthday in July.

Mandela’s grandson

Ndaba said it would “remind us of our humanity”.

He added that his grandfather approved of The Power of Words installation. “If he doesn’t support something, he’ll let you know,” he told Reuters at the launch.

The 30-year-old worked with his cousin Kweku and filmmakers Nabil Elderkin, Andrew van der Westhuyzen and Gregory Stern to choose quotes from Mr Mandela’s speeches.

Nelson Mandela in July 2012 Mr Mandela’s recent health problems became global news The three-minute presentation will be shown every night just before midnight as part of a series of installations which have already featured Icelandic singer Bjork and British conceptual artist Tracy Emin.

Emin, who was featured in February giving a Valentine’s Day message,

said the project was “really brilliant”.

Mandela, who spent 27 years in jail for fighting white minority rule, was freed in 1990 and became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.

He stepped down after one term in 1999.

He recently suffered from health problems and spent more than a week in hospital for a recurring lung infection earlier this year.

The former president will celebrate his 95th birthday on 18 July.

SouthKorea: Bill Gates in hand shaking buzz

Gunmen abduct two bishops in northern Syria

M

ILITANTS in a rebel-held area of northern Syria have abducted two bishops travelling from the Turkish border back to the city of Aleppo.

The kidnapping was reported by Syrian state media and confirmed by a member of the official opposition leadership.

Yohanna Ibrahim is head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Aleppo and Boulos Yaziji leads the Greek Orthodox Church in the city.

They are the most senior Christian clerics caught up directly in the war.

It was not immediately clear who had kidnapped them.

Christians made up about 10% of the mainly Sunni Muslim country’s population before the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began just over two years ago.

State TV announced that an “armed terrorist group” had kidnapped the two bishops as they carried out “humanitarian work in Aleppo countryside”.

Abdulahad Steifo, a Syriac member of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, said the men had been kidnapped on the road to Aleppo from the rebel-held Bab alHawa crossing, which is close to the Turkish town of Reyhanli.

Christian residents of Aleppo, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP news agency that gunmen had killed the bishops’ driver.

B

ILL Gates, Microsoft founder and international philanthropist may not know it but the buzz in South Korea today is his otherwise innocuous hand shake with South Korea President Park Geunhye.

Gates, 57, might have not realised it Monday, but a one-hand shake in Korean culture - and also in Asia - is notably casual, done only when the other party is a good friend, of the same or younger age.

Using one hand with the other tucked in the pants pocket is considered rude here, done when one is expressing superiority to the other.

“Perhaps it was his allAmerican style but an open jacket with hand in pocket?

That was way too casual. It was very regretful,” said Chung Jin-suk, secretary general at the Korean National Assembly.

President Park’s office has not responded to the handshake and Gates is traveling.

But Internet chat rooms and social network sites are filled with views debating cultural differences and analyses of Gates’ laid-back style.

“I don’t know if that was ignorance or just plain disrespect,” Cho Park, a Korean student studying in New York, said. “It was pretty rude of him. The thing is I’m

French embassy in Libya hit by car bomb

F

•Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates shaking President Park at Seoul recently.

not sure if it is rude in Western culture.”

The controversy doesn’t end there. Gates had met with two other previous South Korean presidents: Kim Dae-jung and Lee Myung-Bak. He apparently gave the proper handshake with both hands to the late Kim in 2002 but was spotted giving an improper shake to President Lee in 2008. That also became a subject of debate.

Some South Korean media have been speculating that perhaps it was intentional, showing his political preference; respect for the opposition leader Kim but disrespect for the ruling party leaders Lee and Park, 61.

“Cultural difference or bad manners?” the Joongang Ilbo newspaper wrote.

“A disrespectful handshake or a casual friendly handshake?” DongAh Ilbo newspaper said in its photo

caption.

“It’s a head of state we’re talking about,” said Rick Yoon, a brand retailer in Seoul. “And she’s a lady. This is not just a Korean thing. It’s an international protocol.

“Maybe it was intentional.

Otherwise, he has a very strange habit.”

Gates was in South Korea on a three-day visit to promote his start-up TerraPower, which is developing nextgeneration nuclear reactors.

Jury chosen in Michael Jackson wrongful death trial

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JURY was chosen on Monday in the $40 billion civil lawsuit over the death of Michael Jackson that pits the pop star’s mother against concert promoters AEG Live.

After a month-long search for a jury, six men and six women were seated to hear what could be an emotional three-month trial that will revisit the checkered life and 2009 death of the “King of Pop” on the eve of a planned comeback.

Three alternate jurors still have to be chosen, clearing the way for opening statements to begin possibly later this week or early next week.

Jackson’s 82-year-old mother, Katherine, is suing AEG Live, the promoters of the never-realized series of

2009 London concerts, for the wrongful death of her son. The lawsuit alleges AEG Live was negligent in hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to care for the singer while he rehearsed for a series of 50 shows.

AEG Live contends that it did not hire or supervise Murray and that Jackson had prescription drug and addiction problems for years before entering into any agreement with it for the “This Is It” London concerts.

The concert promoters also argue that they could not have foreseen that Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death, posed a danger to the singer.

Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009, from a lethal dose of the surgical anesthetic propofol that

Murray was administering for sleep problems. The day before he had been in final rehearsals for the concerts due to start on July 13.

Potential witnesses in the civil trial include Jackson’s mother, his two oldest children Prince, 16, and Paris, 15, as well as Murray, singers Prince and Diana Ross, and Jackson’s ex-wives, LisaMarie Presley and Debbie Rowe.

Katherine Jackson and her son’s three children are seeking some $40 billion in damages from privately held AEG Live for loss of the singer’s earnings and other damages. The final amount will be determined by the jury should it find AEG responsible for negligence.

Murray, who is not being sued, was convicted in 2011

•The late Jackson

after a long trial that depicted the singer known for his spectacular public shows as an odd, sometimes slurring, drug-dependent shadow of his on-stage image.

Murray is serving a fouryear jail sentence. On Monday, his attorney filed an appeal seeking to overturn his conviction, arguing Jackson self-injected a fatal dose of propofol when Murray left the room, according to court documents.

RANCE’s embassy in Libya was hit by an apparent car bomb on Tuesday, injuring two French guards and bringing violence to the capital after attacks on foreign missions in the east.

It was the first assault on a diplomatic mission in Tripoli, considered safer than the rest of the North African country, since the end of the 2011 war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, leaving Libya awash with weapons and roaming armed groups.

There have been several similar attacks, notably in the eastern city of Benghazi, where the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed last September.

U.S. officials say militants with ties to al Qaeda were mostly likely involved in that attack but no-one has claimed it.

Al Qaeda’s north African arm AQIM has warned of retaliation for France’s intervention in Mali but there was no indication as to who was behind Tuesday’s explosion at the embassy in Libya.

Residents living near the embassy compound, in the capital’s Hay Andalus area, said they heard two blasts early in the morning around 0700 a.m. (0500 GMT).

“We think it was a booby trapped car,” a French embassy official told Reuters. “There was a lot of damage and there are two guards wounded.”

Mohammed Sharif, chief of Tripoli Police said “an explosive device was planted in a car parked outside the embassy”.

A large chunk of the wall around the compound collapsed and one corner of the embassy building had caved in. Office cabinets lay scattered on the ground outside and water from a burst pipe ran down the street. Residents pointed to shrapnel belonging to the car they said had exploded.

French President Francois Hollande condemned the attack.

Ghana hosts ECOWAS Parliament on power

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XPERTS from the West African sub-region are gathering in Accra, Ghana to deliberate on how to enhance the powers of the ECOWAS parliament.

The meeting which began on Monday 22nd April, 2013 is in compliance with the 2003 directive of regional leaders.

Three representatives from member states as well as experts in parliamentary practice from within and outside the region are attending the meeting which will consider a draft supplementary act produced by a consultant commissioned by the parliament to make proposals for enhancing the powers of the institution.

The five day meeting according to a statement issued by the Regional Body will review the Act and propose a mechanism for complying with the directive of regional leaders including institutional arrangements to be made for the realignment of responsibilities under the new dispensation.

The meeting is also expected to discuss the implications of the implementation of the directive on existing structures and propose how things can be realistically implemented.

The act proposes that the 13 year old parliament, which under its present instrument is vested with advisory roles in the regional integration process, should have its powers enhanced in five key areas.

It proposes that parliament shares co-decision powers with the council of Ministers in the areas of legislation and budgets while exercising oversight functions over specific organs of the community.

Initiation of laws for the community and confirmation of the appointment of statutory appointees.

Consequently, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo has already constituted an internal committee at the Commission led by Vice President Toga Mcintosh to drive the process.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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NEWS Senate probes Baga massacre Continued from page 4

“Over 2000 homes destroyed, 62 cars, 284 motorcycles and tonnes of foodstuff destroyed.

“At this stage, I do not want to immerse myself in the blame game of whether it is Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) or the Joint Task Force (JTF) or the insurgents that carried out the atrocities.

“But it appears to bear some of the hallmarks of Odi. “However, whoever did it, that level of atrocity is outrageous, unacceptable and condemnable in any civilised society, even in societies that are at war.”

The lawmaker urged the Senate to investigate the matter “as this is a recurring decimal in all such past instances”.

While praying for the souls of the deceased, he urged government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), state and local governments, as well as goodspirited individuals to come to the aide of the surviving victims, “the women, children, the aged that are today totally helpless”.

Lawan spoke of a humanitarian crisis in the area, recounting that the town was shut down for three days.

“Therefore, this aid should come on time,” he said.

The lawmaker thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for setting up the amnesty committee as, according to him, “the ultimate solution to this insurgency is a genuine dialogue that must necessarily address the immediate and remote underlying causes of the insurgency”.

“As I said, almost two years ago on the floor of this Senate, boots and bullets cannot solve the problem. Let’s put our thinking caps on and take advantage of

this amnesty initiative and face the problem headlong.”

On the takeover of 10 council areas: he said: “The truth of the matter is that when JTF intensified their operations in Maiduguri, of course, they were concentrated in Maiduguri, understandably because it is the state capital.

“It was too hot for them (insurgents). They ran out and fizzled into the countryside. In the country side, people are helpless. There is no police post standing. In Borno North, there is no police outpost or divisional offices standing. That is the truth.

“What was written is not true of everywhere, but there are certain areas that government officers don’t go for fear of their own lives.

“Ask the immigration officers or custom officers when last they visited their Banki outpost?

“Ask the police inspector when last he was sitting in his outpost where there is supposed to be an inspector and three constables?

“They are not there and when they are not there and there is somebody with a gun, he rules. I thought we are informed enough about the gravity of the situation in Borno.

“Not just Borno but the Borno State in general. So, when the papers reported that government officials have abandoned their posts, whether federal or state, apart from areas where the military are operating, I am afraid, it is largely true.

“And that is exactly why we are talking of this brute application of force.

“About one third of neighbourhoods in Maiduguri are closed already where you see grasses as tall as myself.”

Senate President David Mark

said there was no need to debate the motion. He described the Borno situation as “grave” and insisted that the deaths were “totally unacceptable”.

Mark said: “Maina Ma’Aji Lawan discussed the publications with me and it is in almost all the international media.

“Because of the security implications, the importance of it notwithstanding, I think we don’t really need to have any debate on it.

“But the number of people who are said to have been killed, irrespective of who did it is totally unacceptable. That number is just too much.

“I know that Gen. Mohammed Magoro and Saleh would say that fighting in a built-up area is a very difficult operation, but that notwithstanding, there must be standard of engagement and those rules of engagement does not include mass killing or extra judicial killing in any form.

“But I don’t want any debate on it because there is already a committee that has been set up to probe it by the executive.

“We in the legislature will set up a committee to investigate the facts - whether the reports we get are correct or not - and I urge that those who will appear before this committee must have the courage to come up because the problem is not setting up the committee, it is whether people will come and give evidence before it.

“But I urge Nigerians who know the facts to appear before this committee. I will say that the committee on Defence, Police and National Security and Intelligence, the three committees to form a joint committee to investigate and report to us within 14 days.”

Outrage over bloodbath Continued from page 4

200 dead.

Reports said the operation was jointly carried out by JTF personnel, in conjunction with troops from Niger and Chad.

Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) Brig.-Gen. Austin Edokpaye, who visited the troubled community on Sunday, alleged that insurgents used heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades in the Baga confrontation.

The MJTF was established by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger to maintain security at the border areas.

According to him, the insurgents launched an unprovoked attack on soldiers.

Gen. Edokpaye, who briefed Governor Kashim Shettima during an assessment tour of Baga on Sunday, said: “We lost an officer during the attack on our men on patrol. We received intelligence that some suspected Boko Haram members usually pray and hide arms at a particular mosque in town.

It was around that mosque that our men were attacked with several of them injured and an officer died.

“When we reinforced and returned to the scene, the terrorists came out with heavy firepower, including (rocket-propelled grenades), which usually has a conflagration effect.”

There were conflicting figures yesterday on the death toll, with some accounts saying as many as 300 people may have been killed.

A council official, Lawal Kole, told the governor during the visit that at least 185 bodies were found and buried but residents said the figure was a far-cry. They claimed yesterday that more bodies were recovered from the bush.

A resident, who spoke on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa radio said: “We are still searching and waiting for those who got missing... . Anybody who says the number of the dead is not up to 300 he is not a resident of Baga.”

However, the Defence Headquarters in Abuja said it could confirm the death of only 26 people, including the deceased soldier. The violence broke out when gunmen attacked residents of Baga, forcing security forces to move in after receiving a report, the military said.

Military authorities said the troops surrounded a mosque belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lid Da’awati Wal Jihad (Boko Harm) members, who had earlier allegedly killed an officer.

Hundreds of people have fled the town into neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Christian clerics yesterday lamented the flow of weapons into the country.

“We must ask how these weapons reach Nigeria,” said Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, the president of the Episcopal Conference, in an apparent reference to the arms used

by Boko Haram.

He said: “While the most sophisticated ones come from abroad, in Nigeria there are clandestine laboratories manufacturing homemade weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices.

Also reacting to the death toll, Father Evaristus Bassey, the National Director of Caritas Nigeria, said: “Now we even have a higher level of weaponry, much more than what they were using before.”

The cleric said he was surprised by the clash in light of ongoing amnesty talks.

Governors: Amaechi can seek second term Continued from page 4

of the two as the case may be, who shall hold office only for the rest of the tenure of the persons or person vacating the offices or office.”

Responding to a question, the source added that anti-Amaechi forces have been harping on a res-

olution taken at a meeting of the NGF, when ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel wanted to be the chairman of the Forum, to stop the governor of Rivers State.

The source said: “A resolution cannot override the provision of the Constitution. Article 17 of the NGF Constitution is very clear on

the amendment process.

“Article 17.3 says: “Any addition, alteration or amendments made to or in the constitution must first be filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission. We have not effected any amendment, nothing has been filed in CAC.”

SPORT EXTRA

CL: Brilliant Bayern demolish Barca AYERN Munich took a massive step towards the Champions League final with an incredible 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in the first leg of their last four clashes at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Thomas Muller opened the scoring with a close-range header, and put the second on a plate for Mario Gomez minutes into the second half.

Muller would controversially play a role in Arjen Robben's goal after apparently fouling Jordi Alba off the ball, before tapping in the fourth himself with eight minutes remaining to round off the biggest ever margin of victory in a

B

Champions League semi-final.

Bayern could have been ahead as early as the fourth minute.

Robben exchanged passes with Gomez, and it took the outstretched legs of Victor Valdes to deny the Dutch winger from point blank range.

Barca was winning the possession battle, but it was the Bavarian side who controlled the opening exchanges. Javi Martinez’ tumble in the box was correctly ignored by the referee, who was forced into a bigger nocall when Philipp Lahm’s shot struck Pique’s elbow.

The Barca defender headed wide at the other end from a corner, but it was an isolated scare

from the blunted Catalans, and with 25 minutes on the clock, Bayern made their superiority count.

A corner was worked to Robben, whose cross was flicked on by Dante, and Muller was first to the ball, sneaking a header past Valdes at the post.

Gomez then picked up the first yellow card of the game for barging into Messi, and he was quickly followed into the book

by Bartra and Martinez for challenges on Muller and Andres Iniesta either side of the interval.

Just like the first goal, Robben’s delivery was met by a Bayern head, with Muller guiding the ball towards the goal line, where Gomez was waiting to gleefully bundle the ball home.

The Bundesliga side was simply dominating, and the match threatened to get ugly very fast

for Barca had Muller and Franck Ribery been more accurate when presented with the chance to pick their spot from great shooting positions.

But the third goal was always on the cards, and it duly arrived with 17 minutes remaining, albeit in contentious circumstances. Muller’s off the ball block on Alba went unheeded, and with the fullback out of the way, Robben curled sublimely into the far corner.

And in the 82nd minute, it was 4-0. David Alaba’s overlapping run down the left ended with a low cross into the six-yard area, where Muller was waiting to turn into the back of the net to leave the second leg at Camp Nou as little more than a formality, and finish off an epic 24 hours for Bayern.

CAN UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP

Amuneke: no retreat, no surrender against Tunisia

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OLDEN Eaglets have described their semi final match against Tunisia as a tantalising offer to show what they are capable of achieving on the big stage on yet again, even as Assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke (MON) has tipped the team to go all the way.

The Nigerian youngsters would meet their North African counterparts at 4pm Nigerian time in the second semis of the 2013 CAN Under17 Championship at the Grande Stade Marrakech on Wednesday, with the winner guaranteed a place in the final on Saturday.

"I think the boys have now seen the big difference between

Nigerian baseball team abandoned

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•Thomas Muller bundled Bayern Munich ahead

HE fate of Nigerian baseball team playing against Ghana national team on 26th -27th April, 2013 looks very unlikely, as investigation reveals that the team camped in the Garden City has been abandoned by the Sports Ministry of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the plight of the team took a turn for the worse when the Director of Sports, DH Harry refused to inform the appropriate officials about the camping of the National team in the state.

This continued until last Sunday when the players and the officials were threatened to

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja be thrown out of the hotel.

This prompted the Director of Sports to notify and visit the camp with the commissioner of sports, where they promised to provide all the necessary logistics the team needed.

In an interview with Ray Power Radio, he promised that the state had concluded plans to give maximum support to the team, adding that flight tickets, feeding, accommodation and allowances of the team must be catered for by the ministry

As at press time, the officials of the team were holding a meeting to decamp the players since there were no funds to prosecute the Accra Friendly.

All efforts to reach the Director of Sports proved abortive as his staff said that he has deliberately avoided the team and has not come to the office for the past four days.

Meanwhile, similar fate awaits the nation’s U-12 baseball team as the National Sports Commission through the Director of Sports, Bolaji Ojo- Oba has told the federation that NSC cannot not sponsor the young lads to the July world Cup in Taiwan.

losing and winning a match,” Amuneke, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year, said in reference to the 0-1 loss to Cote d’Ivoire last week.

“Losing to Cote d’Ivoire was a blessing in disguise because it shook the confidence of the players but we are happy they have responded well.”

The Golden Eaglets secured a date with the Young Carthage Eagles after topping Group B following their 6-1 and 7-0 wins over Ghana and Congo respectively in the other matches. The Tunisians are yet to be beaten at this tournamentthey beat Botswana (3-1); Gabon (4-2) and drew (1-1) with Morocco.

“Of course, we know how the North African teams play and we have seen the Tunisians and we have told the players to be at their best because our opponents are also good,” said Amuneke who had a successful stint with North African giants, Zamalek of Egypt.

Similarly, soft-spoken Golden Eaglets’ captain, Musa Mohammed, has again affirmed the commitment of the team towards their quest to be African champions at the cadet level.

“We want to thank Nigerians for their prayers for this team and by the grace of God, we shall not disappoint them,” he said. “Though I can’t predict the result of the match but by the grace of Almighty Allah, we are going to beat Tunisia tomorrow.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013

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TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘Human capacity development is one sure way to right the perceived wrongs wrought on the North by successive Northern governments’ VOL.8 NO.2,468

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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WO Saturdays ago, the Arewa Media Forum, a forum of some Northern journalists and friends of the Northern media which I chair, held the third of its annual lectures at Arewa House, Kaduna. The topic was “The Crisis of Leadership in Nigeria as a Source of Insecurity in the Country: The Way Forward.”

As guest lecturer, we invited Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon on account of his integrity as a man of God and as a well-regarded scholar of comparative religion. This was in consideration of how religion, along with ethnicity, has since become the first refuge of the failed leadership of this country.

We invited two other scholars, Professor Kyari Mohammed, an expert on the Boko Haram scourge, and Malam Ibraheem Sulaiman, a scholar of Islamic Law, and one politician, Mrs Margaret Ichen, a former, and so far the only female, speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, to discuss the archbishop’s paper.

To chair the occasion we invited Professor Ango Abdullahi, former vice-chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Magajin Rafin Zazzau and District Head of Yakawada, and lately a very outspoken spokesman of the Northern Elders’ Forum led by the First Republic minister, Alhaji Maitama Sule, Danmasanin Kano.

The Royal Father of the Day was the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najeeb Hussaini Adamu, one of the younger and more outspoken traditional rulers in the North. The Chief Host was the Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramadan Yero.

All seven came, except two of our three discussants, Mrs Ichen who had called earlier to say she was bereaved shortly before the event, and Malam Ibraheem who sent an email to say he had to attend to an unforeseen family matter on the day of the event. The Chief Host too did not come in person but sent his chief spokesman, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, with a powerful speech.

In his paper, Archbishop Idowu-Fearon disagreed with the usual conventional wisdom that the failure of leadership in the country begun with the military overthrow of the First Republic in1966; “From Tafawa Balewa (1960 – 1966) to Olusegun Obasanjo (1999 – 2007),” he said, “the crisis of leadership remains the same.”

Quoting from Arthur Nwankwo’s 1989 book, Before I Die, apparently approvingly, he said in effect, that Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, our first and only prime minister, was reactionary; J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi, the general who took over after the 1966 coup was ignorant and clueless; General Yakubu Gowon who took over after the second military coup in July 1967 was the only leader in the world who had so much money he didn’t know what to do with it; General Murtala Mohammed who succeeded Gowon after July 1975 coup was dynamic but ruled too briefly – all of only seven months - to make a lasting impact; General Olusegun Obasanjo on whose shoulders the country’s leadership fell after his boss was assassinated in February 1976 kept faith with his predecessor’s promise to return the army to the barracks but had “a pathological hatred for intellectuals.”

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

The third annual lecture of Arewa Media Forum

•Bishop Idowu-Fearon

Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the country’s first executive president, was, like Tafawa Balewa, too enamoured of the status quo; General Muhammadu Buhari, the first military ruler after the overthrow of the Second Republic, was too draconian; General Ibrahim Babangida who overthrew Buhari in a bloodless palace coup, had the intelligence and personal charm to make a difference but lacked the integrity and discipline to keep faith with his own transition programme; General Sani Abacha who Babangida left behind as army chief to strengthen the backbone of the interim administration he installed under Chief Ernest Sonekan, not only exceeded his brief by overthrowing Sonekan. He became arguably the most kleptomaniac leader in the country. Until, that is, the return of General Olusegun Obasanjo to power in 1999, this time in mufti.

Obasanjo, according to this assessment, pretended to fight corruption but ended underselling public property, mostly to himself and his friends; General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who handed over to Obasanjo after implementing the shortest transition programme in the country –all of only eleven months – was “coolheaded and compassionate” but “emptied the foreign reserves of the country in the name of democratic transition”; Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, who Obasanjo handed over to, was “incompe-

tent” and weak; but the world, he concluded, was now “watching to see the direction of the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan” Singly, the accuracy of this assessment of our leaders since Independence is debatable. Certainly the claim that the jury is still out on the present administration is hardly tenable; on the contrary most observers, I suspect, may have since concluded that it is clueless and corrupt – at least so far. Generally speaking, however, most Nigerians would agree that the archbishop’s assessment has more than a ring of truth to it.

The big question, of course, is how to end this long run of bad and poor leadership in the country. For a man of God, his solution was hardly surprising: a return to our religious values. “My simple contribution,” he said, “is for Nigerians especially those of us from the Northern states (to) go back to our religious teachings and take seriously what our two communities, Muslim and Christian, share in common as far as leadership is concerned.”

Nigerians, he said, are a religious people. Problem is, he added, the same people are “practical atheist,” i.e. those, he said, quoting a French Catholic Philosopher, “who believe that they believe in God, but who in fact deny His existence by their deeds and the testimony of their behaviour.”

It may be difficult to change this attitude, he said, but it is not impossible and, in any case, we have no option, but to try and succeed if we want our country to become great. A country, he said, needs good people to have good government. “However good the system of government,” he said, quoting Lee Kuan Yew, the Singaporean leader who took his country from Third World to the First in one generation, “bad leaders will bring harm to their leaders. On the other hand, I have seen several societies well governed in spite of poor systems of government, because good strong leaders were in charge.”

The credibility of Mr. Lee’s recipe for progress is debatable; it may be argued, as Professor Kyari Mohammed, the only discussant that turned up did, that bad systems have a way of

HARDBALL

A

PALL of death on Monday descended over Baga town in Kukawa local government area of Borno State as the military Joint Task Force (JTF) combating terrorism in the north-eastern part of Nigeria clashed with suspected members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram. Some residents of the town claimed an estimated 185 people, mainly women and children, were killed in the clash, and a market, and scores of houses and shops were said to have been torched. One soldier was also reportedly killed. There is, so far, no explanation for why the death toll in just one clash was so high while only one soldier was killed.

The disproportionate toll may explain why many speculated it was mass killings deliberately orchestrated by the JTF. The JTF itself has not given a definitive account of the clash or of the death toll. But it claims that the figures were exaggerated. Officials of the Borno State government have also suggested that while the clash and killings were deeply troubling and the scale of destruction deplorable, it was too early to give a precise figure of the dead and wounded. The compila-

DELE AGEKAMEH

corrupting good and strong leaders. There is no doubt, however, that a bad leader can only bring harm to his people no matter how good the system.

It should also be obvious, as the archbishop implied, that a country can produce good leaders only if its people too are good. Until, as I said on these pages recently quoting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) , each and every one of us sees himself as a shepherd who must account for his flock no matter how small the flock and no matter how lowly his position in society, we will not produce good leaders.

As the archbishop said, quoting an Hadith as narrated by Bukhari, “Each of you is a guardian, and each of you will be asked about his subject.”

This, he said, has it Biblical equivalent in the words of Jesus Christ when he said in Matthew 20:28, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

The long and short of all this is that we must each re-examine ourselves as individuals to see if we do our own bit for society and do unto others what we expect them to do unto us.

Before the archbishop’s speech, the chairman, the royal father of the day and the chief host all spoke about the need for good leadership and they all agreed that we suffer from a serious deficit of same. The emir, however, entered the caveat that the public and the media are all too often unduly harsh on the leadership, a position, the chairman later begged to disagree with.

Of these three probably the harshest criticism of our leaders came, interestingly, from the chief host, himself a leader even if by default. The country’s leaders, he said, have, since the First Republic, become greedy with a penchant for “convert(ing) public wealth into private riches.”

He even spoke more harshly against leaders in the course of the short speech and concluded with the advice that the country in general, the North in particular, “must sit together and identify the myriads of problems facing our region and together find solutions to them.” He did not say how this sitting should take place, an answer which would no doubt interest the country’s advocates of National Sovereign Conference.

News of killings in Baga in Borno State of hundreds of innocent civilians, including women, children and old men, and the virtual sacking of the town in an apparent reprisal attack by soldiers for the killing of an officer by Boko Haram insurgents over the weekend, coupled with the denial of the killings by the military in spite of the fact that the figures are from the Red Cross which has hardly been known to over-state casualties of hostilities, suggests that anyone hoping that the end of our long running crisis of unaccountable leadership as a source of the insecurity and the attendant underdevelopment of our dear country is in sight, still has a long wait ahead.

However, the way to shorten that wait is clear; pray to God and at the same time organise individually and collectively to reject any politician with a track record of bad leadership who asks for our votes in 2015.

•For comments, send SMS to 08023211188

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan, Shettima and Borno mass killings tion was still ongoing, they said. But the early release of the unsubstantiated figure of 185 dead created such a panic that even the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, rushed out a press statement condemning the high death toll and advising that authorities had a responsibility to safeguard human rights even in the thick of the anti-terror war.

For once, since the counterinsurgency operations by the JTF began in the Northeast, President Goodluck Jonathan has taken the salutary step of ordering a probe of the clash to establish whether there was indeed a slaughter of such proportions and whether the military rules of engagement were adhered to. This sensible step contrasted with the defiant and insensitive statement made by the president in the same Northeast early March when he warned ominously that he was no longer willing to hear of or tolerate the killing of even one security agent. That regrettable statement was widely interpreted at the time to offer security forces an unrestricted

licence for human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings. Hopefully the probe will establish what went wrong, or whether, as a state official said, the locals exaggerated the death toll to curry sympathy and favour.

Clearly, the JTF counterinsurgency operations are not being conducted with the skilfulness and restraint such operations call for. Whether the death toll is as high as initial reports suggest or not, the alarm raised by the early accounts of the Baga clash should serve as a wake-up call for both the Jonathan presidency and the military authorities. It is time everyone in government realised that the Boko Haram crisis is a domestic problem threatening the peace, development and unity of the entire country. Consequently, the death of security agents, innocent civilians, Boko Haram fundamentalists and any other victim should be regarded as a tragedy that diminishes all of us. No death is more regrettable than the other. While efforts are being intensified to pacify the sect and restore the affected region to

normality, the JTF has a responsibility as a disciplined force to ensure scrupulous adherence of its men to the rules of engagement. It is unacceptable and undisciplined to embark on revenge missions whenever an officer is killed in combat.

The response of Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State to the Baga killings has been heartwarming. He recognises his obligations to the troops fighting the insurgency, and has made statements showing his state appreciates their sacrifice. But he also clearly gives indication of the anguish he feels seeing the scale of destruction and killings everywhere a clash has taken place in his state. He probably gets more accurate but disturbing information than he has cared to release to the public. And by announcing his readiness to rebuild the destroyed and obviously traumatised fishing town of Baga, he has admirably discharged a part of his obligations as a responsible governor. Hopefully, Mr Jonathan will learn from Alhaji Shettima’s evenhandedness and dispassion.

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