August 01, 2014 by The Nation

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Aregbesola ’ll win by 73%, says poll

•Governor leads in all indices

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VOL. 9, NO. 2925 FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

LUTH performs open heart surgery

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Nigeria begins screening for Ebola virus at airports Nasarawa CJ rejects request to disband panel

Panic in Anambra over body Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo ready to fight virus World death toll 729 S/Leone, Liberia declare emergency

From Yusuf Alli and Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ASARAWA lawmakers have lost a major battle in their push to impeach Governor Tanko Al-Makura. Chief Judge (CJ) Suleiman Dikko has rejected their request to disband the sevenman panel investigating the 16 allegations against AlMakura. The panel held its inaugural sitting in Lafia yesterday— in line with Section 188(7) (b) of the 1999 Constitution. Panel Chairman Yusuf Shehu Usman said its sittings

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor, Nwanosike Onu, Awka, Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa and Damisi Ojo, Akure

IGERIA has begun the screening of passengers entering the country through the airports. The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced yesterday that the death toll from Ebola has topped 700 worldwide. In Anambra State, there was uproar following fears that a body brought in from Liberia is believed to be of a person who died from the virus. The mortuary where the body was deposited has been sealed by the state government. Twenty-five patients and the staff of the hospital have been quarantined. Specialists from the Federal Ministry of Health are being awaited. Edo, Bayelsa and Ondo states have taken preventive measures against the virus. Workers from various agencies at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja were yesterday sensitised by Port Health officials on the dangers posed by the virus and how to prevent its spread. The awareness campaign was to complement other measures already put in place by Port Health at the international airports to prevent the presence and spread of the virus in the country. Federal Ministry of Health’s Port Service Director Sani Gwarzo urged Aviation stakeholders to be abreast of the dangers posed by the virus. Port Health officials have been deployed in Lagos and Abuja airports’ arrival halls to test passengers for symptoms of Ebola. Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said yesterday that it had started

Continued on page 4

AIG Abba is Acting IGP

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja and Jude Isiguzo

HE police have a new chief—in acting capacity. Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Suleiman Abba was yesterday named Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP). He replaces Mohammed Abubakar, who had been in the saddle from January 2012 till yesterday when he retired after 35 years in service. President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Abba, according to a statement by his spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati. Continued on page 4

Continued on page 4

INSIDE

•U.S. withdraws Peace Corps from West Africa •To stop Ebola, we must WHERE ARE end the virus called fear THE CHIBOK •Ebola vaccine trial GIRLS likely in September KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15? •AND MORE ON PAGES 2-4

•THE GOLDEN GIRL: Blessing Okagbare poses with her 200m athletics gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth PHOTO: AFP Games in Glasgow, Scotland... last night. STORY ON PAGE 63

•Abba...yesterday

•SOCIETY P14 •POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •BRAND P26 •AGRIC P38 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS

‘To stop Ebola,

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi signing the Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) creation law in Ado-Ekiti...on Wednesday. With him are (from left) Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu and Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a practising internist, joined FOX News Channel (FNC) as a contributor in 2008. In this piece on the international news medium’s website, Siegel says the fear of Ebola is a bigger problem, which should be given more attention if the disease is to be stopped

T •From left: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Duro Oni, Managing Director, Chemical & Allied Products (CAP) Plc , Mrs. Omolara Elemide, General Manager (International Business Development) AkzoNobel, United Kingdom, Mr. Wim Bramer and the Dean of Student Affairs, UNILAG, Prof Olukayode Amund during a career talk for students of the UNILAG.

•From left: Chief Technical Officer, Lagos State Safety Commission, Funto Aina, Deputy Director, Safety Skill Development, Mr. Yinka Adebiyi, Deputy Director, Technical Engineering Safety, Tunde Liadi and Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Lagos State Park and Garden Agency, Mr Abiola Rasak, at a seminar for officials of the agency in Lagos. PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL.

HE Ebola virus has been infecting and killing people in Central Africa since at least 1976, and the current "worst Ebola epidemic in history" has been going on in West Africa since March. But it is only in the past few weeks that a second deadly "virus" has emerged, as the news media has caught on to this story and has broadcast it around the world, infecting everyone with another contagious virus: fear. Don't get me wrong; Ebola is a bad bug, and well worth being concerned about. This particular Zaire strain kills up to 90 percent of its human victims. It often fools the immune system of a host into not recognizing it, and many victims end up in kidney and liver failure without even a fight. On top of this, Ebola is difficult to recognize, appearing first like any other flu with fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches. Then you can start to have vomiting and diarrhea, and caretakers and close contacts of afflicted patients can catch Ebola even as they try to help contain it. But fear and ignorance are spreading in West Africa along with Ebola, as natives mistrust the very humanitarian aid that is being brought in to help them. Physicians in the Ebola trenches are heroes, not sources of contagion, but not everyone sees them that way. Dr. Sheik Humarr Khan, whose work in Sierra Leone against several viruses -- including Ebola -- is legendary, died this week of the dreaded virus. His work should be celebrated. But with this Ebola outbreak already killing close to 700 in West

Africa, the best way to combat it is with solid science, and the biggest threat to this proven strategy is fear. Ebola isn't spread by coughing and sneezing. Isolating sick patients and their contacts has worked in stopping previous Ebola outbreaks. The same kind of infection-control precautions are used that have also worked successfully with HIV/AIDS (gloves, gowns, masks). Unfortunately, when people are afraid, they take fewer infectious precautions, and spread more virus. This is why regional quarantines haven't always worked historically. It is probably prudent for Liberia to close most of its borders and to have Ebola testing centers at the ones that remain open, as long as this doesn't spread panic. While it is also reasonable to issue travel advisories and screen patients for viral symptoms coming in and out of West Africa, and the CDC is wise to issue Level 2 travel precautions (avoid direct contact with Ebola patients), anything beyond this at this point would be counterproductive. It is very unlikely that someone will contract Ebola from casual contact on a plane. It is even more unlikely that if Ebola does appear in the U.S., that it will lead to a sustained outbreak here, because of our public health system. The challenge to provide supportive care while

U.S. committed to Chibok girls return, says envoy

T •From left: Brand Building Director, Foods, Unilever Nig .Plc, Mrs Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, Guest of Honour, Prof. Adeyemi Olusile, Category Manager, Oral Care, Mrs Oba Gyang and Brand Building Director, Home and Personal Care, Mr David Okeme, during the Smile Pledge event to unveil the New Pepsodent by Unilever in Lagos... yesterday. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

HE United States (U.S.) is not resting on its oars to ensure the safe return of the 219 Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Africa Affairs, Linda ThomasGreenfield, said yesterday. She spoke at a media parley she jointly attended with Special Assistant to President Barack Obama on African Affairs, Grant Harris, on the on-going Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in Washington DC.

By Wale Ajetunmobi

The envoy said Obama was in constant contact with governments of countries being affected by the Boko Haram activities, noting the U.S. was concerned about breach of peace in the affected countries and was also mapping out strategies to “deal with the lawless insurgents”. The theme of the conference which began last Monday is: Investing in the Next Generation. Obama met with 500 young Af-

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

a, we must end the virus called fear’

•Baby Marian in Southeast Guinea has tested negative for Ebola, her brother (left) has recovered from the fever

Ebola vaccine trial in September T

HE United States will launch an early-stage trial in September of an experimental vaccine against Ebola, the deadly viral disease that has killed 729 people in the largest outbreak in history. The National Institutes of Health has been developing an Ebola vaccine for several years that has had “encouraging results” in primates, says Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Fauci said he’s working with the Food and Drug Administration to fast track the vaccine into a phase 1 clinical trial this fall. This type of trial is the earliest study in humans and aims to make sure that drugs are safe and show some efficacy. Results from the study should be available by January, Fauci said. If the vaccine proves safe and effective, Fauci said he expects that it could be given to health workers in affected African countries sometime in 2015. “We are starting to discuss some deals with pharmaceutical companies to help scale it up, so on an emergency basis, it might be available in 2015 for health workers who are putting themselves at extreme risk,” Fauci said. Ebola, which has a fatality rate of up to 90%, has infected more than 1,300 people in West Africa, including a number of health workers, according to the World Health Organisation. There are currently no effective treatments or vaccines for

Ebola, which causes fever and headache in early stages but can lead to hemorrhaging, liver failure and kidney failure in later stages. But scientists have been working on four or five preventive vaccines that appear effective, said Thomas Geisbert, a professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. The only positive development to come from the epidemic is that it’s attracted long-needed attention from drug makers, Fauci said. “We have been working on our own Ebola vaccine, but we never could get any buy-in from the companies,” he said. For years, pharmaceutical companies have seen little potential for profit in Ebola, because outbreaks are unpredictable and typically small, Geisbert said. “It’s not like cancer or heart disease, or even a prevalent infectious disease like malaria,” he said. The Food and Drug Administration has made exceptions to its usually stringent rules for drug development when considering treatments for Ebola and other rare and lethal diseases, Geisbert said. Developing effective treatments is promising for Ebola. These include a man-made antibody treatment; a promising Canadian drug from Tekmira Pharmaceuticals shown to protect monkeys from Ebola; and a vaccine that can be used both to prevent infection and also treat it.

“One of our goals is to start combining these treatments, like we do with AIDS medications,” Geisbert said. He said there are a number of obstacles to bringing these drugs to the clinic. “It’s a very fast-moving disease, and you often don’t have a lot of time to intervene,” Geisbert said. “If someone has full-blown Ebola hemorrhagic virus, there is no drug on the planet that is going to protect them. But in the monkey model, we do have drugs where, if you have an early stage of infection and an early stage of illness, some of them are pretty successful.” Developing effective treatments is growing more important by the day, as the West African outbreak grows. In the past, public health officials were able to get control of Ebola outbreaks by quarantining the small, remote towns and villages where they occurred, he said. Quarantining large populations in more densely populated cities, where Ebola is now occurring, is far more difficult, Geisbert said. The disease is popping up in so many places at once. That makes it harder to concentrate health experts and specialists in one area. “It’s spreading the experts who know how to manage these things pretty thin,” he said. •Culled from USA Today

properly isolating patients is much greater in Liberia, Sierra Leone, or Guinea than it would be here. Living close together, being unaware of how viruses spread, and even burial rituals have helped to

spread Ebola in West Africa. This epidemic will still likely be contained and not spread to other countries. If it does spread, it will likely not be sustained, in part because Ebola is so deadly it usually

kills the host before he/she has a chance to spread it. Several vaccines and anti-viral drugs have showed promising results in animals, and human testing is under way, though no treat-

ment or vaccine will be ready for market soon. In the meantime, the best treatment for both Ebola and the spreading fear of Ebola is to offer the world information and perspective, and for those afflicted in

Africa -- careful isolation. When it comes to a health scare, the news media has never been great at providing this kind of calm, rational perspective. The time to start is now.

ricans participating in the summit to provide supports they need to foster change in their countries. Without peace, Mrs ThomasGreenfield said, Africa’s development could be a mirage, saying how to achieve sustainable peace and economic growth would be part of the focus at the YALI Summit. She said: “The problem of Boko Haram is one of the issues to be discussed by participants at the summit. We believe Boko Haram insurgency is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, it has turned regional problem, just the same way Al-Shabaab is terrorising Somalia and East Africa.” Mrs Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. was always willing to invest in Africa’s development, noting that

the objective of the YALI Summit was to promote good governance and economic development in the continent. She said the focus of the summit would also be on how African governments could combat faming and engender viable agriculture sector that will boost food security on the continent. The economic forum, which is one of the features of the YALI Summit, will be attended by 50 presidents or their representatives from Africa, the envoy said, stressing that the summit was also to support Africa’s aspiration for development and empower African leaders to solve challenges facing their countries. “The relationship with Africa is

based on shared interest and history. We believe it is a partnership that is moving in positive direction, which is to help African to stay ahead of the developmental challenges they face. African economy is growing rapidly and the U.S. would like to increase its investment to create jobs and opportunities for the youths. YALI would generate employment opportunities never seen before on African continent,” she said. The envoy dismissed the notion that Obama cut aid to Africa because of anti-gay stance of African leaders, saying: “The U.S. is not at loggerheads with African governments on the passing of anti-gay laws but America, while respecting

the sovereignty of all nations, will continue to push for the rights of the gay people.” On whether the United States was disturbed by the outbreak of Ebola virus in West Africa sub region, Mrs Thomas-Greenfield, a former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, said America had stepped up its humanitarian activities by partnering with World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international humanitarian groups to provide protective materials and treatment for victims. To achieve the aims of the summits, the envoy said U.S. would continue to press for institutionbuilding among African leaders, noting that President Obama

would continue to reject manipulation of state institution to promote individual lust for power. “President Obama has never supported and will not support any leader who manipulates institutions for personal benefit. The president believes in building strong institutions and supports democratic succession. This, we believe, is at the heart of development in Africa,” she said. The Initiative was established last April, with the network already have more than 68,000 members. Journalists, who participated in the media briefing in the U.S. Embassy in Lagos, were trained on how to effectively use the social media by Chief of New Media for U.S. Department of State, Ms Corina DuBois.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

•From left: Greg Ewbank, Senior Director Acquisitions & Divestitures, COP; Kerr Johnston, President, Other International, COP; Marianne Daryabeguin, BNP Paribas, Director Energy Group; Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC; Mick Jarvis, Manager Commercial Negotiations; Nigel Walker, Managing Counsel West Africa, COP at the signing event in Paris for Oando’s landmark acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigerian oil and gas business for US$1.5 billion.

Nigeria begins screening for Ebola virus at airports Continued from page 1

temperature screening passengers arriving from places at risk of Ebola. It has suspended pan-African airline ASky for bringing the first case to Lagos. “Screening and monitoring is being done at all major international airports. It entails checking passengers’ temperature with a hand-held machine,” NCAA spokesman Sam Adurogboye said, adding that this meant for any journey that passed through Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone. A compulsory blood test would follow if a passenger’s temperature gives cause for concern, he said. International airlines association IATA said WHO was not recommending any travel restrictions or border closures due to the outbreak, and says there would be a low risk to other passengers if an Ebola patient flew. A holding area has been provided at the tarmac for suspected cases while index cases are expected to be isolated in a designated area outside the airport for further examination and treatment. The deaths of 57 more people from Ebola in West Africa have pushed the overall fa-

Ebola toll hits 729 as Sierra Leone declares emergency

MONG the deaths this week from Ebola is that of the chief doctor treating the disease in Sierra Leone. The government said Dr Sheik Humarr Khan’s death was “an irreparable loss of this son of the soil”. The 39-year-old was a leading doctor on hemorrhagic fevers in a nation with very few medical resources. His remains were buried yesterday. Ebola cases first emerged in Guinea back in March, and later spread across the borders to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a public health emergency to curb the deadly Ebola outbreak. He said the epicentres of the outbreak in the east would be quarantined and asked the security forces to enforce the measures. As part of the new measures to contain the viral haemorrhagic fever, travellers at airports will have to wash their hands with disinfectant and have their temperatures checked, President Koroma said in a statement.

tality toll from the epidemic to 729, the WHO said yesterday. The 57 deaths were recorded between Thursday and Sunday last week in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria where Patrick Sawyer, a consultant for Liberia’s Finance Ministry in his 40s, collapsed on arrival at the Lagos airport on July 20 on an ASky flight. He was put in isolation at the First Consultants Hospital in Obalende, but died early on July

All deaths must also be reported to the authorities before burial, he said. His measures - to remain in place for between 60 and 90 days - follow tough anti-Ebola policies introduced this week in neighbouring Liberia, where schools have been closed and some communities are to be quarantined. Both President Koroma and his Liberian counterpart Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have cancelled visits to Washington for the US-Africa summit next week because of the crisis. Ethiopia is to begin screening all passengers arriving from West Africa and Kenya has stepped up surveillance at all ports of entry. In a statement, Ethiopian Airlines said ground and on-board staff would have also been sensitised on how to handle suspected cases of the virus. Also, the head of the World Health Organization and leaders of West African nations affected by the Ebola outbreak are offering a joint $100m (£59m; 75m euro) response plan.

25. The UN health agency said in a statement that 122 new cases were detected over those four days, taking the total number of confirmed and likely infected cases from the outbreak so far to 1,323. WHO said the trend in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone “remains precarious with ongoing… transmission of infection”. Guinea is suffering the worst from the disease, which

causes often fatal bleeding and has no vaccine. The country’s authorities reported 20 more deaths, apparently from Ebola in the last four days of last week, taking its national fatility figure to 339. Liberia saw 27 more deaths, for a total national death toll of 156. Sierra Leone reported nine more deaths for a total 233 dead. “This is a major public health emergency. It’s fierce, Continued on page 59

AIG Abba is Acting IGP Continued from page 1

The statement said: “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of AIG Suleiman Abba as the Acting Inspector-General of Police. “AIG Abba, currently the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, comprising Abuja, Kaduna and Niger states, replaces the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar, who proceeds on statutory retirement today having completed 35 years in service. “The incoming InspectorGeneral, a lawyer, hails from Jigawa State and is an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies. “Positions previously held

by him in the Police include Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command, Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State. “His appointment is with effect from Friday, August 1, 2014.” Abba’s appointment has laid to rest speculations that Abubakar, whose tenure extension bid was spearheaded by Vice President Namadi Sambo, would stay in the police a day longer than his retirement date. Abba was the Chairman of Police Cooperative and was ADC to Mrs. Maryam Abacha during the tenure of the late General Sani Abacha Continued on page 59

CORRECTION In the story, “Govt gave Chibok girls’ parents N22.4m”, on page 4 of yesterday’s edition, we erroneously referred to Prof. Dan Adebiyi as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties. We have since discovered that Prof. Dan Adebiyi left the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan as a Special Adviser about a year ago on health grounds. He was not involved in the collaboration between the Presidency and Chibok girls’ parents. The error is regretted.

Nasarawa panel begins sitting as CJ rejects lawmakers’ request APC: Legislators’ demand unconstitutional

Continued from page 1

would be made public for residents to have first hand knowledge of the governor’s responses to the allegations. Al-Makura has engaged a nine-man legal team to defend his integrity having complied with Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution, the Chief Judge said he could no longer interfere with the impeachment process. A source said: “There was no way the Chief Judge could stop the impeachment proceeding which had begun with the inauguration of the panel. So, he chose to allow the process to go on since the court is always there for the aggrieved. “He said disbanding the panel will lead to anarchy as those who are supporting the governor will accuse him of bias. “The CJ feels he has fulfilled his constitutional obligation; it is left to the panel to decide the prima facie of the allegations.” Al-Makura has argued that the CJ can no longer disband the panel. The governor, who spoke through his lawyer, Chief Udechukwu Nnoruka Udechukwu, (SAN), said the lawmakers’ call for the dissolution of the panel “is ridiculous.” Udechukwu, who is leading a team of lawyers, including

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the PDP members of the Nasarawa House of Assembly for demanding the dissolution of the panel set up by the Chief Judge to probe the impeachment charges against Governor Umaru Al-Makura, saying the call is unreasonable, unconstitutional and way too late. In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the demand by the lawmakers shows they either have a very poor understanding of the Constitution or they are blinded by their desperation to impeach the governor. ‘’Either way, they have boxed themselves into a tight corner. Holding an illegal sitting in Abuja with a fake mace is as ridiculous as the demand by the lawmakers for the dissolution of the panel set up by the Chief Judge. ‘’Section 188 (5) of the Constitution is clear: ‘Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the state From Yusuf Alli and Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Olufunke Aboyade (SAN) for the governor, spoke yesterday on the telephone from Lafia, Nasarawa State. He contended that under the constitution, the lawmakers could not ask for the disbandment of the panel, stressing that even the CJ, who constituted it, could no longer disband it, unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders him to do so.

shall, at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, appoint a panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provided in this section’. ‘’It is important to point out to the desperate lawmakers that the key words in that section is that the Chief Judge must appoint persons WHO IN HIS OPINION (emphasis ours) are of unquestionable integrity. At this juncture, it is neither the opinion of the Speaker nor that of the legislators that counts, it is the opinion of the Chief Judge. ‘’Therefore, neither the Speaker, the lawmakers nor the Chief Judge can dissolve the panel at this stage, and none of them can stop the impeachment process. Once the Chief Judge has appointed the panel under section 188 (5), he becomes ‘functus officio’, that is he has no further powers on the matter. This is the situation of things at present and the lawmakers can

The senior advocate noted that impeachment is strictly governed by the Constitution, and the steps are contained in Section 188 (1) to (11) of the Constitution. In his view, the 20 lawmakers, who are behind the impeachment are acting in bad faith, motivated by base political considerations. “The Legislature can ill afford to propagate impunity and desperation,” he added.

only await the report of the panel,’’ it said. The APC said, however, that it was not surprised by the unwarranted and illegal call for the dissolution of the panel by the PDP members of the Nasarawa legislature, because that call falls within the realm of the runaway impunity for which the PDP and the Jonathan Administration have become infamous. ‘’The Jonathan Administration, for one, is always scoring a first in the area of impunity. This is the first time in the history of our democracy that a House of Assembly is seeking to dissolve the panel of seven judges it requested to be set up. This is unacceptable and it will not fly. ‘’What the House is suffering from now is called boomerang. Against sound advice, it went ahead to initiate the impeachment process. Well, it must now follow it to its logical conclusion. The Chief Judge cannot be made to dissolve the seven-man panel because he simply lacks the power to so do,’’ the party said.

The members of the panel, inaugurated last Friday, are: Yusuf Shehu Usman (chairman), Mohammed Sabo Keana, Reverend Joel Galadima, Alhaji Abdu Usman, Samuel Chaku, Mohammed Sani Usman and Pastor Daniel Chaga. The state government yesterday asked the lawmakers to go to court if they are aggrieved over the composition of the seven-man panel.

It said the Assembly could not approbate and reprobate at the same time on a constitutional issue. The government made its position known in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Abdulhamid Kwarra. The statement said: “Section 188 (subsection 5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended states that the Chief Judge of the

•Mohammed

state shall at the request of the Speaker of the House of Assembly appoints a panel of seven persons who in his own opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party.” “Nasarawa State government is of the position that the Assembly cannot probate and reprobate on a matter that is before His Lordship, the Chief Judge of the state. Continued on page 59

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NEWS Ekweremadu defends doctoral thesis on fiscal federalism From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu defended his doctoral thesis yesterday at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA). The thesis, titled: A Critical Appraisal of the Legal Framework, Theory and Practice of Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria, was submitted to the university’s Faculty of Law for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Law. The 265-page research work, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu in Abuja, explained the legal framework for the revenue allocation in Nigeria and the various formulae for distribution of revenue among the various tiers of government. It also explored the theory and practice as well as the adequacy or otherwise of federalism in Nigeria and how it has affected revenue allocation and resource control. Ekweremadu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the second time, said: “As long as states continue to depend on the Federal Government for their economic development and survival, the wrangling and controversy surrounding revenue allocation will remain persistent and recurrent in Nigeria’s fiscal federalism.” The senator recommended a “radical review of the functions of each level of government in the constitution”, taking “cognisance of the capabilities of each level of government to perform services assigned to it most effectively and efficiently”, among others. He also advised that the “local government should be given some degree of financial autonomy through the restructuring of the taxation powers”. The statement added: “Meanwhile, Deputy Senate President holds a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). “He also taught Constitutional Law and Labour Law at the same university before joining politics in 1997. “Ekweremadu has shown interest in federal system of government over the years, delivering over 19 public lectures and workshop papers on the subject in particular as well as the themes of democracy, governance, constitution-making, security, and economy within and outside the country. “He had, at one of such presentations, described fiscal relations within the context of the nation’s federalism as ‘feeding bottle federalism’.”

•Ekweremadu

Adamawa: Ribadu may bow to pressure to join PDP

ORMER Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, may join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the governorship election in Adamawa State, it has been learnt. The decision followed intense pressure major stakeholders put on him to accept the party’s ticket. Also, some extended family members, relations and associates have been asking Ribadu to use PDP as a platform to realise his governorship ambition. Adamawa State youths, under the aegis of Concerned Youth for Good Governance, mounted pressure on Ribadu yesterday to defect to PDP for the governorship election. A source said relations, associates and friends have been mounting pressure on Ribadu in the last two weeks to join the PDP for the governorship race. It was gathered that some

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

of those solicited by the PDP leadership to convince Ribadu had earned the confidence of the former EFCC chief over the years. Some of the stakeholders were said to be so desperate that they invoked God’s name to pressurise Ribadu. The source said: “From the look of things, Mallam Ribadu may bow to pressure to join the PDP. His inevitable choice is informed by a bigger picture of saving Adamawa State from underdevelopment. “The PDP may appear a bitter pill to swallow but the exit of ex-Governor Murtala Nyako has weakened the All Progressives Congress (APC), with most members defecting to PDP. “If Nyako had been around, the APC governorship ticket would have been automatic for Ribadu. But the situation in APC in Adamawa State now is that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is now firmly in

control of the party’s structure in the state. Given their antecedents, there is no way Atiku will allow Ribadu to be APC’s governorship candidate. “Even if Atiku is forced to concede the APC ticket to Ribadu, he will win, but PDP will control the House of Assembly. We will then have a replica of the situation in Nasarawa State where Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura is at the mercy of the lawmakers. “All these calculations make Ribadu’s defection to PDP a fait accompli. He is just waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue guidelines.” Also, youths in Adamawa State, under the aegis of Concerned Youth for Good Governance, yesterday mounted pressure on Ribadu to defect to the PDP for the governorship election. The youths spoke at a rally and a media briefing at Lelewa Hotel in Yola, the state capital. The briefing

was addressed by their chairman, Mallam Isa Toungo. The youth leader urged the stakeholders to save Adamawa State from bad governance by giving Ribadu a chance to lead the state on the platform of the PDP. He said: “We call on all well-meaning citizens of Adamawa State to support our crusade of saving the state from collapse. “In a nutshell, the content of this initiative is to strengthen our corporate existence as a people of the state with historical background living together for over 200 years. “As of now, part of the strategies to bring sanity into the state is closely related to bringing in a welldeserved person as its chief executive to steer the state out of the present mess. “That personality should be a man of excellent moral background, proper orientation, integrity, unimpeachable character and with a good track record of

service. These should be the qualities that would determine the future leadership of our state. “It is in the light of the afore mentioned reasons and considering our present political and economic circumstance in the state that we call on Mallam Ribadu to come out and salvage our situation by agreeing to join the PDP and contest the governorship election. “As we call stakeholders of the ruling PDP in the state, we assure him of our support and urge him to see all political parties in Nigeria as the same. So, a call to join the largest political party in Africa to bring the desired positive change to the people of Adamawa State has become necessary. “This is more so because in the Nigerian political system, parties are only used as platforms for electoral purposes, not for ideological difference.” Toungo also explained why Adamawa youths chose Ribadu for the PDP.

Oil theft: Navy arrests 11 Indians, three Ghanaians, two Nigerians From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

•From Left: Chief Executive Officer, Swiftthink Limited, Ayoola Jolayemi; Emmy award winning CNN Correspondent, Gina London; Founder, Richmond Johnson Academy, Richie Dayo Johnson and Head, Trainer, Amplio Consulting, Ayo Owodunni, during the FIND YOUR EDGE Students’ Communication Summit at the MUSON Centre, Lagos...yesterday.

Soyinka declined many requests to host his th 80 birthday, says Amaechi R IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said many people applied to host the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on his 80th birthday but he refused. The governor hailed the literary icon for accepting to be hosted by the state government. He described Soyinka as a global achiever, who has been consistent in the literary world. Amaechi said the Nobel laureate has also brought honour to Nigeria, despite the nation’s political travails. The governor added that Soyinka’s achievements in and contributions to literature are globally acknowledged. Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), spoke on Wednesday night in Port Harcourt, the state capital, at a dinner in honour of Soyinka on his 80th birthday. The dinner was attended by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, friends and associ-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

ates of the Nobel laureate, as well as many eminent persons. Amaechi said: “I was quite elated when you accepted to allow us to host you to an 80th birthday dinner. I know how many persons applied to host you. I know how many people you also refused. “I need to thank you for accepting the invitation by the Rivers State Government to host you to a dinner. The reason for this is basically the achievements that you have made globally, not just in Nigeria. “You have, in the midst of our so many bad news, brought a good name to Nigeria. I will give you an example, like those days when Nigerians were very good in football. Wherever we went, we would say: ‘I’m from Nigeria. I’m related to Okocha or to Kanu’. That’s because the

only good news then was just the football we played. But as things are, the football has joined so many negative things too, because we are not doing too well as we used to do. But you have remained consistent in the literary world. “The good thing about your achievement is that it has to do with hard work. If you do not read, you won’t be a good writer. Nobody can tell you that once you wake up, you become a good writer. Reading begets writing and you must understand what you are writing about.” Fayemi hailed Soyinka for standing out among distinguished writers in the world. The governor described him as one of the world’s literary amazons. He recalled that the Nobel laureate fought hard for the liberation of Nigeria from the Sani Abacha junta. Soyinka was once incarcerated for his activism against a “hostile” government.

Fayemi said Soyinka’s sense of justice, fair play, dignity for the human person and faith in good governance are among the attributes that distinguish him, besides his writing prowess, across the world. The governor noted that those attributes endeared the Nobel laureate to Nigerians, who would always recall his active role in setting up Radio Kudirat to fight the Abacha junta. He said Nigeria needs the experience and wealth of knowledge of the literary giant to get out of its troubled waters. Fayemi also hailed Amaechi for organising the birthday dinner for Soyinka. The Nobel laureate thanked Amaechi for the honour. He told the distinguished guests that his health was energised by a good eating habit, including eating pepper and grape.

HE Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy is investigating the alleged involvement of 11 Indians, three Ghanaians and two Nigerians in oil theft. The 15 suspects were reportedly caught by operatives of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, Egwema, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The two Nigerians were said to be the local collaborators of the foreigners. It was learnt that the suspects were arrested when they attempted to lift crude oil from an offshore loading terminal in Brass. The vessels the suspects planned to convey the crude with was said to have come from Ghana. The Commanding Officer (FOB), Formoso, Capt. Noel Madugu, confirmed the arrests. He said the suspects had no permit to enter Nigerian waters and lift oil when they were arrested. The naval officer said the suspects were allegedly preparing to siphon the product when they were arrested. Madugu said: “Our operatives arrested 11 Indians, three Ghanaians and two Nigerians as they were waiting for vessels from the creeks. “During the time of arrest, the suspects could not provide permits authorising them to load from Agbara platform of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s terminal in Brass. Their vessels came from Ghana.” The commander said the suspects would be handed over to the relevant prosecuting agency after preliminary investigation. He said oil thieves had no hiding place in the waterways, adding that those involved in illicit activities should desist.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS Associated Aviation crash survivor seeks help 10 months after

• Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (third left) cutting the tape to inaugurate 33 new patrol vans for the state security outfit, Operation Burst, at the Governor’s Office Car Park, Ibadan...yesterday. With him are Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo (second left); Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Ismail Olalekan Alli (second right); Police Commissioner Mohammed Ndabawa (fourth right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa (right) and others.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

EN months after an Embrear 130 aircraft belonging to Associated Aviation crashed near the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, one of the surviving cabin attendants, Ms Oluwatoyin Yemisi Samson, yesterday accused the airline’s management of neglect. The former cabin attendant said she had been suffering since the October 3, 2013 crash. She accused the airline of insensitivity to her plight, adding that the airline had failed to pay her compensation, as spelt out in the Montreal Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The former airline worker narrated her experience at the second memorial lecture of the former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the late Engineer Zakari Haruna. Samson said she brought up her matter to the public because she was disenchanted by the inhuman treatment meted out to her by the airline. She urged the NCAA to call the airline to order adding that the injury she suffered in the crash would not enable her to secure another cabin attendant job again. According to her, the trauma she is grappling with is affecting her medical certification to secure a job in any airline. Samson said: “Because of the way the management of Associated Aviation neglected me after the crash, I can no longer fly. I am not medically fit. The psychological trauma I am suffering is now as a result of the crash. All these did not happen to me before the crash. I buy drugs and feed from hand to mouth, getting food from family members. I have become a shadow of my old self. “I was advised to go to court because I do not have anyone to fight for me. But I know God, who saved me from the crash will fight for me. “The airline neglected me. I am, therefore calling on the NCAA to intervene in this matter so that the airline can wake up to its responsibility to provide physiotherapy rehabilitation and appropriately compensate me...”

Council of State seeks December end to terror HE National Council of State (NCS) brainstormed yesterday on how to end terror attacks in the country before December. Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu addressed reporters at the end of the meeting at the Aso Villa. He was accompanied by Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Sullivan Chime (Enugu) and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) The meeting, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, was attended by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar and Chief Enerst Shonekan, all former leaders. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari were not at the emergency meeting. Senate President David Mark was also absent. Also in attendance were: former Chief Justices Muhammed Uwais and Alfa Belgore. Other governors at the meeting included Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Sullivan Chime (Enugu). Also present were: Seriake Dickso (Bayelsa), Abdufatah Ahmed (Kwara), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Willy Obiano (Anambra) and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abubakar Yari (Zamfara), Ibrahim Shettima (Borno) and Adamawa State Acting Governor Umaru Fintri.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Aliyu said the council resolved that all hands must be on deck to end insurgency by December. According to him, efforts will be made to ensure that the predictions that Nigeria will cease to exist as a united body by 2015 will remain a wishful thinking. The governor said the council noted that leaders, particularly politicians, were the only threats to the country and its democracy. A committee to address the issue of indigenes was set up. Aliyu said: “...You may recall that in some states, they even give contract appointment to some people who are not from their states. “In some states, there are some discriminatory school fees. If you’re not a so-called indigene, you pay higher than the indigenes. In fact, the very concept of indigeneship came to the fore. “Those are some of the issues that the committee will look into. But more fundamental is the issue of the buck stopping with the leadership. In fact, it came to the fore that if there is any threat to either the state or democracy, probably the threat is coming from politicians and from leaders of the country. We must understand the boundaries of leadership and the responsibilities that are involved. Leadership is not about beauty contest. In leadership, you must take difficult decisions and really go about implementing them.

NYSC redeploys corps members from Borno, six other states HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has redeployed corps members from seven northern states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano and Yobe states. The action, it was learnt, was to save the lives of the corps members from the Boko Haram insurgents. A statement yesterday in Abuja by the NYSC management said the corps members are in the 2014 Batch ‘B’ orientation course, which will begin on August 5. The NYSC said because of logistic reasons, the orientation course would be conducted in two streams for various states. The Stream One, it said,

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

would be conducted from August 5 to August 26 in Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Oyo, Niger, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Bayelsa and Cross River states. Others are: Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Imo, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina, Nasarawa, Ogun, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara states. Corps members posted to states listed in the Stream One category will undergo the orientation course in their states of deployment. The statement said the

Stream Two, which is meant for the affected Northern states, has been scheduled to take place from Monday, September 1 to Monday, September 22. Corps members posted to Adamawa will have their orientation programme in Niger; those posted to Bauchi are to resume in Plateau State’s orientation camp and those posted to Borno are to go to Nasarawa State’s orientation camp. Other affected states are: Gombe, whose corps members are to serve in Benue; Jigawa corps members are to have their orientation programme in Kaduna and corps members posted to Yobe State are to resume at the FCT orientation camp.

“So, all the things came to the fore at the meeting. Subsequently, each of us made it a deliberate resolution to all bi-partisan or non-partisan to support the President to make sure that we get rid of insurgency, suggesting that it be done before December.” Akpabio said the council resolved that all the moves in some states to register non-indigenes or their deportation should be stopped immediately. The governor said the committee would identify discriminatory practices in some states in order to end to them. He said: “Whether we need to go to the National Assembly or not, then we will go to National Assembly. Maybe we need to do so through policies at federal, state or local government levels, just to make sure that the country is totally united and all those discriminatory practices are brought to an end so that Nigerians can truly feel free and safe to work in any part of the country without hindrance.” According to him, the committee comprises six governors, one from each of the the geo-political zones of the country. Akpabio said: “We have the governors of Niger, Sokoto, Enugu, Gombe, Akwa Ibom and Ondo states. The governors were selected from each zone of the country to sit together, invite people to make contributions and then look at all practices in this country that we may term dis-

criminatory. “One of such was the idea of some people in some states complaining that they are unable to get certificate of occupancy to build mosques or churches. “Another thing that looked very mundane, that because of the religion you belong, on your death, you are expected to be taken somewhere else to be buried because they don’t have cemetery provided for people of certain religions. Such things do not augur well for the country.” Dasuki said: “Last week, there was a security council meeting and you were told, after that meeting, of our concern. This was what led to the Council of State being summoned. In particular, we were very troubled. This idea of registering people and the counter thing. There was a group that came out in the North and said that all Southerners should leave. “And then, there were comments that followed that. Then, there was a statement issued by MASSOB that all Southerners should also leave the North. “The danger, as we saw it, will only lead to when one misguided person will feel that all these things are too much for him, and he goes home. That is the beginning of the divisions of this country. “Those of us who were around will remember very well that that was how the civil war started. We saw the danger. We said there is need for everybody to be sensitised on this.”

He added: “It looks very innocent now to say: ‘I have security concerns. I can register anybody who is not from here.’ But you don’t think that you have some people on the other side. What will you feel if they have the same concerns and decide to register everybody who is not from there? That is not the way the framers of the constitution envisaged that the constitution should be operated. “That is why this meeting was held. I’m very happy that there was a lot of commitment. The governors, who are the main operators, who are the leaders at that level, are committed that this issue is resolved. There is a lot of commitment and support across party lines by those who attended.” The NSA said the council discussed the attacks on General Muhammadu Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. According to him, the government was not responsible for the attacks. Dasuki said: “We said something about the attacks on Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi . There was a threat as far back as February, issued by Shekau (Boko Haram leader) calling them infidels by name and position. They said those eminent Nigerians were in trouble and they were going to see. “Well, the government was not responsible. If you say that the government was responsible in the case of General Buhari, why don’t you say the same in the case of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi?”

Court workers insist on written undertaking from govt

TRIKING court workers, under the aegis of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), said yesterday they will only end their three-week strike when Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) Jonah Otunla and others write an undertaking in compliance with the judgment that voided the routing of judicial funds through the Executive. JUSUN’s President Marwan Adamu told our correspondent in Abuja yesterday that the series of meetings the union held with government’s representatives since the strike started had only resulted in verbal promises from the government. The union leader said JUSUN members would not accept any other thing except a written promise by representatives of federal and state governments. He said the union would abide by the January 13 judgment delivered by Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Adamu said the AGF could be blamed for the lingering strike because of his refusal to comply with the judgment, which had been served on him. Justice Ademola, in the judgment, held, among others, that it was unconstitutional for the Executive to withhold or release in piecemeal the funds standing to the credit of the Judiciary in the Federation Account and Consolidated Revenue Fund. Adamu said: “Our demand is simple. JUSUN will suspend the strike, if we get a cogent, concrete and presentable commitment from the government. “We are not saying they should pay the money instantly. If, for example, the representatives of the Federal and state governments agree that there is a court judgment and that they have not complied with it but that they need one week, two weeks, or even one month to comply, that is a commitment. “

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS 67 per cent half-year Osun’s debt stands at N39b, says Ogun records budget performance commissioner O T

SUN State Commissioner for Finance, Budget Development and Economic Planning Dr. Wale Bolorunduro has said the state’s debt stands at N39 billion. Bolorunduro, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, said the Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration had paid N1.2 billion from the N4 billion pension arrears inherited from the past administration. He said the state debt was not as alarming as it was being claimed by the opposition parties. His words: “The total debt of the state is N39 billion, in-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

cluding the bond which has defrayed for two years now and the money owed contractors handling various ongoing projects in the state. The recent payment of salary, pension and gratuity to people was not a panic measure and not because of the coming election, but mainly on prudent management of the state’s lean resources. ‘’The opposition, mainly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has nothing to say than to lie about the finance of the

state. The party is known for causing confusion, so the motive of its crying. The Debt Management Office is a Federal Government agency and it has come out openly to clear Osun State of having debt beyond its capacity. “The total debt of the state was not beyond redemption and the state is buoyant to carry out its day-to-day duties to all citizens. The philosophy of the present administration is based on the welfare and good living standard of the people and unlike in the past where the treasury of the state were

looted and did not follow due process for seven years under the PDP. “Despite challenges posed by the dwindling revenue to the state from the Federal Government, the state government has paid a total sum of N23.5 billion to pensioners as pension and gratuity to retired workers. “The administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has paid to the state’s pensioners the sum of N24.3billion as pension and gratuity, while the local government staff, including teaching staff of primary schools and non-teaching staff of the local governments had received N13.6 billion.”

Ajimobi summons peace parley on Oyo NURTW crisis From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

•Ajimobi

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has summoned a peace meeting for today over a new crisis in the state National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chapter. A serving NURTW Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abideen Olajide and Auditor, Alhaji

Kasali Lawal, had alleged threat to their lives following the crisis. Ajimobi, who got wind of the sistuation as well as the agitation by union leaders for the removal of their chairman, Taofeek Oyerinde (a.k.a. Fele), asked for the parley. There was tension in Ibadan yesterday as some union members were spreading rumour of Fele’s removal through impeachment. But investigation at the chapter’s Olomi state secretariat in-

dicated that “Fele was still calling the shots.” A letter from Adebayo Adegbite & Co Legal practitioners, dated July 30th, 2014 and signed by S.I. Koshoedo Esq and copied to the governor, the state Commissioner of Police, Director of Department of State Security (DSS) and National President of the union, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, alleged that there were threats to the lives of the two union leaders. The letter, copies of which wwere made available to reporters yesterday, was titled:

“Threat to lives of the two NURTW chieftains”. Olajide and Lawal confirmed the threats to reporters. They hinted yesterday that they were on their way to see the Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Ndabawa, to brief him on the need to investigate their claims. Reacting, Fele said he was not after the lives of the duo, adding: “They are the ones with insatiable greed, especially my deputy who wants to unseat me at all cost. I am a peaceloving chairman and my reign has been very peaceful. Check the records. The governor will meet us tomorrow after Jumat service.”

11,971 graduates for LASU convocation

HE Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo will graduate 11,791 students on August 6 at its auditorium. The 19th Convocation will graduate 3,472 Full-Time students, 5,685 from External System and 12 from Diploma programme. The event will also feature the commissioning of the School of Transport building by Governor Babatunde Fas-

By Mojisola Clement

hola on August 7. The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa said other projects like the University Senate Building, the Central Library and others will be duly completed, adding that there would be no abandoned project during his tenure. He said no Honorary Degrees will be awarded at the event due to the decision

made by the Visitor, Fashola, with the agreement of the Governing Council in 2012. “The reason is because we do not want to join the bandwagon of universities that award such. Ours is a prestigious university and the first state university in Nigeria,” Obafunwa said. He assured that the management is working towards turning challenges facing the institution to opportunities to glo-

Oyo inaugurates 33 patrol vans

YO State has assured that all necessary precautionary measures has been put in place to ensure that the peace currently being enjoyed in the state is not truncated. Governor Abiola Ajimobi gave the assurance while speaking at the presentation of 33 patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state. The patrol vehicles were distributed among the state se-

curity outfit, Operation Burst, the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Prison Service. Ajimobi said no stone would be left unturned to ensure peaceful and violent-free elections next year. “You know that when elections draw near like this, some people may tend to be violent. But in Oyo State, we have been

able to keep peace and tranquility, and I want to assure the people of the state that this trend will continue. “We have bought these vehicles to augment the several vehicles we had earlier procured. We have also purchased other auxiliary items in order to maintain peace in Oyo State. We are fully prepared and the people of the state are also prepared,’’ he said.

Oyegun, governors for Aregbesola’s award nite

ATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is to lead other prominent members of the party to Osogbo, the Osun State capital to witness the investiture of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Chronicle’s Man of the Year 2013.

The event will hold at the prestigious Wocdif Event Centre on August 4. According to the Publisher/ Editor in-Chief of the newspaper, Timothy Okojie-Ave, 15 APC governors are expected at the event. The event will be chaired by front line industrialist, Samson Makinwa. Other recipients are Senator

Gbenga Kaka as the Best Senator for 2013; and Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos State, Dr. Gloria Elemo as Best Director-General for 2013. President, Kesington Adebunkola Foundation (KAF), Sir Kesington Adebutu will receive Life time achievement award.

CAN, CWI to honour Archbishop Atilade

HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southwest Regional Chapter, the Christian Welfare initiative (CWI), in collaboration with the Atilade family will tomorrow hold an interfaith symposium in honour of Archbishop Magnus Adeyemi Atilade in

Lagos. The theme of the symposium is: Towards A New Nigeria - A Paradigm Shift, while a Biography, “Breakthrough News”, will be presented at the ceremony to be attended by a cream of eminent personalities, captains of industries and reli-

gious leaders across the world. A statement by the Programme Organising Committee Secretary, Professor Gbolahan Alao, said the event, organised as part of Archbishop Atilade’s 70th Birthday, will hold at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.

bally celebrate its achievements. Obafunwa also praised the contributions of the state government as well as its interest and positive disposition to the institution’s sustainable growth. He added that the school would soon be joining the league of universities that own and operate Radio stations. He attributed its emergence to Chief Kesington Adebukunola.

HE Ogun State Government has recorded a 67.17 per cent halfyear budget performance for 2014 as against 61.26 per cent recorded last year. Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, disclosed this while briefing reporters. She attributed the improved performance to the concerted effort geared towards ensuring successful implementation of the allocations to every sector and the commitment of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun administration to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Muoyo, who noted that the performance has direct impact on the daily lives of the people, as evident in various developmental projects and improved security, appreciated the people for their continuous support to the administration. She assured that in a bid to strengthen the Internally Generated Revenue of the state which has hit N5 billion, the

government would not overtax the people, as this could be counter-productive. She said it will strengthen its enforcement strategies and go after only legitimate taxes and levies. The commissioner reiterated government’s “readiness to complete all on-going projects and fulfill all its obligations to the people, not leaving out payment of salaries and pensions as when due, regular promotion of officers as well as training and retraining of the workforce.” “We appreciate the fact that the improved performance would not have been possible without the cooperation of the good people of the state who have continued to extend their goodwill to this administration and also support all its programmes aimed at rapid socio-economic development of the state. The government has therefore continued to strive hard to meet the expectation of the masses in terms of dividends of democracy,” she added.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS OSUN 2014

Aregbesola ‘ll win by 73%, says opinion poll

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola will win the August 9 governorship election by 73 per cent, if there is a free and fair election, TSN-RSM, a survey group, has predicted. The research firm, which is a member of Gallup International, also reported that Aregbesola’s main challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore, is behind by 54 points. However, the survey, which was conducted in Osun State between June and last month, also said that public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dropped by 10 points. The survey stated: “The APC continues to dominate the political landscape in Osun State, judging by its performance on key indicators evaluated. It scored highest and increased in rating on first mention, sympathy and voting intention.” It added: “The governor,

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Rauf Aregbesola, is the candidate of choice by Osun voters with 73 per cent lead over other candidates. This is a clear indication that the choice of Osun voters in the next governorship race is Governor Rauf Aregbesola.” Omisore polled 19 per cent, representing a two percent decline from the earlier survey. “The governor remains the main voting choice. Voting choice for Senator Omisore declined by two per cent and seemed not to pose a threat to the incumbent’s chances of re-election as he remains firmly ahead of the race.” “Not only is the APC the most preferred party in Osun State, it has largely retained this goodwill from way back in the past. It was the party that most people claimed to have voted for in the last election and it is still the party with the highest chances of winning the election again. More importantly, the gap by which it outperforms the opposition, continues to widen

and more convincing in the survey.” In the report, the APC is rated very high as its top-ofmind and awareness increased from 75 per cent to 78 per cent over the two polls, followed by the PDP with 18 per cent, a drop of three per cent from 21 per cent in the first study. The Labour Party (LP) came third, with a negligible one per cent. Furthermore, the “electorate choice” for the APC is now 70 per cent, boosted by one per cent increment. Nineteen percent indicated that they would vote for the PDP, which represented another three per cent drop. The electorate’s choice for the LP remained one percent. The report stressed: “While Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is more known than his party, Senator Iyiola Omisore is less known than his party. The top-of-mind awareness of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola increased to 85 per cent (from 79 per cent), affinity increased from 72 per cent to 74 per cent and chanc-

es of being re-elected increased from 71 per cent to 73 per cent.” “Conversely, it is a tale of decline for the man in the second place, Senator Omisore. For the top-of-mind awareness, the PDP candidate dropped to 13 per cent from 19 per cent, affinity fell to 19 per cent from 21per cent and chances of being elected declined to 19 per cent from 21 per cent.” The analysis showed that while the affinity of the Osun electorate towards the APC increased by four per cent, the PDP failed to maintain its connection to the people. The positive perception of the APC by Osun voters stood at 83 per cent while on 17 per cent viewed the APC as unfavourable. According to the polls, 98 per cent of respondents said they would participate in the August 9 election. This suggests that the people are prepared for any eventuality in election. The survey also showed the strength of the candidates

and their parties in the local government areas across the state. “The repeat of the APC high chance to win in all the local government areas (LGAs) seem to play out again in the next election. The APC is poised to repeat this feat, except in Ife Central and Ife East. The PDP seemed well-positioned to win these two LGAs. The LP’s weakness is imminent across all the LGAs. “The incumbent’s chances of being reelected remain same across the LGAs, except in Ife Central and Ife East. The incumbent’s chances of reelection remain high and leads his closest rival by a good margin of 54 per cent an increment of four per cent over the last survey.” But the voters’ confidence in the INEC dropped to from 57 per cent to 67 per cent. Statistically, the research firm stated that that “the margin of error for the survey is “plus or minus five per cent, with 95 per cent level of confidence.”

•Men of the DSS patrolling major streets of Osogbo...yesterday.

Jonathan, others for PDP’s mega rally in Osogbo From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is scheduled to lead the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains to Osogbo, Osun State capital tomorrow for a mega rally in support of the party’s candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore. Expected to be on the entourage of Jonathan include his deputy, Namadi Sambo, the PDP National Chairman Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Board Of Trustees Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih. The State PDP Publicity Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao, who addressed reporters yesterday in Osogbo, said other party stalwarts expected at the event include the BOT members like Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and others. Ajao said the visit was designed to rally support for the Omosore’s candidature. Ajao, who disclosed that the rally will hold at Osogbo Township Stadium, warned the All Progressive Congress (APC) members not to attempt to sweep the roads after the visit of Jonathan, saying it would be resisted by the PDP. He said: “They must not try it this time around and if they try to sweep the floor in an attempt to rubbish and humiliate the President, we will resist it. “We know that is their usual habit and we resisted it in Ikirun recently when they tried to sweep the roads after our campaign in the area.”

APC leads opposition against soldiers’ deployment

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) led opposition yesterday to the deployment of soldiers by the Federal Government for the August 9 election. Osun State APC’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, in a statement in Osogbo, argued that the military is not saddled with internal security duties, adding that it is against the constitution. The party said the Nigeria Police is best suited for such duties constitutionally, insisting that a military siege for an election is a subversion of democracy and must not be encouraged. “The APC therefore insists that the Federal Government must drop the idea because it is inimical to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. “From Wednesday, immediately after the Ramadan fast, Osun State woke up to sporadic gunshots fired by security men practically announcing their presence that had been anticipated from wide-spread reports in the media, which indicated that the PDP intended to jolt the citizens with fierce-looking armed and uniformed men to pacify citizens in order to rig the August 9 governorship election.” The party said Osun citi-

•PDP defends military measure •Adeleke cautions security agents

Lawyers condemn DSS personnel’s action

AWYERS have warned against heating up the polity ahead of the governorship election. Over 4,000 Department of State Security Service (DSS) personnel were reportedly deployed for the poll. They have continued to engage in a show of force since arriving in the state. The operatives, said to have been hooded, shot sporadically into the air, with apprehensive residents running for fear of being hit by stray bullets. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Joseph Nwobike, said Osun is not known to be so prone to violence to warrant the deployment of such number of armed men. The Federal Government’s deployment of the DSS personnel, he said, is meant to create tension in Osun. “There are no security challenges in Osun State as to warrant the deployment of massive security operatives into the state few days before the scheduled election,” he said. Another SAN, Chief Emeka Ngige, said the security personnel should rather have been deployed to the Sambisa Forest, known as the notorious den of insurgents in the Northeast. zens were unimpressed by the show of force by these armed gunmen who had earlier been sighted amassing at the DSS office along Gbongan-Ibadan road. The party said: “On Thursday however, the DSS security operatives got a shocker around 5p.m in the evening along Okefia, when in company of some masked men, the security operatives rent the air with a burst of spo-

radic gunfire to simply intimidate people. “Rather than scatter in fright, the people, with brooms in their hands, flooded into the street in utter defiance singing songs of praise of Aregbesola and the APC, and telling the security operatives who wanted to frighten them that no amount of threats and violence will change them from supporting the governor. The securi-

By Joseph Jibueze

Ngige said: “The militarisation of our democracy will do nobody, including the Presidency, any good. People should be allowed to express their political wishes without fear of intimidation. “The deployment of high number of military personnel in an election is suggestive that we’re in a civilian A law teacher at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mr. Wahab Shittu, said the massive deployment of armed security personnel could send a wrong signal that Nigeria is incapable of conducting a peaceful election. “While there is a necessity to guarantee peaceful, fair and credible election, we should be careful not to militarise the polity. That could constitute a danger to the democratic process,” Shittu said. Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN), however, said it is possible there is good reason for the deployment. “I’m not there and wouldn’t know what goes on in the place. When it comes to the issue of security, except you’re on ground, one wouldn’t know what informed that (deployment). I don’t want to make comments based on ignorance,” Ali said. ty people least expected what they saw.” It added: “The stage is being set for a showdown in the heart of Yorubaland and what is at stake here is whether or not democracy will stand a chance to survive 2015 in Nigeria.” But the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Prince Bola Ajao, who addressed reporters yesterday in Osogbo, defended the high security pres-

ence ahead of the August 9 poll, saying it was meant to protect lives and property. He explained that deployment would help in the maintenance of law and order before and during the exercise. The first Executive Governor, Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, has also emphasised the need for security agents deployed for the election to conduct themselves “most professionally

in the discharge of their duties and in accordance with their oath of office.” He said events in the last 24hours, when some of the security agents arrived in the state, “were not dignifying and edifying.” “There is just no point in creating unnecessary fear and intimidation against the lawabiding citizens of Osun State that cut across different political parties. “The alleged sporadic shooting into the air, as witnessed on Wednesday, July 30th 2014 in some areas in Osogbo by some security apparatus is unwelcome.” He appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to display absolute neutrality towards the election. A civil society group, the Democracy Vanguard, has decried the heavy presence of the state security men. A statement by its state coordinator, Comrade Olowu Emmanuel, said the “intimidating” number of the operatives “is a threat to the peaceloving people of the state”. The group noted that Osun has been one of the most peaceful states in the country and despite the governorship election that is only eight days away; the people have remained peaceful and are living in harmony.

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Helpless breast cancer patient dies weeping

OURS after this paper carried her story, cancer patient Mrs Oluwabunmi Olabiyi died yesterday before help could reach her. She required N7million for a surgery to remove her right breast which got infected after the removal of her left breast. Thenews of her death reached our reporter about

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

4.10 pm through a call from a woman, who simply gave her name as Bukola, a sympathiser of the late Mrs Olabiyi. The late Mrs Olabiyi battled breast cancer for three years. The caller wept profusely for about two minute, before saying:

“That woman, Mrs Olabiyi, whose … whose story was published in your newspaper today (yesterday), has died; she gave up at 3.30 pm. She died weeping!” In our story, the late Mrs Olabiyi pleaded: “… Every second now, I pray to invite death to come quickly and take me away. God will take care of my chil-

dren should I die. Death must come now, if help refuses to come my way.” The late Mrs Olabiyi, who is survived by three children a widower, hailed from Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Her poor widower could not help her thriving provision business collapsed while she was ill. Relations and

sympathisers took her to various hospitals when her left breast became infected. When our reporter visited her in hospital in Bariga a Lagos suburb, she pleaded: “This pain is too much for me to bear any longer; please, help me beg death to come now!” Her remains have been deposited at a mortuary in Lagos.

•The late Mrs Olabiyi

LUTH performs first open-heart surgery •15-year-old undergoes kidney transplant

•From left: Manager, Supply Chain Capability Development, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Mr. Michael Lutz; Regional Logistics Director (Lagos/West), NBC Limited, Mr. Nurain Saka; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Engr. Olawumi Gasper; Commissioner for Transportation Lagos State, Mr. Kayode Opeifa; Managing Director, NBC Limited, Mr. Ben Langat and Head, NBC Technical Training, Pastor (Engr.) Tope Dada, during the NBC Technical Training Centre graduation ceremony of set 25 and 26, held at the company’s premises in Ikeja, Lagos ... yesterday. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

My father has failed me, boy tells court

“I

LOVE my parents, but my father has failed me.” These were the words of 10-yearold Michael, whose father, Sunday Ajibulu, yesterday, prayed the Customary Court at Alakuko, a Lagos suburb, to dissolve his 12-year-old marriage told the child’s mother, Bukola. Michael was the sole witness in the divorce case between hi parents.

By Basirat Braimah

Ajibulu, 45, an employee of Berger Paints, accused his wife of being troublesome, adding that she lacks respect for his family and neighbours. “Since we got married, I have not enjoyed peace. Each time she realises that I don’t greet a neighbour, she easily presumes that I am having an affair with her. She wasn’t like this when I

met her. I left our home because she rain curses on me whenever we have an argument. She has succeeded in turning my son against me. I have not made love to her this year because I am fed up. I don’t want to die; please, separate us,” he explained. But, Bukola, 32, a teacher, denied her husband’s allegations, saying she has been a supportive and caring wife. “Through thick and thin, I

Seminar for school bus drivers

N association, Automobiles and Road Safety Initiative, will on Monday hold a workshop for school bus drivers. The four-day event tagged, “School Bus Drivers’ Safety Training Workshop,” is designed to equip the drivers with broad knowledge and skills to drive safely, save lives, time, money and the bus. The President of the body, •From left: Community Development Committee (C.D.C) Chairman, Prince Biliaminu Eshinlokun; Chairman Bariga Local Council Development Area (L.C.D.A) Hon Suliamon Omoleye; Iyaloya General Shomolu/ Bariga L.C.D.A and Babaloya Somolu/ Bariga at the presentation of buses to the C.D.C and Market Men/ Women Association in Bariga L.C.D.A

Mr Samuel Oriowo, said the courses would be handled by experts who are passionate about the competence of drivers conveying pupils/students to and from their schools. Saying that certificates would be awarded to participants, Oriowo added: “On the completion of the workshop, the drivers should be able to imbibe the culture of safe driv-

ing; mastered the Collision Prevention Formula and employ techniques to manage their emotions and behaviour while driving. Also, they must have been exposed to factors that they can control before driving; understand factors capable of challenging safe driving and master the habit of vehicle inspection before embarking on driving on daily basis, among others.”

have stood by him. Words of encouragement toward him turned a rhythm for me. I have always been a humble wife and mother. We dined together and wore the same outfit. “My husband left home four months ago under the pretence that he was transferred to another branch. He said it was not possible to come home daily except weekends and I believed him. On seeing a court summons, I was shocked because he still made love to me before he left home and we talk almost every day,” she said. She prayed the court not to dissolve the marriage because she still loves her husband. The court President, Chief Godwin Awosola, ordered Ajibulu to pay N15,000 to the registrar for the child’s upkeep. He also advised the couple to maintain peace and adjourned the case till August 28 for further hearing.

HE Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has successfully performed its first openheart surgery, its Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Akin Osibogun, said yesterday. Osibogun, said the feat was novel in the hospital’s history, adding: “Three open-heart surgeries were performed on an 18-month-old baby girl, a seven-year-old boy and a 23year-old undergraduate.” He told reporters that the patients were in stable condition, adding that they would leave for home today. Osibogun expressed satisfaction that LUTH has joined University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Nsukka in Enugu State and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State in carrying out such surgery. Doctors at the hospital, he said, were joined by experts from Hopitaux Universitaires de Geneve, Switzerland, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey to achieve the feat. There was a visiting team of specialists from the Mansoura Hospital, Egypt, he added.

By Wale Adepoju

He said that it would take a while before LUTH doctors were left to perform the surgery alone, adding that it is part of technology transfer for doctors to be supervised by those teaching them. Osibogun said some doctors were sent to Mansura Hospital and India for training, adding that they have now improved on their expertise to deliver qualitative care. He said cardiac and renal surgeries were the major reasons why people seek treatment abroad, adding that this is followed by knee/ joint replacement surgery. The CMD said a kidney transplant was also carried out on a 15-year-old who came down with nephritic syndrome, adding that the patient had been on dialysis for over six years before the transplantation. He said the reason some organs fail after transplantation is because they may not properly match or the patients’ refusal to take their drugs as advised by doctors.

Lagos set for Breastfeeding Week

HE Lagos State Government will join the rest of the world to propagate the significance of appropriate breastfeeding practices to child’s survival at the 2014 World Breastfeeding Week which begins today. Special Adviser to the state governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, who briefed reporters on activities lined for the yearly celebration which will end on August 7, said the event would hold at all health facilities in the local government and local council devel-

opment areas in the state. She explained that these health facilities are expected to provide maternal and child survival services, with particular emphasis on the promotion and support for early initiation of breastfeeding within 30 minutes after delivery, exclusive breastfeeding practice, continuous breastfeeding with complementary child’s feeding from six months to two years and beyond. Dr Adeshina added that the activities of the Community Health & Nutrition (CH&N) Link, which is also known as ‘Malnutrition Trackers’ would be assessed for the selection of outstanding CH&N Link, while awards for both categories will be presented at the Grand Finale of the week-long celebration. “Our traditional grand finale is tentatively scheduled for September 11, during which Breastfeeding Champions selected from among the 57 LGAs and LCDAs will be crowned. The selection criteria of the state Champions will include among others, knowledge of breastfeeding issues with emphasis on early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate positioning and attachment to breastfeeding as effectively demonstrated by mothers,” she explained.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) •Speaker House of Assembly Lagos State, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji (third left), Chairman Doyin Group of Companies Chief Samuel Adedoyin (second right), Chairman of the Occasion Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi (right), Editor of the Book Mr Adeshina Afolayan (second left) and Author of the Book, Mr Kunle Afolayan at the event. PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

Dignitaries honour Kunle Afolayan at book launch

HE Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos, yesterday, played host to notable Nigerians from the political, business, academic and movie sectors, when young filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, launched a book version of his award-winning flick, The Figurine. It was not a run-of–the– mill event, judging by the stance associated with poor reading culture. But the presence of filmmakers, actors and other entertainers gave it the glitz, comparable to any A-list event. Entitled Auteuring Nollywood: Critical Perspective on The Figurine, the literature was edited by the filmmaker’s brother, Dr. Adeshina Afolayan of the Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan. The book follows the life and creative work of the auteur in a critique that underscores him as a new generation filmmaker who is redefining the Nigerian motion picture industry otherwise called Nollywood. With comic start-off by notable comedian and master of ceremonies, Gbenga Adeyinka, the mood appeared assuaged for the

•Stories by Victor Akande

critical review of the book by Mr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Director of Nollywood Study Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. “This is a highly impressive book. Hope it will be the first of many more to come of Kunle Afolayan’s works,” said the reviewer who also praised the quality and outlook of the book. Incidentally, Obiaya had reviewed the movie when it was released years back. According to him, the book provides other insights into the artistic life of the filmmaker, which he finds commendable. Speaking about the unusual transition of having a film adapted into a book, the filmmaker said the need was initiated by his brother, as a way to satisfy other educational purposes. The Figurine tells the story of the myth surrounding the history of ‘Araromire’, a clan whose fate of ups and downs is determined by the figurine. Afolayan, who had since shot two other well-acclaimed films, Phone Swap and October 1, described the book as a novelty. Citing events that led to

the decision to have the film in a book form, the auteur said the idea was first muted by his elder brother, with whom he had not been acquainted for years, owing to their ideological differences. “We used to fight a lot when we were kids, and this was because when our parents were away for their Yoruba travelling theater business, monies for upkeep were usually in the custody of my elder brother, who would spend most of the money to buy books and newspapers. He was so addicted to books and that didn’t go well with me. One day, I gathered the books and newspapers and sold them to a boli (roast plantain) seller in return for some snack. That caused a fight between my brother and me. So, upon the completion of this book on my movie, The Figurine, he brought a copy for me to see and I shed tears. It was tears of joy, partly because this is about me and my work, and because I have never read a book so detailed in its analysis.” The event was chaired by Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, former Minister of National Planning. Soft-spoken, Gbadamosi led the pact of

accolades that poured in for the filmmaker. He praised the ingenuity of the Afolayans as people who have challenged many in the creative industry. For Peace AnyiamOsigwe, CEO of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), other young filmmakers should follow the footsteps of Kunle, whom she described as a thorough and dedicated filmmaker. She, however, expressed worries that while Afolayan struggles to get money to make his movies, those who could not make good movies find money easily because of who they know. According to the AMAA boss, “Kunle Afolayan’s film, Irapada, was the first film from Nigeria to make it to major international film festival circuits.” In the same vein, foremost stand-up comedian, Atunyota Akporobomerere, aka Ali Baba, while eulogising Afolayan for his works, decried a situation whereby most Nollywood filmmakers were not original in their works. He said: “The art of filmmaking is not a joke,’ adding that “comedy itself is a serious business.” According to the co-

median, it is worrisome how some of the jokes he had done years back, are still being recycled in Nollywood films today. The demand for the story in book form may not be unconnected with the success of its motion picture, after five years of cinema and home video exposure and winning five awards, including Best Film category at the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), while also making impacts at film festival circuits. Afolayan noted that a critical work of art goes beyond mere rhetoric and images on the screen, saying: “Releasing one’s movie to scholarly interrogation like this is one of the next levels for our film industry to climb and I’m excited that this is already happening through my film.” Packaged by Relentless Media, in conjunction with Golden Effects Services, the event was also attended by Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman of Doyin Group of Companies and Prince Deji Oni, representing the governor of Kwara State.

Others are notable filmmakers Chief Tunde Oloyede, Tunde Kelani, Mahmood Ali-Balogun and comedians such as Babyface and Kofi. With the foreword by Prof. Jonathan Haynes of the Long Island University, USA, the book, a collection of scholarly essays, is the first of its kind that is devoted to the work of a single Nigerian film director. It interrogates the thematic focus and cinematic style employed in The Figurine, while also using that singular work to engage the new trends in Nollywood. Other contributors to the 455-page book include Dr. Sola Osofisan, Dr. Dele Layiwola, Dr. Chukwuma Okoye, Jane Thorburn, Matthew H. Brown, Gideon Tanimonure, A.G.A Bello, Foluke Ogunleye and Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi. An ‘Afterword’ on “NeoNollywood and its Other” by the prolific scholar, Dr. Onookome Okome, is also provided in the book, in addition to a series of interviews with key actors and technicians who featured in The Figurine.

Fed Govt to use movie for braindrain campaign

MOTION picture reenactment of the pains of Nigerians, who travel abroad in search of greener pastures, has become a campaign tool for the Ministry of Information and Communications, which a planned screening of In America: The Story of the Soul Sisters, at the National Press Center, Radio House, Garki, Abuja on Thursday August 7. The campaign is akin to the Mass Mobilization for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) campaign of the 1980s, one of which had the late veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa playing the role of Andrew in a short TV jingle against human capital flight. The Andrew No Check Out: Nigeria Must Survive campaign was timely at that time, when travelling abroad became the fad among Nigerian youths. But with the catchy

•To screen In America: Story Of The Soul Sisters next month phrase; “I’m checking out”, the camoaign seemed not to have achieved, because the young ones appeared to relish the snobbish mien, as against the dangling carrots in that campaign for patriotism. The number of Nigerian emigrants has been on the rise, till date. “In the past they were forcing us into slavery, but today we’re voluntarily selling ourselves into it,” observed Sade George, about In America: The Story Of The Soul Sisters, the feature film by Rahman Oladigbolu and winner of the “Best Film by an African Abroad” at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA). Although the movie had a limited preview in Nigeria, it is being returned for special screening by the Ministry of Information in partnership with Oracle Films

Starring Jimmy Jean-Louis, who is famous for Phat Girlz and Heroes, the flick tells the story of Sade through her struggles for love and green card, her inspiring friendship with African-American Sonya Muhammad, her marriage to African-American Curtis Anderson, and her relationship with her old neighborhood uncle Tai Ojo. Sade, a Nigerian medical student seeking better professional opportunity in the United States finds herself caught up in the American immigration war. With the political heat mounting on illegal immigrants, she faces a dilemma: she either continues to live on the fringes of the American society, where there’s no hope for her career goal, or give up all hope on the “American dream”. Tai Ojo, her so-called “uncle” who has been struggling in

America for more than 15 years, thinks this may be an opportunity for him to do something good for someone in his life, but the demons in his own life are up against him, and they would test his will as he shares a roof with the new immigrant Sade. “In America is a movie that speaks to two worlds at the same time: Africa and America”, says Rudolf Okonkwo, a New York based syndicated columnist and an actor in the movie, “and it does this by unfolding the iconic experience of a Nigerian immigrant, a character that all African immigrants in the United States easily recognize.” In the on-going evolution of global economy and culture, people of African descents have a lot to prove and contribute, and Rahman insists that “we’re not letting others do it for us.” With In America, he intends to

be a voice that tells the African immigrant story, and of reconciliation in the complex relationship between African immigrants and AfricanAmericans. Going by its thematic appeal, the movie has also featured at many festivals across the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa, winning other accolades, including “Best Emerging Filmmaker” at the Roxbury International Film Festival. On the much-coveted AMAA award, Rahman confesses that it feels great to win the award, but he sees it more as a challenge to do better in the future. “AMAA is not only a celebration of African films; it’s also an encouragement to make films that both compete and lead in the world. It’s a challenge to think farther ahead and that’s how I welcome it.” Rahman said the film has also been shown at many

schools in the United States, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Hampton University, and students from Nigeria and other African countries have found it very entertaining and inspiring. “This movie needs to be seen by our youths at home in Nigeria. The lure of life abroad has been confusing to many of us, and, for many who are able to travel out; they painfully learn that life abroad does not always justify its promise,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS Hearing on Obasanjo’s letter From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said yesterday it will inaugurate a Panel of Enquiry to conduct a hearing on allegations of state-sponsored killings, from 1995 till date. The panel is also to enquire into allegations in ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to President Goodluck Jonathan. NHRC this year, upon a request by the President, said it would conduct hearing on allegations in the letter. In February, NHRC invited memoranda from the public. Ex-President Obasanjo , in his December 2, 2013 letter: “Before it is too late,” accused the President, among others, of training a killer squad. The President, following the interest generated, requested the commission to investigate the issue. NHRC’s Executive Secretary Prof. Bem Angwe said memoranda should be submitted on or before September 2. He said “the public inquiry will be thorough and fair to all.”

ERROR IN PUBLICATION This is to notify the public that the advert published in The Nation Newspaper, of Thursday, 30th July, 2014, page 60, erroneously used Federal Government College, Ogbomosho instead of Federal Government College Ikole as contained in the body of the message. Sincere appology is tendered for the mix up.

President Goodluck Jonathan greeting former President Shehu Shagari at the National Council of State Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja... yesterday. With them is General Abdulsalami Abubakar. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

Chibok: we didn’t sell our daughters’ freedom

HE Chibok community has debunked claims by some Nigerians that the Chibok parents sold the freedom of their daughters to the Federal Government. They said their children are priceless and they would continue to advocate their safe return. Chibok community spokesperson in Abuja Dauda Iliya said the thought of anyone assuming that is insulting to the parents. He also said the community has settled the quarrel they had about money, as those back home

From Grace Obike, Abuja

now understood there was no money brought back to the village to distribute as earlier insinuated. He said the money distributed in the community where some received N5,000 and others N7,000 was from the N1 million given to the villagers as Ramadan gift by a House of Representatives member. Iliya spoke yesterday in Abuja, at the usual sit-out of the BringBackOurGirls protesters. He said: “We are credible people, we couldn’t have come here even after a 100

days advocating for the girls to be brought back if money was the issue. “Sometimes you may see villagers, people that are humble farmers at home and all that and given the security situation and displacement at home, you may say that some people may be swayed by money but some people are firm in the belief that money is a distraction and our core focus is the rescue of these girls. “It is simply mischief and blackmail; I don’t know if you are a parent but I am a parent and I know the value of children. Children are priceless, it is insulting to us to insinuate such, there is no price you can pay for a child.” He also said “there is no quarrel anymore, the mischief was around the fact of

N1 million, which has been debunked completely, the people in Chibok where the entire mischief started also got to understand about the money that was shared to them where some of them got five or seven thousand, which they compared naturally with people that got a 100, 200,000 in Abuja. “It became clear when they were told that no money was given to them in the village by the Presidential people. ‘’But a member of the House of Representatives gave N1 million at the hotel, which was handed over to the Chibok Local Government chairman. ‘’He took it and shared it his own way, how he came about the five or seven thousand naira is best known to him and those in Chibok’’, he said.

Kwara police arrest man with placenta in Ilorin From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE Kwara State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man in Ilorin, the state capital, for allegedly being in possession of a body part suspected to be placenta. The man, simply identified as Alfa Gani, is said to be a notorious herbalist. Residents of Ajibesin at Ogidi in Ilorin South sent a distress call to the ‘E’ Division, when they allegedly found the placenta of a twoday-old baby at Gani’s home about 7am on Wednesday. It was gathered that the suspect, who claimed to be an Islamic cleric, allegedly removed the baby’s placenta on Monday where it was buried. Sources said the baby’s parents, simply identified as Mr. and Mrs. Sadudeen, shared fence with the suspect at Ogidi. It was gathered that unknown to the suspect, some residents sighted him as he dug out the spot where the father of the baby buried the placenta. Angered by the incident, it was gathered youths in the area burnt suspect’s property. In the confusion, the baby’s mother was said to have rushed to where the placenta was buried only to discover it was no longer there. Police spokeman Ajayi Okasanmi) confirmed the incident, describing the suspect as a ‘notorious herbalist.’ Mr. Okasanmi urged residents to always provide the police with information that could assist in the arrest of criminal elements in the society.

APC threatens to boycott Niger East by-election

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State said yesterday that it would boycott the August 16 by-election in Niger East Senatorial Zone, if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo. The party alleged that the REC was demanding money from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government. APC accused the REC of being a card-carrying member of the ruling party in Kogi State. State Publicity Secretary Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement in Minna, said last

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

week, APC exposed a proposal by the REC to the state government, requesting N44,375,850 for a National Inter-Agency Advisory Committee on Voter Education and Publicity. Although the REC denied the allegation, Secretary to the State Government Saidu Ndako Idris confirmed that a proposal with the same amount was brought before the government by the REC. Idris said N28.7 million was approved by the Executive Council. The statement said the party “strongly believes that this is enough reason for

INEC to redeploy Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo before the August 16 by-election to guarantee a free, fair and credible election.” APC said that “If he is allowed to preside over the election,it means that INEC has prepared the ground for rigging in the election”. The party also claimed that Onucheyo is a card-carrying member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, having contested as PDP governorship aspirant in Kogi State at the 2003 elections. “There is no doubt that as a PDP card-carrying member, Dr. Onucheyo cannot conduct a free and fair election under this circumstance” the statement said.

Gombe in danger after three polio-free years

FTER almost three years of being poliofree, Gombe State seems to be at risk of the disease and other contagious childhood killer-ailments. This followed the discovery of measles among refugees, who trooped in from Borno State into Gombe. Chairman of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners, Mohammed Kabir Babangida dropped the hint at the Internally Displaced Persons camp. He said they have immunised 110 in a camp that is believed to hold more than

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

250 children, adding that they were frustrated by non-compliance to the immunisation programme by the IDPs. “We gave them health talks to sensitise them on personal hygiene, environmental hygiene and other clinical issues before embarking on immunisation because we realise they avoid immunisation,” he said. The UNICEF D Field in Bauchi, which also controls Gombe State, has donated relief materials worth millions

of naira to the IDP camp. Ajiya Thomas, who brought the items, said they include learning materials for school children, blankets, vaccines, food items and other household items. Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency Dr. Danlami Arabs Rukujei said they have been working with NEMA in the provision of food and other items to the refugees. Not less than 500 adult IDPs were said to have been registered last week, with more coming in.

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Obinna Kingsley, son of the Chairman and Chief Executive of Chisco Group of Companies, Chief Chidi Anyaebu, got married to his lovebird, former Miss Onyinye Peace OlieSilas, at a colourful ceremony in Lagos last Saturday. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

HE foggy and damp morning gave way to a sunny afternoon last Saturday as people headed for the St John’s Anglican Church in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos for the wedding of Obinna Kingsley Anyaegbu and Oyinye Peace (nee Olie-Silas). Policemen lined the route to the church. A black Range Rover pulled up at the church entrance. The groom stepped out in a blue suit, white shirt and a pair of eyeglasses. The bride arrived in an exotic car, looking charming. “Isn’t she beautiful?” whispered an onlooker. The small church hosted the high and mighty from across the country. The Bishop of the Diocese of Ihiala, Rt Rev Raph Okafor, led other officiating ministers. He counselled the couple to remain friends. Quoting 1Peter 3:7, he described marriage as a beautiful creation of God. “Live in fellowship by sharing both your material and spiritual things. This leads to openness and bears the fruit of trust,” he said. The couple walked out of the church locking arms and smiling to the crowd. At the Landmark Event Centre on Victoria Island where the reception held, the scent of rose filled the air. The backround lightnings added colour to the surrounding. The couple’s parents entered the hall, dancing with family members, friends and associates. Their fathers wore the same colour and style of suit; their mothers were in dinner gowns, with feathered hats to match. The Sharp Band DJ Stramborella, the Alli Orchestra and comedian AY entertained guests. There were choice dishes and drinks to pick from. There were local and intercontinental dishes, including Igbo traditional delicacies. On July 12, the Igba Nkwu - traditional wedding rites was held in Afube Town Hall in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the OlieSilas’ home town. The reception to welcome Onyinye into her new home was grand. Indians, Lebanese and Americans graced the occasion. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who chaired of the occasion, was represented by Prof George Obiazor, Nigerian’s former Ambassador to the United States (US). He described Anyaegbu as a brother in whom the family is well pleased. In proposing the toast, the groom’s younger brother, Chidi told guests that he introduced Onyinye to his brother. He expressed joy that his brother took her to the altar. Wishing the couple a blissful marriage, he said those who want to get married should contact him. Dignitaries at the event were: the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former governor of Anambra Peter Obi; Diamond Bank Managing Director Dr Alex Otti; Chief Peter Okocha; DirectorGeneral of Security Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh; former Secretary of the Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku; Prof Anya O. Anya; Chief Chris Uba; President of Aka Ikenga Chief Goddy Uwazurike; Chief Executive Officer of Orange Drugs Sir Tony Ezenna; Chief Mike Umeh; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Mike Igbokwe (SAN) and Prof Pat Utomi. The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan sent a representative. •More pictures on page 16

Auto magnate’s son hooked • The couple, Onyinye and Obinna

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SOCIETY AUTO MAGNATE’S SON HOOKED

•Bride’s parents: Sir Silas Olie and his wife, Lady Amaka

• From left: Groom’s father Chief Anyaegbu; Asiwaju Tinubu; Chief Pius Akinyelure and groom’s mother Mrs Julie Anyaegbu

• From left: Akobuije of Lagos Chief Centilo Akpa; Chief Uwazulike and Eze Udo of Isolo High Chief Ikem Agbasi

•From left: Chief Anyaoku; Ms Oteh and Ms Egbichi Akinsanya.

•From right: Mrs Ngozi Omeruah; Prof Utomi; his wife, Ifeoma and Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa

•From left: Senator Ita- Giwa; Mrs Sarah Pane and Mr Igbokwe (SAN)

•Sir Tony Ezenna and his wife, Elizabeth

•From left: Former Intercontinantal Bank chief Dr Erastus Akingbola; Mr Jimi Shotunde and Mr Femi Olukotunbo

•From left: Chizoba Omeakachie; Senator Joy Emodi; Mrs Cecila Adeoye and Ms Modise Felica (from South Africa).

•From left: President Aguene Art Foundation Chief Solomon Ogbonna,Eze Ndigbo Ikeja Eze Uche PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI Dimgba and Chief Ugo Onuogu.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SOCIETY

•Children of the deceased (from right): Alhaja Kafayat Jabita; Alhaja Basirat Kareem; Alhaja Olaitan Sola-Odeseye; Alhaja Kolarinwa and daughter-in-law Mrs Zaynab Kareem

•Hon Abdul Lateef

•Deceased’s son-in-law Mr Remi Kolarinwa (right) and Mr Lawal Nureni

• From left: Mr Olamide Dawodu; Mr Bariu Kareem and Mr Niyi Kareem

•Mrs Shukurat Megbope (left) and Mrs Dupe Dania

•Mrs Ololade Munis (left) and wife of Lagos monarch Olori Titi Akiolu

•Mr Sola Odeseye

•Mr Yemi Solarin

•Mr Remi Oshodi

•Mr Kayode Ottun (left) and Mr Bola Erogbogbo PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUMI

The eighth day prayer for Alhaja Moshudat Kareem, mother of Director of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Office of Transformation Mrs Samiat Kolarinwa, was held on Tuesday at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI and OMOLARA OGUNWALE reports

T was a gathering for a beloved mother who left an impact on her children’s lives. Family members, friends and well wishers came in large numbers for the eighth day prayers for the Otun Alatilehin Adinni of Mogaji Central Mosque in Epetedo, Lagos Island Alhaja Moshudat Kareem, mother of Director of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Office of Transformation, Mrs Samiat Kolarinwa. Alhaja Kareem died on July 21 and her remains were interred at Abari Cemetery in Epetedo. She was 79. For about an hour, they prayed for the deceased. An Islamic cleric Abdul Rahman Mogaji coordinated the prayers last Tuesday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja. He was assisted by other clerics. Guests wore traditional attires, the women made fashion

Exit of a loving mother statement with different styles and designs of the uniformed pink lace. They complemented their outfits with head gears. Guests sat in an orderly row. Ushers in pink satin attires, with black Hijab ensured that the guests were comfortable. The hall was decorated in a pink and white fabric, which was hung across the ceiling. The stage was decorated in same colour. After the prayers, there was a lecture by the Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef. He urged the gathering to serve Allah faithfully, saying no one can blame you if you choose to serve and

worship him. “Read your Quran and make sure you understand it because the solution to every question or problem is in it and ensure that you carry your entire household along in serving Allah,” he said. He urged the guests to fill their hearts with the word of Allah and do good at all times, saying death could come at any time. The second lecturer, Chief Imam Abdul Semiu Ibrahim of Gbagada Central Mosque described life as a stage which “we will leave some day”. He described life as a market where goods are displayed for sale; with different people coming together for collaboration. “We

engage in running around, aiming for achievements and do all kinds of stress but later in life, we would relax when we are old and later die eventually. What will be said of you when you are no longer in this life?” he asked, urging the guests to live a good life. Mrs Kolarinwa described her mother as a loving, adding that she would miss her. “My mother was very prayerful and always there for us. She was very blunt and would not take any nonsense from you. Mummy was always there to guide us and give us good advice on any issue,” she said. Another child, Saliu Kareem, a

sanitary engineer in the United States (US), described his mother as the best. He said: “The only way I can describe her is that she did everything a mother can do for her children; when we lost our father, she was 42 years and she did not remarried. She taught us practical Islam.” The last child, Bariu Kareem, Chief Executive Officer, The Janitor, described his mother as a straight forward person that loved her family, including the extended family. “She was God-conscious. Whatever I am today, my mother contributed 70 per cent of it, with her training, discipline and encouragement. She was caring and loving. “One of the attributes I got from her is that there is no problem that cannot be solved. She taught me how to face and overcome challenges,” he said.

FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The Edo State House of Assembly crisis may take its toll on governance in the Southsouth state, unless the combatants embrace peace. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR reports.

Edo Assemby: A House divided against itself C

ONFLICT is inevitable in politics. But, festering political crises is an ill-wind that does not blow anybody any good. Thus, observers contend that the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly may take its toll on governance, if serious efforts are not made by the gladiators at war to embrace truce in the interest of the state. The warring legislators shifted the battle to a church premises last week. The split in the House nearly marred a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Kenneth Imasuangbon at St Mathias Catholic Church, Benin-City, the state capital. Trouble started when Imasuangban introduced Festus Ebea as the Deputy Speaker. The introduction drew the ire of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the ceremony. They protested, saying that Ebea had been impeached. Similarly, the PDP sympathisers criticised Imasuangban for not addressing Ebea as the Speaker of the House of Assembly. It took the intervention of the officiating ministers before normalcy could be restored. The priest warned the congregation against turning the church into a battle ground. Ebea, who was named the Acting Speaker by nine PDP lawmakers, has been presiding over what observers have described as the ‘Assembly of jokers’. At every PDP gathering, Ebea is referred to as the authentic Speaker. A source confided in The Nation that the PDP game plan was to install Ebea as the Acting Governor, if the plot to impeach Governor Adams

•Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole, his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, and Speaker Igbe had succeeded. Crisis erupted in the House on June 9, after Ebea and three APC legislators-Jude Ise-Idehen, Patrick Osayimwen and Friday Ogieriakhi were suspended for alleged misconduct. They later defected to the PDP. A court order restraining them from gaining access into the House of Assembly was ignored. Attempts made by them to attend a plenary session was resisted by APC lawmakers led by Speaker Uyi Igbe. Since then, Ebea and the other eight PDP lawmakers have been holding parliamentary sessions at the premises. The House of Assembly workers have relocated to another place for their official duty, while the Speaker, Igbe, and 14 APC lawmakers have shifted their

• Ebea

plenary to the old House of Assembly complex inside the Edo Government House. In an attempt to confer legitimacy on their activities, the PDP lawmakers recruited two former staff, Omoregbe Osagie and Okoh Godwin, who were sacked in 2010 and 2011 respectively for certificate forgery. Omoregbe serves as the Sergeant at Arms, while Okoh plays the role of the Clerk. The Chairman of the House of Assembly Commission, Emmanuel Oronsaye, confirmed that both Omoregbe and Godwin were dismissed from service. ‘Resolutions’ passed by the PDP lawmakers include directives to banks to freeze the accounts of the House, a call on the state government to refund funds illegally withdrawn from the local governments’

allocation and a directive that council bosses and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky James, should forward receipts of allocations to them, with a view to ascertaining the deductions from the council fund. Expectedly, James and the local government chairmen shunned the directives. Instead, they honoured the invitation extended to them by the APC lawmakers to give accounts of their stewardship, since they came to office in April last year. Irked by the refusal of the council bosses to appear before them, the PDP lawmakers in a motion raised by Hon. Abdulrazak Momoh called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to probe the activities of the 18 local government chairmen and the commissioner for failing to provide receipts for revenue received from 2013 till date. The PDP lawmakers also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to stop further withdrawal by the 18 local government councils from the federal allocation, until their directive was complied with. The question is: who will obey the PDP lawmakers’ resolutions when the lawmakers failed to obey court orders? Whether the Federal Government would comply with their resolution to withhold allocations to local councils in the State would be determined at the disbursement of the next allocation to

states. A lawmaker, Hon. Ogieriakhi said the PDP lawmakers’ resolutions would be sent to the concerned persons. But, he was silent on what they would do, if they reject‘ the resolutions. Besides, two PDP lawmakers, Kingsley Ehigiamusoe and Emmanuel Okoduwa, who did not complete their tenure during their first election to the House, may suffer the same tragedy again. Both have been suspended for aiding other suspended lawmakers to break into the House of Assembly premises. They may not return to legislative business, if drastic actions are taken against them. Hon. Ehigiamusoe was replaced by Steve Idehenre of the defunct ACN. Okoduwa shunned the plenary sittings alongside other PDP lawmakers in 2010 when Zakawanu Garuba was removed as Speaker. The allowances and salaries of the suspended lawmakers have been stopped, but three of the lawmakers who were not suspended, it was gathered, were paid their salaries. Ogierhiakhi confirmed the stoppage, saying: “Most of all the things we are entitled to have been stopped. Barely two seconds, after they passed the suspension order, they came physically to remove my official car. If they go to that extent, what can they not do? Do I have control over how I get paid? “We are quarreling with the man who is paying us. Most of my benefits have been stopped. We don’t care. We are not in this business for money. I can do the remaining tenure without collecting a kobo from them as salary. It is not because I have the money, but because I have integrity.”

The first woman Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Helen Nwaobashi, spoke with reporters in Abakaliki, the state capital, on her plan to stabilise the House and foster cordial relations with the executive. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE was there.

‘My election provides hope for women in politics’

OW do you feel about your election as the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly? Well, I give all glory to God and thank my colleagues for this assignment. When I was elected into the House, I never dreamt of becoming the Speaker because we were only four women in the House. Even in the previous House of Assembly of which I was a member, there were only two of us, with the other person, Hon. Dorothy Obasi, serving as the Deputy Speaker. So my election as the Speaker came to me as a surprise, but it provides hope to women in politics that the future is bright. Also, my election as the Speaker in an Assembly dominated by men shows that the campaigns by the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan and Chief Josephine Elechi, for more women to be given a chance to participate in politics is bearing fruits. I think the men are beginning to see that women are not coming to compete, but to complement their efforts in nation building. That is how I see my election as Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly. What do you have to say about the process that threw you up? The beauty of democracy is that it

gives room for change. We were all elected in the first place to represent various constituencies in the state. That is to say that all members are equal. The election of one person among us to serve as Speaker or leader is just an administrative necessity for moderation and direction of debates and discussions in the plenary. The point I want to make is that the position of Speaker is by the grace and judgment of all members. Therefore, if for any reason the members feel that the speaker or their leader is not behaving according to their expectations or begins to act as Lord, they reserve the right to change him or her. This is what happened. People should not forget this fact; that it is the responsibility of members of the House of Assembly to choose who should represent them as Speaker. You must have read the resolution of the House for the impeachment of the former Speaker. May be I should take your mind back to some of the reasons that prompted the removal of Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku from office as Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Majority of the members resolved that the former Speaker was conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the constitution, by not ensuring that

sittings were as frequent as to satisfy the demands of the Constitution. You can see with me that this is a grievous issue. The members saw this error and felt that the speaker was leading us into temptation such that at the end of the day we may be invited to sign for sittings we never had. The impeachment of Nwazunku therefore was the best way for the members to avoid a situation where we may be compelled by him to fill the sitting Attendance Register so as to escape the censure of the constitution and the wrath of those who elected us. So you can see that if after seven months of the year we were able to sit for just seventeen times, there was no way we could fulfill the 181 days stipulated in section 104 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So the members studied the situation and felt that the former Speaker was being distracted by his estate business and decided to change him. His impeachment followed the laid down procedures. The other reasons including incompetence, corrupt enrichment and violation of the code of conduct as spelt out in the constitution are also very weighty allegations. I think that is the much I can say for the process that brought about my election as Speaker. Like I said,

the members of the House of Assembly reserve the right to elect any one among them to serve as first among equals! Some people are afraid that you may not cope as Speaker because the House is dominated by men… I don’t think I understand what you mean by that. But, let me say this. We have gone past the stage of gender. You heard when I said that Nigerian men have come to appreciate women in politics as partners in progress. The agenda is development and providing good governance to Nigerians. So we are focused on the agenda and not the divisive sentiment of gender. Doing what is right does not depend on whether you are man or woman. If these men you say dominate the House of Assembly have come together to say that a small woman like Mrs. Helen Nwaobashi should be their Speaker at this point in time, why do you want to fault their judgment? That fear does not have any real foundation; I have been called to serve as first among equals. I must always remember that I owe my allegiance to the members and my constituents. If I do things the way the constitution and rules of the House prescribe,

• Mrs Nwaobashi

there can be no problems. At least you should also know that I have been called to play the role of mother. The welfare of children is the major interest of mothers. You don’t have to be a bully to make a good mother. You are a ranking member of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, but not much was heard about you before now... The business of law making does not include noise making. I represent the interest of Abakaliki South state constituency. I do what they sent me to do and nobody is complaining that I have not been shouting all over the place as if the mandate I hold is by my power. What matters is results and you need focus to achieve that.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 2014

POLITICS Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Dr Segun Ogundimu spoke with EMMANUEL OLADOSU in Lagos on his ambition, the crisis in the chapter and preparations for the next general elections.

‘We ‘ll resist imposition in Lagos PDP’ W

HAT are the issues that will shape the next governorship election in Lagos State? Sincerely speaking, that is why I’m coming out for the governorship election in Lagos State. The issues have surfaced in the past and they are still there today. But, I never knew God was positioning me for the challenges that the state will be facing. And that is the truth. Let me start with the education sector. The sector needs urgent reform. The provision of water for the people of the state is another issue, which must be tackled. My experience at the Water Corporation would be brought to bear as far as providing water is concerned. The Iju Water Works needs to be revived to ensure that water gets to all parts of Lagos through primary and secondary trunks. When I was at the Water Corporation, the reforms put in place were of significance. I never knew the experience there would become useful for me, when my services will be needed for higher calling. I was behind the curtailment of the movement of Okada riders because I saw the trend it was going. I discovered it would become a serious problem, if nothing was done. The Lagos State government saw the problem and banned the operators of Okada. But, what I initially wanted was their curtailment, restricting their movement to certain areas. Some of these Okada riders took loans to buy their motorcycles, which they had to pay back. But, because of government’s clampdown ,most could not pay back. The reason some of them engaged in Okada business was to enable them send money home to finance their domestic economic challenges. They have to pay their rents, take care of their education and healthcare. So, when the Okada riders were banned, it placed a lot of pains on the operators. The banned elongated their sufferings. But, in 2015, I want to say we are really prepared to free Lagosians from the problems they are facing. Look at some of the agencies of government; everybody is afraid of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the multiple taxations. Why has it been difficult for the PDP to gain power in Lagos? The Alliance for Democracy (AD), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have been in charge of Lagos State. They now use their money to persecute the PDP in Lagos State. During the 2011 election, our own Minister from the PDP, the Minister for Agriculture, Demola Seriki, two week to the election, defected to the ACN. Is a typical example of the ACN manipulation. They capture him with 23 members of our party. That means, all along, we have moles the PDP. This was a cause for worry for the party; so in essence, there have been so many

‘If Jimi Agbaje sounds better, he should come and address me. I will take his advice and not the other way round. I am happy that our party does not just impose people. You have to work hard for what you get’

• Ogundimu

moles in the PDP. Some of them are still there; they are behind what has been happening. We are going to fish them out. That is why we have not been able to take Lagos. To take Lagos needs lots of money, we need the money to take over the state. What has the PDP Federal Government done for Lagosians? I cannot reel off what President Goodluck Jonathan has done for Lagosians. Look at the way he has handled the issue of power. There has been a huge landmark in the power sector. The opposition always talks of the PDP in the negative way. They have always not mentioned the good work of the PDP. Look at agriculture. Nigeria is now a nation that is steadily progressing under the PDP. The investment community is growing. The opposition has trivialised the issues and all they have been calling for is true federalism. The sage, Obafemi Awolowo, said it that an Ijaw man will lead this country out of the woods. That time has come now when the Ijaw man will lead the country to its destination. So, when you talk about true federalism, let everybody go to his backyard to develop what is in that backyard. During the time of Awolowo, the cocoa, rubber, palm karnel were harnessed as a reflection of the federalism being canvassed. The output of the dynamism was the building of Cocoa House, Ibadan. The first television station in Africa was built and other national monuments. Look at the level of education that Awalowo put in place. 30 per cent of the annual fiscal budget was budgeted for education. But, the oil that Nigeria discovered made us to for-

get what used to be our sources of revenue. It made us forget other avenue where money can be derived to run the economy. The groundnuts, coffee, palm produce have now gone away because of the concentration on oil as our source of revenue. The disagreement among Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Adeseye Ogunlewe and Bode George seems to be a challenge to the party. How can it win election in this situation? That has been the problem all along, I don’t blame Koro who was from the AD to the PDP. You remember? Old friends don’t die, they don’t go away. But, the Koro that I know has changed. He has seen that they don’t want any peace in Lagos and peace in the Southwest. That is why he is ensuring that the PDP is better positioned in Lagos State to ensure progress for the people. Also, Ogunlewe did not become a PDP member before he was made a Minister. He was still in the AD when he was made a minister courtesy of Bode George, who also has a large heart. That heart is for the PDP, Ogunlewe has one leg in APC. The APC has planted moles in the PDP to cause problem in the PDP. The man in Bourdillon, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, who I respect a lot, because he is the only Yoruba man that understands politics. He has got power and knows how to use it. Jimi Agbaja has defected to your party and they are making him your governorship candidate… No problem. It is plus one for the PDP. What they are saying is not that he should come and pick the ticket of the PDP. The PDP is the only party that be-

lieves in democracy. It will never impose anybody on us. The candidate will have to go to the primaries and the best candidate would emerge. I have been in the party for long, with experience in health, transport and other areas. My name is a household name. If Jimi Agbaje sounds better, he should come and address me. I will take his advice and not the other way round. I am happy that our party does not just impose people. You have to work hard for what you get. I was there at the Senator Iyiola Omisore’s primaries, where he beat other aspirants hands down. He came through an accepted primaries. And come August 9, he is going to emerge as winner of the election in Osun State. Nothing lasts forever. The APC reign in Lagos State will soon come to an end. Look at Roman Empire, British Empire, despotic rule of Mobuto Seseseko and the other man in Libya, Mammar Gadaffi. So, nothing will last forever. I love Jimi Agbaje. He is a brilliant politician but I will take over in Alausa. Many have known my worth. They know the role I played during the fuel crisis in Lagos. I am the one sent by God to bail out the poor man in Lagos State. To save the people of Lagos from the multiple taxation, I will turn Lagos around. Look at Alimosho, the roads there are just nothing to write about. I want to make Lagos the centre of tourism. There are a lot to transform in Lagos, all through Lagos Island, Epe and Badagry. If we untilse all the lands in Lagos, people will be coming to Lagos to spend their weekend and this will mean revenue and better life for the people. What is the assurance that you will get the ticket at the primaries? Apart from what God has given me and without any fear, I have been talking to the grassroots. I have been talking to my people individually, I have been moving to the local government areas to talk with them. I am dealing with ward chairmen and their people. I don’t have that fear that I would not emerge. How prepared are you for this election? I have been in many positions but I may not have money, but I have integrity. When I was in charge of petroleum in this country, my allocation as chairman in charge of diesel, I never sold the product for personal gain. All the millions that could be made, I never allowed them to matter to me, but to render service to the people. I was in health, transport, environment, water and in the position where I would have made so much money but I never allowed overcoming my mission to keep my name and integrity. When Buba Marwa left Lagos State as governor he did not leave uncompleted project because of their policy. People know me so well that I have what it takes to serve judiciously.

How to tackle insurgency, by activist

•Evah

UMAN rights activist Comrade Joseph Evah has urged the Federal Government and the Boko Haram sect to embrace dialogue to end insurgency in the country. He advised President Goodluck to be less inflexible and more condescending in this period of national emergency, stressing that only a statesman can overcome the present challenge through dialogue. Evah, who is the Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), urged the President to release detained Boko Haram terrorists to facilitate the release of Chibok school girls abducted by the sect three months ago. He said the President can prepare the ground for negotiation in the national interest.

The activist described dialogue as a tool for peace during conflict, advising the Federal Government to embrace the option without delay. Lamenting the killings, he said the primary function of the government is to protect life and property. Evah said:“This has been one of the key demands of the Boko Haram. They have been demanding the re-

‘We are in a state of war now. We should not deceive ourselves that we are not in a war situation. The Boko Haram insurgency has assumed a war situation and, in any war situation, exchange and swapping of prisoners is legitimate’

lease of some of their members as one of the conditions for releasing the Chibok girls. Why not do so, if this step will help bring our girls back home?” Urging Jonathan to ignore some people who may advise him to shun negotiation, he said the lack of dialogue will prolong tension. He added: “We are in a state of war now. We should not deceive ourselves that we are not in a war situation. The Boko Haram insurgency has assumed a war situation and, in any war situation, exchange and swapping of prisoners is legitimate. “The United States of America recently exchanged an abducted US solder with some detained Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. UK, France, Israel, all had at one time or the other being involved in ex-

change of prisoners.” Evah said Nigerian should thank God that the recent bomb blast in Kaduna didn not claim the life of the former Head of State, MajorGeneral Muhammadu Buhari. He said that the blast would have led to a disastrous consequences, if Buhari had been killed. Evah said that no effort should be spared in finding an urgent solution to the insecurity. He lamented President Jonathan is surrounded by selfish advisers. He stressed: “It is unfortunate that the President is surrounded by selfish advisers. People who will not give him right advice. They are also the ones that are shielding those who will give the President the right advise from having access to him. It is unfortunate that Jonathan is being held in hostage in Aso Rock.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

Regional force •The plan to establish a four-nation defence mission to combat growing Boko Haram threat is laudable

HE decision by defence ministers of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroun and Chad to contribute 700 troops each to a multinational force to be exclusively devoted to fighting the scourge of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria and neighbouring countries is a step in the right direction. The insurgents have become more daring in recent times, expanding the scope of their operations not only in Nigeria, but also in the cooperating countries. Many military tacticians had recommended such a cooperation to stamp out the evil in the sub-region, as some cells of the group are said to be located in the neighbouring countries. Some of the Chibok girls snatched in April are even believed to have been taken to some of the countries. It is therefore a relief that the countries have realised the need to share intelligence, bring their defence chiefs together periodically to review operations and progress being made, as well as match the terrorists in anticipating strikes. Given the outrageous abduction of Cameroun’s Vice Prime Minister’s wife and the blow-up of the Ngala Bridge that links North eastern Nigeria and Cameroun last week, it behoves the countries to quickly work out the modalities for the multinational force and swing into action to exterminate what the Niger defence minister, Karidio Mahamadou, described as “this evil curse.” Boko Haram’s persistent attacks have not only located Nigeria at the centre of

the global terror map, it has also continued to threaten the country’s economy, made life miserable for people in the North eastern Nigeria and distorted national defence plans. It is equally gratifying that world powers like France and Britain have pledged their support to the action. The defence summit on Nigeria’s security held in Paris in May had recommended such a line of action and it had been further endorsed by a follow up deliberation in London in June. It is believed that, the cooperation of these military giants that have huge political and defence influence in the West Africa sub-region, would assist in establishing such a compact and focused force. Terrorism is such a new phenomenon in the region and it would require the backing of leaders of the Western countries to combat the scourge and redirect energy to development. We hope, however, that, in all this, security is not being defined in narrow terms as the deployment of military hardware and soldiers to engage in shooting campaigns. The people of the border areas should be brought into the picture. Their confidence is needed for a successful war on the murderous gang. Abubakar Shekau’s men are no spirits. They live among the people, have families, buy food from markets and move their equipment in ways that could not have been lost on the people of the areas. It is therefore imperative that they are mobilised to join

the war against terrorism. Although the Lake Chad Basin Authority, like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is primarily for economic cooperation in the areas covered, it should be noted that the two organisations could also be useful in building up support for the move to isolate the insurgents and terminate this disruptive tendency, realising that instability in Nigeria portends great danger for the entire sub-region. However, it is the Nigerian political authority that bears the ultimate responsibility of initiating strategies to stamp out Boko Haram. And the time to effectively tackle the menace is now.

‘The insurgents have become more daring in recent times, expanding the scope of their operations not only in Nigeria, but also in the cooperating countries. Many military tacticians had recommended such a cooperation to stamp out the evil in the sub-region, as some cells of the group are said to be located in the neighbouring countries’

Very Catholic •We commend the efforts of the Maiduguri Diocese of the church in supporting widows affected by the insurgency

HE Catholic Church has shown once again that it is an institution that is attuned to the needs of the society and not just a propagator of the word of God. While the Federal Government dilly-dallied for about five years before it could fashion out a scheme to support the victims of terror in Nigeria, the Catholic Church had long taken the initiative. Only a few days ago, President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated the Theophilus Danjuma-led terror Victims Support Committee charged with raising about N30 billion to ameliorate the pains of Nigerians caught in the cross-fire of insurgency. However, the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri which covers Borno, Yobe

‘There is no doubt that this is a most worthy and commendable example coming from the Catholic Church. The human calamities arising from the violent crises in most parts of the north of Nigeria will require a lot of input from all quarters ... We call on other religious bodies, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to initiate schemes or work through the Catholic Church’s programmes to bring succour to victims – especially women and children’

and parts of Adamawa states has proved to be far ahead of the government in this regard. It recently rehabilitated about 2,000 widows whose lives were seemingly mired by the ongoing insurgency in the northeast of Nigeria. It was a sobering event at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Maiduguri, where the widows gathered as the mission helped them to pick the remains of their shattered lives. The widows who are from Borno, Yobe and part of Adamawa states have been taken through trainings and workshops and talks. The church trained them in basic handworks, survival skills as well as assisted them with rudimentary equipment and token sums. But perhaps more important was that they were taken through soul-touching talks on how to overcome the pains and agonies of losing partners and even children in such gruesome circumstances like the Boko Haram insurgency and the cattle-rearers’ crises. According to Fr. Gideon Osagie, head of social communications of the diocese, “It is not an easy thing for any woman to lose her husband, but the church believes life must continue. As a church, we feel concerned about the condition of these widows and we therefore swung into action to get the statistics of affected women. So far, we have registered over 2,000 from Borno, Yobe and some parts of Adamawa under the Maiduguri Diocese of the church. It is going to be a continuous exercise.” He noted that the initiative was a programme of hope and rehabilitation to train the widows in some vocational skills

that would help them live a better life and handle financial challenges. Equipment and financial support are part of the scheme; as well as proffering them advice designed to guide them to the right path and make them to see hope even in grief. Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe Doeme noted that, “Widows suffer a lot once their husbands are gone. They are mostly neglected, most family members hardly show love to them, let alone give them helping hands. We have obligation to take care of the poor and the needy. So, we call the widows first for the workshop to give them little assistance to make them take care of themselves. We want them to be able to go back to establish small businesses.” He added that the church also sought to be able to help them in taking care of their children by affording them some form of income. There is no doubt that this is a most worthy and commendable example coming from the Catholic Church. The human calamities arising from the violent crises in most parts of the north of Nigeria will require a lot of input from all quarters; especially so in a situation that various governments have been derelict for so long in managing the victims of Nigeria’s raging terror. We call on other religious bodies, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to initiate schemes or work through the Catholic Church’s programmes to bring succour to victims – especially women and children.

Stronger sanctions on Russia, at last

FTER lengthy and difficult deliberations, the European Union agreed on Tuesday to a new and higher level of sanctions against Russia, including the closing of European capital markets to Russian state banks, an embargo on new weapons sales and the transfer of sophisticated oil drilling technology. The United States followed suit shortly with measures meant to match the Europeans’ and further added a Russian shipbuilding firm to the list of companies banned from doing business with Americans. These punitive and carefully orchestrated actions go considerably beyond any previous sanctions. They are designed to exact a heavy price from President Vladimir Putin, and deservedly so. Russia’s behavior since the downing of a Malaysian jetliner with the loss of 298 lives has been a string of lies and a sharp escalation of direct involvement in the Ukrainian fray. Russia, Mr. Obama said, “is once again isolating itself from the international community, setting back decades of genuine progress. It didn’t have to come to this. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is a choice that Russia, and President Putin in particular, has made.” Compounding the case against Russia are public charges by the United States that Russia has violated a fundamental arms control accord, the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, by testing a prohibited groundlaunched cruise missile. According to a report in The Times on Tuesday, Mr. Obama conveyed the finding to Mr. Putin on Monday. So far, there has been no public response from Moscow. The I.N.F. treaty, signed in 1987, bans testing, producing or possessing such missiles with a range of 300 to 3,400 miles. Economic sanctions are a flawed and double-edged weapon, but, short of armed force, they are the only tools at the disposal of the West to make President Putin and his revanchist-ruling clique understand that breaking the rules of international behavior carries a cost, and, further, that there can be no business-asusual when Russia carries out armed aggression against a sovereign state while enabling proxies in eastern Ukraine who shoot down an unarmed passenger plane. Europe’s readiness to strengthen its earlier response — which has consisted mainly of restrictions on individual Russians — and to join the United States in striking at the Russian economy shows that Europe’s leaders have now grasped the magnitude of Mr. Putin’s threat. It shows also a commendable willingness to confront that threat despite the difficulty of coordinated action by 28 European Union members, Europe’s heavy dependence on Russian natural gas, and the potential cost in lost jobs and contracts. This change of view makes all the more troubling France’s continued determination to deliver at least one of the two Mistral-class warships it is building for Russia for 1.2 billion euros, or about $1.6 billion. The Mistral is not heavily armed, but it is a serious military asset as a forward command post and helicopter carrier. It is, in short, a formidable weapon, and the very idea that France is building two for Mr. Putin at this time is deeply troubling. President François Hollande of France and other French officials have reacted angrily to American and British calls for the deal to be suspended. Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain has been especially sharply assailed in France for criticizing the French while keeping Britain’s doors open to Russian oligarchs who park a lot of their loot in London. Certainly Britain cannot be exempt from making sacrifices in any future round of sanctions; nor Germany, with its extensive exports to Russia, nor any other European Union member. But financial sacrifice is one thing; arming Russia is another. That is what the French should focus on at this juncture, not the supposed slights of their allies. At this point, it appears likely that France will go ahead with the delivery of the first Mistral, the Vladivostok, in October. But Mr. Hollande has left open the possibility of at least delaying the second one, which is due for delivery late next year. One warship less may not hurt Mr. Putin as much as economic measures that shrink his economy and hurt his cronies, but a decision by France to suspend the deal would encourage other European countries to accept whatever sacrifices future sanctions might entail. It would also make a powerful statement about Western resolve not to appease Mr. Putin — and about French honor. – New York Times

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: This letter in not unconnected with your recent media conference following a bomb blast in Kaduna in which two of our adorable elders and fathers escaped unhurt by the grace of God and so many other innocent friends and brothers lost their lives. As believers, we find solace that they died in the holy month of Ramadan; most of them who were pursuing a worthy cause. May Allah forgive them their trespasses and admit them into the highest place of abode, Amen. I would ordinary not respond to idle talk from ignorant men, but because of my perceived impression that you ought not to fall within these categories of people, I am tempted to respond to your outburst. I am also not unmindful of the fact that, while your outburst attracted the media and made some

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

Open letter to Asari Dokubo headlines, my response may not equally get the same to warrant same treatment for some reasons. You are more a public figure than me by virtue of your pedigree in the history of this nation, the interest of whom you seem to be protecting and the fact that you have all the funds to invite all that you want to invite to be heard. You accused General Muhammed Buhari (Rtd) as a conspirator and a liar, a situation that prompted me to question where you got your

“Tarbiya) from? (I mean your home training). I know as a fact that, no matter the provocation and our political and religious inclination, some words are heavy words that we will hardly use on elders, most especially on a person old enough to be our father (to be modest). The event in this nation over the last one year is enough for the northerners to start name-callings and raining insults on some individuals from the part of the country you come from, but because we are disciplined

and are always admonished to restrain ourselves from the ugly consequences of anger, we have kept our lips shut and watching albeit with keen interest on all the happenings around. God forbid, do you think even if the Nigerian armoury and soldiers are mobilized to the North, they can stop anything from happening if these two men were killed? Please Mujahid, do not be led by empty confidence that you have stashed enough weapons to fight anybody;

Kogi guber: Case not exactly over

IR: The last might not have been heard on the legal controversies which have continued to trail the February 20, judgment of the Supreme Court which put in abeyance the challenge posed to Idris Wada’s candidacy by the winner of the ‘first’ PDP primaries held on January 9, 2011 in the state, Alhaji Jibrin Isa Echocho. New issues as to the legality of Wada’s continued stay in the Government House, Lokoja on the judgement of the apex court have again been brought to the fore. Although Nigerians were bound by all judgments of the Supreme Court, the judgment by itself was not beyond criticism and or a review. The Supreme Court was in serious error when it held that the appellant in Jibrin Isah v INEC was not a party in Marwa v Nyako and as such could not derive any benefit from the judgement. With much respect to their Lordships decision, the Supreme Court, by the decision in Marwa v Nyako invalidated the decisions of the two lower courts, set aside and nullified all rights or interest that

may have accrued from the decisions and of course restored whatever and whichever interest that was suspended or put in abeyance during the subsistence of the decisions of the lower courts. Against the foregoing background, we submit that it was the decisions of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal (that were set aside by the Supreme Court in Marwa v Nyako) that stalled and hindered Appellant’s already restored rights to contest election as governor of Kogi State since his name had already been forwarded to INEC (the 1st Respondent) as its candidate for the said election. Legally and logically, if it was the decision of the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court that hindered the Appellant from contesting; the setting aside of those decisions by the Supreme Court revived his already vested right. It will amount with all due respect, to standing logic on its head to argue that a setting aside of those decisions would not confer any benefit on the Appellant irrespective of whether he was a party to the proceedings or not. It is elementary law that, the ap-

pellant ( Jibrin Isah) was a direct party in Marwa V Nyako, as his primary election which the Supreme Court claimed was cancelled, was the central issue in Marwa Vs Nyako contrary to the position of the esteemed justices of the Supreme Court. Let us not forget too that, Marwa Vs Nyako

was based on the lower courts judgment in Ibrahim Idris Vs INEC. So, if Marwa Vs Nyako did not affect the appellant, how then did Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State leave office?. •Ekpeyong James Esq. Lagos

even if you do; we are inclined to believe that no one lives forever. I believe we are at best as one Nigeria. Is it not funny to consider a man who fought to preserve the unity of a country a liar? A former minister and Head of State; a man with a genuine followership, a man with a clue on how a country should be run. Let us pray to remain consequential like the general even at this our youth-full like age because many at his age have lost track of the history and prospect of this nation. You will agree with me that the prospect of democracy hinges on the viability of opposition. General Buhari’s pedigree has given impetus and meaning to the Nigeria opposition parties. I am sure if General Buhari and the opposition do not exist, the image launderers and the likes will have less patronage by the ruling party. I know we represent an important segment of the population (youth?). Our utterances should be guarded. Why should you and I forsake our future of being Nigeria President because we have toed the path of ethnic jingoists? Yours truly in the Nigeria project,

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• Dr Abdullahi Baba Abdul, Kaduna.

Beware of Aso Villa!

IR: The journey to Aso Villa, a figurative nomenclature for the number one seat of power in the Federal Republic of Nigeria started way back in 1975 when the decision was taken by the then Federal Military Government of Nigeria to set up a committee to examine the suitability of the dual role of Lagos as a state and Federal Capital. The government under General Murtala Mohammed accepted the recommendation that the capital city of Nigeria be relocated to a new Federal Capital Territory in the geographic centre of the country at Abuja. The struggle to occupy the villa has always been attended by fierce competition that throws up regime tendencies of devious proportions.

The realities that have reared their monstrous heads on the heels of our returns to democracy attest to this unhealthy competitions. Another period of fierce competition is around the corner. The drum for the macabre dance has long started beating. The tempo of the beat increases in crescendo as innuendos from opposing actors and groups heat the polity. Innuendos, statements laced with hidden assumptions in its varied forms as propaganda fly disguised as messianic messengers sent to set the people free from bondage. Democracy has come to define the boundaries of powers sought by modern men. However, it came with its challenges as men had to compete for power through electoral

processes. These processes which encompass interest articulation, motivation, participation and mobilization provide man all he needed to resort to treachery and all evil machinations at his disposal to undermine the process for selfish end. When the chips are down and power is gained, attained by hook or crook, they allow power to intoxicate instead of invigorate them. In our recent history as a nation, how many heads of government ascended the exalted seat, took occupancy of Aso Villa and came out with their partners? So, why can’t people thread with caution when chasing an ephemeral object, position or ambition in life? • Com. Ogbu Alexander Ameh, Abuja

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 16

COMMENTS

Just me…being self-righteous (1) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

E belabour the ‘Nigerian dream.’ We abuse the idea that life will get better, that progress is assured if we keep faith, obey the rules and work hard, that prosperity is guaranteed if we continue to tread the slow, steady path to progress and a prosperous future. And in pursuit of these lofty ideals, we pervert the steady, measured, impartial course of the universe; hacking pliant paths to our dreams, from the crossroads where gluttony fosters depravity and vice. Eventually, we awaken to a cold, bitter truth: We are being sacrificed. The Nigerian dream we are sold is not worth our sacrifice. And the individual dreams we pursue, aren’t worth a smidgen of what we make them out to be. By the time we all struggle to achieve our dreams; Nigeria will be finished. Given that each tribe may finally achieve its dreams of nationhood via secession, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw to mention a few may establish their new nations. When we do, the swollen belly of our idiocy and pride shall become clearly visible to us. When it does,

it shall suddenly dawn on us that, all along, we had been blindly acting to a script prepared by career predators from Western nations of Europe, America and our ruling class. The truth shall become clearer to us in intensity and impact and we shall hopelessly realize that we are being sacrificed. We will all be sacrificed; some of us much quicker than others. As it is now, so shall it be in our new nations, the Biafran youth, Ijaw youth, Oodua youth and Arewa youth to mention a few, shall become disposable indices in the scheme of things. But until then, we will continue to have today and squander it on the altar of racism and greed. Today, it’s impossible to see any offspring of our ruling class engage or become embroiled in the familiar tragedies that mar our lives. It’s always the children from the breadlines, struggling middle class and backwaters that are involved. We are the youth divide traditionally expected and required to function and serve as unquestioning muscles and ordinary cannon fodder in

‘It’s about time the Nigerian youth started postponing immediate gratification and endure hard sacrifices spurred by conviction that the future can be better than the past. Beyond the politics and inanities of our existing ruling class and political parties, we face far more difficult questions at our moment in history’ “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision.” - Cassius Marcellus Clay. NDIVIDUAL interpretations notwithstanding, elections are generally regarded as contests. The United States of America’s quadrennial election of 1876, which eventually led to the Compromise of 1877, through Kenya’s “tribalism-marked” election of 2007, to Zimbabwe’s “deeply flawed” presidential contest of 2008, even, Venezuela’s “decisive” election of 2012, among numerous others, all point to the fact that, Nigeria as an indivisible part of the Global Village cannot be said to be indifferent to the dynamics of its global villageness. As a matter of fact, anyone who has read the book, ‘Why Nations Fail’ by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson would readily admit that there’s clearly more to the gubernatorial election which returned Ayodele Fayose as Governor-elect than meets the eye. Aside any other reasons already in circulation for the sad event of June 21, I have personally described the quintessential Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Fashola of Ekiti State. The question then is: if the Fashola in Fayemi did so well - and, he did very well - in Ekiti, why then did he lose the election by such a wide margin? In my considered opinion, the answer is simple: the Bola Tinubu of Ekiti politics was conspicuously absent; and the Lamidi Adedibu, the Azeez Arisekola Alao and the Olusola Saraki of Ekiti politics were either dead, unrecognized, or simply gone into self-imposed exile, thereby leaving the stage for the promasses-yet-integrity-deficient Fayose with such a landslide. Welcome Osun, the Land of Virtue! On August 9, residents of the state will go to the polls to elect the governor who’ll run the affairs of the state for the next four years. And, as a respected political leader once remarked, with the way this “mere geographical expression” is constitutionally structured, in any of the country’s 36 states, after God, the next person is the governor. Little wonder why every Tom, Dick or Harry wants to grab power at all costs! What more? With Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s sitting Khalifa, unwilling to let go of power; and, with the North scheming with unparalleled crudity to take back the power it “willingly conceded to the South”, the ruling party at the centre is indeed desperate in its bid to capture the South-west in order to make up for any shortcomings that may come its way from the Northern part of the country during next year’s general elections. ”The journey is the reward”, said the Chinese Proverb. In other words, it is a settled case that Rauf Aregbesola, the sitting governor, has simplified the art of governance and has laid the foundation for modern welfare in the state. Apart from some of his achievements which have been comprehensively articulated by respected commentators, the gover-

the ruling class’ blueprint of pillage and destruction. The decline of Nigeria is a story of gross injustices by the ruling class to the citizenry. But that is only an aspect of it, the greatest injustice is that meted out by individual citizen to self – the youth particularly. And this predominant malaise often plays out in our corruptibility and disinclination to foster a more humane leadership and society. Today, we suffer devastation by Boko Haram, declining standards of living, stagnant and falling wages that are hardly paid at due time; we suffer curtailment and absolute denial of our basic wages, long-term unemployment, slave labour, escalating crime wave, among other ills. Together, we perpetuate gruesome realities of the weakest being crushed decisively and maniacally by the affluent and strong. Together, we perpetuate a story of unbridled sectarian, ethnic and corporate power that has taken our government hostage, overseen the dismantling of our cultural heritage, societal and entrepreneurial values. But if the ruling class, in connivance with predatory nations and institutions from the so-called ‘first world’ is responsible for plundering our natural resources and bankrupting the nation, we, the youth, are responsible for even worse atrocities. We serve as the tools by which the ruling class and its cohorts overseas plunder and destroy our nation. The virus of political corruption, the perverted belief that only political and material profit matters, has spread to distort our thoughts and understanding of right and wrong. Today, it manifests in endemic proportions plaguing our communities with religious and political terrorism, economic and cyber-terrorism to mention a few.

Today, the Nigerian society dies a gruesome death basically because we lay to waste, our youths and we, the latter, by our suicidal actions and thoughts, submit ourselves as hopeless prey to the Nigerian ruling class and their cohorts overseas. Everyday encounters with gluttonous gangs of struggling youth reveals among other things that many of us are the same social products as our peer from the aristocratic divide. Conditioned by life’s harshest vicissitudes to survive at all cost, we lay in wait, striving and bidding our time until we are ably positioned and strong enough to serve or rob the rich whose lives we earnestly covet and decry. A visit to any night club, party, religious organization or office still attests to this fact. Ambitious and upwardly mobile youth from the breadlines or struggling working class families engage in a variety of excesses to the applause of mates yearning to be in their shoes. Either as advance fee fraudsters, bankers, journalists, accountants, secretaries, factory hands or ordinary clerks, youths from the breadlines daily engage in a bitter, desperate struggle to chance on the shortest possible cut to sudden and stupendous wealth. We are beset by a greater and unexplainable fear beyond the fear of poverty amongst other harsh realities of life. Fear plays a greater part than hope: we are infinitely buoyed and obsessed with thoughts of the money that we could make or the possessions that might be taken from us or elude us, than of the joy and value that we might add to our own lives and to the future of our fatherland. Most of us, like our more privileged peer crave the best of everything without actually sweating for it. And when we do sweat for it, our industry is tainted by vigorous dashes of impatience and duplicity.

In our work, we are haunted by jealousy of competitors, and a fleeting interest in the actual work that has to be done. We spend greater time and passion defending unjust privileges that we are desperate to enjoy. Such appalling youth constitute a greater segment of the human element expected to salvage Nigeria from eternal ruin and bloodbath. Consequently, our society becomes more rudderless and unstable and vulnerable on our watch. Now that Nigeria as our fathers, ‘the wasted generation’ made it, and we the youth, aggravate it, have begun to collapse, we withdraw from the possibility of rebirth, and instead choose to exploit the infinite possibilities in our fragility and predicted collapse. It’s about time the Nigerian youth started postponing immediate gratification and endure hard sacrifices spurred by conviction that the future can be better than the past. Beyond the politics and inanities of our existing ruling class and political parties, we face far more difficult questions at our moment in history: How do we reconcile reality with promises that have been made to us? How do we make the best of our circumstances at the backdrop of indefensible leadership failure and disillusionment of the citizenry? How do we evolve and nurture to fruition, a new vision to help us deal with our gruesome realities, even as we rewrite a promising story of the future? How do we divorce ourselves from the pains and disappointments of the past – particularly those that many amongst us had no stake in but yet internalize and perpetuate unexplainable miseries thereby? How do we redefine “Peace, Unity and Progress” with our lust for “Life, Liberty and Happiness?” How do we become more human and humane than we are now?

Osun: Crushing the Jonathan siege By Abiodun Komolafe nor has also surpassed the people’s expectations in other areas. For example, his first term in office witnessed the establishment of the Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP) - to deal with small-scale farmers on a cooperative basis; and Osun Debt Management Office - to centrally coordinating the management of the state’s debt. 185 Km Oyo Boundary (Asejire) to Osun-Ondo Boundary (Owena) was beautified; super highways to connect Osun to Lagos and Osun to Kwara States were built; and Freedom Park, the first of its kind in the history of the state, was constructed. Aregbesola’s administration also saw to the payment of salaries to old age people (referred to as Agba Osun). Not that alone, over 3,000 permanent teachers were employed into the state’s education sector while 339 university graduates were recruited into Osun State Civil Service. Even, as we speak, there are free rail services to all indigenes of the state living in Lagos State; and 61 township roads covering128km are being upgraded all over the state. Albert Einstein describes politics as being more complicated than science. He was right! Politics is all about issues. It is about morality and credibility. It is about loyalty to the country, not to any particular individual, however strong, powerful or connected. Politics is about leadership; and leadership leads to good governance. It is all about the presence of the rule of law, not abuse of authority or the practice of nepotism. It is transparent, accountable, consensus-driven and predicated on the fundamentals of equity, efficiency, responsiveness and effectiveness. Intrigues of power-play! Physical demonstration of incompetence! Twists of tension and turns of pretension! In our very eyes, politics has gone beyond being the survival of the fittest to the exclusive preserve of the horrid and the bucolic. Added to this is a blend of “dumb horse-traders” and “perpetual complainants who do nothing about their complaints apart from moaning and moping.” In the midst of these, terrorists continue to torment us but, as far as our president is concerned, once political ‘Skelewu’ is on course, all other issues of statecraft can even go to blazes! Though leadership is about a leader’s ability to match words with action, in Nigeria, it is a different ball-game entirely! Here, it is about men with no “proud history of radical measures” lording it over a hapless populace. For instance, once our president promised Nigerians that, by April, Boko Haram menace would “be a thing of the past.” Now, not insur-

gents but innocent Nigerians are being sent to early graves. No thanks to Boko-bombs. Casual politicians and political casualty: strangely related! For instance, PDP had no better candidate as its flag-bearer for Ekiti governorship election than Fayose, the man on whose neck two murder cases in addition to a lawful impeachment were hanging. In Osun, Iyiola Omisore, the man linked with the death of Bola Ige, then serving AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice, is being offered for election. Granted that he’s been acquitted by the law court and that his impeachment as Deputy Governor of Osun State has survived the constitutionally-stipulated moratorium of 10 years, yet, unanswered questions on Ige’s death, coupled with his election as senator in questionable circumstances no doubt speaks volume of how bad things have gone in the country. Sad that a Minister of Justice could not get justice, even in his country! In the words of Bear Bryant, “It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference”. August 9, is no doubt a day of decision for Osun and its people. It is a day of choice between the principalities of darkness and the powers of light; between the twists of fury and the tears of joy. Even with the presidential threat of flooding the state with twice the number of security officers that were deployed to Ekiti, it remains the day when the foundation of falsehood shall become so badly thrashed that it’ll become permanently consigned to the dustbin of history. Yes! Osun is not Ekiti and Osun cannot go the way of Ekiti! Reason: in Aregbesola lie both the Fashola and the Tinubu of Osun politics. Oranmiyan, as he is fondly called, is an astute administrator and a political juggernaut who knows his onions. But it doesn’t end there. The electorate must be prepared not only to cast their ballot, they must also be prepared to jealously guard their votes, not forgetting in a hurry what the PDP is known for.

‘August 9, is no doubt a day of decision for Osun and its people. It is a day of choice between the principalities of darkness and the powers of light; between the twists of fury and the tears of joy’

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

COMMENTS ‘The only conduct that merits the drastic remedy of impeachment is that which subverts our system of government or renders the president/governors unfit or unable to govern’ - Charles Ruff

HE kernel of this discourse is informed by Governor Sullivan Chime’s acceptance of responsibility for the ongoing malicious attempt to laughably impeach Sunday Onyebuchi, his deputy for keeping poultry in government house among other puerile allegations. Hear his imperial majesty Chime: ‘I gave him the option to resign. It has actually come to a point where we need to know who actually is the boss because we can no longer work together. Let the House of Assembly do their job and see if, indeed, he is fit to remain as Deputy Governor.’ No right-thinking man will say that a governor should keep an errant deputy in office. The political marriage between the governor and his vice is not one of equals but at the same time, it is not one of master-servant relationship. If for instance, someone is deemed fit enough to deputise for a governor, courtesies and protocol demand that such a person should be treated with decency by the state because doing anything inimical against the holder of such exalted office is tantamount to denigrating that office which in this column’s view amounts to wilful subversion of the system. Charles Frederick Carson Ruff (1939 – 2000), a prominent American lawyer and 27th White House Counsel, who defended President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial in 1999 over the Lewinsky scandal and Paula Jones case, presents a template for determining the suitability of a man to retain his office under a democratic setting when he said: ‘Impeachment is not a remedy for private wrongs; it's a method of removing someone whose continued presence in office would cause grave danger to the state.’ Could Enugu State deputy governor’s retention of his seat be deemed to be inimical to the development of the state? Could the per-

‘He should not think that he has immunity against being paid back in his own coin. If he likes, let him pick his own biological son as successor. The same applies to serving governors that are behaving as if they are the first and last thing to happen to their states’

ECENTLY at Bende ,headquarters of Bende council area in Abia State, the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji in continuation of his government’s youth empowerment programme gave out 200 vehicles to unemployed youths, and N2 million each to 13 unemployed graduates. Beneficiaries of this were mainly unemployed youths from Arochukwu, Ohafia and Bende council areas, all in Abia North district. Before now youths from other two zones in the state Abia South and Abia Central had benefitted from programme. It would be recalled that since coming into office in 2007, Governor Orji never pretended or reneged on his government’s genuine commitment towards empowering the teeming unemployed youths in the state aimed at reducing crime drastically. On several fora, Orji has emphasized that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, stressing on the need for the youths to be meaningful engaged no matter how small. Today in the state are more than 4,000 youths that were selected across the council areas and placed on monthly stipend of N20,000 each as social security since 2007. The programme has enabled most of the beneficiaries to live a life of their own, and search for employment without overburdening their parents after graduation. Through Ochendo Scholarship Scheme, so many youths in the state whose parents cannot afford to train in school have been offered scholarship to study at home and abroad at graduate and post-graduate levels. Those of them in primary and secondary schools have been enjoying free bus ride to schools since 2007. Bursary award of N50,000 each for the first time in the history of the state is being offered to indigenous undergraduates in tertiary institutions across the country by the state government. Also not left out in the bursary arrangement are indigenes of the state that are currently studying in Nigerian Law schools across the country. At a time many thought that it was impos-

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Imperial Sullivan Chime

• Sullivan Chime sonal interest of a governor be rightly deemed to be the over all interest of the state? Edmund Burke had this to say on the high pedestal of impeachment when he described it as the ‘tribunal’ by which ‘statesmen/office holders are tried not upon the niceties of a narrow jurisprudence but upon the enlarged and solid principles of morality.’ Again, can the gale of impeachments across the country satisfy this yardstick? This is a poser for all politicians masquerading as democrats in the country today. Curiously, the Enugu State House of Assembly found the deputy governor guilty of infracting its February 12, 2013 resolution decided upon at its plenary prohibiting the maintenance and operation of commercial livestock and poultry farms within residential neighbourhoods in Enugu metropolis in promotion of public health standards. The deputy governor is said to be keeping commercial poultry/livestock within his official residential quarters despite alleged lawful directives issued to him by the governor. Put succinctly, the deputy governor is accused by the House to have “between February 2013

and February 2014, wrongfully deployed the resources of his office and exercised the powers thereof to resist and ridicule the implementation of a public health policy of the government of Enugu State by maintenance and operation of commercial livestock and poultry farms within residential neighbourhoods.” Chime’s deputy was also accused of refusing to represent his boss at the flag-off of the construction of the second Niger Bridge in Onitsha by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 11, and at the South-East Governors Forum held in Enugu on Sunday, July 8. However, the deputy governor was widely reported to have been present at the 2nd Niger Bridge event purportedly sitting next to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The ridiculous aspect of this impeachment move is that in January, it was widely reported in the media that state government forcefully evacuated the so-called deputy governor’s 3,000 birds. Yet, the governor has not effectively cleared the air over accusations that he is also guilty of same offence since he still allegedly keeps big farms in the same Enugu State Government House. More damning is the fact that this impeachment is simply because the Onyebuchi reportedly declared intention to run for the Enugu East Senatorial seat reserved by Chime for one of his close aides. In sane climes, impeachment is deployed with tact and the consideration of what is of significant essence to the polity. Impeachment and removal of governors have happened occasionally throughout the history of the United States, usually for genuine not concocted corruption charges and abuse of office. Only two U.S. Presidents have been impeached by the House of Representatives. Both were acquitted at the trials held by the Senate: Andrew Johnson in 1868 (trial) and

Still on Abia youth empowerment scheme By Greg Okenwe sible for the state governments to give out free vehicles to the youths, the present government in Abia State has since given out more than 500 vehicles free to the youths in the state. Details of the beneficiaries of this and particular of the vehicles and models were always made public, confirming the authenticity of the scheme. Also given out free to the youths were more than 500 tricycles, sewing machines, computers, and others through the state youth empowerment programme. I recalled reading some baseless and sponsored articles in some newspapers criticizing the state youth empowerment scheme alleging that the government was giving out rickety vehicles to graduates and PDP members in the name of youth empowerment in the state. But surprisingly, some of the published beneficiaries of the programme were from Anambra and Imo states, but were born, brought up and are still residing in Abia State. Some of the beneficiaries of the vehicles have added one or two cars to their fleets and have provided jobs for idle drivers and at same time put food on the table of their family members. Across the state today, commercial taxi business is booming and one can easily pick cab to any part of the state or outside at ease. The governor has also embarked on aggressive and sustained agricultural revolution in the state. His government was the first in the country to introduce Youth-In-Agriculture Initiative which was aimed at encouraging and supporting youths in practising commercial farming. Since then, so many unemployed youths in the state have been trained and sup-

ported by government to practise agriculture in the state. Some of them are already employers of labour today after being trained at the government established liberation farms in all the council areas of the state. There is no doubt that the Abia Youth Empowerment Scheme is unique and a model that is worthy of emulation by present and successive governments across the country. Empower Nigeria’s partnership with the Abia State government is a right step towards sustained and successful youth empowerment in the state. It will also encourage other youth development partners to be partners in progress with the state government in keeping and setting the pace for youth empowerment. It could be recalled that the collapse of major industries across the country did not begin today; rather it is as a result of long years of neglect by successive governments. And it is clear that the industries cannot be fixed overnight because of the huge capital and technical knowhow required, having been neglected for decades. So investing a huge chunk of public funds in their revitalization will surely affect other critical sectors of the economy that also require urgent attention. In this regard, while the Abia State government is working on revitalizing the ailing industries it inherited, her idea of doing something in the immediate to tackle youth unemployment through her youth empowerment scheme should be highly commended. Waiting until the ailing industries are brought back to life before the unemployed youths could be empowered or employed will be a time bomb. That is why states across the country should adopt the Abia Youth

Bill Clinton in 1998/1999 (trial). The House Judiciary Committee voted on Articles of Impeachment for President Richard Nixon in 1974, but he resigned before the full House of Representatives could vote on any articles. Since the entire House did not vote, Nixon was never impeached. In the view of this column, impeachable conduct must be rescued from the ambivalent Nigerian constitutional provision that is currently promoting executive rascality and diminishing legislative integrity at the same time. In an orderly and well organised society, impeachment should proceed from misconduct of public men through abuse or violation of some public trust, and they must relate mainly to injuries done immediately to the society itself. What immediate injury has keeping poultry done to the Enugu State people? There are so many Chimes in Government Houses across the federation who treat their deputies as waste bins where any rubbish can be dumped. They should be reminded that nothing lasts forever. Afterall, President Jonathan’s former boss, Umaru Yar'Ádua never contemplated that he could succeed him the way and time it happened. That is life even though it is doubtful that Jonathan himself has learnt any lesson the way he is going after governors that are not supporting his 2015 re-election bid by instigating legislators against them. His imperial majesty Chime must watch his back for there is something called the law of Karma. It is inescapable. His predecessor, Chimaroke Nnamani, fought his godfather and benefactor, Jim Nwobodo. Chime has repaid Nnamani with an overdose of tyranny and treachery. He should not think that he has immunity against being paid back in his own coin. If he likes, let him pick his own biological son as successor. The same applies to serving governors that are behaving as if they are the first and last thing to happen to their states. The perilous thing about the on-going impeachment, whether in Enugu or Nassarawa, is that it is unduly punishing the man and also denigrating the office he holds. The governor, with the support of a weakling and highly compromised legislature, is committing despotic transgression with impunity through the mis-use of vast powers and perquisites of office at his beck and call. Chime, like others in his shoes in other states, are setting the dangerous precedent of corruption and abuse of power. Unfortunately for the country, those who should be impeached are the ones behind others' impeachment within the nation’s political system generally. This ugly trend portends danger for the sustenance of democracy.

Empowerment Programme Scheme model to pre-empt possible youths restiveness. It is a more practical approach to youth empowerment. Also the long-term approach, which has to do with the revitalization and construction of industries should be worked on. The Abia youth scheme is the surest way of taking the unemployed youths out of the streets to reduce crime rate. No wonder the crime rate in the state has reduced drastically since the commencement of the programme. The success of the programme is predicated on the fact that it is being carried out in a most transparent manner which has made it difficult for politicians to hijack it for selfish political purposes. There are no middlemen between the beneficiaries and the state government to avoid exploitation and fraud. The state government should not only continue with the scheme, there is also the need for the in-coming government to sustain it, at least pending the resuscication of the ailing industries that are undergoing rehabilitation in the state. • Okenwe, a beneficiary of the state youth empowerment scheme wrote Umuahia, Abia State

‘Waiting until the ailing industries are brought back to life before the unemployed youths could be empowered or employed will be a time bomb. That is why states across the country should adopt the Abia Youth Empowerment Programme model to pre-empt possible youths restiveness. It is a more practical approach to youth empowerment’

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

25 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

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

ITF closes unemployment gap

N1tr AMCON bonds, political spending raise market liquidity

By Taofik Salako

EPUTY Director, Industrial Skill Training Center (ISTC) of the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), Mr. Olasupo James Abimbola, said the Fund’s priority on vocational training and skill acquisition has been helping to reduce unemployment and youth restiveness. He spoke in Lagos during the 3rd graduation ceremony of the ITF and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Technical Skill Development Programme Batch four trainees. He noted that the ISTC which presently offers over eight categories of technical and vocational training in various areas was established with only three trade areas. According to him, the center presently offers technical and vocational training in information and communication technology, electrical installation and maintenance and mechanical maintenance. He listed other areas of specialized vocational and technical training to include welding and metal fabrication, refrigeration and air conditioning and instrumentation, process control and autotronics and auto mechanic work. He said the center has trained more than 2541 trainees in 239 programmes for 220 organisations in various categories of training. He explained the ITF-NECA technical skills development programme is a joint initiative of the ITF and NECA, pointing out the programme is designed to facilitate the availability of middle level manpower with appropriate technical and vocational skill to bridge the identified skill gap and meet the technical manpower of the Nigerian economy. The ISTC training manager said of particular importance is the fact that the graduating trainees have performed well in learning and character, and are worthy to be awarded the ITF-NECA certificate of competence in their chosen trade. To buttress the capability of technical and vocational training in solving the nation’s unemployment problem, Abimbola explained over 42 percent of the trainees graduating are already gainfully employed barely six months after the completion of their programme, while some were offered employment before the completion of their programme. The development, he noted further testifies to the quality of the ITF-NECA,adding another set of 50 training are currently preparing to embark on a three months mandatory industrial attachment at various organisations. He encouraged the graduands to make the most of the trainings and opportunities that has been offered them, saying the center will remain committed empowering youths with multi skills and entrepreneur skills for job and wealth creation.

HE maturity of N1 trillion Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) bonds by October and increased spending ahead of next year's general elections are taking liquidity pressure on the economy to new heights, analysts have said. Head of Research, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan said the liquidity surge is likely to set in by September, and that the decision from the last Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN's) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting was to check the trend. "The decision at the last MPC meeting was largely as expected -with all rates kept on hold. While mention was made of the upward pressure on inflation, with the CBN stating that it would be carefully monitoring liquidity levels, the committee nonetheless restated the Governor's goal of lower interest rates in the longterm," she said. She said the committee's position raises key questions

By Collins Nweze

around how the CBN might react when liquidity pressures are even more pronounced than they are now. "An additional AMCON maturity of just less than N1 trillion is expected in October. The political primary season and pre-election spending are likely to build in intensity from September on," she said adding that for now, the foreign exchange rate is stable - reflecting continued inflows into Nigeria. Khan said the macro-prudential measures announced by the CBN, the increased capital requirement for Bureau De Change (BDCs), should help at the margin. But global factors will also be keys - with much pointing to a confluence of greater pressures in fourth quarter of 2014. While the long-term goal may well be lower rates to boost private sector credit, to achieve some level of policy accommodation in order to 'support' the real economy, the way in which

the CBN chooses to navigate upcoming challenges will be carefully monitored. Maintaining faith in the stability of the FX rate, even in the face of these challenges, in an environment of low T-bill yields will be key. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on July 21 and 22, 2014 against the backdrop of continuing quantitative tapering by the U.S Federal Reserve which has resulted in the slowing of inflows to emerging markets and frontier economies; and the attendant uncertainties in the outlook for monetary policy and financial stability in the post-tapering period. The Committee noted that the rebound in global economic activity strengthened in the first half of 2014; although at levels lower than previously projected. The tapered growth arose mainly from the emerging and developing economies owing to the rising real interest rates and geo-political crisis. On the

•Chike Obi

whole, the effects of the global financial crisis have continued to wane even as the issues of rising income inequality, unemployment and poverty appear to be gaining prominence; engaging the attention of the monetary authorities. These latest projections indicate that the euro area is gradually coming out of recession, as growth projection for 2014 is positive for all member countries albeit with significant variation.

•From left: Wike, Deputy Director, Public Relations, NUC, Mallam Yakassai; Mrs Johnson; and Chief Operating Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. Phillip Obioha, during the commissioning of NgREN in Abuja.

FUG Pension capital base hits N1.5b

UTURE Unity Glanvills Pensions Limited (FUG), a pension fund administrator’s paid up capital stands at N1.5 billion, a leap above the statutorily minimum requirement of N1 billion, its Managing Director, Usman Suleiman has said. Giving an update on the activities of the company since 2007 at a press briefing in Lagos he said the firm will take advantage of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, especially in the areas of transfer window, when it is opened, and the integration of the informal sector into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to deepen penetration and grow its market share. He said the firm also plans to leverage on the law to produce competitive investment returns and better service for customers which in-

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

clude employees, retirees and other stakeholders. He said the pension industry has moved from a huge and unsustainable liability at inception in 2004 to accumulate asset of over N4 trillion within a short span of ten years. According to him, in spite of the challenging business terrain occasioned by persistent noncompliance by the states, the private sector and the general economic disincentives and lack of enabling environment, the board and management are not deterred. He promised to leave no stone unturned in the bid to guarantee a brighter future for all stake holders. Besides he said management has put in place appropriate strategic plans aimed at continuously growing the company.

He said: “As the industry moves to the next phase following the repeal of the PRA 2004 and enactment of PRA 2014, we assure all our stakeholders and indeed all Nigerian employees and retirees that we are poised to move into that phase in a strong and well-focused manner. “Our vision which forms the foundation of the promise and commitment we have made of a brighter future to all our stakeholders is to produce competitive investment returns for our clients, by employing world class management expertise and deploying cutting edge technology to the benefit of all stakeholders. “This and it not only put us in a good standing to compete and provide best of service but also give our

clients the comfort of knowing that they have their RSA and other funds in a solid institution.” Suleiman said management has positioned the company to contribute significantly to the overall industry achievement adding that it has over the last seven years been providing excellent and constantly improving service to our numerous customers across the country. He said the company was able to achieve growth despite being among the last set of PFAs to be licensed by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to carry out the business of Pension Fund Administration (PFA). According to him, the firm commenced full operational and investment activities by September of same year and have since then grown to be one of the leading PFAs in the country.

Local capacity can drive ICT, says CWG chief Lucas Ajanaku

HE Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Mr. Austin Okere, has said indigenous information technology (IT) professionals have the capacity and competence to deliver high profile IT projects. He said gone are the days when important IT projects are contracted to expatriate firms, adding that the situation will keep getting better. Speaking during the commissioning of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), the first of its kind in West and Central Africa, built by a consortium of technology companies led by his firm, in Abuja, he said: “We have never been in doubt of local capacity to deliver major technology projects for government. We have matured in delivering projects of this scale, and are grateful to the NUC and World Bank for the opportunity to prove this with the timely delivery of the NgREN. We do look forward to the opportunity of extending this success in the next phases of the project. “CWG Plc was named a World Economic Forum Global Growth Company at the 2014 WEF Africa. CWG was selected for this recognition based on our phenomenal growth, global corporate citizenship, executive leadership and impact on the competitive landscape of the ICT industry in Africa.” The project was commissioned by President Jonathan Ebele Goodluck who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. The president said: “As I join the Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) in the celebration of this achievement in the establishment of NgREN, I commend the individuals and groups that dedicated time and energy to make it a reality. Let me particularly appreciate the World Bank for its support to the NgREN project, the Executive Secretary of the NUC for championing its cause and the hardworking team of dedicated individuals from within the university system he put together to realise this dream. “Government expects all education and research institutions to enlist as members of the NgREN and that the current low ranking of Nigerian universities in quality of teaching and research output will improve significantly within a short time as a result. “To ensure the broadband infrastructure and services already provided are maintained and improved upon for the use of all education and research institutions in Nigeria, I hereby approve and therefore direct the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to provide the necessary funds for this purpose.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

Digital software has changed the way advertising practitioners think. Gone is the era of creative manual adverts. Most creative artists simply develop concepts. Software translates it to picture and images. But, there are fears that this emerging trend will cost fine artists their job, reports ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

HERE is big dividing line between traditional and digital advertising. In the past 10 years, they have started to embrace each other more openly, yet the line remains despite being blurred. While technology-savvy creative experts see the use of digital computer software such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, QuarkExpress, PageMaker as the game changer, proponents of creative traditional advertising creative and fine artists have been advised to upgrade their knowledge in line with the fast changing industry. With latest software such as 3D computer graphics, artists may no longer be needed to sketch image for art directors as the software cannot only generate or create drawings but manipulate images. Also, the software can add, subtract, stretch among others to create perfect interpretation of creative brief. Though criticised for often overplaying creativity, overhyping of brands being promoted, hence, making creative experts to become lazy in thinking deeper but the world seem to have engaged the creative tools for competition sake. For Nigerian ad agencies, the software has made the creative work less cumbersome and more competitive. According to the former Creative Director, 141 Worldwide and now Chief Executive Officer of X3M, Mr. Steve Babaeko, “digital art software has helped to make the creative process less painful for art directors.” He said this has also “helped artists push the frontiers of creativity to hitherto unimaginable frontiers.” While underscoring the importance of traditional art, Babaeko said digital art software would be meaningless without the knowledge of the handdrawn artistry. “Like the saying goes: the hood does not make the monk. The best software in the world is at best used less in the hands of an unskilled artist,” he said.

Gone with the wind In the same vein, the Creative Director, DKK Nigeria, Mr. Sam Adeoye, affirmed that digital art has moved the ad business forward as art directors and designers have become more creative in their work, achieving photo manipulations, illustrations, and all that could not be done in the days of copy and paste. He said with increasingly sophisticated demands, meeting deadline for client briefs is now less bothering while quality of work is better. “We have also become faster in the process. And generally, the quality of production is now better, especially with the latest printing machines,” he affirmed. Despite the speed and quality offered, Adeoye expresses fears over relevance of old creative method. He said: “I’m sure some of the old jobs in the era of cut and paste must have been eliminated as technology improved and photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, QuarkExpress, PageMaker, etc came along. Also, artists who couldn’t use these new applications must have found themselves redundant.” However, he maintained that no matter how inevitable digital art has become in delivering value brands creative, the jobs of artists’ remain relevant. “We still need artists.Agencies

need artists as designers, art directors, illustrators and FA specialists. Even the old skills of drawing remains relevant and artists who can draw are still highly valued. The more clients an agency has, the more artists it’s going to need,” he said. Adeoye, who was Group Head, Copy, at STB McCann Erickson, said the artists are not the only creative professionals facing the creative software threat. “It’s not just for artists; it’s for all of us. That’s why we must constantly search for

the latest thinking and breakthroughs around the world. The best way to deal with the challenge is to never stop the search for knowledge.” He, however, insisted that despite the emergence of animation software like 3D graphics kit, handdrawing remains key in the creative process. “Animation is one of the things agencies are sometimes required to do. It’s on a different level from what is commonly referred to as art directing. But even animation

‘Digital art software has helped to make the creative process less painful for art directors, we must constantly search for the latest thinking and breakthroughs around the world. The best way to deal with the challenge is to never stop the search for knowledge’

will still require some drawing. Even at Pixar, they still draw, and it doesn’t get more traditional than drawing. If we are wondering that machines will one day replace art directors, then we are entering the realm of science fiction. And what was once science fiction, such as unmanned drones, is now real; the same thing may happen in advertising. Someday, someone may develop a true iRobot with empathy and the complex understanding of human emotions, which advertising always requires. If that happens, then, machines may start producing ads that will resonate with people. For now, we only have good software and this software requires people to use them,” he said. Even at global level, many agencies still draw their storyboard which is the template for TVC. As Deputy Creative Director, Prima Garnet, Mr Victor Dairo, noted, “some foreign adverts still come in drawing and sketches; it depends on which message you want to pass on despite the use of software.” Meanwhile, the founder and worldwide creative director of BBH, a global ad agency, John Hegarty, while speaking at the Economist’s Technology Frontiers conference, said creativity and technology need to be synergised to deliver the results. He explained how in the past, technological innovations such as the printing press and cinema were initially celebrated for the technology itself, but then required creative people to bring the technology to life after the novelty stage. “Creativity challenges technology and technology inspires creativity,” he said. “Sometimes, there is a schism between creative people and technologists, but we are in cohesion with each other. If we don’t work with each other we don’t move forward,” he noted.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

Brandnews Etisalat launches products for kids

‘Marketing research is huge’ O Marketing Research is key to the success of brands, yet most companies do not consider it important. In this interview with ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI, the Managing Director, Millward Brown Nigeria, Mrs. Ugo Geri Roberts, speaks on branding, marketing research and investments.

S Nigeria doing well in marketing research? You know, no success is an accident. Nigeria is an evolving economy, and even in European countries where research has evolved, it is always like that. You have to start somewhere. I guess it is the same everywhere. Here in Nigeria as practitioners of research, I don’t think we are where we should be. There are yet several remaining untapped grounds. Right now, we see research as a global terrain, just what global agencies are doing for clients. But remember that just as global clients in other climes started somewhere small, they were not always this big, which is what we are trying to pass across to our middle level organisations, and then to the smaller organisations that look, do not just look at research in terms of what is in it. No! Look at it in a futuristic and strategic way. Research is like a small compass that gives you direction when you are out there in the middle of a vast sea; the compass is there directing you so you don’t get lost. We are saying “take another look at research and see it not as when one goes to the market to buy something and get results immediately”. You might not see the result immediately, but you need it if you must stay ahead, if you must stay fresh, if you must stay relevant. As a brand, you need research to tell you where you are at every moment in time we think brands need research. How can the government encourage research? The truth is the government can’t force anybody to do research. It is not done. Organisations are entities, you can’t force them. But I think what the government can do is to encourage them. Again, we have observed that the terrain is very porous allowing everyone to come in. You see all manner of people jump into Nigeria with their brief cases and want to conduct research. And when they come they do it and run out the same way they came in. And I ask myself why I can’t do the same in South Africa, for example. If I go to South Africa I am not allowed to moderate, there are some things I can’t do. But there is nothing like that on ground to restrict here. Anyone can just come in with their accent. All they do is pick someone on the street, stay by the road side do what they like. So, we need the government to put policies in place. The same principle should apply here to also enable us grow. Looking at the Nigerian research market, is it good enough to attract foreign investments? Everybody knows me as a passionate Nigerian without apologies. My answer will be yes. You could begin to talk to me about safety issue, about poverty level,

NE of the leading telecommunication companies in Nigeria, Etisalat, has introduced a unique educational and children-friendly product for children ages between 8 and 15 years in Nigeria tagged: Cliqlite. “Cliqlite is a revolutionary product in Nigeria; it comes with preinstalled educational content that allows children to have access to a world of learning possibilities. It was launched at the Oriental Hotel Lagos. It brought together hundreds of students from across Nigeria which feature comedy, dance, seminar and presentation of the new brand “Cliqlite”. In his welcome address, Chief Commercial Officer and Acting CEO of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher, said that Etisalat is driven by a sustained commitment to enriching customer experience. Innovation remains part of our DNA and we believe technology has the potential to revolutionise learning. Willsher said: “Children have an insatiable appetite for technology and innovation, worldwide a significant number of online users are under the age of 18, it is therefore our responsibility as parents to make sure our future generation is equipped with the right tools to successfully harness and hone their burgeoning potential. “Cliqlite is a revolutionary product in Nigeria; it comes with pre-

By Adeola Ogunlade

installed educational content that allows children to have access to a world of learning possibilities. Educational websites such as passnownow, mindset, JAMB, WAEC are accessible even without an active data connection”, he said. He said further: “It features free data weekly plus access to seven websites, five educational, one game site and one social website. Free credit on your birthday, 14 NERDC textbooks SSCE current syllabus preload on the Cliqlite tab and interactive lessons and Norton parental control app to enable parents/guardians monitor online activities of their children/wards.“ Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluwole Rawa noted that Etisalat’s Cliqlite was especially designed with parents and children in mind, one of the innovations that came out of this customer centric approach are the important security features which assure parents that their children are safe and only interact with appropriate content while browsing the internet. Rawa said: “Parents can also worry less about what information their children are exposed to when they are given an internet enabled device like the Cliqlite tablet or Cliqlite phone because of the level of parental control that comes with these devices.”

Thermocool rewards customers

• Mrs Roberts

but am really not moved by that, because the question I will always ask is, if you talk about poverty level, people will tell you about the 70 per cent living below poverty line in the rural areas, leaving 30 per cent in control of the economy. What is the size of that 30 per cent that is not living below one dollar a day? You will join 10 countries to get that 30 per cent in some regions. You as an investor, why look for reasons, you can’t come when you have a ready made market; just hit the ones that are there. You know the middle class is growing, they will come on board. So, I will tell you yes, Nigeria is a fertile ground for investors. Milward Brown Nigeria has just opened a multi-million naira office complex. Isn’t that an indication of confidence in the market? Yes, it is. What is about to happen is just not going to be me and

the staff we have here, our SubSaharan boss will be here; our Africa and Middle East Managing Directors will all be here for the grand opening. That speaks a lot for the event. For them to leave their busy schedule and fly down to Nigeria, I don’t think we should just trivialise it. So, I will say it is going to be big; it is a demonstration of our commitment to the economy. They know that Nigeria is big, it is central to our operation in Africa. You and I know that we are the biggest economy in Africa, so I think that the world is taking us seriously, and Millward Brown is not left out. We are interested in Nigeria and that is very important to us. We want to grow the market and help brands fulfill their dreams; we want to be in the centre of Nigeria’s marketing research projects.

‘I don’t think we are where we should be. There are yet several remaining untapped grounds. Right now, we see research as a global terrain, just what global agencies are doing for clients’

HERMOCOOL has rewarded its customers as part of ef fort to celebrate 40 years of delivering durable home appliances to Nigerians. It is also running a campaign tagged: ‘Thermocool Moments 2’. The campaign will include opportunities for consumers to be part of a quiz, answer questions about their favourite household brand, and stand a chance to win amazing prizes weekly. According to the Marketing Director, Thermocool, Mr. Vikramjeet Singh, ‘Thermocool Moment 2’ is a platform to engage and reward customers. “We want to show to our esteemed customers that we appreciate their trust and patronage over the last 40 years and we would like customers nationwide to demonstrate how well they know the brand and show how well they connect with Thermocool, while being presented an opportunity to win amazing prizes,” he said. He also said: “During Thermocool Moments 1, customers were encouraged to share and celebrate their Thermocool stories, how the brand has been there for them through the

years, and loads of customers participated in the radio show and relived their amazing Thermocool experiences and they were well rewarded. Thermocool Moments 2 are another great opportunity for customers and their friends to connect with their favourite household appliance brand, and ultimately get a chance to be rewarded with an exciting variety of top quality Thermocool household appliances, and this is our own way of appreciating them for their loyalty.” The Managing Director, Mr. Panos Katsis said: “Thermocool understands Nigerian’s appreciation for best quality in household items; as such we are always innovating and are committed to providing our esteemed customers with amazing products and customer experiences. “As a way of extending appreciation to our customers over the years for choosing Thermocool, we encourage our customers to celebrate with Thermocool as they participate in the Thermocool Moments 2 while also inviting their family and friends to join the quiz and stand a unique chance to be rewarded by Thermocool, their favourite household brand.”

Firm donates equipment to schools

3M Ideas, an advertising agency, has donated ICT Equipment to two schools in Ikeja, Lagos as part of the event to mark its second year anniversary of commencing business. Explaining the rationale behind the corporate social responsibility inclined anniversary celebration which is ingrained in the agency’s DNA, the agency’s Chief Creativity Officer /CEO, Steve Babaeko, revealed that the company is embarking on the project for the second year running with a view to continually make meaningful contribution towards the development of education in Nigeria. Last year to mark its first year in business, X3M Ideas renovated the JSS 2 block of 5 classrooms at Opebi Junior High School, Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja and equally provided

furniture, fans and other fittings to make the classrooms conducive to learning. “We committed ourselves to the project in recognition of the fact that education is the best legacy and we hope to affect the future of these children by providing conducive learning environment and needed tools for them.” For X3M Ideas, CSR should be a marathon rather than a sprint as some organisations take it. “This is why we are following up on the same trajectory by donating ICT tools to enhance teaching of ICT in selected schools for our 2014 second year anniversary project.” The schools that benefitted from the X3M Ideas’ second anniversary CSR project are Oregun Senior High School, Oregun, Lagos and Community High School Wasimi, Maryland, Lagos.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s retail market is evolving. The Retail Council of Nigeria (RCN) is making efforts to formalise the market and make it safe to enhance Nigerians’ shopping experience in line with international best practices, reportsTONIA ‘DIYAN.

Driving a robust retail industry O

RGANISED retail business has come to stay. The hitherto unorganised method of retailing is fast becoming more structured. Before the advent of the Retail Council of Nigeria (RCN), it was difficult to record and track transactions and investment in infrastructure. Retail business in Nigeria is steadily moving to an organised platform that promises a major turnaround in the fortunes of operators. Much of that turnaround in the industry, which compfises supermarkets, department stores, standalone stores, shopping malls/ hypermarkets, Mom & Pop stores, street vendors, and the weekly markets, is driven by the council. Since its debut in October last year, RCN has been working to ensure that retail business is done in compliance with international standard. Most countries have moved away from the open market system where there is no such process. In an organised retail market, there is audit of suppliers/ manufacturers and customer service is high. Besides, investment in infrastructure is high with many windows of employment. There is availability of products and services in an organised retail, a feature which is usually restricted in an open market trade. Also, the RCN’s intervention in evolving an organised retail business has since ensured that sourcing of raw materials and finished goods is through international and national sources with a complete regulation of products and services. Today, there is high compliance to standard specification of products and services and when it comes to quality check and assurance, it is always comprehensive with a complete information on products and services. Besides, counterfeiting is strictly controlled and monitored when a business is organised. By organising the retail business, RCN has helped improve the efficiencies of the value chain, reduce wastage, and increase revenue. This is unlike in the past when governments at all levels had challenges collecting taxes from the unorganised retail market. The successes so far recorded by the Council were not by chance; they were products of well-thought out strategies aimed at repositioning the nation’s retail industry for efficient service delivery. At the launch of the Council in Abuja, last year, Asiwaju Onafowokan, a Member of Board of Trustees of RCN, explained that the body had the target of formulating, facilitating, and propagating retail business practices and processes in line with international best practices. This, he believes, would lead to increased consumption, boost in production, employment generation and ultimately, the growth of the economy. Similarly, Haresh Keswani, another Member of Board of RCN, also said or-

ganised retail is related to economic growth. Hear him: “The United States and Britain have organised retail, which contributes over 80 per cent each to economic growth. In Japan and India, the organised retail market contributes about 66 per cent and 10 per cent to economic growth, respectively. But Nigeria receives only three per cent due to unorganised retail market.” He however, said that though Nigeria has the smallest percentage of retail, the Council aims at liaising and cooperating with the government and regulatory authorities for ease of implementation, training and operation in the retail industry. Already, the organised retail strategy, The Nation Shopping learnt, is beginning to promote modern retailing in Nigeria and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is facilitating the development of associated/allied sectors of the economy, providing a platform for networking as well as disseminating useful information and knowledge to members and the public to make them educated and be aware of what the entire system entails. The council said it is also creating a database of members and that it encourages members to adopt the right values, imbibe interna-

tional best practices, wholesome practices and embrace good corporate governance in the conduct of their businesses. In doing these, The Nation Shopping learnt that the Council is hoping to replicate in Nigeria the success of more organised and robust retail markets in more developed countries of the world where the platform is contributing to economic growth and development. For instance, experts say that organised retail contributes 27 per cent to the global GDP. Also, across the globe, retail employ 17.1 per cent of the workable population. In the US alone, organised retail market accounts for 14 per cent of employment, while 20 per cent of the US economy is said to be supported by retail. Sectorally, the contributions of organised retail are also telling. For instance, it has impacted the finance sector, as banks are now interested in supporting the retail business. The belief is that when there is increase in organised retail, there will automatically be an increase in consumer spend and finance. An increase in organised retail brings about increase in capital investment and project finance. It also provides Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) finance through supply chain contracts with retailers.

‘The far-reaching impact of organised retail, experts say, is anchored on the fact that the retail market is not about shops only, but every company that has relationship with consumers, including banks, telecommunications, manufacturing, tourism and consultancy firms. This was why the Council is determined to create an improved platform for direct interaction with consumers’

The manufacturing sector is not left out. Organised retail increases the presence of brands in all categories. When new products and concepts are launched to test the markets, it leads to eventually setting up local manufacturing facilities in the country. In other words, the country’s manufacturing infrastructure improves as technology transfer is facilitated. Much of the transformation in Nigeria’s retail industry is driven by the revolution in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry. The ICT industry has emerged, arguably, the backbone of organised retail. The hardware and software aspect of the IT industry has since caused a boom in the retail business. Increase in telecoms and IT infrastructure has facilitated a cashless economy where people buy and sell without carrying cash. The far-reaching impact of organised retail, experts say, is anchored on the fact that the retail market is not about shops only, but every company that has relationship with consumers, including banks, telecommunications, manufacturing, tourism and consultancy firms. This was why the Council is determined to create an improved platform for direct interaction with consumers. The Retail Council believes that one sure way to achieve this is by encouraging informal retailers to move to the next level and become formal. RCN also operates an open membership system where issues are collectively tabled to the government and to various policy makers for improvement and positive changes. “Organized retail is helping people think big and start small; it is helping to develop the value chain in the system knowing that value chain entities are SME drivers,” says Kaymu.com boss, Massimiliano Spalazzi.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

JUSTICE

COMPETITION

A policeman who served in the South, Mr. Martin Kayode, was dismissed years ago but reinstated in 2005 by a Federal High Court. The order has not been respected. Now, he says his desire is to get back his job and benefits dues to him.

WHEN Peter Ukwa, an undergraduate of Political Science at the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, wrote the short story True Independence, he thought he was on a mere literary voyage. But the piece has made him an award winner. •PAGE 33

•Kayode

•PAGE 34

•Ukwa

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

PAGE 29

LOCAL GO VT GOVT

IN BAYELSA, local governments were playing roles other than which they were put in place. A reform has revealed their underbelly and the contents are nauseating. The man in charge of the reform, Talford Ongolo, says a new era is here.

•PAGE 34

•Ongolo

•Half of a Yellow Sun’s poster

•The Cultural Centre Complex, Calabar used for an airport scene in Half of a Yellow Sun

Secrets of Half of a Yellow Sun •Untold story of how Cross River gave Adichie's characters life

After scaling the Censors’ Board’s hurdle, Half of a Yellow Sun was first screened to the audience in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Audience in Lagos and elsewhere in the country will only have the chance to start seeing it today. Calabar got the privilege because the city gave Chimamanda Adichie’s characters life. NICHOLAS KALU goes on the trail of Cross Riverians who were part of the production. Besides, he establishes the locations for the scenes in the flick

N its days, it was paradise for fun lovers. Many a businessman who found themselves in its axis saw it as the place to pass the night and perfect their transactions. It was sure a place to be at rest. Little wonder it was named the Paradise City Hotel. Unfortunately, bad times caught up with it and it has for years been dormant. If feelers are anything to go by, a private school may soon spring up in this lost haven located within the State Housing Estate in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Some minutes away from this

lost paradise is the Cultural Centre Complex, the architectural masterpiece which has played host to most major functions in Calabar. It almost became lost too some years back, with leaking roofs and all sorts of decay. It has since been rescued and now booming. Part of the expanse of land at the back of the gigantic structure is to host the popular retailer, Park and Shop. And not so far away from the Paradise Hotel and the Cultural Centre Complex is the old Secretariat, where Cross River’s political and administrative authori-

It is not as good as the novel. Of course, there’s no way it can be exactly the same. But, it was an excellent story and well-presented

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ties held court before it became too small for the bureaucracy. The old secretariat still houses some government ministries and agencies. It is

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“old” because a new one was built . These three places are significant in the turning of award-winning

novel Half of a Yellow Sun into a movie. Aside these three, the beautiful Studio Tinapa, the world standard studio located within the multi-billion dollar Tinapa Leisure and Business Resort, also helped ace director Biyi Bandele realise his vision for Half of a Yellow Sun. The studio, which now houses Mo Abudu’s one yearold EbonyLife Tv, was the location of many scenes in the flick, which after months of problem with the censors’ board, is enjoying rave reviews from Nigerians who have seen it.

•CONTINUED FROM 30 & 35

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

UntoldstoryofHalfofaYellowSun’sCalabar connection •Continued from Page 29

F the North’s airport scene in the flick looks so real to you, it is all make-believe. The scene was actually shot at the Cultural Centre Complex. Efforts were only put by the set decorators to make it look like a real airport. The same magic was repeated to make the old secretariat look like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). A night club scene was shot in Paradise City Hotel, which, long before then, had seen no activity. Aside Calabar, the historic Creek Town also provided locations to breathe life into Half of a Yellow Sun’s characters. These two important Cross River settlements hosted local and international A-list actors for five weeks during the shoot of Half of a Yellow Sun — said to be the most expensive Nigerian movie to date, with a reported budget of $8 million. The director initially had an eight-week schedule, but a tight budget meant cutting it short to five weeks. The crew faced challenges. The director and a few crew members contracted typhoid and some had Malaria. One of the lead act Thandie, according to Bandele, contracted typhoid and she did not take a single day off. “She was just there all the time. I have no idea where she got the physical energy from, but she was there,” Bandele told CNN. Immediate past chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Cross River State chapter, Mr Eric Anderson, was part of the crew of the movie. He also acted as a Biafran soldier in the movie. He told this reporter that the movie had opened so many opportunities in the state. Anderson said: “When we heard it was coming down here, it sounded like a joke because if you want to look at the hierarchy of choice locations in Nollywood, one would quickly want to gun for Asaba, Lagos, Enugu and all that. Eventually, when we started production, I saw it as a blessing. I think to a large extent, we have proper structure when it comes to accepting movie producers and productions. We also have the best scenery in the whole of the country and I am sure every producer and director and cinematographer can testify to that. That is why anyone that comes here to do a film goes back with the best picture. At the end of the day, it was a blessing to the people of Cross River. “It also helped us check ourselves and see our abilities. I did a bit of analysis of the crew members. Of course, the heads of departments were also whites. Of the 100 crew members, 60 to 70 were sourced from Calabar and we never reported any case of one not functioning well. So, to a large extent, it tested our ability to function as crew members. At the time the movie came to Calabar, I was the Actors Guild chairman. I was made crowd coordinator for that film. I sourced for the entire crowd in the movie. Every single extra in that movie, I sourced for them. We used over two thousand of them. “We had big stars from Nollywood and Hollywood. Through that movie, most of us have been exposed to how international productions go and they have had

‘

It’s a good love story of two sisters caught in the outcome of the Nigerian civil war. The quality is good and we expect it to do well

‘

one or two contacts. It also helped develop new people in the acting industry. We have only 300 registered members of AGN in the state, but we used over 2000 actors. So, they are other people there that were not registered; maybe they were not really sure of what they can do, but by that movie, they discovered themselves. We have boost in membership and a stronger guild. Of course while the movie was on, hotels were used, there was transport; so, revenue was generated in Calabar. “I was part of the production. The story is fantastic. The content was good. It was shot on celluloid and if you shoot on celluloid, you get the best picture. It was produced by the best hands.” The movie, which is based on a civil war novel of same title by Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie, was shot in Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, Odukpani and the Studio Tinapa, principally because Adichie’s only condition for her book to be adapted into a film was that all of it must be shot in Nigeria. Bandele found in Cross River State everything he needed to make blockbuster. For a state that has already established itself as the tourism capital of the country and a destination in the West African sub-region, the development has turned out to be a major boost to the state’s thrust. Among other reasons the city was chosen is its peaceful nature and serene environment which the cast and crew fell in love with. Branch Manager of the Film House Cinema, Calabar, where the movie was first screened in Nigeria, Glory Okwuoha, said the movie was shot in the state because Bandele, “observed Calabar has a wide range of different looks, architecture and location and a completely unique studio for the filming, hence the decision to use Calabar for the film as a whole.” The movie, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September last year, features top Hollywood stars, such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, John Boyega, among others, as well as their Nollywood counterparts, such as Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Onwenu, Zack Orji and OC Ukeje. The flick, which has enjoyed international recognition and acceptance, is set in Nigeria in the turmoil of the civil war in the sixties. It revolves around twin wealthy sisters, Olanna (Thandie Newton) and Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) who return to Nigeria after their educa-

•Bandele

•Adichie (sixth from right), Onwenu (second left), Ejiofor (third left) and others at the premiere of the movie in London

•Anderson

•Film House Cinema, Calabar where its screening was open in Nigeria

tion in England. They make decisions that shock their family. Olanna moves in with her lover, the ‘revolutionary professor’ Odenigbo (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Kainene takes over the family interests and pursues a career as a businesswoman, falling in love with Richard (Joseph Mawle), an English writer. As the Igbo people struggle to establish Biafra as an independent republic, the sisters become caught up in the shocking violence of the Civil War and a betrayal that threaten their family forever. Scripting the 2006 novel was not a tea party. It took years, according to Bandele. In a CNN interview

shortly before the screening of Half of a Yellow Sun at the London Film Festival last, he said it was challenging turning the award-winning book into a film. He said: “The book is an epic book. It’s about 500 pages long, and I had to make a movie that works under two hours. So, I had to make some difficult choices when I was writing the script and it took me quite a few years actually to get the script right. I just felt she (Newton) would be perfect for (Olanna). And it took me quite a few years to finally persuade her to accept the role. (But) once we decided to shoot I was actually glad it took that long, be-

cause I was ready and I had the perfect cast. I mean, Chiwetel Ejiofor was just again another actor at the top of his game. “The budget we had and my mission were not completely compatible, but somehow we managed to pull it off and I think we did because I had a great cast, an amazing crew and the support of the people of Calabar.” Bandele said he had Adichie’s support, but was anxious to find out what she thought of his adaptation. “The day she came to see it, during the end of post-production, I didn’t go into the production room because I was so nervous,” he said.

•Okwuoha

“I also wanted her to respond however she wanted to respond, and when I heard that Chimamanda loved it, I just sighed with relief.” Though certification of the movie was initially delayed by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, it is slated to be released today in cinemas across the country. Some scenes in the version being shown in Nigeria are different from the one being shown overseas. They have had to be reworked before the board gave the green-light. Neither the board nor the film’s distributor is willing to be specific on what scenes were retouched. The movie, which was screened in

•The former Paradise City Hotel in Calabar where a night club scene was shot

•The old secretariat in Calabar used as the Univeristy of Nigeria, Nsukka in the movie

Calabar last week, received lots of positive reviews from the audience. Mr Zac Almeida, a technical director with EbonyLife TV, described the movie as exceptional. He said: “It was impeccable. As a TV expert, I can tell you that the integration between the old actual footage and new shootings blended perfectly. The directing was good. The story line was fantastic. I have been in Calabar for over two years and I could tell most of the local places the movie was hot. I was impressed.” Also Nonso Nwanah, a Calabar resident, said the movie was well done. “The scripting and editing were

good. It was a story well-told. I will say it is not as good as the novel but it is still excellent. Of course, there’s no way it can be exactly the same. But, it was an excellent story and well-presented,” Nwanah said. Okwuoha said: “I can say the movie is fantastic. It’s a good love story of two sisters caught in the outcome of the Nigerian civil war. The quality is good and we expect it to do well. So, we encourage the public to try and see it.” However, some critics, especially overseas have faulted the movie. It has a 52 per cent aggregate rating on Rotten Tomatoes with a 5.6 of 10 average score. A critic said: “While

it doesn’t quite do justice to the source material, Half of a Yellow Sun adapts Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel with committed performances and narrative nuance.” Leslie Felperin of The Hollywood Reporter observed that it “is the kind of ambitious literary adaptation that wants it all kinds of ways, not all of them compatible” and “the script is studded with great leaden lumps of expository dialogue”. His views are shared by Nollywood Reinvented, which said: “Even though the movie does not recreate the emotions of the book, it creates its own emotions”. It also said: “The movie builds on

amazing sets, actors, supporting actors and music”, but the characters lack depth.” Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian of London gave it 2 out of 5 stars and also commented that “there is a heartfelt quality” but “unfortunately, the film is often stately and sluggish with some very daytime-soapy moments of emotional revelation. At other times, it looks more like a filmed theatrical piece”. Whatever the shortcomings of the film, Calabar and Cross River will continue to cherish the memory of becoming the heart of Biafra and Nigeria for five weeks-- and playing host to international A-list actors.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

An eyesore on Calabar's gateway ‘

Its size embodies the promise it held when it was conceived. But, this estate on the gateway to Calabar, the Cross River State capital, for over two decades, has not lived its original dream, writes NICHOLAS LAKU

Even if the state government says it is not in their hands, we feel they should move to do something about the place, which is more of an eyesore and not worthy to be on the only gateway to the city reputed as the nation's paradise

T lies on the left as you enter Calabar, the Cross River State capital, through its only entry point by road - the Odukpani-Calabar Road. It was conceived to be an estate to cater for the housing needs of residents/civil servants. It has served various purposes over the years but none for which it was intended. The rows of decrepit single storey buildings in the massive estate are now overtaken by weeds. Staring at the walls of the buildings, one can tell that at some time, they used to be white. Most areas are covered in algae. In many places, the roofs are either missing or have caved in. The doors and windows are missing in almost all the buildings. Where roads used to be are now thick bushes. What remains are ruins. “Ghost town” describes it better. The abandoned housing estate at Ikot Ekpo community in Calabar Municipality is one that has always aroused the curiosity of many who pass through that road, whether they are first-time visitors to Calabar or residents who have lived in the city for years. The land was acquired dur-

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•Aganga, Sambo, Dickson and his wife Rachael at the forum.

ing the Shehu Shagari administration for low cost housing for civil servants. When the administration came to an end, following a military intervention, the project was abandoned. In 1992, it was gathered, the project was taken over by the then governor, Mr Clement Ebri, who purchased the estate from the Federal Government and continued where it stopped. The estate was handed over to the Cross River State Property and Investment Limited (CROSPIL) to manage after being bought from the Federal Housing Authority. CROSPIL, it was learnt, got the Certificate of Occupancy of the estate. The estate was completed and was to be commissioned in December 1993 for the state civil servants, but the late Gen. Sani Abacha coup in November 1993 disrupted the arrangement.

For the second time due to military intervention in government, the estate was abandoned. A source in CROSPIL said: "Everything was ready. The houses were completed and ready to be handed over. Everything was in place. There was electricity, pipe-borne water, good road networks and so much more. It was a wonderful package. But the coup torpedoed all that as civilians were chased away. "Since then people started vandalising the place. People were going there to steal the materials used in building the houses to build their own houses or sell them. Over time the place decayed to the state that you find it today. It is really sad I must say." In 1998, CROSPIL sold it to the Federal Ministry of Commerce to cater for the housing needs of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority

workers. The Donald Duke administration was said to have re-acquired it from the Federal Government. After that, issues about the ownership of the estate have been shrouded in mystery. Cross River State Commissioner of the Lands Ralph Uche said the estate is not owned by the government. According to him, the estate was sold to a private developer, who has left the place to rot to the state it is. One of the major complaints about the estate was that it was poorly planned. "The way they built the houses, you see that each of the houses are too close to the other. You will be in your bedroom and someone will be in his house looking directly at you. Parking space was also a problem. In fact, whoever designed the houses got it wrong. That might be one of the problems

bedevilling the place. I don't know. But, we are not responsible for that place," a Ministry of Lands official said. At a time, it accommodated displaced persons who were involved in a communal conflict between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The displaced persons, it was gathered, became a nuisance to people in the community and had to be ejected. At the moment, the dilapidated houses are occupied by various rodents and reptiles who roam free. The part of the estate closest to the road has been cleared and occupied by unidentified people. Our reporter, who went to speak with some of the occupants, was harassed. "What do you want? Who are you? What is your business here? My friend, will you leave this place?" a group of men threatened. However, an occupant, who begged not to be named, vol-

unteered some information. He said most of the occupants were people who had nowhere to live and were there to ensure a roof over their heads. "Like myself, I am a hustler. I came from the village but as I talk with you, house rent I cannot pay. So, this place that is just here like this nobody is living here, I just came and cleared one room and I am staying here now. That is the thing." Even though the state government says the estate is not its, residents feel the run-down state of the place is not good for its image, as it welcomes all who enter the renowned tourist city by road. Mr Ubong Asuquo said: "Even if the state government says it is not in their hands, we feel they should move to do something about the place, which is more of an eyesore and not worthy to be on the only gateway to the city reputed as the nation's paradise."

‘Delta is safe for foreign investment, tourists’

FORMER Delta State Commissioner for Information and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Foreign Affairs, Mr Oma Djebah, has said the state is safe for diplomats and foreign investors. Djebah spoke when the Political Secretary and Senior Political Adviser at the British High Commission, Abuja, Edward Dunn and Osaro Odemwingie visited the state at the weekend. He said: “Look at Seplat Nigeria that is in Sapele, people are talking about the security situation in Warri and its environs but Seplat is operating here and they have upgraded in their production capacity. Today, they are producing up to 62,000 barrels of oil per day, which is a huge success. “Look at the teaching hospital in Oghara, it is a huge success too because it is building the human capital development of the people. Look at what we are doing in the health sector. And all these have effect in crime and criminality. If you are healthy and strong, you will not have time for crime. If you are engaged you will not want to go and do crime.” Djebah noted that the state was not different from the situation in the United Kingdom during the Irish Re-

‘Po

From Shola O’Neil, Southsouth Regional Editor, Port Harcourt

sistance Army (IRA) era, adding that that the violence did not stop foreign investors from setting up businesses in the UK. He urged the international community to be considerate when issuing travel warning and advice to visitors to the state and the Niger Delta. The team visited the Sapele office of indigenous oil firm, Seplat Nigeria Limited, where the management told them it had quadrupled production from facilities it acquired from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) within four years. Seplat’s Head of Community Affairs, Mr Godwin Obiuwvbi, told the visitors that the company increased production from the 14,000bpd it inherited in 2010 to 62,000bpd from OMLs 4, 38 and 41, adding that it is already targeting 100,000bpd before 2017. He said: “From four producing communities in 2010, we have increased to 10 and by 2017, we hope to reach 100,000pbd. This year we should get to 72,000 from there we will take it to 85,000 and in the next two, three years we will get 100,000bpd.” Obiuwevbi added that the three

•From left: Odemwingie, Abraham Inikori, Djebah and Dune during the visit.

OMLs hold up to 500 million barrels, adding that the company, which recently listed on the London Stock Exchange, planned on acquiring additional oil wells and also revealed that Seplat is planning a massive investment in gas at the company Oben field in Edo state and LTF and green field development programmes in Amukpe, Sapele. Obiuwevbi, who was accompanied by the company’s Security Manager, Mr William Akolo, a former employee of SPDC, Tony Owumi and other top staff of the firm, said the company was bullish because since it commenced operation in 2010, it had experience “no significant disruption in operation”, adding that crude oil theft had also been drastically reduced.

He said the robust Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with host communities has complimented their internal security and build confidence across board, adding, “There were four MoU and a trust fund of N250 million down payments gave communities a stake and helped build confidence and trust.” The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr Mofe Pirah, debunked the reasons given by SPDC for divesting from the facilities: “They said Delta State was not secured, you cannot do business in Delta State.” Pirah said the team was interested in knowing how Seplat managed to achieve so much and better SPDC in spite of the allegation of insecurity in the region, adding that it showed that

there is something the local firm was doing that Shell did not do. Speaking with reporters after the two-day visit at Osubi Airport on his way to Abuja, Dunn expressed satisfaction with Uduaghan’s development drive, particularly in the education and health sector, where the governor had investment hugely in the past years. Odemwingie noted that the projects were first class and urged Deltans to support the government’s efforts by maintaining them. Djebah described Uduaghan’s vision of Delta Beyond Oil as rightwards to keeping a lasting legacy for posterity in the state, stressing that the citizenries’ support is important to achieving the dream.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW

Rivers Ijaw mothers mobilise for riverine Brick House landlord T

HEY are mothers. They are Ijaw. And from Rivers State. Two days ago, they gathered at the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt. The occasion was the Women Convention of the Eastern Delta People's Association (EDPA). The Women Wing of the EDPA, a non-aligned socio-political group, is led by Mrs Manuela Izunwa. The wing has a strong backer in the wife of former Rivers State Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, Dame Christy. She chaired the convention. At the meeting, the group's fourcardinal objectives were stressed. They include: Pursue the protection and preservation of the ideals of equity, fairness and justice to enhance the building of an egalitarian society where the Ijaw-speaking people of the Eastern Delta can aspire to any height in Rivers State; set the agenda for human capacity development of the women of the Eastern Delta, Rivers State and Nigeria and promote unity, peace and harmony among the people of the Eastern Delta, Rivers State and Nigeria. A keynote address by Prof. (Mrs.) Bene Willy Abbey set the tone for the conference. Papers on the theme: "Equity, Equal Opportunity and Political Leadership: Role of Women in Rivers State" was presented by Mrs. Mina Ogbanga. At the end of it all, the 500 registered women leaders, representing all Rivers Ijaw women spread in ten local government areas adopted a communiqué. The key point in the communiqué was a plea to other groups in the state to give the Ijaw the chance to produce the governor of the state after the upland people would have had it for 16 years. The politics of Rivers State has been played around a concept referred to as Upland/ Riverine dichotomy. Before the incumbent, Rotimi Amaechi, who will complete a second term of four years next year, Dr. Peter Odili ruled the state for eight years. Both are from the

•A cross-section of the Ijaw women at the event From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

upland. Aspirants from the upland, such as Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Magnus Abe, have shown interest in the race. The women said: "The session reviewed the process of succession in the leadership of Rivers State since the return of democracy in 1999 and as women who have the responsibility to be sensitive to the yearnings of fathers, husbands, brothers

and children noted that the political mood of Rivers State today calls for caution, and the need to foster unity, brotherliness, peace and it's corollary Justice, equity and inclusiveness. To this end, the session, especially appealed to other parts of Rivers State to, as brothers, give the Eastern Delta people (Rivers Ijaws) who live by the coastline, the necessary support and cooperation to produce the next Governor of Rivers State in 2015 in the spirit of equity and inclusiveness. The session, being conscious of the fact that our brothers from the upland part of the State have led the state creditably

•Mrs Izunwa, Prof. Abbey and Mrs Ogbanga at the event PHOTOS: NAN

for 16 unbroken years advises that to deny their brothers and sisters from the Riverine axis of the state from producing the next governor will be laying the foundation for injustice and exclusiveness with its attendant consequences. Similarly, the session acknowledged the agitation by other groups to be given opportunity to govern Rivers State notably the people of Rivers South East Senatorial District, which includes the Elemes and Ogonis, as genuine but appeals to them to consider our geo-political history and politico historical conventions and support Rivers Ijaws with the firm belief that other groups will also

War against oil theft excites generals’ wives

HEIR husbands are in the war front battling either the vicious Boko Haram insurgents in the north or the greedy oil thieves and pirates in the creeks of the Niger Delta region. Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) are on the move to compliment the efforts of their husbands. Mrs. Felly Minimah, their National President and wife of the Chief of Army Staff who recently described himself as a war-time general led the women out of their comfort zones. Their mission was to identify widows of fallen soldiers, commiserate with them and give them relief materials. Mrs Minimah and members of her group were in Bayelsa State. They were, however, excited by the successes recorded by the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, in its war against oil thieves, pipeline vandals, illegal bunkerers and pirates. They were received and treated to a grand reception by their host and Commander,JTF, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe. Their presence especially at the cocktail party organised at a grandiose hotel in Yenagoa attracted other service commanders including the state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Desmond Agu.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Beyond the party, the elegantly dressed women were also curious about the activities of the JTF especially its war against oil thieves. Therefore, the next day, they relocated to the headquarters of the security outfit at Opolo in Yenagoa. They were later briefed by Atewe. Maj-Gen. Atewe reeled out the figures and insisted that the JTF was gradually winning the war against oil theft. The evidence could be seen in the increase in oil production recorded by oil multinationals, he said. He maintained that oil multinationals operating in the region were recording significant increase in outputs because of JTF’s war against economic sabotage. He said the military outfit arrested 20 vessels for oil theft in the region within the first qarter of this year. He noted that the troops of JTF apprehended many hardened sea pirates, kidnappers and cultists, adding that some of the suspects died in gun battle with soldiers. Atewe told the women that the command raided and destroyed over 854 illegal refineries in many creeks in the region. But he had a big challenge. The commander paused, looked at his audience

and told the generals’ wives that the major headache of the command was dearth of logistics. He begged the army headquarters to send more gunboats, operational vehicles and personnel to the command. Maj-Gen. Atewe also rued the proliferation of illegal refineries in the region. He, however, voiced out his suggestion. He called on the Federal Government to consider the building of modular refineries across the region to discourage the establishment of illegal refineries. “On my arrival as a commander of JTF, l declared zero tolerance for all kinds of illegal operations in the region in line with the mandate of the JTF”, he said. He observed that oil thieves remained resilient in their misplaced efforts to milk the country dry. But the commander warned them and reinstated the resolve of JTF to smoke them out and hand them over to prosecuting agencies. He lamented that the activities of oil thieves were affecting the nation’s economy and posing serious threats to the health and livelihood of the people. He said the thieves had devised a means of offering huge bribes to personnel of JTF to enable them have unhindered access to the

country’s oil resources. Maj-Gen. Atewe, however, praised his men for turning down mount-watering financial inducements offered them by suspected oil thieves. He specifically cited a case where an officer was offered N25million by a group of oil thieves as a bribe. But he said the officer did not only turned down the offer but also arrested the suspect and members of his group. He thanked members of NAOWA for their visit describing it morale boosting. In her response, Mrs Minimah commended JTF for its efforts in tackling the activities of oil thieves in the region. She said members of NAOWA were satisfied at the dogged manner JTF prosecuted the war against theft of the commonwealth. She said NAOWA was on a familiarisation tour and visit of military formations and units across the country. She lamented the increasing number of military widows in many barracks across the country. But she noted that the association was formed to assist the poor and the less-privileged especially widows of deceased soldiers. She added that the number of widows was increasing on daily basis because of the security situation in the country.

have their opportunities in future. In the event that zoning along senatorial lines become inevitable, the session believes strongly that there are credible God-fearing Ijaws in all three Senatorial Districts in Rivers State." The women urged the people of the state to participate in the electoral process. They said: "The session reviewed recent political events in Rivers State and expressed concern about rising political tension in the State. While commending Rivers people as peace loving and law abiding, the session condemns in its entirety the introduction of violence and intimidation in the politics of

Rivers State and appeals to politicians to go about their political activities with decorum and the fear of God. The session advises politicians to know that power comes from God and no force or corruption of the system can give anyone power and thus cautions politicians against making inflammatory statements capable of threatening the peace of the State. Similarly, the session calls on all Rivers women to be vigilant, ensure that they register and vote in the forthcoming general elections to choose leaders who best represent the ideals that River people are known for. The session equally enjoins all Rivers Women

to participate in a 21 day fasting and prayer programme in January 2015 to seek God's face for peaceful and violence-free elections." Dame Toby said: "If any Ijaw woman will cast her vote in the next general election in the state, I, therefore, beg the political parties in the state to pick their candidates from the Riverine area of the state to promote an egalitarian society. Riverine people should have an opportunity in the governance of the state. "It is time to define the role of women in the politics of Rivers State. We must make use of optimum opportunity of this gathering to ensure that Ijaw women take their

right place in the politics of Rivers state." Prof. Willy-Abbey said: "Today we gathered together for consultation and exchange of information and opinion on tackling the challenges facing the women in Niger Delta, particularly the Eastern Delta region. We must take over the politics of Rivers State come 2015. "Ijaw women must be ready to pack out of Rivers State if they are not considered in the scheme of thing. But, how ready are women to take over position in the political environment of our region? We must be adequately equipped for the battle come 2015." The women’s position is in consonnance with the men in the EDPA. An Ijaw activist, Alatubo Charles Harry, recently argued that: "Rivers Ijaws will not sit still and watch idly our posterity and heritage consigned to hewers of wood and fetchers of water in the political matrix of our state." A Kalabari politician, Nimi Walson-Jack, also said recently: "Upland/riverine dichotomy is something that has been on. We respect the sentiment that has held these two together. Everybody who is well-meaning will decide on the right thing to do at the end of the day.” Barisi Benson Nnah of the Centre for Peace and Development in Ogoni, a Rivers State-based non-governmental organisation, believes in the Ijaw cause. He said: "The selfish interest of some individuals who want to be governor against collective interest of the Rivers State people made the ongoing National Conference to exclude Bori State or Ogoni State from the list of states being proposed for creation. "It is regrettable that the lessons of the over 20 years of the Ogoni struggle for self-determination seems not yet properly assimilated and a golden opportunity as this will slip away and be sacrificed for a mere governorship ambition of some self-seeking individuals pretending to bear Ogoni interests."

Ken Saro-Wiwa resurrects in award-winning story

HEN Peter Ukwa, an undergraduate of Political Science at the Bayelsa State-owned Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, wrote True Independence, he thought he was simply embarking on a mere literary voyage. But the piece, a short story eventually metamorphosed into an award winner. In fact, the subject matter, setting and the theme of the story appealed to the judges who constituted an award panel for Bayelsa State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Centred around the oil curse of the Niger Delta and illustrated vividly by pipeline rupture, environmental pollution, gas flaring, sheer neglect by the government and murder of an environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the story was sure to capture the interests of ANA judges. Ukwa, in his story, attempted to illustrate the dramatic irony that accompanied the execution of Saro-Wiwa by the despotic ruler, late Gen. Sani Abacha. In his True Independence, set in Ikara, an imaginary community in the Niger Delta region, Abacha created Bayelsa State from the old Rivers State, a day after the activist was executed. It was indeed a good illustration of irony of a situation. Ukwa, who hails from Idumu-ogo in Aniocha North •Ukwa Local Government Area of Delta State, vividly narrated the story employing simple diction that won the hearts of the judges. So, he won the short story award in the adult category. His work was published in the Mariner, a monthly journal of the state ANA. He said: “There is a decent hope for Nigeria as Nigeria has her own equivalence of good and promising youths. For every bad guy, there is another intelligent chap waiting on the wind of happening, someday, somehow, anyhow. “ If for anything the award has good things to say of the quality of teaching and scholarship going on in the young institution NDU and of the young creative writer who is coming in no time to take the stage and bring hope and succuor to his famished generation and nation; especially now that our youths

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

are drifting: no aim, no purpose, no pursuit”. In the spirits of his story’s title, he queried: “Can Nigeria in her one hundred years existence and less than a couple of weeks to her fifty four years independence as a nation beat her chest with her present challenges and proclaim True Independence?” Ukwa described the award with a cash reward of N20,000 as a huge encouragement to him. He said he had prepared other stories for his readers. “It is a kind of encouragement to me. This is my first entry for a prize and l got it. It is a huge encouragement. I have other stories coming up. I have prepared a story similar to this which l entitled Rivers People. It will be produced very soon”, he said. Throwing more light on the story, he said it depicted the happenings in the Niger Delta region especially issues of resource control, oil spillage and compensation. “The message is that Bayelsa State was created the year after Saro-Wiwa was executed. Bayelsa was created in 1996 while he was executed in 1995. It was the same administration of Abacha which executed Saro-Wiwa that created the state. I wonder if it was compensation. “The people of the Niger Delta have suffered so much from the activities of the oil companies. In most communities, we have oil spillage, destruction of aquatic lives and the story dramatized an oil spillage that killed many people”, he added. Also, the state Chairman of ANA, Mr. Emmanuel Frank-Opigo, congratulated Ukwa on his award. He spoke at the monthly reading of ANA members which was held at the Prof. Azaiki Library and Museum recently in Yenagoa. “Ukwa was one of the six winners in the competition organised by the state ANA and he won the prose prize. His works was very good and published in our magazine.

My life at 60, by Otunyo Chief Amaziah Walter Otunyo, a chartered engineer, recently celebrated his 60th birthday with his family, friends and well-wishers. In this interview with PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, he reflects on his love for golf and how he juggles the many parts of his life.

OW do you feel being at the age of 60?

I am delighted and graceful to God for giving me the opportunity to see today. I give God the glory for who I am. But as a sports lover, specifically golf, I decided to fix a golf tournament in commemoration of my birthday for my friends in the golf world. Prior to this time, I thought when one is 60, he will be probably confined to the bed but frankly speaking there is no difference from the way I used to feel when I was 40 years old and now. I am still strong and healthy at 60. During the last golf game, I beat my opponents who are yet to clock 60. So, I feel no difference in me. I still feel inside me the way I used to feel when I was 40 years. I can say I am 45 years now, though I thank God for Good health and for keeping me alive to see this day. How have you contributed to your society? Right from when I was in Shell, I started taking active part in community development, through community meeting and contribution to community union. My grandfather was a community leader; he donated one of his buildings for the community’s postal agency. And when the government wanted to build a secondary school, he donated a massive land and that was how the community Secondary School was built in our land. One thing is certain; if we didn’t give out the lands, we would have made enough profits from the lands. From the contribution of my family, I was challenged to start from where they stopped. I was elected as the President of Umutu Development Union, Port Harcourt branch. There is this activity we called Igili Day where we assembled to make our contributions. So, from electricity, roads, water in the area, I played a major role. Apart from my contributions at the village level, I also moved to make impact at Ndokwa National Congress and I was the pioneer chairman of the congress worldwide. These efforts metamorphosed to Ndokwa National Union, which is the apex body of the whole Ndokwa congress where I was elected as the second Vice President three years ago. My contributions to my community and other achievements made it possible for my people to crown me as Eze Omenka of Umutu in Ukwuani Local government Area of Delta State in December 2013. As an expert in oil and gas, what informed your investment into hotel business? When I was in Shell, I met a lot of contractors who have got to the peak of contracting in Shell. I discovered that some contractors left Shell and after a shot while they became broke. So, personally after seeing that trend in the environment, I decided to set up something that can continue to move on, even when I am no longer sitting here. As an oil and gas engineer, it is not that I am running away from my profession or I cannot get contract and execute. But, I just feel I should go into hospitality business. I also pick up lecturing job at Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST). This is because all my life I have been on double scholarships starting from the sponsorship of old Bendel State. Then I got another

•Otunyo

scholarship that aided my study in Nsuka and even when I travelled abroad for my Master’s Degree. The government of Nigeria has done a lot for me through those scholarships. In fact, the first car I bought while I was in United States was from the proceeds of my scholarship. I was given $20,000 as a balance from my scholarship account. That was the highest money I received at the age of 25 years. I almost ran into a moving vehicle over the excitement. This prompted me to accept a lecturing job to impart knowledge to others. When did you develop interest for the game of golf? I wasn’t a sports man when I was in Secondary School. I was a bookworm. I watched sports men and women and was always in support of my school during football matches and that was all. When I joined Shell, I began to socialise with people around me. I have a friend, Professor Bola Afolabi, though he later left Shell to NNPC. We used to play badminton. One day I went to look for him, they said he was at lawn tennis court. I tried to play tennis, it was strenuous. I couldn’t play it. After sometimes, Bola himself went into golf, I went there to play though. One thing about golf is that if you don’t play it, you will not appreciate it. But the interest for golf suddenly came. I played handicap 15 and later I played handicap 18. One thing about the game is the responsible friends you meet. I enjoy the game and I have given up other games; I play golf three times in a week. Where and how did you meet the half part of you? I met her when she was teaching in my village after her teachers’ training collage. Then I was just preparing to go to United States, but I was alone in the United States of Americas she didn’t go with me, but I assisted her to get her Master’s degree in Education and she is doing perfectly well.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

‘Bayelsa local govts were drainpipes’ There are controversies surrounding the local government reforms in Bayelsa State. The Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Talford Ongolo, spoke to MIKE ODIEGWU.

ENESIS of the local government reforms

When we came in, we had over 15,000 staff in the rural development areas and the eight local government areas popularly called the G8. Earlier before our inauguration, the governor because of his deep understanding of the problems besetting the various sectors had set up staff verification panels in all the eight local government areas. They studied the situation and the challenges and came up with various reports. The reports and revelations were mind-boggling.

Removal of corrupt principal officers Some of these problems have been aptly captured. It was a springboard. It was revealed that the principal officers were part of the problem. So, when those that are supposed to implement your policies are part of the problems, you have to rethink, restrategise properly otherwise, you won’t succeed. So, government decided at that early stage that part of the reforms would begin with the principal officers. The principal officers were asked to go and beef up the capacity of the local government service commission. All of them without exception were redeployed. After they had been redeployed and asked to go on 30-day leave, because they were not even going on leave, a simple verification exercise was carried out in Yenagoa council alone and over N23million was recovered that first month. I went personally to receive the report. That report justifies the redeployment of principal officers.

Non prosecution of removed officers This government is more inclined to looking forward. They are not out to punish people. The new principal officers were appointed in acting capacities because they have not

attained that level of seniority to become substantive. As a former attorney-general, l have to insist we follow the law. The new principal officers were specially trained in ASCON for two weeks with myself and the permanent secretary present throughout the training programme. They wrote exams. They came back and took over in acting capacities. We want people with capacity to run the local government. Since, then we have been implementing other legs of the reform. We have sent them again for refresher courses.

Biometrics We came up with the idea of biometrics. it was christened electrodiametric attendant register with automated payroll system. The simple explanation is that on the first day what the consultant first did was to carry out an enrollment exercise. Every staff in the local government system has to go there. They would take your enrollment details and the biometrics. After that, they started the clocking-in and clocking-out. So, everyday, you will go in the morning to clock-in and after the close of work, you will go back to clock-out. After the enrollment alone, people started protesting and even blocked the expressway. Government directed that those who didn’t enroll despite a long period of enlightenment campaign and publicity that their money should be paid into an unpaid salary account. So much was realised. We then went to the nitty-gritty of the matter. The records have justified government efforts. What we are implementing is that if you did not go to work any day, there is no way we can serve you query. People don’t go on a fishing expedition to serve queries. You are queried as you go to work. So, what we are doing now is that if you don’t go to work at all since we don’t know about your existence, we just pay that money into an unpaid salaries account. So, nobody will spend the money. These are the challenges we

are having now. Promotion of workers In whatever we are doing, we like to carry Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) along. But it has not been easy. What we did was to organise a stakeholders’ conference where all of us including NULGE agreed on the biometrics. A communique was issued at the end of the conference and the NULGE President also signed it. Whatever we are doing now that NULGE is kicking against is in tandem with the resolutions of that conference. We also held another meeting in line with the conference resolution. We held a meeting of all the stakeholders. It was an extended stakeholders’ meeting. The meeting was concerning promotion because since 2008, there hasn’t been any promotion in the service. They told me that the reason was because the system was over-bloated with heavy staff strength and there was nowhere the councils can meet up with financial implications of promotions.

Challenges of reforms But no human system can be perfect. There will be challenges here and there. As the challenges come up, we tackle them. People were just siphoning and packing money. One person would have 30 names in the payroll. If you are in an outstation since we are only dealing with workers at the local government headquarters, you are not affected so you are not to clockin and clock-out for now. We have made it clear that we cannot ascribe to ourselves perfection. Any genuine case; if you know you are in an outstation and for any reason, your name did not appear, go and meet your principal officer and that is the routine. When people come, we clear them. People don't want change. They just raise these small imperfections to a level to discredit

the system. The consultants don't prepare payrolls. The consultants, after taking records of the attendants, they generate a report. When they prepare these documents, they hand them over to the treasurers. The vouchers are now prepared by the treasury staff.

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

AS the electioneering period draws near, the media has been urged to give adequate coverage to women in politics. In a 12-point communiqué issued at the end of the two-day workshop held at Transcorp Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State from July 14 to 15, it was agreed that “the Nigerian media is colossally inclined to the coverage of male politicians.” The workshop was organised to empower journalists in the Southsouth states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers. It was aimed at enhancing voter education, enlightenment and promote best practices in election reportage. It was also supported by the DGD project and its international partners: European Union, UKaid, Canadian Foreign Affairs Trade and Development and UNDP in collaboration with the NUJ. The participants also identified a culture of impunity; winner- takesit- all; widespread poverty and high population of jobless youths and religious and ethnic polarisation as some of the basis for electoral violence and therefore the need for the media to be conflict sensitive. The workshop further noted that “the media should avoid use of hate language; examine a story from all angles, prevent manipulation of the media by politicians and political parties; give aggrieved parties or persons the opportunity and the right to reply and; promptly correct mistakes where they are made.” The media being an important electoral actor because of the obvious fundamental role society bestowed on it as the watchdog of society, “journalists are therefore charged to live above board and ensure that the interest of the nation and the general public is placed above personal considerations at all times.” Since imbalanced reports lead to loss of integrity, trust and litigation, journalists are instructed to use all techniques to be fair to all.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

was not told what his crimes were after he was arrested while serving as a member of a Federal Tax Force of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and was in charge of posting policemen on duty to guard pipelines in Warri. According to him, “I joined the police in 1979 as a Constable and I was dismissed from the police through a signal with Ref No. DT03112 on May 2001. I joined to serve my country. I served in Federal Tax Force in Delta State and other places. My problems started when I posted some policemen to Oregha River beat. “I ordered the arrest and detention of four out of the five police that went out for duty that night for not arresting pipeline vandals that came to vandalise pipelines at their beat. I was later arrested and was asked to resume duty after an orderly room trial.” Sgt. Thomas said the police officer who reviewed the case dismissed him and others from the Nigerian Police for conspiracy and economic sabotage. He said he filed a writ of summons at the Federal High Court in Benin and court gave judgment in his favor in 2005. He said, “After waiting for

Workshop equips Southsouth reporters

Shell promotes split clamps

‘Police must reinstate me before I die’ R. Martin Kayode is not a happy man. For years, he served the police in Delta State. He was supposed to have retired from the Nigerian Police Force in February but he was dismissed before then and not even a 2005 Federal High Court judgement ordering his reinstatement worked in his favour. Nine years after the court judgment, Martin, who was a Sergeant as at the time he was dismissed, is battling to be reinstated. The Police Service Commission, in a letter by its Secretary, E Gonda and dated June 7th 2010, asked Martin to report to the Inspector General of Police for deployment. The letter reads,:“In line with the policy of the Commission to obey all court Judgments and in compliance with the Order of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/B/CS/112/2003 issued on the 12th day of April 2005, the Commission hereby reinstates you into the Nigeria Police Force with effect from 04/04/2001, the day you were dismissed.” In another letter to the IG, the PSC requested that Martin be made to undergo refresher course with a view to updating him. Martin, in an interview, said he

•Ongolo

BRIEFLY

•Kayode

reinstatement, I filed contempt against them. The PSC went to court with my reinstatement letter, the letter was sent to the IG, till today, the IG has refused to obey the PSC or the court.” “I don’t want to die like this. The police must reinstate me and pay me my full benefits as a DSP.”

T was a heap of accolades for the oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in Bayelsa State. The Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) and other players in the petroleum sector praised Shell for pioneering and expanding the frontiers of local participation in the oil and gas sector. The event revolved around Egba split clamps, the first indigenous split-sleeve clamps proudly produced in Nigeria by Egba Split Clamps Limited. Niger Delta Report discovered that the split clamp market is a busy one. Clamps are used by oil multinationals to temporarily stop spillage of oil from sabotaged or ruptured pipelines. It is a quick measure used to avert pollution of the environment at a spill site pending permanent repairs of the compromised point. Therefore, the split clamp is hot cake especially for oil multinationals operating in the Niger Delta region because of the rising incidences of pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering. It was learnt that most companies source their clamps from European and Asian countries. So, all the clamps used in Nigeria are imported. But the story is expected to change following the discovery of Egba split clamps by SPDC. The local clamp was brought to limelight in a local content day exhibition organised by SPDC in 2009. Shell discovered Egba and since then the company has taken many steps to develop and make it the most sought-after clamp in Nigeria. SPDC is sponsoring the company’s professional certification to international standard. SPDC brought the Shell Global Solutions (SGS) from Amsterdam to Lagos to carry out pressure testing and inspection of Egba split clams. The oil company also facilitated a forum where Egba presented its clamps to the NCDMB in Yenagoa. The Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Ernest Nwakpa received Egba and SPDC. The General Manager of Shell, Mr. Igo Weli, said SPDC had placed an order for six of the clamps to help the Egba update its certification which was concluded recently. He said after perfecting contractual documents, SPDC would consider placing the local manufacturer on a long-term contract of supplying the clamps.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

TS significance lies in the madness in other lands not so far away. Long before then, it was not in doubt where their loyalty was. Almost everyone knew that they belonged to the Ikwerre man with a Yoruba first name, which makes many wonder if his mother has the Oduduwa ancestry. Some, without proof, have even said he is more Yoruba than Ikwerre. But, that is gibberish. Last month, over 20 of his men in the Rivers State House of Assembly announced their time was up with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Months earlier, their leader, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, had led the way by dumping the party he believes has a leaking umbrella and teamed up to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). After this move, majority of the state’s members of the National Assembly, including Dr Dakuku Peterside, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and Senator Magnus Abe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), left for the APC too. It was surprising that the state legislators did not move soon after. But, the drama in their switch is not lost coming at a time when the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob parable is being re-enacted in impeachment moves in states whose governors have switched to the APC. There was also drama in the PDP’s reaction. It said they mattered not and their switch would not affect its fortune. Really? Well, for these men, it might have been meant to say, you can’t impeach our governor. The Rivers’ scenes pale away with Edo’s July scenes. There, the law was on break. Lawlessness reigned. And sadly, lawmakers were the ones behind it all. The police had it up to their necks trying to separate fights. You need to have seen how lawmakers were disgracing their constituents. A court bailiff was told by a “lawmaker to go to hell” when he attempted to serve him summons. No thanks to this ‘we-no-go-gree’ caused by suspension and counter-suspension, no bill was attended to last month. Yet, these men earned their pay from tax payers who they did nothing to serve. Please let’s leave Edo and get to the presidential state. Bayelsa held an investment forum. It did not end without unforgetable scenes. At the forum, Petroleum Minister Diezani AlisonMadueke revealed that an Industrial Park was going to be built in the state. And guess where? Otuoke of course, the presidential village whose population is less than 10,000. This is an addition to the fantastic General Hospital with facilities not being fully utilised. The university is also there and its population will soon be more than the community’s. Another drama in Bayelsa last month is that while a forum was being held to convince investors to come to the state, a relaxation centre, which also had a car wash, was pulled down by the government in Yenegoa. Reason: No tan-

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Scenes from July ‘

The Rivers’ scenes pale away with Edo’s July scenes. There, the law was on break. Lawlessness reigned. And sadly, lawmakers were the ones behind it all. The police had it up to their necks trying to separate fights. You need to have seen how lawmakers were disgracing their constituents. A court bailiff was told by a “lawmaker to go to hell” when he attempted to serve him summons •Mrs. Alison-Madueke

gible one has been given, yet the owner says he broke no town planning rule. It was a major point where men chilled out after a hard days’ job. Now they have to look elsewhere. The other three states in the Southsouth, Cross

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

After waiting for reinstatement, I filed contempt against them. Till today, the IG has refused to obey the PSC or the court. I don’t want to die like this. The police must reinstate me and pay me my full benefits __

‘

DSP Kayode Martin

‘

River, Akwa Ibom and Delta sure had their indelible July scenes. In Delta, scenes that gave the impression that peace might take a flight were recorded. It all surrounded the Export Processing Zone being

worked on by the Federal Government around Escravos. Last month, the project pitched Ijaw against Itsekiri. Before then, it had pitched Itsekiri against Itsekiri in Ugborodo. Lives were lost and heads were broken and jaws dropped when Itsekiri battled Itsekiri. Last months’ dramas were more of Ijaw proclaiming their right to the project. They rejected Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s interface committee on the project. One of their leaders, who said his grandparent’s grave would be consumed by the project, even threatened that the project would not start until their demands were met. President Goodluck Jonathan would have to wait more before performing the groundbreaking ceremony. Cross River maintained its peaceful mien during the month. But, dramas around the issue of border demarcation between Nigeria and Cameroun, as a result of the loss of Bakassi, played out. Fears were expressed by communities around the Obudu axis about plots to cede them to Cameroun. The last has certainly not be heard about this. Really, almost no July scene from the Southsouth could beat the one at the sod turning ceremony for the new PDP secretariat in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Governor Godswill Akpabio was quoted as saying: “Those who have betrayed the governor will not enter the Government House... Those who want to take power from the back door will die. They will die. And the PDP will continue.” He was said to have used the Biblical story of King David and Absalom to back his position. Absalom, he said, wanted to take over power before 30 and sought to kill King David, his father. He eventually died before his father. Can both cases really be juxtaposed? Absalom was a son; those who the governor claimed have betrayed are his political sons. There is no blood relationship. Since then, his opponents have taken advertorial space to lampoon him. They also called on Jonathan to save them. The governor has not spoken since then on the matter. At least in public. But, in an advertorial, which was a reaction to an open letter to Jonathan on the controversial statement, the governor’s supporters said he was only referring to political death and not physical death. They claimed it was natural that a stream that forgets its source will naturally die. There is no need for any physical effort to realise this. True talk? Secretary to the State Government Emmanuel Udom, in an advertorial, also toed the same line, arguing further that backdoor means ‘crude’, ‘undemocratic’ and all that. He did not forget to let us know that the people of Akwa Ibom are begging him to succeed Akpabio. Well, my final take: let everyone have a levelplaying field. That way, there will be fairplay. Till next week. Have the best of August.

By BOLAJI OGUNDELE

Who will tame the tigers of Ugborodo?

T was not a new madness. It was something we had all seen but could really not understand. It subsided and we knew it was just a matter of time before it would rear its head again. And on July 27, the signs that brawns, rather than brain,s would soon be on display were glaring. The threat to Ugborodo's peace needed no special lens to be seen. By the second day, houses, cars and other valuables started going up in flames. And then the third day, discordant tunes started oozing from the mouths of many in the town. The fragile peace recently achieved in Ugborodo, one of the host communities of the $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Warri Southwest, Delta State, gave way to turmoil when some quarters of the community violated the peace pact. Two months ago, the Federal Government, through the peace and security committee, comprising of various security agencies, state government and community representatives, set up the EPZ Interface Committee, leading to the signing of a peace agreement. One of the articles of the agreement was the restoration of displaced persons from the various quarters of Ugborodo to their homes, as well as cessation of hostilities by various armed groups. These yet-to-be- resettled people in the community, first called for the dissolution of the EPZ Interface Committee, citing the continued unrest pervading the community.

This followed the action of youths of Aruton (Ode-Ugborodo), who allegedly frustrated, for the third time, the Navy's efforts at resettling the displaced persons. Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Navy Capt Musa Gemu, who led the naval team's mission to resettle the displaced persons, expressed frustration at the attitude of Aruton youths and leaders, saying there was hardly any indication that the people wanted peace in Ugborodo. His lamentation: "I met with leaders of the two sides the day before. They assured that they will be on ground to talk to their people where they are in control to allow all displaced persons return in peace. Now only Isaac Botosan and Ayiri Emami of Thomas Ereyitomi bloc were on hand to lead displaced persons to Ogidigben and Ajudaibo where they are in control. "David Tonwe, who gave his word, never showed up to talk to the boys at Aruton to resettle displaced persons there. These same youths at Madangho and Aruton, who refused to allow displaced persons return home, also scared people from leaving to Ogidigben and Ajudaibo. "It is not like the Aruton youths can resist me. Applying force now is not the spirit of the peace process. So, I asked my men to pull back. I went in with just two men and interacted with the community elders and youths. Their feeling is

that the said displaced persons committed sacrilege against the community and they need to appease the land and atone for their action before being allowed back in the community. "They said the only condition for peace is that all the people that have been jailed, even six years back, must be released. Do I know their offences? Were they offences against the state? Also that all those that were killed, they must bring their corpses back for burial, that all those who committed crimes against the community must come back to apologise and that proper punishment would be meted on them by the community." So, it was not a surprise when just the day after the failed effort to bring the displaced back properties worth hundreds of millions of naira, including houses and cars, were destroyed. The madness that started in January was here again. The two camps have come up with counterclaims. Both camps are blaming the other for the display of brawns. A leader in the Ereyitomi camp, Emami, said contrary to speculations that the acts of arson were done by supporters of Ereyitomi, the acts were carried out by angry members of the Tonwe camp who felt they had been used and dumped. Whoever is right, the truth remains that this ding-dong can only stop if a compromise is reached. If both parties are not ready to shift grounds, where is room for settlement?

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SHOPPING

Jumia rewards customers with rams at Eid-El –Fitri

MY SHOPPING

‘Malls, allied businesses must engage security outfits’ Dr. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., a lawyer, speaks on the porous security in the country and the need for operators of malls to engage professional security outfits and other issues.

OW often do you visit our malls? I visit shopping malls in Nigeria only when I take my family out to see movies and or shop for groceries and family needs. The Shoprite Chain in Ikeja, Surulere and Lekki are places I visit occasionally with my Kids. How do you do your shopping? Most of my needssuch as clothing and allied needs are provided by my clothiers and close salesmen, so I really don’t visit malls for them. With the Boko Haram terrorist attack in major places where one can find crowd, what advice would you give to operators of malls to prevent such incident? Considering the preponderance and tense threat of possible terror attacks by the Haramists I advise mall owners and owners of allied businesses to engage professional security outfits, install Close Circuit Televi-

• Akanni and his ram

T • Nwaokobia Jnr

sion (CCTVs), get bomb and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detectors and diffusers as well as proper surveillance of their facilities. What advice do you have for shoppers this period? Shoppers must always heed warnings from security agencies and or shop owners because diligence and care are priceless organisms of safety

• Runway for the show

Ikeja City Mall to come alive with fashion, music show

OME next Friday, August 9, Ikeja City Mall will come alive with musical performances and electrifying runway exhibitions. It will be the second edition of the malls fashion and music show. The show is an event with unmatched glitz and glamour, designed to showcase the summer collections of fashion stores in the mall. It will bring together the best of youthful celebrities, models and artistes to entertain guests and shoppers at the mall. Tenant Stores, who will be sponsoring the event right inside the mall, are promising to give the best of fashion display, light and music performances from favourite models, music artistes and comedians. The stores are; Foshini, Markham, Mango, Maybrands, Us Polo, Kidz Country, Wran-

gler , Jack& Jones, Black Up, Bruno’s Place, Casabella and Daviva. Hugely anticipated through the event is customer patronage and delight especially amongst teenagers. Activities at the event will include electrifying catwalk by top models, music performances by top celebrities, comedy, dance, raffle draws, special sales/auctions and celebrity guest appearances. The event will also host internationally renowned models, Ken Okoli (Mr Nigeria 2010), Adedamola Cruz (best model of the world Africa 2011), Victor Kwen, Francis Chinko, Kelvin Godson, Michelle Udoka(Miss Global Nigeria 2013) Micus Pius (Mr Universe Nigeria 2013), to mention a few. The show will begin with red carpet at 4pm and it is free for everybody.

Britons are biggest online shoppers in developed world

RITAIN is the biggest online shopping nation in the developed world, with almost two-thirds of adults using the internet to buy goods or services. Figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that six out of ten British adults use the internet to buy products such as food, clothing, music or holidays. This is twice the average of the OECD’s 34 member states, which include the US, Germany, Australia and France. On average, just three out of ten people in OECD nations buy goods or services online. Britons spent £68.2 billion on the internet last year, an increase of almost £10 billion on 2010, according to IMRG, a body which represents the UK’s online retailers. This is equivalent to £2,180 for every adult in the country. By contrast, online spending in Denmark -

o celebrate Eid-El –Fitri with its muslim customers, Nigeria’s largest online store Jumia gave out a ram in a promo. The promo was on all through the fast period and was built around buying

which has the second highest proportion of internet shoppers in the OECD - averages around £1,000 per person per year, IMRG said. “The figures are not surprising. The UK is traditionally a nation of shoppers,” said Andy Mulcahy, an executive at IMRG. According to the OECD’s figures, half of all internet spending among its members comes from just six countries – the UK, Denmark, Norway, Korea, the Netherlands and Australia. In the US, which has the highest broadband penetration in the developed world, only around a third of adults shop online, the OECD said, citing the most recent figures available. Mexico has the lowest proportion of online shoppers in the developed world, with less than 5 per cent of people buying goods or services online. - Source UK News

‘anytime item’ from the Jumia Ramadan store. The competition ended a few days to the end of Ramadan and Jumia announced the winner as Abdulazeez Akanni. To enter for the draw, the winner bought a tablet and tablet accessory, he emerge the winner and a ram was delivered to his house before the Eid-El –Fitri celebration. In excitement, Abdulazeez Akanni said: “When I got the call that I had won a Ram from shopping on Jumia, I was really surprised because I shopped from the Ramadan store without knowing there was a ram to be won. This is one of the blessings I have received this Ramadan and I say a big Thank you to Jumia for this great Ramadan Gift “

Chivita wears new dress

AKERS of Chivita, Chi Limited, has launched a new pack of the product, renaming it from Chivita Premium to Chivita 100 %. At the launch of the new Chivita 100% in Lagos, the company said every consumer is expected to embrace because the new trendy, modern and elegant packaging delivers a supreme lesson in brand messaging. Speaking on the new design, Managing Director of Chi Limited, makers of fruit juices, Mr. Roy Deepanjan said the packaging changeover is the company’s way of injecting fresh energy into the brand so that it can take its pride of place on market shelves and in households, from living rooms to event halls and in the lives of consumers who cherish healthy living. “Chivita 100%, which can be enjoyed by consumers who desire pure, healthy and natural refreshment is available in five variants of real pineapple, real apple, real orange, orange pineapple and orange mango,” Deepanjan said, adding that “in an effort to avail Chivita 100% with more levels of engagement with the consumer, the website address, Facebook page, Twitter handle and LinkedIn contact addresses are featured on the pack.” To further drive the consumer’s attraction to Chivita 100%, the variant name now appears as ‘Real Orange’ or ‘Real Apple’ on the pack as opposed to simply writing Orange or Apple. The interactive design features visual elements such as the “shake well” symbol as well as a “variant wheel” that reflects all other variants of the brand. Truly, in an increasingly health conscious society, consumers are most likely to choose a brand that lays em-

phasis on natural ingredients instead of products containing synthetic or genetically modified components. The visual architecture of the brand is even more endearing. Nonetheless, the challenge of communicating a clear and effective brand message that will instantly resonate with consumers has always been an intimidating task for brand managers. This is because very few brands are able to effectively match the message with each and every component of their brand or product. Experts say that operating in a challenging economy like Nigeria where marketing a brand is a complex and highly competitive task hence, finding a clear message that works with the consumer may be the most difficult part of building a brand identity. That is why Chivita recently solidified its market leadership by renaming Chivita to reflect the most crucial idea at the heart of the brand, which is the 100% pure fruit juice that contains no added sugar, no preservative and no added colours. Since brand messaging is about capturing the right language that embodies a brand so that it stands out from the pack, it must be simple, short and, above all, memorable. For effectiveness, it must also parade instantly attractive packaging. This was why boldly written along the length of the new pack is ‘100% Fruit Juice’ while ‘No Added Sugar’ is placed at the heart of the design and written in clear language to give the information greater prominence than before. Indeed, behind the Chivita’s title, the package design, and the ad campaigns, is a strong, simple message that effectively communicates the core value of Chivita fruit juice as a pure and natural drink.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

The campaign to make cassava flour part of bread formation is facing challenges. Consumers are still not convinced of its nutritional benefit, so it has not been accorded the technological or culinary attention it deserves. As the importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture rises, stakeholders are working to ‘mainstream’ nutrition into cassava flour and bread. A workshop in Lagos organised by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA) attempted to address it. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Giving cassava flour its due C

ASSAVA is a staple food for over 50 million Nigerians. It offers the cheap source of food calories and the highest yield per unit area. More than 80 per cent of the crop is used for food. Indeed, the potential of the crop is large with its multiple roles as famine reserve, food and cash crop, industrial raw material and livestock feed. While wheat substitution in bread is seen in theory as a huge potential market with the capacity to pull industrialisation of cassava, reports from the market said the inclusion of cassava flour,in bread, is less widely accepted. While some activists reject it as poisonous, consumers are showing strong preference for 100 per cent wheat bread and biscuits. Publicly, consumers have expressed doubts on its nutritional importance especially in bread composition. With the backlash, stakeholders believe the way forward is addressing the fears if cassava flour is going to have a competitive edge in the market. This requires looking at how science and technology can be mobilised to make cassava flour highly nutritious to make it a quality component with wheat in bread formulation. A one-day workshop on : Enhancing the competitiveness of high quality cassava flour value chain in West Africa, organised by International Institution of Tropical Agriculture(IITA) in Lagos attempted to address this. Addressing the forum, the Director-General ,IITA,Dr Nteranya Sanginga, said cassava is critical to solving some of the most pressing health and nutrition problems, reduce hunger and expand economic opportunities for people while also needing to produce significantly more food. Represented by the Project Leader, Sustainable Weed Management Technique for Cassava System in Nigeria, IITA,Dr Alfred Dixon, Sanginga said cassava flour can function well in bread to address malnutrition –whether from lack of food or insufficient nutrients. He said the institute was concerned about advancing the well-being and prosperity of farmers through transforming agriculture, by improving the productivity and performance of cassava to promote

•A woman processing cassava flour

opportunities for people to succeed economically. Dixon, said the two IFADfunded projects were timely in view of Africa’s comparative advantage in cassava production. Sanginga described cassava as a poverty fighter, and stressed that improving the utilisation of the crop, and scaling up/out processing technologies would help Africa address the issue of poverty and hunger on the continent. “Africa has a comparative advantage in cassava production… so let us use cassava to get what we want,” he said in Lagos at the launch of the projects Likewise, Head, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology/Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, Prof Ibok Oduro, said improving the nutrition capacities of cassava flour would help in the search for solutions to pressing food issues. Besides, she sees tremendous opportunities with efforts to substitute cassava flour in bread. More widespread uses of cassava flour will address malnutrition. While it is an opportunity for West Africa to make a headway, develop economically, feed the people and improve food security, she believes, the effort requires more investment. Speaking on formulation of food guidelines, Prof Oduro said the nutrition field here has begun to flourish, resulting in new products such as high-

quality cassava flour. The Executive Director, National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCIR), Umudike, Abia State, Dr Julius Okonkwo, said his institute has worked with IITA and farmers to address the challenges in the cassava value chain. These include increasing and stabilising production so that farmers can supply cassava to the processing industry. This requires the development and distribution of high-yielding varieties and better growing methods. Project Leader,Improving Quality, Nutrition and Health Impacts of Inclusion of Cassava Flour in Bread Formulation in West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), Dr Bussie MaziyaDixon, said with the increasing interest in cassava, there is need to address the nutritional problems of the crop with interventions to ensure balanced diets or attainment of acceptable nutritional status. Similarly, the Coordinator, Cassava Value Chain, Regional Hub for East Africa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Tanzania, Dr. Adebayo Abasss said cassava is an important crop. He said the production of HQCF requires a conscious adherence to good manufacturing practice (GMP) in order to obtain a product of desirable quality. Noncompliance to GMP, according to him, will not produce the high-grade cassava flour needed by manufacturers. Therefore, manufacturers of cassava flour should meet the

required quality specifications. Consequently, he said enhancing the competitiveness of high quality cassava flour value chain in West Africa workshop was designed to reduce poverty and improve food security. Most organisations agree cassava is vital for ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Now, in a new and concerted push, they are together taking steps to marshal the power of science, boost cassava flour production and put more money into farmers’ pockets. One of these organisations is International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Senior Programme Officer, Grants Department, IFAD, Dr Malu Ndavi said cassava is an important food crop. Through the support of his organisation, Ndavi said wide adoption of high-yielding varieties and better pest management have resulted in a sharp rise in production. He said IFAD has invested as much as $110 million in the cassava value chains in the four major producer countries in Western and Central Africa: Benin, Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria. For him, Africa has the potential to feed itself, and for this reason, IFAD has put small farmers at the centre of all it efforts to enable them increase their income, improve their livelihood and lift themselves out of poverty. What is required to unlock cassava’s potential, according to him, particularly for small

‘What is required to unlock cassava’s potential, particularly for small farms are improved seed varieties, soil fertility enhancement practices and efficient use of water—both for rain-fed and irrigated methods of farming.’

farms are improved seed varieties, soil fertility enhancement practices and efficient use of water—both for rain-fed and irrigated methods of farming. The Coordinator,Cassava Value Chain, ), Regional Hub for East Africa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Tanzania, Dr. Adebayo Abass, said the institute launched the project to enhance the competitiveness of high quality cassava flour (HQCF) in West and Central Africa.This is increase cassava yield from the current per hectare production levels estimated at 12.5 tons/ hectares in Nigeria to 20 tons/ hectares. He said the project in partnership with McGill University, Canada and other collaborating institutions also launched another project:“Improving Quality, Nutrition and Health Impacts of Inclusion of Cassava Flour in Bread Formulation In Nigeria and Ghana. The HQCF would not only contribute to employment creation and reduce wheat import expenditure by government, it will also contribute to poverty reduction and food security in West and Central Africa. According to him, the project will support the generation, dissemination and adoption of improved technologies for cassava production and processing. The project will be a subcomponent within the CRP 1.2 Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics with links to CRP 3.4 Roots, Tubers and bananas. It will contribute to all four systemic level outcomes of the SRF, reducing rural poverty. The project will increase food security, improve nutrition and health and create sustainable management of natural resources. It will give priority to gender empowerment to ensure an increased control by women and other marginalised groups (the youths and the physically challenged) over integrated systems assets. The project also seeks to survey small, medium scale (SME) and large scale (LS) cassava flour producers to assess their technological and operational constraints and opportunities; study physicochemical profiles of flour and starches from various cassava varieties and screen various cassava varieties for optimal production of high quality and nutritious bread. “In order to successfully implement the substitution policy, there is the need to understand the technical and scientific basis for economically producing competitive high quality cassava flour and the constraints restraining small processors and bakers from advancing the production. “Knowledge of flour characteristics and their relationships to product quality are important tools in selecting appropriate variety for further processing of cassava,” Abass said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

AGRICBUSINESS

‘Why we need a food map’ T

HE Deputy Director and Head, General Management Division, Agricultural and Rural Management Institute (ARMTI), Dr. Ademola Adeyemo, said the nation needs a food map to help identify food clusters across the country. Adeyemo said a food map would not only help identify plus points in terms of crop strength, production, processing, but also help the government in ensuring the desired interventions to expand the food export market. To boost food production, he said the government needs to devise new schemes to provide lastmile delivery to farmers, which include farm-to-shelf schemes such as setting up mobile processing vans which could reach out to farmers. It also includes setting up small food processing units, providing business incubation, training and a processing centre at village level so that farmers’ produce is processed and reach markets. Outlining other priorities for the government, he called for measures to boost food processing; mitigate post-harvest fruit and vegetable losses;drive and accelerate food processing industries’ growth; deregulate and simplify

Incentive for 3,000 Akwa Ibom farmers

Stories by Daniel Essiet

governmental systems. He suggested that more efforts be made to promote industrygovernment education linkages, favourable tax regime, rejuvenate mega food park schemes, cold chain development, growth-oriented regulatory environment, and reforms, to take on inflationary challenges to the economy. Given the inflationary pressure on perishables , he asked that supply chain management needs to be improved. He also emphasised on connecting directly with farmers to bridge the gap between wholesale and retail prices.

Meanwhile, the President, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria(ASBON),Dr Femi Egbesola has called on the government to take steps to incentivise the private sector to invest in agricultural infrastructure. All efforts are required, he added, should be done through technology interventions, training of stakeholders to produce the world class processed food products. The output, according to him, should

•Adeyemo

be able to meet the global standards. Egbesola urged government to strengthen the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria to carry out cutting edge research; provide for a framework for constantly updated curricula to research institutions, assist and provide a linkage to regional institutions in their activities. He said strong linkages need to be built to transfer the technologies developed in isolation at different research organisations to their targeted beneficiaries and that the industry should share the responsibility of product innovations by offering “value for money proposition” and design customised products to be readily accepted by consumers.

O fewer than 3,000 farmers in Akwa Ibom would benefit from the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme before the end of this year, an official said in Uyo. The Federal Director in the state, Dr Peter Umanah, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Umanah said that 2,000 farmers would benefit from the oil palm value chain, while 1,000 others would benefit from the cocoa value chain programme. “We have just concluded the generic GES scheme in the state. We are about to begin Value Chain GES programme. “Under this scheme, we will focus on different commodities; and in Akwa Ibom, we are going to implement the oil palm value

chain GES and about 2,000 farmers will benefit from this programme this year. “We are going to implement cocoa value chain GES and about ,1000 farmers are targeted. They will receive free seedlings and other chemicals for their operation at subsidised rate.” Umanah said that the programme would also be extended to the livestock sector such as goat, piggery and poultry ,to enhance food production in the country. The director said that support for oil palm and cocoa farmers would begin this week, while poultry would commence next month and goat and piggery in November. Umanah said that the government would also support aquaculture, adding that a consultative meeting would be held with stakeholders to educate them on the programme.

Cocoa association urge to support govt

HE Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr James Aniyom, has enjoined the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) to always appreciate the state government policies in the interest of the state. Aniyom made the call in Calabar at an interactive meeting with CAN officials and cocoa farmers to resolve the issue over compliance with cocoa levy. He said the meeting was an attempt to resolve the problems between the ministry and the association. The commissioner stressed the need for the officials of the association to first see themselves as Cross Riverians and allow the love of the state to be paramount in their actions. He expressed displeasure over the

open protest by the association to register their disagreement with government of the levy, saying that his office was open to dialogue. He reminded them of the need for them to pay their tax or any levy imposed by the government. “It is a serious offence for an individual or association not to pay tax or levy to government when necessary, ‘’ he said. Aniyom called on CAN members to work toward setting up a cocoa processing plant as a way to boost the cocoa industry in the country. Responding,National President of CAN, Mr. Sayina Riman, commended state government for resolving the crises in the sector, and expressed optimistic that the ongoing dialogue would be fruitful.

Exporters’ scramble for Kenyan nut

• From left Bulley Ayite; Chief Executive Officer, Rohoboth Farms, Oban, Cross River State, Olusina Oyedele; Consultant,Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Robo Adhuze; Executive Assistant, Oladele Adegbenro and, Farm Manager, Ezekiel Robinson during a visit by Adhuze to the Rehoboth Cocoa Farms, Oban, Akamkpa Local Council, Cross River State.

Weed control technique enhances yields

AIZE Farmers in Bauchi State has been recording 100 per cent yield per hectare in the past three years as a result of adoption of striga weed control techniques introduced in 2011. Programme Manager of Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) Dr Iliyasu Gital, said in Bauchi that the techniques had helped control damage done to crops by triga weed, specie of parasitic plant

that suffocates and destroys crops. He said that the techniques, namely crop rotation, mixed cropping and the application of viral powder, were copied from Kenya, and had proved to be very effective. Gital explained that before the introduction of the techniques, 25 agriculture extension agents were trained, after which each of them selected 20 farmers within his areas of jurisdiction for trial. “20 farmlands were selected,

who established demonstration farms. Each farmer adopted one of the newly introduced techniques of striga control on their maize, sorghum and cowpea farms. “Where farmers used to get 50 per cent yield, they got 100 per cent of their potential yield, while where some earlier recorded zero yield due to damage by striga, they got 50 per cent and subsequent years, recorded 100 per cent,” he revealed.

Anambra eyes 500,000 hectares to kick-start agric revolution

NAMBRA Government is targeting the acquisition of 500,000 hectares of land for its agricultural transformation programme meant to provide massive employment for over 100,000 people, especially youths. The Interim Chairman of the 12man Land Acquisition Committee, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, made this known in Onitsha, Anambra.. Ilouno said that over 50,000 hectares donated by two agrarian communities for the agricultural

programme had already been surveyed, adding that the land were leased to the government without much pressure. Ilouno, who is also the Chairman of Anambra Central (Zone) Traditional Rulers’ Council, said that the committee had also secured nine natural body of large water for fish ponds under the new agricultural scheme. “I have not seen such a massive support from our people to any government before; Gov. Willie

Obiano is highly lucky and blessed. “Communities, through their presidents-general and traditional rulers, are on their own calling us (committee members) to come, survey and start something on their land for the benefit of the people, especially the youths. “I know that most times in the South-East, it is difficult for people to give you their birth-right, which is their land no matter the circumstances.

VER 450 macadamia farmers Cultivation for Kenyan nut may double due to its disease free and organicenvironment.Infact, over 450macadamia farmers in Taita Taveta county are now increasing acreage under cultivation following a market deal with a foreign company that could see farmers sell the produce at double the price in the local market. This could open up cultivation of the nut in other areas as multinationals chase the highly valued Kenyan nut Under the umbrella of Taita Macadamia Farmers Association (TMFA), the farmers have signed a deal with Tencents African company to purchase macadamia at Sh70 per kilo. The farmers have expressed optimism in the deal and agreed to increase cultivation of the nut they had abandoned on poor pay. A kilo of the nuts retails at between Sh30Sh35 in the local market even after

tedious growing process that doesnt let a farmer recoup the expenses. But incentives like high buying price is enough to spur farmers into the lucrative venture as the appetite for the nut reaches fever pitch. One macadamia tree has the potential of producing 50 kilos. “We are guaranteed that Tencents Africa will give our farmers a reliable market since farmers will now have a reliable market which is a departure from the past where the market was unstructured and disjointed,” said Baldwin Mwangoji the chairman of TMFA. The farmer group has received the fairtrade certification that shows that their nuts abides by good agricultural practices and their farming preserves the environment. As a result of this demand for the nut by other international buyers has risen in the recent past to an extent that they cannot match.

Uganda to adopt Nigeria’s GES policy

OLLOWING the innovation of the Growth Enhancement Support, GES, in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Uganda has expressed interest to adopt the policy for her agricultural sector. Ugandan Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Ruth Nankabirwa said this in Abuja when she led an 11-man delegation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The minister said the team was in Nigeria on an under-study mission on the workings and operations of the GES in other to boost food production in Uganda. Nankabirwa said: “We are hopeful that with the adoption of the Growth Enhancement and Support (GES) we will be able to control the quality of feeds. The little we have

learnt before we came here have reached the beneficiaries, who are the farmers to the suppliers of inputs. And also it will help the distribution of farm implements.” The minister also said the government in Uganda produce seeds through research for smallholder farmers, while the private sector does the distribution. “Seeds production is done by the government through research, while the distribution is done by the private sector. We majorly practise subsistence system of agriculture, but we have policies on commercialisation and mechanisation of agriculture. We have also come here to understudy the e-wallet system. So we are on the right path to commercialise agriculture,” Nankabirwa stated.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL/AFRICA

Academy faults NIMASA on training of master mariners

HE Rector, Stars Maritime Academy (SMA), Dr. Reuben Ovai has said that both NIMASA and the master mariners are incompetent to comment on the legitimacy or otherwise and operations of private maritime schools in the country because they are not the regulatory authorities saddled with the responsibility of approving operations of technical education in the country. Ovai spoke at the school premises at Itele, Ogun State in response to allegations levelled against private maritime schools in Nigeria as illegitimate recently by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and some Master Mariners in the country. He said though a few of the schools may be operating illegally, it is wrong for any agency of government or anybody to make a blanket statement because some of the schools like STARS Maritime Academy were duly registered and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Federal Ministry of Education. He said for a government agency

By Uyoatta Eshiet

that is supposed to know better to be accredited with such a published story that private maritime schools in the country are illegitimate sends a wrong information to the general public. The Rector said the Act that established NIMASA did not give them any right to accredit any maritime institution in the country, adding that the agency under its present management is taking too many responsibilities that are not for them. Master mariners are misinformed about private maritime schools, he added. Ovai stated that Stars Maritime Academy is the first private maritime school to be registered and approved by the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education which also approved Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron , Akwa Ibom State. He said the license to operate as an academy was issued by the former minister of education, Professor Rukkayat, as well as the Executive Secretary of NBTE in 2003. The STARS maritime Academy Rector stated that the course curriculum use by the school was

developed and handed over to them by NBTE, which is the authorised body that approve Polytechnics and Montechnics in Nigeria. “Stars Maritime Academy is also included in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) list, which is the recognised body in the country for admission into tertiary institutions. Presently the school run the following courses: shipping management, nautical sciences and marine engineering. The school is also an employer of labour”, Ovai stated. He insisted that NIMASA is not an academic accrediting body in Nigeria educational system, but a regulator in the practising of maritime profession. The Rector said Nigeria needs more than one maritime academy as Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron alone cannot satisfy the yearnings of maritime education in the country in the area of human capacity development for the nation. He noted that MAN, Oron came into existence over 30 years ago when Nigeria’s population was less than 100 million but today the population is over 180 million.

VDT sets for ISO 20000 certification

DT Communication Limited will soon be awarded the International Standard Organisation (ISO) 20000 Certification, adding that the huge success and immense benefit of ISO 9000-1:2008 Certification it enjoyed, the company is ready for 1SO 20000-1:2011 Certification. In a statement, the Marketing Communications Manager of the firm, Mr. David Ese, said the main focus of this ISO 9000:2008 certification was to create premium quality management system for VDT. ISO 20000-1:2011 certification focuses primarily on fine-tuning the operational processes of VDT. Key among these processes includes service delivery, control, complaints resolution and relationship management. However, both ISO 9000-1:2008 and ISO 20000-1:2011 certifications are strongly relevant to the business of VDT and both are ultimately aimed at providing top-notch standard of quality experiences and satisfaction to VDT customers that can favourably compete globally. ISO 20000 is the first international standard for Information Technology Service Management and is fully compatible and supportive of the ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) framework. “It promotes full integration of IT services with business strategies while providing a formal framework for service management. The journey to ISO 20000:2011 certification started since Feb-

ruary. Awareness training session was organised for VDT staff members. From then until now specialised training sessions, documentation and implementation in different departments are in top gear. It will enable VDT to adopt an integrated process approach to effectively deliver services to meet business and customer requirements,” he said. Ese noted that this will ensure VDT functions at its optimum level as it effectively identifies and manages several inter-related activities. Thus provision of well coordinated and integrated service management processes will ensure that VDT maintains ongoing-control, greater efficiency and opportunities for continual improvement. According to him other benefits of the certification to VDT includes: reduction in incidents and improved incident management, improving corporate image and credibility of VDT, adoption of an integrated process to the delivery of IT services, reduction in response times and interruptions to IT service, improved management of cost and increase profit, inculcating a culture of continuous improvement into VDT operations, greater understanding of roles and business objectives, ensures consistent premium delivery of VDT services, gives VDT a competitive edge and most especially increased customers’ satisfaction, customers’ delight and reinforces customers’ loyalty.

Delta Airlines offers on board entertainment

• Ashok Capoor, President Strategy, United Spirits Limited, Philip Edafiogho, National Sales Manager, United Spirits Limited and Vineet Chhabra, Chief Operating Officer, Emerging Markets at the launchof McDowell’s Platinum in Lagos.

McDowell’s No.1 Platinum makes debut

cDOWELL’S No. 1, the world’s largest selling whisky franchise, launched its premiumvariant, McDowell’sNo.1 Platinum Whisky in Nigeria. The launch ofMcDowell’s No. 1 Platinumcomes at a time when consumers in Nigeria are actively moving away from categories like beer, gin, schnapps and local spirits to more premium offerings like whisky. In this scenario McDowell’s No.1 with its international appeal and affordable pricing becomes an attractive choice for consumers. And when there is a milestone moment that needs to be underlined with premium celebrations, McDowell’s No. 1 Platinum is the perfect fit.

The McDowell’s No. 1 whisky franchise is ranked as the largest non-scotch offering in the world today and has created a historic landmark by clocking global retail sales worth USD 3.8 billion from nearly half a million cases sold in the year 2012-13. This globally acclaimed franchise is sold in 25 countries. McDowell’s No.1 whisky has already clockednearly half a million cases of sales in a single year in Nigeria, making it the largest whisky brand in the country. With a strong distribution network and innovative marketing initiatives, the brand has acquired a ubiquitous presence and is widely appreciated across Nigeria. According to Ashok Capoor, President - Strategy, United Spirits Limited

(USL), “McDowell’s No 1 family is now far ahead in the game with a half a millioncases sales last year in Nigeria. Global expansion and the premiumization strategy has paid off significantly for this portfolio especially in creating the largest whisky franchise with the combined strength of McDowell’s No. 1 whisky and McDowell’s No. 1 Platinum whisky. The brand has created new benchmarks be it contribution to USL’s topline and bottom line, retail value or, growth vis a vis industry performance. The record breaking performance by McDowell’s No. 1 is a reiteration of great faith affirmed in the brand by consumers and our trade partners.”

Executive airlift partners NAMA on air safety

HE 209 Executive Airlift Group of the Nigerian Air Force attached to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, has pledged its continuous support and cooperation with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, (NAMA), towards effective management of the nation’s airspace. The newly appointed commandant of the group, Air Comdr. Saddiq Kaita who made this remark during his first official visit to the agency in Abuja, stated that such a working relationship, apart from facilitating seamless operations at the nation’s airports would also enhance safety of the Nigerian airspace. He appreciated the NAMA’s efforts at training some of the Air Force offic-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

ers in various courses targeted at bringing them up to speed with latest dynamics in the aviation industry. Earlier in an address, the Airspace Manager, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Mr. Nnanna Ugbaga informed his guests that over time, the Nigerian Air Force has been an ally of NAMA as both organizations perform complimentary but safety critical roles. Air Commodore Kaita and his entourage were later led on an inspection tour of NAMA facilities at the TRACON site by Mr Ugbaga and other top management staff of NAMA at the Abuja International Airport. Meanwhile, as part of measures to

ensure the smooth take-off of the newly established Jigawa Airport, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by NAMA and the Jigawa State Government. The MOU which was signed by the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam is for the provision of air navigation services by the agency to the state-owned airport with effect from July 1, 2014. Already, some top technical staff including an engineer, Aeronautical Information Services officer and other operational staff to be headed by an Airspace Manager have been deployed to the airport, in addition to the two Air Traffic Controllers who are already on ground at the airport.

ELTA AirLines has announced it will begin offering free entertainment options on all of its domestic aircraft and two-cabin regional jets beginning on August 1. The move is the most far-reaching effort by an airline to provide hit movies, popular television shows, music and video games for free. With the introduction of Delta Studio and the airline’s investments to update the interiors of its aircraft, Delta is setting the standard for customers when it comes to free entertainment across more than 1,000 aircraft. All Delta customers, in every class of service on flights longer than one and a half hours, will have access to a selection of free entertainment options, either at their seat or through their laptops, mobile and tablet devices. Free entertainment options are available on flights with seat-back entertainment systems or on demand video streaming

onboard Delta’s Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft. “Through the introduction of Delta Studio our customers have yet another reason to choose Delta and a different travel experience,” said Tim Mapes, senior vice president – Marketing. “Delta continues to be driven by customer feedback which has consistently placed the desire to be entertained at the top of the list of ways to improve our customers’ time in the air.” Delta customers seated in BusinessElite, First Class and Economy Comfort will have free, unrestricted access to in-flight entertainment on all international flights worldwide. Customers traveling in economy on all international flights will also have access to free content. Delta completed installation of seat-back entertainment systems on its international fleet in 2013.

Emirates unveils inflight entertainment for visually impaired

MIRATES, the global connector of people and places, continues to set industry standards by becoming the first airline to introduce audio description on movies for visually impaired customers on its inflight entertainment system, ice Digital Widescreen. Emirates' ice (information, communication and entertainment) was recently awarded the 'World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment' award at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards for the 10th consecutive year. Ice now offers Audio Description soundtracks on 16 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures films including Frozen, Saving Mr. Banks, Cars

2, Monsters University , Marvel's The Avengers, Toy Story 3 and all four Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Audio Description, increasingly common in cinemas and TV, is a recorded narration explaining the scene during the gaps in dialogue, while the film soundtrack continues at its normal pace. In 2007, Emirates also worked with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures to introduce Closed Captions, the technology used by the hard of hearing, for the first time in inflight entertainment as well as showing the actors' dialogues in subtitles, Closed Captions also include references to sound effects used in the movie.

SkyTeam launches package for Asia Pacific

KYTEAM, the largest airline alliance in the Asia Pacific region, has launched its new Go Round Asia and Southwest Pacific Pass, providing customers with a flexible way to explore 26 countries. The latest in SkyTeam’s series of regional travel passes, the Go Round Asia and Southwest Pacific pass has been designed as a ‘mini-Round the World’ ticket that offers cost savings on flights operated by SkyTeam members serving these regions. Customers wishing to purchase a Go Round Asia and Southwest Pacific Pass can choose from a minimum of three to a maximum of 11

flights for travel in Economy or Business Class. Fares are calculated within three mileage bands of 13,000, 17,000 and 21,000 miles and travel must begin and end in the same country and at least one stop must be in Australia or New Zealand. Unlike SkyTeam’s other regional travel passes, the Go Round Asia and Southwest Pacific pass can be purchased without an intercontinental round-trip or Round the World ticket and is valid for travel originating within the region. Plus, travelers can buy a pass three days in advance of their travel dates.

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 2014

COMMENTARY

HILE some Nigerian Muslims were still busy discussing the confusion which emanated from the sighting of the moon to start or end this year’s Ramadan, one particular topic of interest which aroused most people’s enthusiasm, sympathy, apathy, emotion and curiosity, all at once, was ‘the ongoing massacre in Gaza. As a onetime Foreign Editor and a student of International Law and Diplomacy who had lived in the Arab world and was quite familiar with the situation in that region, I had severally given public lectures on the Middle East conflicts analysing the causes and effects of those conflicts from diverse perspectives. Below is a summarised excerpt from one of such lectures which I gave differently in contents and in style: “This is not the first time in history that partition would be adopted as a solution to a contentious problem. In ancient time, King Solomon ruled between two mothers who were laying claim to a single child: “If you cannot give one child to each of the two women claiming to be the mother, then split the child into two and give one half to one and the second half to the other”. This analogy was re-enacted almost three thousand years later in an area disputably called Palestine and Israel. The only exception in this case is that the Wisdom of Solomon is conspicuously absent. Like the false mother in King Solomon’s case who welcomed the bisection of the controversial child, the Jews accepted the partition of the Holy Land because it gave them something they did not own. Partition of countries against the wish of the people is not only a social aberration but also a clear evidence of man’s inhumanity to man. Wherever adopted as a solution, partition only brings suffering, destruction and tragedy to millions of human beings as in the case of Vietnam, Germany, Korea and now Palestine. Normalcy could only return to Vietnam after the reunification of that country following ten years of fierce war. Although the conditions of the partition of Germany after the World War II in the mid 1940s appeared normal, neither that country nor those who partitioned it felt relaxed until Germany became a single country again in the early 1990s. The situation of (North and South) Korea today can be regarded as temporary because reunification of that country is just a matter of time. The imperial powers which imposed partition on the three countries mentioned above against the wish of their inhabitants were the same that inflicted the tragedy of partition on Palestine without any consideration for the agonizing plight of her people.

GENESIS OF THE CRISES

The general belief in many Muslim quarters is that the ‘Middle East’ crises are a religious affair. The Arabs are capitalising on this belief to whip up Islamic sentiments among non-Arab Muslims for the purpose of winning their sympathy. Such a belief is wrong and misplaced. Long before the Israeli factor came into those crises, the Arabs had been at loggerheads among themselves for centuries in that sub-region. History is there to testify to this fact. But for the internal wrangling among them, the entire Europe would have been fully Islamised today. At least the Umayyad Dynasty which was fully run by the Arabs lasted about 500 years in Spain where its headquarters was relocated after eviction from Damascus. Despite that great vintage, they missed the greatest opportunity of launching Islam to the rest of Europe. The Middle East crises cannot be pinned down to the Arab/Israeli conflict alone. They are a multifaceted conflict that requires a multidimensional solution. For instance, the State of Israel was not planted in Palestine until 1948. But Syria and Lebanon only agreed just a few years ago to exchange diplomatic mission for the first time since 1943 when the latter became independent. Why? Are both countries not Arab in language, culture and orientation? And this example can be found in virtually all the Arab countries. The truth of the matter is that the Arabs are the problem of Islam. Ironically, that divine religion originated from them.

THE CONFLICT PROPER The conflict between Palestine and Israel, which now dominates the Middle East

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

The massacre in Gaza

•An injured Palestinian child

•Women wailing on sighting the corpses of their children

crises, did not start by accident. It was well designed and well orchestrated from the very beginning. In 1879 when the Zionist movement was officially launched, an Austrian Jewish lawyer and journalist, Theodor Herzl, who, incidentally, was the founder of that movement published an article in a European popular magazine. In the article he declared: “Let sovereignty be granted us (Zionists) over a portion of the globe large enough to satisfy the rightful requirements of a nation; the rest we shall manage for ourselves”. The outbreak of the World War 1 came to fertilize the soil for the germination of that tall dream. The year 1916 was disastrous for the allied forces. Casualties on the Western fronts were heavy. Anxiety rose very high. And the only seeming choice left for Britain to escape defeat in the hands of the Germans was to draw America into the war on her side. It was at this gloomy period that an Oxford educated Armenian, James Malcolm, walked in. He was a friend of the then British Secretary of State, Sir Mark Sykes. The latter told Malcolm that the British Cabinet was looking anxiously for American intervention in the war. Responding, Malcolm who was well connected to the topmost echelon of the American government told Sykes that Britain was going about it the wrong way. He said: “You can win the sympathy of certain politically minded Jews everywhere and especially in the United States in one way only, and that is by offering to secure Palestine for them”. That was the beginning of a long journey that was to culminate in what has now become the ‘Arab/Israeli conflict’. Of course through Malcolm’s connection, the US entered the war on the side of the allied forces in 1917 and that resulted in a fate accompli for Germany. To fulfil her own side of the agreement, therefore, Britain made a declaration on November 2, 1917 through her Foreign Minister, Arthur Balfour, giving a substantial part of Palestine to Israel. That declaration has since popularised the name of that Foreign Minister as it has since been known as Balfour Declaration. Ever since the declaration, the Arabs have never been able to sleep with their two eyes closed. It has always been a matter of war today, cease fire tomorrow. This is not mainly due to the condemnable usurpation of their land by the Zionists but more because of their own diabolical disunity that is telling incessantly on Islam.

Today, with the obliteration of Caliphate which was for many centuries, the central core of Islamic operations, there is no precise leadership for the Muslim Ummah. The implication of this is that there is no universal competent Muslim authority that can be obeyed globally if and when a vital order is given to propel Islam statutorily. Thus every country or community operates at its level to the detriment of unity. What is more worrisome in all these is the snobbish Arab attitude which places premium on Arabism rather than Islam as if Islam is the property of the Arabs which can be incorporated into Arabism at will. Except for Libya, Somalia and Sudan, no Arab country bears a name that reflects Islam. Even those three African countries only reflect Islam in their official names for political reason. ‘THE MESSAGE’ will elaborate on this in full details in the near future.

ARABS’ ECONOMIC STRENGTH

The wealth available in the Middle East is valued to be about one fifth of the entire wealth in the world. Yet the size of that subregion in terms of land area and population is less than 2% of the world’s land mass. But unfortunately, the enormous wealth in the area is being managed and spent directly or indirectly by the West. Every Arab country has her foreign reserve in the US or other Western countries. Their administrative thinking and security strategies are from the West. Most of their investments are based in the West. Yet their most insuperable problem, that of disunity is from the West. How can they survive without the West? The total Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the Arab countries was $1,195 billion in 2008. Much of this money kept in Western banks is what those Western countries use to further their own development. They also use a part of it to finance NGO projects in Africa and some other parts of the world in the name of humanitarian gesture. And most of the beneficiaries are nonMuslims. More will be said about this later.

THE WAY FORWARD Never in the history of man has war been the final determinant of peace. The victor and the vanquished in any war will eventually sit around a table to talk and negotiate the terms of their coexistence. It happened in Asia and Europe. It happened in Africa and America. It happened in Australia and the Middle East. There is neither permanency of victory nor that of

vanquishness. And that is why there is always room for communication even in a war situation. The war of attrition between Israel and Palestine is not in the interest of humanity no matter the sentiments. And it can never be. If these two countries have fought constantly for 66 years (1948-2014) without much to count as gain, logic must dictate a change of style. In the last one decade alone, the Palestinian people have lost more than 10, 000 lives; over $40 billion in income opportunity; 20 million square meters of agricultural land; and 100 million man-hours in crossing either from West Bank to Gaza or vise versa at Ramallah. Much more than that, almost 2.7 million of the 4 million residents of Gaza and West Bank have become refugees in almost inhuman camps. The opportunity cost of conflict for the Middle East from 1991-2014 is estimated to be $15 trillion. In other words had there been peace and cooperation in the Middle East since 1991, every Palestinian citizen would be earning over $3,400 as income per capital in 2014 instead of the $1,200 now being projected. Every Israeli citizen would be earning over $46,000 as income per capital in 2014 instead of about $24,000 now being projected. Because of an import-export ban imposed on Gaza by Israel in 2007, 95 per cent of Gaza’s industrial operations were suspended. And out of 35,000 people employed by 3,900 factories in June 2005, only 1,750 people remained employed by 195 factories in June 2007. The figures can be imagined today. Blockade has severely hindered health services in Gaza. Between October and December 2007 for instance, the World Health Organization confirmed the deaths of 20 patients, including 5 children due to lack of access to health care. Between 2007 and 2008, 120 people in Gaza died because they were not allowed access to medical treatment. The Israeli Government’s cut in the flow of fuel and electricity to the Gaza Strip has also been called collective castigation of the civilian population, which is a violation of Israel’s obligations under the laws of war. Starting from February 7, 2008, the Israeli Government reduced the electricity it sells directly to Gaza. This also had a terrible effect on all spheres of life in the Gaza and West Bank. The war between Israel and Palestine is not limited to weapons and diplomacy alone. In the Middle East generally, water is a resource of great political concern because of the desert nature of the sub-region. Thus, since Israel receives much of its water from two large aquifers which are sprawled across the Green Line, the use of this water has been contentious in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Though the major source of the common water lies in the Israeli section of the disputed land, some of the wells used to draw that water are situated within the Palestinian Authority areas. This has limited Israelis’ direct access to drinking water. But the argument is that Israel herself had prevented substantial volume of water from flowing to the areas occupied by the Palestinians thereby limiting the quantity of water that may be drawn from those wells. While Israel’s consumption of this water has decreased since it began its occupation of the West Bank, it still consumes the majority of it. In the 1950s, Israel consumed 95 per cent of the water output of the Western Aquifer, and 82 per cent of that produced by the North eastern Aquifer. Although this water was drawn entirely on Israel’s own side of the pre-1967 border, the sources of the water are nevertheless from the shared groundwater basins located under both West Bank and Israel. By 1999, the percentage of water available to Israel had declined to 82 per cent and 80 per cent, respectively. Now, with the continuation of war, neither Israel nor Palestine feels secure even as threat of further war is drummed into the infants’ ears in that area daily. Historically, the Jews and the Arabs are from the same father (Abraham). If one claims a return to ancestral home to justify land occupation, the other may be right to make the same claim. Thus rather than continuing fighting war which may eventually lead to total loss of the entire land why not sit together and negotiate peace on a permanent basis? That is perhaps worthier than the shedding of innocent bloods where a better alternative is available.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SOCIETY COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

Managing audiences’ perception

•From left; Dr Balogun; Onyema; Onyenze and Past District Governor, Richard Giwa-Osagie

•Presidents of Rotary clubs in Lagos: From left: Tolu Onalaja (Lagos west); Adegoke Adeoye (Isolo); Kosiso Udechukwu (Amuwo) and Dupe Ogunsanya (Festac central)

•Hughes

•Dr Osuji and wife Lady Emily

•Chief Muonagolu

•Chief Eze-Okoli

•High Chief Anthony Izuagbe •From left; Club Secretary, Ndubuisi Onuoha; Amalu and Chief Mbama

•Okpala Sunday

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, Lagos District 9110 Nigeria Gabriel Onyema was installed last Saturday at Golden Tulip Festac Hotel in Amuwo Odofin, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

OTARY events always stand out. The one hosted by Rotary Club of Festac Town last Saturday lived up to this billing. The investiture of Rotarian Gabriel Onyema as the 33rd President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, Lagos District 9110 Nigeria was full of excitement. He succeeds Rotarian Collins Onyenze. The event was held at the Golden Tulip Festac Hotel in Amuwo Odofin a Lagos suburb. Rotarian Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Whitehall Multinational Limited, was in suit; his wife Nneka wore a black and white dress. The event featured the induction of the board of directors, awards, launch of the club projects and fund raising. A past president, Rotarian Gabriel Amalu, led guests to sing the national and rotary anthems. The past Assistant Governor 9110, Steve Bassey, recognised some distinguished guests, district officers and clubs. The investiture committee chairman, Rotarian Charlse Mbama, said the day was an opportunity to showcase the

A ‘presidential’ outing club’s projects for the year 2014/ 2015. Rotarian Onyema mounted the podium, his wife and one of his children for his investiture. Rotarian Amalu read his citation to guests’ appreciation. Rotarian Onyenze performed the investiture with the assistance of the District governor, assistant governor and other past presidents of the club. Rotarian Onyenze hung the President’s collarette on Rotarian Onyema’s neck as a symbol of the transfer of power. In his acceptance speech, Rotarian Onyema said the club’s projects would be executed as team work. He appealed to members and directors to assist the club. The District Governor, Rotarian Dele Balogun, urged Rotarians to understand the theme of the Rotary year, which is “Light up Rotary”. “We want the world to trust us that we are men and women

of integrity and we are here to solve the problem of the community,” he said. Balogun implored Rotarians to emulate Onyema who has donated about 7000 dollars to Rotary, saying the club has always done and will continue to do good to the people. The guest lecturer, Dr Emeka Osuji, spoke on the need to give. He said a blessed man is not measured by being rich but by being a blessing to others and the number of lives he has impacted. He said: “Giving is a sacrifice, a social obligation and a religious duty. We must be able to serve others and provide for the less privileged”. Funds were raised for the club’s projects and awards presented to some business professionals for their service to humanity. Among the awardees and fund raisers were Sartra International Limited, represented by its Export Sales Manager, John Hughes, which

donated N1.5 million. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richbon Group, Chief Chike Muonagolu; Managing Director of Ukhua International Ventures Limited, Chief Anthony Izuagbe. Member of the House Representatives, Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso; Chairman Managing Director, Okolison Bothers Nigeria Limited, Chief Ralph Eze-Okoli. Other dignitaries at the event were: Grand Knight of the Order of Knights of Saint Mulumba, Festac Town Sub Council, Lagos Chief Stephen Obi; a retired senior partner in KPMG Nigeria, Mrs Ibiene Willie-Harry; Commissioner for Budget Planning and Economic Development, Imo State, Aghedo Okoijie Lawrence; Director of Tourism and Head of Leisure and Hospitality Department, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Mrs Mosunmola Johnson.

T is very interesting how important perception is in our lives. Perception can be simply described as the sum of our opinion about something as a result of the information we gather from the world around us. What this simply means is that what we appreciate or disAMODU LANRE OLAOLU like is a function of the previous information we have on (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. that particular subject. 07034737394 I once read the story of a @lanreamodu woman who always looked through the window of her home at her neighbour’s window. She always complained bitterly about how her neighbour never cared to clean her window. One day, this woman decided to clean her own window. After completing the chore, she looked through her window at her neighbor’s window as usual. To her greatest surprise, the neighbour’s window was clean too. The woman exclaimed to herself, “Oh, so she decided to clean her window today because I cleaned mine!” What that woman did not realise was that her neighbour’s window was perhaps never dirty; it appeared so because she never cleaned her own window, and looking through a dirty window makes everything looks dirty. That window represents our perception about anything. The colour of our windows will determine the way we see whatever is on the other side. Hence, we can say that perception is not only subjective, it is also biased. The strange thing, however, is that since everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, we can neither refer to perception as right nor wrong. So, just as it is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we can also say that the appreciation of anything depends on who the judge is. You may ask me how important perception is that warrants so much attention. Well, if you want to make any presentation or public speech, the perception of the audience will determine whether you succeed or fail. Assuming you are invited to attend a seminar on wealth creation and you are really excited about it, if you meet a friend and he tells you that the guest speaker is a dubious person who loves to extort money, what will happen to your excitement? If you eventually attend the seminar, you will second guess everything the speaker says. If peradventure he mentions the need to pay some money for certain services, you are likely to lose what’s left of your interest. The minds of your listeners are probably more important than the speech you have to deliver. One of the worst things that can happen to any speaker is to deliver a right speech to a wrong audience. The effect will be worse than throwing a stone at a brick wall; it will have a boomerang effect. The truth is that your listeners’ disposition towards you, whether positive or negative, is mostly dependent on the information they have about you. If you highly esteem a speaker, even his/her jokes will be taken seriously, but if you have no confidence in a speaker, screaming his/her throat out won’t move you at all. Here are a few things you can do to manage your listeners’ perception about you: • Live what you preach: one of the fastest ways to lose credibility is to say one thing and do another. For your listeners to give you one of the most valuable things they have, which is their time, they must see a reflection of your claims on you, in you and around you. I once asked a group of people I was training to mention a politician they find credible in Nigeria and no one could come up with a name. Please note that these people have never lived with or interacted directly with any politician in Nigeria. So, how did they come to the conclusion that none is credible enough to listen to? Well, we have the media and word of mouth (public opinion) to thank for that. If you ever want to become a public speaker, you must accept the responsibility of living your life in public glare. There is no room for double standards. Your life must be the message you speak. • Find out how you are perceived: to manage people’s perception of you, you need to know what it is. The only thing worse than having a poor public perception is to live in the delusion of popularity. When you are not accepted by people, every effort you put into speaking will be as futile as pouring water into a basket. Public speakers shouldn’t be fooled by a great crowd because hearing is not the same as listening, and listening does not necessarily cumulate in positive action. • Embrace change: it is generally believed that the most constant thing in life is change. I agree completely. If you currently have a poor public perception, perhaps as a manager among your staff, a teacher among your students, a business owner among your customers, a politician among the electorates, etc, the good news is that you can change. As you consistently become more considerate of other people’s feelings, they will begin to trust you. If, on the other hand, you have a good public image, remember that it takes much longer to build a good name than to destroy it. You must consistently change for the better. • Never promise what you cannot deliver: as a speaker, your ‘word’ is one of your greatest assets. If people ever come to the conclusion that your word is no good, you might as well never say another word. Every speaker promises something; there must be some benefits that listeners get for listening. Promises motivate people. If they are empty words, however, the speaker might as well kiss his/her career goodbye. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SOCIETY A send forth has been held for Director of Finance and Administration in the Lagos State Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office, Mrs Samiat Mumuni and Director of Establishment Durojaiye Jamiu Baruwa at Old Secretariat, Ikeja, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

• Mrs Baruwa

Bowing out in style • From left: Mr Ashimi; Mrs Mumuni; Mr Baruwa and Mrs Alaka cutting the cake

•State Universal Basic Educatiuon Board chairman Mrs Gbolahan Dawodu (left) and Mrs Obasa

• Mrs Margaret Akin-Aderibigbe

The rare feat made them toast of all, and loved by many. The mother of three and Baruwa began their civil service career in Local Government Service in Lagos Island. Both of them spent 37 meritorious years in service before jointly retired in the Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office last month. The office organised a send forth for them at the Establishment’s Hall, Old Secretariat, Ikeja. An elated Mrs Mumuni came with large crowd, too many for the

HEY have lots in common; no wonder their combination was awesome in service. Their bosses spoke glowingly about their dedication to duty; colleagues were envious of their achievements while the junior colleagues highly revered them – many wish they still have more years to spend in service. But, alas! The duo have reached their retirement age in the civil service. Mrs Samiat Omolara Mumuni, a tall, light complexion and charming

woman and handsome Durojaiye Jamiu Baruwa have been friends for over 40 years. The duo went to the same school – Ahmadiyya College, Agege where Mrs Mumuni shone like a million stars. Mrs Mumuni, who retired from Lagos State Civil Service as Director Finance and Administration in Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office and her late husband, Mujeeb Adekunle Mumuni, were the only students to have performed the Holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

FUNERAL •Veteran journalist and media consultant, Mr Oye Ogunwale (right), receiving certificate of induction as most senior evangelist of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), from Most Senior Evangelist Leke Tiyamiyu in Lagos. With them is the shepherd in charge of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Jakande Estate Parish One Cathedral, Superior Evangelist Aiyeyemi Nejo.

• Mr Rotimi Idewu PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

hall to contain; they include her family members, members of the Nasrul lahi li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) and National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), where she is a staunch member and top civil servants. Baruwa’s guests were also impressive. They were led by his wife, Mopelola. Shortly after the guests’ settled down, the event began with a light music in the background while waiters served snacks with choice drinks. Welcoming the gathering, Local

Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office Permanent Secretary Mr Jamiu Adewale Ashimi, described the duo as wonderful administrators. According to Ashimi, a year working relationship with Baruwa was more than pleasant. “I relied on his knowledge on local government administration; I am missing him already. May be we should get him as a consultant. It is not easy being in the service for almost four decades and come out with your head high. He is a gentle man and easy going,” Ashimi said. On Mrs Mumuni, the Permanent Secretary called her “Mama Eto.” “I started missing her the second day she commenced her leave; she is always the first person that comes to my office and we discuss a lot on how to move the state forward. Not minding the fact that we went to same secondary school, she is a master organiser. She is like my pillar of support, thank God she has groomed someone to act in her capacity,” he said. The former Permanent Secretary Mrs Iyabo Obasa was full of praises for the duo. She reminded the gathering of how the retirees made her stay in the Establishment a success. “Ti e ba gbo pe opolo n ja, awon mejeeji yi ni meaning If you are looking for the brain behind our success here, the duo are brainy, always come up with solution to knotty issues,” Mrs Obasa said. Representative of the Head of Service, Mrs Raolat Alaka, thanked the retirees for wonderful time put into service. After the goodwill messages, there were cultural dance, special prayers for the retirees, presentation of certificate and cutting of the cake. Mrs Alaka led the guests to present gifts to Mrs Mumuni and Baruwa. Amid special performance by a live band after choice meal, the gathering moved to the dance floor.

BIRTHDAY

•From right: Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; Commissioner for Special Duties Mr Emmanuel Enoidem; his wife, Ann and Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebeh, during a thanksgiving service to mark 50th Birthday of Enoidem at Power City International, Uyo.

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA Labour warns SON against inimical cement policies

• From left: Managing Director, Suntrust Savings and Loans Ltd, Mr Muhammed Jubrin; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and first applicant to the Federal Government’s first 10,000 Mortgages for Affordable Homes Scheme, Mr Usman Ibrahim, at the inauguration of the scheme in Abuja ... yesterday.

Lagos generates N120b from tax in six months T HE Lagos State Inter nal Revenue Service (LIRS) yesterday said it generated more than N120 billion from taxes between January and June, this year. Its Executive Chairman Mr Tunde Fowler said 90 per cent of the taxes was generated from the organised private sector and civil servants, adding that the balance came from the informal sector - market women, artisans, commercial drivers and taxable individuals. He said the state had relied on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to implement its budget following

the dwindling statutory allocations. The chairman said the increase in the IGR to N237 billion last year from N15 billion in 1999 was the fallout of sustained mobilisation and tax education in the state. He said: “In 1999, Lagos State generated N15 billion from IGR but last year, it increased to N237 billion, an increase of N222 billion within 14 years. There has been a steady growth in tax payment in the state.”

He expressed optimism that this year’s IGR would improve beyond the previous years, adding that development required money; the IGR would further bridge the statutory allocation from the Federal Government. Fowler said: “Any transformation will require money and you can’t transform without funding. Now that the allocation from the Federal Government is reducing due to drop in oil revenue, we must look else-

where to meet up with our budget.” He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the revenue would be used to ensure the state had good roads, improve health services and adequate security, assuring that 200 roads would be repaired in the state before the expiration of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) next year. The chairman urged the residents to endeavour to pay their taxes regularly, adding that the money was being used to implement the state’s budget.

Oando Energy Resources eyes $150m profit after ConocoPhillips’ acquisition

FTER its successful acquisition of the en tire ConocoPhilips’ Nigeria business, OandO Energy Resources said it is eyeing $150 million profit after tax in its the next financial year. Speaking in Abuja yesterday on the acquisition, its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pade Durotoye said: “With regards to the balance sheet, the $1.5 billion acquisition which was financed by 50/ 50 debt and equity that essentially modifies the balance sheet is a strategy that we have chosen and identified the asset because it is in production and is cash supportive.” The acquisition he said can support this level of offshore financing which speaks directly to the firm’s shareholders. “The previous owners in the year 2013 generated a profit after tax of $150 million; that year started on the slow side because of the 2012 flooding in some southern states that severely affected the facilities and infrastructure of oil companies and oil production which has not happened in 2013 and 2014,” he said. Directionally, he said oil firm “expects for our shareholders to reap a profit after tax in that region as the business continues to grow. There is significant growth opportunities that we are seeing, that are

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

manifesting from production perspectives. It will be immediately cash generative and additive for our shareholders and from an operational perspective, we have a non-operating position NAOC/JV but we should also recall that the acquisition includes the OML 131 where we are the operators that becomes one of the things that come into our portfolio in addition to other assets that we were either operating before or we are the financial or technical partners.” He said this brings to the firm a large base for its technical team to work on, adding that it also brings a lot of responsibility for it even if not as operators but as a technical company to add its expertise to make sure that the firm achieve its goal in production. Durotoye said at least eight banks were involved in the financing arrangement for the acquisition of the asset. Before the acquisition, OandO Energy Resources had a production of about 4,500 barrels of oil per day (bpd). This acquisition will increase it to between 45,000 and 50,000 bpd. According to him, by this development, the transaction has transformed into a business and the next phase “is to assimilate the busi-

ness deeply and totally, participating with the operators in getting into the business, identify the very many opportunities for growth that we see inside the asset and jointly work with our partners to develop strategies to execute opportunities that we see inside the asset.” He said to realise its goal of $150 million profit in the next financial year, the firm already has “a team of people who have worked in the industry around the world with international oil companies in various capacities we have taken our time over the years to recruit the team that we need to take on all the technical challenges.” However for the deepwater assets, the firm claimed to have “positioned where we are not the operators and in another, a unitisation agreement has just been signed with an international oil company that shares the technical burden of developing those assets with that company. “So we are in a great position where we have been able to bring on very experienced, smart and knowledgable expertise to work in collaboration with an international oil company that has vast experience and success in deep water environment where we will jointly bring our skills and talents together.” Durodoye said the firm has monitored the activities

surrounding the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the various versions of it with a lot of interest as it goes through the National Assemblyand the various opportunities to interface with the Federal Government and influence options where possible. “There are very many aspects to it that ranges from the impact of relationship with the host communities, fiscal terms and the government take. We are not going to make any comments as to when it will get signed but we believe that when it comes, that it will be workable and to the advantage of the whole players from the government to the regulators to the oil companies and it is going to be arrived at. So, we’ll look out for the PIB with a lot of excitement.” Oando Energy Resources on Wednesday in Paris closed its US$1.5 billion acquisition of ConocoPhilips’ entire Nigerian business which includes interests in: six oil fields, four of which are currently producing; 12 production stations; Brass River Terminal with a capacity of 3.6 mmbbls; three gas plant facilities; 1,490 km pipeline network and Kwale/Okpai IPP with a capacity of 480MW thus making it the largest single upstream acquisition done in Nigerian industry by an indigenous company.

HE Nigeria Labour Con gress (NLC) yesterday warned the Federal Government not to pander to the whims and caprices of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) by formulating policies that would ultimately lead to the demise of cement manufacturing in the country. In a statement titled: “Don’t Kill Cement Manufacturing in Nigeria: Manipulation Must Not Be Allowed,” its President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, said the ongoing campaign against cement manufacturers was dangerous to an economy that is already fragile. The NLC warned the government not to concede to any policy adjustment that would instantly impose severe burdens on the masses. He said: “There have been recent campaigns, orchestrated by SON that incidents of building collapse in different parts of the country occur simply because the quality of cement currently in use in the country is not the 42.5 type. “We see this as a ruse and a violation of all principles and logic of standardisation in relation with public interest. Government exists in the interest of the public; and it would be wrong for any agency of government to be promoting policies that are obviously destructive to the economy and particularly harmful to the government’s determination to create jobs while sustaining existing jobs.” The cement industry in Nigeria, according to NLC, is a major employer of labour and policies directed at the industry must consider the collective interest of Nigerians and particularly the socio-economic implications in terms of benefits to the economy and citizens of the country. NLC said while subsisting infrastructural challenges that led to the closure of several factories had done much damage to industrialisation, government should not bow to pressure to allow manipulations that will rubbish its attempts at reviving the economy and

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

reducing unemployment and its attendant societal burden. Omar insisted that building collapses have nothing to do with the 32.5 type cement as this cement type has been in use for over 70 years in building roads, houses and other private and public facilities including government houses that are still standing strong today.. Omar said: “The combination of the West African Portland Cement, UNICEM, Sokoto Cement, Ashaka Cement, PURECHEM and other cement companies that are presently surviving the hardships unleashed on the productive manufacturing sector in Nigeria do have thousands of people in their employment, scandalously too inadequate for an industry that is key to infrastructural development in a country with a population above 160 million. “Indeed, the acceptance of the proposed policy change will certainly shut down the existing cement firms as well as lots of construction companies in Nigeria. Ultimately, rather than sustaining and creating more jobs, government would have burdened the economy with more liabilities and less national income. “As at today, there are over 27 types of cement globally in use for different purposes, and none has been proved to be less in quality to the other for the same use. There are 12.5, 22.5, 32.5, 42.5, 52.5 types as well as sulphate resistant cement, oil well cement, white cement among others serving different purposes across the world with tested qualities and environment compliance. “In any case, even if we must change, why not the 52.5 type? And if change must occur, it shouldn’t be sudden, leading to factory closures of upward of two or more years as the current industry campaign implies. “For the existing companies to upgrade to 42.5 type, they would need to close up and consequently discharge existing workers in their employment.”

Glo reduces call tariff to U.S, UK, others

ECOND national opera tor, Globacom said it has reduced the cost of making international calls to as low as 10k per second. It unveiled a new regime of International Direct Dialling (IDD) packs, which now makes it possible for prepaid subscribers on its network to call international destinations such as the United States (U.S), United Kingdom (UK), India and China at very cheap rates. In a statement, the firm said one of the new packs is called Combo Pack 1, which comes at a rental rate of N100 with bundled airtime of N100 and a call rate of 14k per second to U.S, Canada, India, China and UK (fixed lines only). The package comes with seven days validity for the bundled airtime. The telco urged subscribers who wish to opt for this option to dial *170*23# to enjoy the low rate. Combo Pack 2 has a-15-day validity for the bundled airtime at a rental rate of N200 with bundled airtime of N200 and a call rate of 13k per second for calls to U.S, Canada, India, China and fixed lines only in the UK. The network advised subscribers who prefer this option to dial *170*24# for the Pack. The Combo Pack 3 has a rental rate of N500 with N500 bundled airtime, while calls to U.S, Canada,

India, China and UK (fixed lines only) are fixed at 10k per second. It has 30 days validity for the bundled airtime and urged subscribers to dial *170*25# to utilise the rock-bottom tariff. Its Chief Commercial Director, Mr. Ajay Mathur, said the telco was delighted to launch the Combo IDD Packs as they offered customers attractive rates to call specific countries as applicable. He said: “The new IDD Packs will make international calls cheaper for our esteemed subscribers as they offer the most competitive rates for international calls. Cost effective communication is imperative now that the world is truly a global village with people who are either living, working or vacationing in various part of the world. Globacom has consistently brought innovation and quality service delivery to its subscribers since the company rolled out in 2003. The IDD package is not an exemption.” He described the new IDD packs as the easiest and best means of making international calls, and called on subscribers on the Globacom network to take advantage of the new IDD rates which are as low as 10k per second. Mathur added that the offer is permanent and without any time limit.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-07-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-07-14

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

EQUITIES

Nigerian equities lose N128b in July N IGERIAN equities lost the momentum and struggled through the seventh month as a mixed of modest and uninspiring earnings dampened investors’ appetite. With the market closing on the downtrend, investors lost about N128 billion in July, implying average decline of 0.91 per cent. The downtrend in July depressed the average year-to-date return from 2.79 per cent at the beginning of the month to 1.86 per cent yesterday. Also, accumulated capital gains over the course of the year, which stood at N802 billion by the end of June, dropped to N674 billion yesterday as a last-day bearish trend sent most equities to lower prices. Yesterday, 34 stocks suffered depreciation while 24 stocks appreciated. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed July at N13.900 trillion as against the month’s opening value of N14.028 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the composite index that tracks prices of all equities on the NSE, also dropped from its month’s opening index of 42,482.48 points to close at 42,097.46 points. The seven-month performance in 2014 represented a significant reversal against the performance in the corresponding period of 2013. Nigerian equities had by July 2013 consolidated their bullish rally as improved first-half earnings drove the market to a seven-month average return of 35.03 per cent. Equities closed July 2013 on a high note, trotting back to N12 trillion after adding N581 billion capital gains in July. Aggregate year-to-date return

•Investors’ year-to-date gain drop to N674b Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

thus improved from six-month value of N2.45 trillion to N3.03 trillion by the end of July 2013. After the downtrend in June, the market was particularly spectacular in July with a month-on-month average return of 5.08 per cent. The market closed the last trading day of July 2013 with a gain of N34 billion. Aggregate market value of all equities closed July 2013 at N12.007 trillion as against its opening value of N11.426 trillion for the month. The ASI also rose from month’s opening index of 36,164.31 points to close at 37,914.33 points by July 2013. With a bulging pocket of N3.03 trillion and average year-todate return of 35.03 per cent, equities had readied for another record successive performance. In value terms, the seven-month capital gain of N3.03 trillion had already surpassed total gains of N2.44 trillion recorded for the entire 2012. Also, real benchmark return of 35.03 per cent was only a point below the average full-year return of 35.45 per cent recorded in 2012. The July 2014 downtrend dampened enthusiasm that started the second half as capital gains accumulated to N802 billion on the back of early positioning for the second quarter and first half earnings. However, the first half reports have shown muted performance across several sectors; especially in the financial services sector where banks have shown tight bottomline. Aggregate market value of all

quoted equities had opened this year at N13.226 trillion while the ASI started the year at 41,329.19 points. Riding on the back of sustained gains in May and June, the stock market had erased the losses in the previous four months and left the investors with some N802 billion in capital gains by the end of first half. A six-month analysis of the first half had shown that the market benefited from increasing positioning and portfolio rebalancing as investors sought to strengthen their portfolios across sectors. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed the first half at a high of N14.028 trillion as against its 2014 opening value of N13.226 trillion. The ASI rose from the year’s opening index of 41,329.19 points to close first half at 42,482.48 points, representing average return of 2.79 per cent. Nigerian equities had in June built on strong gain made in May to add additional capital gains of N333 billion. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed June at N14.028 trillion as against the opening value for the month at N13.695 trillion. This represented additional gain of N333 billion. The ASI rose from index on board for the month of 41,474.40 points to close June at 42,482.48 points, indicating monthon-month average return of 2.43 per cent. In May, equities had broken away from a year-long bearish streak with a gain of N1.02 trillion. While the market had closed April with a fourmonth average loss of -6.88 per cent, the average gain of 7.77 per cent re-

corded in May turned the average year-to-date return positive at 0.35 per cent. Though modest, the fivemonth average gain of 0.35 per cent represents a significant breakeven for the equities market. It also underlined the overtly bullish overall market situation during the month. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed May at N13.695 trillion as against its opening value of N12.672 trillion, indicating a whooping gain of N1.02 trillion. The ASI also rallied by 7.77 per cent to close May at a high of 41,474.40 points compared with its index-on-board of 38,485.48 points. The market had seen strong rally last week with the ASI recording a weekon-week gain of 4.12 per cent. Quoted equities had wriggled all through the first four months with negative month-on-month return. The stock market recorded a negative return of -0.68 per cent in April, building on the bearish trend that had characterized the stock market in the first quarter. In January, February and March, the market consistently recorded losses of 1.8 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.0 per cent respectively. The negative return in April further depressed the overall market performance, increasing the fourmonth average loss to 6.88 per cent. This implied that an average investor had lost 6.88 per cent of its portfolio over the four-month period. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed April at N12.672 trillion as against its opening value of N13.226 trillion for the year. The ASI closed April at 38,485.48 points as against its opening index of 38,748.01 points for the month.

Skye Bank to complete tier 2 capital raising by September

KYE Bank Plc plans to complete its ongoing tier 2 capital raising exercise before the end of September, according to the latest update made available yesterday by the bank. In the outlook for the second half of 2014, Skye Bank yesterday said it has achieved substantial milestones in its capital raising programme and it is optimistic that the exercise would be concluded within this quarter. For the remaining six months of the year, the management of the bank said it would consolidate on its market penetration strategies in the retail and commercial segments and engage more with its customers to continuously add value to their businesses. According to the management report, the bank will deploy more electronic channels and leverage on its newly upgraded IT platform to support various internal processes and create convenient banking experience. “We expect our transactions in the pipeline to mature in the remainder of the year. With continuous

•Balance sheet expands to N1.13 trillion deployment of electronic channels to deepen our presence in the various segments of the market, execution of short cycle transactions, replacement of tenured funds, focus on efficiency and better turn-around time to serve our customers, and enhanced cost management, we are optimistic about a sustainable improved performance on all the major indices,” the bank stated. Against the background of the modest performance in the first half, management indicated that the bank would still achieve its 2014 targets. First-half earnings report for the period ended June 30, 2014 showed that the bank grew its total asset to N1.131 trillion by first half 2014 as against the N1.116 trillion reported during the corresponding period in 2013, representing a marginal growth of 1.3 per cent. Similarly, the bank’s total liabilities including deposits grew to N1.016 trillion during the review period from N996.221 billion the previous year, an increase of 1.9 per cent.

The bank, in the interim report submitted at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday, attributed the growth in its total assets to its various business development activities in diverse sectors of the economy. However, the bank indicated that profit before tax dropped to N7.266 billion as against N10.545 billion during the corresponding period in 2013. Profit after tax also decreased to N5.786 billion as against N8.428 billion the previous year. It attributed the decline in profit to its aggressive approach to loan provisioning in the earlier part of the year, with an increase of 100 per cent to N5.010 billion from N2.511 billion in June 2013, with a view to streamlining provisioning on a quarter by quarter basis for easier comparison, as well as marginal increase in operating expense of N30.882 billion compared to N30.877 billion in 2013. According to the bank, the cautious growth of all business lines coupled with a continuous im-

provement in operational processes and enhanced efficiency are signposts to a promising end to the financial year. With gross earnings of N63.9 billion, interest expense dropped by 24 per cent year-on-year to close at N20.7 billion compared to N27.2 billion as at June 2013, in line with the bank’s operational strategy of increasing the volume of low cost funds in its deposit portfolio. “Our loan impairment charge increased by 100 per cent year-onyear to N5.0 billion; being a deliberate policy of aggressive provisioning early in the year to enable a fairly sustained position and avoid high-figure concentration in the last quarter. Exchange earnings improved by 5.0 per cent to N5.8 billion compared to N5.5 billion of the corresponding period in 2013,” the bank stated. It noted that the deliberate focus on cost reduction organizationwide also paid off with a flat growth in operating expenses which closed at N30.8billion as against N30.9 billion in June 2013, and resulted into a profit before tax of N7.3 billion.

FBN Holdings grosses N212b in first half

BN Holdings Plc, the holding company for First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Limited and its previous subsidiaries, grew its top-line by 7.9 per cent to N212 billion in the first half of this year. Interim report and accounts of FBN Holdings for the period ended June 30, 2014 released yesterday showed that gross earnings rose by 7.9 per cent to N212 billion in first half 2014 as against N196.4 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. The top-line showed mixed performance from the interest and non-interest incomes. Net interest income inched up by 2.2 per cent to N115.2 billion compared with N112.7 billion in first half 2013. Non-interest income was flat at N43.2billion as against N43.3 billion in 2013. Operating income rose marginally by 1.5 per cent from N155.5 billion to N157.8billion. While impairment charge for credit losses dropped by 33 per cent to N6.7 billion in 2014 from N9.9 billion in 2013, operating expenses increased by 14.3 per cent to N102.9 billion as against N90.0 billion. Profit before tax thus dropped by 12 per cent to N48.3 billion in first half 2014 as against N54.8 billion in first half 2013. Profit after tax also dropped by 19 per cent from N46.1 billion to N37.2 billion. Further analysis showed that the company’s total assets closed first half at N4.0 trillion, up by 3.4 per cent from N3.9trillion recorded by December 2013. Customer deposits however dropped by 5.9 per cent to N2.8 trillion as against N2.9 trillion recorded in December 2013. Customer loans and advances stood at N1.8 trillion in first half 2014 as against N1.7 trillion by December 2013. Key fundamental indices underlined the depressed bottom-line. Return on average equity dropped to 15.7 per cent in 2014 as against 20.6 per cent in first half 2013. Net interest margin dropped from 8.2 per cent to 7.4 per cent. Cost to income ratio stood at 65.2 per cent as against 57.9 per cent. Non-performing loans ratio stood at 3.0 per cent as against 3.8 per cent in comparable period of 2013. Chief executive officer, FBN Holdings Plc, Bello Maccido, said the performance of the company during the period showed its resilience in view of the tough operating environment and regulatory headwinds. According to him, the company has continued to implement measures to ensure improved performance with a review of the current business model of its commercial banking business group and the investment banking and asset management business in the coming period.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

MONEYLINK

Africa’s corporate, sovereign bonds’ sale to cross $16.6b mark

HE sale of African corporate and sovereign bonds this year is set to beat last year’s record amount of $16.6 billion, Standard Bank Group Ltd, the continent’s biggest lender has said. Its head of debt primary markets,Megan McDonald said: “There’s still a huge amount of interest and appetite. Issuance will no longer be dominated by sovereigns.” She told reporters in Johannesburg yesterday that this will happen as increased debt sales are expected from companies and state-owned corporations, according to Bloomberg.

Stories by Collins Nweze

African issuers are tapping debt markets as borrowing costs from Nigeria to Rwanda drop to record lows. This year, yields on the continent’s debt retreated 89 basis points, or 0.89 percentage point, according to a JPMorgan Chase & Co. index. “We see continued growth in issuance of Eurobonds from sub-Saharan Africa and continued appetite from international investors for African risk,” McDonald said. While most of the continent’s sales this year have been government

Stanbic IBTC supports product devt

dollar bonds, that may be changing, she said. “We also see a diversification in terms of the dominance of the sovereign sector,” she said. There may be more sales from companies, financial institutions and stateowned entities across Africa, particularly from West and East Africa, according to McDonald. Sub-Saharan corporates have issued $4.13 billion of debt this year, compared with $6.95 billion for all of 2013, while sovereigns have sold $6.39 billion in 2014 from $9.7 billion last year, according to Standard Bank.

•CEO Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Sola David-Borha

neurs need to know how banks think. Banks do not like funding a customer’s risk. A bank will endure that it is protected from whatever risk that lending to a customer carries. Equity is important in business. A customer desirous of a loan need to have a savings culture. “Entrepreneurs need to prepare themselves before approaching a bank for a loan. Preparation makes the borrower to approach the bank from superiority point of view and he will get the loan,” she said. She said Access Bank is also looking at ways of assisting entrepreneurs to realise their goals, by identifying and solving challenges that affect their businesses. According to her, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need to properly structure their businesses as such would make funding at-

tractive to banks. “We have discovered that many of SMEs had no business plans and are owned by one person who does all the work and usually has no business plan. This has to stop if they want a bank to take them seriously especially when it comes to giving out loans,” she said. She noted that the bank would ensure proper training on basic cash flow forecasting and analysis skills for customers towards overcoming some of the challenges that come with faulty reports. “Most times people think that banks can just jump in and finance a business. But our approach is different. We need to first know and understand what the customer is doing before giving out loans. Remember that the money belong to the depositors and has to be protected,” she said.

By Lucy Erekosima

TANBIC IBTC Bank has reiterated its committed to provide ‘branchless’ transactional banking and enhancing its product development strategy, the lender’s Head, Transactional Products & Services, Babatunde Macaulay has said.

Access Bank advises entrepreneurs on funding

CCESS Bank Plc has advised entrepreneurs on steps they need to take in addressing funding challenges they face in their businesses. Speaking yesterday at the ongoing Fifth Annual Young Entrepreneurs Network (YEN) Conference in Lagos, its Head, Women Banking Unit, Access Bank, Titilola Familoni said the entrepreneurs need to keep proper records of their transactions and operations, as such would support their loan application process. She said lenders approve loans base on statistics or information available to them as required by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to her, there is also need for entrepreneurs to put the right structure in place for their businesses to grow adding that proper accounting show seriousness on the part of the entrepre-

neurs. She said a bank will always ask for collateral for a loan because it is a requirement from the CBN. Familoni said: “Entrepreneurs need to get their records right as such would help them in accessing funding from banks. When the records are right, no bank can say no to a loan request.” Besides, she advised the entrepreneurs to invest in their personal and staff training to equip them with challenges that face businesses. “You do not need to reinvent the wheel. See what other entrepreneurs have done and learn from that. Such experience will help speed up your growth and development,” she said. Familoni said entrepreneurs do not need to be in a hurry to grow their businesses without doing proper homework. “Entrepre-

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,663.89 1,663.89 1,05.92 1,087.30 1.3568 1.3692 1.0300 1.1792

DATA BANK

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,663.89 1,663.89 119.71 1,087.00 1.3476 1.3692 1.0115 1.1792

GAINERS AS AT 31-07-14

Speaking at a trade and finance forum for stakeholders, he said aside innovative banking products and services, customers have become even more sophisticated in their demand for specialised solutions. He said: “We are all witnesses to the growth of mobile telephone, the adoption of card solutions, and the drive towards financial inclusion and a cashless society. “They provided insights into how awareness and savvy the banking public has become. Stanbic IBTC as a leading international bank focuses on developing customised products and solutions for different segment of our markets.” He said the forum will be an annual event and will take on topical and relevant issues as it relates to trade finance in the country. Macaulay said the lender’s core value is “upholding the highest levels of integrity.” He said the lender is transparent in dealing with its customers and their transactions. “We follow the Central Bank of Nigeria guide to banker’s tariff and all modifications are discussed internally and communicated to client prior to implementation. In addition, we aim to offer competitive pricing and have an approved pricing framework within the bank. Specifically on financing, we have a proven track record of funding various initiatives and projects in different key sectors of the economy such as power, manufacturing and agriculture among others,” he said.

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 30/07/2014 23/07/2014 21/07/2014

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Offered in ($) 400m 300m 400m

Amount Sold in ($) 381.27m 272.9m 399.01m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES July 31, 2014

Inflation: June

8.2%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

154.73

155.73

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves

$38.1bn

US Dollar

7UP

100.03

107.00

6.97

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

261.1533

262.8411

AGLEVENT

1.40

1.47

0.07

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

EVANSMED

2.16

2.26

0.10

Euro

207.0906

208.429

DANGFLOUR

7.25

7.55

0.30

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

170.1452

171.2448

Yen

1.5038

1.5136

CFA

0.2971

0.3171

236.4672

237.9955

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1409

25.2223

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

SDR

236.938

238.4693

INTENEGINS

0.50

0.52

0.02

PRESTIGE

0.50

0.52

0.02

STERLNBANK

2.24

2.32

0.08

HONYFLOUR

4.04

4.18

0.14

FO AFRIPRUD

211.00

218.00

7.00

3.21

3.30

0.09

LOSERS AS AT 31-07-14

SYMBOL REDSTAREX

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

12.175

12.101

13.328

13.225

14.296

14.-85

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

4.65

4.40

-0.25

28.05

26.65

-1.40

Tenor

Rates

CAVERTON

6.85

6.51

-0.34

T-bills - 91

10.00

DIAMONDBNK

6.70

6.37

-0.33

T-bills - 182

10.07

CHAMPION

9.19

8.74

-0.45

MAYBAKER

1.65

1.58

-0.07

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

T-bills - 364

10.22

DNMEYER

1.20

1.15

-0.05

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

COURTVILLE

0.52

0.50

-0.02

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

CILEASING

0.52

0.50

-0.02

ROYALEX

0.52

0.50

-0.02

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

INTBREW

FOREX RATES

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS Ugborodo: EPZ panel chair seeks peace

Tension in Delta council over poll

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

HE Chairman of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Ogidigben Interface Committee, Austin Oboroegbeyi, has decried the renewed violence and destruction of property in Ugborodo communities. He urged the warring factions to embrace peace. The crisis has spread to Warri town. Oboroegbeyi said the destruction of property is alien to Ugborodo people, stressing that their tradition not only frowns at it, but also sanctions anyone that destroys people's belongings. He said the efforts of the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, (NNS), Delta, Navy Capt Musa Gemu, on July 26, made it possible for displaced people to return to their communities. "Ugborodo's major challenge is to be united and face external problems. I enjoin the parties to settle their rift amicably and embrace peace," Oboroegbeyi added. He recalled that the crisis began years ago, adding that it was not caused by the Ogidigben EPZ Interface Committee comprising representatives from both factions. According to him, since its inauguration, it has made efforts to promote peace in Ugborodo.

APC chieftains hold summit

HIEFTAINS and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South will on Sunday converge on the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos for a political summit. Top of the agenda is a review of the political situation in Kwara State as it affects the senatorial district. The Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr. Tayo Awodiji, said delegates are expected from seven local governments- Offa, Oyun, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti and Oke-Ero, adding that they expect representatives from communities in the area. Personalities expected at the event are the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of State for Health, Funke Adedoyin, Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Communication and Strategy, Raheem Adedoyin, Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Labour, Comrade Bisi Fakayode, former member of the House of Representatives, Bashir Bolarinwa, Messrs. Oladele Adekanye, Jide Jimoh, Bisi Yusuf, Tajudeen Ajide, Hakeem Bamgbola and others.

Baptists meet THE Executive Committee meeting of the Lagos East Baptist Conference (LEBC) holds today at the Conference Room, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos, at noon. The Conference President, Rev. E.A. Awotunde, said members should be punctual. He said kingdom business and other matters affecting the associations and churches under the conference would be discussed, adding that the forthcoming Kingdom Life Assembly holding at Surulere Baptist Church, Lagos from August 23 to 28 would also be discussed.

•From left: President of Rivers Entrepreneur and Investment Forum, Mr. Ibifirie Bob-Manuel; Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Rivers State chapter, Comrade Chika Onuegbu and Moderator, Mr. Kofi Bartels, at the inaugural business rountable of Rivers Entrepreneur and Investors Forum in Port Harcourt...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Suspected gunmen kill 15 in Rivers

USPECTED gunmen yesterday invaded Egi community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, killing 15 people. The gunmen reportedly invaded seven communities two days ago. A source said they came to

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

Egi in a bus, armed. The invaded areas included Obagi, Ede, Obite, Egi town, Obieze, Obimiri and Akabka. A resident, Elder Obinache Anthony, said the hoodlums stormed his area at night and shot sporadically, killing

people. He said the attack was a reprisal, noting that supremacy battle by cults in the area might have caused the early morning killings. Obinache added: “It is unfortunate that innocent people were killed. Residents have deserted their homes. Govern-

ment has, however, directed the Joint Task Force (JTF) to intervene.” Police spokesman Ahmad Mohammad, who spoke through his deputy, ASP Grace Iringe Okoko, said he was yet to confirm the incident. He promised to get back to our reporter.

N500m Shell donation divides community

EMBERS of the Oloma community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State are quarrelling over a N500 million donation by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the community fund. The Nation learnt that youths, women and groups are preparing for a showdown with the leadership of the Oloma Council of Elders over the alleged misappropriation of the money from the oil giant.

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

The Secretary-General of Oloma community, Warisenibo Gabriel Godwin, has written to the SPDC management, accusing the Chairman of Oloma Council of Elders, Sir Amarigha Edward Hart, of misappropriating hundreds of millions of naira. Godwin, who is also the secretary of the Project Community Trust (P-CT), also accused Hart of assuming the status of “a demi-god” in the community, acting with im-

punity and threatening the running of the community’s organisation. In the letter, he called for SPDCs intervention to avert the breach of peace in the community. Decrying Hart’s leadership style, the secretary said as an oil bearing community, SPDC pays certain funds as part of its Global Project memorandum of understanding. He said details of such payments are not only kept secret to members, but are also

kept away from him. Godwin said SPDC deals with Hart alone, through one of its workers (name withheld), thereby ignoring the statutes of the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU), reached between the Oloma community and the oil giant (SPDC). One of the aides to Hart denied the allegation, saying: “We will speak when the time is ripe. But take it from me that Oloma community is calm and peaceful as we speak.”

Navy arrests 11 Indians, three Ghanaians, two Nigerians

HE Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy is investigating the involvement of 11 Indians, three Ghanaians and two Nigerians in offences bordering on oil theft. The suspects were said to have been apprehended by the operatives of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, Egwema, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The arrested Nigerians are reportedly the collaborators of the foreigners. It was learnt that they were arrested when attempting to lift substances suspected to be crude oil from an offshore

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

loading terminal in Brass. The Nation gathered that the vessels to be used to carry out the illicit business came from Ghana. The Commanding Officer, FOB, Formoso, Capt. Noel Madugu, confirmed the arrests. He said the suspects had no permit to enter Nigerian waters and lift oil. Madugu said the suspects were preparing to siphon the product when they were apprehended. He said: “Our operatives arrested 11 Indians, three Ghanaians and two Nige-

rians as they were waiting for vessels from the creeks. “At the time of arrest, they could not provide permits authorising them to load from Agbara platform of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s terminal in Brass. Their vessels came from Ghana.” The commander said the suspects would be handed over to the relevant prosecuting agency after preliminary investigation. Noting that oil criminals had no hiding place in the waterways, Madugu urged those involved in the illicit activities to desist.

HERE were indications yesterday in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State that the reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is under threat, as the battle for the control of the party between old members and those who recently defected to it rages. The tussle for the soul of the party has been intensified by power brokers in the local government in preparation for the forthcoming council election. Sources in the political class in Udu told The Nation yesterday that the brewing crisis takes root in the desire of the member representing Udu/Ughelli North/Ughelli South Federal Constituency, Mr. Austin Ogbaburhon, to take over control of the party structure in the council. He is a founding member of the PDP, but he once defected to the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) and returned to the PDP last year. According to sources, Ogbaburhon, at a recent meeting he convened with other aligned PDP leaders at his Orhuwhorun home, showed readiness to displace the Sam Ughwujohwovwo chaired Udu PDP executive council as a step to dictate the party’s chairmanship and councillorship slots in the coming council polls in Udu. Responding to the development, the Udu PDP Chairman, Ugwujohwovwo, said: “It is quite unfortunate, but to shout too much of it is like selling my local government out. For people to convene a PDP stakeholders’ meeting without the knowledge of the party chairman beats my imagination. I don’t know what they are up to. But we are watching.” Defending the House of Representatives member, Israel Macauley, a member of the Ogbaburhon camp, said: “There is no plan by Ogbaburhon and co to unseat the Udu PDP chairman. The meeting convened by the lawmaker was to find a solution to the internal problems facing the Udu PDP.”

Police arrest four for 'kidnapping' senator's mum

HE police in Bayelsa State have arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction of Madam Fiorentina, the 90year-old mother of Senator Emmanuel Paulker. It was learnt that some of the suspects confessed to the crime and were helping security agencies to rescue the woman. Government yesterday hailed the security agencies, especially the police, for their response to the incident. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, confirmed the arrest and assured that the nonagenarian would

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

soon be released. The victim was on Wednesday morning kidnapped by suspected gunmen at her home in OpoloEpie, Yenagoa, for the second time in four years. The State Security Adviser, Lt.-Col. Benard Kenebai (retd), in a statement in Yenagoa confirmed that the urgent response of the security agencies led to the arrest of the four suspects. Kenebai on behalf of the government assured security agencies of support in their efforts to free the woman and arrest other suspects.

"One of the prime suspects was arrested within minutes of the distress call and three others were arrested less than six hours later. They have made useful statements to the police and efforts are on to ensure the prompt and successful release of the victim," he said. Kenebai assured the indigenes that the investments made by the government on security assets and the commitment of the security agencies would help to stop crimes. He said such arrangement would help to apprehend and prosecute suspected criminals who insist on

committing offences despite the tight security network. "The Bayelsa State government is also appealing to all peace-loving people to have confidence in the state's security systems and continue to co-operate and collaborate with security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality. "Government restates its commitment to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of criminals in the state through its continued support to the security agencies in bringing perpetrators of the crime to book. "Criminal elements are by this statement warned to stay

•Opara

away from Bayelsa State, because they will be apprehended for any act," Kenebai said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS Mrs. Harold-Sodipo dies at 92 Onyebuchi: Enugu Assembly directs CJ to constitute committee T

HE Enugu State House of Assembly yesterday instructed the Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Innocent Umezuruike, to constitute a seven-man committee within one week to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi. This followed the receipt of the reply to the allegations by the deputy governor in which he denied the charges. Moving a motion for the investigation of the allegations by the committee to be set up, the House Leader, S.K.E. Ude-Okoye, told the Assembly that Onyebuchi was served the notice through substituted means. Ude-Okoye said he was moving the motion for the constitution of the committee by the Chief Judge, based on the provisions of Section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution. His motion was seconded by Kevin Ukuta and supported by 19 other members. Defending the running of an illegal poultry farm in his official quarters, the deputy governor said no complaint of any environmental or health hazard from the poultry farm was made to him or brought to his attention between 2008 and last November. Onyebuchi said the poultry farm had been in existence since the days of the late

•Deputy governor denies allegations From Chris Oji, Enugu

Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. M. I. Okpara and was operated by those who occupied the official quarters. Said he: “The poultry farm was built by Dizengorf West Africa Ltd during the Okpara administration. The first occupant of the premises was the late Chief Nwodo and he operated a poultry farm there. Subsequent occupants of the premises, including my immediate predecessor, operated poultry farms there.” On the allegation of disobedience to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Onyebuchi said: “Let me start by saying that on June 9, the governor began his 2014 annual leave. This was made public through the media. He did not tell me to take any action on his behalf, pending his return, and I am not aware that he sent a formal letter to the Enugu State

House of Assembly informing the House that he was proceeding on vacation. “The governor did not tell me to take any action on his behalf pending his return, neither did he tell me that he would pass instructions to me through a third party. I did not receive instructions from him personally, by phone or in writing, asking me to represent him at the meeting of the South East Governors Forum held in Enugu on July 6. I don’t have any reason not to represent him if he instructs me to do so. I do not think it is appropriate for a deputy governor to act in the absence of a governor, taking authority from a subordinate or based on a statement that the governor has handed over to his deputy. “When the governor resumed from vacation, I represented him at events, even after he asked me to resign. On July 18, I represented him at the inauguration of the

Power Training Institute at Oji River. The Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, was in attendance. On July 21, when my impeachment notice was being signed by the lawmakers at the Government House, Enugu, I was at Udi representing the governor at the inauguration of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Academy, Udi. “I wish to place it on record that when the governor spent a prolonged period abroad last year, I held forte for him. It is not correct to say that I have defied the governor’s directives, or persisted in defying his directives. “I have remained loyal to him. It is unfortunate that this allegation is being levelled against me a few months to the end of our tenure. I make bold to say that I’ve always considered the governor a brother and friend.” He said he was glad that none of the allegations bordered on corruption or fraud.

HE death has occurred of Chief (Mrs.) Flora Olamide Harold-Sodipo, the Iya-Alaje of Ikeja and the matriarch of the Harold-Sodipo family. Mrs. Harold-Sodipo, a consummate fashion designer and a businesswoman, died in Lagos on July 24. She was 92. Born in Kaduna on November 23, 1922 to Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Nathaniel Oshokoya Adefope, the late matriarch attended St. Michael Missionary School, Kaduna and later St. Peter’s School, Faji in Lagos, when the family returned to the South. She got married to Adedamola Harold Sodipo of Ikereku and Ago Odo in Abeokuta (who later became Akogun of Egbaland) in 1946, and both moved to England in pursuit of the proverbial Golden Fleece. She attended the Polytechnic of North London where she studied Dress Designing. She later attended the London/Paris Academy, specialising in the making of wedding and evening dresses, as well as Ball gowns. In 1975, she delved into the dress making business in London, supplying clothing to high profile British outlets, such as Harrods and the House of Frasier, and pursued a similar line of business on her return to Nigeria in 1962. By this time, the family had been blessed with three children – Adedapo, Ladun and Bayo. Between 1970 and 1980, the matriarch also dabbled into the hospitality industry, establishing the Sungold Bed and Breakfast Hotel in England, while she maintained her international trade in fabrics and gold from Italy and Austria, for sale in Lagos and London. She also founded the Aragonwo Trading Company in 1980, as well as the Dalora Ventures with her daughter, in the 90s. Mrs. Harold-Sodipo is survived by children, grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Church holds anniversary

T. John the Evangelist Anglican Church,

Oyo PDP Elders back zoning From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE clamour by former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, former Sports Minister, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Prof. Soji Adejumo, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, former Power Minister, Elder Wole Oyelese, former DeputyGovernor, Hazeem Gbolarumi and Mr. Seyi Makinde for the zoning of Oyo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket to Ibadan, has received a boost. Some elders of the party from Oyo Zone threw their weight behind the aspirants who are all from Ibadan. Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala who hails from Ogbomoso is seeeking a level-playing ground. The elders in Oyo zone include a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Maroof Atilola, Chief Sunday Ogunlade four serving party chairmen in Oyo West, Atiba, Oyo East and Afijio local governments. In their six points communique, the elders said having reflected on the widely- publicised recent outcome of the meeting of the party’s gubernatorial aspirants of Ibadan extraction, “we agreed that in order for our party to defeat the incumbent and come out victorious in the 2015 gubernatorial elections, the party’s candidate must come from Ibadan zone.

•From left: Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, General Overseer, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, Pastor (Mrs.) Esther Kumuyi and Cross River State Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham, when the cleric led other pastors on a visit to the Government House, Calabar...yesterday.

Akunyili’s family releases funeral programme

Fed Govt rolls out home ownership scheme

HE Federal Government rolled out yesterday its planned 10,000 Nigerian Mortgage Refinancing Company (NMRC) to make home ownership affordable to Nigerians. The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said low income earners would begin to have the opportunity to own their houses under a flexible payment package with the commencement of the scheme. She said: “This is a serious scheme for serious people who want to own their own houses seriously. The government is determined to deliver on President Goodluck Jonathan’s pledge to enable Nigerians own their homes through mortgage. But we must make it clear that applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify. That is the best way to create a level playing field and make the scheme sustainable so that more Nigerians can benefit.” The minister said the process had been simplified to enable Nigerians own their

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

homes through affordable mortgages. Under the new framework, the processing time for application for the mass housing project has been reduced from 18 months to six weeks. Okonjo-Iweala said the government “wants Nigerians to own their houses at affordable cost. The NMRC mission is to provide long term funding for the housing sector”. Under the housing scheme, a unit of two-bedroom apartment might be sold for between N4.5 million and N7.5 million, depending on the location. A three-bedroom could go for N8 million, depending on the location.

Akowonjo, Lagos will on Sunday hold its second dedication anniversary. A spokesman for the anniversary committee said the service, which would begin at 10am, would be attended by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji. The Vicar, Venerable Ebenezer Adewole, will present the newly-formed five societies in the church to the Lord Bishop for inauguration. They are the Young Men Christian Association (Y.M.C.A), the Young Women Christian Association (Y.W.C.A), Apostles of Peace (A.O.P), Fountain of Hope (F.O.H) and the Busy Bees (B.B).

•The late Akunyili

HE family of the former Minister of Information and Communications, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, has released a week-long programme of activities for her funeral. She will be buried on August 28. The programme, released yesterday in Enugu by the deceased’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, starts with a Christian wake at 2A, Bishop Onyeabor Street, G.R.A. Enugu, on August 22, from 4pm. A night of tributes is to hold at the International Conference Cen-

tre, Abuja from 5pm on August 25, while a Mass will be held for her at Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Abuja, by 10am the next day. After the church service, Dora’s body will leave for Enugu where there will be a Mass at KSJ Temple at 4pm. After a High Requiem Mass at Holy Ghost Cathedral Enugu at 9am on August 27, Dora’s body will be taken to UNCOMA Hall, College of Medicine, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, for Final College Assembly, to start from 11:30am. From there, the body will be taken to Awka for the Anambra State Government activities, then to Dora’s father’s home in Nanka, before being returned to her husband’s house at Agulu for a Vigil Mass/Wake. On August 28, Dora’s body will lie in state at John Chike Akunyili’s

Compound before leaving for Agulu Town Hall, then Madonna Catholic Church, Agulu for a Requiem Mass at 10am. Interment follows at John Chike Akunyili’s Compound at 1:30pm. Dr. Akunyili thanked Nigerians for their outpouring of love and support for his family “at this moment of grief.” He said: “This has gone a great way in helping us to cope with the monumental loss of our precious gem, my beloved wife, Dora.” Mrs. Akunyili, a former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), died on June 7 after a two-year battle with cancer. Dora, who was a delegate to the National Conference in Abuja, would have turned 60 on July 14.

Our lives are endangered, says anti-cultists

EMBERS of the anti-cultism groups in tertiary institutions have become the targets of cult members across the country, The Nation learnt yesterday.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

An anti-cult activist in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olaoluwa Akande, spoke, following the recent arrest and expelling of cult members from tertiary

institutions. Akande, who has been at the vanguard of the struggle to stop cult activities on the campuses, said he might be forced to abandon the struggle as he and others were

threatened by cultists. He said the cult members have links across the country and in neighbouring countries, thus endangering the lives of anti-cultists.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

NEWS Nigeria begins screening for Ebola virus at Lagos, Abuja airports Continued from page 4

deadly and many of our countrymen are dying and we need to act to stop the spread,” Lewis Brown, Liberia’s information minister, told Reuters. “We need the support of the international community now more than ever. We desperately need all the help we can get.” Security forces in Liberia were ordered to enforce the action plan, which includes placing all non-essential government workers on 30-day compulsory leave. The U.S. Peace Corps said on Wednesday it was temporarily withdrawing 340 volunteers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and that two of its volunteers had been isolated and were under observation after coming in contact with a person who later died of the Ebola virus. The Peace Corp has 102 volunteers in Guinea, 108 in Liberia and 130 in Sierra Leone working in education, health and agriculture. The State Department has confirmed that one U.S. citizen died from Ebola in Nigeria after being infected in Liberia. Two other American aid workers infected with Ebola, Dr. Kent Brantly and missionary Nancy Writebol, are in serious condition, but they have shown slight improvement. They were part of a team in Liberia from

North Carolina-based Christian relief groups Samaritan’s Purse and SIM. White House spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters that President Barack Obama had been briefed on Tuesday by his homeland security adviser, Lisa Monaco, and that the White House was monitoring the deadly outbreak. “The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has said this is not a risk to the United States at this time,” Schultz told reporters traveling with the president back to Washington from Kansas City, Missouri. He said the U.S. government had increased assistance to countries battling Ebola. Schultz said the White House would proceed with a planned U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington Aug. 4-6 that about 50 Africa leaders are expected to attend to discuss trade and investment between the United States and Africa. Liberia’s President Surleaf said she would not be attending the summit but that Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and a few cabinet ministers “whose presence are absolutely necessary” would attend. “We have no plans to change any elements of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit as we believe all air travel continues to be safe,” Schultz

Nasarawa panel begins sitting as CJ rejects lawmakers’ request Continued from page 4

“Should the members of the state House of Assembly be aggrieved with the compliance of the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State with the provision of Section 188 sub-section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, the right thing to do is for the House to go to the court of law to challenge the composition of the investigative panel”. On the relocation of the Assembly members to a guest house in Karu Local Government Area, the statement added: “The sitting was not in conformity with any democratic requirement because no rule of the House permits the sitting of the Assembly anywhere in the state to conduct legislative affairs. The sitting was, therefore, ill-motivated, illegal and of no effect whatsoever. “More so the Supreme Court has made a definitive declaration that the House of Assem-

bly can only conduct its legislative functions in legally designated place in the state capital (Balonwu Vs Obi 2007 NWLR PT1008/488).” A lawyer, Chief Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), said the “purported proceedings held in Karu, and the resolutions passed by the 19 members were non-binding on any system”. “They have no right to question the constitution of the panel by the Chief Judge. They have no powers over the CJ, if they have grievances arising from the action of the CJ in the CJ’s compliance with the provisions of Section 188; they have the option to go to court.” Members of governor’s nineman-man legal team are: Chief U. N Udechukwu (SAN), lead counsel, Olufunke Aboyade (SAN), Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, Mr. Kehinde Aina, Esq; O. O. Adeleye, Esq, Olatoye Akinbode, Abdulwasi Musah, , C. I. Mbachu and Jamin Nwosu.

AIG Abba is Acting IGP Continued from page 4

as military Head State. Abba, 55, was born on March 22, 1959. He hails from Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State. He was enlisted into the police on December 31, 1984. Abba became an AIG on February 22, 2012, a few days after his predecessor was appointed . The new IGP served in various capacities and at various police formations. He was once the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of State CID at the Federal Capital Territory. From there, he moved to the Force Headquarters as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Deputy Force Secretary). Abba is described by police sources as “an officer without controversy”. With the 2015 general elections

around the corner, his major challenge and test of character may come from the way he handles the elections. His first challenge next Saturday’s Osun State governorship election. If he serves out his full term as IGP, Abba, with Service No. AP24176, is expected to retire on March 22, 2019. The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Mike Okiro, congratulated Abba on his appointment. In a statement yesterday, Okiro, a one-time IGP, advised Abba to rise up to the challenges of his new appointment. He noted that as a tested officer who had various Command positions, he had no doubt that Abba would bring new perspectives in the search for solutions to the security threats confronting the nation.

said. The body from Liberia was deposited in one of the hospitals in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The state government has directed security operatives to cordon off the mortuary where the body was deposited pending investigations by experts from the Federal Ministry of Health. The information on the body from Liberia was relayed to the state government by a member of the community. Health Commissioner Dr. Josephat Akabuike said though it had not been confirmed that the man died of Ebola disease, there was need for precautionary measures. Akabuike said: “We have already contacted the Federal Ministry of Health and we are expecting them to arrive the state any time from now. We have sealed the mortuary and the hospital and all the bodies and the people working there have been quarantined. “We are also making efforts to locate the family of the deceased to know their level of contact with the body when it arrived the country and everybody who visited the mortuary will also be quarantined. “We are surprised how the body came into Nigeria and

Anambra State. It is shocking to us. “We have directed the police to cordon off the area. Ebola is a very big threat and that is why we are taking all the measures,” Akabuike said. Bayelsa State has established health lines as part of measures to check possible spread of the deadly virus. Governor Seriake Dickson broke the news yesterday at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, during the commemoration of the 2014 World Hepatitis Day. Dickson, who was represented by Commissioner for Health Dr. Ayibatonye Owei, said the health lines were set up to enable people report cases similar to Ebola. He, however, assured people that there was no outbreak of Ebola in Nigeria, apart from an isolated case that occurred in Lagos. “We only have one case and by the grace of God there will not be an outbreak. We are taking proactive measures to ensure that we don’t have an outbreak,” he said. But he advised the people to maintain high level of hygiene and to observe hand washing as part of their daily routine. “Operation wash your hands should start in Bayelsa. Whatever you are doing, wash your hands. Keep

washing your hands because hand washing prevents many diseases”, he said. He told the people that Hepatitis B is a silent killer because the disease only becomes manifest at its final stages. Dickson, who inaugurated vaccination against Hepatitis B, however, said the diseases caused by hepatitis could be prevented by vaccination. “This will go a long way to reduce huge funds that would have been spent in treating the victims. It is for this reason that government has agreed to support this vaccination”, he said. Edo State Government said there was no trace of the deadly disease in the state. He, however, advised the people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious case to the nearest health facility. Commissioner for Health, Dr Aihanuwa Eregie, at a news conference yesterday, said the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and other health partners, carried out disease surveillance in all parts of the state to ensure early detection of any outbreak and the timely containment and control of same. The commissioner said since a case of the Ebola Virus had been confirmed in Nigeria, there was need for everyone to be extra vigilant

to prevent the virus in Edo State because of the highly contagious nature of the disease. Ondo State Commissioner for Health Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, at a one-day sensitisation meeting with public and private health practitioners, said the government would be proactive on the prevention of Ebola Virus. According to him, the state has designated three hospitals with facilities to quarantine any suspected case. The centres are Federal Medical Centre, Owo for the Northern Senatorial District, State Specialist Hospital, Akure for the Central Senatorial District and the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa to take care of the South. Besides, the state will train 30 barrier nurses who will be at the designated centres. According to Adeyanju, Public Health Care(PHC), Hospital Management Board(HMB), Ministry of Health and private practitioners will collaborate to fight the disease. “If we choose not to do anything, it may be more dangerous than Boko Haram. We must strengthen our surveillance; we should be on our toes to wage serious war against the disease in our state in particular and our country in general,” Adeyanju said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Israel vows to crush Gaza tunnels, snubs UN

Afghan electoral officials to restart vote audit

•U.S continues to arm Israel •Palestinians mulls dragging Israel to ICJ

PEAKING at a special cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not accept any ceasefire that did not allow troops to continue destroying tunnels used by militants to attack Israel. “Until now, we have destroyed dozens of terror tunnels and we are determined to finish this mission — with or without a ceasefire,” he said at the start of the meeting. “So I will not accept any (truce) proposal that does not allow the IDF (army) to complete this work for the security of Israel’s citizens.” Washington also said it had agreed to restock Israel’s dwindling ammunition supplies, despite increasing international concern over the death toll in Gaza, where 1,395 people have been killed in 24 days of violence Following the shelling of a UN school in northern Gaza on Wednesday which killed 16, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay slammed Israel for attacking homes, schools and hospitals, accusing it of “deliberate defiance” of international law. “There appears to be deliberate defiance of obligations that international law imposes on Israel.” The shelling of the school also drew sharp condemnation from UN chief Ban Kimoon, who described it as “reprehensible”, as well as

•One of the children injured at Abu Hussein UN School in the Jebaliya refugee camp... Wednesday.

from Washington. Despite a heavy death toll in Gaza on Wednesday when 111 Palestinians were killed, including 17 who died in a strike on a crowded market place and another 16 at the UN school, Washington said it had restocked the army’s ammunition. The Pentagon confirmed it had granted a request for ammunition, including some from a stockpile stored by the US military inside Israel for emergency use by the Jewish state. Rights group Amnesty International had previously urged Washington to halt arms supplies to Israel. There was no letup yesterday in the bloodshed with at least 13 Palestinians killed, another 13 dying from injuries suffered in earlier attacks and a growing number of bodies pulled from under rubble in

areas near Khan Yunis, medics said. Earlier, the top U.N. human rights official accused both sides of committing war crimes. The U.N.’s top human rights official accused both Israel and Hamas militants of committing war crimes in the latest Gaza war, but reserved her harshest words for the Israeli government, which she said yesterday was deliberately defying international law. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that by placing and firing rockets within heavily populated areas both sides are committing “a violation of international humanitarian law, therefore a war crime.” “None of this appears to me to be accidental,” Pillay said of Israel at a news conference in Geneva to mark the end of her

Senegal:Wade says he is a ‘political prisoner’

Libya: Heavy clashes resume in Tripoli

EAVY shelling resumed yesterday in southern Tripoli where rival militia brigades were battling for control of the capital’s main airport in some of the worst clashes since the 2011 revolt which ousted Muammar Gaddafi. Around 200 people have been killed since the clashes erupted two weeks ago in the capital and also in the eastern city of Benghazi, where a coalition of Islamist militants and former rebels have overrun a major army base in the city. Thuds of artillery and anti-aircraft cannons echoed across Tripoli from early Thursday morning, a day after a temporary ceasefire agreed by factions to allow firefighters to put out a huge blaze at a fuel depot hit by a rocket. Most of the fighting is limited to southern Tripoli where warring factions have exchanged Grad rockets, artillery shells and cannon fire between the airport controlled by Zintan brigade fighters and enclaves of their Misrata brigade rivals.

HE flamboyant son of Senegal’s ex-President Abdoulaye Wade has called himself a “political prisoner” during his first appearance at a special court trying him on corruption charges. Karim Wade is accused of embezzling about $238m (£140m), which he denies. Senegal’s League of Human Rights (LHR) said the trial would not be fair as it required him to prove his innocence, rather than the prosecution his guilt. He was arrested in April 2013, a year after his father’s defeat in elections. ‘Minister of earth and sky’ Karim Wade was influential in the former government, holding several ministerial posts simultaneously, including minister for infrastructure and air transportation. His large portfolio led to him being dubbed “the minister of the earth and the sky” and he was alleged to have acquired several foreign firms by illicit means.

Syrian casualties surge as jihadis consolidate

ORE than 2,000 Syrians - almost half of them pro-government forces - have been killed in just over two weeks of fighting in Syria, marking one of the worst death tolls in the country’s three-year civil war, opposition activists said Monday. The reports reflect a recent surge in deadly attacks by the al-Qaida-breakaway Islamic State group targeting President Bashar Assad’s forces, signaling shifting priorities as Sunni militants seek to consolidate their hold on territory and resources in northern Syria. Assad’s forces have gained momentum in the fighting with rebels seeking to topple him from power. Infighting also has hurt the rebel cause, with Islamic extremists battling more moderate fighters who have been greatly weakened by lack of weapons and clashes with the militants.

But a series of recent setbacks for the Syrian government at the hands of the Islamic State group threatens to overturn government successes, pitting the Syrian army against a formidable force that now controls large chunks of territory in the country’s north and neighboring Iraq.”Now that they’ve mopped up rebel resistance to them in the east, the Islamic State (group) can turn to the regime,” said Aymenn alTamimi, an expert on militant factions in Syria and Iraq. “It may have been a benefit (to the Islamic State) to deal with rebels first, but the assault against the regime was inevitable.” The recent attacks came after Assad was re-elected last month to a third, seven-year term in a vote that was confined to government-controlled areas and dismissed by the opposition and its Western allies. In his inauguration speech on July 16, he confidently declared

six-year term. “They appear to be defying - deliberate defiance of - obligations that international law imposes on Israel.” Pillay also took aim at the U.S., Israel’s main ally, for providing financial support for Israel’s Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system. She accused both Israel and Hamas militants of committing war crimes in the latest Gaza war, but reserved her harshest words for the Israeli government, which she said Thursday was deliberately defying international law.U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said that by placing and firing rockets within heavily populated areas both sides are committing “a violation of international humanitarian law, therefore a war crime.” None of this appears to me to be accidental,” Pillay said of

victory and praised his supporters for “defeating the dirty war.”Since then, fighters from the Islamic State group have launched attacks against army positions in three different provinces in northern and central Syria. In the past week alone, the militants captured a government-controlled gas field and two major army bases in three different provinces. More than 300 soldiers, guards and workers at the Shaer field were reported killed by Islamic State militants in a threeday offensive to capture the field. The army recaptured Shaer this past weekend.Militants last week also overran the sprawling Division 17 military base in the northern Raqqa province, killing at least 85 soldiers inside. Amateur videos posted online by activists showed more than a dozen beheaded bodies in a busy square said to be in Raqqa.

PHOTO: AP

Israel at a news conference in Geneva to mark the end of her six-year term. “They appear to be defying - deliberate defiance of - obligations that international law imposes on Israel.””What I’m seeing now is a recurrence of the very acts that the Gaza fact-finding mission indicated as constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity,” she said.Pillay also took aim at the U.S., Israel’s main ally, for providing financial support for Israel’s Iron Dome anti-rocket defense system.” No such protection has been provided to Gazans against the shelling,” she said Meanwhile, Palestinian officials say President Mahmoud Abbas is seeking broad political support, including from rival Hamas, before making any attempt to press possible war crimes charges against Israel.

ESPITE lingering disputes, Afghan electoral officials said yesterday that they will resume an audit of the presidential election this weekend after the presidential candidates sparred over how to disqualify ballots amid allegations of massive fraud. The recount of more than 8 million votes is likely to take weeks, stalling an already much-delayed announcement of a new president to replace Hamid Karzai, the only leader the country has known since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that ousted the Taliban. Preliminary results from the June 14 runoff vote showed former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai well ahead of his rival, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, but both sides alleged fraud. In a high-profile bid to pull the country back from the brink of crisis, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry negotiated a deal that included an audit of all votes under national and international supervision and ultimately a national unity government. But that process soon fell victim to procedural arguments between the two candidates’ teams.Electoral officials stopped the audit last weekend because of the differences as well as a major Muslim holiday. The head of the Afghan Independent Election Commission and the chief U.N. envoy to Afghanistan said the sides have agreed on new criteria, allowing the audit to go forward.

India landslide: Rescuers race to find survivors as toll rises

ESCUE workers in western India are working to locate survivors of a landslide that has claimed at least 30 lives and buried up to 200 people. Eight people have been rescued from the wreckage in Malin village, near the city of Pune in Maharashtra state. But more than 36 hours after Wednesday morning’s landslide, chances of finding more people alive appear small. Officials say rain is hampering efforts to search for scores of people presumed trapped under the mud and debris. The landslide hit the village early on Wednesday while people were sleeping. On Thursday, rescuers continued their search through heavy rains, but hopes of finding any more survivors were fading. “Miracles do happen, we will keep looking, but under current conditions it is very, very bleak,” AFP news agency quoted Alok Avasthy, regional commandant of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at the scene, as saying.

Who bombed Buhari? •Continued from backpage

But it wasn’t, now is time for nemesis for all. Let’s illustrate with just one example: the military. For about 40 years, they stymied Nigeria’s military and security institutions: huge budgets were allotted year-on-year for defence and security, but they were embezzled and siphoned. So over these years, our military, security and police establishments suffered atrophy to the point that at a time, Cameroon or South Africa could have so easily overrun Nigeria. We had no jets, we had no warships, we did not upgrade our security facilities and gadgets and our men were not afforded requisite professional trainings. Our barracks remained the way Lord Lugard left them. Let us stretch the security scenario a little further. The Department of State Security, DSS (formerly State Security Service, SSS) is supposed to have functional offices in every local government. Those offices ought to have upgraded over the years into a formidable spider-web of security surveillance across the country. But what we heard was that hapless operatives were left to languish and scrounge in some of these remote areas most times with hardly an office or basic communication gadget.

We had (and still have) scenarios in which the entire local governments are ‘defunct’, police posts are forlorn and military bases are distant and far between.

Nigeria: a vast unmanned wasteland: Thus for so many years, our so-

called leaders were running a vast territory of unmanned, ungoverned and unsecured wasteland. Do you see why Boko Haram can seize a chunk of the land and hold it for about five years? Do you think any terrorist gang can take even an inch of South Africa or Egypt over night without being rounded up almost immediately? This is because every inch of their land is covered. Our leaders cover only their stomach but ironically their behinds are left vulnerable. So we wonder who bombed Buhari and I say it is nemesis; the result of long years of misrule. The sorry bit is that Buhari is the best of the gang that ravaged this country for many years in the guise of leading us. But bad things are wont to happen to good people as they say. The greater tragedy, however, is that the country is even today, in the same ship sailing nowhere so our troubles have just begun. We are walking straight into it aren’t we all? Sheep, marching merrily to the slab…

THE NATION AUGUST, 1 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SPORTS EXTRA

Emenike resumes training 2

013 AFRICAN CUP of Nations star Emmanuel Emenike resumed training with Turkish champions Fenerbahce in time for the exhibition match with Sheffield United which was staged at Bramall Lane Stadium on Thursday. On arrival at the team’s temporary camp in England, the Nigeria international was well received by his teammates and the technical crew. Emenike was granted permission by the Yellow Canaries chiefs to extend his holidays after World Cup

duty with the Nigeria selection. During the tournament in Brazil, the 27 - year - old failed to find target, but assisted in goals scored by Peter Odemwingie (Bosnia) and Ahmed Musa (Argentina). Apart from the 2012 - 2013 campaign where injury curtailed his appearances for Spartak Moscow, Emenike has always finished every single season with double digit goal tally. He recorded 12 goals in 28 Super Lig matches last term.

Celtic boss blasts Efe Ambrose, teammates

from this week.We need a whole different attitude and discipline in our play." Ambrose has hardly had a rest since helping Nigeria to a round of 16 finish at the World Cup in Brazil, where they lost 2-0 to France. He will miss the return leg against the Poles, but should be available for the start of the group stages, should Celtic progress.

• Emenike

Okon: NFF owes me two years salaries

LL may not be well with the Super Falcons of Nigeria ahead of the 2014 Africa Women Championship as head coach Edwin Okon has claimed to be owed

NFF: Purported Congress, a ruse

• Umeh

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has alerted Nigerians to a document being circulated by a group of persons who claimed that an emergency Congress of the NFF held in Abuja on

Thursday, 31st July, 2014. “The NFF Executive Committee rose from its meeting on Wednesday, 30th July to say that the emergency Congress had been postponed, and duly apologized to members of the Congress, while stating that the Congress would hold at a later date. “There was no Congress at all, and we urge Nigerians to ignore the so – called decisions contained in the document. A properly –constituted NFF Congress would be convoked at a date to be made known to the public soon,” Mike Umeh, NFF Acting President, said in Abuja. He added: “Whoever is instigating these persons does not love Nigeria and should be advised to stop.”

Igiebor faces daunting task with new club

OSA Igiebor's Maccabi Tel Aviv face a daunting task

• Igiebor

in their bid to qualify for the group stage UEFA Champions League this season. The Nigeria international recently moved to the Israeli topflight club in a threeyear-deal worth over 1.2 million Euros, following the relegation of Real Betis from the Spanish La Liga at the end of last season. The 23-year-old made his debut for the side in their 10 loss to Maribor in the firstleg of their Champions League third qualifying round game played in Slovenia. Despite dominating the game, Maccabi Tel Aviv fell

Ikhana offers Eaglets winning tips

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DEFEAT

IGERIA defender Efe Ambrose and his Celtic teammates have been heavily criticised by manager Ronny Deila following their embarrassing 41 loss to Polish side Legia Warsaw in a UEFA champions league qualifying match on Wednesday night. The Super Eagles defender got the marching order just before half time in Poland, as his teammates failed to get anything from the game despite opening scoring in the eighth minute and Deila hasn’t hidden his disappointment at his team’s display on the night. "It was a very poor performance and worst of all was the commitment, the energy, I need much more energy in the game.We didn't stay together for 90 minutes. "We started well and got the first goal but then gave way to pressure and we lost our heads and started giving the ball away in midfield so many times and mistakes in the back four, some were high, some were low, instead of being together. "But what is done is done, we have to learn from this very quick, we got the away goal and we still have a chance,” he told the Scottish media after the game. Deila however remained confident the Hoops can still progress to the group stages of the Champions League. "It is possible to win 3-0 again - like we did last year in the play-off - with the help of the supporters and we will do everything we can to do that. But we have to learn

AFRICA UNDER-17 QUALIFIER

to Damjan Bohar’s goal four minutes into stoppage time, and they face a daunting task in the return-leg which has been moved to be played in Cyprus, as a result of violence in Israel. The return 'home' fixture which comes up on the 5th of August will now be played at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, Larcena, Cyprus. Maccabi created several chances the best of which fell to Igiebor in the 28th minute, after Zahavi layed the ball off for him with a neat back heel, only for the Nigerian to fluff his shot and send it wide.

as much as two-year salary. He said: "Since August 2012 when I led the Falconets to the World Cup where we came fourth, up till today, I'm yet to get a dime as salary from the NFF. "Every time I go to the office to complain, they will say there is no money. At a time I learned that the Federal Government gave the federation some money to pay Keshi and other national team coaches, but up till today my story is still the same," he told reporters in Abuja. The Rivers Angels coach who in 2011 signed a fouryear contract with the NFF to coach the Falconets was last year promoted to the senior women national team, the Super Falcons - albeit on an interim capacity after the resignation of erstwhile coach Kadiri Ikhana who failed do well with the team. Nigeria's Super Falcons are drawn alongside hosts Namibia, Cote d'Ivoire and Zambia in the Group A of African Women’s Championship, which kicks off on October 11. The top three teams from the championship will qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women’sWorld Cup in Canada. The Nigerian ladies will also be looking to redeem themselves at the tournament after they finished fourth in the last edition of the biennial tournament, their worstever finish in the history of the African Women Championship.

• Okon

OREMOST football coach, Kadiri Ikhana, has commended the Golden Eaglets coaching crew in the task of building a strong team and has given tacit support to the team's quest for a ticket for the 2015 African Under-17 Championship in Niger. The Golden Eaglets take a 1-0 lead into this weekend's decider against Les Leopards of Congo Democratic Republic in Abeokuta and Ikhana is backing them to go all the way. The 62-year-old -coach who broke the jinx by winning Nigeria's CAF Champions League trophy with Enyimba in 2003, said he was impressed with the choice of players selected by Coach Emmanuel Amunekeled crew since it would on the long run help the growth of the national in the future. "I want to really commend you (coaching crew) for the kind of players you have picked because they are very young," said Ikhana, a 1980 African Cup of Nations winner with the Green Eagles. "It is important we get things right from this stage because

this is the foundation for other national teams and be assured of my support because I've seen that you are doing the right thing." The vastly experienced manager was able to see the national Under-17 team at close quarters since his team, Enyimba, who were in Abeokuta for their Federation Cup match against Giwa FC, lodged in the same hotel with the Golden Eaglets. He advised officials to continue to instill discipline on the players both on and off the field. "I'm really impressed with the conduct of your team," he further remarked after watching their training session on Wednesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium. "The coaches are imparting real knowledge into the players and I strongly believe, they have what it takes to play against any team.” The former Super Falcons' coach said he has passed useful information to the coaching crew as they gear up preparations towards their second round-second leg fixture against their counterparts from the Central African region.

• Alimi Sunday, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Nwakali all scored one goal each in the 3-2 win against Egypt recently

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ogbuke gets quarterfinal target

UPER Eagles and Schalke 04 forward Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke and his club team mates have been handed at least a quarter-final finish in the 2014/ 15 UEFA CL campaign and Germany Bundesliga top four finish. Club director of sport Horst Heldt challenged the Nigerian star and his mates to ensure the team goes as far as reaching the quarter-finals of the competition this season, as well as ensuring they qualify for the competition again next season. Heldt in a statement on Sport1.de believes only last season champions Bayern Munich are out of his side’s reach and as such has set his club's sights very high for the 2014-15 campaign. "Of course when you have qualified for the Champions League three times in a row, then you are not going to settle for finishing fifth or sixth. "It's going to be an interesting season and we want to get the most out of it. What that will be, I cannot say. "We want to contend for the leading positions. We want to go further than the last 16 in the

Champions League and we want to go further in the DFBPokal too,'' Heldt stated. Despite seeing league holders Bayern as the team to beat again this season, Heldt declared his side are not merely focusing on trying to get the better of Pep Guardiola's side. ''We're following our own goals. It's a mistake always to compare yourselves with the others and orientate yourself around them. Many clubs are trying to send good teams into the season and it's going to be exciting,even if Bayern are of course leading the way. "They are the favourites, but we have a good team too which has improved,and we are ready for our tasks. "We have kept our team intact and the younger player are now more mature.We've also got our long-term injured back,so we've not needed to spend money really," Heldt added. The Nigerian star and his German side finished in third place last season behind title favorites Bayern and local rivals Borussia Dortmund.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

SPORT EXTRA 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

D’Tigers’ Captain Oyedeji donates basketball court to Loyola College

Okagbare makes it sprint double A •Claims 200m gold in 22.25secs N •Ese Brume wins gold in Long jump IGERIA’S Blessing Okagbare claimed the sprint double at the 2014 Commonwealth Games last night, taking the 200 metres title in 22.25 seconds. The Nigerian athlete had a smooth race from the start to the finish line. England's Jodie Williams and Bianca Williams settled for the second and third positions in a time of 22.50 and 22.75 secs respectively. On Monday evening, Okagbare broke Debbie Ferguson’s 12-year record of 10.91 secs as she ran a time of 10.85 secs to emerge as the new record holder in the women’s 100m race. Meanwhile, in the Women's Long Jump event, Ese Brume achieved a 6.56m leap to win Nigeria's second gold medal of the night. Okagbare had withdrawn her quest for a medal in the Long Jump as she opted to concentrate on the 200m race for the night. In the final of the Men's

By Stella Bamawo 400m hurdles, Chris

Morton finished 5th with a time of 49.65secs, Nigeria

suffered a setback in the women’s 100m hurdles.

•Blessing Okagbare wrapped in Nigerian flag after she won gold in the 200m Women’s event at the Scotland 2014 Commonwealth Games

Nigeria wins three more medals in wrestling

IGERIAN wrestling team completed its campaign at the 2014 Commonwealth Games winning a silver and three bronze medals for Team Nigeria on the final day of the wrestling event held at the Hall 3 of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow on Thursday. Yesterday’s medal haul makes a total 12 medals (2gold, 2silver and 8 bronze) won by the country’s wrestling team at this year’s edition of the Games as against the 13 medals (3gold, 3silver and 7 bronze) won at the 2010 edition in Delhi, India.

By Akeem Lawal Andrew Dick settled for the silver medal after losing to Canada’s Tamerlan Tagziev by 4-1 technical superiority in the Men's Free Style 86 kg Gold Medal Match. Andrew who won gold at the 2003 All Africa Games, defeated Kenya’s Peter Onyango Omenda 4-0 in the quarter-final, before overpowering Armando Hietbrink of South Africa also by 4-0 in the semi-final. Ifeoma Nwoye won bronze after defeating Joseph Essombe Tiako of Cameroon 5-0 in the Women's Free Style

55 kg Bronze Medal Finals. 21 year old Ifeoma beat 27 year old Jeanne-Marie Coetzer of South Africa 4-1 in the quarter-final before losing to 32 year old Brittanee Laverdure of Canada in the semi-final. Sampson Clarkson followed up with another bronze medal for Team Nigeria after defeating South Africa’s Terry van Rensburg 3-0 in the Men's Free Style 65 kg Bronze Medal Finals. Clarkson, who qualified for the 2014 Commonwealth Games after taking part in the Chief EK Clark Wrestling Open Championship held in

Warri, Nigeria last month, beat Jacob Jevon Balfour of Canada 3-1 in the Round of 16, before defeating Muhammad Salman of Pakistan by 3-1 technical point in the Repechage. Blessing Oborududu completed the bronze medal haul of the day when she defeated Chloe Spiteri of England 3-1 in the Women's Free Style 63 kg Bronze Medal Finals. Blessing who received the Best Female Wrestler award at the 2013 Commonwealth Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa lost to Danielle Lappage of Canada 3-1 in the quarter final match.

S part of his continued effort to keep giving back to the society and as well stay connected to his roots, Captain of Nigeria’s senior basketball team, D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, has built a standard basketball court for Loyola College, Ibadan, his alma mater. The basketball court will be commissioned tomorrow. According to Oyedeji, donating the basketball court was his contribution to the concerted effort to uphold the legacy of the school that prepared him for the future. Loyola College, he maintained, laid in him the foundation upon which he built his career in basketball. It became pertinent therefore to give back to the school. “I started playing basketball in Loyola College. The school, as a matter of fact, laid the solid foundation for my basketball career. It gave me hope and prepared me to become who I am today. The basketball court is my own way of giving back to the school and being part of the effort to sustain its legacy,” Oyedeji explained.

Dignitaries to grace the event which is part of a week-long activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the school include the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Umar Farouk Alao and Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Gbade Lana, among others. Oyedeji, who is the most decorated Nigerian basketball player, further said his penchant to give back to the system informed the establishment of the Olumide Oyedeji Youth Foundation which exists primarily to help underprivileged, troubled and at risk youths create a brighter future, using sports as a platform. The Annual Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp is one of the foundation’s initiatives used in achieving these. The 15th edition of the basketball camp, which has empowered many youths and produced many young talented players, is scheduled for middle to the end of August this year in 3 cities in Nigeria – Lagos, Asaba and Calabar.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE REV. GRACE EKANEM FOUNDATION Notice is hereby given to the General Public that the above named Non Governmental Organization is applying to the Cooperate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. (MRS.) GRACE EKANEM 2. ELDER EDEM OROK NSEFIK 3. PASTOR (MRS.) IQUO EYO 4. ENGR. CHIEF ASUQUO EYO 5. MRS. ATIM EJIKE 6. MRS. OFFIONG JARIGBE 7. MRS. OROKANWAN LANIYAN 8. MISS. SALOME EFIONG OKON THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote, defend and support the welfare of widows and orphans 2. To promote and support the welfare of the aged. 3. To support education of youths, especially the girl child 4. To build a bridge of friendship across mankind and seek ways of assisting in conflicts resolution worldwide. 5. To operate and run an orphanage/home of the aged 6. To support every humanitarian activity. 7. To promote and support women in every sphere of life. Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Chief Ekpenyong Ndiyo Barrister & Solicitor E. E.. Ndiyo & Associates Essien Ndiyo Chambers No. 9, Whitehouse Street, Calabar.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

OR all the reasons that are too familiar to rehash, a viable opposition is indispensable in a democracy. An opposition is not viable when it consists of multiple political groupings, spread over the nation, each of which is dominant within an enclave, none of which poses any significant threat to the ruling party. And without a threat of being replaced by a strong opposition waiting in the wings, the ruling party bestrides the nation like a colossus, acting with impunity, leaving helpless and hopeless citizens in a state of despair. What follows that kind of sordid scenario is eerily woven into the fabric of our national history. A year ago, I thought to myself that finally we were going to lay the ghost of governance with impunity; that the era of a de facto oneparty state was about to end and there was a good chance for the opposition to not only offer a constructive critique of the ruling party, but more importantly to present itself as a viable alternative ready to take up the reins of power on behalf of the people. My hope, as that of many citizens tired of how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken the country for a ride in the last 15 years, was raised astronomically with the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was a thoroughly exciting moment that day when the news broke. Opalaba thought that it was “a small step for a party, but a big step for democracy.” Then after the initial excitement, it occurred to both of us that the needful must be emphasised: “But it’s just the beginning, and the end is most definitely important. My only hope is that this beginning is not thwarted; that the leadership of the new party learns from experience; that internal democracy is their watchword; that they are sensitive to the presentation of a uniquely democratic alternative to the electorate because in the final analysis, it is what matters most. It’s a game of numbers.” What a difference a year makes! Don’t get me wrong, I am still excited about the coming into being of the APC and I still hold high hopes for the role it can play in this fragile democracy, not just as a credible opposition but more importantly, as a party with a mandate to govern for the benefit of the masses of our people. Of course, like all opposition parties especially in Africa, APC faces a number of challenges, not the least of which is that of a ruling party with a ruthless determination to hang on to power at all cost. Surely, Nigeria is not

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

One year after

•President Goodluck Jonathan

an authoritarian state and government cannot outlaw the opposition. But as a party, the PDP would rather not have an opposition despite its importance in a democracy. This is why the ruling party is not satisfied with its control of the centre and more than half of the states. It must have all and in perpetuity. With an unlimited access to state resources for which it is not accountable to anyone, and a shameless practice of withholding state allocations to punish the opposition, the PDP-led central government is able to outspend the opposition without having to worry about its performance. But that path, as shady as it is, is still short of the use of raw power. And since the ruling party must demonstrate its will to power, it is not reluctant to embark on the obnoxious practice of impeaching APC governors to emasculate and neutralise the opposition. It does not matter that if and when that happens, we have to bid democracy farewell. We cannot be so confident that it would not happen. APC emerged as the only credible al-

LOODY significance: Just

imagine for a moment that blood, when spilled, does not quickly congeal and transmute and dry up; if by a certain alchemy blood synthesises to a nondrying liquid when spilled, Nigeria, the north of Nigeria to be specific, would be a sea of blood now. Since 2009, a faceless gang has remorselessly attacked the sovereign entity known as Nigeria without let, killing and maiming in tens and hundreds. In the last few months, it has been a daily fare of blood fest. But last week’s attacks in Kaduna and Kano come with – shall we say a bloody significance. Not to brooch the matter of the growing band of teenaged girls suicide bombers unleashed unto the ancient city of Kano; girls apparently drugged, indoctrinated and deceived into desecrating their hijab and their souls. This will be story for another day. In Kaduna last Wednesday, in a twin attack, two personages were targeted. The one was a highly respected Muslim cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi and the other, a former military president and now political leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. In the botched attempt to slay the duo, no fewer than 150 innocent lives were blown to pieces in an infernal orgy of senseless rage. While one would expect that a griefstricken nation would be in sober mourning, contemplating the constitution of the bombers mind and how the ‘giant of Africa’ is being made the plaything of desert thugs. Nay, we have switched to our banal mode – we have been bickering, pointing fingers and throwing tantrums.

VOL.9 NO.2,925

ternative to PDP. Other parties, including Labour and APGA, conscious of the ruthlessness of the ruling party, have presented themselves as co-travellers with the PDP juggernaut. This was certainly the case with Anambra’s governorship elections and with how Governors Obi and Mimiko collaborated with PDP governors in the infamous NGF election. Neither of these two parties has any ambition to challenge the ruling party for the star prize at the centre. Should APC be deactivated, democracy is in serious danger. This is why what the ruling party chooses to do to APC is not just a matter for the latter, it must be a concern of all democrats to stand up and speak out. The use of state power and resources to decapitate the opposition is an unacceptable abuse of power. To be sure, APC has other challenges, including that of public perception for which the party may be partially responsible, but which is spawned out of the womb of PDP propaganda machine. When at the inception of APC, a presidential spokesperson argued that ACN, one of APC’s legacy parties, had by merging with others, lost the Southwest, not a few observers brushed it aside as a thoughtless proposition. Little did it occur to us that the vulgar propaganda war, for which the Presidency is the brigade commander, had just begun, with atrocious labels—islamists, terrorists, Boko Haram sponsors—pinned on APC and its leadership. When the Federal Government is unable to fight a ragtag militant group tormenting the Northeast, it resorted to the politicisation of security, blaming the opposition for the evil that ails the nation. And in its desperation, the ruling party almost succeeded in hanging the opposition just by calling it a bad name. How has the APC responded? How might it respond? Determined to show the nation that performance matters in governance, APC-controlled states went to work on infrastructural development and urban renewal programmes,

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Who bombed Buhari? A big day for my friend, The Prince who is now a king

HE Imo political elite is likely to rise as one and converge on August 9 during the wedding of the son of HRH Eze (Barr.) V. N. C. Ibenye-Ugbala, Ezeugo 1V of Okpoko, Orlu zone. But we knew him as the Prince those days in the Extended Executive Council of Imo State under Governor Ikedi Ohakim. VNC stood out not because he was then a prince, but because he carried his prince hood about him. Apart from his royal gait, he always had in his hand, a miniature ivory totem which was like an extension of his hand. He had always held the staff since adulthood, he would explain to the uninitiated. You won’t need a better weapon in the event of a political fracas, we would tease him. And he would laugh in his gentle way. VNC had the demeanour of a man who was sure he would be king someday soon. He ascended the throne a few years ago. On the 9th at the St. Joseph’s Chaplaincy, IMSU, his son Prince (Engr) Silver will wed Princess (Engr) Frances. VNC was aide to former governors Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim. He is chairman of Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s community government and Chief E. C. Iwuanyanwu will chair the occasion. It sure has the making of a mini political convention. Wishing you a great day dear brother. We are carrying on like an unwieldy mob that has been roused with an IED. Our President, Goodluck Jonathan, set the ball rolling: the country would have boiled

had Buhari died in the blast, he wagered. Meaning that the roiling multitude of the hoi polloi are good to die and the heavens will not fall abi? So the country is not

the kind that make Fashola’s Lagos the pride of the nation. Those who criticise such development programmes as elitist must be forgiven for their ignorance or mischief. APC states also focus like a laser beam on innovative approaches to education, as typified by Aregbesola’s Opon Imo, an African ingenuity that has gained international acclaim. Health and social welfare programmes have not been neglected with models of free health missions in most APC states, including Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti. In truth, then, policy-wise, APC has delivered on its manifesto in all the states it controls. What else might the party do in the wake of its recent loss in Ekiti and the PDP ruthless machine of deception and intimidation? First, the opposition must come to terms with the reality that the battle of propaganda has been lopsided in favour of the ruling party, which has been on the offensive, especially with its embarrassing politicisation of religion or its benefit. With a sophisticated electorate, this may backfire. But the challenge is there, and the approach to this challenge requires not a reverse propaganda, but an intellectual and practical demonstration of what APC stands for and does well. The performance of the governors in the various sectors of the society in the APC states needs to be showcased for all to see through various media outlets. Second, if propaganda has a role, it is best played by the APC caucus in the National Assembly. Its members are in a position to x-ray the inadequacies of the ruling party in the legislature and executive. They have information about executive actions and policies. They have first-hand knowledge of the state of the nation as determined by Federal Government policies. Third, there is no denying the needless personality conflicts within the hierarchy of party leadership in several states. While one cannot rule out the corrupting influence of the ruling party and its aggressive effort to win back some of its defecting members, the APC must face the reality of serious internal disaffection that has nothing to do with greed. If it’s a game of numbers, a struggling opposition cannot afford to lose any of its supporters and must aggressively reconcile all factions. Finally, the leadership must take a cue from the Awolowo playbook. The Avatar rarely gave off-the-cuff remarks. But when he made a pronouncement on a national issue, it was always oracular. And as he would add: Verbum sap. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 boiling yet or it has not reached a presidential Fahrenheit? But our president’s faux pas is nothing compared to the rash of comments from elements with sympathies for the ruling and opposition parties. Comments exemplified by a certain Femi Fani-kayode, Asari Dokubo and Nasir el Rufai. Not contemplative about the root of the problem, they have become a part of the problem: they work up a rabble and everything (including commonsense) is lost in the ensuing gale of dust.

I can tell you who targeted and bombed Buhari: I can tell you who has been bombing a large chunk of the Nigerian soil these past few years and there is no genius in figuring that out. And mind you it is not Boko Haram or its local and foreign collaborators; these are mere symptoms of a deep-rooted problem. Buhari was bombed by nemesis. Indeed, Nigeria is being worsted by nemesis. And mark you, this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s troubles. It will get worse; it will indeed become really bad before it gets better if there is still a Nigeria. We suffer yet from the mis-governance; the sins of yesterday, while today’s misdeeds rise to the skies like an evil totem waiting to haunt us tomorrow. Buhari and his co-military travellers who pretended to run Nigeria for nearly four decades set Nigeria up for its current spin. When they were damaging all the institutions that held the sovereign entity together, they thought the world was coming to an end.

•Continued on page 60

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