The Nation August 03, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

Ex-ANPP chair Ume-Ezeoke dead NEWS

Page 2

•Dies at 75 in Indian hospital

VOL. 7, NO. 1841 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

Fed Govt to pay minimum wage •All workers to benefit

NEWS

Page 2 http://www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Jonathan forges ahead with single tenure plan 50 amendments likely in Constitution review Bill

G

OVERNORS will soon lose their grip on local governments cash, if the Presidency succeeds in pushing through a bill to kill the Local Government Joint Account.

The bill will also fix tenure for elected local government officials, contrary to the situation in various states where two-year and three-year tenure systems are being operated.

Besides, the Presidency

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

may put on hold the proposed review of the revenue allocation formula, until the Local Government Reform is carried out and accepted by the governors.

But, despite public outcry, the Presidency is pushing ahead with its plans for a single six-year tenure for President, governors and members of the National Assembly, The Nation learnt yes-

SOME OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS •Six-year single tenure for president, governors •Fixed tenure for the 774 local government councils •Abolition of Joint State- Local Government Account •Constructive true federalism •Removal of prison management from exclusive list •New revenue allocation formula terday.

The President is said to be leading the consultation team selling the proposal to Nigerians.

“Even at the government level, there are divergent views. That is why the Presi-

dent will be consulting many stakeholders and he is going to allow robust debates on the proposal to guide the National Assembly in its decision,” a source said, adding: “The draftsmen will revisit some documents, like the

Abacha Constitution of 1995, the report of the National Political Reform Conference of 2005 and the 1999 Constitution Citizens’ Forum for Constitution Reform (CFCR), which prepared a draft Constitution and the Pro-Na-

tional Conference (PRORONACO) Peoples Constitution.”

President Goodluck Jonathan is considering between 30 to 50 sections of the 1999 Constitution for amendment.

Some of the proposed amendments are: •six-year single tenure; •fixed tenure for the 774 local government councils; •abolition of Joint StateLocal Government Account, as applicable in most states; •constructive true federalism; and •removal of prison manContinued on page 2

Ripples over CJN’s calls to Salami

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HERE seems to be no let-up in the controversy ignited by the report of the panel that examined the crisis in the Judiciary.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has set up another panel, headed by Justice Ibrahim Auta, to make recommendations on the report of the Justice Umaru Abdullahi panel, which exonerated Chief Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and Appeal Court President Isa Ayo Salami.

Lawyers have said the Auta Panel is against the norm because a junior judge cannot determine the fate of

From Yomi Odunuga and Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

his seniors.

Now, there are questions over Justice Katsina-Alu’s telephone calls to Justice Salami, following the Abdullahi Panel’s finding that the Sokoto governorship dispute’s verdict was not under any threat, as alleged.

The controversy stemmed from the facts that the report absolved the CJN of any attempt to influence Justice Salami to use his position to get judgment in favour of Governor Aliyu Wamakko of the Peoples Democratic Party Continued on page 2

•A bus smashed by a tree that fell at a vehicles’ stand at Zaria bypass during a rainstorm ... yesterday. Story on page 6.

PHOTO: YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU

14 dead as bus runs over robbery victims •SEE PAGE 2

•Horror at dawn on Lokoja-Abuja road •Five dead in Lagos •POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •LIFE P29 •MONEY P43 •INVESTORS P45

•Police chief Hafiz Ringim

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

NEWS

Fed Govt to pay minimum wage

A

•From left: Prof. Ademola Ariyo, Dept of Economics, University of Ibadan; Representative of Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Social & Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Kunle Odumosu, and Director, Surveillance & Forecasting Department, NISER, Prof. Ade Olomola, at a NISER Research Seminar Series on Minimum Wage in Ibadan ... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

LL Federal workers will enjoy the N18,000 minimum wage, it was announced yesterday.

The Federal Government bowed to pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as it accepted to implement the new wage across board.

Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Wogu, told reporters after a meeting at the Shehu Shagari House, Abuja, that the implementation would take effect from this month.

Wogu said the negotiating teams came up with the conclusion, which the unions will communicate to their National Executive Councils

Jonathan forges ahead with single tenure plan Continued from page 1

agement from exclusive list to concurrent list.

Although the review of the revenue allocation formula may be part of the constitution amendment, a source in the Presidency said the proposal would be after the governors must have endorsed the Local Government Reforms.

The source said: “We are proposing several constitution amendments. It could be up to 30 or 50. We have a lot to change and the proposal will soon be forwarded to the National Assembly.

“The President will soon

begin consultations with stakeholders on some of these proposed amendments before sending the Bill to the National Assembly.

“Legal draftsmen are working on the sections to be amended and the details.

When stakeholders make their input, then the Bill will be fine-tuned.”

According to the source, “one of the key areas is the local government system, which has been virtually hijacked and crippled by governors”. “Most states operate different tenure systems for local governments; this is unacceptable,” he said, adding: “In fact, it has got to a ri-

diculous stage that in some states, caretaker committees are in charge for as long as some governors wish.

“But the most crucial is our plan to effect a constitution amendment that will lead to the abolition of Joint StateLocal Government Account.

Nearly all the governors have abused this account system.

“Security reports have confirmed that funds meant for local governments are being diverted by governors under the guise of joint account.

These local governments now only manage to pay salaries.

Yet, it is the closest government to the grassroots.”

On the review of the revenue formula being asked for by governors, the source, who is a senior government, official, said: “We cannot change the revenue allocation formula, until the autonomy of local governments is guaranteed.”

“The governors will also have to accept the reality that the local government system must run effectively. The era of tampering with the local government funds is over.

“If this is acceptable to the governors, the Presidency will also accept the review of the revenue formula through constitution amendment,” the source, who pleaded not to be named, said.

Ex-ANPP chair Ume-Ezeoke is dead

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ORMER chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke is dead.

He died on Monday night in an Indian hospital where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

He was aged 75.

The death of the Second Republic Speaker of the House of Representatives was confirmed last night by Mr Chika Izuore, media aide to his son, Chinemere, who was Special Adviser to former President Umaru Yar’Adua on Civil Society Relations.

According to him, the late Ume-Ezeoke was on a life support machine for about one week before his death.

No official of the ANPP was willing to speak on UmeEzeoke’s death.

“We are sad about the development, but I can tell you that he died in India on Monday night but party chairman Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is waiting for the family members to announce before the party can react,” an official said last night.

ANPP National Publicity Secretary Emma Eneukwu could not be reached on the

From Bolade Omonijo, Lagos and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

telephone.

Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke was born September 8, 1935 in Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. His sojourn in politics was swift at the start. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1979 at 44 making him the number four on the national order of precedence.

When he was born in 1935, there was nothing to suggest that he would attain such a height. He attended St. Eugenia’s Primary School, Amichi from 1943 -1951. For secondary education, he was at St. Patrick’s College, Calabar from 1952-1956.

Before he proceeded to Western Polytechnic, London in 1960, he had a stint at the Department of Customs and Excise and moved on to the Middle Temple to study Law in 1961. He obtained a degree in Law in 1966 at a time political crisis that later snowballed into the civil war enveloped Nigeria.

The coup deta’t of January and July 1966, the attendant

pogrom and declaration of civil war prevented him from moving to the Nigeria Law School immediately. He was eventually called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971.

Chief Ume-Ezeoke was engaged in private legal practice until his foray into the world of partisan politics when the military lifted the ban on party politics in 1978.

He joined the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) on whose platform he won the Nnewi federal constituency seat in 1979. The accord between the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and the NPP saw Ume-Ezeoke’s political profile rise as he became the most senior elected politician from the Southeast and a key figure in the government of the Second Republic.

The ban slammed on old politicians by General Ibrahim Babangida after he seized power in 1985 led to his eclipse from the political scene. He bounced back in the Fourth Republic as National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) after an attempt to be duly recognised in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) failed.

F

From Mohammed Bashir,

Lokoja and Titilayo Banjoko

around 5a.m. at Zariagi on the ever-busy road.

Occupants of the luxury bus marked XL 300 ABC, belonging to Chisco Transport Company, were made to lie face down on the road by armed robbers who seized

the highway.

As they were being searched by the armed robbers, a truck and another luxury bus, which was also heading for Abuja, ran over them, killing 14. There were two survivors of the incident – the driver and a soldier.

Sector Commander of the

Abuja

(NECs).

He said the Federal Government agreed to comply with the Act, adding that modalities for the implementation would be tabled before the union’s NEC. Wogu also pointed out that the government would not victimise any worker for participating in the aborted industrial action.

His words: “The Federal Government has agreed to comply with the Minimum Wage Act of 2011. The Federal Government, in line with the earlier agreement, has concluded the discussions with the two labour unions NLC/TUC. The detailed negotiation on relativity adjustment with respect to the implementation of the minimum wage has been sorted out and agreed upon.

“Modalities will be worked out by a joint committee and will be tabled before the National Executive Council of the NLC and TUC. And it was equally agreed that implementation of the payment of what has been concluded upon today (yesterday) would begin August 2011.”

NLC President Abdulwahed Omar agreed with Wogu that the meeting ended in a mutual agreement.

Besides, he noted that the unions and the government would have concluded discussions on the minimum

•The late Ume-Ezeoke

His tenure as leader of the ANPP, a measure taken to stabilise a floundering party, was turbulent. His emergence as running mate to General Muhammadu Buhari in the 2007 presidential election led to an uproar in the party. However, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced PDP’s Yar’Adua as winner of the election, Buhari headed for court but lost the support of Ume-Ezeoke and the party.

The late politician lost his hold on the party last year and was out of circulation throughout the April electioneering period.

Federal Road Safety Corps in Kogi State Sunday Maku, confirmed the casualty figure.

Six bodies were deposited at the Lokoja Specialist Hospital. Eight were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, also in the Kogi State capital.

Continued on page 5

wage implementation, but for the relativity of the Act. Omar said the talks were also delayed because of the across board adjustment, in line with the Act. “But, basically, the discussions on relativity would have been concluded by 31st of July, but, unfortunately, it was stalemated because of one or two major areas of non agreement; majorly, in area of adjustment across board as a result of compliance to the new minimum wage Act: This adjustment should now cut across the board in order to maintain relativity.

“But, unfortunately, what we saw immediately thereafter was that everything starts with level 1 to 6 and I am happy that we have been able to sort this out today (yesterday). And also, the issue of these adjustments cutting across the board will be sorted out by the Joint Technical Committee, hopefully from this moment. All these are the major areas of contention that delayed the whole agreement till now,” said Omar.

TUC President General Peter Esele also confirmed that the Federal Government had an offer on the table, which is to be communicated to the unions’ NEC. The labour movement had threatened to embark on a warning strike on July 19, following the non-implementation of the Act. But the National Assembly urged the unions to suspend the strike.

Ripples over CJN’s calls to Salami Continued from page 1

14 dead as bus runs over robbery victims OURTEEN people, including a child were crushed to death on the Lokoja-Abuja highway yesterday.

The dead were occupants of a luxury bus travelling to Abuja from “either Lagos or Ibadan”.

The incident occurred

From John Ofikhenua,

(PDP) at the Court of Appeal.

The said judgment was in an appeal filed by Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi of the Democratic People Party [DPP] who was challenging Wamakko’s validity to contest on the platform of the PDP in the 2007 governorship election.

Justice Salami alleged that he was asked by Justice Katsina-Alu to either obtain judgment in favour of Wamakko or disband the Appeal Court Panel.

These requests, he said, he declined.

Some stakeholders in the judiciary are pushing for clarification of the import of the CJN’s calls, it was learnt yesterday.

Besides, they want the CJN to explain the purpose of his calls to Justice Salami on February 8, 2010.

They are also concerned on why the NJC panel did not dig deep into situations surrounding Justice Katsina-Alu’s calls to Justice Salami a week after, on February 15, 2010, if truly he did not try to influence him to do his biddings on the Sokoto matter.

On one of the occasions, Justice Katsina-Alu was said to have received a call from Justice Salami on Justice Dahiru Musdapher’s phone when he (Justice Salami) returned the missed calls.

There are also concerns that the CJN acted on a rumour that the yet-to-be-delivered judgment leaked when it did not.

A source, who pleaded not to be named because of what

he described as the sensitivity of the matter, told our correspondent: “The onus of proof lies with the CJN on the controversial calls that were made, first, on February 8, 2010 and, second, on February 15, purportedly asking Salami to either influence the judgment in favour of Wamakko or to disband the panel set to deliver judgment.

“It is very important to verify the real issues because it has been established that the judgment, which had not been written as at February 8, 2010, was not under any threat of leakage. Since it has been established that there were calls and Salami had explained what transpired, those disputing his claim should be bold enough to come out with what was discussed at the CJN’s residence on the two occasions that Salami was invited for the said meetings. That is the only way to get to the root of this matter, instead of whipping up sentiments on the pages of newspapers, in a bid to paint Justice Salami in bad light.”

In an affidavit he deposed to in a suit he filed against Justice Katsina-Alu at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the failed plan to elevate him to the Supreme Court, Justice Salami alleged that Justice KatsinaAlu asked him to compromise the Court of Appeal’s verdict on the protracted Sokoto governorship legal tussle by either disbanding the original panel, which he (Justice Katsina-Alu) believed was about to give a verdict against the governor, or directing the panel to give judgment in the governor’s favour.

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

NEWS

‘How there are absurd ways to die...’

A British reporter’s diary on Lagos floods

I

T was when the dark water lapped over the back seat of the saloon car taking me to the Murtala Muhammed International (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, Airport that I truly understood how there are good ways to die and there are absurd ways to die.

“Veteran British journalist drowned on Apapa Expressway in freak accident.”

I could see the six-paragraph stories in the Lagos papers – surely the circumstances of my passing would deserve more than a news-brief? My surname would inevitably be misspelt but what would I care?

In my head I started composing tragic final text messages to my wife and sons back in Johannesburg.

They would have to be short because I am a very slow texter, I only use one finger when I SMS, one digit less than when I type at my laptop.

Would truncations like 2day or L8, which I was once proud to have mastered, be linguistically appropriate for what was certain to be my last will & tstmnt? More to the point, should I spend my final moments texting or should I be trying to save my life?

Semi-hallucinatory thoughts chased each other around my mind as grim reality crowded in on the car, now completely stationary and with the water level outside reaching the door handles.

The driver was ominously silent.

His previous and now patently hollow assurances that I would make my South African Airways flight with time to spare hung in the clammy air between us. The issue now, I thought bitterly, was whether either of us would make it out alive.

It was very dark although night had only just fallen. I could make

•Apapa - Oshodi Expressway after a recent downpour

By Nick Kotch

out the silhouettes of gigantic trucks, immobile like us but with worryingly empty cabins. Hardened by year of ferrying goods to and from the port of Tin Can Island, I wondered if the drivers had abandoned ship, so to speak, knowing there would be no chance of rescue on this Friday night after tropical rains had pounded Apapa for days on end?

Through the steamed-up windows I saw a street vendor wading cautiously through the waist-high waters, holding the wares on her head with one hand and clutching her wrapper around her hips with the other.

Suddenly, she disappeared from view and plunged into a deep and submerged storm-drain. Moments later the girl re-emerged, laughing off her pain and shock.

It had been a hard-working week, teaching a business journalism course with an old Nigerian friend in a computer skills college, the only place in crazily expensive Lagos that the sponsors said they could afford.

The flimsy, partitioned offices on the third floor were plunged into steamy darkness every time the power was cut and I hugged the walls of the open stairwell as I climbed up each morning.

A challenging week, as they say, but a very stimulating one. Our 15 participants, all young Nigerian journalists, were there every day, against all odds. An equities reporter who had to leave home long before dawn in a remote suburb beyond Ikeja was one of the most punctual and the most cheerful. I never used to believe those surveys which conclude that Nigerians are the most optimistic people on earth.

Now I did.

On the last day, after the course certificates and all the cheerios washed down with Fanta and Gulder beer, I had set out for the airport five hours before take-off and with the warm feeling of a job well done.

As a one-time resident of Africa’s

INEC raises committee to review voter registration, elections

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appears not satisfied with itself on the conduct of the last general elections.

Yesterday, it raised an eightmember Registration and Election Review Committee (RERC) to be chaired by Adele Jinadu, a Professor of Political Science. The committee is to conduct an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the whole exercise.

Other members are Prof.

Festus Iyayi, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Hajiya Saadatu Mahdi, Dr. Nasiru Yauri, Prof.

Abdulhamid Ujo, Prof. Anthonia Simbine and Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf.

The Acting Chairman of INEC, Dr. Abdul-Qadir Oniyangi, who inaugurated the committee, said the audit “is very important as part of the commission’s ongoing “lesson-learning” activities.

He said: “In order to make the evaluation productive, transparent and acceptable to the public, the evaluation is not an internal self-assessment by the commission. Instead it involves knowledgeable, independent experts from outside the Commission. These are seasoned experts who fully understand the electoral process in Nigeria”.

Oniyangi said the outcome of the review will lead to improved and more efficient

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

business processes responsive to the current and future needs of the commission and help in acquiring a standing capacity for project management in-house.

The overall goals of this comprehensive evaluation include the evaluation of the registration exercise and general elections with a view to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Commission in the planning, coordination and execution of the projects.

•To, through this evaluation, embark on the process of repositioning the Commission to operate more efficiently by preparing to meet some of these challenges as it gradually moves towards the next Electoral Cycle.

•To, through these, assist in creating a world standard Electoral Management Body in which basic electoral best practices will be routine, and in which effective staff and organizational capacities will be developed to meet the challenges of an Electoral Management Body in a country such as Nigeria.

More specifically, the evaluation will: • Appraise all the operational processes for the voter registration and elections, including planning, organization, coordination and evaluation of ac-

tivities, focusing particularly on such specific issues as logistics, procurement and delivery of materials, deployment of personnel, etc.

• Reassess the legal framework for the conduct of elections with a view to addressing some of the key legal challenges that had arisen in the course of both the registration and elections; •Examine the role, performance and especially the overall administrative procedures and channels within and between Departments in the coordination and execution of the registration and elections; •Review the processes of party primaries and nomination of candidates during the 2011 elections and INEC monitoring of those processes; • Comprehensively assess the entire process of recruitment , training, deployment, performance and remuneration of AD-hoc staff during the registration off voters and elections; • Audit the Commission’s cooperation and relations with other bodies such as MDAs, NGOs, security agencies and development partners during the registration and elections; and •Identify and address any other outstanding issues in the registration and/or elections that are likely t o impact on the conduct of the 2015 General Elections.

megalopolis, in the 1980s, I was struck during that week in Apapa last year to see how arduous life remained for ordinary Lagosians who didn’t live in Ikoyi or Victoria Island nor attend international conferences about Nigeria being the new investment Eldorado.

Power and water, money, jobs and public transport all seemed in the same short supply as they were 25 years ago.

My new journalist friends told me how wrong I was and that Governor Babatunde Fashola was bringing change, real change, to Lagos State. Plenty of people agreed. He was re-elected this year.

Of course, the driver and I survived our experience on the expressway. So did the car and my suitcase, sodden as they were.

I missed my flight by quite a mar-

•Kotch

gin. I had plenty of time to count the cost in time and money. I really hope the annual flooding in Apapa is sorted out before my next trip.

Kotch, Foundation journalism and media trainer and ex-Reuters journalist.

•Culled from TrustMedia Trainers Blog

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

NEWS Committee on Northeast insecurity From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

THE Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim yesterday inaugurated the Presidential committee on security challenges in the Northeast with a mandate to complete the assignment and submit its report by August 16.

Members of the committee are: Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, Chairman; Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume, Mr. Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN; Col. Musa Shehu (Rtd); Senator Bala Muhammed, FCTA Minister; Dr. Bello H. Muhammed Minister of Defence, Mr Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity and Abdullahi B. Shehu of the Office of the SGF. The terms of reference of the committee include: To review all security issues in the zone and proffer solutions and recommendations which would bring a speedy resolution of the crisis; to serve as a liaison between the Federal Government and the state government where necessary. To liaise with National Security Adviser (NSA) and ensure that the security services discharge their respective assignments with optimal professionalism.

T

Tenure proposal: Presidency never gave us final report, says member

HE presidency has never made a copy of the Final Report on the proposed single tenure available to either the parties or members of the InterParty Consultative Committee up to now, it was learnt yesterday.

Also, most members of the committee were shocked and embarrassed by the leakage of the report, which they have not seen, to the press.

A member of the InterParty Committee, Alhaji Bolaji Khaleel, who spoke exclusively, with our correspondent in Abuja , said none of the parties represented on the committee, knew the outcome of the discussions.

Khaleel, from the Northcentral, represented All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), in the committee.

Other parties represented were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP); All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) He said after discussions and the conclusion of the committee’s assignment, the Presidency promised to get

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

back to members on the Final Report but it never did.

He said: “We were part of the committee. We took those decisions but we never saw the Final Report to correct or amend it as any committee will do after concluding its assignment.

“They said they will call us to look at the total report so that we can get a clean copy and submit the Final Report to our parties. But they have never called us till date. That was the missing link.

Responding to a question, Khaleel added: “We don’t even have the Final Report.

What we had was the minutes of our meetings.

“So, all the parties in the Inter-Party Consultative Committee were ignorant of the resolutions in the Report.

“We felt used because the Presidency did not call us for the final report. I cannot deny at all, we discussed the single tenure proposal but they said they will call us for the Final Report to take

‘We just told our parties that the Final Report would soon come out. If they had given us the Final Report, the position of those parties might have been different on some issues, including the single tenure proposal’ back to our parties so that the parties will be in the picture and make amend if possible. They never did.

“They knew we were sent by our parties, they should have given us the Final Report “We just told our parties that the Final Report would soon come out. If they had given us the Final Report, the position of those parties might have been different on some issues, including the single tenure proposal.”

Asked to respond to alleged imposition of the sin-

gle tenure proposal on committee members, Khaleel said: “President Jonathan (who was then the VicePresident) was the chairman of the Inter-Party Committee throughout and he did not impose anything on us.

“So, nothing was doctored by either the President or the PDP. We agreed on issues based on consensus, including our recommendation of a single tenure of six years.

“Those from the PDP were only six, whereas those from other parties were 18.

There was no way they could have imposed the single tenure resolution on us.”

Pressed to comment on why members did not request for a copy of the Final Report, Khaleel said: “After the assignment, we had no access to the Presidential Villa again. When the InterParty Committee was meeting, our names were always submitted at the Villa gate for clearance. So, how do we get the Chairman of the Inter-Party Committee? He was the only one who could get us.

Explosion in Maiduguri

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Lawyer, others arraigned for alleged N6m loan fraud

By Joseph Jibueze

OR allegedly forging a sworn affidavit, a police report and a Lagos State Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate to obtain a N6million bank loan, a lawyer, Isaac Adiatu (42), was yesterday arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja.

He was docked along with Amos Olawale (44) and Nosa Ogbebor (47) before Magistrate O.A.Akinde on a fivecount charge of conspiracy to commit felony, forgery and fraud.

The police alleged that the defendants, with others at large, forged the documents on November 2, 2006.

They also allegedly faked a letter of consent, and a Certified True Copy (CTC) of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of a block of flats in Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos. The flats belong to Mr Yekini Kehinde.

Ogbebor was said to have used the forged C of O, deposed to by Adiatu, to obtain N6million loan from Intercontinental Bank Plc on January 24, 2007.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 117, 419A, 420, 435, 466 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria1990.

The three pleaded not guilty. Adiatu was granted bail and ordered to deposit a CTC of his Call-to-Bar Certificate and current law practice fee receipt.

Olawale and Ogbebor were granted bail for N1 million each with two sureties in like sum.

Their trial has been adjourned to September 2.

“I believe that since the government has all our numbers and addresses, it should have sent the Final Report to us as promised.”

Khaleel faulted the release of the list of members of the panel He added: “We were surprised and embarrassed. The report ought to have been published. Three years later after our assignment, someone now decided to release one of our recommendations to the public and our list.

“Even if the report was there, they should have said the Inter-Party Committee did this, they should not have published our names.

We are now in public court.

“But the truth is that we did a good job. Some of our recommendations, especially that of the establishment of Electoral Offences Commission, were adopted by the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Committee.

“I was a member of the sub-committee on Electoral Offences and all our recommendations were adopted by the Uwais Panel.”

F

•Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi (second left) with President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. John Jegede (second right)and members of the Executive Council during their visit to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

Tribunal dismisses petition against Senator Tinubu’s election

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HE Lagos State Legislative Election Petitions Tribunal yesterday dismissed a petition by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for the Lagos Central Senatorial District, Mr. Tolagbe Animashaun against the election of Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The tribunal held that the petitioner failed to comply with paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), requiring a petitioner to apply for the issuance of pre-hearing notice within seven days after close of pleadings.

The tribunal, in the ruling read by its Chairman, Justice Maurice Eneji, also awarded a cost of N10, 000 in Mrs. Tinubu’s favour.

By Eric Ikhilae

It upheld argument by Mrs. Tinubu’s lawyers that the petitioner was in error by not complying with the Electoral Act, an error which rendered the petition incompetent, fundamentally defective and denying the tribunal of the jurisdiction to hear the petition.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), in moving the motion on notice filed for Mrs. Tinubu, argued that the petitioner failed to file prehearing notice within seven days of his receipt of the first respondent (Mrs. Tinubu) reply to his petition.

He said that by paragraph 18 (1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the effect of failure to file pre-hearing notice within seven days is

dismissal of the petition.

“I agree, as rightly submitted by counsel to the 1st respondent, that by the provision of paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the petitioner ought to have filed a pre-hearing notice within seven days after his receipt of the first respondent’s reply to his petition.

“The effect of failure to file pre-hearing notice within seven days is dismissal of the petition. I agree entirely with the submission of the first respondent’s counsel on this issue. I further agree that, on the strength of the authorities cited in support of the first respondent’s submissions, this petition has been abandoned and should be dismissed,” the tribunal held.

The petitioner had, in his petition dated April 29 challenged the election of Mrs. Tinubu on two grounds: That the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010, and that ACN candidate was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

In the course of proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer, S. G. Salau indicated his intention to withdraw from the case on the ground that his brief was not perfected.

Also named as respondents to the petition were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Resident Electoral Officer for Lagos State and the Returning Officer, Lagos Central Senatorial District.

AIDUGURI, the troubled Borno State capital yesterday witnessed another early morning explosion. It was at the junction of Gomari Airport Road.

The Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order (ORO), Lt Col Hassan Mohammed told reporters in Maiduguri that the explosion occurred about 7.13 a.m.

He said: “Yes, there was an explosion at the junction of Gomari around 7.13 a.m. after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), was detonated by suspected Boko Haram sect members.

“The device was buried under the concrete pavement of the highway by the perpetrators.’’

He said the explosion did not result in any casualty as it occurred on the main road.

“There was no casualty recorded and no arrest was made by the JTF,’’ Mohammed said.

He said that contrary to the belief in some quarters that the military was involved in planting some of the bombs in the city, it had no hand in the crime.

“It is not true that our men were involved in planting bombs. This is actually a false propaganda by the Boko Haram sect members who are frustrated by the military.

“The military bombs are well known because they are quite distinct from the locally made ones used by the Boko Haram sect,’’ he said.

He, however, admitted that there might be one of two casualties after a blast following fire exchanges between the JTF and the sect members.

“Usually the Boko Haram sect members begin to fire immediately after an explosion.

“Their idea is to attract the JTF to the scene and attack them as soon as possible. But the military is always prepared and we engage them in a cross exchange of fire,’’ Mohammed said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

5

NEWS The weekly bill of N100,000 to keep 24-year-old Olumuyiwa Olalekan Bejide alive is weighing his parents down. But for him to stay alive, a whooping N7 million is required to fly the 400 level student of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) abroad for a kidney transplant; reports LEKE AKEREDOLU

‘My parents have sold all to keep me alive’ •FUTA student seeks N7m for kidney transplant

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EVENTEEN years on, Olumuyiwa Olalekan Bejide has been living with a kidney-related and medically adjudged terminal disease.

Bejide, 24, an indigene of ItapaEkiti, a sleepy community in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, had traversed a number of hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in search of solution.

At UCH, a test conducted on him confirmed that he had posterior ablation urethral valvotomy when he was seven. He was discovered as a child to always have difficulty while urinating. The problem was dealt with after a corrective surgery of the Posterior Urinary Valve (PUV). But he developed the symptoms of a kidney disease 16 years after.

Although, the management of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, has assisted Bejide, a 400 level Industrial Design student, with funds, but such intervention was just not enough to get him completely out of the dilemma.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

For him to stay alive and complete his education in the remaining academic session, Bejide would have to undergo a kidney transplant in India.And about N7 million is required.

Bejide’s health condition deteriorated last November when he discovered that he could no longer urinate normally, was weak, constantly vomiting, had breathing complications, lost appetite, had constant headache and abdominal pains.

He was diagnosed for end-stage kidney disease at UCH Ibadan in January and recommended to undergo compulsory heamodialysis three times in a week. He started the dialysis which costs N100,000 at UCH and has been doing it at Garki Hospital, Abuja for the sake of proximity.

But the harder his poor parents struggled to get him the needed relief, the tougher the situation had turned for them. According to him, his parents have spent over N3 mil-

lion on this ailment, stressing that they have sold all their belongings to keep him alive.

However, Bejide, the last child of his parents, is appealing to both the federal and state governments, philanthropists and individuals to assist him win the battle of his life.

The National Assocation of Nigeria Students (NANS) chairman in Ondo State, Omotayo Oladele confirmed that Bejide’s academic career is threatened.

Oladele, who urged government to come to their colleague’s aid, said: “His kidney had stopped working and this makes it difficult for him to urinate. One can imagine the pains he will be passing through.

“He needs to travel abroad to have a kidney transplant to get a permanent solution to this challenge. The family has spent millions on dialysis, medical tests, drugs and admission. He would need the assistance of well-meaning Nigerians.

“He’s been on this dialysis for about seven months. This has prevented him from continuing his studies.

•Mr. Olamilekan Bejide receiving treament at Garki Hospital in Abuja

The unfortunate aspect of it is that Bejide was unable to write the 1st semester examination.

“The family has exhausted their means of income and will therefore appreciate the benevolent contribu-

tions from kind-hearted people.

This N7 million is the total cost of the transplant, transportation and welfare of the patient, donor and a family member as well as posttransplant medications.”

PDP to register, revalidate members

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•The Obi of Onitsha, HRH Obi Nnaemeka Achebe being decorated in his palace by Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Osita Chidoka (right) and the National Coordinator, Special Marshals, Rev. Emma Otiaba...Monday

HEAD of its National Convention billed for February 25, 2012, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is to register and revalidate its members.

The Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje-led National Working Committee (NWC) said the registration and revalidation of party members will begin on September 1.

By December 5, the party will notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its forthcoming congress from the ward to national level in line with the section 85 of the Electoral Act which stipulates 21 days for such notification.

According to a memo sent to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP by its acting National Chairman, the registration and revalidation would last till the end of next

Name Yoruba bribe-takers, Afe Babalola, Ajakaye tell al-Mustapha

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RONTLINE lawyer Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, yesterday joined issues with the former Chhief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, Col. Hamza alMustapha, over the latter’s allegation that some Yoruba leaders were paid to compromise the controversial death death of Cheif MKO Abiola in detention.

Reacting to al-Mustapha’s claim, Babalola challenged the former CSO name the Yoruba leaders, who allegedly collected money from the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-ekiti

Federal Government to douse the tension triggered in the Southwest in the aftermath of the death of the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election.

Babalola, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, urged al- Mustapha not to stop at just making blank allegations, but take a bolder step by identifying those who actually benefitted in the bribery.

In his testimonies on Monday be-

fore Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos High Court al-Mustapha, said that the sum of $200 million, 75 million pounds and N500 million were withdrawn from the apex bank to reduce tension from the irate people of the Southwest.

He said although, the allegation was not actionable, it was a general statement without pointing to any specific person, saying that if al-Mustapha is bold enough, he should name names.

Also, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti

Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, said al-Mustapha’s tales was a general one without specific reference to any person.

The ceric described al-Mustapha’s claim as spurious and capable of heating up the polity and dividing the country along ethnic.

According to him, “if he (al-Mustapha) is sure of what he is saying, he should list the names, come with the video and audio evidences that he claimed he has rather than keeping Nigerians in suspense”.

14 dead as bus runs over robbery victims on Lokoja-Abuja road Continued from page 2 Police spokesman Ajayi Okesanmi said the hoodlums, who caused the accident, would be apprehended.

Speaking on behalf of the State Police Commissioner, Mr Amana Abakanga, Okesanmi said policemen were combing the suspects’

“hideouts”.

Okesanmi confirmed that the driver of the bus that ran over the people was in custody.

Hospital officials declined to speak to our reporter when he visited the Federal Medical Centre at about 5.30p.m yesterday, claiming they were not authorised to speak.

In Lagos, five persons died yesterday in an early morning multiple accident at Shogunle.

It was gathered that about 20 occupants of two commercial buses involved in the accident were seriously injured.

According to eyewitnesses, an interstate bus coming from Oshodi

collided with a commercial bus as it (the interstate bus) was trying to link the Agege Motor Road.

The commercial bus was on top speed, could not to stop. They collided.

The interstate bus tumbled, resulting in the killing of the five people. Other passengers were injured.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

month.

Baraje said the proposal was in line with Article 10(a) of the PDP’s constitution.

It was also gathered that the PDP, as part of its preparations for the congresses and national convention, would set up a fiveman Congress Committee for the ward, local government,state and zonal congresses, and a three-man appeal committee for the congresses.

Jonathan hails German envoy

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday commended the out-going German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Joachim Christoph Schmillen, for hard work during his tenure.

The President gave the commendation when the ambassador paid him a farewell visit at the State House.

He acknowledged Mr. Schmillen’s contributions, which included “strengthening the Nigeria - German Business Council, ensuring increased power sector cooperation, hosting the first visit of a German Chancellor to Nigeria in 33 years and witnessing two national elections in 2007 and 2011”.

Jonathan also recognised the efforts of the envoys spouse, Mrs. Maria Cecilia who had established the Abuja Metropolitan Orchestra, describing it as “wonderful”.

He assured the Schmillens of a warm welcome to Nigeria in future, and wished them the best at their next post.

The ambassador had earlier told the President that he had “a very interesting, extraordinary time in Nigeria, under three different Presidents”, adding that he was leaving, after “five wonderful years”, with a feeling of sadness.

6

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

NEWS

UNIJOS student is NANS president

‘I’m not Audu’s running mate’

•Five students hospitalised after clash

From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

A FORMER Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Chief Rotimi Obadofin, yesterday denied a rumor that he was lobbying to be the running mate to former governor Abubakar Audu.

Audu joined ACN recently.

There have been speculations that he had discussed with Audu to become his running mate.

But in a telephone interview with The Nation, Obadofin dispelled the rumour, saying it was unthinkable for him to do so.

He said: “At no time did I sit down with Prince Audu to discuss the issue of becoming his deputy. I had been a staunch member of the ACN before the arrival of Audu to our party. As an elder of the party, I have the responsibility to encourage and welcome Prince Audu with open mind and stretched arms of love.

“My discussion with Prince Audu was on how the ACN will take over power come 2012. Our party is a progressive one and we have agreed that there will be a primary.

Whoever becomes our candidate will enjoy our maximum support.

“I want to emphasise and inform my teeming supporters that the rumour was a mere palm wine, bar idle talk. I, Prince Rotimi Obadofin, am much in the race for the governorship of Kogi State for 2012. And with God on our side, victory is ours.”

Sokoto Police strengthen security THE Sokoto State Police Command yesterday said it has introduced new measures, including use of dogs and mounted police squad, to enhance security of lives and property.

Commissioner of Police Baba Bola Bolanta urged the residents not to panic at the sight of police dogs.

He said it was part of efforts to improve security.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto, the police chief said the command had deployed policemen from its anti-bomb units to strategic areas.

Bolanta said the move was to secure the state from trouble makers.

The police chief said officers and men of the command had been briefed on the need for preventive measures against any violence.

He said: “Sokoto State is one of the peaceful states in the federation and we will do everything at our disposal to sustain the tempo.”

He said the command adopted the new measures owing to the rising spate of attacks in parts of the North by a religious sect.

Bolanta said the police would soon organise a parley with Islamic scholars to ensure a hitchfree Ramadan period.

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

A

• Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right); his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (third left); Osun State Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (second left); Vice-President, Hongye Construction Group, Mr. Yang Hansheng (right); and Angela Song of the Chinese firm at the Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo...yesterday.

Rainstorm destroys over 50 houses in Jos

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HOUSANDS of Jos residents, the Plateau State capital, have become homeless following a rainstorm that accompanied a downpour yesterday.

The rainstorm, which began at 1.30pm, lasted over two hours.

It destroyed many homes, schools, electric poles, among others.

From yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Areas affected by the disaster are: Jenta Adamu, Tafawa Balewa Street, Zaria Bypass, Jubilee, Apata, as well as Kabong.

But the worst destruction occurred at Jenta Makeri, Jenta Adamu and Kabong.

The rainstorm felled

trees, which caused heavy traffic on some streets, especially Tafawa Balewa.

A model science primary and secondary school on the street was destroyed.

Residents were seen salvaging their belongings from the flood that followed the heavy rain.

At Zaria Bypass, trees fell on some cars parked at a car

stand, smashing their windscreens.

A car dealer, Victor Yohana said: “The storm destroyed my cars. I just came back with one of them from a workshop. It cost N5.6 million.”

The storm removed the roofs of two bungalows at Tafawa Balewa.

The roofs blocked the centre of the street.

Benue workers insist on N18,000 minimum wage

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S the Benue State Government began negotiation with Labour over the N18,000 minimum wage, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Simon Achaver, has said the workers would not accept anything below N18,000.

The Head of Service, Mr Mike Iyordye has been appointed as the leader of government negotiation team

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

while Simon Anchaver is leading Labour at the talks.

Speaking with The Nation after the inaugural meeting of the negotiation team, Anchaver said N18,000 is nonnegotiable.

He said what labour was discussing with the government was how to

pay the five months’ arrears.

Anchaver said: “I made it clear to the government that labour won’t go to the negotiation table to discuss N18,000 because it is already a law. Anything less is unacceptable to Benue workers.”

He assured the workers that labour would not disappoint them.

The union leader appealed for the support and coopera-

tion of the workers during the negotiation period.

On whether or not the workers would go on strike if the talks collapse, Anchaver said: “When we get to that bridge, we will know how to cross it.”

He noted that the government is labour-friendly, expressing the belief that the issue would be settle amicably in the interest of industrial harmony.

Tribunal grants Jang’s appeal

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HE Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Jos has granted Governor Jonah Jang and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leave to appeal against one of its decisions of July 25.

This tribunal’s decision followed an application by the counsel to the governor, which the counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Labour Pary (LP) governorship candidate, Mrs Pauline Tallen and LP did not oppose.

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

The tribunal had ruled against the counter-affidavit by counsel to Jang to set aside the pre-hearing conference and to dismiss Mrs Tallen’s petition for non-compliance with Paragraph 18[1] and for the 47[2] of the first schedule of the Electoral Act. Ruling on Jang’s application, tribunal chairman, Justice Joseph Jella, held that the petitioner had complied with the contentious provisions,

with the filing of the motion within the stipulated time.

Moving the motion on notice filed on July 28, counsel to the respondent, Lawrence Anya, prayed for an order of the tribunal granting leave to his client to appeal against the ruling of the tribunal delivered on July 25 at the Court of Appeal on the grounds of mixed law and facts.

Granting Jang’s appeal, Justice Jella said the application was proper as it would enable the decision of the tribunal to

•Jang

be tested at the Court of Appeal.

He adjoined the matter to August 9 for further prehearing.

STUDENT of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Mohammed Dauda, has been elected the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Two other students, suspected to be cult members, have been hospitalised following a clash between suspected rival cult groups in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

NANS electoral committee, which collated the results of the election at 2am on Tuesday, announced Dauda the winner of the election.

Kenneth Okorodas of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University (NDU), was elected Vice-President.

Governor Timipre Sylva kept vigil throughout the period of the election to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

Sylva, who congratulated Dauda on his victory, was honoured with an award of excellence.

But before the election began, there was a clash between two suspected cult groups on Sunday night.

It was gathered that a move by some students to ensure the victory of a particular student from the North led to the clash.

Five students were reportedly injured in the clash, which occurred in one of the hotels where the students were accommodated.

The students reportedly used knives and guns to injure one another.

A Police officer, who sought anonymity, said the rival cult groups first engaged in agun duel before security agencies curtailed them.

College sacks two lecturers From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

T

HE Niger State College of Education, Minna, has dismissed two lecturers over alleged sexual harassment of female students.

Eight others were suspended for flouting the directive that outlawed the sale of handouts.

The College Provost, Prof Faruq Haruna Rasheed, spoke in Minna, the state capital, at a school management meeting with Governor Babangida Aliyu.

He said the decision was part of efforts at sanitising the system, adding that the action was to uphold the ethics of the institution.

Kano tribunal dismisses Kwankwaso’s application

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HE Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has dismissed an application filed by Governor Musa Kwankwaso seeking the termination of the petition by the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai.

Takai is seeking the nullification of the April 26 election that produced Kwankwaso as governor.

Counsel to Kwankwaso, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), had

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

filed the application seeking the leave of the court to dismiss the petition by the ANPP. Olujimi prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition on the ground that counsel to Takai allegedly failed to comply with tribunal’s rules in filing the application.

He told reporters after the court proceedings that he did not consider the ruling of the tribunal as a setback, since the verdict was given in the in-

terest of justice.

Tribunal Chairman, Justice Iyabo Kasali, dismissed Kwankwaso’s application, saying the petition would be heard on its merit.

Justice Kasali held that “the petition will be heard on its merit as we have seen no extreme circumstance to use our discretion to move it out of pre-hearing session”.

He said: “The application by the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria is lacking in merit and wanting in substance, and is

hereby dismissed, as the tribunal is interested in substantial justice and not technical justice.”

With the ruling of the Tribunal, hearing of the petition would now continue, with the Tribunal Chairman fixing today, the 3rd of August for the cross examination of witnesses.

The Counsel to the ANPP Candidate, Barrister Mahmud Magaji told reporters at the end of the court session that he is excited by the

ruling of the Tribunal.

Magaji said “the application of the first respondent is to terminate the lifespan of the petition. We were to assemble our witnesses for trial today (yesterday), but we were ambushed with this application.

“We worked through the night to prepare our counter affidavit to respond to this motion this morning.

“We are excited that the tribunal in its wisdom dismissed the application of the respondent.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

7

NEWS

Daniel’s aides get 48 hours to return govt property From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

T

HE OGUN State Governor yesterday gave former aides of ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel 48 hours to return government property to the state.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun said the former aides have been sneaking in and out of their residential quarters at night to evade the property recovery team.

Amosun said: “They sneak into their homes at night.

Neighbours will tell you they don’t see anybody in the day, but at night they see traces of light at the houses.”

The governor spoke to reporters through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Yusuf Olaniyonu, at the Governor’s Office on Abeokuta, the state capital.

Olaniyonu said: “The executive council has given them a 48-hour ultimatum to hand them over to the appropriate quarters for documentation.”

He said a committee headed by the Commissioner for Housing, Falilu Sabitu, has been set up to recover the properties by whatever method it deems fit at the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum.

Three feared dead in Osun T bank robbery

HREE persons were feared dead yesterday, when armed robbers attacked a first generation bank in Isokun, Ilesa, Osun State.

Several others were injured.

The robbers, numbering eight, were said to have stormed the bank around 9 am.

It was gathered that they targeted the July salary of beneficiaries of the Osun State Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) believed to

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

have been lodged in the bank.

An eyewitness said the criminals destroyed the bank’s electronic security door with explosives and held up the staff and customers for about 15 minutes.

They later made away with cash in some ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags, although the spe-

cific amount is still unknown.

While the robbers were trying to escape from the town, it was gathered that an unidentified mobile policeman engaged them in a gun duel, but had to give up.

The bandits were said to have shot their way into Atakumosa Market, killing three persons and injuring many.

The injured were said to be receiving treatment at the Wesley Guild Hospital and the bodies deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Police Commissioner Solomon Olusegun, who confirmed the robbery, said no one was killed.

It was gathered that the bank’s police security guards, who were chased away by the robbers, later returned with reinforcement after the bandits had left, but they were attacked by angry residents.

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday inaugurated two towing vans and a towing truck valued at N92 million.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, the state capital, Mimiko said government took the measure to ease traffic.

The equipment, which he described as “the latest technology in the world,” would ensure swift evacuation of accident victims and vehicles from accident scenes.

Mimiko said: “Road traffic has increased significantly and if not properly managed, it could lead to systemic failure and impact negatively on the state’s economy through loss of productive hours.

“Traffic offenders will no more have a field day, as they will be apprehended and punished, especially through fines, thereby generating revenue for the state government. The list of the various traffic offences would soon be made available to the public by the Ministry of Transport.”

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

•Mimiko inspecting one of the towing vehicles...yesterday

Oyo PDP expels Folarin, Balogun, others

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EADERS of the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still fighting.

Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala’s faction yesterday announced the suspension of some factional leaders.

Kicked out were: Senator Lekan Balogun, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Senator Gbenga Babalola.

Their expulsion topped the communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged Executive meeting of the party held in Ibadan, the state capital, yesterday.

Balogun described the expulsion as “a huge joke,” insisting that the PDP state executive was illegally constituted.

“There’s nothing wrong,“ he said, “in rejecting anti-people candidates at the polls.”

He said the expelled members worked for the success of

•Balogun: nothing wrong in rejecting anti-people candidates From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

President Goodluck Jonathan in the same election.

The Director of Media and Strategy, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, said the PDP National Executive Council (NEC) frowned at the anti-party activities of many members of the party in the last election.

Consequently, it ordered the expulsion of those found culpable.

Thomas said the NEC insisted that those who have left the party must return through their wards, if they so desire.

Those who have left but are still serving on boards of federal agencies and parastatals should be removed by President Jonathan, he saids.

The communiqué also stated that meeting considered the report of a panel headed by former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, which was set up to examine the rea-

sons for the party’s loss in the Southwest in the last elections.

The committee’s report, according to the communiqué, said: “The anti-party activities of some leaders of the party including Chief Yekini Adeojo, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Senator Lekan Balogun, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Gbenga Babalola, Chief Ogunlade, among others, are shameful and totally condemnable…

“The meeting resolved that all those who had been involved in anti-party activities stand expelled. ” The meeting was attended

by Alao-Akala; Oyo PDP Chairman Chief Dejo Afolabi; Secretary Alhaji Bashiru Akanbi; former commissioners and other leaders of the party.

Balogun, who was the arrowhead of the campaign against Alao-Akala’s re-election, described the expulsion as “a huge joke and arrant lawlessness typical of the Alao-

Akala group.”

He said: “There is a lot left in the democratic arsenal to deal with these unthinking, crude politicians.

“Firstly, the ‘Executive’ that convened the meeting is illegal and unknown to law.

“Secondly, we all unconscientiously worked for Jonathan’s victory and the results showed. Is it anti-party to reject tyranny and anti-people candidates at the polls?

“Finally, the matter of whether or not the PDP had any candidate, lawfully, in the last election in Oyo State is still in court.

“I would not bother myself at this stage about “an Agagu Panel’ report. Suffice that the panel never met us for any discussion before making its recommendations, if such exists.

“What became of Ike Nwachukwu’s painstaking findings? Huge joke is the only way to describe the charade.”

How Ogun PDP chief forged signature, by police HE Police yesterday tendered in evidence a document by a Senior Forensic Expert, which showed that the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Bashorun Dayo Soremi, and four others forged a signature to aid the substitution of the candidate for Remo Federal Constituency, Hon. Dave Salako.

The accused are standing trial before Abuja Senior Magis-

T

WIFE of the Osun State Governor, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, yesterday called on Local Government authorities to work towards reducing maternal mortality.

Mrs. Aregbesola spoke at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo, the state capital, while inaugurating two ambulances that were donated to Comprehensive Health Centres in Oriade and Boripe Local Government Areas by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

She identified lack of proper healthcare and poor referral systems as the major causes of maternal mortality.

Mrs. Aregbesola urged expectant women to register early for ante-natal treatment at appropriate health centres.

She urged the councils to take good care of the ambulances, adding that others would soon benefit from the gesture.

Mrs. Aregbesola urged Muslims to pray for the success of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration during the Ramadan.

LAUTECH gets Acting VC

Ondo inaugurates N92m towing truck, vans

O

‘Reduce maternal mortality’

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

trate Oyebola Oyewunmi.

Others are Semiu Oladipo (Secretary), Adeja Olokun, Abiodun Taiwo and Aare Olufemi Dehinsilu.

At the resumed trial yesterday, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Adebowale Williams, tendered a “Report of Handwriting Analyst,” authored by a Senior Forensic Document Examiner, Deputy Superin-

tendent of Police (DSP) Olufemi Ayodele and marked Ex ‘A’.

The document revealed that the signature of Salako on the purported letter of voluntary withdrawal submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not match his (Salako) real signature.

It also revealed that the handwriting in the controversial letter is at variance with Salako’s handwriting.

The report reads: “Forensic examination and comparison conducted into the identifying characteristics of the handwriting/signature on the disputed document marked ‘B’ and those found and noted on the contemporary standard specimen marked A-A1 via FOSTER+FREEMAN document comparator machine, WALTEX LENS and Video Spectral revealed, amidst other defective line qualities on the

signature, tremulous curvatures, unnatural starts and terminals, common to a class of forged signature known as FREE-HAND SIMULATION. “When these afore mentioned trade marks and traits were compared with the master model specimen signature submitted for examination, the contrasting features were obvious.”

The trial was adjourned till August 9.

PROFESSOR Adeniyi Sulaiman Gbadegesin yesterday assumed duty as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho.

He was until his appointment a Professor of Geography, Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan.

He was appointed last week by the governments of the two-owner states, Oyo and Osun.

Addressing the Provost and deans at his maiden staff meeting, Prof. Gbadegesin called for the cooperation and support of everyone.

Ekiti Council of Chiefs gets new head From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

THE Owa-Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti, Oba Adedeji Gbadebo, is the new head of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council.

This preferment followed Governor Kayode Fayemi’s approval of the dissolution of the Oba Adetunji Ajayiled council, whose two-year term lapsed last Sunday.

A new council has been reconstituted. It comprises 27 first class monarchs, who are permanent members of the Council, and 25 grades B and C traditional rulers, who are in the council on a rotational basis.

According to a statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Dayo Fadipe, Oba Gbedebo’s appointment took effect from Monday.

Oba Gbadebo was installed as Owa-Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti in 2005. He is a permanent member of the Traditional Rulers’ Council.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

8

NEWS Akwa Ibom to immortalise Essien–Igbokwe

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HE Akwa Ibom State Government is to immortalise music maestro Mrs. Christy Essien-Igbokwe.

Governor Godswill Akpabio announced this when a delegation of the national burial committee, led by the •Akpabio former president of the Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Tony Okoroji, visited him at the Government House, Uyo. The Governor said he was deeply touched by the visit of the delegation, which he described as a show of love and expression of compassion by professionals in the entertainment industry.

Akpabio noted that the late Essien Igbokwe was during her days an ambassador for the state and great ICON which is still being held in high esteem even in death.

“You recalled that the late entertainment icon made excellent performance which commanded respect for the average Akwa Ibom person and the country at large” he said.

He sympathised with the immediate family of late Essien Igbokwe and the entire state and enjoined the people to take heart from the fact that the deceased made impact during her life time.

Okoroji accompanied by Ms. Onyeka Onwenu as well as broadcaster Bisi Olatilo.

He said the visit was to seek co-operation and support from the state for a befitting national burial for the late Mrs. Essien Igbokwe.

PUBLIC NOTICE DIVINE WORD & FIRE GLOBAL MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for incorporation under the Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: (1) Pastor Okonkwo Francis Chinedu (General Overseer) (2) Evangelist Mrs Okonkwo Jennifer Chinenye (Secretary) (3) Mr. Okonkwo Favour Chimeremeze (4) Mr. Okonkwo Dominion Chinedu (Treasurer) AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: (1) To preach the word of God (2) To restore man back to the original plan of God (3) To set the captive free through the message of deliverance (4) To bring hope to the hopeless (5) To heal the sick and raise the dead (6) To restore the broken homes and rebuild broken families Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Pastor Okonkwo Francis Chinedu

PUBLIC NOTICE UNICEM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under PART “C” of the companies and Allied matter Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

DIDIER TRESSARRIEU 2.

OLIVER LENOIR 3.

LEO COTTI 4.

AYI ITA AYI 5.

OLUSEGUN BASORUN AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To groom and sponsor 2. To contribute to the overall development of the host communities.

Any objection should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama P.M.B 198 Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Sign: BARR. LAWRENCE GARRICK

Women held for feigning kidnapping

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WO women, who arranged their own abduction to extort money from their husbands, have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command.

Mrs. Felicia Morgan and Mrs. Helen Aigboje raised the alarm that they had been abducted.

Commissioner of Police David Omojola, said yesterday that the women went into hiding, and called their husbands, demanding N7 million for their release.

Omojola said luck ran out on the suspects and their conspir-

•Five get N22m from four victims From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ators when their husbands reported the kidnapping to the police.

“The women confessed that they intended to share the ransom between them,” he stated.

When questioned, the women said they were only joking and that they never intended that it would be taken serious by the police.

Also, five kidnap suspects, who had collected N22million

from their victims, were paraded.

They include Victor Agbarese (34) and Etiosa Enotiomwanwan (32), who were arrested at Ogua Village.

Omojola said the suspects confessed to have abducted Frank Osunde, who paid N6 million; Idiaha Victor, who paid N10 million and Aluhan; N4 million.

Three others, Erhunmwensee Ogunwi (28); Samuel Akhilomen (25) and Richard Evwanta (25) were arrested in connec-

tion with the kidnap of the wife of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Florence Obayuwana.

They allegedly collected N2 million.

Items recovered from them were three AK-47 rifles; three magazines with eight rounds of ammunition; 38 live cartridges; seven phones; N605,000; two revolvers; one Brawny pistol; two locally made pistols and an Audi 80 Saloon car.

Omojola said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Gunmen abduct UNIUYO Chief Medical Officer

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NKNOWN gunmen yesterday abducted the Chief Medical Officer of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) Health Centre, Dr. Ini Enang, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Four days ago, hoodlums snatched the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government, Godwin Ekpo, during a football tournament in Ikot Ekpene Local Government.

Ekpo’s abductors are demanding N300 million.

Enang, a gynaecologist, was kidnapped in his private clinic on Ikot Ekpene road, Uyo, by

•Demand N100m ransom From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

a six-man squad, who stormed the hospital pretending to be patients.

The whereabouts of the duo remained unknown.

According to a family source, the hoodlums, who visited Enang’s clinic, were armed with AK 47 rifles.

The gunmen shot sporadically into the air before escaping with the doctor.

The source added that the gunmen, shortly after, contact-

ed the family and demanded N100million before their victim would be released.

“Where do the kidnappers expect the doctor to get N100million from? It is high time the Federal Government addressed the spate of kidnapping in Akwa Ibom State.

“We are appealing to the kidnappers to release him because he is on essential service to the state. There is no way we can raise N10million let alone N100million, ”the source said.

A council chairman, who

pleaded for anonymity, said negotiations are on to see how Ekpo’s abductors could reduce the ransom.

The state ALGON Chairman, Nse Ntuen, is expected to present the position of the association on the development soon.

Police spokesman Onyeka Orji said he was not aware of the abduction of the UniUyo chief medical officer.

Orji said: “I am not aware of the abduction of the chief medical officer. I will get across to the anti-kidnapping squad and get back to you later.”

‘Cross River bought aircraft to boost tourism’

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HE Cross River State Government has said the aircraft it bought from the Rivers State Governnment was $6million and not $9million, as widely reported.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ugbe, the government said the aircraft was bought for tourism purposes.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to reports in the papers of July 27, crediting Rivers State Governor as saying that Rivers State Government sold one of its three aircraft to Cross River State for $9 mil-

lion.

“Negotiation for the said aircraft (DASH 8 Propeller aircraft), which was bought for purely commercial reasons, was concluded in 2009 with an agreement signed for the purchase at $6million (N900,000,000) and not $9million (N1.3 billion) as said in the report.

“Before the signing of the agreement, the Cross River State Government engaged the services of an aviation consultant, who inspected the aircraft and said the interior needed to be reconfigured from its VIP configuration to a 32-seater commercial con-

figuration.

“He gave the value to be between $8 and $12million.

“The main reason for acquiring the aircraft was to ease access to the Obudu Maintain Resort, which is experiencing below average patronage due to the difficulty in access and unavailability of scheduled flights to the resort.

“The aircraft, to be operated by a commercial airline, will charge commercial rates, and operate scheduled flights to Bebi Airstrip.

“The two states had agreed on instalmental payment, spread over two years and Cross River has paid about

N256 million.

“This is because the week after negotiations were completed, Cross River State suffered dwindling revenue with the loss of some oil wells to Akwa Ibom State.

“The Liyel Imok-led administration is a responsible and responsive government, which would never engage in frivolous expenditure.

“The administration is known for its prudent management of resources, which accounts for the massive developmental strides achieved across the state, despite its lean resources.”

Labour declares strike in Edo today

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IVIL servants in Edo State will embark on a solidarity strike today with teachers in public schools over their exclusion from the new minimum wage.

The seven-day ultimatum issued by Organised Labour to the government to address the non-inclusion of teachers

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

and others in the minimum wage expired yesterday.

A communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC)signed by NLC Chair-

man Emman Ademokun; Joe Aligbe (TUC) and Shaka Otoide (JNC) urged the workers to remain at home.

The communiqué reads: “Consequent upon the failure of Edo State Government to address the ultimatum earlier issued, the entire Edo State Government workforce is hereby directed to com-

mence an indefinite strike with effect from today.

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to file a legal action to force the state government to conduct elections into the 18 local councils.

It gave the government one month to dissolve the present caretaker committee.

Teenagers’ bodies discovered in Edo WO persons, 19-yearold Vincent Egwuchi and 11-year-old Oziegbe Osakwe were found dead at different locations in Edo State.

Egwuchi’s decomposing body was found dangling from a tree at Ubiaja, the headquarters of Esan Southeast Local Government.

He was said to have been last seen on July 22.

T

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

A source said the deceased was an Abuja-based automobile engineer, who complained of low patronage.

The source said no suicide note was left and that his remains had been taken to a mortuary.

Osakwe, a primary-six pupil, was said to have been found tied to a window pro-

tector, a few hours after he returned home from school last Tuesday.

The incident led to the authorities of his school, Classic Academy Nursery and Primary School, Aduwawa, to cancel their graduation ceremony scheduled to hold last Friday.

It was gathered that the late Osakwe was the only child of

his mother and the eldest of his father, who is now remarried.

His grandfather, Mr. Eboehise, said he was drinking the water Oziegbe fetched for him, when other children in the house screamed “OZ don die”.

Eboehise said he saw the boy’s neck tied with his shirt to an iron bar in a window in the house.

Two killed in bank robbery

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WO persons were killed yesterday and many others injured, when armed robbers raided a new generation bank in Uromi, Esan Northeast Local Government of Edo State.

The hoodlums were said to have stormed the bank in a bus, forced their way in and started shooting sporadically.

Sources said the incident lasted over one hour, with the

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

robbers carting away huge sums of money.

Banks in Uromi and its environs closed for more than two months, owing to incessant robberies.

Police spokesman Peter Ogboi said he was aware of the incident but had not been given details.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

9

NEWS

CAN to police chief: you lied about Southern Kaduna attack

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HE Kaduna State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday said Police Commissioner Bala Mohammed Nasarawa goofed when he said no Southern Kaduna village was attacked by foreign mercenaries on July 24.

CAN said contrary to the police chief’s claim, two communities were attacked and three people injured.

Its Chairman in Jama’a Local Government Area, the Rev. Joseph Yari, told reporters in Kaduna that Nasarawa was taking sides with those who attacked the villages.

He queried the release of the 15 suspects arrested by soldiers during the attack and handed over to the police.

Yari said with the ongoing security challenges in the country, CAN expected that those arrested would be investigated and their mission unraveled to check further insecurity.

Yari said: “To make the matter more suspicious and unjust, it has come to our notice that the 15 people arrested have been released. The police boss was being economical with the truth, and this is a bad omen for tackling the crisis bedeviling the peace and stability of Kaduna State.

“It is an open and a well known issue. The situation cannot be covered or twisted by the commissioner because intelligence agencies are aware of the incident, which

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

he has presented to suit his personal volition. We consider this to be the suppression of the truth and an active partnership in mischief, falsehood and gargantuan exchange of facts for fiction.

“The same police commissioner, who said there was no attack later said about six persons were injured on both sides and were brought to the police station by his men assisted by the Army. He also took sides, saying the suspects were not carrying any ammunition and that the Fulani men, on interrogation, said they were just passing through those villages when they were rounded up by the villagers.”

The cleric posed some questions for Nasarawa to answer.

He asked how the police, who were supposed to investigate the matter, could say the Fulani men were just passing and looking for grazing field by 1am and without their cattle or household, when there was still curfew.

Yari said: “To us, the police commissioner has taken sides to argue that the suspects were rounded up on mere suspicion. He forgot to ask: why is it that other Fulanis, who had been passing through the communities until then, were never suspected and rounded up?”

The cleric said the association was committed to peace and security in Kaduna, adding that this would only happen when the residents tread the path of truth.

Belgore, Mimiko, others condole with crash victims From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin and Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Belgore

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HE Kwara State governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), has condoled with the family of the late

Managing Director of Bacita Sugar Company and Chief Executive of Josepdam Port Services Limited, Mrs Damilola Kuteyi, and those of other victims of last Friday’s helicopter crash.

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and an ACN chieftain, Bola Ilori, have condoled with the family of the deceased.

The late business woman, her personal assistant and Filipino pilot died in the crash in Ife-Odan, Osun State.

In a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, the ACN candidate noted that “the death of Mrs. Kuteyi, a gem in the Nigerian private sector, is a great loss, not only

Six-year tenure proposal a diversion, say activists

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PRO-DEMOCRACY group, the National Democratic Forum (NDF), yesterday said the proposed constitutional amendment of a six-year single term for the President and governors is a diversionary tactic of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group noted that the Goodluck Jonathan administration threw up the proposal because it lacked solution to the country’s socio-economic problems.

Addressing reporters after the National Executive Coun-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

cil (NEC) meeting of the forum in Minna, the Niger State capital, its National Coordinator, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, accused the President of leaving many problems unsolved while pushing for tenure elongation.

Vatsa said throughout the electioneering campaign period, the President made many promises to Nigerians, raised the hopes of the electorate on his readiness to fix the economy and other social problems.

The forum said Jonathan has reneged on those promises by presenting another agenda, which deviates from his pre-election promises.

It said: “President Jonathan’s single term agenda is diversionary. This is another PDP deceit. It is not the duration of your term but the ability to fix the problems of the country that matters.”

The group queried the rationale behind the proposed bill, arguing that the concern of the masses is not in tenure but the availability of basic human needs.

NDF wondered why the

President placed priority on a bill that would favour a few elite at the expense of the needs of the nation.

The forum said: “The state of our roads is nothing but a death trap. Our hospitals are slaughter slabs. Our industries are dead for lack of power supply and our public schools, from primary to tertiary, nothing to write home about. Our President and his PDP are not concerned about all these. Rather, they are pushing bills to elongate their tenure and protect their interest.”

to the Nigerian private sector but also to the country, which is in dire need of technocrats of her ilk”.

He prayed that God would grant her family and the families of other victims the fortitude to bear the loss. I urge them to take solace in the fact that God gives and takes.”

Sympathisers have been thronging Mrs Kuteyi’s family home at Famakinwa Street, on Ondo/Akure Road, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Mimiko expressed sadness over her death, saying it has robbed Nigeria and Ondo of an illustrious daughter.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr. Kolawole Olabisi said Mimiko cancelled his official engagements at the weekend on hearing of Mrs Kuteyi’s death.

He said: “She was there for us in our trying moments. She was an illustrious daughter of Ondo kingdom and the development of that community was always uppermost on her mind. The Ondo kingdom and the state would miss her so dearly.”

Ilori said the late Mrs. Kuteyi was a pride to the womenfolk and a source of inspiration for the young and old.

He said: “Her death is a great loss to the state and Ondo community.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

10

RAMADAN NEWS Yakowa offers free meal

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ADUNA State Governor Patrick Yakowa yesterday directed the 23 local government areas to create feeding centres and provide free food for Muslims during the Ramadan period.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Buhari and made available to The Nation, the governor said the directive became necessary in keeping with the generosity and kind-heartedness associated with the holy month.

The free feeding exercise was started in the state last year when Yakowa assumed office following the elevation of his former boss to the po-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

sition of Vice-President.

The statement said the decision to provide free meal for the less privileged in the state is to ensure that all Muslim faithful comfortably break their fast, irrespective of their financial situation.

The governor also directed that a monitoring committee be set up to ensure compliance with the free feeding initiative by all the councils.

The governor enjoined Muslims to dwell on selflessness, charity and compassion which are values that unite Muslims and non-Muslims to continue to live in harmony.

Lagos lawmaker preaches rededication

By Oziegbe Okoeki

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EPUTY Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rotimi Abiru has stressed the need for elected officials to rededicate themselves during the Ramadan

•Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (left) greeting Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim during a Tafsir at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja. With them is Alhaji Muhammed Jebe.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

period.

The lawmaker urged Muslims to move closer to Allah “who could turn around the situation of the country.”

Abiru who represents Shomolu Constituency II urged Muslim brothers and sisters to seek blessings from Allah.

He said: “This is a period where the door to hell fire is shut and the one to heaven is opened. It is a period where a lot of goodies are expected from the Muslims. And of course, the Quran, which is our own constitution, has stated the dos and don’ts of a good Muslim.

“It is true that we see a lot of abstainers from all of our old ways, but the best we can do to support ourselves as Muslims is to permanently shut our eyes to those vices that we sacrificed during the Ramadan period.”

He, however, enjoined public office holders to rededicate themselves as a way of bringing peace and stability to the country.

“It is not for only public office holders, but whoever has the love of the country at heart, because if we all rededicate ourselves and return to God at this period, the country will be a better place for all of us to live in,” Abiru added.

Ex-Ekiti deputy governor urges generosity

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ORMER Ekiti State deputy governor and Baba Adinni of Ekitiland Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal has urged Muslim faithful to assist the needy during the Ramadan period.

The former deputy governor, in a statement issued on Monday at Ado Ekiti, said that the month is a period for sober reflection, selflessness, deep prayers and disengagement from all frivolous activities.

He advised Muslims to adhere strictly to Islamic tenets during the fasting period, which he said is compulsory, except for those that are ill and

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

expectant mothers, who may not be able to fast.

Explaining that the period is not meant for abstinence from food and drinks only, Lawal said: “Your eyes, hands, mouths and other parts of your body must fast with you so that your fasting will not be in vain” Lawal enjoined Muslims to show love to their neighbours, especially the poor and strive to forgive those that may have wronged them, saying “love is the bedrock of religion”

Don stresses unity at lecture From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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USLIMS have been urged not to relent in their efforts to achieve peace and unity in the country.

Delivering a lecture entitled: Who is a Muslim at the Pre-Ramadan programme organised by the Nasrullahi-li-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Abuja branch, a University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) lecturer, Dr Abubakar Aliagan stressed the need for Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad.

Urging Muslims to live in accordance with the messages of the Quran and practices of Prophet Muhammad, the lecturer described anyone who rejects any part of the Quran as an apostate.

He bemoaned the discrimination among Muslims which had often resulted in sects clashes.

Explaining who a Muslim is, Aliagan said: “A Muslim is he who avoids harming a fellow Muslim with his tongue and hands; so whosoever and for whatever reasons raises a dagger or anything that is injurious against a fellow Muslim, you should know that he is not a Muslim.

“Wherever you see Muslims terminating the lives of others at will; they are not following the teachings of Islam. They are following their own inward conviction and their inward caprices.”

Going down the memory lane, Aliagan said the biggest problem facing Muslims in Nigeria is lack of coordinated leadership, most especially as it relates to issues affecting their corporate existence.

•Members of Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF) with the Founder and President of FCF, widow of the late Kafaru Tinubu, Alhaja Bintu Fatima (third right) during its pre-Ramadan lecture at the City Hall, Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Oshiomhole urges Muslims to serve humanity

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OVERNOR of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole has urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity.

The governor said they should pray for the peace and stability of the country.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, enjoined the faithful to use the holy

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

month for personal restitution, piety and renewed commitment to Allah’s injunction.

“The holy month of Ramadan offers all Muslims nationwide the opportunity to reconnect to their creator and rededicate themselves to the service of humanity,” he said.

“Nigeria needs the prayers of the Muslim Ummah for peace, stability and prosperity, especially at this critical period. I therefore appeal to all faithful to remember our state and the nation in their personal and collective supplications to Allah.”

The governor thanked the Muslim community in the state for its support and

•Oshiomhole

prayers for his administration.

Pray against breakup, lawmaker tells Muslims

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MEMBER of the House of Representatives from Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, Opeyemi Bamidele, has appealed to Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to pray against possibilities of a breakup in the country.

Bamidele, who chairs the Ad-hoc Committee on Information and Public Affairs, said the month presents opportunities

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

for Muslims to make atonements and self cleansing.

The former Lagos State Commissioner for Information admitted that the spate of bombings in the country poses serious threats to the nation’s unity.

He stated that all peace loving Nigerians should

use the fast to pray for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmaker urged Muslims to pray to Allah to touch the minds of Nigerian leaders, so that they can serve the people with utmost dedication, selflessness and with the fear of God. He appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to move away from violence

and embrace the peace initiated by the Federal Government.

Bamidele explained that Prophet Muhammed, who was the symbol of Islamic faith, preached against destruction and killing in the name of religion.

He warned Nigerian leaders against making statements and comments that could widen the gulf among ethnic groups in the country.

11

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

China votes $5b for Africa

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DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$119.8/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.82 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.2% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -8% Foreign Reserve -$34.4bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 210 £ 241.00 $ 150.00 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 241.5 RIYAL 39.3

-Musa Sada, Minister of Mines and Steel Development

Oando, Canadian oil firm in acquisition talks

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

HE Chinese Govern ment has voted $5bil lion for investments in Africa, Vice- President of the China-Africa Development Fund, Hu Zhirong has disclosed.

Speaking when he led a sixman delegation on a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa, in her office in Abuja last Friday, the Vice-President said the private equity fund would be administered by the China-Africa Development Fund.

BPE Spokesman, Mr. Chukwuma Nwokoh, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

He said the Chinese Government had in Beijing set aside the funds to boost investments in developing economies particularly in the area of infrastructural development but that Nigeria had not benefitted from it.

However, he said, given the vast economic potentials in Nigeria, a delegation from the Fund was in the country to explore areas of interest where the funds could be invested.

Zhirong added that the funds were not for financing, but for investments in which the Chinese Government through its business community could take up shares in enterprises of interest in Nigeria.

Since arriving in Nigeria, he said the delegation had held consultations with some businessmen during which it discovered that there were investment opportunities in the power, road and transport sectors.

“We have held wide consultations since arrival in Nigeria and during our discussions we discovered that there are immediate investment opportunities in power and road, particularly the Benin- Ore Road”, he said.

Getting information on geological data that the investor is not comfortable with is very frustrating. It means there is a disconnect the dissemination of information. The whole idea now is to ensure that effective dissemination starts.

O

ANDO Plc and a Ca nadian upstream oil company, Exile Resources Incorporation, have entered into an agreement under which Oando would acquire significant shares in the foreign oil company for some upstream assets of Oando.

Exile is a quoted company which produces petroleum and natural gas in Turkey, Nigeria and Zambia.

Under the deal, Oando would get 100 million postconsolidation ordinary shares in Exile for some interests in its oil and mining licences.

Oando’s interests in the oil mining leases and oil prospecting licences, which are

By Taofik Salako

held through direct and indirect subsidiaries located in Nigeria, include producing, development and appraisal and exploration assets of oil fields located in onshore and offshore Nigeria, the Nigeria Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Zone, and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Sao Tome and Principe.

Latest audited report showed that oil exploration and production contributed $131 million to Oando’s $2.55 billion group turnover in 2010..

The initial agreement signed last Thursday would pave the way for the two

companies to undertake due diligence before a final acquisition agreement, which is expected to be completed on or before September 30, 2011.

Although details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, two conditions that are important to the signing of the final agreement are that each of the Oando’s assets and companies comprising the upstream assets will maintain its status as an indigenous company.

However, Exile intends to change its name and effect a consolidation of its shares such that the current its shareholders shall receive in exchange for each 20 shares held, one post-consolidation share

and two purchase warrants of the firm, one of which will be for one share for $3 per share for 12 months; and the second of which, will be for one share for $4 per share for two years.

Upon completion of the restructuring, it is expected that the existing management team of Exile will be retained and assigned mutually acceptable roles and Oando will have the right to appoint members to the management team of Exile.

The board of directors of Exile is expected to comprise three nominees of Oando, two from Exile and two independent directors while Oando’s Group Managing Director, Mr Wale Tinubu, may chair the new company.

AfDB grants N25b loan for Nigeria

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ESIDENT Representa tive of Africa Develop ment Bank (AfDB), Mr Ousmane Dore, has said the bank has mortgaged N25 billion ($155 million) into the energy sector to develop Nigeria’s economy.

Dore told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the N25 billion loan, which was signed in March, had been approved by the bank since 2009.

He said the bank had some ongoing projects and had to lend to commercial banks for development purposes.

He said the bank also had two sovereignty guarantee loans with a total of N105.89 billion ($700 million), aimed at developing the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and create job opportunities in the country.

He said the beneficiaries of the loan were Bank of Industry and Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).

“The objective of the project is to create employment and to boost non-oil sector.

“Nigeria has grown well, but this growth has not translated into real employment,” Dore said.

Dore said the bank was undertaking two studies - the domestic resource mobilisation and the flat shape study report.

He said the domestic resource mobilisation had not yet taken off, while the other was almost completed.

NAICOM arrests five illegal insurers From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

• From left: President, African Business Roundtable, Dr Bamanga Tukur; Delta State Commissioner for Multilateral Relations Aid, Mrs Gloria Okolugbo, and Chief of Staff, Akwa Ibom State Government House, Mr Godwin Afangideh, during the presentation of the book entitled “Entrepreneurial Revolution in Nigeria” in Abuja...yesterday

CBN extends credit guarantee for Oceanic Bank • Approves IFRS Academy for Accounting Board

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) yesterday extended Oceanic Bank’s interbank guarantee from September 30 to December 31, 2011.

This is in fulfilment of its promise to extend interbank guarantee to any of the rescued banks that have signed a Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA).

Oceanic Bank had signed a TIA with its preferred bidderEco Transnational Incorporated (ETI) last Thursday.

This is coming two weeks after those of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc and FinBank Plc were extended following their ability to progress to the TIA stage in their recapitalisation.

Ajewole disclosed that after the TIA signed between Oceanic and Ecobank Transnational International on July 30 this year, the CBN has resolved to extend Oceanic

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

bank’s interbank guaranty from September 30 to December 31, 2011.

The other four rescued banks in the 2009 N720billion bailout (Spring Bank Plc, Equitorial Trust Bank, Afribank Nigeria Plc and Bank PHB Plc) are also at various stages of recapitalisation even has the banking watchdog insisted that the September 30 recapitalisation deadline remain sacrosanct.

Speaking at the end of the Bankers’Committee meeting in Abuja yesterday, CBN’s Director of Banking Supervision, Mr Joe Ajewole, said after the TIA signed between Oceanic and ETI the CBN has resolved to extend Oceanic Bank’s interbank guarantee to December.

TIA is irrevocable. It a legal document specifying that the transactions have advanced and are binding by both par-

ties.

With the signing of TIA by Oceanic Bank, Ajewole, who assured assured depositors of the rescued banks that their money would not be trapped in the banks that fail to recapitalise on or before September ending, said the substantial portion of the deposit of the intervened banks have been resolved. “Indeed, about 80 per cent of such has now been resolved and we are sure that by the deadline of September 30, 2011, all the intervened banks would have been recapitalised in one way or the other,” he assured.

He said the committee also approved the establishment of an academy for capacity building for banks by the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board (NASB) in International Financial Reporting Standards.

Speaking on behalf of banks, the Group Managing Director of First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) Mr Layi Balogun,

said banks have agreed to support the CBN’s Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending initiative.

However, only 10 sub-sectors in agriculture would be given special priority in the area of funding. They are tomato, cotton, rice, cocoa, livestock, fish, palm oil, soya beans, cassava and maize.

Group Managing Director, Union Bank PLC, Mrs Funke Osibodu, said the bank had engaged in capacity building to enhance infrastructure in the banking sector.

She said it targeted to train about 250 employees to be specialists on infrastructure, especially in power.

She added that 160 officers had been trained and assured that many more would benefit.

The committee also agreed to build capacity in infrastructure to enable it to effectively finance key sectors of the economy.

T

HE National Insurance C o m m i s s i o n (NAICOM) yesterday arrested five illegal insurance operators in Abuja.

The arrest, according to a statement from NAICOM, was part of its continuing efforts at ridding the country of fake and illegal insurers.

The arrests were made following a raid on the Area 1 vehicle licensing office in Garki by the NAICOM taskforce team comprising armed policemen, insurers and staff of the commission.

Among those arrested were three ladies and two men, who were parading themselves as agents of NEM and Universal Insurance companies.

Some fake insurers certificates and receipts purported to belong to these companies were retrieved from them.

They were immediately handed over to the police at the Garki police station for further investigations and possible prosecution.

NAICOM carried out a similar exercise on Monday last week at the Vehicle Inspection Officer’s (VIO) head-office, Mabuchi-Abuja were more than six people including a VIO officer were arrested.

12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

BUSINESS NEWS ‘N97.5b invested in outdoor ads’

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

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LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

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LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

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LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 07.30 Arik Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana 1. IRS 2. Arik

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 11.15 13.15 15.50 18.00

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

A

• From left: CEO, Teledom Group, Dr Emmanuel Ekwwem, Senator Olugbenga Obasare and Chairman, Openmedia Group, Mr Ernest Ndukwe at this year’s Broadband Investment Summit in Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

NDIC pays N3.3b to failed banks’ depositors M

ANAGING Director of Nigerian Deposit Insur ance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim, has said the agency paid N3.3 billion out of N5.2 billion insured deposits of the 35 banks liquidated during the 2005 consolidation exercise.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new Executives of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos, Ibrahim said in addition, the Corporation paid N6.1 billion out of the N11.5 billion dividend declared to the depositors of the banks.

Represented by the NDIC’s Spokesman, Mr Sule Birchi,

By Collins Nweze, Akinola AjIbade and Tonia Osundolire

Ibrahim said the corporation has concluded payment of N2.03billion to the 69,000 depositors of 91 out of 92 microfinance banks which came forward for their deposits.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had revoked the licences of 105 microfinance banks, for offences ranging from weak risk management frameworks, corruption, and inability to meet their statutory obligations to depositors. Subsequently, the

banks were handed over to the financial undertakers to ensure that their depositors were paid.

Out of the 105 banks, only 92 were deemed certified for meeting the laid down rules of the NDIC. He said the introduction of MfBs in 2005 was meant to ensure financial inclusion that would bring banking to the door steps of the poor. “It is believed that an effective inclusion in financial system with a broadbased provision of financial services, will not only enhance productivity, but innovativeness, as well as reduce poverty rate in the country,” he said.

Petroleum firms sign $5b MoU for liquefied gas

A

N international oil and gas firm owned by a Nigerian, Drake Oil Limited, yesterday signed a $5billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SK Group for the gas to liquid project in Rivers State.

Its Chairman, Dr. Sam Dede, disclosed at a briefing with newsmen in Abuja, that the project is larger than any other petroleum refinery deal in the country.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

It is located in the area because of the availability of feedstockin the state, he said.

On the Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) project, which was also part of the pact they signed, he noted that the project would cost $500billion.

He said the company would produce about 40,000 cylinders daily and that the firm has already made ar-

rangement for its take-off.

“So very soon, within the next six to nine months, we would have mobilised to start production,” he noted.

Dede also said the project would employ many graduates and nongraduates.

He said the MoU was also for the SK Group to control and eliminate gas flaring from the country.

Sambo orders ALSCON to dredge River Imo

V

ICE-PRESIDENT Namadi Sambo has expressed his consternation over the failure of the management of Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) to dredge the Imo River after collecting N19.2billion ($120million).

The contract was awarded in 2005 to Dayson Holdings Limited, the core investor of the privatised company.

Sambo, who had in recent times, lamented the failure of most of the privatised companies, was worried that after six years, ALSCON is yet to start work.

He has, therefore, directed the company, to within the next two

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

weeks come up with the programme of dredging the River.

According to a statement from the office of the Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the VicePresident, Sambo expressed his anger on Monday when he met with the Minister of Transport, Management of Dayson, Bureau of Public Enterprises and other stakeholders.

“Worried by the delay to dredge the Imo River after Dayson Holding Limited has signed an agreement in 2005 and collected $120,000,000, Vice President Sambo ordered the company to come up with a technical implementation

strategy, bill of quantity, operational plan and design and roadmap of the dredging of Imo River within two weeks,” the statement stated.

Meanwhile, ALSCON located in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State is managed by a company, Rusa,l which was not part of the privatisation agreement. This anomaly, the vice president warned, is unacceptable.

The statement also noted that the vice president urged Dayson Holding Limited to resolve whatever problem it has with relevant stakeholders on the acquisition and effectiveness of the company.

Nigerians lose N350m annually on fake electricity HE Standard Organisation of bulbs, says SON as simple as a bulb.”

He said there was no going back Nigeria (SON) says Nigeri

T

ans lose N350 million annually on the purchase of sub-standard electricity bulbs.

Director-General of SON, Mr Joseph Odumodu,who stated this yesterday in Abuja, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that almost all the bulbs in the market are sub-standard.

He said: “About 15 years ago, when you fix a bulb in your house, it could last for a year or two, but

the situation has changed as bulbs now last for a month or even less.

“A sub-standard bulb costs N100, while an original bulb sells for N500. You must buy at least 12 bulbs for N1,200 in a year.

“You lose N700 in one household.

There are over 500,000 households in Nigeria. Multiply 500,000 households by N700, you will know how much Nigeria is losing for one item

on the August 15, deadline given to dealers in sub-standard products to stop importing fake goods into the country, adding that there would be no hiding place for them.

“From August 15, sub-standard products dealers will no longer have a hiding place and we shall enter the markets. We will impound the products and destroy them and prosecute the dealers of such products,” he said.

BOUT N97.549 billion was invested on outdoor adver tising (above the line advertising activities) in Nigeria in 2010.

This was contained in the latest edition of Mediafacts, an annual publication of MediaReach OMD, one of Nigeria’s most influential media independent agencies.

This figure, according to a statement, includes funds invested on television, radio, outdoor, and press advertisements during the past year.

According to the compendium, the figure represents a growth of 7.3 per cent over the amount spent in the previous year. In 2010, Lagos region accounted for 52.7 per cent or N51.415 billion, while the North was 19 per cent or N18.578 billion.

The Eastern part was put at N16.218 billion or 16.6 per cent while the western part of the country accounted for the remaining 11.6 per cent or N11.338 billion.

As in 2009, the telecommunication product category spent the highest on ATL advertising having recorded N16.866 billion of ad spend, followed far behind by personal paid announcements which gulped N7.854 billion. Lager beer was third in the product category with N4.513 billion.

In the telecommunication category, MTN was tops in ad spend last year with N7.145 billion, followed by Globacom, which spent N4.485 billion for advertisements in 2010. Etisalat and Airtel spent N2.489 billion and N2.126 billion respectively.

NRC seeks Bill’s prompt passage

By Eric Ikhilae

M

ANAGING Director of the Nigerian Railway Corpo ration (NRC) Adeseyi Sijuade has urged the National Assembly to ensure an urgent passage of the Railway Bill submitted to it some years ago.

Sijuwade, who spoke in Lagos, said the Bill, when passed, would eliminate the restriction of private investment in the sector.

He expressed delight in efforts by the Lagos State Government to develop its rail system, adding that the corporation seeks to work with potential private partners to reduce its dependence on the government for funds.

The NRC boss, who said the new Minister for Transportation was determined to ensure that everything was done to accelerate the passage of the Bill, expressed the hope that the Bill would be passed before Lagos and others who are interested in rail transport complete their projects.

He said contracts have been awarded for the construction of the Eastern rail line expected to run from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, Borno State. He said the construction of a standard gauge line from Kaduna to Abuja has begun.

He said efforts were on to extend train services to the Lagos Port Complex, with the extension of existing rail line to link the ports. This, he said, would help reduce congestion on roads.

He said the mass transit train service in Lagos would be enhanced with the planned increase in train frequency to meet NRC’s clientele’s requirements. He admitted that the corporation needs more trains to meet its demand in the state.

He attributed the delay in the commencement of work on the Eastern line to the paucity of funds. He also explained that the delay in the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation resulted from some unanticipated hindrances.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

13

ISSUES Last week’s increase in the benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has re-opened the debate on the contra-indications of monetary policies in the wider financial services sector and the economy generally. In this report, TAOFIK SALAKO underlines the challenges for congruent policies.

Searching for balance in financial services’ policies E

CONOMIC management broadly comprises two components: fiscal and monetary policies.

While fiscal component deals with the quantum, direction and flow of government’s incomes and expenditures, monetary policies deal chiefly with the control and stability of the financial system.

The main purpose of government is the combination of these policies to achieve overall national economic goals. In doing this, governments in various jurisdictions create structures, institutions, agencies and committees, among others, to facilitate the conceptualisation, design, activation, implementation and review of various policies to ensure the realisation of national objectives.

Along this line, Nigeria’s economic management straddles between the Federal Executive Council, which ministries and parastatals oversee fiscal policies and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which is saddled with monetary management. The functions of the apex bank are thus structured largely along the line of monetary management.

The mandate of the CBN, according to its charter, include ensuring monetary and price stability, issuance of legal tender currency, maintenance of external reserves to safeguard the international value of the Naira and providing services as the banker to the government. Two other functions, however, recognise the importance of the central bank in economic management. According to the mandate, the CBN is saddled with the responsibility of promoting a sound financial system as well as advising the government on economic and financial policies. The mandate underline the dominance of the apex bank in the management of the economy. The responsibility of promoting a sound financial system, ultimately, brings all strata of the financial services industry, including the money market, capital market and insurance, under the purview of the apex bank. This explains why it chairs the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC) and related bodies.

Besides being the apex bank, the CBN is the apex financial services regulator. The economic and financial advisory function also broadens CBN’s influence beyond the realm of monetarism into fiscal manage-

• CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi

• D-G SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh

ment, making it a primal driving force for the economy.

For the umpteenth time, the CBN, after the meeting of its 12-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), last week increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 75 basis points to 8.75 per cent per annum while also retaining the symmetric corridor at plus or minus 200 basis points. The voting pattern of the MPC showed that most members were in support of retaining the tightening of the monetary system. Seventy-five per cent voted in favour of increase in MPR, although the majority vote that carried the increase as high as 75 basis points was 67 per cent.

In deciding to further tighten the monetary policy, the MPC undertook somewhat extensive reviews of the global and national economies. The apex bank noted the decline in inflation, the slowdown in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the first quarter and continued sluggish growth of aggregate credit which it agreed were enough reasons to maintain interest rates at 8.00 per cent.

The Committee noted that inflationary pressures, which were traceable to the high expenditure levels, associated

with the last elections as well as the effects of rising international energy, commodity and food prices had moderated by June this year. The year-on-year headline inflation rate, declined from 12.8 per cent in March and 12.4 per cent in May to 10.2 per cent in June this year. However, provisional data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) the year grew by 6.64 per cent in the first quarter as against 7.36 per cent recorded in the corresponding period last year. Also, the review indicated that aggregate domestic credit (net) grew by 2.30 per cent by June this year compared with December last year, which annualised to a growth rate of 4.60 per cent. It noted that the sluggish growth in aggregate credit was mainly due to the weak expansion in private sector credit which grew marginally by 1.45 per cent, implying 2.9 per cent on an annualised basis. Notably, the review indicated that interest rates in all segments of the interbank money market increased as a result of upward review of the MPR for most part of the period. The weighted interbank call rate, which stood at 9.73 per cent prior to the last MPC meeting rose steadily to peak at 13.64 per cent on June 13, while the OBB rate also rose reflecting the increase in the MPR. These showed that retail lending rates remained relatively high with the average maximum lending rate of 22.19 per cent and 22.02 per cent in May and June. Average prime lending rate declined to 15.76 per cent from 15.81 per cent during the same period. Thus, the spread between the average maximum lending rate and the consolidated deposit rate hovered between 19.40 per cent in May and 19.22 per cent in June. The MPC also noted the correlation between the negative stock market performance and investors’ concerns about the banking sector reforms, especially the resolution of the seven banks that have been under CBN-appointed management and the tendency to flock to fixed rates, especially when such rates are reasonably attractive.

However, the apex bank was concerned that the inflation outlook remained uncertain, particularly in the light of the slowdown in global recovery and the rising spectre of structural deficits in the event that the

‘Analysts agreed on the need for the apex bank to be more constructive and broadminded in its policy formulation, noting that while the increase in MPR would, no doubt, help curb inflationary pressures the possible impact on the real sector and equity market would be less favourable’

• Continued on page 14

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

ISSUES

Searching for balance in financial services’ policies

• Continued from page 13

current oil price is not sustained.

As such, MPC decided to hike the MPR on the basis of its inflationtargeting agenda citing the need to proactively manage the impact of the expected huge injection of liquidity this quarter. Its decisions were also anchored on the need to correct the negative real interest rate as well as attract foreign capital inflows to build up reserves to protect the economy against possible external shocks.

The latest increase, though the highest single increase since September last year and its rationals followed the pattern of the many hikes in MPR and other tightening measures. With the latest increase, the MPR appears to be on the way to its recent high. The MPR moderated from 9.75 per cent in January 2009 to eight per cent in April 2009 and further downward to six per cent in July 2009 and remained unchanged for a year through to the first half of 2010.

The MPR has since then moved gradually from 6.25 per cent to 6.5 per cent in January and steadily to eight per cent before berthing at the current two-year high of 8.75 per cent.

Many analysts have criticised the latest increase describing it as an unwarranted aggressive move. Analysts, who had expected an increase, had predicted a maximum adjustment of 50 basis points. They favoured maintaining the status quo citing the earlier consideration, noted by CBN including the slowdown in inflation and the sluggishness of the economic growth.

Analysts at Sterling Capital said consideration for the hike in MPR was narrow and unreflective of the economic situation. According to analysts, it appeared that the CBN was inordinately focused on price stability at the expense of the wider economic growth objectives. Analysts noted that further increase in interest rate would negate the expected increase in credit to private sector while corresponding increase in Treasury Bills rates and Federal government of Nigeria (FGN) Bond yields will also worsen the crowding out effect.

“The MPC also cited the likely impact of the impending minimum wage increase and fuel subsidy removal. We believe that if these two are implemented simultaneously, then the effect will balance out. The point is that any increase in wages will be more than offset by the multiplier effect of fuel price increase thereby leading to money illusion. Indeed, there is the risk of double jeopardy since interest rate has been increased in anticipation of increased wages, whereas wages may not increase in real terms,” analysts at Sterling Capital stated.They criticised the imbalance between monetary and fiscal policies, arguing that while there have been a lot of efforts to reduce inflation through measures to reign in money supply, not enough is being done to address the supply side challenges through measures to boost production and promote economic growth.

• D-G, NAICOM, Fola Daniel

• CEO,NSE,Oscar Onyema

‘Many analysts have criticised the latest increase describing it as an unwarranted aggressive move. Analysts, who had expected an increase, had predicted a maximum adjustment of 50 basis points. They favoured maintaining the status quo citing the earlier consideration, noted by CBN including the slowdown in inflation and the sluggishness of the economic growth’ Group Executive Director, GTI Capital, Ola Ogedengbe, said the current reform may also be a victim of undue over-emphasis on few elements rather than strategically fit all reform elements into a comprehensive platform.

“The upward adjustment to the MPR will further restrict credit flows, particularly to the private sector,” analysts at Afrinvest West Africa also agreed.

Many analysts were particularly worried about the distortions that the increase might create in the CBN and governmentavowed commitment to enhancement of flow of private credits to the private sector as well as the stability of the capital market.

According to analysts, the recent adjustment in MPR would further increase money market rates since the Standing Deposit Facility has been raised to 6.75 per cent from six per cent, thus setting a new floor for interest rates. Bond Yields are also expected to increase and this will lead to lower prices.

Economist and investment advisor, Sterling Capital Sewa Wusu, said the increase in interest rates will further drive away liquidity from the equity market since money market rates will become more attractive.

The impact of the hike was rather simultaneous and dramatic on the stock market. With the announcement penultimate

Tuesday, the stock market, which had in the previous week and up till the announcement began a much-awaited recovery from a spell of recession, relapsed into negative immediately after the announcement. The All Share Index (ASI), which measures the changes in the prices of all quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped from 24,057.90 points on Tuesday to 24,011.99 on Wednesday. ASI had trended further downward to 23,906.97 points by Thursday and closed the week 23,826.99 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted companies also dropped from N7.692 trillion on Tuesday to N7.680 tril-

‘As the global economy totters in between encouraging signs of recovery and threats of relapse, national economic management requires a dexterous combination of fiscal and monetary policies that emphasise the needed congruence for economic development and growth. And the CBN must also be attuned to this’

lion on Wednesday and dipped further to N7.647 trillion by Thursday. Market capitalisation of equities closed the week lower at N7.62 trillion.

Even with the increasingly attractive valuation and corporate earnings reports of equities, analysts said the import of the MPR increase might undermine expected recovery in stock market outlook this quarter, citing similar pattern of increase and stock market behaviour. “Fund managers may tilt their investment portfolios further away from equities, to take advantage of rates in the fixed income and money markets, especially with the current decline in inflation. The asset re-allocation witnessed in second quarter this year contributed to the poor performance in the equities market during the period and a further movement away from equities could have an adverse impact on the market’s performance in Q3 2011,” Afrinvest said in posthike investment note.

A cross-market performance analysis of major advanced and emerging markets in the first half showed Nigeria trailing behind most markets. Year-to-date return analysis for the first half of this year showed Ghana leading with 18.89 per cent; return twice the amount of the closest rival. Nigeria closed the first half with a return of 0.84 per cent. The

three key indices that measured the performance of the United States of America (USA) showed a fast-recovering market with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) returning 7.23 per cent within the period. The Standard and Poor’s 500 Index returned 5.01 per cent while the NASDAQ indicated average return of 4.55 per cent. European markets showed a positive outlook with Germany’s DAX Index showing average return of about 6.68 per cent for the first half. France’s CAC 40 Index posted average gain of 4.66 per cent while Britain’s benchmark index, the FTSE 100 Index, returned 0.78 per cent within the six-month period.

Spain’s SMSI Index grew by 4.59 per cent. The emerging markets bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), was largely on the down trend with three of the markets tracked indicating negative returns. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) All Share Index of South Africa posted a six-month yield of 0.79 per cent while Brazil’s Bovespa Index and India’s BSE 30 Index returned -9.70 per cent and -8.11 per cent. Egypt, which witnessed unprecedented political upheaval during the period, expectedly led the losers’ table.

Cairo Stock Exchange General Index showed a negative return of 43.43 per cent. Both Switzerland and Hong Kong were also negative with Swiss’ SMI Index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index returning -3.87 per cent and 2.77 per cent respectively.

According to Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management, Mr Johnson Chukwu, the challenging macro economic situation and CBN’s grappling to control both inflation and exchange rates at the same time, which led to several increases in MPR and the inconclusive nature of the rescued banks impacted negatively on the equity market.

Analysts agreed on the need for the apex bank to be more constructive and broad-minded in its policy formulation, noting that while the increase in MPR would, no doubt help curb inflationary pressures the possible impact on the real sector and equity market would be less favourable. There is also the need for the apex bank and other regulatory agencies to step up measures to support domestic production, increase investor confidence especially in the stock market as well as stabilise general economic growth trend.

There is also the need to give verve to the roles of the FSRCC, which members include Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Insurance Commission (Naicom), Pension Commission and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), to close arbitrage gaps between the various sectors and engender a more harmonious financial framework.

As the global economy totters in between encouraging signs of recovery and threats of relapse, national economic management requires a dexterous combination of fiscal and monetary policies that emphasise the needed congruence for economic development and growth. And the CBN must also be attuned to this.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Can Gaidam rescue ‘ailing’ ANPP? Since the 1999 elections when the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) made an impressive showing, its clout has remained on a steady decline after successive elections. But, the re-elected Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam, seems poised to save the party. How far can he go? Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN and DUKU JOEL ask.

E

VEN the most implacable among cynics would not fail to acknowledge the impressive profile of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 1999. It gave the then muscleflexing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a big challenge as it clinched governorship seats in nine northern states,namely: Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Gombe, Kwara and Kogi.

However, the euphoria did not last. The first indication that things could go awry came with the appointment of the ANPP chairman the late Alhaji Mammud Waziri as a Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo. It took a the 2003 general elections to prove that the party was only a giant with clay feet. Though Kano was added to its kitty that year, with Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau as governor, the number of its governors slid to seven. Again, all in the North.

Shekarau ensured that the ANPP held on to Kano State in the 2007 polls; however, ANPP lost two states to the PDP. Much as Shekarau struggled in the April election when he contested for the presidency and lost, the party’s governorship seats plummeted to three – Borno, Yobe and Zamfara. And too bad for the party, the PDP took over Kano, Shekarau’s base. The party even lost the presidential election in Kano.

The demystification of Shekarau as it therefore appeared, marked the beginning of the search for a new leader.

“Who will emerge the rallying figure of the party?” This became the main poser on many lips after Shekarau’s clout kissed the canvass.

By sheer fate, at a point, the mantle fell on the governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam. In April 2007, he was elected Deputy Governor, but by a curious twist of fate, Governor Mamman Ali died and Gaidam assumed office as Governor on January 27, 2009. But, being a civil servant, not many reckoned that he could become pillar of the party.

However, armed with his performance in office, humility and outreach, Gaidam succeeded in

bringing back into the party’s fold, all dissenting voices, thus paving the way for his outing in the April poll.

That it had dawned on him that with impressive performance in office, the onus is on him to either see to the total revamping of ANPP or watch as its death knell is sung became apparent a few days ago. It was at the swearing in ceremony of members of his new cabinet.

He made it clear to the newly appointed or re-appointed commissioners and other appointees that they were not coming on board the ship of state with him for any tea party. “You should work as a team and be ready to take responsibility for government actions. The moment you feel you no longer share the vision, commitment and policies of this government, you should take the honourable option of resigning rather than staying behind to start shifting blames or waiting for us to call you to order,” Gaidam said.

The governor who re-appointed over 90 per cent of his old cabinet members, added: “My new administration will not be business as usual. Those who are selfish and selfcentered should count themselves out of the new government. I will form a cabinet with a team of people that are generous with good intentions that will deliver democracy and its dividends to the good people of Yobe State.”

It did not end there. He handed out the same warning when a delegation of Emirs in the state came to felicitate with him over his victory at the Government House, Damaturu.

The governor was equally vehement in his charge to them on strict adherence to due process.

“In furtherance of entrenching the new dispensation in govern-

•Gaidam

ment service delivery, we are going to establish a Directorate of Project Monitoring, Verification and Evaluation under a Director General who will be answerable to the Secretary to the Government”, Gaidam further said.

However, not a few watchers of events in the state were stunned when the list of commissioners was finally unveiled with almost all the old members returned, except three and one who earlier resigned to contest the House of Representatives election but lost. More curious was State House of Assembly’s unanimously confirmation of all the nominees.

In ostensible appreciation of such feelings, the governor minced no word in telling whoever cared to know that his choice of commissioners and other appointees was firmly premised on his desire for a productive cabinet that would do his people’s overall bidding through sane governance.

As part of efforts at ensuring a clear-cut direction in government finances and administration, Gaidam noted that expending or wasting funds and other resources without any meaningful impact on the lives of people or on the overall development of the state would no longer be tolerated.

Consequently, all the commissioners and others were reminded of their duties, which according to the governor, include being solely responsible and accountable for any lapse regarding expenditures. All commissioners, he said, should personally supervise on-going

• Shekarau

projects and be in a position to give full accounts of the level of execution of such projects at any given time.

He also warned the commissioners that under no condition except when instructed, should any of them take a file directly to the Executive Governor of the state in compliance with the rule of diligence and due process. He also called on them to work closely with the permanent secretaries of their ministries and carry all workers on board along in order to get a cohesive civil service.

It would be recalled that when Gaidam took over the mantle of leadership as governor from his late boss Ali in 2009, speculations were high that he might drop some of the commissioners and other advisers he inherited from him. But Gaidam stood his ground that his government would continue with all the structures of his late boss.

Gaidam kept to his promise except for one Commissioner of Finance and a Special Adviser that were immediately dropped. All the other cabinet members continued with Gaidam but along the way, he again dropped two commissioners and one Special Adviser.

At the height of the last general elections, some commissioners were alleged to have worked against the interest of Gaidam, hence the he got hellbent on weeding them off. But the expected change in Gaidam’s cabinet did not hap-

‘By sheer fate, at a point, the mantle fell on the governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam. In April 2007, he was elected Deputy Governor, but by a curious twist of fate, Governor Mamman Ali died and Gaidam assumed office as Governor on January 27, 2009. But, being a civil servant, not many reckoned that he could become pillar of the party’

pen.

The run-down of the list of members of his new cabinet includes the deputy governor; Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu, an engineer, who has been moved from the ministry of Health to his former ministry, Commerce and Industries.

The new State Executive Council (SEC) includes Hon. Fatsuma Talba, former member, House of Representatives as Commissioner for Health; Mala Musti, Education; Idi Barde Gubana, Agriculture; Mohammed Ago, Housing; and Goni Fika, a media veteran as Commissioner for Information.

Others are Aji Yerima Bularafa, who bounced back into the SEC after long period as Commissioner for Youths; Dodo Kakawo, Budget; Yusuf Yahaya, Sports; and Ibrahim Gwio-Kura, Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Five of the twelve commissioners who made it back to the SEC retained their portfolios. They are Umar Kaigama, Finance; Asmau Kabir Kolo, Women Affairs; Ahmed Wakil Sarki, Environment; Barrister Ahmed Mustapha Goniri, Justice, and Bukar Dauda, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Other commissioners who survived are: Mohammed Lamin, Transport and Energy; Musa Maina Dumburi, Integrated; Mohammed Dakusko, Animals and Fisheries; and Idrissa Bukar Machinama, Special Duties.

Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, the Director General of Gaidam’s campaign organization in 2011 also made it as Commissioner for Water Resources, while Barrister Bala Haladu, the former Commissioner for Information was moved to Land and Surveys.

With the governor’s stern words at the swearing-in ceremony and the direction to adherence to due process in state matters, the Yobeans await how Gaidam’s new regime will take off as time ticks.

18

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

POLITICS

ANPP opposes UmeEzeoke on single tenure

Sekibo: I will never return to PDP

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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Former Transport Minister and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in the last general elections, Dr Abiye Sekibo, spoke with reporters in Lagos on why he withdrew his case against the PDP at the tribunal. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

I

MMEDIATELY you withdrew your case from the tribunal, there were allegations against you that money exchanged hands between you and Governor Amaechi...

It is unfortunate that in Nigeria , people are used to equating money with everything. There are still few of us in this country that money cannot buy. I am one of the few Nigerians that money will not buy and office will not sway in terms of standing for what is right, what is fair and what is just. I want to state categorically that, there was no time a penny influenced our decision to withdraw our case from the tribunal. It was because of the obstacles we encountered in the hands of INEC and the PDP government that made us to leave the tribunal.

What about the insinuations that your political mentor, Dr Odili, prevailed on you to withdraw your case, since he and Gove `rnor Amaechi had settled their differences?

Dr Odili and I have never discussed the elections and neither have we met. So,there is no opportunity for Dr Peter Odili to even raise the tribunal matter.

Are you saying you have not met Dr Odili since after the elections?

We met very briefly for about 45 minutes and it was during his wife’s elevation to the Supreme Court and there was absolutely no discussion whatsoever within that period. I went to congratulate the wife whom I have always regarded as a mother and that was it. He did not raise any issue with me about the tribunal.

But if the governor calls on you to join hands with him to build a new Rivers State, won’t you accept?

In governance, everybody wants to contribute his or her own quota to building the community, state or country. But if the man at the helm of affairs has a style you don’t like, you keep away. Anybody who wants to serve his country or state and believes that he or she can do it under a corrupt leadership is not being sincere.

But we learnt that there are pressures from the Presidency for you to return to the PDP...

I have no intention whatsoever to even consider any such pressure, even if there is.

But you are an Ijaw and the President is of Ijaw extraction. Are you saying, if the President asks you to return to the fold, you won’t consider it?

The entire Ijaw do not have to be in the same party.

What is your relationship with the President at present?

The President is a member of the PDP and I am a member of ACN. We are both Ijaw and he is married from my town and as a Nigerian, he is my President.

How do you intend to broker reconciliation with the ACN chieftains who allegedly supported PDP few days to the elections?

Well, it is unfortunate that it happened. May be, by act of omission or commission, Nigerians are trivializing the issue of personal integrity. When a person is given a certain responsibility as a party official at any level, it is expected that you bring with you a certain level of integrity that matches that office.

Unfortunately, we see people treat-

ing that office with levity and without regard for integrity. Now, when this happens, it will be something that should make us sad, I sympathize the former party chairman who led a party to almost the point of election and on the eve of the election, he decided to bolt out of the party, telling his supporters to vote for another party. For me, his action is an act of irresponsibility.

As a major player in the Nigerian politics, what is your assessment of security situation in the country today?

I am very worried over the situation. When there was severe insecurity in the Niger Delta, I was part of those who came all out to support the federal government to ensure that the insecurity in the Southsouth was brought under control. I gave maximum support to the amnesty programme. I was one of those who even advocated amnesty for these youths, so that they can come out of the creeks and support the government to give peace a chance. Today, that has worked and we thank God it has worked. The level of insecurity we are seeing now, with the Boko Haram, is a source of worry to every true Nigerian and I am very concerned. The spate of bombing is highly condemnable and the government must bring this situation under control.

What is your assessment of the political situation in Rivers State now?

The last general election was the worst in Rivers State. It was heavily rigged by the PDP. INEC was still collating the results when PDP leaders were rejoicing that they had won. For me, what was announced was a sham. The people of Rivers State trooped out that day to vote the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN). From the point when the people finished voting, every single electoral provision; the Electoral Act and electoral guidelines, were flouted in Rivers State. Even when Professor Jega said you are free to take pictures and film, those who attempted to even film what was going on were not only brutalized, some of them had their hands broken, their camera destroyed and all sorts of evil were committed against the Rivers people. So, the Rivers elections was the worst election in the history of the state and many were not surprised that many headed for the tribunal after the elections since INEC decided to uphold the results.

‘In governance, everybody wants to contribute his or her own quota to building the community, state or country. But if the man at the helm of affairs has a style you don’t like, you keep away. Anybody who wants to serve his country or state and believes that he or she can do it under a corrupt leadership is not being sincere’

• Sekibo

You went to the tribunal and later withdrew your case. Why? Well, we saw the rape on the electoral process and we believed, as law-abiding citizens, we could seek redress through the tribunal and I want to put it on record that, from the day INEC announced those results, we did everything to get documentation from INEC, we took our photocopy machine to INEC office, but they did not allow us to get the document. For us, we see that INEC was still battling with how to arrive at the results they announced.

Even when we went to tribunal, all kinds of obstacles were put on our way.They knew we were to base our argument on the forensic evidence.

Therefore, they made it impossible for us to get the needed information from INEC. We had no choice than to realize that we were being presented with a fait accompli and we refused to be used to rubber-stamp an evil that has been committed against Rivers people. So, we had to withdraw from the tribunal.

So, it could be said that you withdrew your case because of technical obstacles Absolutely. As far as we are concerned, the INEC, which was supposed to be an un-biased umpire, was already working hand in hand with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prevent us from getting the true picture of things to present at the tribunal. So, since they are already doing the bidding of the PDP and making it impossible for us to get documents to present at the tribunal, we had to withdraw. Firstly, we are entitled to whatever result that was announced at every collation point, but they would not release any of those things. They would say they had given it to your people at the field when in actual fact, they did not give anything to anybody. We told them they should allow us to photocopy the ones at their disposal. We took our photocopy machines down there. They did not allow us even to photocopy them. So, they made it impossible for us to build our case deliberately.

Is it true that ACN is ready to work with the PDP government in Rivers State?

ACN in Rivers State is the only opposition in the state and we raised a lot of issues before the campaigns, during the campaigns and after campaigns. The ACN will never work or support this government in Rivers state for various reasons. Why should a governor push for Procurement Act, which may likely create loopholes? Now, the governor can just award contracts to any person he likes. He is not answerable to anyone. Look at roads in the state.

When you come into Port-Harcourt, see the roads and with rainy season, there is nowhere to pass. In the last four years, Rivers State has spent over a trillion naira and nothing to show for it. Health centres and primary schools are in shambles.

HE national leadership of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has denounced the former chairman of the party, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke for being allegedly part of the single-tenure proposal.

Ume-Ezeoke according to reports published last weekend, is allegedly among the 28 Nigerians behind Jonathan’s one tenure agenda.

A statement signed by ANPP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, said: “From records available to our great party, none of our relevant decision-making organs namely: the National Working Committee, (NWC) the National Caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) was consulted either before or after such a purported decision was taken ostensibly on our behalf by some members of the former leadership who constituted the Inter-Party Committee.” The party, therefore, vowed to remain a credible opposition party no matter the condition.

The statement read in part: “In view of widely publicized media reports credited to Mr. President alleging that the immediate past leadership of our great Party was part of the Inter-Party Committee that recommended the single term tenure of office for the President and State Governors, we wish to state as follows: “As a political Party, we consider an issue such as tenure limit for public officers important. A decision on a matter of such significance to the nation’s democratic process should be taken after extensive deliberation and consultation with the relevant echelons of our decision making process. ”Accordingly, we wish to state clearly that as a political party, we are not privy to the recommendations of the Inter – Party Committee on the matter and therefore do not subscribe to any decision reached in that regard on our behalf. As is already public knowledge, our great Party’s National Chairman, His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has recently inaugurated a 12-member Nigerian Constitution Amendment Committee which is charged with the responsibility of examining, among others, the issue of tenure limit for public officers as proposed by Mr. President.

It further said: “Our position on the matter as a political party will be informed by the recommendations of this Committee which will be made public by our National Chairman in due course. We remain unshakably committed to our strong resolve of playing the role expected of us as a credible opposition political Party that will propagate and sustain viable alternatives for good governance and transparent leadership to thrive. In pursuit of this commitment, we pledge that we shall not let our fellow country men and women down.”

‘We‘ll woo Okun people for ACN’

By Dada Aladelokun

O

KUN-speaking people of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, who live in Lagos and its environs, have vowed to play a more critical role in next year’s gubernatorial election in the state.

The group, under the aegis of Okun Development Association (ODA), said it would no longer allow individuals or groups of people, who lack leadership qualities to dictate the pace in the state.

Speaking while on a goodwill visit to Mr. Ladi Jemi- Alade, a prominent Okun leader in Lagos and an aspirant into the Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, the president of the association, Lagos Chapter, A.O. Akereniyi, an engineer, said his group had embarked on an effective mobilisation of Okun people in Lagos to enable the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to win next year’s election in Kogi State.

According to him, “with the merger of the ACN and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to confront the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in April 2012 gubernatorial election, we are confident that our people, in collaboration with other ethnic groups in the state, including the Ebiras and Igalas, will ensure that the strong desire for change in our state is achieved.”

He lamented that Okun people had not fared well under past successive governments in the state since its creation in 1987, adding that the people needed good infrastructure which he said the PDP government had failed to give the people.

Akereniyi commended the leadership of the ACN, particular former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, the party’s national chairman, for rekindling the hope of Kogites, through their desire to win the 2012 election in the state and not only bring the state into the fold of the party, but reunite Okun people with their kinsmen and women in the South Western part of the country.

While welcoming the ODA executive members, including Evangelist J. Adekunle, Mrs. M. Akanbi and Mr. Makanjuola Olatunde, Jemi-Alade promised to transform towns like Oga, Egbe and Odo-Eri in the council area into industrial havens if elected as the chairman.

‘Voters must consider age, experience’

By Musa Odoshimokhe

T

HE electorate must consider age and experience in their choice of candidates during elections, a local government chairmanship aspirant under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), for the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Babatunde Dokunmu has said.

He said the era when people who were immature in mind and conduct were saddled with political responsibilities should be over if value would have to be brought into grassroots governance.

Dokunmu said: “The local government council is not meant for under-age person. The office has to be held in trust by someone with experience and aged mind, most importantly, someone that is close to the people at the grassroots.”

He maintained that at that level of governance, people who should be at the helm of affairs must be accurate in prompt judgement because most of the people who dwell at that level are often spontaneous in their reaction to issues and only those who understand their psychological frame of minds could serve their interests.

Explaining his advantage over other contestants, the aspirant stressed that he was a member of The Nucleus Group, a non-governmental organisation that has assisted the less-privileged with health facilities and campaign for good environment.

“We have also assisted politicians and non-politicians in terms of important needs. Besides, if given the chance, I will not only follow party manifesto religiously but ensure that my development programmes for the grassroots particularly Oshodi/Isolo council are uppermost,” he said, adding that as a loyal party men, aspirants should learn to stand by their party, irrespective of the outcome of electoral decision.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

What we have learnt about Norway

H

Watch it!

•SCSN and CAN have to tread cautiously over Islamic banking

S

OME of the positions recently canvassed by the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) in defence of Islamic or, more appropriately, noninterest banking, fall certainly within the bounds of reason and responsible discourse. For instance, the SCSN President, Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad, told a press conference in Kano that the proposed bank will be established and operated in accordance with the laws of Nigeria.

This shows a healthy respect for the requisite legal framework within which any complex, modern society like ours must function. Again, he restated that Christians, many of whom have expressed fears about the Islamic bank, also have the legal right to establish banks patterned after their beliefs once they also meet the statutory stipulations of the regulatory authority. This reflects a rational appreciation of the rights and sensitivities of other faiths with which Muslims share the geographical space delineated as Nigeria.

If the SCSN could advance such measured and mature arguments in defence of its interest on this matter, we cannot understand why, at the same time, it had to descend to the level of threats of readiness to resort to war and “shed the last drop of their blood” in defence of Islamic banking. In any case, is Islamic banking, like other financial institutions, not meant to promote the life, livelihood and wellbeing of its patrons? If the country’s landscape is then strewn with corpses and flooded with blood as a result of the SCSN’s threatened conflagration, will

maimed or dead men and women constitute the clientele of the Islamic bank?

Once it shifted to such an extremist, emotional mode, it is not surprising that SCSN defends its position on less rational, even contradictory, grounds. For example, Dr. Ahmad does not see why some Christians in Nigeria are opposed to Islamic banking “which is operational in the United Kingdom and other Christian dominated countries”. But that is precisely the point. Nigeria is not a country overwhelmingly dominated by any one religion. Even within the country’s major faiths, there are several divergent strains and tendencies. In such a context, public policy must be more sensitive to contending interests and also more competently and deftly communicated to assuage understandable apprehensions.

The SCSN’s incendiary posture on Islamic banking is only one reflection of the climate of unreason that lamentably tends to engulf the nation, particularly on sectarian issues that ought to be approached dispassionately and cautiously in an easily combustible environment like ours. Some Christian leaders, for example, have condemned the concept of Islamic banking outright without adequate information or even dismissed the idea, without foundation, as an attempt to Islamise the country. When such unrestrained, emotional outbursts on one side elicit equally irrational vituperations on the other, the polity is overheated and national cohesion endangered. Both Christian and Muslim leaders owe their adherents and the entire

country greater maturity and composure on this matter in the general interest.

In Dr. Ahmad’s case, his increasingly dangerous religious intolerance in recent years is difficult to reconcile with his earlier, well earned reputation as a responsible medical practitioner and statesman who was one of the 49 men that drafted the 1979 Constitution.

But part of the blame for the messy situation also lies at the doorsteps of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It made a shoddy job of effectively communicating a sensitive policy initiative to a complex public. And the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has unwisely made himself the chief advocate of the proposed Islamic bank rather than staying above the fray and letting the appropriate department of his organisation do its job.

‘The SCSN’s incendiary posture on Islamic banking is only one reflection of the climate of unreason that lamentably tends to engulf the nation .... Some Christian leaders, for example, have condemned the concept of Islamic banking outright without adequate information or even dismissed the idea, without foundation, as an attempt to Islamise the country’

Power: FG’s 5,000MW target •It is ridiculous that this is how far we can aspire since 1999

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ALK about power, Nigeria is a total failure. Britain generates about 75,000MW for its 62,262,000 population (far less than ours), and South Africa also, with a population of 50, 586 757, (also far less than ours), generates about 40,000 MW. Even our neighbour, Ghana had, in the past, celebrated one year of uninterrupted electricity. At the rate at which we are going, it is doubtful if Nigeria can celebrate one second of uninterrupted power supply nationwide anytime soon. If it happens, it will be a miracle of the millennium!

When Chief Olusegun Obasanjo became President in 1999, he promised to give the country uninterrupted electricity supply, probably within a year. His power minister then, the Late Chief Bola Ige also thought that it was possible. But after a year, he got frustrated, probably because of corruption and political impediments, that he had to resign as Minister of Power, to become Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Between then and now, the Federal Government has not been able to add up to 3,000MW to our national grid.

Power supply has become a hydraheaded problem in Nigeria for decades.

This, most certainly, is shameful. Now, the Federal Government is repeating the old tale. It plans to generate 5,000MW of electricity by the end of the year, according to Prof. Bath Nnaji, the power minister, with a promise to add only 1,000MW next year. Several targets, between 3,200 MW and 3,800MW, had been promised in the past, with results going up and

down like a yoyo. As if the Federal Government was just waking up from its slumber, Nnaji talked about collaboration with state governments on independent power projects, for stable power supply to become a reality in Nigeria. If Lagos State alone needs more than 5,000MW to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply, one wonders how Nigeria as a whole would have stable power supply with only 6,000MW in 2012!

Because of our unitary form of government which has bastardised true federalism, power, police, the judiciary, education, works and all the institutions that gulp heavy amounts of money are centralised under the control of the Federal Government. That is why people struggle for juicy appointments at the centre, because there is a lot of money to swindle and waste. That is why every year, colossal sums of money are budgeted for electricity and there would be so little to show for it. If states had been financially empowered and given the necessary independence to have their own power projects without depending on the central government, Nigeria as a whole would have got more reliable electricity supply, as some states are now doing on their own.

To make matters worse, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is planning a hike of its tariff again. This is immoral, if not criminal cheating. While Nigerians grope in the dark because of epileptic electricity supply, government wants to compound their woes by increas-

ing the tariff of electricity that is not supplied, for which reason people and industries depend heavily on generators.

Nigeria is probably the only dark country in Africa now, and where people depend heavily on generators to survive.

Because of this, many industries had closed shop and moved to Ghana, a lucky beneficiary of our incompetence in dealing with all of human needs: electricity, water, agriculture, industry, education, fuel, kerosene, food security and many more. And the reason why Dunlop Nigeria Ltd and some other companies have left our shores. Now, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) will follow suit, and there could be many more in the pipeline. Eventually we will have to import tyres and soft drinks from Ghana, which is shameful. But do we know shame?

‘Power supply has become a hydra-headed problem in Nigeria for decades. This, most certainly, is shameful. Now, the Federal Government is repeating the old tale. It plans to generate 5,000MW of electricity by the end of the year ... with a promise to add only 1,000MW next year. Several targets, between 3,200 MW and 3,800MW, had been promised in the past, with results going up and down like a yoyo’

ANNAH Arendt wrote that evil spreads “like a fungus” across the surface of living things precisely because it lacks philosophical d epth. She was considering the case of Adolf Eichmann. But her words anticipated the massacre of 76 Norwegians, including dozens of children, by Anders Behring Breivik a week ago.

What stands out in the minds of Norway’s friends and allies is not the xenophobic fanaticism that extinguished those lives, but the dignity of a people bereft. Breivik vented his hatreds in a prolix 1,500page manifesto that he posted online. Commentators scrutinised it at the weekend for clues to Breivik’s actions. What they found, however, was a mental universe that, like all conspiracy theories, was simultaneously diseased and intellectually nugatory.

Breivik imagined himself fantastically to be part of an historic line of warrior-monks. He railed against Muslims while being unable to distinguish radical Islamists from the persecuted populations of Bosnia and Kosovo; yet, recognising a common commitment to evil, he envisaged nuclear terrorism in Europe in co-operation with al-Qaeda and Iran.

Breivik’s “ideas”, if such they can be called, are utterly forgettable and already forgotten. Norwegians’ way of life has been attacked and shaken, but the quality of Norway’s society and culture is undimmed.

This is a democracy that, in a century marked by bloody clashes of nationalisms and the rise of dictatorships, separated itself peacefully and by agreement from Sweden ini 1905, and was at the start of the First World War one of only two European countries in which women were able to vote.

Norway’s wartime leader, Vidkun Quisling, became literally synonymous with collaboration. But among his country men there was determined resistance to Nazism.

Tolerance has itself inflamed fanatics driven by racism and aboslutism. Yet it is striking that even in grief and justified anger, Norwegians have exemplified stoicism. King Harald and Queen Songa metaphorically, wordlessly, spoke for the nation when they shed quiet and undemonstrative tears at a memorial service at Oslo Cathedral.

Norway admittedly has a problem with growing support for the far Right, but it had succeeded in containing that atavistic force until Breivik’s murderous venture. The anti-immigration Progress Party, founded in 1973, created a small sensation in 1989 when it won 13 per cent of the vote, and is not the country’s second-largest party. Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister, wisely refrained from talking up the threat from right-wing extremism this week and invoked the national tradition of openness. Norwegians, he said, could not be scared by violence.

This was a statement and not an exhortation. The typical response among strangers and on the streets has been not recrimination but embraces. When Breivik was driven to court, there were no mobs banging on the vehicle and screaming words of execration.

It may prove an intractable question how a penal system geared to rehabilitation of offenders can deal with a criminal such as Breivik. The system works, in that the prison population is small and rates of reoffending are very low, at around 20 per cent (compared with 50 percent in the UK). But the maximum prison term that Breivik will face is 21 years, a sentence under which he would be released at the age of 53 and that is plainly incommensurate with the crime.

The relative weights of retribution and rehabilitation are issues that Norwegians will settle in a spirit of democratic debate. But the issue of the moment is the resilience of the Norway’s political culture and civil society against assault. And there is no doubt of the answer.

– The Times of London

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

• Controller (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

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•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Pre-Press Manager Chuks Bardi •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: Since coming into power in Ekiti State, the incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has being displaying sagacity in adminstration with the use of panels, commissions and committees to marshal needed bases for his actions, like the recent road contracts review done by the Consultancy/ Contract Review Committee (CCRC).

The report of that committeee as recently published in some national dailies threw up an Augean stable which was what had become of a one-time trump –card of Engr.

Segun Oni’s government in Ekiti State.

In that report, eighty nine (89) were the roads which the Engr.

Segun Oni regime put his hands on to construct to impress and win over the hearts of the Ekiti people. Sixty three (63) contracts were awarded or re-awarded to some sixty eight (68) contractors within the adminsitration’s three-year rule out of which only sixteen (16) were however completed or virtually completed.

Out of the seventy-three (73) uncompleted roads, twenty six (26) were reported to be abandoned or virtually abandoned while fifteen (15) contractors collected over N4 billion in excee of the work done, ranging from N4 million to N2.9 million excess payment per such contractors in the sordid lists.

There was an over-valuation of a whooping N73,192,894.45 or 82 per cent on a 16km Isinbode-Iro1-Iro-II road that could have amounted to diversion or wastage of public funds, according to the published report.

In the particular case of the dualisation of Ado-Iworoko- Ifaki 19.3km road, almost N3billion was reported as paid in excess of the work done, a case which should suggest a study in Veiled Brigandage since no one has been denying the published facts and figures as seriously as would be expected.

Not that we would require the story of the Ekiti roads to find out if contracts are used by chief executives to siphon public funds. Not. It would, of course, be a common

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The state of Ekiti roads malady for it had drawn onto itself due attention in the past even if it had defied solution.

In the case of Ekiti State, this writer has not, for once, been deceived to believe that Engr. Segun Oni’s road revolution in Ekiti State was a reality. It had been so glaringly doubtful both in spirit and in implementation.

The ex-governor, while in office, was fund of boasting that his government was constructing more roads than were constructed by all the governments before it in Ekiti State; and one had always thought that such pronouncements were amplifications of window- dressing or wishful thinking.

How could a government want to

do in a four-year term what three previous regimes – Col. Bawa, Niyi Adebayo and Ayo Fayose – could not achieve?

Such boastfulness could only have been designed to achieve either of two pressing goals; to win acceptability and followership after the wanton, bare-faced electoral fraud that brought Engr. Segun Oni to power or to smartly create an ample room for manipulation of funds to fight the legal battle ahead of him as it were.

Such motives, because they were different from the known norm of wanting to feather personal nests, could be compelling, of course.

Let us imagine the excess payments of over N4billion once again;

and this was on road constructions alone! Perhaps a minimum of about N1.5 billion could be lost of excess payment too on building contracts and the rest, to shoot the loss to N5.5billion.

Now, the total of over N4billion lost to excess payments on road projects alone would have been utilised to complete more than half of the ambitious long list of road projects, including the AdoIworoko-Ifaki dualisation, if contracts were not inflated, if payments were not made for works not done.

More communities would have been served. Smiles would have been put on many faces and comfort brought into so many lifes.

Such dividends of democracy, un-

fortunately, had had to be lost because the law of nature would readily disallow the reaping of bountiful fruits from false sowing; which is the big lesson that the Ekiti and, indeed, all Nigeria should learn now and hold fast to by ensuring that all elections are credible so as to enable elected governors settle down to business without the fear of unacceptability and litigation driving them too hard.

The Ekiti State Consultancy/Contracts Review Committee has to be lauded for digging out that stench of transaction on road projects under Ex-Governor Segun Oni. The incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi too must be praised for gettign the report published for public consumption.

The message the incumbent governor has sent out by this single action, of course, is that he, in his own case, can be trusted to spend public funds wisely. So, it’s up to him to manage the stench and make a difference.

• Banji Ogunlusi Ado-Ekiti.

Nigerian reality and Islamic Banking

S

IR: The furore about Islamic banking led me to conduct some research, and to rely on various articles and reports in the Nigerian press, especially the lucid and erudite opinion of Tatalo Alamu to the partly mistaken opinion of Sam Omatseye. Caution; In Saudi Arabia and the other countries of the Middle East, even Malaysia, the country with the largest Moslem population, the regular kind of banking is paramount. And the Moslem billionaires of the oil rich Middle East all invest for profit (riba) in regular banks, even in the West.

How can regular banking be seen as Wsestern or even Calvinist, when it developed due to the primeval human desire for profit and gain all over the world? Theory is one thing, practice is another; Profit making money lenders thrived widely in the Middle and Far East

prior to the establishment of ‘western’ banking. Indeed, the head of the Central Bank in Nigeria, who made his career in regular banking, is a professed Moslem. He may have invested in bank stock for profit, like most top bankers. A study of all the boards of the regular banks in Nigeria to discover the peoples thereon would be educative.

I have concluded that Islamic banking is not interest free banking. It is relatively low interest banking. The people or banks that give out the loans share profit.

Profit is gain. Interest is gain. It is a matter of semantics, or methodology of arriving at the gain, after all, gain is gain. Indeed, interest is a kind of profit. Islamic banks don’t give out loans free of charge. You pay back more than you borrow.

Islamic banks ensure that they don’t lose to inflation and they further

ensure some profit. They share profit and try not to share loss, like other banks. But if you invest in a regular bank by buying shares, you may have to share loss. If one invests in an Islamic bank, will he have to share in any loss made by the bank? Will non- moslems be able to access loans from Islamic banks? If not, would this not be a form of discrimination?

What Nigeria needs urgently is the infusion of capital from abroad to be used to develop our critically poor societal infrastructure; roads, railways, electricity; potable water, etc. But getting money is not enough. Using it properly is just as important; after all.

Why have so many banks run into severe, even terminal problems in the recent past? High education without honesty and integrity is a sure route to the kind of large scale and digital theft ex-

ecuted by ‘technocrats’ recently and regularly exposed to the banking sector.

The practitioners of other religions would be very well advised to propose their own faith based banking system and source for supportive and establishment funds.

Perhaps, a virile sector of religious faiths based banking system may drive the enhancement of the positive development of the banking system whilst providing low interest funds for development and providing beneficial assistance and services to millions of Nigerians. But what is most difficult in Nigeria is the recovery of funds paid out to borrowers/creditors because a lot of Nigerians are unfortunately notorious for always finding it difficult to repay loans, even if friendly and interest free.

• Paul Tempus Temitope pltppt@gmail.com

21

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

A 5-Year Term?; N34b Unused UBE Funds: Nigeria ’s Academic Genocide

S

ORRY to disagree, but ‘One Five Year Term’ is okay for most public offices like president, governors and LGA Chairmen.

We have advocated it Tony long ago. Currently the Marinho eight years has not yielded much benefit except in a few states and is sometimes used to gather funds illegally for re-election war chests rumoured to reach N10b. The thought of a tag team of President and his vice doing 16 years of uninspiring ‘service’ is frightening. There are more than enough qualified Nigerians in all parts of the country. Let us not let anti-Jonathan or anti- PDP feeling distract us from the value of this suggestion to Nigeria . Five years is enough time to execute ideas of any politician, including the President. If GLJ does well enough he may be the first and so what. Doing well is the key. No zoning, just the best.

Internationally, raising the minimum wage shrinks the gap between lowest and highest paid. Raising the minimum wage empowers lower paid workers to earn nearer those higher on the rung. It is not to double all salaries across the board or it defeats the aim and actually widens the salary gap. Those on much higher salaries may go up by 1-5% to remain slightly higher than the new entrants but not double them. We can blame the immorally high political salaries and allowances for this problem which has devalued the naira. If these political salaries were reduced by 50-90%, things would stabilise. No, N18, 000 is not too small to pay, but it is meaningless if marketplace, transport and rent inflation will wipe it out immediately. Meanwhile NASS politicians have embarked on a fully paid recess/ vacation. Is it 53 days? Na wa O! Just when someone says we are a poor nation, someone comes up with the truth and the stupendous facts and figures to prove the opposite and show just how really rich we are.

Recently it was a low official in the Pensions Fund Office

M

ORE than enough dust has been raised by the non-interest banking model which has been quickly christened Islamic Banking. From the highly respected gentlemen on both sides of the divide – Christians and Muslims – have emanated needless tirades over what is ordinarily supposed to be treated as the purely economic issue that it is. Simply put, a lot of repulsive arrogance, chauvinism, disdain and pugnacious pride have been brought to play on both sides.

Having exhausted their verbal salvos, or so it seems, the ‘combatants’ are now threatening fire and brimstone. And suddenly, what, on its own merits, is potentially a substantial economic palliative for the broad spectrum of Nigerians who have been kept under perpetual economic bondage by the obnoxious interest rates of existing banks, has been turned into a looming Armageddon out of polished ignorance and petty resort to primordial sentiments.

A cursory look at some of the vitriolic attacks may suffice here: a recent report in one of the major newspapers indicates that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria , SCSN, has threatened that Muslims would rather go to war than give up on the current move by the Central Bank of Nigeria to promote Islamic banking in the country. In the said report, the SCSN also allegedly warned Christian clerics to stop disturbing Muslims who, the body said, had received enough abuses since the controversial banking system came to the front burner of national discourse.

Vowing that Muslims would de-

who with others reportedly took N12b from their fathers and mothers retirement fund. Daily we see, in real life and on TV, innocent young hopeful, trusting, obedient Fellow Nigerian children ‘reporting for school duty’ and disgracefully sitting on the floor or ground, supposedly learning ‘book’ though there are few books around them and no wall posters in such schools with no desks and chairs. Our standards are so low that we deceive the children that this is ‘education’ –the best we have to offer. Well, someone should tell the powers-that-be that we are offering ‘defective education’ no matter how many workshops we hold in Sheraton and Nicon Hotels. Any one of those conferences would have equipped 1000 schools with adequate number of library books- an important ingredient of education abroad. Excuse me, this is 2011.

We have been going to school in Nigeria for over 100 years so we know what a school is and what it is not. How is it possible that Nigerian children are even allowed to go to something mis-called a school which lacks the basics that make it meet the definition of a school? Where are the School Inspectors? Since we have not got the very basics, it is unlikely that we will achieve the UN recommended optimum in ‘child and teacher friendliness’. Why does every school not have optimum facilities of one desk and chair per child, a 1book/child library, 1toilet/20 students, 30 students per class and sporting and recreational equipment? We have reaped the reward of educational neglect which we can no longer blame on the military. We can blame those who set up the Education Tax Fund and insisted that one secondary school per senatorial district and one school per LGA be ‘upgraded’ limiting the development in highly educated states –a typical federal fiscal false federalism strategy, now cancelled we hope. But the real tragedy for the Nigerian child is the N34b in UBE, thankfully not stolen, which we are used to, but unutilised, which we do not understand.

It is official; this country is truly unbelievable, if not irredeemable. With the 20% or worse exam pass results we have ‘discovered’ N34b allocated but unused UBE funds. This is because the states refused to put up the counterpart funding.

Do you know what N34, 000,000,000 is? It is N1, 000,000 for 34,000 schools. Schools and teachers, who have been working miracles with nothing, have been screaming, begging for funds. Is that not a crime against the children of Nigeria -a form of Nigerian Educational Academic Genocide? This is an attempt to cause Nigerian children mental torture and keep them unable to participate in the 21Century? So there is N34, 000,000,000 unspent UBE funds in this ignorant country with few books and libraries and children sitting on the ground while writers write books nobody buys and school posters were not bought? Is anyone listening? Ten posters/ class for 1m classrooms is N1-500,000,000@N100-500/poster.

If there are 70,000 schools and 1+million classrooms, is N34,000/classroom not more than enough to paint each classroom and put reference books like dictionaries, encyclopaedias and such and other ‘Teacher and Child Friendly’ aids, abi? Per school the money would have given each school N485, 714. If it was spent only on library books the N34b would buy 34,000,000 books@N1000 each or 68,000,000 books@N500 each. What father keeps the education money, allowing children to grow up in ignorance? The children do not ask for much!

‘There are more than enough qualified Nigerians in all parts of the country. Let us not let anti-Jonathan or anti- PDP feeling distract us from the value of this suggestion to Nigeria .

Five years is enough time to execute ideas of any politician, including the President. If GLJ does well enough he may be the first and so what. Doing well is the key. No zoning, just the best’

Needless Furore Over ‘Islamic Banking’ (1) fend the implementation of the banking system “with the last drop of their blood,” the council was also reported to have urged the Federal Government to call Christian leaders to order. Ibrahim Datti Ahmed, the SCSN President, told journalists at the end of a meeting of the council in Kaduna last week, that “Jaiz banking has come to be and there is nothing they (Christian leaders) can do about it. And if we have to go to war on this, we’ll go to war.”

He reportedly added: “Let those wearing cassocks stop disturbing our peace….. Being peaceful doesn’t mean we are cowards. If they don’t want us to live together in Nigeria everybody can go his way; we don’t have to live together. We can’t live under people dictating to us how we should live our lives even within the laws of the country. We will meet fire with fire if they make Jaiz banking impossible. Let them respect our rights as we concede to them their own rights.”

The statement allegedly added that if Christians wanted a bank to serve their interest, they were free to ask the CBN for one instead of opposing the proposed Islamic banking which “is operational in the United Kingdom and other Christian-dominated countries.

They think they can blackmail the government, the CBN or the Muslim ummah to abandon the project.

We want to assure them that noth-

‘What, on its own merits, is potentially a substantial economic palliative for the broad spectrum of Nigerians who have been kept under perpetual economic bondage by the obnoxious interest rates of existing banks, has been turned into a looming Armageddon out of polished ignorance and petty resort to primordial sentiments.’

ing can stop Jaiz banking from coming into being because it is being brought in according to the laws of Nigeria . There is nothing illegal about it. If they have a Christian bank that they want to establish, they have the freedom to bring it to the CBN and if they can prove their case, a Christian bank will be opened.

“We, the Muslims of this country, are fed up and tired of the vituperations of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). They feel they can dictate to the Muslims, even on how we should live our lives. And we are warning the government not to listen to them because there is a limit to the amount of nonsense we can take. We are the majority in this country, whether the Christians like it or not.”

In a reaction to this threat, prominent ethnic groups in the country have canvassed the constitution of a Sovereign National Conference, SNC, to decide the future union of the country’s component parts. The groups, including constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itsay Sagay, and Olisa Agbakoba, former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, said there was an urgent need to determine how the different parts would relate in view of the statement credited to SCSN. Both of them also believed that the SNC would be the best forum to tackle some of the challenges facing the country.

In its own reaction, the SouthSouth Peoples Assembly, SSPA, described the SCSN statement as “irresponsible”. Matthew Mbu, a former minister of foreign affairs and prominent member of the SSPA, explained that the SCSN statement contradicted the secular (?) nature of the Nigerian Constitution.

He advised Nigerians to desist from making inflammatory statements.

He warned that the country did not need to go to war over Islamic banking, adding that, Ahmed should be careful with his utterances.

As if toeing the line of thoughts of the SSPA, the Northern apex body, Arewa Consultative Forum has added its own voice to the raging war of words by cautioning Nigerians not to be “unduly sensitive to any disagreement in the polity.”

Just when you thought it was safe to heave a sigh of relief because of the more mature ways Arewa and SSPA have handled the issue, it was more disturbing last Friday when a newspaper report ascribed some comments to the revered Sultan of Sokoto and the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III on the issue. The Sultan who spoke in Kaduna the previous day at a pre-Ramadan meeting, said the controversy surrounding Islamic banking was unnecessary because “it has come to stay”. According to His Eminence: “We are on our way and non-interest banking has come to stay. There are two key issues that have been bothering the Muslims in this country. The issue of violence in the North East and the issue of comments made on Islamic banking across the country…. Why is it that whenever anything Islamic is mentioned, those who are not Muslims kick against it? That is what we need to ask ourselves.”

Yes, the Sultan is right. Absolutely right. No one single person, including yours truly, has the sole intellectual or moral franchise to provide answers to this question. It is a call meant for the adherents, protagonists and perhaps, the practitioners of both religions – Christianity and Islam – nay, all stakeholders in the enterprise called Nigeria .

Dele Agekameh As a Nigerian, I do not see anything wrong in any of the religions being practiced in the world. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, idol worshipper or free thinker, you are free to hold on firmly to your belief as long as you don’t attempt to undermine the beliefs of other people.

This is why I see the growing controversy as needless, baseless and a whipping-up of unnecessary sentiments to wreak havoc in the polity.

I believe there is a fundamental flaw in this issue of non-interest banking which must be properly addressed in order to allow sleeping dogs lie.

What is also important as far as this issue is concerned, is that religious leaders on both sides of the great divide must desist from heating up the polity. They should learn to act true to their spiritual callings and leadership challenges. Let them put aside their differences so that they can arrive at an amicable way forward on this (unnecessary) impasse. As a matter of fact, and in the interest of peace, harmony, progress and development of Nigeria , these spiritual and moral guardians of the society owe it to everyone to learn to dwell more on those things that unite us as a nation rather than resort to issuing inflammatory statements for whatever reason!

(To be continued next week)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION FROM THE CELL PHONE ‘Tunji, I have said it before that the PDP is populated by political jobbers and people who are bereft of ideas about how to make things work in the country. Jonathan wanted to hide his incompetence by introducing a distraction called single term bill which otherwise can be called tenure elongation bill.

The PDP wants to make Nigeria the republic of fools. But we shall tell them that we are no fools. From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan’

•Jonathan For Dare Olatunji With reference to your comment and debate, I am one of the soldiers. Please keep on the fight and expose corruption especially, D M P: From PO Kpama John. NN. RTD Re- Liberia: Some unfinished business. Your piece was objectively well written. I hope the authorities will do somthing about it. From Bigwan.

Oga Tunji,we are still looking forward to how far the FoI Act has helped in getting answers to the four puzzles you raised in ‘At Home Abroad’ of July 11. Remain blessed. From Ogbeni Tunji.

Sir, I read with trepidation and agony in my heart about the unneccesary death of our people who for want of better life perished unsong in foreign climes. I have often wondered if it is blood that flows in the veins of these ghouls that we call leaders. This country is doomed except God does something, and fast too. Please don’t publish my number.

Anonymous In civilized societies, Malu would have been compelled to resign for that insentitive statement, Babangida would not have passed the rank of colonel, Obasanjo would have been impeached and maybe tried and jailed. Our soldiers died in vain, their benefits cornered by crooks. Anonymous Thank you sir, you have said it all. I was young then but I can never forget the anxiety for my brother who is in the navy and we didn’t know where he was and if he would return alive or in a casket but I guess Reuben Abati whom I presume wrote the presidents speech or at least glanced through, forgot about those who sacrificed their lives needlessly.There is too much anger, desolation, poverty, hopelessness and frustration amongst us and as we continually try to shy away from this multi-hydra headed monster and believe all is going to be well. It will swallow all that are happy, think they are hardworking and so have the right to enjoy their money and are not obliged to help their poverty stricken and even poorer family members.Be concerned about all idle hands.

A gun fed child will end up killing the silver spoon fed child. Let all hands be on deck, it is well but who is it well with? From Arike, Ibadan I have just read your article of today with the title “Liberia:some unfinished Buisness”.Your analysis was as usual spot on but the true story of the Nigerian Armys involvement in ECOMOG operations in both Liberia and Sierraleone will never be told .The wanton waste of our soldiers lives due mainly to incompetence of commanders who had never seen a shot fired in anger. Or the Abysmal supply situation of almost everything needed by our troops due to Award of contracts to Cronies whose first thought was not our troops but their pockets.(A famous Ibadan high chief who is still alive today is suggested to have made billions from this and other deals). To the lopsidedness in the composition of the officers and men who went to Ecomog . Most were from the middle belt and the south. I dare say nothing will come out of your call for these unsung heroes to be accorded their rights as Soldiers who died in the service. Anonymous Nigerian leaders are known for excessive wealth at the detriment of their people, it is not a new thing if Jonathan begins to get mountain of foreign awards in the sad and shameful fallen of our very active and promising soldiers. Nigeria will not have it until we are blessed with a leader who is not just

lucky but the one will make us all lucky without any personal gain that will be inimical to our progress and development as a nation. If Jonathan’s blood relation had died untimely and mysteriously in Liberia, he wouldn’t have been happy to be so honoured. From Jackson Lekan, Ojo Good evening Mr. Olatunji Dare. Hope you are okay. I read your brilliant piece “The billionaire and the hotel maid revisited” and I was so impressed that it prodded me to pen my own opinion. I wonder if you are on facebook because I want to tag you in my wall post note. Please could you kindly fornish me with your facebook ID? Thanks, will be expecting your reply. Form Emeka.

Good day sir, that Jonathan bill for tenure elongation is from the pit of hell. That means when a president or governor performs badly, he can’t be voted out until six years. Jonathan is anti-democrat as his father OBJ. Nigerians will reject this evil bill that commence 2015.

Aba jonathan PDP machinery for evil. Anonymous For Gbenga Omotoso This is excellent mimicry of Igbo pronouciations. You are wondeful. From Dr. Dele Kayode.

Good day sir, have just finished reading your column “EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK” titled “NOW THE CRUNCH”. It was very refreshing since you pointed that the economy has elbowed politics off the front page. It is true that the revelry that followed the April elections is dying.The day to day living of the Nigerian masses is now on the front burner.

But the past events of the last two leaves much to be desired. NLC and TUC called off their 3day warning strike at the last minute against popular opinion. NUPENG did the same just last week. Mismanagement and poverty remain the bane of the Nigerian government and society.The removal of fuel subsidy will not help in the payment of the new minimum wage. Instead the government should focus on curbing inflation and the falling value of the naira. The much touted 9 point agenda should be dispensed with; It is just an appendage of the 7 point agenda of the Yar’Adua era.

Anonymous An Attorney-General at work indeed!

Gbenga, without any equivocation, one can rightly say the actions and inactions of Adoke is a measure of incompetence of Jonathan nay ineffectiveness of his Governtment to fight corruption - his so called determination ‘na mouth’ but what a shame! From Conrad Aziegbe.

Abuja.

Thank you Gbenga for your incisive article on the AGF at work. Mohd Bello Adoke san, has indeed left the substance to pursue the shadow and it is my view that he is out to frustrate the fight against corruption for personal gains. All the cases he withdrew from court are high profile cases of corruption involving highly placed persons. An honest and patriotic AGF would have ensured neat prosecution of the cases and allowed the courts to decide. Withdrawal of the cases from court is suspicious. When a policeman takes N20 bribe and is caught, he faces dismissal but when a rich man is charged to court for coruptn, the AGF shamelessly and culpably applies nul prosequi . Application of justice seems discriminatory in Naija. If the President is serious in his claimed zero tolerance for corruption, he should fire the AGF unless he is privy to this filth. Then he should change JUSTICE to INJUSTICE Ministry. From ABTsav Good morning sir, Apparently your message “Dear Lagosians” was from a Tiv “bloda” from Anyiin. May the good God bless you too. From Shima.

Mr. Omotoso, we as a people have collectivelly failed, not Aondoaka, Adoke, Akpamgbo, ICPC or EFCC, but, our system, institution and us. From Prince Ntah Oga Gbenga, I really love your comments on the back page of The Nation newspaper ev-

ery thursday, but please focus more on the very inportant issue of disbanding the fraud so called Nigeria. I really don’t know why some few people are afraid of the over due split. God bless you. Anonymous Thank you sir for having you in The Nation because you make me very happy with your today’s article. Nagode! From Engr. Abdu Usman Misau, Bauchi-Nigeria.

Gbenga, are you surprised at what the Attorney General is doing, it is People Deceiving People only means of declaring dividends of democracy. From Femi.

For Segun Gbadegesin Good morning Prof. and big big Congratulations. From Engr Ajuwon We have refused to know why there was ‘witch hunting’ in Europe and the industrial revolution that followed. Christians are too daft to know what God meant by “suffer a witch not to live”. cv of polital leaders in the bible is not known and practised. Who to blame? From Dr. Nyong, calabar.

Uncle Segun, how I wish Africans would know that religion is a personal spiritual matter and can not be forced on any human. Anonymous.

Segun, I have just read your piece “A curse on the continent” and I must confess I can’t agree less with you I always said to those around me that care to listen that Nigeria is jungle and by extentiön Africa or how can one explain the happenings that take place in Nigeria and africa at large take look at Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, former Zaire and so on and tell me why a leader will stay in power for decades only to enriching themselves and their close friends while rest of the people swim in poverty the case of Nigeria is worse infact, I worked with a frenchman who your exact words it is paplexing to sax the least that people can this poor and sufering in the midst of the wealth that God has poured on Africa. Anonymous Segun, you have a platform to tell the world that muslems are exploiting jihad aspect of Islam to destroy Africa either as Boko Haram or Al Shabab. They can’t advance Islam through violence in this internet age. they can go back to stone age. From Harris.

Segun your article today “Curse on the continent” is a beautiful piece x-raying the quantum of tragedy that has become a continent where civilization started, no thanks to scavengers and opportunists in the garb of leaders who had and still flatter the people into false security with fair words while bleeding them to death.

Solomon Asha.

Egbon Gbade: re: “A curse on the continent?”

Of course, President Jonathan cares! That is why he is battling for a one term tenure instead of tackling the myriad of problems confronting the nation! “hand me 1st the single term and all things shall be added unto it”, thus said philospher Jonathan. From Adeleke Foster, Surulere.

Oh, I cryied for Africa, 90% of what Africans are suffering today were as direct result of their leadership failure.They are unvisionary and insencitive to the plight of the people they are leading, hence, thier immediate families and cronies were okay. Al Shabab will not be blamed for refusing the food aid after all his families and cronies weren’t suffering in the famine and the wars. Is like the leader who said that they will go to war over none implimentation of Islamic Banking, if the war eventual erups,t it is the masses who will suffer it. So, we are in the continent where criminals will be having field day unless police, Army or government official were killed, where road will not be tarred unless an important personnel died on the road, where appointment is based on ones religion or ethnics, where religious fanatics, self enriched, self imposed and sit tight leaders are the order of the day.God help us. Anonymous Greetings Sir. I just dropped your column, “A curse on the continent”. Do our so called

• Adoke leaders read papers? Please keep your good work, I am your fan. From Uzor Sunday, Delta State.

Africans should be scientific in their thoughts and deeds. We pray to the gods we created for ourselves. From Dr Mann Tolofari, PortHarcourt.

For Tunji Adegboyega I only want to express my delight as I read the wealthy thoughts in your column titled ‘One man, one term? No sir’ last Sunday. The effect is that I am spurred to look out for more of these topical issues. Indeed, other readers and I owe you a debt of gratitude for this work.

Well done. From Nelson, Dept. of History and Strategic Studies, UNILAG. ‘One man, one term? No sir’ is a good piece.

It became even better with the paradox of ‘one man, one vote’. How I hope Abati will not go the way of other king’s spokesmen soon.

Anonymous.

A man like President Jonathan is capable of ‘unleashing’ anything on the majority that voted for him and the minority that didn’t. As for me, Jonathan is on ‘autocruise’ with all of us as passengers. Only God knows where we’ll find ourselves by 2015. Nigeria we hail thee!

From Kayode A. Tunji, I have said it before that the PDP is populated by political jobbers and people who are bereft of ideas about how to make things work in the country. Jonathan wanted to hide his incompetence by introducing a distraction called single term bill which otherwise can be called tenure elongation bill. The PDP wants to make Nigeria the republic of fools. But we shall tell them that we are no fools. From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan.

Hi Tunji, may God bless and reward you for the time taken to come up with your write-up on the so-called single term thing as published in The Nation of Sunday. It is doubtful if President Jonathan would disappoint Nigerians who voted for him en masse if all he could put on his table for now is the highly condemnable proposal. Can we rightly say he is ignorant of the myriad of challenges facing the nation at the moment which need to be addressed with urgency? Apparently we still have a long way to go; so, we need not relent in our prayer to God to install those who will have His fear in mind for us. It is obviously not yet Uhuru. From Matthew.

The signs have always been there that the President cannot deliver but we are often fooled by sentiments. Electing him was the greatest error by Nigerians. Expect more goofs, gaffes and grief! It’s yet morning. Anonymous.

Single tenure will kill motivation to perform in order to be reelected. Bad rulers will misrule with impunity, knowing they won’t seek reelection. What the government should do is to improve the efficiency of our electoral system with the intent of returning power to the electorate. Imagine six years of unbroken misrule! From Pastor Emeka.

A keen observer notices that governors govern for only two years and then spend the next two years positioning for reelection and the two years after the election fighting off the court case. Smart thing is to deemphasise elections. From Akan.

Your article was a delight. Quite instructive and pungent. The absurdity in our polity manifested in a former south-west governor being tried by the EFCC recontesting in 2011! pray! Anonymous.

FIFA UNDER-20 WORLD CUP

FEDERATION CUP

Ahmed Musa insists NFF warns clubs on Ramadan fasting against recalling players Pg. 24

Pg. 41

Nation Wednesday, August 3, 2011

PAGE 23

•Super Eagles players

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER SYSTEM

Africa is in trouble —Oliseh Pg. 24

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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NATION SPORT Yakubu shows Everton commitment

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VERTON striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni showed great commitment to the Blues cause on the weekend.

While he has been in talks about a move away, Yakubu featured in Everton’s friendly win at Birmingham City.

The Liverpool Daily Post says Yakubu, who played the final 20 minutes at the weekend, had a race against time to be involved at St Andrew’s.

While the Everton party travelled down to the Midlands on Saturday morning, the Nigerian was present for the birth of his second child.

Yakubu insisted on then making the journey south to link up with his team-mates at just after 2pm.

•Yakubu

Atkinson to referee Ghana, Nigeria

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OP England referee Martin Atkinson will take charge of Ghana’s international friendly against Nigeria next Tuesday in Watford.

The 40-year old has been picked for the game that pitches two of Africa’s best side’s together in England on August 9.

He will be assisted on the lines by Peter Kirkup and Stuart Burt with Rob Shoebridge the fourth referee.

Atkinson was the man in the middle when Manchester City won the English FA Cup last season in what was his career high.

He was also in charge as Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-1 at home, drawing criticism from Sir Alex Ferguson for awarding what United said was a ‘soft penalty’ for Chelsea’s winner.

NATION SPORT

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HELSEA midfielder John Obi Mikel admits victory in the Asian Trophy final against Aston Villa was a great confidence boost.

An impressive victory against the first Premier League opposition faced during the build-up to the season ensured that the 100 per cent record under Andre Villas-Boas remains.

“It was good and for us it was all about getting back to our fitness but at the same time it was an important

game,” Mikel told chelseafc.com.

“We wanted to win this trophy, the manager really wanted us to win it too, and we went out and did what we had to do.

“We played well and we stuck well to our plan we had before the game. We wanted to go out there and put pressure on and score an early goal. Then we could take control of the game which is what we did. We kept playing and we knew that the second goal was going to come. Then we just had to keep the ball.”

Federation Cup: NFF warns clubs against recalling players

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HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has warned clubs involved in the 2011 Federation Club not to recall their players from the National Beach Soccer camp presently holding in Badagry, Lagos.

Deputy General Secretary (Technical), Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme said Tuesday that it has come to the notice of the NFF that some clubs are determined to recall their players from the camp ostensibly for these players to shore up the teams’ strength in the group stage of the Federation Cup, billed for four centres across the country from 4th – 9th August.

“The Nigeria Football Federation does not take kindly to this move by the clubs. We usually take to heart the interests of the clubs, which is why we always prevail on our Coaches not to invite more than three players from any one club at any particular time.

“For the present situation, no club can complain. Enugu Rangers FC (with James Okwuosa and Musa Najere) and Kwara United FC (with Ogbonnaya Okemmiri and Isiaka Olawale), are the only clubs that are still active in the Federation Cup and also have up to two players in the National Beach Soccer camp. We don’t think that is an over-kill.

“This is a stern warning to all clubs to desist from threatening their players in the National Beach Soccer camp to return to base or face sanctions. This is not acceptable. At all times, national assignments take precedence over club assignments. Yet, we still do everything in a conscious manner to protect the interests of our clubs.

“It is important to state here that should any player in the present

National Beach Soccer camp leave the camp to feature in the Federation Cup, such club would be deemed to have lost the particular match and forfeit three points as well”, said Ikpeme.

The National Beach Soccer team is presently camping in Badagry ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup billed for September 111 in Ravenna, Italy. From Badagry, the team will move to Faro, Portugal on August 15 for a twoweek, final residential camping programme before flying to Italy.

ORMER Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh has criticised Africa’s qualifying system for the 2014 World Cup. For the first time since the 1990 finals, a series of play-off games will decide the continent’s five qualifiers.

“I think Africa is in trouble as I was very disappointed when I saw the format they made up,” Oliseh told BBC Sport.

“Let’s not forget what happened when Algeria played Egypt in (2010) qualifying, when there was fighting, yet now we will have five play-offs.”

“Let’s hope that we don’t have five incidents like this.”

Security at high-profile African football matches has long been the subject of some concern.

In November 2009, bitter North African rivals Algeria and Egypt were forced to meet in a one-legged play-off after both ended their World Cup qualifying group with identical records.

Such was the intensity of the match in neutral Sudan that diplomatic relations between the two countries were affected as violence broke out between rival fans in four different countries.

“This is what scares me (about the new format),” Oliseh told the BBC’s flagship African sports programme Fast Track.

Africa’s qualifying format for all World Cups from 1994 onwards was changed after post-match violence broke out during play-offs used to determine the 1990 finalists.

Once again, Egypt and Algeria were involved - with the Egyptian team doctor blinded with a bottle in a postmatch fracas following the Pharaohs’ tense victory in November 1989.

Since the 1994 finals, Africa’s World Cup qualifiers have been decided by the teams who emerged top from selective qualifying groups.

Yet for the 2014 finals, five different play-offs will take place to determine

who reaches Brazil from the second round of qualifying.

The teams who top ten different qualifying groups in the second round will reach the third and final round.

The draw for Africa’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign was made on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.

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LYING Eagles top star Ahmed Musa will observe the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began Monday, at the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to go without food and water for most of the day.

And despite the huge demands on physical fitness at Colombia 2011, the VVV Venlo ace has said he will also

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ODAY’s Group D encounter between Nigeria and Croatia should make for fascinating viewing. The African side are on a high after their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Guatemala, while Croatia will be

Too early to compare Obuh boys with 1985 F/Eagles –Alloy Agu

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HE Flying Eagles class of 1985 goaltender and the current goalkeeper trainer of the Nigeria Under-23 team popularly called Dream Team V, Alloy Agu has cautioned that it was still too early to compare the impressive start of the Nigeria Under-20 team at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup holding in Colombia to the team he was a member of, that won Nigeria a bronze medal at similar tourney 26 years ago.

Agu who went on to man the goal post for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Algiers’90 African Cup of Nations disclosed to NationSport that he was happy at the superlative start of the Junior Eagles but he admonished that Nigerians should allow the team to take each match as it comes rather than to distract them from ending the country’s first Under-20 title after many close shaves in previous outings.

He explained that it was noteworthy that the Nigeria representatives proved to be too much for the Guatemalan to handle and asserted that if they approached their remaining two group matches and the subsequent ones with the way they took the Central American to the cleaners, they would go far in the competition.

“I was impressed with what they displayed against Guatemala. They

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From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

•Nigeria's Ahmed Musa (r) on the ground, celebrates with teammates Emmanuel Anyanwu (l) and Edafe Egbedi after scoring against Guatemala during a U-20 World Cup group D match

HE man credited with the fastest goal in FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Monday Odiaka has warned that the Flying Eagles’ victory against Guatemala will make no meaning if the Nigeria Under-20 side display complacency in their Thursday morning tie with Croatia in the ongoing World Cup in Colombia.

Odiaka who has coached Oceanic Bank Football team and Bolowotan FC in Lagos was in the Flying Eagles’ team of USSR’85 and his 13 second scorcher against Canada told SportingLife exclusively on Monday evening s that the current Under 20 squad should build on the success of their initial 5-0 drubbing of Guatemala in order to have a soft landing to the second round with a match to spare.

He stressed that the team played a compact game against the Central American but opined that their true test would be scrutinize when they face Croatia in the second match.

His words, “We are all happy with the feat and it demonstated the quality Nigerian teams have always had in previous competitions at this level. They played the kind of game that wins and there was no doubt they would beat Guatemala since they played a positive football and they displayed tactical discipline while the match lasted.

“It is not yet Eldorado because there are still two matches to be played and the major one is the tie between Nigeria and Croatia. The Croats lost their first

fast as ordained by Prophet Mohamed.

Musa stood out as the Flying Eagles scaled over Guatemala 5-0 in Armenia, he scored a goal and made an assist.

Coach John Obuh, who has worked mostly in the Muslim north, said it is a personal decision of the players if they want to fast during the competition.

While another team official assured that the fasting would not have any adverse effect on physical condition of the players, but rather they will get special favours from Allah for making this sacrifice.

“There are some Christians in the team, like Philemon Daniel and Dami Paul, who also fast even on match days and this has not affected them,” said the official.

Croatia, Nigeria needing different things

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri showed that they were ready and prepared for the assignment they have on their hands with the way the result was achieved. They played to the expectation and yearnings of Nigerians.

“I am of the view that it is still too early to compare this team with the class of 1985 which I was a member of.

We had quality players like Akanni Waidi, Andrew Uwe, Monday Odiaka, Mark Anunobi, Ndubuisi Okosieme, Samson Siasia, Titus Mba and a host of others and the way they played showed they were ready to give off all to Nigeria. Maybe as the competition progresses we might start making comparison but for now we should not allow them to be distracted with unnecessary comparison now.”

He nonetheless advised them to take the Wednesday cum Thursday morning tie against Croatia the way they approached the Guatemala fixture if they want nothing short of victory against the Europeans.

It would be recalled that Alloy Agu with his 1985 Flying Eagles’ players got a bronze medal for Nigeria as a follow up to the historic FIFA/Kodak U-16 triumph in Beijing, China same year after a pulsating penalty shootout win over host, USSR.

•Hails 5-0 thumping of Guatemala

Solution to football crisis in your hands “T

NFF Executive Committee have maintained that there are no crisis whatsoever in our football, but what is perceived as crisis is been caused by the powerful people in the Commission. Why should people be talking about NFF statutes which is in line with what is attained worldwide. Do they want us to be in isolation? Repealing of Decree 101 has gone through the second reading in the House of Representative, and all that is waiting is for the Senate to pass it, and so, people are capitalizing on this to cause trouble all over for their selfish interest. Moreover, if not for the mutual respect we have for the Minister, we would not seat together in any Committee with people that have been banned from all football related activities” he concluded.

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Africa is in trouble –Oliseh

Ahmed Musa insists on Ramadan fasting

Carelessness could ruin Nigeria’s game against Croatia –Odiaka

C/RIVER FA CHAIR TO SPORT MINISTER

HE problems you are seeking for its solutions are domiciled in your office”. These were the candid words of the NFF Chairman of Chairmen Moses Effiong on Monday in Abuja to the Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Suleiman Yusuf while reacting to the reform committee on Nigeria football.

According to the Cross Rivers State FA Chairman, the so called crisis are caused by those who sat with the Minister on the table while inaugurating the Football Reform committee headed by Dominic Oneya. He said that the Minister of Sports is sincere with his intentions, but those he is working with will not allow the final solution to this problem “ we only have full respect for the Minister that is why we honour the invitation. We at the

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER SYSTEM

Mikel: Chelsea Asian trophy victory great for our morale

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri match and they will not want to be eliminated after two games hence the need for the Flying Eagles to forget about the victory over Guatemala and concentrate on the next match. If they allow complacency to set it will be too bad for us.” Odiaka warned.

looking to redress the balance following their unexpected 2-0 defeat to underdogs Saudi Arabia.

The match Croatia-Nigeria, 3 August, 20.00 (local time), Armenia The stakes Despite their impressive opening performance, Nigeria know that Croatia will prove a tougher nut to crack, and coach John Obuh will be hoping star forward Ahmed Musa is on song.

Croatia may have gone down against Saudi Arabia but coach Ivan Grnja remains optimistic about his side’s chances: “We’ve got two games still to play and we just need to perform better than we did in the first match.” To do that, the 62 year-old will have to address the issue of a misfiring attack that got off 15 shots against Saudi Arabia without finding the back of the net.

The stat 2 – The number of goals Nigeria need to become the top-scoring African side in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Current leaders Ghana have 55 to their name, giving Obuh’s men an extra incentive to keep the goals flowing.

The words

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•John Obuh

Olubayo memorial tourney Kicks Off

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ETERMINED to immortalise late Super Eagles defender, Olubayo Adefemi, a memorial football tournament in honour of the fallen hero finally kicked off at the Myhoung Barracks football pitch, Yaba, Lagos over the weekend.

The competition grand finale, according to Olubayo’s elder brother, Abiodun Adefemi will hold on August 13 which is late Olubayo’s birthday. He added that eight teams that are grouped into two will vie for honours in the competition.

“This competition was Olubayo’s initiative and his little way of giving back to the society. So we thought it wise to sustain the competition which is a simple way to immortalise him.

“I want to ensure you that the family members and Shade Olubayo’ fiancée will be present at the final.

“Though he had so many ideas but we have to start with the ones we can sustain. So that is why we have begun with this competition. None of the participating teams paid a dime to play in the competition and we are going to provide jerseys for the teams,” he assured.

The participating teams are; Crest Wave FC, Morning All Stars, Independente, Blue Liners FC, the Nigerian Army team, Diamond FC Sharon Football Team and Jnr. All Stars FC. It would be recalled that Olubayo died in a car crash in Greece on his way to the Airport to finalise his wedding plans.

I want to be U-20 goal king –Egbedi WITH two goals in the bag, the clubless winger has his sights on top prizes in Colombia.

YOU have started the U-20 World Cup on a super note with two goals and an assist against Guatemala on Sunday. How do you feel?

I’m very happy. Before the match, I had the feeling I will score and God made it possible for me to do so, not once but twice.

Who would you dedicate these goals to?

First to God, then all Nigerians and then my friends and family particularly my mother. She prayed for favour from God for me before this tournament and prophesised good things for me in Colombia. I love her.

You also did a dance after both goals. Can you tell us more about this dance?

It’s the dance performed by our second goalkeeper Kazim Yekini right from the time we were in Portugal. He does it anytime when

Man City’s Scout lauds 2011 Copa Coca-Cola Youth Championship ANCHESTER City scout and head of Recruitment, Right to Dream Academy, Joe Mulberry has commended the just concluded Copa Coca-Cola Youth Football Championship, describing it as a professional display of talents by young boys at the grass root level.

The football scout who spoke at the preliminary tournaments leading to the finals in Lagos said nurturing football at the grass root level in Nigeria is necessary for the development of the game in general citing Copa Coca-Cola as a well organised project and a good avenue to address such needs.

“The talents discovered at this championship have been truly impressive. Coca-Cola has done a lot of work in screening out the players before the finals and I can say that their screening process is to be commended.

Zvonko Pamic, Croatia midfielder: “We were unlucky against Saudi Arabia.

We had a number of chances to score, and now we have to beat Nigeria in a much harder game. They’re an excellent side, as we all know, but we can win if we improve our performance.”

John Obuh, Nigeria coach: “We’ll be very wary going into the game against Croatia. A win will be a big boost to our chances of going through, but we want to avoid a loss at all costs.”

41

The commitment of funds, manpower and expertise and also the partnership with key stakeholders such as Y.S.F.O.N is also to be applauded”, Mulberry said.

Copa Coca-Cola, the platform where football dreams are turned into reality, saw 68-days of an ecstatic football festival across 18 cities and towns, with a record registration number of 200,000 teenagers from 12,000 schools who sought an opportunity to showcase their talents and impress the local and foreign scouts that thronged the match venues.

The grand finale tagged ‘Football meets Music’ experienced an atmosphere filled with excitement, chants and applause around the Campus square stadium, Lagos Island and the neighborhood where a large viewing screen was placed outside.

we meet as a team to pray in the night.

He said I should do the dance for him when I score. And when I scored, I did it for him to honour God. You also featured at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. How many goals did you score?

I scored three goals.

How does the U-17 World Cup compare to the U-20 World Cup? There is a big difference between the two. At the U-20 World Cup, they play a far matured game as it is to be expected, allowing one more space to express himself.

You are currently without a club, yet you were not match rusty against Guatemala.

God gave me the power and I also worked very hard, sometimes doing extra fitness exercises in my room.

I live in Warri and so I also train with Warri Wolves, for both their main team and feeder teams.

Sometimes I even play friendly matches for them.

What targets have you set for yourself at Colombia 2011?

First, for us to win the World Cup. Secondly, for me to get a club in Europe and I also wish to finish as the top scorer of the tournament with five, six goals.

Do you have any club in mind?

Whatever club God chooses for me, I will go, but I would prefer a club in Europe.

You are the smallest in the Flying Eagles, 1.62 metres and weighing only 62 kilogrames. Does size count in football?

No it does not. If it did, (Ramon) Azeez and I would not be here.

You need to be mentally strong, fit, have speed, skills and be intelligent to be a good player. The coach picked me in his final squad because I merited it and my size did not stop me.

But watching the defenders of both Croatia and Saudi Arabia they look very big. Won’t they use their big size to stop you?

I watched the left full backs of both teams and as long as Azeez and Ajagun give me good passes, I will dribble past them and I believe I will score another goal on Wednesday against Croatia.

Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia was at the stadium to watch the Guatemala game. Do you think you did enough for him to consider you for his team?

I did not know he was watching the game till after the game. My target is to play well again and score for him to consider me. I believe he will personally call after the match against Croatia. It is always my dream to play for the Super Eagles.

Finally, how are you coping with the weather and the food in Armenia?

The food is okay. But players like Ajagun, Kenneth and myself are struggling a bit with our breathing maybe because of the altitude. But we all believe that by the next game we would all have adjusted.

•Egbedi

RECOGNITION Honour for college alumnus

FCT

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CALL

ROYAL TY ALTY

Minister urges peace during Ramadan

Community installs monarch

Taraba

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3, 2011

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Ogun

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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HEY got food and cash but what seemed to impress them most was the visit of the governor's wife. Most of them were sitting and talking one-onone with somebody of that status for the first time in their lives. It was, to them, the greatest gesture of all.

It was a clearly thought-out interventionist programme of Hajia Mairo Tanko Almakura, wife of Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Almakura. Widows need material support but they also need someone to talk to. Mrs Almakura provided a shoulder they leaned on.

Yet, widows were not the only ones lifted. Youths and Almajiris got a boost, too.

One hundred widows got N10,000 each. Mrs Almakura also inaugurated a borehole which her non-governmental and not-forprofit organisation, Tallafi Women and Youth Foundation" (TWAYF), sank in Lafia, the state capital.

Some of them, who spoke on the gesture, said it was the first time since the advent of democracy in the state that they would mingle with a governor's wife right in their homes.

A total of N1m was spent on the widows. The donation was made through TWAYF. Shortly after the donation to the widows, Mrs Almakura also visited the Almajiris at their schools located in Nasarawa town, Keffi, Nasarawa Eggon and Lafia.

The visits, apart from affording her the opportunity of meeting the people, also gave her firsthand information about the feelings of the people.

Mrs Almakura said her outfit, TWAYF, reaches out to widows, and seeks to enhance human capital and economic empowerment in the state. She added that the organisation promotes the well-being of women and youths. A focal area, she said, is strengthening the capacity of women and youths through skill acquisition and skill-based progammes.

Apart from the creation of an enabling environment for the promotion of honesty, accountability and integrity for the targeted group, Hajiya

W

OMEN are playing a leading role in the restoration of peace in Plateau State. The women, who cut across Christianity and Islam, staged a rally in Jos North Local Government Area, a flashpoint in the violence that continually grips the city.

At the rally, the women stressed the point that peace is achievable.

All it takes is for everyone to love one another.

The four-day event which was organised by Women for Peace in Plateau State in conjunction with Institute of Governance and Social

• Hajia Almakura discusses with an operator of a Quranic school in which Almajiris study

A lift for widows, Almajiris Almakura's wife donates food, cash NCWS urges continuity of programme From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

Almakura said the advocacy for greater opportunities for the women and youth in governance, health, economic and social activities are also one of the cardinal focuses of the TWAYF. "With these values," she said, "we

hope to build a healthy, wealthy and leadership orientation generation of Nasarawa citizens. Through skill acquisition and leadership and leadership development, we shall transform them into active, productive members of the community and state.

"Again, we hope, through our

activities, to build bridges of friendship among the different ethnic and religious groups in the state.

"One of our prime targets is the widow and so we shall signal our resolve to soothe their pain by empowering them because widowhood is a very challenging

and difficult condition for any woman.

"The loss of a spouse, especially the breadwinner is a painful experience and so, for us in TWAYF, providing succour to the vulnerable is a sacred duty which we are committed to alleviating with the resources at our command.”

The Provost, College of Education- Akwanga, Mrs Titi Monde who spoke shortly before •Continued on Page 26

Plateau women unite for peace From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

Research (IGSR), was also staged in three other local government areas: Jos East, Jos South and Bassa.

The chairperson of the event, Dr. Sumaye Hamza said peace is the only avenue through which development can be achieved.

Her words: "This rally is significant in the peace process in the state and the nation at large. In the last decade, incessant crises have left

women and children devastated; everyone has a part to play to ensure that peace is not only returned to sustained.

"Women are symbols of peace; they pursue democracy and human rights, and women can work to transform relationships and address the roots of violence hence, women are stakeholders in the building of sustainable peace in any society".

Hamza called on everyone to be part of the process of achieving

sustainable peace.

Presenting a paper titled: "Voice of Women for Peace in Plateau," Hajia Asabe Aliyu urged women to ensure that males in their households imbibe dialogue rather than violence in conflict situation.

"Prevention of crisis is very vital rather than seeking ways of resolving violence," she said.

"There is no alternative to peace if •Continued on Page 27

•Governor Jonah Jang

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 2011

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A lift for widows, Almajiris •Continued from page 25 the widows were handed their donations, described the occasion as historic because it was the first time the wife of the state governor would bring women from various local government areas in the state together in one place.

Monde, who was full of praises for the governor's wife, told the gathering of women that Mrs Almakura toured various local councils during the electioneering campaigns and met with various groups including women and youths.

What she saw during the campaign tours, according to her, prompted her pledge that if her husband won the election, she would do whatever she could to help those groups of people she met.

She said it was the fulfillment of the promises that the people were witnessing.

Mrs Monde called on the women to make optimum use of the meeting, saying that even if no one went home with any physical item, the lesson to be learnt from the speeches of speakers at the occasion as well as the interactions, will boost their lives and activities.

The National Council of women society (NCWS) urged the sustenance of the programme. Mrs Saraya Agidi, the state President of the organisation, advised the governor's wife not to relent in her efforts to help the less privileged.

Agidi who was represented by Hashiya Ahmed, said that it will go a long way in reducing the burden of widows.

"We urge Her Excellency to sustain the special programme in the interest of the less privileged ones," she said.

She also commended her and the governor for appointing at least one female each in the recently constituted Transitional Management Committee for the 16 development areas in the state.

Describing the couple as saviours, who came at the right time, the state president of Women in New Nigeria (WINN), Mrs Cecelia

• Participants at the event in Lafia Saende said relief is on the way.

She therefore encouraged the women to work together as a team in order to support the governor's wife in order to achieve the target goal.

During her visit to Quranic schools at Nasarawa, Keffi, Nasarawa Eggon, Shabu and Lafia, the governor's wife said her mission is to take the Quran students, also referred to as the Almajiris, off the streets.

She said: "What I'm doing today is to see how I can keep these children off the street by providing them with food since I learnt from their teachers that they basically go out to beg for food, and to also see how we can come in to incorporate formal western education into the system."

She also had audience with the Quranic teachers at their various centres on the integration of Western education.

The proprietors of 'Makarantan Allo Angwan- Bakin Kogi', Mallam Musa Indo and Mallam Audu Azara of 'Makarantan Allo AngwanKwato,' both in Nasarawa Local Government, were full of appreciation for the wife of the governor who donated food items, plastic kettles, mats and other items to their centres. They promised to support her.

•Some of the items donated Mrs Almakura said she has a passion for the Almajairis and has done a few things for them in the past.

She described the challenge of the Almajiris in Northern Nigeria as a

•NIPSS Team Leader, Prof. Olu Obafemi (left) with other members of the team during their visit to the Island Power Project in Lagos

Calls for state police mount

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agos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has restated the call for the creation of state police in the country.

The governor gave the call at the State House, Alausa while receiving participants of the Senior Executive

Course No. 33 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru who were in the state on a study tour.

Fashola stated that since states in the country have their own laws,

judiciary, legislature and government, it is expected that they have their own police to implement their laws.

“If there is state judiciary, legislature, government, we should

serious one because they are not being looked after. She said they are neither well fed nor properly clothed.

"So, after a second thought, I said why don't I go and touch their heart

a little and so, I decided to embark on this project," she said.

Hajiya Almakura declined giving the cost of all the materials procured but she assured of the sustenance of the programme.

accept the inevitable that they have their own police to implement their laws,” he said.

The governor stated that the nation's pluralism should thrive on the basis of its common commitment to overall benefit to the large number of people.

He stated further that amendment should be made in the constitution where it has done no good to the people of the country. He berated those calling for creation of addition states in the country.

The governor said the problem of the country is not that of state creation, but the need to empower local governments in the country to perform their roles and responsibilities, being the closest to the citizens. He said instead of calling for additional states, efforts should be made to free up the provision in the constitution on the creation of local governments in the nation.

While commending the institute for its contributions in policies formulations and leadership training in the country, the governor said it should continue to come up with policies that would aid good governance and develop the capability of government to deliver quality service to the citizens.

He said the institute should look for a way to diversify its training to

include those in the private sector, gas and oil industry, chambers of commerce and industry in the country in order to carry them along in policy conceptualisation.

While stressing the need for capacity building and leadership development in the public sphere, the governor charged the institute to think of bringing back former Presidents, governors, lawmakers and other top government functionaries as resource persons to teach at the institute on policy formulation and leadership.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Governments is already thinking towards this direction as the State Public Service Staff Development Centre has concluded plans to bring in former governors, Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries and others as facilitators to teach officials on principle of governance.

The leader of the team and Director of Research, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Prof.

Olu Obafemi said the team was in the State to see for themselves the transformation going on in it. He said the team had earlier in the day visited the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH) and had seen the good work the state government is doing, a thing he described as a “testimony of good governance.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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College alumni honour member

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Permanent Secretary, Local G o v e r n m e n t Administration, Taraba State, Mr Dennis Orkuma Nev has been honoured by the Old Boys' Association of Teachers College Mkar, Gboko, Benue. Nev and his 72 classmates graduated from the famous school in 1974, but they have remained bound by the strong chord of the alumni organisation, the Mkar Old Students Association (MOSA).

MOSA members met in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital where they honoured Nev for what they called his "feat in the government".

He rose from the ranks of the state's civil service to become the longest-serving officer there. His College classmates attribute his success story to perseverance, hard work and, above all, dedication to God. Nev and his wife, Gloria, hosted them in Jalingo, treating them a sumptuous dinner, kicking off a three-day event that ended with a thanksgiving in church.

"We have a lot to thank God," said MOSA National President,

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TUDENTS In Free Enterprise (SIFE), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has put in place a platform to enable the youths contribute towards the attainment of the Vision 20:2020.

Country Director, SIFE Nigeria Adesuwa Ifedi, who spoke at the at the 2011 SIFE National Competition

• MOSA Great '74’ From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Mr. Moses Mnyorga Aanger, a former Director of Personnel at Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. "We have come to Taraba to honour and celebrate one of us, but we mostly celebrate

God who has kept us together through the years.

Nev paid glowing tributes to his former teachers, who had taught them to love one another. "It is that love from school that has brought my classmates to Taraba," he said. "It is that love that has

made us our brother's keepers."

Out of MOSA 74 has emerged pastors, lecturers, monarchs and senior civil servants, most of them retired. One of them, Joseph Saamegba Abachie, is a national coach in athletics. Abachie's career came to the fore while in

Youths ready for Vision 20:2020

By Chuks Udo Okonta

for undergraduates in Lagos, said the event will showcase the efforts made by the students to transform the society.

The competition which featured students from Benue State University, Federal Polytechnic Idah, University of Abuja, University of Ado-Ekiti and University of Ibadan, provided an

avenue for the students to narrate their community entrepreneurial projects aimed at enhancing the livelihood of the people within their environments. At the end of the competition, Benue State University won the first prize.

Ifedi noted that the students have distinguished themselves, adding that with their level of involvement, there is hope for the attainment of the nation's vision 202020.

She said: "Over the last 10 years, the success of SIFE can only be measured by the quality of students that have passed through the program. Through their own efforts and the support of the SIFE community, SIFE teams have drawn from strength we never knew they had and given so many of us renewed hope in the possibilities that lie ahead.

“Challenged by the [problems in

school, where his name resonated as the best athlete in track events.

Apart from their sterling academic profile, it was also said that the Class of 74 was perhaps the neatest. They came away with nickname 'Great 74'. their communities they have indeed flexed their leadership muscles and become agents of change. In their own little ways, they contributed to the positive changes in their communities and helped build others whilst a lasting change was beginning within them.”

She noted that the organisation is presently in partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, to create a sustainable environment through a project tagged: 'Think Green'. She said the project seeks to leverage on the creativity and passion of students to provide local solution to global environmental challenges.

"The goal of the project is to create a sustainable, cleaner and safer environment, focusing on the opportunities in the development of biogas in Nigeria. Guaranty Trust Bank sponsored workshops in three locations that exposed Nigerians to business opportunities available through the exploration of biogas as a source

Plateau women unite for peace •Continued from page 25 we as a society seek to achieve meaningful development."

The Special Assistant on Peace and Conflict Resolution to Governor Jonah Jang, Barrister Timothy Parlong who was the special guest at the event, advised the women to be sensitive in their households to detect conflict situations and seek ways of preventing them as their influence cannot be ignored in the peace building processes.

The President of IGSR, Prof. Isawa Elaigwu, represented by the

• Judges at the SIFE 2011 national competition

Katsina youths get N12m loan

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ATSINA State government has granted N12.5m interestfree loan to no fewer than 150 youths in state. The facility will help the youths in setting up smallscale businesses following the conclusion of their training in various trades at the state Youth Craft Village.

The state governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema disclosed this during the graduating ceremony of the youths who were trained in 16 different trades. They were issued certificates.

Governor Shema expressed satisfaction over the commitment and dedication exhibited by the youths during their training.

"You are the bedrock of societal development and the touch bearers of the advancement of the society

From Isah Idris, Katsina

anywhere in the world because you are tomorrow's leaders," he said.

"This centre is to help you to realise your full potentials and to express your talent and creativity in the different departments of training.

We designed and established [the skill acquisition programme] to move youths from unemployment to self-reliance and capacity to employ others.

"After this training session, the government as usual, will provide you with interest-free loan and facilities [with which] to settle down and practice the skill you have acquired. For this training, the sun of N12.5m has been set aside to grant you interest-free loans to settle down for business".

• Governor Shema The youths were trained in GSM phone repair, auto-mechanics, tie and dye, wheel alignment and balancing, computer repair, carpentry and joinery, leather work, catering services, among others.

Institute's Project Coordinator for Peace, Mr. Celestine Uketu, appreciated the women for complementing the Institute's efforts in peace building and urged them to engage their children in fruitful ventures and to educate them in order to disabuse their minds of violent tendencies.

Goodwill messages were received from women present at the event including the wife of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Dabwan as well as representatives of different ethnic and religious groups.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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Minister challenges Muslims on peace T

Fed. Govt. happy with completion of cement plant

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•Aganga

HE Federal Government has expressed its satisfaction with the level of work done so far on Dangote Cement Plant, Ibeshe, Ogun State, describing it as highly satisfactory. It also stated that it was a pointer to the fact that the country is on the verge of being self-sufficient in cement production.

Dangote Cement is concluding arrangements to commence production in its Ibeshe Cement Plant with installed capacity of six million metric tons per annum.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga who lauded the high pace at which work is going on at the site, spoke to newsmen shortly after being conducted round the plant.

“My intention for coming here today is to know about where we are in the concept of

Yakowa to address Nigerians in America

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ADUNA State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa is to deliver a lecture entitled Religion and Politics in Northern Nigeria and the Way Forward for Poverty Alleviation, Infrastructural Development and Economic Growth in Kaduna State at the 2011 International Convention of the Northern Collaboration Frontier, Zumunta.

The convention which is expected to attract all northerners in the Diaspora will take place at the Riverdale Convention Centre in Atlanta, Georgia between August 29 and 30, 2011.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Reuben Buhari and made available to Newsextra in Kaduna indicated that the governors of Kebbi and Sokoto states, Sa’idu Usman Nasamu Dakingari and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko respectively will also be in attendance at the conference.

The statement also said that the wife of the

Kaduna From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Vice-President, Hajia Amina Namadi Sambo will also be attending the conference.

Buhari further said that while in the USA, the governor will hold series of meetings with the Governor of Georgia, Mr. Nathan Deal, Chairman/CEO of Coca Cola Worldwide, Mr. Muktar Kent, Dr. Martin Luther king III and Mayor of Atlanta, Mr. Kesim Reed.

The governor will also hold series of meetings with citizens of Kaduna State resident in the United States of America and the Nigerian Community among others.

This, he said, is aimed at opening up Kaduna State to investors.

The convention whose theme is “Providing Educational Opportunities in Nigeria” would focus on the group’s (Zumunta) scholarship initiative to northern students to pursue degree programmes in the USA.

HE Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade has charged all Muslims, as they commence the Ramadan Fast, to use the period to pray and work towards the restoration of peace and internal security in the country.

The minister in a statement by his Chief

Ogun backward integration policy of government, so that government could set a target for the indigenous manufacturers on the way forward. But from what I have seen now, the Dangote Cement is a success story. I am pleased and satisfied with the high pace of work at the site and very optimistic that Nigeria will soon become self-sufficient in cement production.

“This is a success story in that some of the equipment we have seen here today are the biggest in Africa. With the situation I met on ground, I will do a memo to the Executive Council of the Federation on what we have achieved in the cement industry and these contributions have to be acknowledged,” the Minister said.

Aganga stated that the government would work towards encouraging investments on other manufacturing subsector so as to replicate the achievements recorded in the cement industry in other areas like sugar and rice production.

Obviously impressed by the level of work on the Ibeshe plant and the evidence of attainment of self-sufficiency in cement production, Aganga disclosed that the Federal Government would, as a matter of necessity, put in place a platform to recognise the contributions of entrepreneurs like Alhaji Dangote and the need to encourage them to do more so that other businessmen would be interested in the development of the country’s economy.

Bauchi NLC sets up committee on wages Bauchi From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

T • Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State flanked on the right by theCommissioner for Enugu Capital City Development Authority, Mr. IK Ugwuegede, State PDP Chairman, Engr.

Vita Abba, Commissioner for Rural Development, Dr Eric Oluedo, DPO Central Police Station, Ogbete, Enugu, Mr. Ikechukwu Mba and the Controller of Prisons, Enugu, Chris Ntewo (left), during a visit to the Prisons/CPS barracks gutted by fire

Katsina inaugurates commissioners, advisers

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ATSINA State Government has inaugurated 16 Commissioners and 13 Special Assistants recently appointed with portfolios assigned to them.

Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema who performed the inauguration ceremony in Katsina, charged the

Community wants rector’s tenure renewed

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group under the aegis of Mubi Community Development Association (MCDA) has begged President Goodluck Jonathan to renew the appointment of Dr. Mustapha Barua, the Provost of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi Adamawa State for a second term as Rector of the Polytechnic.

The group said that President Goodluck Jonathan’s dream to transform the country could only be achieved if credible and tested people are given the opportunity to pilot the education sector. They maintained Dr Barau has the qualities that could transform the institution as he had recorded landmark achievements as the rector of the institution.

The group, which spoke through its chairman Dr. A.B Kwacham at a press conference held in Mubi said there was a need to reappoint Dr. Barau for a second tenure based on giant strides he made in transforming the institution which was in sorry stage before he took over the mantle of leadership some years ago.

He pointed out that the Federal Polytechnic Mubi was established in 1981 and was mismanaged by its previous leaders which resulted in a plan to merge it with Federal Polytechnic Damaturu in Yobe State by the Federal Ministry of Education. He added that

Adamawa From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

it was Barau that reversed the trend within four years in Office.

Kwacham noted that Barau has been having a running battle with some cartel who believed in a tradition of conniving and diverting the resources made for the development of the institution for personal gains. He accused them of misinforming the Minister of Education to the effect of dropping the recommendation of the Governing Council of the institution.

He said: “We have watched with keen interest the activities of some mischiefmakers who have written series of petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) against Barau as Rector of Mubi Polytechnic on corruption charges. But after investigation by the agencies, he was not found wanting in both his administration and financial dealings.”

He noted that 714 members of staff were employed before Barau came on board which he said have been increased to 5,554 with monthly salaries of up to N54m at present.

•Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau (left), discussing with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr John Clark, during the swearing-in of Wase Local Government Council Chairman in Jos

BRIEFS

Union seeks community-based health insurance THE Federal Government has been advised to focus on community-based Social Health Insurance (CB-SHIP) as the structural framework for taking the primary healthcare programme to the general populace at the grassroots.

Premier Medicaid International (PMI), a frontline health maintenance organisation (HMO) under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) gave this advice at its annual general meeting (AGM) held at the Hypertension Clinic, Government Reservation Area, Iyaganku, Ibadan which was presided over by its chairman, Emeritus Professor Oladipo

Akinkugbe.

It urged the National Assembly to pay special attention to the full implementation of the National Health Insurance Act in order to accelerate the universal coverage of the scheme which was expected to have been attained by 2015.

In its communiqué issued at the end of the AGM, and signed by Dr. Kayode Obembe, Vice-Chairman/ Chief Executive, Premier Medicaid observed that the present situation whereby only Federal Government employees were enjoying the National Health Insurance Scheme was not good enough. He called on the administrators of the scheme to review its strategy to ensure that states and local governments take up health insurance for all their employees.

Lawyer disowns client in court

•Director,Concerned Human Rights of Nigeria, Comrade Declan Ihekaire (left) presents Best Performance Award to the Chairman Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Prince Abayomi Daramola at the council secretariat, Lagos

IT was a mellow drama at the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja the Kogi State capital, when Barrister Ayo Mohammed announced his withdrawal from further handling of his client’s case, Dr Abdullahi Baba Abdul aspirant for the seat of House of Representative under the platform of Congress for Progressive Change over an alleged unruly behaviour in the previous case.

Abdul had dragged the CPC and others to court following an alleged imposition of another candidate, claiming that he was

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the right candidate for CPC House of Representatives Lokoja/Koton–Karfe Federal Constituency.

Dr. Abdul was said to have been unruly in the court during the last court case held in the state capital.

Mohammed told the court that though he was not in court during the last sitting, he maintained that he was surprised when he was briefed by his junior counsel who was in court.

Dr Abdul however told journalists that he was not told that his counsel will withdraw from the case, adding that he made several telephone calls to him and there was no inkling that he was no longer interested in the case.

Katsina From Isah Idris, Katsina

respective appointees to discharge their duties without fear or favour, even as he urged them to develop the zeal to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

He said: “You should see your appointments as time-bound and be aware of the enormous responsibilities and challenges in their task of assisting the government in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Katsina State.”

As part of the governor’s effort to ensure even development in the state, four commissioners were appointed from Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) which includes; that of Water Resources Jamilu Mohammed Dan Musa, Aliyu Abdulmumini Abdullahi Commerce, Hussainin Yammama Land and Survey and Tijani Auwalu Zango for Culture and Tourism.

Other commissioners from the ruling party include Prof. Aminu Kadoi Kurfi Education, Gide Batagarawa Information, Sani Hamisu Makana Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Nasidi Moh’d Danladi Health, Mustapha Maikudi Works and Adamu Ibrahim Babangida Finance.

Others included Musa Adamu Agriculture, Bishir Yusuf Justice, Abdullahi Ibrahim Talba Youth and Sports, Dr. Asmau Yakubu Women Affairs, Engr. Musa Nasuni Resource Development and Ibrahim Safana for Environment.

Also, some of the 13 Special Advisers include Sani Shaibu Media, Dr. Garba Matazu Higher Education, Nafiu Kurgafa Employment and Productivity, Shefiu Madawaki Poultry and Fishing farming and Hajiya Bilkin Kaikai Girl Child Education among others which also has some CPC appointees.

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Bauchi State chapter has set up a special negotiation committee to fine-tune modalities for the payment of the N18, 000 minimum wages with the state government.

Bauchi State NLC chairman, Camrade Hassimu Gital told Newsextra in Bauchi that “negotiations are ongoing with the state government on the payment of the minimum salary from salary grade levels 1 to 17.

“The committee which is to work out the modalities of payment is also invested with the authority to sign the agreement on behalf of the Congress that is the representative of the workers.”

Gital declined to give further details on the negotiations so far, including the knotty areas and those representing Bauchi State government. He however assured that “…we hope something reasonable will be put on the table.”

On what will be the next course of action, the NLC chieftain said: “I assure you that when we reach the bridge, we will cross it and we will also tell you how the bridge will be crossed.”

Meanwhile most of the civil servants who spoke to Newsextra in confidence said they were ready to embark on industrial action even at this time of Ramadan, adding that going on strike is in no way against the true spirit of any religion, especially Islam; for we will be asking for that which is rightly ours.

Abuja

From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

Press Secretary, James Odaudu in Abuja that: “Since the Ramadan is a period of personal purification and total submission to the will of the Almighty God, working for peace and security becomes necessary as Islam, like Christianity, is acknowledged as a religion of peace.”

The Minister said that regular breakdown of law and order leading to loss of innocent lives and properties cannot be the hallmark of a highly religious nation like Nigeria. He charged all well-meaning Nigerians to embark on activities that would advance the cause of peace across the country.

He expressed the hope that the much desired

•Olubolade spiritual cleansing of Nigeria will be ushered in by the Ramadan and wished all Muslims a successful and fulfilling fasting period.

Businessman petitions I-G over attack

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KANO-based businessman, Chief Bonaventure Onyewuchi Kalu has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim over an alleged violent assault by Etsu Nupe, Brig-Gen Yahaya Abubakar (rtd.) and his private palace guards.

Kalu through his counsel Okechukwu Nweze alleged in the petition that the paramount ruler of Nupe Kingdom along with his palace guards ‘dehumanised and inflicted bodily injury on him’ at a checkpoint manned by armed soldiers along Abuja– Kaduna highway.

He accused the royal father of violating his fundamental human right.

In the petition, copies of which were made available to journalists in Kano, Kalu claimed that the Etsu Nupe and his retinue of private guards had misinformed the security personnel over an earlier encounter along the Tafa end of the road over the right of way.

The petitioner explained that on that fateful day he was travelling on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, he heard the sounds of siren from

Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

the convoy of the Etsu Nupe while on the speed lane.

He said his attempts to give the right of way to the royal father’s convoy, were made difficult by other road users, a situation that compelled him to accelerate his speed.

The businessman further stated that his action though done in good faith was misinterpreted by the Etsu Nupe, who prevailed on the soldiers at the checkpoint, to order him out of his car after which he was allegedly beaten by the palace guards in the presence of Etsu Nupe.

He said he was subsequently taken to a private Hospital in Kaduna for immediate medical attention.

The petitioner therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident to ascertain the veracity of his claims with a view to bringing the culprits to book.

Kwara to join Fed. Govt’s unemployment battle

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HE Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Adbullfatai Muhammed has advised the Federal Government to prioritise effective planning before it embarks on any youth development projects.

Muhammed spoke at the weekend in Abuja while on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi.

He promised to partner with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in making unemployment a thing of the past in the country.

The Governor, who maintained that about 70 per cent of the country’s population who are youths are either unemployed or struggling to make ends meet, adding that 60 per cent of the group are in the age bracket of 15 years and below.

He said: “Youth development has been a focus to our government largely because in development, there is need to plan and planning requires analysis of the people.

Going through the demographic analysis of Kwara State and indeed Nigeria, about 70 per cent of the population of about 2.5 million people are youths.

“Most importantly, 60 per cent of this youth group are 15 years and below and I’m sure it is a clear reflection of what it is nationally.”

He said proper planning should be the

hallmark of any development programme in the country particularly as it relates to the youth.

While maintaining that the planning process should reflect the value and interest of the people, Governor Muhammed pointed out that activities of his administration and the ministry is cantered on youth development which he said is an index to other developmental programmes.

He disclosed that his visitation was not only to felicitate with the Minister but also to synergise and share parts of Kwara State visions to support youth development in the state and country at large.

“Our visit here today is not only to felicitate with the minister but also to share the vision of our administration so that we can create a common platform. It is also to synergise to ensure that we can create necessary platform that supports youth development in our state and Nigeria at large.”

Governor Muhammed pointed out that it is imperative to set up an appropriate database for the youth in order to know the categories of unemployed youths including the graduates,

Abuja From Bukola Amusan and Gbenga Adanikin, Abuja

the skilled as well as unskilled ones in order to effectively address their needs respectively.

He added that separate platform should be created for unemployed youths under the age of 15.

His words: “The concern of our government would be in the areas of taking a statistical analysis of our youths. We must have a proper data on youth unemployment which is currently going on in the state. This is expected to show us the different categories of youths we have. There are graduates, non-graduates, skilled, and unskilled and we must create a platform to take care of all these categories of youths.

“Most importantly, the platform that allows for the growing youths that are 15 years and below not to fall among the massive unemployment in the country. We should rather create better platform that will make them nation builder.”

Vehicle owners warned

HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles parked at Monitoring Unit/X-squad Ikeja, Shagamu Road, Owode, Ojo and Ilasa Hausa Police Stations to come forward and remove them immedially or forfeit them to the public through auction.

They vehicles are: Jetta saloon car marked & BE 803 SMK, Hiace bus (scrap), Ford Explorer Jeep BW 147 EKY, BMW 3 series JQ 387 KJA, one scrap BMW series EM 934 AAA, Renault Saloon car AA 314 BZR, Opel Cadet car JU 981 KJA, Peugeot 505 saloon car AR 561 MUS, M/Ben Saloon car PV 25 RSH, Honda Prelude car DH 252 AAA, Honda Accord car without

Reg. Number, Peugeot 304 saloon car CG 475 KJA, Nissan Sunny lift back, Datsun Laurel Saloon car, One Accidented LT Bus Reg No XK 777 EKY, one scrap Toyota pick up Reg. number HS 379 AAA and one scrap Honda Accord car Reg. number EP 30 KRD. Others are one scrap Vanagon Bus Reg. number XL 511 EPE, one scrap Vanagon Bus Reg. No. Q 247 GGL, Volkswagen LT Bus Accidented Reg. No. BL 974 FST, Honda Accord car Reg. No. AH 478 BWR, Volvo station wagon Reg. No. BR 322 GGE, Volkswagen Bus Reg. No. XG 502 LSD, Volkswagen LT Bus Reg. No. XU 919 AKD, LT commercial bus white colour Reg. No. XX 722 FST and white Vanagon Bus Reg. No. XH 348 BEN

•Chairman, Osun Clean (O-Clean) Project, Hon. Bola Ilori, representing Governor Rauf Aregbesola (3rd left); Chairman, Egbedore Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Adewale (middle), Iyaloja of Osun State, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade (left); Director, Environment Health and Sanitation, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Adewale Ogungbe (2nd right) and others, during the environmental sanitation exercise at Ofatedo, Egbedore Local Government, Osun State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

29

Life

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761

In women, kids’ interest – Page 31

Lifting Ikogosi Warm Spring from rot – Pages 32

•Bale Ilu (right) and a member of his group performing

A feast of drums thrills rocky town • SEE PAGE 30

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

30

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

A feast of drums thrills rocky town The 'town of twin rocks’ called Olokemeji came alive when it marked Orioke Festival. This year's edition was spiced with an exciting innovation - the festival of drums. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

•David and Wasiu Bata Group entertain the crowd

•Bale Ilu and his group on stage

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ARTICIPANTS at this year's Orioke Festival will not forget in a hurry the beats of the traditional drummers who competed for their attention at the maiden edition of Ayeye Odun Ayan (Ilu) - the Festival of Drums. They will forever savour the sight and sounds of the American Bata drummer, who thrilled guests with his drumming.

This was the first time, Iragbiji, popularly known as the town of twin rock formations called Olokemeji, would feature a foreign bata drummer as part of its festival activities. Although the town has an annual celebration of drums, it was done in a low key, enjoyed only by few people. This year, they decided to make it elaborate, as part of its tourism potential, it was learnt.

"There has always been an annual celebration of drumming (Odun Ayan) among the traditional drummers spanning more than 200 years, which has never gone unmarked," according to Chief Muraina Oyelami, chairman, Organising Committee.

However, he said: "We (the community) have decided to give it a boost this year in order to let greater number of people appreciate the unique position of Iragbiji in the drumming profession.

The celebration will henceforth be made as part of the Iragbiji Cultural festival and deliberate efforts will be made to let members of the public appreciate the unique place of Iragbiji drummers whose dexterity is very high. And a special highlight is the foreign bata player."

His name is David Tullis from Texas, US. His entrance sparked-up whispers from the crowd.

Most were skeptical at what kind of drumming he would be playing. And by the time he took the floor, he earned the applause of the audi-

•Oladimeji Sekere and Aro Group performing

•The Aragbiji (middle) and his queens on the dance floor

ence and the admiration of his contemporaries when he played some Sango's praise songs such as the Alusi, Yannije. He was a main feature of the day. He preformed with the Osun State Centre for Arts and Culture ensemble, Wasiu Ayan and his Bata Group.

Akinsola Akinlowo alias Olowonijeole, who came to watch the festival of drums from a neighbouring town, said he was impressed by the 'white drummer’s' performance. "I am so overwhelmed by the way he played. And I am surprised that a whiteman came here to learn our drumming and culture and is taking it away.

This means there must be something we are not seeing; something good, I think. Or how can you explain it? And if others could value it so much as to come all the way from overseas to seek it, it should be celebrated by us."

A senior bata drummer, Ayanwale Lasisi, called David an ‘initiate’. He said: "We are now brothers because he is now an initiate. And with drumming, he can never be hungry. I am proud of him."

Indeed, his performance added spice to the event, but did not take the shine off the traditional drumming ensembles that graced the stage. Even the audience could see that it was worth more than just a festival to them. Members of various drumming ensembles hammered their instruments with vigour to win the heart of the audience and, of course, that of their King, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi (Odundun IV). The open square at the king's palace served as theatre of a sort for the occasion. Various traditional ensembles skilled in Dundun (talking Drum), Bata, Agidigbo (chordophones), Sekere (an instrument made of gourd, beads or cowry shells), Aro (metal idiophonic instrument), Seli(rattle) Agogo (bell)

lent their talents to entertain the crowd while the oba was seen raising his Irukere (horse tail) to greet them, perhaps to encourage them or in acknowledgement of a touching beat. The action tends to increase the tempo of their drumming to a higher degree. And they drew reactions from the audience and their king. But it was Oladimeji's Sekere and Aro Group that succeeded in attracting the dance steps of the Oba and his lovely wives. They came, accompanied by other members of Iragbiji royalty, dancing and spraying the group.

Adebisi Oyekanmi Group drew the steps of the Iyalode of Iragbiji just as Ayanllola Oolowo Group motivated the steps of the Yeye Osun of Iragbiji (the Osun priestess). Visitors were shown what it feels like to witness the masters of the act drum alongside their protégés.

Opoola Ayandiran Ayandosu, Bale Ilu (the king of the drummers) was also on ground to entertain. His performance the cleared the floor for others. Like an old wine, Ayandosu’s beats still captures the heart of the listening audience, many like the oba, who have listened to him since they were young.The 80-year-old’s act took the longest - he held the floor for 31 minutes.

Impressed by Ayandosu's dexterity, Oba Olabomi charged youths to strive to be like the old man, saying drumming is a physical exercise that has kept Ayandosu fit over the years.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the drums' festival, the monarch praised the drummers, including the American.

He said: "Iragbiji has produced

PHOTOS: EVELYN OSAGIE

world-class drummers. Indeed, our drummers are world-class such as the Eesa of Iragbiji, Chief Muriana Oyelami. Go around the world - UK, Canada, US - most of the people playing and teaching traditional drums are from Iragbiji.

Our drumming is now being celebrated all over. It is no surprise then, that we have in our midst a Bata drummer from US. It is just the beginning. These performances can show to the world that our culture is still alive and we are still alive to our culture. And we are determined to keep it alive and lift it up. These are a little of what we have to offer, culturally."

The drummers went away with gifts for their efforts. To them, he said: "This is to say that we know your worth. And so I encourage you, drummers, especially the young among you, to be diligent. One day you will get there.

Other highlights of the festival included exciting chants and songs by the royal women singing group called the Ayaba Seli Group; drums performances by Chief Karimu Kajogbola and his Agidigbo playing group,

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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The Midweek Magazine

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First Lady to grace album launch

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•Mrs Akosile (standing) and other participants at the forum

The plight of children and women was, again, brought to the fore when the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and stakeholders gathered in Lagos to seek ways to better their lives. EVELYN OSAGIE reports

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In women, kids’ interest

HE need to raise the profile of issues bordering on social policy for children and women was highlighted at the two-day forum by the United Nations Emergency Children Fund (UNICEF) B-Field Office in Lagos.

Participants charged the government to give more attention to social policy issues on children and women, adding that more funds should be allocated to problems affecting them.

The forum, tagged the Mid-Year Review Meeting on Social Policy, Advocacy and Communication programme, took place last Wednesday at the Eko Resort, Akodo, Lagos. It was organised with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

The event was attended by representatives of UNICEF, government agencies from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta and Edo, such as the states’ ministries of Information, Health, Emergency Management Agency, NOA, among others.

While explaining the role of Social Policy, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Dr Lawal AbdulKareem, spoke on the essential issues and areas of policy and the need to increase the number of programmes aimed at improving the lives of children and women, saying it has become the world’s focus. The presentation was thought-provoking, educative and informative, in that, it generated the necessary participation and feedback from all participants as shown in the quality of participants’ questions, observations and contribu-

tions after the presentation.

He called on the government to “raise the profile of SP, advising that it work more with Independent Partners and civil society groups.

He also spoke on the “Strategic Shifts in the 2009 to 2012 Federal Government (FGN)/ UNICEF Programmes and the UNDAF Framework, Structure and Priorities.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Communication Specialist Mrs Caroline Akosile briefed participants on the objectives of the meeting, saying it is geared towards bringing together key actors within SPAC states to focus on activities planned for this year. This, she said, is done to compare the level of implementation against planned results, among others.

Other areas of discourse include a comprehensive review of achievements, constraints, especially funding for all programmes.

HE First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, will be the special guest of honour at the presentation of a gospel album: Celebration of God’s Goodness produced by Mrs Faith Kasarachi Johnson.

The event, which is being co-ordinated

by Primary Solutions Associates Limited, will hold on Thursday at the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja by 11am.

According to a statement by Mr Adang Simeon Azi, Project Manager, Primary Solutions Ltd, arrangement to ensure a successful album launch has been concluded.

He said that Ben Uwajumogu, Speaker, Imo House of Assembly will chair the occasion while Chief Cosmas Maduka, Chairman /Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Group will be the Chief Presenter.

Other dignitaries expected at the album launch include, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Federal Government (father of the day); Mrs Chinyere Okorocha, wife of Imo State governor (mother of the day); Senators Victor Kassim Oyofo and Oluremi Tinubu; Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, member House of Representatives; Prof. Godwin Chukwu, Head, Petroleum programme, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja; Otunba Olajide Babatunde, Campus Director, AUST, Abuja; Chief (Mrs) Josephine Anenih, former minister for Women Affairs, among others.

Celebration of God’s Goodness is the début album of Mrs Johnson, whose primary aim is to glorify God around the world while celebrating the country’s rich culture.

US scholar explores art of Lagos

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GRADUATE student of Columbia University, New York and the second fellow at the Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF) for 2011, Erica Agyeman, last Saturday concluded her research on Cosmopolitanism in Lagos: Negotiating Space.

Agyeman, who is pursuing a graduate degree in Modern Art History, Critical and Curatorial Studies, focusing on contemporary Nigerian art, interacted with many Nigerian artists in Lagos, especially those she regarded as cosmopolitan in their production of art works. She said that by focusing on artists working in a geographically specific area (Lagos), repeating themes and modes of expression become evident and an original visual vocabulary emerges.

According to her, “In Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers,philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah reinvigorates an aged philosophical term (cosmo-politanism), loosely defined through the shared concern for others and respect for legitimate difference. It is a term which addresses values shared by ‘citizens of the world,’ rather than values categorized through national, ethnic, religious, or socio economic factors. Appiah selected this concept to find a solution, or perhaps simply expose the challenges of living peacefully in our ever-shrinking global society,” she said.

She noted that cosmopolitanism reveals the push and pull of homogenising globalisation as well as discrete expressions of what Peju Layiwola called ‘African cultural values.’

This, she said, expresses the specific textures and nuances of how commonality and difference can inhabit a more specific space, such as Lagos.

She explained that the exact cosmopolitan dichotomy is what Odia Ofeimun describes as the core experience of the city, in which people of diverse beliefs must by necessity find a common morality in Lagos, A City at Work.

Continuing, she said: “Performance artist, Jelili Atiku’s 2009 work, “Agbo Rago,” decries the plight of humankind and crumbling moral values in our world. He has derived the title from the Yoruba word, Agbo, meaning “camp,” and the Hausa word, Rago, meaning “ram,” playing on the expression that humankind has become half man and half nothing. Jelili performed the piece at the Ejigbo Ram Market, engaging with the crowd, as the suya chef removed chunks of meat from his costume, grilled it, and served it to the audience. Jelili’s work deftly positions the audience as

•From left: Shyllon, Agyeman and other participants

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

complicit to perpetrating these dehumanizsing acts. Integrating the audience into the performance, brings their level of involvement to a personal level, one which ultimately increases their sense of responsibility to respond to the message of Jelili’s work.

Peju Alatise’s One Side of the Story brings to light a negative aspect to a Lagosian implementation of “universal concern.”

The figure is trapped, adhered to the vertical panel, limbs incapacitated. The surface of the form is shrouded by headlines, collected from newspaper gossip columns, reflecting the “down-side” of having stranger’s intimately concerned

with another person’s welfare or personal choices.

Bruce Onobrakpeya’s series entitled, Nomadic Masquerade, collapses both temporal and physical space by assembling and producing objects which reference the modern industrial age and older (and currently existing) cultural practices into a personalised expressive form. Further exemplifying the free movement of these signs is in the fact that artwork itself is a masquerade costume, one which can move freely throughout space, over a period of time, without scripted step. Free appropriation of symbols is a practice Onobrakpeya has embraced for decades, perhaps most well known in his invention of the visual language of Ibiebio.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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Badagry feasts for peace

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LAD in his traditional white attire, the chief priest of Badagry, High Chief Posu, was in his natural element. He broke the Kola nut into several pieces to cast the divination of appeasement on a flat plate before His Majesty, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Akran of Badagry, who declared the festival open. The other traditional rulers and chiefs of the ancient waterfront community were all present.

It was a solemn moment punctuated by benevolent prayers for the living not to ever witness the tragedy of blood and tears that marked that dark epoch in Badagry. Posu prayed: “As we perform these atonement rites for the lost souls during the slave trade era, may Badagry kingdom be good to us all. May God almighty that created us be good to us; we shall not die young; what we do today will be good for us.

Pregnant women will deliver safely. We will not offer blood sacrifices again in Badagry. ”God does only good, not evil! We should stop hatred or discrimination in the land on account of religion. Let’s come together as one for things to be good for us all so there won’t be spiritual killings anymore.

We pray God not to see the evil of slavery again. God should use all the families of slaves taken away to promote peace!” Posu prayed.

The Akran used the occasion to comment on the slave trade debacle, the kind of relationship that should exist between Diaspora Africans and those on the African continent and the significance of the Badagry Festival for which he is the chief patron.

De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Akran of Badagry admonished: “What took place (slave trade) was a very bad one and should not be allowed to happen again.

But happily, the children of the slaves are in other places, such as America, Brazil and the Caribbean. We should thank God for the descendants of the slaves for creating a larger community of Africans outside the parent continent, where they were taken to work in the plantations. They should not harbour any animosity against us in Africa.

“It was a tragedy; it should never happen again.

But it is akin to the situation of the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt, but God saved them and then gave them a better heritage. They should see themselves like Joseph, who later became Prime Minister of Egypt. Descendants of slaves in America are in good positions in the economy and politics.

“Today, we have a black man Barrack Obama as President of the greatest country on earth. We should thank God African-Americans are doing well. When we celebrate abolition of slave trade, we should be happy slave descendants got their freedom and are doing well. African-Americans shouldn’t feel they are not part of us. But they should assist Africa to develop and come out of the Third World status and be developed. We should talk about progress and forging ahead and the interest of African and necessary collaboration with Africa for its growth”.

The Akran also took time to ask young Africans not to forget their culture in a hurry but that they should appreciate it to make progress. He said: “Young Africans don’t appreciate our culture. The way they dress, the music they listen to do not portray them as Africans.”

He, however, expressed optimism that the reality

•De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I, Akran of Badagry flanked by other guests.

was fast dawning on Africans to take what was theirs seriously as even the educated ones that used to look down on African culture were beginning to see things differently. He asserted that nothing was being done wrongly in a festival, such as the Badagry Festival, but that it was a celebration of a people’s heritage, which was “a good thing to do as a people derived their greatness from their culture”.

Noting that attendance was poor at the opening, the Akran urged corporate bodies to emulate the support telecommunications company, MTN, provided towards realising the laudable goals of the festival. He

‘What took place (slave trade) was a very bad one and should not be allowed to happen again. But happily, the children of the slaves are in other places like America, Brazil and the Caribbean. We should thank God for the descendants of the slaves for creating a larger community of Africans outside the parent continent, where they were taken to work in the plantations. They should not harbour any animosity against us in Africa’

Green Pages lifts Plateau tourism

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O boost the tourism sub-sector, the Plateau State Tourism Corporation has signed an agreement with Husak Consulting Nigeria Ltd to produce a tourism and hospitality directory entitled: Green Pages.

The directory is to help tourists in identifying major tourist attractions and provide information to visiting tourists.

The General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the State Tourism Corporation, James Yakubu, said Green Pages would create awareness and awaken the enthusiasm of Nigerians in appreciating culture and environment.

He added: “Green Pages would encourage the private sector, government and other stakeholders to support and invest in tourism development as well as provide functional infrastructure to develop tourism attractions, resorts and packaging of tourism products.

“Green Pages would also promote and market tourism potentials and other resources of the sector. Based on our collective resolves, we shall achieve our dream of making Plateau State an enviable tourist destination in Nigeria”.

Yakubu maintained that “tourism has continued to assume tremendous growth in recent years throughout the world, and has become the catalyst for economic development. Tourism industry, unlike the export of raw materi-

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos.

als, agricultural and manufactured products faces no international trade restrictions and these make it a viable business to invest in”.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Offiicer of Husak Consulting Nig Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Ocheja, said the signing of the agreement would give the opportunity to put the state on the spotlight through properly structured information collation and dissemination of the potential that abound in the state tourism sector.

Ocheja disclosed that “Green Pages would be a compendium of the Plateau State hospitality industry including hotels, travel agencies, tourism sites and airlines, tour operators.

“Plateau State has the potential to be foremost player in tourism in Africa considering its unique climatic condition, natural resources, flora and fauna and the rich cultural heritage”.

He urged individuals and corporate organisations to invest in the sector, adding, “We plan to make sure we make Plateau a major international tourist attraction and this is an opportunity for hoteliers and other services providers to avail themselves to be listed in the Green Pages.”

also stated that it was through festivals that “we can showcase our African culture and start initiating children into the core values of the continent by making them appreciate their culture”.

Earlier, Africa Renaissance Foundation (AREFO) president and organiser of the Badagry Festival Mr Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku said the festival was organised yearly to “reminisce on our history, our heritage and origin and for us as a people to develop and for the progress of Badagry. It is a tool to make Badagry a tourism destination haven on the West African coast.

“Today is dedicated to the Abolition of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade in Badagry, whose early history was characterised by slave trade, which has become an important heritage in the world. On March 15, 1852 (159 years ago), Badagry chiefs sat together and signed a treaty to abolish slave trade in Badagry. We must line up with global trends to remember our great grand fathers so that Badagry would not go into extinction. ”We want to use the occasion to atone for the souls of those who shed their blood in Badagry to cleanse the community of the sins of the past. Today, we have relics in Badagry of the slave trade. The first white slaver in Badagry has his grave at the oba’s palace.

We use this festival to say that our community does not forget its history”.

Different activities were held daily since Saturday.

They will end on August 6, when the curtain falls on this year’s edition of the Badagry Festival with a grand finale at the Badagry Grammar School playground.

Other events at the opening ceremony were painting exhibition, a fashion parade put together by the Skills Acquisition Centre, Badagry, a lecture on the importance of culture by Mr. Damola Dacosta and the performance of drama piece titled, Wailings from Badagry.

Also present were event chairman and former Provost, College of Health Services, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Prof. M.O. Padonu, MTN Regional Marketing Manager, Mr. Dola Bamgbose, Hodonu Nathaniel, who co-ordinated the children’s painting competition; Badagry head, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the chief Imam of Badagry Division.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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The peaceful community of Ubulu-Uku in Delta State is at cross-roads over kingship tussle between two brothers, Edward and Akaeze, reports OZOLUA UHAKHEME, Assistant Editor (Arts).

•The king in the palace of Asagba of Asaba

One throne, two contenders

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FORMER assistant producer with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and heirapparent to the throne of Obi of Ubulu-Uku in Delta State, Prince Edward Okwuchukwu Ofulue, 56, is unhappy with happenings in his home town.

Twenty-five years after he was initiated by his late father as heir-apparent, he is yet to ascend the throne.

Reason: One of his siblings, Akaeze, has ascended the throne in his absence, contrary to the traditions of the Umu-ozim, the kingmakers, who are empowered to conduct the rites of ascension. Their father Obi Ofulue died in August 2006.

The prince, who was in Ubulu-Uku recently to conclude some rites preceding his coronation as the rightful traditional ruler, has urged the Delta State Government to come to his aid. He is praying the government to assit the community restoring order to the royalty of Ubulu-Uku. He said before his father died, the deceased initiated him into the position of crown prince 25 years ago.

He claimed that while away in the United Kingdom (UK), some parties have usurped the position, thus circumventing the traditions of the people and the royal stool.

He, therefore, enjoined the appropriate authorities to investigate the accusations for peace to reign. “I have full confidence and respect for the law of our land and the state and believe that right will prevail over injustices and disharmony,” he assured.

He noted that the community’s values on matters of kingship are based on primogeniture–first son’s responsibility and God-given right to the throne in Ubulu-Uku, which he described as ancient and uncompromised right.

The sitting traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Agbogidi Obi Akaeze Ofulue is however, on unruffled by his brother’s claim.

Obi Akaeze Ofulue said: “Though Edward is his elder brother, he was an illegitimate child having been born out of wedlock.”

“It is true that the first son takes over when

the king dies, but that is when the king and the mother of the person were legally married. My elder brother’s mother was not legally married to my mother,” Obi Akaeze Ofulue said in a report.

But for Prince Edward, his right to the throne cannot be contested. “As the legitimate and lawful first son of the late Obi Ofulue, the Obi of Ubulu Uku, I have come to my father’s kingdom to carry out the expectations of the umu ozim (the king makers) and thus our people,” Prince Edward said.

He said by disclosing to the umu-ozim of my father’s whereabout, the king makers have formally declared that he has ‘travelled to a better place and have handed me the staff of office.’

“Our values are based on primogeniture– first son’s responsibility and God-given right to succeed to the throne in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State. This is an ancient and uncompromised right. As the legitimate and lawful first son of Obi Ofulue II, I have come to my father’s kingdom to carry out the expectations of the umu ozim (the king makers) and thus our people.

“My existence and very being were recognised by my father who initiated me into the position of crown prince in 1985.

“I have come to Ubulu-Uku, our kingdom, to perform sacred duties and rights, which have now been carried out with the Umu-ozim present. By telling of my father’s whereabout, the Umu-ozim have formally declared that he has travelled to a better place and have handed me the staff of office,” he said.

According to him, he has paid courtesy calls to some leading Obis in the area during which goodwill messages were exchanged.

They include the Asagba of Asaba, Obi of Owa, Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Obi of Ubulu-Okiti, and Obi of Umunede. He said: “I have set feet on Ubulu-Uku soil, which is the ancient land of our ancestors. The people of UbuluUku are safe as the traditional rites have been performed by me.

“As the first son, I have assumed the rights bestowed on me in the name of God, our

•Akaeze Ofolue

•Edward Ofolue

father’s ancestors and the land. The legacy processes can now be put in place to ensure the natural processes continue.”

In a telephone interview, the Information Committee Chairman of Umu-Ozim, Emeka Ojie, told The Nation that the community is in a dilemma, but noted that there could never be two rulers in one kingdom. He said the Umu-Ozim has instituted a case against the sitting traditional ruler in the law court challenging his right to the throne. “As it is now, we have to wait for the determination of that suit. But, Umu-Ozim recognises Prince Edwards Ofulue as the heir-apparent to the throne. And as soon as the case is determined by the court, Prince Edward will conclude all the rites,” Ojie said.

Mr Patrick Ofulue, a member of the family, also told The Nation on telephone that situation in Ubulu-Uku is an unusual one,

noting that the king-makers are not comfortable with it. Ofulue said the sitting Obi was neither initiated by his late father nor crowned by kingmakers. “In fact, he does not believe in the Umu-Ozim as he always claims he is a Christian,” he added. Prince Ofulue had his O’Level and A’Level certificates in London. He attended Staffordshire University, where he obtained a BA (Hons) in History and Politics before he went to Westminster University for a certificate in Radio Journalism. He worked at BBC as assistant producer (foreign) and as information officer with the Commonwealth office.

As the moment, he works as corporate social responsibility manager specialising in employment training and community engagement (construction projects) relating to blue chip projects in London: Terminal five, the Olympics and the London bridge development.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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•Ikogosi Warm Spring

Lifting Ikogosi Warm Spring from rot •One of Ekiti State’s tourist attractions, Ikogosi Warm Spring, is far from maximising its economic potential, no thanks to neglect

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T is common knowledge that Nigeria is blessed with several tourist attractions from which it can earn revenue. However, it is regretful that these aspects of the nation’s life have continued to suffer abysmal neglect to the nation’s disadvantage.

A trip to the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State presents a pitiable spectre of a tourist haven, which has continued to be in utter rot. To a first time visitor, the decrepit structure on ground belies the name and expected attraction of a first time visitor.

Legend has it that the Ikogosi Warm Spring was discovered by a local hunter by the name Ogankugan during his hunting expedition. Fagged out and thirsty, he was propelled to stop at the water fountain which he later discovered to have a higher temperature than similar streams in such a pristine environment. It was with an admix of fear and ecstasy that the hunter hurriedly made his way to the Oba’s palace to reveal the amazing wonder he had just discovered.

The Oba despatched a retinue of traditional chiefs to the site to validate the awesome story. It was confirmed to be true. Such a site must be idolised, the people thought and one Ijoye Baaleshi was immediately made the spiritual head of the “Awo” (the traditional name given to the warm spring). Similarly, the adjourning cold spring which has a confluence at a point in the same precinct was called “Awele”. The warm spring automatically became a place of traditional worship and point of intercession with the gods by the community dwellers for a long time during the olden days.

According to the Tourist Guide and Administrative Officer with the Ekiti State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Osamiluyi Babajide, there was the termination of traditional authority and control over the site when it was taken over by the Western Region Government and designated as one of the main tourist sites in the Western Region. But the presence of the government did not translate into much positive change in the value of the tourist site, save under the military regime of General Adeyinka Adebayo. Adebayo was reputed to have established the first touch of government by laying the foundation for the first building in the site, particularly after the exit of one Baptist Reverend Maggi, a Briton. It could be surmised that under Maggi the spring could have been a haven of tourism, going by the structural legacies that were still extant in the tourist site. It could be observed that Maggi built several chalets and a large Cathedral within the vicinity of the spring. He also built a medium size swimming pool and was responsible for erecting a structure on the main source of the spring as well as the piping of the water down the precipice. All these structures are in a sorry state due to neglect by concerned authorities.

Asked why Reverend Maggi left the tourist site, Osamiluyi said his exit was believed to have been connected with a personality clash he had with the late social and human rights crusader, Tai Solarin. It was alleged that Solarin had arranged an excursion for some students of May Flower Secondary School, Ikenne to the tourist site. In view of the road fatigue at the time,

By Tope Adaramola

the tourists arrived Ikogosi late in the evening and it became impelling for them to pass the night before going back to Ikenne.

Realising this, Solarin urged Maggi to avail them one of the chalets as accommodation for which a fee was promised.

Somehow, the two could not reach a compromise, leading Maggi to advise Solarin to take the students out to alternative accommodation in Ikogosi town for the night. This development, it was noted, did not go down well with Solarin causing him to write a strongly worded petition to the government of the then Western region in which he levelled an allegation of racial segregation against Maggi. From then on, one thing led to the other and eventually, Reverend Maggi was made to leave the country.

It is most regretful that except for occasional visits by government officials with promises of turning the place around, Ikogosi’s tourist potential has continued to remain a pipe dream.

Not even the government’s promise to maximise the economic potential of the spring by setting up a bottled water factory in the area has materialised.

At the time this writer visited the site, most of the structures

on ground were in decrepit state. The few chalets, which usually housed tourists are now inhabited by reptiles and the surroundings overgrown with weeds. Ayodeji, a native of the community disclosed that it had been a long time that electricity, had been supplied to the site, regretting that enormous benefits that could have accrued to the community, the state government and Nigeria was being allowed to waste away.

It would not, therefore, be out of place for the Ekiti State government under the Fayemi led administration to uplift this notable site by making it a tourist haven comparable to what obtains in such countries as Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, etcetera, where tourism constitute a major national revenue spinner.

For now, the redemption of Ikogosi Warm Spring lies in the favourable disposition of the government in upgrading the physical structure, especially by refurbishing the chalets and restoring electricity. By doing these, the government would be justified to enlist the tourist centre as one of its major attractions for visitors to the state and Nigeria in general.

•Adaramola is a PR practitioner and public affairs commentator

•Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Minister Chief Edem Duke, (centre) and General Manager, National Theatre Mallam Kabir Yusuf and Artistic Director, National Troupe Martins Adaji, during the minister’s visit to some culture parastatals in Lagos ... last Friday.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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Writer unveils Hoodlums

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INISTER of Information and Communications, Mr Labaran Maku, has described Hoodlums, a collection of short stories by Sumaila Isah, an Associate Editor with the New Nigerian Newspapers, and Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) as a timely publication in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.

According to the minister, who was represented by Mr Olufela Oshunbiyi, Deputy Director, Ministry of Information and Communications, Umaisha’s book, which centres mainly on the causes and effects of violent crises in Nigeria, is quite topical and deserves the attention of every Nigerian.

In his paper entitled Understanding Crises and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria, the guest speaker and Director-General, National Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr. Joseph Golwa, re-echoed the timeliness of the book and the need for Nigerians to learn the bitter lessons contained in it. Violent crises as being currently witnessed across the country, he said, were not only inimical to national development, but a serious dent on the image of the country. He called on Nigerians to imbibe the culture of tolerance, justice and peace, which the book preaches.

The Chief Presenter, Kailani Mohammed, publisher of Liberator newspaper, and the chief host, Dr. Jerry Agada, President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), also expressed concerns over the security situation in the country, hoping that copies of the book would be widely circulated to inculcate in the reading public the need for peaceful co-existence.

According the book reviewer, Dr. Emman

•The author of the book Sumaila Isah and other guests at the launch

Usman Shehu, Director, International Institute of Journalism, the book provides the author the platform to explore a variety of themes including political violence, thuggery, assassinations, militancy, witchcraft, astral projection, prostitution, drug addiction and insanity. “Thus, most of the stories are topical giving the collection a strong contemporary relevance,” he stressed.

The Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Umaru Al-Makura, did not only extol the effort

of the author in producing such a timely book, but purchased many copies for schools in Nasarawa State. The governor, who was represented by Malam Shehu Othman, also called for peace as, according to him, no meaning development could take place in a state of chaos. Also, the Director and Chief Executive of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr Mohammed Ahmed Modibbo, who was represented on the occasion, pledged to purchase and distribute copies of

A paddler like no other •Politician remembers a driver who bantered with powerful men

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E just turned around and he was gone! Marvin Gaye could not have had Mustapha Safiriyu in mind when he sang that song. Still the disappearing act of Paddler on Saturday, July 30, this year still seems a cruel, horrid joke. Everyone is shocked at the transience of existence. Someone said all of us are walking corpses. It is needless arguing with him.

Early in the week, we had chatted as usual. I teased that I had not seen him in recent times because he probably added a new wife to his coast and he replied that he travelled. This was followed by the usual backslapping and jokes.

That was the kind of banter that took place between Paddler, the head of the drivers on the staff of the former Lagos State Governor and Action Congress of Nigeria Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the dignitaries that became friends and acquaintances of his great boss.

Paddler cracked jokes with governors, engaged senators in hilarious banters and teased the tycoons of business. In his elements, he was a spectacle to behold, a character to admire.

Many of his jokes belong to the realm of faction, that literary genre that Kole Omotosho’s Just Before Dawn popularised. They relate to actual faux pas of the individuals in question or encounters in which Paddler was a principal witness. Creamed with quick wit and fecund imagination, they sent the audience into roars of laughter.

There was one rib-cracker about a medical doctor who offered services beyond the call of duty on the plane while accompanying pilgrims to the Holy land. His unusual generosity soon became grounds for suspicion so much that Women pilgrims avoided his injections.

His salacious jokes did not only revolve round seduction. There was the joke around how the financial generosity of the visitors to the Leader was managed. The term, “who no dey no dey” meant that those who were not in

By Kehinde Bamigbetan

the vicinity when the gift was handed over would not partake. “Another category, “who dey no know, no dey” meant that you could be in the vicinity but be oblivious of the generosity. Your ignorance is the primary criterion for your disqualification!

Paddler’s hilarity was remarkable because of the distinction of the medium of expression. A native of Ikire, Osun State, his Yoruba tongue expressed his ideas with the heavy accent of the Oyo dialect. This made his act interesting to follow. It made you feel that if he had not struck a romance with the wheel, he could have emerged one of the top entertainers in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood.

Considering the monotony and routine of driving the boss to various places daily, the humour bag, rather than cigarettes and alcohol, must have served Paddler so well to keep him on track.

Until recently, I had tried unsuccessfully to unearth the emergence of the name that those of us who aided Asiwaju called him. The name conjures a popular coastal vocation but it is quite difficult to imagine Paddler on a canoe.The Leader restricted himself to Mus ta-pha!, his voice ringing loud and clear often past midnight as he called on him to take one assignment or the other. Working for Asiwaju Tinubu is a 24-hour, seven days job! Only men of stamina and commitment stay this long. It is significant that although Paddler had just returned from a medical trip and was on vacation, his love for his boss was so much that he could not stay away from 26, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, his second home. This bond is the product of over 20 years of loyalty to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In these two decades of driving the influential politician, Paddler transformed from just a driver to a political activist handling sensitive assignments for the progressive movement. A major instance of his commitment occurred during the struggle for the revalida-

tion of the June 12, 1993. after the Epetedo Declaration when the late Chief Moshood Kolawole Abiola declared himself president based on the results which were annulled, the arrowhead of the struggle went underground.

As the manhunt for him by the security forces peaked, it became clear that he could not be underground for ever. It was decided that he emerged from his hideout and ride home, rallied by millions of supporters of the June 12 cause.

But a decoy vehicle was needed to shield Abiola from arrest while proceeding on the popular convoy. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s vehicle was assigned the role. With this development, Mustapha Safiriyu,aka Paddler, entered the annals of Nigerian history as the last person to drive MKO Abiola as a free citizen and self-declared President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Parapsychologists may want to explore the trajectory of the combination of driver and boss that has made Paddler’s odyssey a subject of historic curiosity. Operating as Mustapha, Padler drove Tinubu till his boss became the Senator representing Lagos West in 1992. Seven years later,he engaged his gear to the second level and drove his boss into Alausa as the third democratically elected governor of Lagos State. And in 2003, he steered the. G- Wagon into Marina to herald the second term of his valiant boss.He was code-named Paddler in 1999 as his security code on the governor’s convoy.

Paddler’s life will forever remain a lesson for drivers. Literally, a driver holds the life of his boss in his hands. He sees the good, the bad and the ugly. It is a job that demands a lot of discretion, learning how to keep mum, seeing no evil and hearing no evil.

Surviving such a challenging assignment is no mean achievement. And it is in this respect that Mustapha Safiriyu earns the respect of Nigerians and all of us.

Paddler didn’t die in vain. He left with the Federal Republic of Nigeria service medal glittering proudly on his breast. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

•Bamigbetan is Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos

the book to public schools across the country.

The event also featured a thrilling performance of one of the short stories, After the Riot by Odoh Diego Okenyodo. The public presentation was followed by a reading session organised by the Abuja chapter of ANA. The event attracted many Abuja-based writers, including Prof. Umelo Ojinmah, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Chinyere Obi-Abasi, who is shortlisted for this year’s NLNG Prize for Literature.

POEM Look up to the sky, and you see it smile.

Broad and elaborate, glowing and blazing.

The pavilion so brilliantly lit, rays of heat fall on every creature, sheltering under the tent.

The land and the sea, all the inhabitant there in receive bloom and vigour.

Excitement at its peak.

Nature at work, The heat drives deep.

The land and sea its destination.

Up it comes.

Its luggage; the previous deposit.

Now on top, the canopy bears the load.

Stretching and dangling.

But alas, The firmaments pain threshold is here.

The sky burst open sending back to earth, the wet arrows.

The rain is here again.

-Biodun Ogundemuren

36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Onabrakpeya to hold foundation retreat this month

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

A

FTER a successful test running of the Harmattan Retreat for staff of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation (BOF), three years ago, the foundation has called

for applications from interested professional artists for this year’s retreat holding in August. The retreat, which is an offshoot of the annual Harmattan art workshop, is designed to offer professional artists who wish to develop their own inspiration without supervision.

The serene environment at the Niger Delta Cultural Centre, Agbarha-Otor in Delta State, venue of the retreat, provides an excellent ambience for serious creative exercise. Interested artist is expected to pay the sum of N5,000 registration fee which will care for their accommodation, studio space, and use of equipment at the centre.

The retreat is expected to run from August 14 to 27.

According to Dr. Bruce Onobrakeya, this year’s retreat will be sponsored by the foundation through subsidy for feeding allowance of participants. He disclosed that the foundation raised about N1.7million at the last Lagos auction part of which, it would plough into sponsoring the retreat.

He explained that the retreat will feature apart from the individual artist’s programmes, firing of the ceramics that were produced during the immediate past hartmattan workshop session in March. He noted that 60 students of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo have confirmed their visit to the centre during the retreat. “I will carry out some demonstrations for the visiting students during the retreat,” he said.

On the size of participants expected at the retreat, Onobrakpeya said there is no limit to the number of applicants adding it is open to as many as the foundation can get.

Director of the Harmattan Art Workshop, Sam Ovraiti, explained that artists are however required to bring along their own palette knives, brushes, canvas, etching plates, wood, gloves, nose mask, paper, and any other materials. But he said that stone carvers and ceramists are free to draw from the stock of stones and unprepared clay available at the premises. He warned that no corrosive substances of any description are allowed in the retreat.

“Participants are required to donate one of the works they produced during the period to the foundation. Such work will make easy for the artist to be included in future publications and exhibitions,” Ovraiti added.

This year’s retreat is also being supported by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Abuja, and Arty House Contemporary, Lagos.

•Fidson’s Astymin Brilliance Reward Kids climbing the mountain at Grange School playground, Ikeja

‘We will mentor you’

“T

HANK you Mummy. Thank you Daddy. We are proud of you.”

These statements captured the mood of the 100 best graduating primary school kids initiated into the Astymin Brilliance Rewards organised by Fidson

Health Care in Lagos last Saturday. Venue of the event was the famous Grange School, GRA, Ikeja Lagos.

Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Health Care, Mr Olugbenga Olayeye, commended the kids for making their parents and teachers proud, stating that the relationship will not end at the reward ceremony. “We will monitor you, follow up your growth, so that tomorrow we will have governors, senators, president and Nobel laureates from among you. You should see yourself as a class of the best,” he said.

He stressed that for the kids to emerge

PHOTO: OZOLUA UHAKHEME

as members of the reward means the kids did less of playing, watching television, but more of hard work, discipline and concentration. The kids were drawn from 100 schools in Lagos and Ibadan.

Olayeye stressed that ‘we want these kids to in turn mentor other children in future.

The brilliant kids who were served educational kits, food and drinks later took part in different games such as computers, water football, mountain climbing and others. Their parents were not left out in the merry making.

•Onobrakpeya

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

38

ABUJA REVIEW

Ending Abuja road nightmare

•Traffic Jam at Abuja

B

IMBO Kilanko, a fresh graduate of Banking and Finance from the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State missed an irresistible bank job interview, thanks to the nightmare of Abuja traffic.

The driver of a truck filled with gravel had lost control and crashed into about seven different vehicles at the Kugbo end of Nyanya Road.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) removed 12 bodies from the damaged vehicles. Mnay could not keep their appointments that day. Kilanko was one of them.

This is the travail many face on daily basis on this road.

The road is on a slope. It also has a sharp bend and there is almost always a heavy presence of vehicles.

A

Stories Bukola Amusan, Abuja

Recently, another truck loaded with cement also lost control and ran into 16 stationary vehicles. The accident claimed the life of a policeman and two civil servants rushing to work; many sustained various degrees of injury.

The FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed who visited the survivors at the Asokoro General Hospital promised to settle their bills. The accident led to serious traffic build-up. Not a few missed their appointments that morning.

For the residents and workers on Keffi-Abuja Road, it is only one way; no alternative. It is just one entry and exit point. This same road connects FCT with states like Nasarawa, Benue, Akwa-Ibom,

Austria to establish drink factory in Abuja

USTRIA is set to invest millions of dollars in the Nigerian economy through the establishment of a beverage manufacturing company in the

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

country.

The company that will produce energy drinks, would be located in

CAN gets 25 pilgrimage slots

T

Cross-River, Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe.

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have asked why some government ministries and agencies have not been decentralised, with some taken such places as Airport Road, Kubwa, Nyanya and Gwagwalada?

This, they say, will help to decongest the road.

Scores of lives have been lost on the road in the last two years.

Residents have also called on the FCT Administration to restrict the movement of heavy trucks on Abuja-Keffi Road in order to forestall further loss of life on it.

In a little over a week, about 30 people have died in accidents resulting from brake failure.

An Abuja-based nongovernmental organisation,

Global Awareness for Development Initiatives (GLADI), has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration to arrest the situation.

Worried by this ugly situation, the Senator Bala-led FCT Administration has taken some remedial actions to address it.

During his assessment tour of the affected areas, he described the traffic situation at the entrance points into the FCT as unacceptable and therefore must be addressed to reduce the suffering of motorists and residents as well as avoid the waste of labour hour.

He assured journalists at the end of the tour that concrete and lasting solutions would be proffered.

He urged agencies in the transport sector to work out modalities to ensure that such entry points as Murtala Muhammed Expressway (Kubwa Road); Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport Road) and the Nyanya/ Karu are cleared to ease traffic.

He equally directed the contractors handling ongoing projects along these routes to take immediate remedial measures to reduce congestion.

To ensure that residents are carried along in the policy of the FCT Administration, Senator Mohammed said that he will embark on aggressive public enlightenment and enforcement that will inculcate the culture of discipline in all road users in the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister who lamented the plight of motorists and commuters on the Karu-Nyanya Road, gave the contractor handling the road 90 days to make it passable.

The minister who revealed that the contractor has been fully mobilised directed him to

WENTY-FIVE slots have been allotted to the FCT Christian Pilgrims’ Board for the 2011 exercise.

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Mrs. Jumoke Akinjide announced this at the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board while declaring open a two-day stakeholders’ workshop.

She said the slots were for the spiritual fathers whose role in the holy land is to see to the spiritual well-being of the pilgrims while performing the pilgrimage.

She enjoined all intending 2011 pilgrims to be of good behavior as they are ambassadors of the country in

Israel.

She enjoined them to be obedient to the laws of their host country so that they can indeed be ambassadors of Christ.

She urged all prospective pilgrims not abscond while in Israel. If anyone is entertaining such thought, she said, such a person should desist.

She said: “It is expected that intending 2011 pilgrims will be of exemplary Christian conduct while in the holy land and must be good ambassadors of the FCT and the country.

“The FCT Administration frowns at any pre-meditated plans to abscond by some pilgrims in the holy land.”

the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Austria, Dr. Jerry Sonny Ugokwe who spoke during the launch of Xcell Energy Drink, said the launch was the result of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) drive of the Federal Government and the positive outlook of the Nigerian economy.

At the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Xcell Plus Limited, Mrs. Chidinma Uwajimogu, said the introduction of the energy drink into the market was part of

• A section of a beverage company

its expansion project as well as offer of quality energy drink to Nigerians.

“The product is unique in taste and different from other energy drinks presently in the market. It is unique in the sense that we are not offering what would be injurious to some section of our customers. That is why we were very clear about the contents of the drink.

“Everything does not have to be about profit-making and it is our sincerity and conviction in the quality of our product that made us warned pregnant women,

Residents have also called on the FCT Administration to restrict the movement of heavy trucks on AbujaKeffi Road in order to forestall further loss of life on it. In a little over a week, about 30 people have died in accidents resulting from brake failure mobilize his resources to ensure speedy completion of culverts and the necessary earth work within three months to enable motorists ply the road Though he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far, he emphasized that the contractor should endeavour to make the road motorable within 90 days because the President and by extension the FCT Administration has a covenant with the people of Nigeria and cannot afford to fail.

Residents are of the view that the 14 kilometer Karshi-Apo and the 25 kilometer Karshi-Arah road when completed will serve as an alternative route to motorists and commuters in that axis, thereby reducing the traffic on the existing Nyanya Road.

children and other people that are sensitive to caffeine. We can as well be silent about it, but that would not be fair to those that are allergic to caffeine,” she said.

The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Idris Omode, in his remarks commended the company for inscribing the warning in the can, adding that it would protect consumers that are allergic to caffeine.

“Caffeine is a common sustains.

People take cola nut and coffee, and they both contain caffeine. But it’s good that some people are not supposed to take things that contain caffeine so it is important that we warn them even if we want to sell our product. So it is a good thing the company has done,” he said.

Mrs. Uwajimogu said though the drink was being imported from Austria for now, arrangement would soon be concluded to commence local manufacturing of the product in Nigeria, adding that the company has outlets in Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Warri.

According to her, the product has been certified internally by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Europeans Union (EU) that guarantees its acceptability in European countries.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

39

40

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

We shall accord due reverence to all our traditional rulers, as custodians of our traditional heritage. Let me also say we believe we can always count on our royal fathers

Community installs monarch I

T was a day of royal splendor in Aba Aiyepe, one of the six prominent communities that make up Aiyepe Ijebu in Odogbolu Local Government Council of Ogun State. A new monarch, Oba Adebayo Sulaimon, has been installed in the serene and agrarian community.

As early as 9:30am, the campus of the Gateway Polytechnic, Aba Aiyepe venue of the installation had come alive but not with academic activities. There was traditional dance, singing and drumming from townsfolk, friends of the new king, government officials and fellow Ijebu monarchs who had thronged the place to share in the joy and excitement.

Earlier in the weeks, he had passed through many rites, including that of the Ipebi, preparatory to wearing the beaded crown.

Dressed in his royal regalia and crown which barely revealed his face, Oba Sulaimon, who was nominated by the Sofiyan Ruling House and presented as candidate to the community's kingmakers to occupy the throne, thrilled his people at noon with engaging dance steps to the rhythm of Ijebu traditional music, accentuated by the thumping sound of talking drums and inspired singers. He was joined in this guided dance by other crowned Obas.

His subjects were not left out as they danced round the community to show their appreciation to God and the government for making the day a reality. Their happiness was anchored on the fact that the new administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun consented to their request and approved the installation of Sulaimon.

The king has already made history. He was the first Oba to be installed by Amosun. The community sees this as a sign of greater things ahead.

• Hon. Basorun Oladipo (left) presenting the Staff of Office to Oba Sulaimon From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta While presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the Kabiyesi, Amosun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Basorun Oladipo, commended the community for their patience and cooperation with the administration which, he said, led to the successful coronation of the new monarch.

The governor urged the monarch to see himself as the father of all, as well as a rallying point of inspiration to move the community to greater heights.

He said: "I enjoin all sons and daughters of Aiyepe to cooperate fully with the Alaye Aba in his task to make Aiyepe great and a pacesetter to other communities. We should all realise that no meaningful development can take place in an environment bedeviled by rancour and acrimony.

"On our part as an administration, we shall continue to revalidate our mandate through good governance and programmes that have direct impact on our dear people and Ogun State.

"In this direction, we shall accord due reverence to all our traditional rulers, as custodians of our traditional heritage. Let me

also say we believe we can always count on our royal fathers."

Also, Chairman, Transition Committee, Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Idris Lawal, commended the state government, the Ijebu Traditional Council and Community for supporting the installation that has now lifted the profile of Aba Aiyepe. He also urged the community to support the new administration in its resolve to rebuild the state by being law abiding and paying their taxes promptly.

Oba Sulaimon pledged to promote peace and unity among his people and also carry everyone along in his determination improve the fortunes of Aba Aiyepe community.

Northern rail services excite passengers

T

HEY could not hide their excitement as they witnessed the return of passenger train services in the area.

Residents, who gathered at the Kaduna Junction station of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) waved. The passengers smiled broadly as they stepped off the trains.

The passengers were conveyed to the station from the three locations of Kafachan, Minna and Kano by trains deployed by the corporation for its inter-city passengers services in the area.

The elated passengers were among those who have benefitted from the services introduced recently by NRC. They were equally excited to see the corporation's Managing Director, Engr. Adeseyi Sijuwade, who led some senior officials of the corporation on an inspection tour of rail facilities in the area.

Between 12.15 and 1.30 pm, three trains bearing passengers, their luggage and food items from the three locations, came into the Kaduna station, where Sijuwade and others were waiting to witness the trains' operations and sample passengers' opinion.

The trains arrived one after the other, with that from Minna arriving first. By their schedule, the trains were to wait at the Kaduna station for between three to four hours before engaging on their return journeys.

Sijuwade sought the opinion of some of the passengers on their experience. They were full of praises for the NRC. They commended the corporation's effort, noting that the train

• Sijuwade (second , left) in a chat with the passengers

By Eric Ikhilae

services would greatly aid mobility in the area, reduce cost of transportation and create employment.

They said, though the fairs were cheaper than those of the buses, there was need for a downward review because the impression was that the trains would serve the masses.

They also sought continuous improvement in service quality, particularly as it affects the speed of the trains.

Mrs. Aminatu Kura, who said she boarded

one of the trains from Kuchi, Niger State, said she was delighted about the successful return of rail services in the area. She said the experience reminded her of her youthful days when their parents took them on train rides.

She appealed that the service, currently three times weekly, should be made more frequent in view of the huge patronage soon to be witnessed. Mrs. Kura said she would tell her friends about her experience, adding that she believes they will also want to enjoy the train

services.

Mohammed Idris who rode on the train from Kano said: "I can't believe this is happening. I never dreamt of seeing the railway again in my life time. This is unbelievable. The ride was good, but slow.

We hope they (NRC) would improve on this.

"We want more trains. We want to have it everyday. You know, this will reduce transport fair. It will also provide employment. They should reduce the fair since it is meant for the poor. It will help all these market women to move their wares at reduced cost," he said.

SLIDING TACKLE

"Whether there is a chance that I will return to the Premier League one day? Possibly, you never know what will happen," 42

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Ronaldo hints at Premier League return R

EAL Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he could leave La Liga in the future, with

a return to the Premier League, a realistic option for the Portugal international.

Reports that Manchester

•Cristiano Ronaldo

City had made a big money offer for Ronaldo earlier this summer were quickly dismissed, but the Citizens by

will be pleased to hear that the former Manchester United star is tempted by the prospect of returning to England at a later stage in his career.

"Whether there is a chance that I will return to the Premier League one day?

Possibly, you never know what will happen," Ronaldo was quoted as saying in a press conference.

The 26-year-old then went on to discuss the upcoming Supercopa tie with Barcelona and stated that the Santiago Bernabeu side are eager to beat their rivals.

"It's always important to win, so we also want to win the Supercopa. We are focusing on our training camp in China now, but we'll make sure we are ready when Barcelona await."

The first leg of the Supercopa takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on August 14, with the return being played at Camp Nou four days later.

Portugal and Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, hinting at a possible return to English Premier League action.

Benni McCarthy joins Orlando Pirates •Says I am here to win, not to retire

A

LL-TIME leading Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy boldly reiterated his desire to become the first South African to win the UEFA and African Champions Leagues shortly after signing for Orlando Pirates on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old McCarthy joins the Absa Premiership champions on a two-year deal and stated he would want to stay beyond the two years at Pirates. Known for his sublime technical ability, sharp acumen and nose for goal, McCarthy is seen as the missing piece of the puzzle as the Buccaneers seek to conquer on all fronts this season.

"It is without question that Benni (McCarthy) is one of the most successful and recognisable soccer players in South Africa over the past decade," said club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.

"We are delighted that he has decided to join the club as we aim to be competitive in every competition this season.

His international pedigree is second to none and he is a

proven winner."

Speculation about McCarthy’s future intensified last week soon after he stopped training with Ajax Cape Town, where he was "keeping fit" while visiting family in Cape Town.

The player dismissed suggestions that he was using Ajax to re-launch his career, saying he had never committed to sign for the Cape club at any point.

"The reception I have gotten from everyone at the club and the fans I have already met in the street has been great.

Everyone was optimistic and gave me a really good feeling.

I'm thrilled and delighted and hope I can show my appreciation by coming in and playing good football and hope to score as many goals as possible to put the team where they belong," said McCarthy.

He added: "This is one of the biggest teams in Africa with many great players. I'm really looking forward to playing in the African Champions League with my new club."

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

43

MONEY

Fed Govt risks structural deficit, says Sanusi C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said the budget projection for the 2011 fiscal year is not being achieved, putting government at risk of structural deficit. Nigeria depends on oil for more than 95 per cent of foreign exchange income and more than 80 per cent of government revenue. The budget of N4.5 trillion ($29.5 billion) is predicated on a crude oil price of $75 a barrel. “Revenue projections are not being met” and the government is at risk of a structural deficit, Sanusi said.

Speaking with the CNBC Africa

Stories by Collins Nweze television, Sanusi said there is need to lift foreign reserves as that would attract more capital into the country. He said strengthening the foreign reserves will also depend on the price of oil at the international market which now stands at $120.6 per barrel as at July 28.

Sanusi said higher rates will help attract inflows to reduce pressure on our foreign reserves which was $32.9 billion as at July 28. Reserves peaked at $63 billion in 2008.

The apex bank has been using foreign-currency reserves to keep the

naira within a three percentagepoint band above or below 150 per dollar at its twice-weekly auctions.

“There is need for pursuing policies to foster macro- economic stability, economic diversification as well as encouraging foreign capital inflows” given that the current oil price level may not be sustained in the event of a slowdown in global economic recovery,” Sanusi said.

The central bank cited higher energy costs from the planned removal of a fuel subsidy and increased spending to meet the new minimum wage of N18,000 for in-

• From left: Group Managing Director/CEO, BGL Plc, Albert Okumagba; Executive Director, Marketing & Information Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Ade Bajomo and former Finance Minister/Chairman, BGL, Kalu Idika Kalu, during a visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) by institutional investors as part of BGL-UBS Africa Investor tour in Lagos.

‘Mentorship missing in banking’

L

ACK of mentorship, rather than dearth of manpower, remains one of the biggest challenges facing the banking sector, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Mrs Lucy Newman, has said.

Explaining why there are several unskilled workers in the sector, Mrs Newman said that has to do with uneven distribution of skilled workforce, making mentoring difficult for the few good hands in the sector.

“Gone are the days when senior and experienced banks train greenhorns to get them acquainted with the job. I think for the banking sector to move forward, experienced staff have to find time to mentor the younger generation of bankers,” she said.

Mrs Newman said FITC is a professional services firm owned by the Nigerian Bankers’ Committee, which comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC), all the deposit money banks and Discount houses.

It was established in 1981 to provide professional services support in training, consulting and research to the financial services sector and related sectors of the economy. FITC’s mandate has, over the years, positioned it as a reference professional services firm in matters relating to the Acquisition, Management and Development of the human capital to the operators and regulators in the Nigerian Financial System, primarily.

She said FITC has trained 45,000 bankers in the last 30 years of its existence and regretted that many banks have not found it necessary to send their staff for training regularly.

FITC has, within these 30 years, become a regional player, offering its core services to both regulators and operators within the West African sub region and growing into the larger sub-Saharan region within the next few years. It has over the years, also nurtured viable alliances with some of the leading training, consulting and research brands to offer best services to its stakeholders, that is in line with global standards, yet contextualised to the local environment.

The 30th anniversary of FITC will hold on September 21 in Lagos during which the firm’s logo will be unveiled. There will also be a national essay competition on The Role of the Financial Services Sector (FSS) in national development: The FITC mandate and opportunities for FITC going forward for SS III students in secondary schools who are inclined to study financerelated courses in tertiary institutions. The centre has also invited two renowned speakers from the Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL), US, to lead discussions.

Dignitaries expected to grace the anniversary on September 8 include the chief executive officers and Management of regulatory agencies within Nigeria and the West African region, MD/CEOs of banks and discount houses, other

players in the financial services sector, FITC’s strategic partners within and outside Nigeria, FITC’s associate consultants and facilitating faculty, current and former employees, as well as various stakeholders and friends of FITC over the past 30 years.

Recently, the CBN said poaching of experienced hands in the banking industry should be discouraged as it will not do the sector any good. The CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Kingsley Moghalu, said rather than poaching, banks should focus more on training and retraining of their workforce.

Speaking during the induction of 319 microfinance banks (MfB) staff into the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Lagos, he said there is the urgent need for capacity building in the sector.

Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Umaru Ibrahim, said continuous training and re-training is a sure way of sustaining organisation’s relevance and value creation.

“Investing in the development of human capital will be the differentiating factor that will contribute to the effectiveness, resilience and competitiveness of the banking sector,” he said.

He regretted that only a few banks now show interest in investing in human capital. Rather, many now prefer to poach from other banks thereby recycling the same skilled/ experienced hands within the system.

creasing the Monetary Policy Rate to 8.75 per cent.

Analysts said the rate increase would increase borrowing costs, enabling savers to earn more interest on their savings. Higher interest rates would also draw savers back into the banking system from the parallel market, which has

continued to thrive because of the disparity between the exchange rates at the official and parallel markets.

The MPR is the interest rate at which the banking watchdog lends to commercial banks. The last time the banking watchdog raised rates was in May when it climbed up by 50 basis points.

IFRS: NDIC seeks technical assistance from World Bank

T

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said it is seeking financial and technical assistance from the World Bank to enable it to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in its operations.

The IFRS will also assist the agency to conduct a thorough compliance assessment to enhance its efficiency. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim made this known in his keynote address at the 2010 examiners’ conference held in Lagos.

Ibrahim disclosed that to address the emerging challenges in the sector, the NDIC adopted a proactive approach by developing a comprehensive five-year strategic reposition plan, explaining that “The four strategic themes are operational readiness, promoting public confidence in DIS through enhanced and effective public awareness activities, building strategic partnerships and ensuring effective collaboration and implementing and sustaining a culture of continuous performance improvement.”

He further explained that the subsisting Financial Information and Liquidation Management System (FILMS) was being replaced with a new system to make it web-enabled and, ultimately, facilitate prompt depositor reimbursement, adding that the Corporation has entered into Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with the

Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) of the United States Treasury Department for capacity building.

Many of the standards forming part of IFRS are known by the older name of International Accounting Standards (IAS). IAS were issued between 1973 and 2001 by the Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) Ibrahim allayed fears over the emerging mega status of some banks in the post-recapitalisation of the rescued banks, stating that the regulators would ensure that the merged banks put relevant structures in place to avert any failure.

“Well, it might be true that in solving one problem, you may end up creating another problem.

We just talked about the need to have a comprehensive framework to deal with issues concerning the sector.

“They have to be encouraged to have enough quality and quantity of capital to put up a robust risk management system and corporate governance such that they do not fail and if they have to fail, their failure will be settled in such a manner that it does not pose a threat to the financial system,” he said.

Ibrahim further said though the regulators were not involved in the preliminary merger plans of the banks, they would ensure that only those that meet the recommended criteria are granted the final approval.

Skye Bank, Mall for Africa partner on e-commerce

•GMD Skye Durosinmi-Etti

S

Bank,

Kehinde

KYE Bank Plc and Mall for Africa Limited, an online store, has partnered to make online purchases and payments easy for goods purchased in the United States and Europe. Under the agreement, both institutions have co-branded a Visa card known as Mall for Africa Skye Visa card which online buyers can use on all channels such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) internet and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals that accept Visa cards.

The Visa card, which is powered by Skye Bank, allows cardholders to buy online from the United States through the website Mall for Africa.com, designed to bridge the gap between Africa and the US. Chief Executive Officer of Mall for Africa Limited Mr Rotimi Afolayan said the online ecommerce site was developed to enable Nigerians to purchase items such as cars, machinery,

books, electronics, and others without difficulty.

Afolayan said purchases could be made from known brands on websites such as Amazon.com, autopartswarehouse.com, BananaRepublic.com, Bestbuy.com, Walmart.com, among others. Besides, he said purchases could also be made on over 35 other websites in the United States and delivered to the door steps of the buyer or at the company’s pick up centres in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja.

In addition to the card, he said the company had also developed the Mall for Africa web card for facilitating payment for online purchases made by clients. He said prior to this innovation, it was impossible for Nigerians to make online purchases as site blockade, inability of online sellers to deliver and high risk of fraud were cited as reasons.

Also speaking on the occasion, Skye Bank’s General Manager, Information Technology and International Subsidiaries, Mr Segun Akintemi, said the bank partnered with the company to encourage Nigerians and companies wishing to conduct legitimate online business to do so.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

44

MONEY

‘Banks can’t do without credit bureaux’ M

ANAGING Director of Credit Registry Services Taiwo Ayedun has said banks still feel the need to be reminded of the benefits of pooling reports for their loans.

He said such practice is not in the interest of the banks even as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as a regulator wants the banks to utilise all credit bureaux as tools to reduce bad debts.

“The job of the regulator is to reduce anything that would cause any problem in the industry. Bad debt is significant,” he said.

According to him, the apex bank facilitated the creation of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to also reduce bad debts in the sector for banks to have more capital to do business.

“My hope is that banks owners and management see the need that this is in their best interest and they do this even without being asked to do so,” he said.

He also said the CBN is putting a

By Collins Nweze

lot of efforts for banks to comply.

Ayedun said the sector has seen significant increase in patronage even though the transaction volume can be made better.

“We get more requests from the commercial banks as opposed to the microfinance, primary mortgage institutions and finance houses. So, that’s really where most of our patronage comes from. I can say there is significant growth in the sector compared to 2009,” he said.

He said in 2010, the sector had significant growth, but regretted that not allo banks are pooling credit reports for their loans. “That’s the area the banks should improve on.

They believe they can only pool report for certain class of loans, maybe loans above N1 million, which is wrong. All loans have a risk, as far as you are parting with your money. Whether it is N10,000 loan or N50 million loans, it does

not matter. The banks should pool report for all loans,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wants the banks to use necessary tools to reduce bad debts, which explains why AMCON was set up. The banks, by complying with AMCON directives, will have to sell bad loans that exceed five per cent limit.

Despite these challenges, there has been significant growth in the process of pooling credit reports than was the case before the banking reforms in 2009. He said his firm receives monthly, requests from between 25 and 30 financial institutions including, but not limited to banks, microfinance banks, primary mortgage institutions, asset management companies and commercial banks,” he said.

He said non-compliance among banks has nothing to do with cutting cost as was the case in recent years. “I don’t think it’s an issue of cost now. We are talking of spending about N1,000 not to lose N1

million. The banks already charge customers certain fees such as management fees, processing fees and other fees. Besides, the banks push cost of credit check to the cost of the loans.

There is no reason for non compliance. He attributed non compliance among banks to internal process problems. “If the CBN says a bank must use credit bureau and you are not doing so, then we have to question the management credibility to do its job well,” he said.

He explained that despite financial crises that faced many banks and financial institutions across the world, Nigerian banks still lend, although the volume of lending might have declined. The challenges, he said, is that many of the banks are not pooling credit reports as mandated by the apex bank. “Lending might have come down in terms of quantum and quality of lending but the level of patronage of credit bureaux is not at the same level as the banks’ lending portfolio,” Ayedun said.

“People who are clean, who have high level of integrity, can also approach lenders and say, ‘I am clean, this are my records in the past, so I can have access to credit’.

• Ayedun

Credit bureau, therefore, democratises access to credit. As a matter of fact, you will have lenders looking for those with good credit history to give them loans,” an analyst said.

After consolidation in the banking industry, mega banks were created but the banks forgot that credit bureau was very important for them to have very good consumer and retail banking outlets.

Trust fund to empower MfBs

A

• Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (middle) addressing participants at a workshop on microcredit.With her are the Chairman, Lagos State Micro-finance Institution, Bashorun Alabi Macfoy (right) and Director, Cooperative Services, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mrs Ayo Awokuleyin

CBN licences 16 firms for mobile payment

B

ANKS are rushing to acquire latest technology, as the competition for the operations of mobile payment system becomes stiffer.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given 16 institutions, including banks provisional licence to operate a mobile payment system.

The apex bank will offer final approval to the companies that perform well during the four months given to them to conduct pilot studies, among meeting other conditions. Mobile Money or Mobile Payment system is operated through the use of phones. Unlike the commercial banking, the system de-emphasises the use of banking halls for transactions since most activities are carried out

By Akinola Ajibade through a high level of interconnectivity between the banks and other stakeholders.

The Nation learnt that many of the 16 companies granted provisional licences early in the year, are sourcing for the best technology to get CBN’s nod on the issue. For instance, Fortis Microfinance Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, and FET Eartholeum, four out of the 16 companies have acquired some of the best known technology to brighten the chances of getting CBN’s approval.

Fortis microfinance bank and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc are said to have acquired Fundamo, reputed to be the most deployed mobile

financial applications in the world.

Also, Ecobank Nigeria Plc and FET Eartholeum, have acquired a platform known as Roamware.

Speaking to The Nation, the Principal Associate, Money Bank Africa, Mr Emmanuel Okogwale, said the acquisition of good technology became imperative, in view of the position of CBN to ensure mobile money system takes off well.

Okogwale said fundamo is used actively by MTN in 22 countries across the world, adding that the technology is very strong and efficient.

Fundamo was acquired by Visa International for $110million, a development that attests to the quality of the brand. Roamware platform is actively used by face books for credit tops ups.

Ecobank rewards salary account holders

E

COBANK has unveiled a three month Salary Account Promo that will enable workers to win from a multiple of instant gifts as they open their salary account with the bank. It also qualifies them to be part of a random selection that will see winners taking home the dream prize of brand new automobiles.

Announcing the kick off of the promotion in Lagos, Country Head Domestic Products, Mrs. Funmi

Ajayi said the promo is borne out of the need to provide succour for the average Nigerian worker. According to her, Ecobank identifies with the working class and has created products that will meet their needs, especially in the face of the challenging economic circumstances.

Enumerating the benefits from the promotion, Mrs. Ajayi said workers, who embrace the promo by opening their salary accounts with

the bank, will automatically be eligible for the bank’s assets loan, which include salary loans, car loans and mortgage loans. Also, opening a salary account with Ecobank means free internet banking services and Ecobank Regional Card.

According to her, Ecobank has always been in the forefront of unique product development, and will continue to contribute significantly to the growth of the economy.

SPECIAL financing vehicle called NAMBLAG TRUST FUND has been set up to strengthen the operations of the 187 microfinance banks in Lagos State.

NAMBLAG TRUST FUND is an acronym for the National Association of Microfinance Banks Lagos State Chapter Registers Trust Fund. The fund was set up to provide short-term, medium-term, and long-term financial needs of the banks, as well as complementing the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate their growth. CBN has earmarked N54 billion to help meet the financing needs of the microfinance banks.

Speaking at the launch of the trust fund in Lagos on Monday, the Chairman, National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) Lagos chapter, Mr Olufemi Babajide, said the short term facility is between the range of N1 million and N2 million. Babajide said the facility would help in meeting the liquidity needs of the banks at short notice.

He said the medium term facility is not only higher, but would assist the banks in financing their credit obligations. The long-term facility is the highest in terms of nature, and contents, and would

By Akinola Ajibade help in spurring the growth of the banks.

He said: “The objective of the short-term facility is to prevent the banks from having shocks, occasioned by paucity of funds in the economy, while that of short-term facility will help the banks in financing and refinancing their projects. The long-term facility would provide equity capital for the banks.”

According to him, the interest payable by microfinance banks for (short-term facility) is between three per cent to five per cent above, while the interest for the medium term facility is between two per cent to three per cent.

He said the long-term facility would attract the interest rate of five per cent, below the treasury bills rate.

“In the short run, the trust fund size will be in hundreds of millions of naira. It is expected to hit billons of naira in the medium term and long term run. CBN has promised to encourage the banks to ensure the success of the fund. The apex bank told us to put the structures in place first, and promised to provide support us later,” he said.

N3b agric fund for farmers

T

HE Lagos State Government has written to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to access N3 billion out of the N200 billion agricultural fund for disbursement to farmers. CBN had earlier held discussions with state governments, among other stakeholders, on how to boost the agricultural sector.

Speaking on the issue, the Director of Cooperative Services, Lagos Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ayo Awokuleyin, said the government has written a letter to CBN on the need to access N3 billion out of the N200 billion agricultural fund to improve farming in the state.

Mrs Awolekun, during a one-day seminar organised by Lagos State Cooperative Federation Limited, said CBN has promised to release the fund soon to galvanise farming in the state.

The seminar is aimed at educating owners of small scale businesses on how to access credit facility for growth. She said: “We are waiting

By Akinola Ajibade for CBN to approve the fund. Thereafter, we would disburse the fund in two tranches.”

She said the first tranche of N1 billion would go to farmers at the grassroots, while the second tranche of N2 billion would be devoted to middle and large scale farmers in the state.

According to her, the government would use the fund to improve agriculture at different levels, as well as ensure food security in the state.

“The state government does not want to do it alone. That is why we are making moves to provide funds for farmers. We would improve fish farming, vegetable farming, among others. We would also improve technology. We want to use agriculture as a way of creating jobs for graduates in the state,” she added.

Also, the Chairman, Lagos State Co-operative Federation Limited, Bashorun Macfoy-Alabi, said the government is committed to the issue of alleviating poverty.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

45

THE NATION

INVESTORS Investors lose N368b in July recession T

HE stock market witnessed a highly excruciating down trend last month with investors losing N368 billion in capital gains.

The decline eroded the marginal gain of N74 billion carried into the second half by investors and pushed them down with an average year-to-date loss of N294 billion.

The Nation's Market Intelligence indicated that the recession worsened in July as investors, who were smarting from post-election risks, had to adjust to last week's steep increase in the Monetary Policy Rate from eight per cent to 8.75 per cent by the Central

By Taofik Salako

Bank of Nigeria (CBN), thus creating further flight to high grounds of fixed-securities.

All value-indicative benchmark indices at the stock market ended on the downside with the All Share Index, which measures changes in prices of all quoted companies, dropping by 4.62 per cent in July. This brought stock market's year-to-date return to -3.81 per cent as against positive gain of 0.85 per cent in the first half.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities dropped by 4.61 per cent or N368 bil-

lion from N7.988 trillion in June to N7.62 trillion in July, indicating a year-to-date loss of 3.71 per cent or N294 trillion on the year's opening value of N7.914 trillion.

The ASI, which had opened this year at 24,770.52 points, closed July at 23,826.99 points compared with 24,980.20 points recorded as closing value for the first half.

The performance in the immediate past month raised doubts about the much-expected recovery of the market in the third quarter, although many analysts were optimistic of a gradual recovery in the period ahead.

•Chairman, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr Stanislas Mittelman (left) and Managing Director, Total Nigeria, Mr Francis Boussagol at the 33rd AGM of of the company in Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

A seven-month negative return of about four per cent has also raised concerns about the possibility of the market being able to match its double-digit full-year average return of about 19 per cent in 2010.

The Nigerian stock market had closed the first half with a negligible average gain of 0.85 per cent as depreciation witnessed in June shaved off N286 billion from the gains of N360 billion recorded by the fifth month, leaving a marginal six-month capital appreciation of N74 billion.

Month-on-month analysis had shown that investors' value appreciated by N271 billion in May as against N130 billion recorded in April. Market capitalisation April at closed N8.0 trillion.

The first half performance represented a significant meltdown from the exceedingly bullish outlook that started this year. The stock market had closed January with a yearto-date return of 8.2 per cent, indicating a gain of more than N690billion for equities investors. Global stock market returns then indicated that Nigeria was second on the returns table, trailing India which recorded average return of 10 per cent. But a decline of 3.04 per cent in February and further depreciation of 5.36 per cent in March, dropped the Nigerian average return for the first quarter to -0.60 per cent, indicating that investors had lost N0.04trn over the three-month period or a loss of N730bn given the market capitalisation of N8.6trn in January.

ASI had jumped to 26,830.67 points by January month-end but subsequently slumped to 26,016.84 points and 24,621.12 points in February and March.

Meanwhile, market analysts and investment advisers said many stocks had been significantly undervalued by the continuing recession, thus providing good opportunities for discerning investors.

Analysts said they expected investors to start taking positions in many relatively undervalued stocks, especially many banking and petroleum-marketing stocks that had been driven to new lows by the recent bearish cycle.

They, however, advised investors to maintain a medium to long-term investment horizon and focus on stocks with good fundamentals and high growth potential in order to hedge against short-term fluctuations and corrections within the pricing cycle.

Improved earnings enhance insurance stocks’ returns

E

MERGING reports indicate significant improvements in earnings of most insurance stocks, with average earning yields within the sector currently at about 14 per cent. Earnings yield reflects the prospective return on investment based on current share price and basic earnings per share.

Earnings yields are particularly reflective of possible cash flow from investment, especially where the companies have traceable dividend payment pattern.

Latest earning reports showed improvements in distributable earnings of most insurance stocks, which translate into probable higher returns against the flat share prices of most insurance stocks.

By Taofik Salako

The Nation's Market Intelligence based on available half-year reports of insurance stocks showed double-digit average net earnings as well as double-digit average earnings yield for the sector. With a sample of seven companies that have released their interim reports and accounts for the first half, average earnings per share stood at 10.6 kobo with a base of one kobo and a ceiling of 25 kobo while average earnings yield stood at 13.6 per cent with a base of two per cent and a ceiling of 34 per cent.

The reports indicated half-year's earnings per share of 18 kobo for NEM Insurance, 19 kobo for AIICO Insurance, 25 kobo for Cus-

Stanbic IBTC grosses N32b in first half STANBIC IBTC Bank Plc grew gross earnings by 13 per cent in the first half to N32.2 billion with the bank pledging to continue to improve on shareholders' value.

Interim report and accounts of the bank for the six months ended June 30, 2011showed that operating income increased by 14 per cent to N27.6 billion as against N24.1 billion in June 2010. Gross earnings rose from N28.4 billion in 2010 to N32.2 billion in 2011. Profit before tax stood at N6.6 billion while profit after tax totaled N4.7 billion.

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Sola David-Borha, described the performance

By Tonia Osundolire

as very respectable, noting that the bank has continued to be profitable. She said buoyed by its growing footprint across Nigeria, deployment of cutting edge technology, excellent service delivery and talented people, Stanbic IBTC is in good stead to deliver even higher performance. "We continued to maintain our traditional capital strength and healthy liquidity position throughout the period, and we are in a good stead to capture further market share on the back of our growing footprint, excellent service leveraging technology and our skilled and talented workforce,” she said.

todian and Allied Insurance, two kobo for Cornerstone Insurance, four kobo for Law Union and Rock Insurance, one kobo for Linkage Assurance and 5.0 kobo for Consolidated Hallmark Insurance.

NEM's share price opened this week at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at 53 kobo while AIICO Insurance and Custodian and Allied Insurance the highest price insurance stock, were at 69 kobo and N2.77 respectively.

The four of Cornerstone Insurance, Law Union and Rock, Linkage Assurance and Consolidated have stagnated at their nominal value of 50 kobo per share.

Consequently, current earning reports indicated earning yields of 34 per cent for NEM

Forecasts Q3 OANDO TURNOVER N127.82 PAT N3.06BN

Insurance, 28 per cent for AIICO, nine per cent for Custodian and Allied, four per cent for Cornerstone Insurance, eight per cent for Law Union and Rock, 2.0 per cent for Linkage Assurance while Consolidated Hallmark recorded a yield of 10 per cent.

Interim reports and accounts for the first half ended June 30, 2011 showed that NEM recorded gross premium of N5.27 billion as against N3.75 billion in comparable period of 2010. Profit before tax stood at N1.06 billion as against N869.57 million while profit after tax totaled N949.53 million compared with N808.70 million.

Also, AIICO's gross premium increased •Continued on page 46

DN MEYER TURNOVER N582.16N PAT N14.81M

NPF MFB T/O N827.31M PBT N198.55M PAT N198.55M

STACO INS. TURNOVER 6.43BN PAT N665.05M

TRIPPLE GEE & COMPANY PLC TURNOVER N166.09m PAT N74.59m

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

46

THE NATION INVESTORS

C

HIEF Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr Olumide Oyetan, has advised Nigerians not to invest in products that they do not understand or those that promise spectacular profit without detailed explanation.

In a paper tagged Collective Investment Scheme (CIS), Oyetan said collective investment scheme provides investors with the most cost effective platform for actualising

Asset manager advises investors to shun unknown investments

By Tonia Osundolire

their investment objectives.

Shedding light on this, he said the CIS, which is simply a financial instrument that allows a group of investors to pool their money with a predetermined in-

vestment objective in specific sectors, has more benefits compared to the direct investment in just one product at a time.

Listing the benefits of CIS, he said it allows for portfolio diversification which enables efficient

risk management. Also, he said, it sustains returns, provides for liquidity, flexible and less expensive vis-à-vis direct investment in equities. He said it also allows for professional fund management expertise and easy access to inves-

Improved earnings enhance insurance stocks’ returns

•Continued from page 45

from N7.38 billion to N8.67 billion while profit before tax rose from N1.1 billion to N2.14 billion. Profit after tax stood at N1.5 billion as against N967.67 million.

Consolidated Hallmark recorded gross premium of N2.52 billion as against N1.39 million. Profit after tax stood at N275.99 million compared with N82.27 million.

Custodian & Allied also increased gross premium from N4.40 billion to N5.56 million while profit after tax rose from N1.21 billion to N1.29 billion.

Cornerstone Insurance witnessed marginal increase in gross premium but the profitability of the company declined significantly as

net profit dropped from N910.6 million to N142 million. Gross premium had increased from N2.79 billion to N2.83 billion.

Law Union & Rock Insurance grew gross premium to N2.83 billion as against N2.29 billion while net profit stood at N150.96 million compared with N123.83 million in comparable period of 2010.

Linkage Assurance improved on profitability in spite of its flat topline. Gross premium was N1.06 billion as against N1.07 billion.

Meanwhile, profit after tax stood at N44.07 million compared with N35.83 million in corresponding period of 2010.

Almost two-thirds of insurance stocks are trading at par value of 50 kobo, putting insurance sectorthe most populous sector at the NSE as one of the worst-performing sectors. Insurance stocks accounted for about 14 per cent of total number of listed equities. With 30 companies, the insurance sector dominates the official list, in terms of number of equities, far ahead of banking and food and beverages sectors, which accounted for 10 per cent and 7.8 per cent of total number of listed equities with 21 companies and 17 companies.

However, insurance's popula-

tion means little to the market.

None of the insurance companies ranks within the top 20 compan ies at the stock market, a first-class group that controls about three-quarters of the market capitalisation while many other sectors including banking, building materials, breweries, food and beverages, conglomerates, petroleum-marketing and foreign listings are represented in the 20 most capitalised stocks group.

Market pundits blamed poor investors' perception and negative image for insurance sector's performance noting that recent landmark regulatory changes and restructurings in the sector have failed to attract investors' attention.

tors’ money.

Furthermore, he said CIS 'pool' investor's funds used to purchase a variety of securities allows each investor to own units of the entire investment portfolio. The Fund is managed by a professional portfolio manager in accordance with a pre-determined objective.

Different Mutual Funds exist to cater for various risk appetites and objectives. Mutual Funds can be either Equity or Fixed Income biased or Real Estate biased, in which case they are called REITS. However, he said for every good idea, there is always a challenge around the corner. Specifically, he said the challenges can be grouped under utilisation and penetration which is still low for a variety of reasons.

He cited poor awareness and low financial literacy amongst retail investors as a major reason.

According to him, fewer than 100,000 people use CIS in Nigeria due to lack of knowledge and proper education.

Also, he said there are limited options available amongst operators and asset classes as they are have aggressive return expectations from investors. Another consideration is safety of investment concerns since the global crisis coupled with the prevalence of unregistered and unregulated quacks, e. g. wonder banks.

Facts to Facts

Costain vs Julius Berger: Faces of construction industry

C

OSTAIN (West Africa) Plc and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc are the foremost quoted construction companies in Nigeria. The construction industry, though a relatively large industry, is a highly fragmented sector with many small private operators competing with the established major construction firms.

With the government as the main driver of the construction industry, the performance of the sector largely depends on the available funds to the three tiers of government, capital allocation and the commitment of government to budget implementation and infrastructural development. But Costain and Julius Berger have not only held their leadership positions but they have built longstanding brands.

Costain is the older of the two but Julius Berger over four decades has emerged as the biggest construction company in Nigeria.

With consistent profitability over the years, Julius Berger maintained the lead on average fundamentals although its year-on-year performance has witnessed considerable slowdown in profitability. Costain, on the other hand, appeared to be struggling to its feet with the recent audited report, although it remained relatively weak on the basis of historic losses.

Sales Generation Both companies recorded appreciable increases in sales over the years. Costain, meanwhile, grew sales faster with a two-year average of 59 per cent. Turnover had grown by about 65 per cent in 2009 and further expanded by about 54 per cent in 2010. Julius Berger grew sales by 32 per cent in 2009 but the quantum of top-line growth slowed in 2010 with an increase of 51 per cent, thus indicating a two-year average of 23.5 per cent.

Profitability Costain made a strong comeback in the immediate past business year, turning round from loss in previous year to modest profit in 2010. However, Julius Berger appeared more sure-footed with sustained profitability over the years.

By Taofik Salako

Both underlying and actual profitability measures in 2010 showed appreciable improvement in the profit outlook of Costain with 160 per cent increase in actual gross profit and four-percentage points increase in gross profit margin.

Gross margin increased from 5.8 per cent in 2009 to 9.8 per cent in 2010, indicating a two-year average of 7.8 per cent. Pre-tax profit margin also reversed from -9.2 per cent to 0.55 per cent, underlining the modest profit recorded during the year as against loss made in the previous year.

Meanwhile, Julius Berger's profitability contracted in 2010 with 15 per cent reduction each in actual pre and post tax profits. Pretax profit margin also dropped below average at 4.6 per cent as against 6.3 per cent in 2009. Average pre-tax margin in the past two years stood at 5.45 per cent, which still placed Julius Berger ahead in

FACTS TO FACTS Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth Return on Assets Return on Equity

•Chairman, Julius Berger, AVM Nura Imam (rtd)

•Chairman, Costain, Mr Orikolade Karim

the industry.

Actual Returns With its return to profitability, Costain recorded modest positive returns in 2010, although these remained negligible. Return on to-

tal assets stood at 0.2 per cent in 2010 while return on equity was higher at 0.4 per cent, showing appreciable improvements from -4.5 per cent and -7.1 per cent recorded in the previous year. The historic

returns of the company however remained negative with two-year average returns on assets and equity of -2.2 per cent and -3.4 per cent respectively. Available data on latest audited reports of Julius Berger did not indicate return variables but the company had previously recorded a return on assets of 2.1 per cent and return on equity of 42 per cent in 2009.

The Bottom-line Both companies have showed resilience, especially against the background of the recent economic crisis and its attendant negative impact on construction activities.

Cos t a i n h a s m a d e a m a j o r turn-around but it needs to establish a positive historical fundamental pattern by sustaining positive performance year-on-year. Julius Berger, meanwhile, needs to re-energise its performance, even though it maintains a comfortable lead in terms of longterm reliability.

Julius Berger

Costain 2010 %

2009 %

Average %

53.7 160 109.2 ` 9.8 0.55 105 0.2 0.4

64.5

59.1 80 -77.4 7.8 -4.325 -84.5 -2.15 -3.35

-264 5.8 -9.2 -274 -4.5 -7.1

Pre-tax profit margin (Costain)

Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth Return on Assets Return on Equity

2010 %

2009 %

Average %

15.0

31.9 58.1 80.2 18.1 6.3 31.6 2.1 42.2

23.45 29.05 32.6 9.05 5.45 8.2 1.05 21.1

-15.0 4.6 -15.2

Pre-tax profit margin (Julius Berger)

47

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

THE NATION INVESTORS Corporate Score Board

Fidson Healthcare: Struggling to maintain balance

F

IDSON Healthcare Plc recorded mixed performance in the immediate past business year as it struggled to sustain profit margins amid sluggish sales and considerably weak balance sheet.

The firm’s audited report and accounts for the year ended June 30, 2010 showed marginal growths in sales and actual profit, but a more efficient cost management underpinned modest improvement in the underlying profitability of the company. With less equity coverage and liquidity, the balance sheet position of the company weakend during the period.

Financing structure Paid up capital of Fidson Healthcare was unchanged at N750 million, but shareholders' funds increased marginally by 2.7 per cent from N5.1 billion in 2009 to N5.23 billion in 2010. Total liabilities increased by 28 per cent from N2.09 billion to N2.67 billion, reflecting the 33 per cent increase in current liabilities from N1.91 billion to N2.55 billion. Meanwhile, total assets rose by 10 per cent from N7.2 billion to N7.9 billion. Current assets had increased by 11 per cent to N2.86 billion as against N2.58 billion in previous year while longterm assets rose by 9.5 per cent from N4.6 billion to N5.04 billion.

Consequently, the proportion of

By Taofik Salako

shareholders' funds to balance sheet size dropped from 71 per cent to 66 per cent while current liabilities amounted to 32 per cent to total assets as against 27 per cent.

Long term liabilities now represented 34 per cent of total assets compared with 29 per cent in 2009.

Efficiency The company recorded appreciable improvement in cost efficiency as total cost of business, excluding financing charges, dropped from about 86 per cent to 84 per cent.

Total liabilities/earnings before interest and taxes ratio stood at 314.2 per cent as against 256 per cent. The improvement in cost management underpinned the marginal increase in profitability, in spite of increase in interest expenses recorded during the year.

Profitability Fidson Healthcare recorded a generally stable profit outlook in 2010. Gross profit margin increased slightly to 55.3 per cent as against 54.7 per cent. Pre-tax profit margin inched up to 12.6 per cent compared with 12.4 per cent. Returns on equity increased from 8.4 per cent to 8.9 per cent. However, return on total assets dropped from 8.7 per cent to 8.1 per cent in 2010.

Actual profit and loss items

Fiscal Year Ended June 30

2010

Nmillion

12 months

•CEO, Fidson Health care Plc, Mr Fidelis Ayebae

showed that turnover rose by 1.6 per cent from N5.02 billion to N5.10 billion. Cost of sales was almost flat at N2.28 billion compared with N2.27 billion. Gross profit rose by 2.7 per cent from N2.75 billion to N2.82 billion.

Administrative expenses however dropped by 1.4 per cent to N2.01 billion compared with N2.04 billion in the previous year. Non-core business incomes reduced by 63 per cent from N106

2009 % change

million to N39 million. Interest expenses rose by 8.6 per cent from N191 million to N208 million. Profit before tax grew marginally by 3.1 per cent to N642 million compared with N623 million while profit after taxes increased by 8.6 per cent from N429 million to N466 million, indicating earnings per share stood of 31 kobo in 2010 as against 29 kobo in previous year.

The company halved cash dividend per share from 22 kobo paid for the 2009 business year to 10 kobo. With this, dividend cover improved from 1.3 times in 2009 to 3.1 times in 2010.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the company faltered during the year with current ratio, which measures the company's ability to meet emerging financial obligations by comparing current assets to relative liabilities, dropping from 1.3 times to 1.1 times. The proportion of working capital to sales also declined from 13.3 per cent to 6.1 per cent in 2010. Total liabilities/operating cash flow ratio stood at 229 per cent compared with 112 per cent in previous year.

Governance & structures Fidson Healthcare is a wholly-

Fiscal Year Ended June 30

2010

2009

%

%

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

66.2 33.8 32.3 NA

70.9 29.0 26.6 NA

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

55.3 12.6 8.1 8.9 3.1

54.7 12.4 8.7 8.4 1.3

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Sales Total liabilities/EBIT

NA NA 84.1 314.2

NA NA 85.9 256.3

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Sales Debtors/Creditors Total liabilities/Operating cash flow

1.1 6.1 NA 229.1

1.3 13.3 NA 112.3

12 months

Profit and Loss Statement Turnover: Main Business Segment

5,100

1.6

5,020

Total turnover

5,100

1.6

5,020

Cost of sales

2,282

0.4

2,274

Gross profit

2,819

2.7

2,745

Operating expenses

2,008

-1.4

2,037

Interest and other incomes

39

-63.4

106

Finance expenses

208

8.6

191

Pre-tax profit(loss)

642

3.1

623

Post-tax profit (loss)

466

8.6

429

Basic earnings per share(kobo)

31

6.9

29

Dividend per share (kobo)

10

-54.5

22

Fixed assets

2,151

13.0

1,904

Total long term assets

5,038

9.5

4,599

Trade debtors

1,850

9.7

1,687

Current assets

2,864

10.9

2,583

Total assets

7,902

10.0

7,182

Trade creditors

NA

0.0

NA

Bank loans

NA

0.0

NA

Current liabilities

2,551

33.3

1,914

Long-term liabilities

120

-30.4

172

Total liabilities

2,671

28.0

2,086

Share capital

750

0.0

750

Total equity funds

5,231

2.7

5,095

Balance Sheet Assets:

Liabilities:

Equity Funds

owned Nigerian company. The board and management of the company have remained stable.

Mr Fidelis Ayebae, the largest single shareholder, leads the executive management team while Mr. Felix Ohiwerei chairs the board. Meanwhile, two directors, Mr Emmanuel Imoagene and Mrs Pamela Sadauki, were appointed unto the board during the period under review. The company broadly complies with the code of corporate governance for public companies.

Analyst's opinion The performance of Fidson Healthcare reflected the general slowdown in the macro economy. The illiquidity in the financial system has not only limited disposable incomes but also limited access to funds.

This was obvious in Fidson's dependence on bank loans to fund long-term growth plan.

While expansion into new businesses may nudge the top-line to create headroom for profit growth, the company's loan-dependent financing structure might adversely affect future performance. Thus, the company needs to restructure its balance sheet to create supports for growth and expansion.

48

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

NEWS

Report of NBA Committee on crisis in the Judiciary Presented to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) on July 8, 2011 at the NBA National Secretariat, Abuja • Continued from yesterday

M

Y Lord, JUSTICE IS ROOTED IN CONFIDENCE. We need confidence that the President of the Court of Appeal who set up the panel is not bias in any way. He should have been more tactful and diplomatic. We need confidence that the panel is free from any interference or control by the President or other persons. We do not have that confidence. In fact, what we have is to the contrary.

We do not want to embarrass the Judiciary or any of its Principal Officers. The President of the Court of Appeal should disband the panel in the interest of justice and reconstitute another one. We do not want to make a formal complaint to National Judicial Council. Those to whom the President spoke, would like to appear before you, in his presence and STATE ON OATH all he told them.”

These paragraphs which speak for themselves, show clearly that – (a) Petitioner’s complaint is the fear expressed by Counsel that there may possibly be two conflicting judgments of the Court of Appeal, Abuja in Suit No. CA/ABJ/276/ 08 in respect of the originating summons filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the judgment on the fresh election appeal filed in Sokoto in Suit No. CA/S/EPGOV/ 10/09 at the Court of Appeal, Sokoto.

The Committee is not aware that a litigant’s fear of a possible conflict in the decision yet to be given by two different Panels of the Court of Appeal in two different appeals from two different Courts of law with distinct and exclusive jurisdiction is a justifiable legal basis for staying proceedings of one such Court or disbanding the Appeal Panel so as to prevent it from delivering its judgment in the appeal which had already been argued and adjourned for judgment. (b) On the basis of the Petitioner’s apprehension, Senior Counsel for Gov. Wamakko wrote to the retired PCA, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi, the letter dated 22/4/2009 praying that the Court of Appeal Sokoto be stayed until determination of the appeal in Abuja whether by the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

The Committee notes that as at the time and date the letter was written by Senior Counsel, there was no question of any appeal pending in the Supreme Court. An anticipatory fear of a litigant is not proof that the PCA who is not a member of the Appeal Panel did any thing to arouse the litigant’s fear. (c) The complaint that the PCA, Salami, should not have set up the Sokoto Appeal Panel because his predecessor in office, acceded to Senior Counsel’s application to stay ‘the Court of Appeal – Sokoto’ to avoid Judicial anarchy is not a tenable argument.

The Committee notes that the Petitioners did not state if the retired PCA made any order that an appellate Panel should not be constituted by his successor. Even if he did, such administrative order or directive will not bind his successor from discharging the duty to constitute a Panel to hear election appeals where time is always of the essence in all the cases of elective offices.

Having examined the petition thoroughly, the Committee has found NO allegation of misconduct against the PCA. Nothing said in other paragraphs of the petition specifically set out in this report or in the entire petition amount to any allegation of misconduct or wrong doing on the part of the Hon. PCA – Hon. Justice Salami. The Committee has not found any “serious” allegations referred to in the CJNs’ query dated 18/2/2010.

PCA’s Response to the CJN’s query The PCA’s response to the query issued to

him by the CJN appears to provide full explanation to the issues raised in the two petitions forwarded to the PCA. For completeness, let the PCA’s explanation be examined.

Venue for Appellate Panel holding the Conference The petitioners referred to the fact that the appellate panel of the Sokoto Court of Appeal which heard the Governorship election appeal held their conference in the Court of Appeal Conference Room, Abuja and suggested that this was at the instance of the PCA. In his answer to the query, the PCA stated thus: “On venue for holding conferences, there is no rule that conference should be held where the appeal was heard. In fact, it is in the interest of the Justices to hold conference, away from the Division the appeal was taken in the interest of the security. It all depends on the members of the panel considering their security and convenience.

In fact, since I became President of the Court of Appeal, Your Lordship may wish to know that I have set up three panels. All the three held their conferences here in Abuja. And also during the period of my immediate past predecessor, we held conferences and wrote the judgments of Delta, Ondo and Edo Governorship appeal taken in Benin, here in Abuja. Governor Odili’s appeal was taken in Port Harcourt and conference was held in Lagos. Ibiyeye, JCA panel took appeals in the South East as well as South-South, but came to Abuja to hold conferences.”

The Committee accepts the explanation of the PCA and concludes that the practice of appellate Court Panels holding their conferences as and at venues convenient to them is well established and is as stated by the PCA in his answer to the query dated 22/2/ 2010. Consequently, the fact that the Sokoto Appeal Panel held their conference in Abuja is not suggestive of any impropriety or interference on the part of the Hon. PCA. Opinion of Colleagues The PCA stated in his answer to the query, that one of the Justices asked his opinion on the Kaduna Court of Appeal decision on the Sokoto election petition appeal in respect of the 2007 election and that he freely expressed his opinion to him.

There is no doubt in the minds of members of the Committee, that the PCA must have known that the opinion sought from him by a member of the Sokoto Election Appeal Panel must be in relation to the pending Sokoto Governorship election appeal in respect of which the Panel held its Conference in Abuja. On this, his Lordship explained further thus: “The opinion freely given, are not binding on the panel, who are, notwithstanding the opinion, entitled to take their decision. They are supposed to be mature individuals with their independent minds. It is most uncharitable to level such accusation against them.

A member of the panel, who was disagreeable to what happened, is free to write his own dissenting judgment. Even if I were in the panel, they are entitled to disagree with my opinion and thereby push me into minority. In Shugaba’s case, Justice Nasir, as the then President was forced into writing a dissenting judgment against decision of the majority.

Your Lordship may recall what happened in Mohammed Abacha’s case. All the Justices of the Supreme Court including the members of the Panel, and those who did not sit met at conference on the matter. I further understood that a position was taken and the members who sat on the appeal were asked to go and take their decision. They delivered their judgment contrary to the agreed position. I do not have the reference readily available, but Ejiwunmi, JSC of blessed memory made his now famous re-

•Justice Katsina-Alu

•Justice Salami

mark about the tyranny of majority in that judgment. – Letter of 22/02/10 as contained in an ANNEXURE 13, to this report.

The Committee’s view is that the explanation given and the examples referred to would appear to justify what the PCA admitted doing to the member of the Panel who sought his opinion on the Kaduna judgment.

It is a matter of daily occurrence that even Legal practitioners of all ages consult or seek opinion of other colleagues on various issues and points in cases conducted by them.

Such opinions are clearly not binding as the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the case rests with Counsel charged with the conduct of the case.

The Committee did not see anything legally wrong in the PCA expressing his opinion sought by a member of the Panel on the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna.

The Committee, however, wishes to note that in sensitive cases, it is not prudent (though it is legitimate) to seek opinion of colleagues to assist another colleague. In sensitive matters as election petitions and cases in Nigeria and in the circumstance where political contests for public office is almost a matter of life and death, seeking or giving such opinion ought not to be encouraged. In fact, it should be discouraged in such matters except in very special circumstances.

suggestion or discussion of matters in a pending case. The Hon. PCA in his answer to the query stated in respect of the meeting he had with Yahaya Mahmood, Esq. and the Senator that: “I agreed with them that the judgment (Kaduna Appeal) is incongruous.”

The Hon. PCA knew when he met the Lawyer and the Senator that they both had interest in the pending Sokoto appeal and had come to request him to interfere with and or pervert the cause of justice in the pending Sokoto Governorship Appeal. Prudence in the circumstance requires his Lordship to be cautious in his discussion with them. He ought not to have admitted and or had a discussion with them a second time on the issue and or express any opinion – whether in agreement or disagreement on the Kaduna appeal judgment.

The Committee considers that given the above scenario, his Lordship allowed his personal relationship with the Lawyer, Mahmood, Esq. and Senator Dahiru to overshadow his judgment in expressing opinion on the Kaduna case which he ought not to have done.

The saving grace is that his Lordship was not a member of the Appellate Panel hearing the Sokoto Governorship Election Appeal. He, however resisted the pressure to pervert the cause of justice, by not acceding to Yahaya Mahmoods’ request to disband the election appeal panel he setup.

It is such innocent opinion of the PCA that the Petitioner attempted to cash on as a material weapon to dent the image and reputation of the judiciary and judicial officers.

The Committee therefore concludes that notwithstanding the opinion the PCA expressed to Yahaya Mahmood, Esq. and Senator Dahiru, there is nothing to suggest that the Hon. PCA was compromised in any way.

Although, he should have been more tactful; he did nothing unprofessional or corrupt.

The conclusion of the Committee on this aspect of the matter (1) Having examined the CJN’s query dated 18/2/2010, the contents of the two petitions dated 15/2/2010 and the explanation of the Honourable PCA, the Committee agrees with the conclusion of the NJC Committee comprising - Hon. B.O. Babalakin, JSC, OFR - Chairman, Hon. A.V. Wali, JSC, CON Member, Hon. A. Iguh, JSC, CON - Member, Hon. E.O. Ayoola, JSC, CON - Member, Hon. M. M. Akambi, PCA, CFR Member, that: “There is no case of misconduct made against the Hon. President of the Court of Appeal in the Petitions.” – see Annexure 12 to this report.

(2) The Committee further concludes that the CJN’s reference in his query, to wit: “Serious allegations leveled against you” is totally out of tune with reality. It therefore agrees with the PCA when in paragraph two of his letter dated 22/2/2010 in response to the CJN’s query stated thus: “I have read the two petitions carefully but I cannot, regrettably, find any serious allegations contained therein.”

(3) Further, it seems clear that the CJN did not take into account that as the Head of the Judiciary of this nation, he has a duty to protect and defend members of the Judiciary

Meeting with the PCA

The two petitioners referred to the two meetings held between INEC’s Counsel, Yahaya Mahmood and Senator Dahiru on the one side and the PCA on the other side. The subject matter of their discussion at the said meetings was the constitution of the Sokoto Governorship Appeal Panel.

In his exact words in his petition, Yahaya Mahmood, Esq., stated thus – “Senator Dahiru and myself met him to find out if he was aware of why the decision to await the Supreme Court judgment was taken by his predecessor… Just to find out motives if any, we met him again and tried to convince him why his decision was not appropriate.”

The Committee considers the two meetings between Yahaya Mahmood and the PCA rather unfortunate in the circumstance of the case. Yahaya Mahmood’s mission is clear from his petition. It was to query the PCA for constituting the Sokoto Gubernatorial Appeal Panel and to request him to disband it. As long as the Sokoto Panel remains disbanded, the Governor remains in office and that is comfortable for him as he continues to run the office of Governor for Sokoto State.

It was therefore in Counsel’s client’s interest that no appellate panel be constituted to hear and determine the appeal. Once this has been apparent from the first meeting, the PCA ought not to have allowed a second meeting. There is therefore an error of judgment on the part of the PCA in receiving and meeting Mahmood and the Senator, a second time.

Although, it is a normal practice for Lawyers especially senior Lawyers to see heads of Court or administrative heads of divisions of Court to seek administrative solutions to some bottlenecks or hiccups in the system, the practice has to be carefully watched and must not be used as occasion for improper

•Continued on page 49

3, 2011

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

49

NEWS

Report of NBA Committee on crisis in the Judiciary •Continued from page 48

including the President of the Court of Appeal against frivolous allegations and or unwarranted accusations.

(4) The CJN did not appear to have given any thought to what the petitioners had alleged in the petitions. His Lordship simply came to the conclusion that there were serious allegations in the petitions and on that basis, he directed that further steps on the Governorship election petition in Sokoto State be put on hold.

By his directive to put “any further action on hold”, the CJN thereby arrested the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto, which heard the appeal on 18/1/10 and adjourned judgment to a date to be communicated to the parties.

Allegations against the CJN in the PCA’s letter dated 22/2/2010 In paragraph 2 of the PCA’s letter of 22/2/ 10 in response to the query, his Lordship appears to have used very harsh tones and words such as: “Your Lordships interference in a Court proceeding, which interference… is contemptuous of the Court sitting at Sokoto.” “… appear to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate the hearing” There is the further allegation at page 4 of the PCA’s answer to the query where he said: “Meanwhile, I wish to remind Your Lordship that you on the 8th of February, 2010 invited me to Your Lordship’s Chambers to request me to instruct the Justices to dismiss the appeal.

You Your Lordship told me that was what the Supreme Court did in Amaechi’s case… I rejected Your Lordship’s entreaties. Thereafter petitions emerged in Your Lordship’s Chambers on the 15th of February, 2010.”

Allegation of wrong doing against the CJN by PCA Arising from the above paragraphs are the questions as to whether or not, the Hon. CJN interfered with the election appeal proceedings in Sokoto State or whether by his action, he frustrated or attempted to frustrate the hearing of the appeal or whether he instructed the PCA to pervert the cause of justice in the case as stated by the PCA. The CJN addressed these issues in the affidavit in denial of these various allegations in his affidavit sworn to at the Supreme Court on 7th March, 2011.

The CJN stated, in his affidavit sworn to on 7th March, 2011, in which he stated fully his response to the accusations. The said paragraph 7 had earlier been set out in paragraph 3.02 of this report.

The Committee sought in vain on two separate occasions to have audience with the CJN on the allegations in this matter as indicated in the introductory part of this report.

On his Lordship’s first meeting with the Chairman and two members of the Committee, his Lordship said that he did not want to have anything to do with the Committee because of his past experience with a former President of the Bar who after such a meeting went to Press to castigate him. After explanation by the Chairman, his Lordship asked for time to ‘consult his friends.’

On the second visit by a delegation made up of three very senior members of the Committee, his Lordship said he has consulted his brother Justices of the Supreme Court and that he was advised not to talk with the NBA Committee on this matter. He then asked that he be allowed time to discuss the matter with the members of the NJC which was to meet in about two or three days time. Nothing further came from the CJN. Although, we did not have a formal audience with His Lordship, we nevertheless had the benefit of his reaction to the allegations made against him by the PCA as contained in the affidavit sworn to on 7/3/2011 at the Supreme Court.

Interference with and Arrest of Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto The CJN denied the allegation of interference in the Sokoto State Gubernatorial appeal. He swore in paragraph 7 of his said affidavit that he did not in his letter of query dated 22/2/2010 direct the Panel not to deliver judgment.

This assertion by the CJN appears not to be borne out by the facts stated in his own affidavit and by his two letters dated 18th and 19th February, 2010, as follows:

•Justice Katsina-Alu

•Justice Salami

(a) In paragraph two of the CJN’s letter dated 18th February, 2010 addressed to the five (5) members of the Sokoto State Gubernatorial Appeal Panel, the CJN stated as follows: “Meanwhile, you are to ensure that further action on the appeal is put on hold pending determination of the serious allegations leveled against you.” (b) Finally, the Hon. CJN himself admitted in fact what he sought to deny. In paragraph 7(xvii) of his said affidavit, the CJN deposed as follows: “That the only step I took in my capacity as the Chairman, National Judicial Council, was to direct, vide my letter No. NJC/CA/ DM/IV/48 of 19th February, 2010, that the judgment that was to be delivered in the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal ‘be put on hold’ pending the investigation of the petitions I had received. That I did not, in the letter under reference, direct the Panel on the Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Petition Appeal not to deliver judgment.” In addition, Petitioners counsel conceded these facts when: i. INEC Counsel, Yahaya Mahmood conceded in his letter dated 10th March, 2010, addressed to the Hon. CJN, where he stated in paragraph 1 that: “On the 24th February, 2010, Sokoto Panel of the Court of Appeal adjourned the matter sine die in view of “your instructions.” ii. Alfred N. Agu – for Governor Wamakko did the same in his letter dated 12th March, 2010 addressed to the President of the Court of Appeal and copied to CJN/ Chairman of the National Judicial Council. Where he stated as follows: “You will no doubt recall that this same Court of Appeal, Sokoto has earlier scheduled judgment for… but was barred from going ahead by the Chairman of NJC and the CJN…” iii. The proceedings of the Sokoto Election Petition Court of Appeal of the 24th February, 2010 show that the case was adjourned on that day because of the letter which the CJN addressed to all members of the Panel; and Having regard to the foregoing, the Committee has no doubt whatsoever that the Court of Appeal, Sokoto did not proceed with further steps in the case because the Hon. CJN has instructed that further action in the case be put on hold.

The Committee therefore concludes that the Hon. CJNs’ denial of interference in the election appeal in respect of the Sokoto Gubernatorial elections is not consistent with the depositions in his affidavit and the queries he wrote to the PCA dated 18th and 19th February, 2010.

Having considered extensively the matter discussed in the foregoing paragraphs of this report, the Committee agrees with the 2nd finding of the NJC Committee dated 8th March, 2010 that: “The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council has no power to interfere with any proceedings in any court as was done in this case.” Accordingly, the Committee finds and holds as a matter of fact that: a) the PCA’s complaint of the CJN’s interference with the Court of Appeal sitting in

Sokoto, is clearly made out and is even substantiated by the two petitioners subsequent letters written in March 2010 and the CJNs’ affidavit already referred to in this report. b) the CJN’s interference resulted in and formed the basis of the face off between the CJN and the PCA in a manner which shook the temple of justice to its very foundation.

SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/157/2010 ISA AYO SALAMI v JUSTICE A. I. KATSINA-ALU & ORS The loss of confidence and the face-off between the CJN and the PCA came to a climax when the PCA instituted a Court action against the CJN, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the National Judicial Council and the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation. The four questions set out for determination in the originating summons were: “(i) Whether where the 2nd defendant in exercise or purported exercise of his powers under Part E, paragraph 13(a) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, nominated any person for appointment to the Supreme Court, such a decision has any binding effect on such a person? (ii) Whether where a person nominated for appointment to the Supreme Court by the 2nd defendant has declined such appointment, the 3rd defendant can still sit as a body under Section 153(1)(i) of the 1999 Constitution to exercise its power under Part 1 paragraph 2(a) of the said Constitution to recommend such a person to the President for approval? (iii) Whether the appointment of the President of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court as a Justice of the Court without his consent and without any proper case of misconduct against him does not amount to removal from his office as President of the Court of appeal contrary to the provisions of Section 292(1)(a)(i) of the 1999 Constitution? (iv) Whether the Federal Judicial Service Commission has not violated the fundamental rights of the Plaintiff by taking a decision on a matter not on the agenda of the meeting and in respect of which the Plaintiff’s interest is to be prejudicially affected but was never heard?

(See paragraph 2 of the originating summons).

[Referred to as Annexure - 10] From the affidavit in support of the summons, the action was commenced when the PCA got to know that without any prior information and or knowledge or consultation, the CJN recommended him the PCA to the Federal Judicial Service Commission which recommended him to be appointed a Supreme Court Justice. That recommendation was approved at the meeting of the Federal Judicial Service Commission held on 2nd February, 2011.

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons sworn to by the PCA, and in the letter to the CJN dated 4th February, 2011, the PCA clearly stated that following his refusal to comply with the CJN’s directive in Sokoto Gubernatorial Election Appeal, a plan was hatched to remove him as the President of the Court of Appeal. He alleged that effect was given to the plan, when at the meet-

ing of the Federal Judicial Service Commission held on the 1st and 2nd of February, 2011 in Abuja, the CJN proposed to the meeting that the PCA be recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court.

The PCA’s complaints were: i) That the question of appointment was not on the agenda for the meeting of the Federal Judicial Service Commission at which the Federal Judicial Service Commission on the proposal by the CJN, purported to recommend him as a Justice of the Supreme Court to the NJC. ii) That before he traveled to Ilorin for family matters, he met the CJN to brief him of the proposed trip and to explain why he will not be at the FJSC meetings of the 1st and 2nd February, 2011. iii) That the CJN did not discuss and or mention the question of his appointment as a Supreme Court Justice with him at any time. iv) That he has never expressed a desire to be a Justice of the Supreme Court as he was happy being the PCA. (1) The Committee critically considered the process for appointment of Justices to the Supreme Court or indeed to any court where justice is to be dispensed and is of the considered view that the method and procedure adopted by the CJN in attempting to move the PCA from his position as PCA to the Supreme Court appears to be irregular.

(2) The PCA is the head of the Court of Appeal and his status is not lower than that of a Justice of the Supreme Court. Courtesy and or due process demand, that a proposal to move the PCA to the Supreme Court ought to be discussed and agreed with him. The PCA is, therefore, justified in his view, that his purported appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court in the circumstance, is a ploy to remove him as the PCA. (3) The casual way the Federal Judicial Service Commission accepted the oral proposal on such an important matter as the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice, suggests total dominance of the CJN as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, suggesting that an important Commission as the Federal Judicial Service Commission has been so divested of its authority and independence such that it can be persuaded by a request of the CJN, not backed up by any Memo for the consideration of members. This leaves much to be desired.

(4) The position of the CJN as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Judicial Council seems to give the CJN, an uncontrollable powers, over both bodies. The Committee is satisfied therefore that when the PCA took out the originating summons to question the purported recommendation to appoint him to the Supreme Court against his wish, he acted within his rights to protect his being removed from his office as the PCA and head of the Court of Appeal without due compliance with the constitutional provision for removal of the President or Justice of the Court of Appeal.

The Committee, therefore, has come to the conclusion that the commencement of the originating summons by the PCA was a reaction and a rightful reaction to the scheme to remove him as the PCA. The CJN was therefore wrong in the way he went about the question of the purported appointment of the PCA as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Telephone Logs

In reaction to the advertised invitation to the public to submit memorandum or representation, the Committee received a heavy bundle of telephone logs alleged to be evidence of communication between the PCA, Hon. Justice Ayo Salami and some lawyers allegedly engaged in ‘Dirty Judicial Deals’.

Reference was made to Tunji Ijaiya. The log was forwarded by Equity and Justice Forum – an NGO in its letter dated 12th March, 2011.

(Letter is attached as Annexure 14) On the instruction of the Committee, a letter dated 21st March, 2011 was addressed to Equity and Justice Forum asking for particulars. Unfortunately, there was no response from the NGO. In the absence of such a response, the committee is not in position to speculate as to what discussion took place in the telephone contacts shown in the logs. The Committee could not therefore proceed further as mere telephone logs is not proof of the content of what was discussed by the callers of those telephone logs. (The Committee’s Letter is attached as Annexure 15) • To be continued

50

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

TIPS

Human waste as money spinner D IGNIFIED Mobile Toilets (DMT) founder and Managing Director, Isaac Durojaiye has said human waste is highly profitable.

It may be a stinky business, but one can make money from it.

He was addressing the Business Growth Conference organised by Business Impact Limited in Lagos designed to help entrepreneurs learn new ideas to move their businesses up .

Durojaiye,popularly known as Otunba Gadafi,who was there to share his innovative journey in one of our nation’s most challenging industries, looks to leading the next revolution, as his company is on the leading edge of a new generation of companies trying to use human waste to generate electricity.

The company has acquired a biogas plant designed to process and convert sanitation waste into cooking gas and other gases that could be used to generate electricity at its site on the Lagos-Ibadan Experssway.

Raw materials for the plant would be sourced from DMT’s mobile toilets, abattoirs and septic tanks. The project will generate at least 35 per cent gas for domestic use and electricity from human and animal waste for the Lagos mega city project.

He told an enthusiastic audience that his technology will receive human waste and process it into an energy source that can offset the power requirements of many largest consumers of electricity .

He said his plant can provides enough heat to produce 5.5 megawatts of power, using heat-transfer devices and other power-generation equipment.

Durojaiye said Nigerians need to find solutions to problems around their environment. He said there is profit in human waste. Its new biogas digester turns human

Investing in daycare, nursery, primary school

By Edwin Agbaike

By Daniel Essiet

excrement, cow dung, or kitchen garbage into fuel that can be used for cooking or generating electricity, simultaneously addressing two of the nation’s major needs: energy and sanitation.

The digester uses bacteria to break down waste into sludge, much like a septic tank. In the process, the bacteria emit gases, mostly methane. But instead of being vented into the air, they are piped into a storage canister.

For him, his project is an answer as landfills continue to fill up cities and large corporations are realising they’ll need to figure out alternative means for disposing of their waste.

Looking at his dream, it is possible Durojaiye would like to put bioreactor in every backyard. The technology scales down to fit inside a potable toilet.

He is thinking of how to make his service so easy and cheap that they can sell them in home depot and give everyone a good source of power as well as a better way to get rid of their waste than flushing it down the toilet.

To Durojaiye,that’s like washing money right down the pipes.

According to him, all the sludge people bury or throw away is wasted energy.

A former Chief Security Officer to Late Moshood Abiola,Durojaiye runs a Basic Toilet for Schools Scheme through which schools get mobile toilets at special discounts.

With his project ,the government can end open defecation by hundreds of millions of Nigerians using railroad tracks or other outdoor locales instead of toilets.

As expected, cities, real estate developers, building managers and hospitals will jump at a readymade way to harness the same energy.

He is widely recognised as one

•Durojaiye

of Nigerian ’s foremost entrepreneurs in the subsector. His impact on foodservice, especially in sanitation has been remarkable.

Durojaiye is one of a kind, an individual who has always challenged traditional methods of doing business with consistent success.

He has built DMT toilets into one of the largest public convenience companies.

The Managing Director,Business Impact Limited,Olatunde Samson,said the purpose of the conference is to offer youths entrepreneurship opportunities by spotlighting entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial thinkers who share what’s innovative, replicable, and making a difference with growthoriented entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas.

He said his organisation identifies young business owners with potential and support them with demand-driven training, mentorship, and other services.

Samson said his organisation is inspired by successful young entrepreneurs, who are creating employment and hear what services make the greatest difference to them as they move through different stages of their business life cycles.

•From left: Father Godfrey Nzamujo,Founder Songhai Institutes and Executive Director,Foundation for Skills Development, Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde,during the Women in Small Business seminar in Lagos

How to start beekeeping

B

EEKEEPING is an enormous growth industry. It is one way to generate honey for family use, while also providing wax and other bee products for manufacturers.

There is domestic shortfall in honey production which means more beekeepers are needed.

The demand is sky-rocketing due to its nutritional properties and emerging health risks said to be associated with eating refined sugars.

Apiculturist,Mallam Ayoola

Kolawole said demand for honey and its byproducts is booming.

With a little amount like N60, 000, besides a small space, Kolawole said one can run a bee keeping business successfully and profitably. “ It is a low investment activity, the business h requires only bee hives, bee suits and a few simple tools”,he said.

The apiculturist said financial breakthrough can be huge. Within one year, he said a farmer can make 100 percent of the initial investment.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

For him, it is for the entrepreneurs to be equipped with quality beekeeping information and a results driven mindset.

Like any other kinds of animal husbandry, Kolawole noted that bee keeping demands regular care, maintenance, time, skill and knowledge gained from experience.

It entails knowing and understanding bees, what they need, and what intervention to apply, and what they don’t tolerate from farmers.

EDUCATION is the most important instrument of change in any nation. It has become a weapon through which anyone can rise to prominence. The awareness and demand for education have made the society to plan for accelerated educational development as well as the expansion of educational opportunities in recent times.

Functional education is crucial to national development especially in Third World countries such as Nigeria. Children are regarded as the future leaders of the nation. They constitute the most important element in the development of early child education curriculum. This includes a comprehensive guide and outreach, well- structured and organized way to ensure the needs and education of young children in a holistic way.

Research findings have shown that in Nigeria, there exists top and middle class working parents, who are young and virile, migrating into and settling in the major cities. These classes of parents are very passionate about the educational welfare of their children, and are willing to pay for such services. Thus, a well- established and functioning daycare, nursery and primary school that also offers care giving services for pupils, is a welcome development that will fill the yearning gaps of parents, who cannot afford to give up highly lucrative jobs for education and safety of their children.

A model nursery/primary school are expected to offer, among others the following services: Provision of conducive teaching environment for pupils to learn and develop into adulthood and become useful to themselves, their parents and the society; A home away from home, where care and safety are offered and guaranteed during and after school periods. Extra curriculum activities such as skill acquisition in the areas of crafts and paintings, training on ethics, etc.; provision of excursion/ tour opportunities both local and international; offering of personal attention, assistance and support to meet needs of the children; counseling and other support services; provision of palliative health care service treatment and management of diseases; provision of right diet for physical/mental development and growth of the children; provide physical, spiritual, emotional and practical needs tor children; and provision of an alternative home to make their stay as comfortable as possible. These services should be provided on commercial basis for periods less than 24 hours daily.

The study confirms very high and increasing demand for Nursery/ Primary Schools services, especially in the urban cities of Nigeria. The hectic on-going lives of urban workers have left them no choice than to rely heavily on providers of these services. Investigations have also indicted that the demand for the ECE services will continue to grow in the future due to the following factors: increase in population; growth in the number of educational institutions; increase in government establishments, offices and industries; growth in religious organisations; Growth in social awareness and political activities; increase in disposable income; Change in the standard of living; etc. These indices are on the upward trend and growing every day hence, the establishment of this project is seen as having a ready and assured market.

To set up this project, a leased property or that which can be purchased outrightly will be restructured to an L or U-shape, with adjoining blocks to be used as classrooms and administration for the school, leaving a large open frontage ground for play and relaxation. The premise is expected to feature the following accommodations for efficient model nursery/ primary school and care giving services: a Reception room; room for day care; room for play group; classrooms for the nursery section; classrooms for basic 1 to 6 (primary section); computer room; staff common room; kitchen; dinning room; consulting/ first aid room; laundry room; adequate toilets in both ground and top floor; library located on a walk round away, to give a going out feel; generous use of courtyards to create home feel; standard gate house for the security staff.

The cost of executing this school service project may start from N1.5 million. This amount can be scaled or increased, depending on the financial position of the promoter; and it can also be self-financing if properly planned and implemented. The project has great economic potential, returns in terms of turnover and profits are considerably very high. It is, therefore, recommended that interested investors contact the Consultant for help and a detailed Feasibility Report.

This project stands a good chance of attracting finance from the SME desk of any commercial bank, where individuals or corporate bodies are assisted with funds ranging from N500,000 to well over N50 million. A well-packaged Feasibility Report is a pre-requisite to securing finance for the project. This can be provided by the Consultant on request. For details on how to implement this project or any other, please contact us. We are willing to assist potential investors on any aspect of the project. Prospective investors may get in touch with us at the address stated hereunder.

Edwin Agbaike is of (Projects, Financial & Management Consultant) Kris-Ed Brilliant Limited (Brilliant Consulting). No. 34, Little Road, Yaba -Lagos. Tel. Nos. 08098525122; 08023381900.

E-mail: krisedbrilliant@ yahoo.com; edwinagbaike@yahoo.com.

‘The study confirms very high and increasing demand for Nursery/ Primary Schools services, especially in the urban cities of Nigeria. The hectic on-going lives of urban workers have left them no choice than to rely heavily on providers of these services’

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

INSURANCE

IEI gets new MD

Insurance firms search for T new investment options I

NSURANCE companies are shunning money and capital market windows, following the unimpressive performances recorded by the two sectors in lately.

The Nation gathered that the firms have cut down their investments in the two markets due to their volatileness. They prefer alternative investment opportunities to stimulate growth. Among the areas that have attracted insurance companies are oil and gas, and asset leasing.

The Chairman, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Dr Obi Ralph Okezie, said firms are looking for new investment opportunties to ensure growth.

Okezie said the development made his company to look beyond the capital market.

He said his company has floated a company called Grand Treasurers Limited to help in deepening its revenue base, and further reduce exposure to the capital market.

He said: “Grand Treasurers Limited is a CBN licensed finance company, and was directly acquired by CHI Capital Limited- another subsidiary of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc. Its activities revolve around asset leasing (consumer

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

lease, auto lease), local purchasing order (LPO) financing, short term loans, commercial papers financing and trade finance).

He said the company is proactive, by adopting measures that would lead to growth, and further prevent unforeseen circumstances.

He said there are speculations that further consolidation will take place in the insurance industry in line with recent events in the banking industry, adding that many companies do not want to be caught napping by the regulatory body.

Also, the Chairman, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Justice KaribiWhyte, (rtd) said firms are exploring opportunities in the oil and gas sector to take advantage of the Local Content bill. He said many insurance companies cannot wait to see the Oil Industry Bill passed, since they are sure of getting huge revenue from the oil sector of the economy.

He said pressure is mounting on companies to increase their profitability, adding that this objective can only be achieved when firms look beyond the capital market and other volatile areas.

In a related development, a senior official of International Energy Insurance Plc, Mr Kini Tamuno, said the industry is witnessing a takeover of companies that used to be under the control of the banks.

Tamuno said the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directives that banks should divest their investments from insurance companies has resulted in many changes.

“New owners are coming up . What is happening is that many insurance companies are diversifying. National Insurance Commission has not said it categorically that the firms should be recapitalised. The regulatory body has not given any mandate on the issue,” he said.

An executive director of one of the insurance firms, who pleaded anonymity, said no company would like to invest its hard-earned money in the equities market now. He said the industry is sensitive, adding that failure to pay the insured their premiums promptly would cause a lot of problems.

He said the development made insurers to explore investment opportunities that would not trap their funds such as stock market that has continued to remain bearish.

HE Board of International Energy Insurance Plc has appointed Mrs Roseline Ekeng as the new Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the company.

The appointment, last month, followed the resignation of the former helmsman.

Ekeng was Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer of the company from January last year.

In May 2008 when IEI Plc incorporated a company in Ghana (International Energy Insurance Limited), Mrs Ekeng was appointed its pioneer Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, a position she held until her redeployment to the head office in Lagos as Executive Director.

With over 23 years experience of insurance practice, Mrs Ekeng has earned a reputation of an accomplished and respected professional.

The Chairman of the board, Sir Pat Sule Ugboma, described Mrs Ekeng’s appointment as a demonstration of continuity, a process of building what will last.

“She is a home grown, having started with the company over the years, and has remained consistently so. He emphasised that Mrs Ekeng is an epitome of the company’s core values (integrity, proficiency, innovativeness, friendliness and dependability).”

“She has over the years proved to be very dependable. That is why she deserves to be where she is today. This, indeed, would serve as an inspiration to others, who are

• Mrs Ekeng

following from behind,” the chairman stressed.

Ekeng attended Webster University, St. Louis, United States, where she obtained a first degree and an MBA in Business Administration. She also holds a postgraduate diploma in marine insurance from World Maritime University, Sweden. She is an alumnus of Harvard Business School an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (ACIIN).

On her return to Nigeria and after her Youth Service, she joined Nigeria Re-insurance Corporation in 1988, from where she joined IEI in 2003.

Banks to access insurance window for profitability

A

• From left: Chief Executive Officer, Goldlink Insurance Plc, Mr Femi Okunniyi and Chairman, Mr Gbenga Afolayan at the company’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Why pension schemes failed

A

N insight has been given into why various pension schemes don’t do well in the country.

They underperform because they lack wider coverage, uniformity in structures and applications, fail to drag informal employees into the pension scheme and inability to spell out punitive measures for offenders, among others.

The Chief Executive Officer, Davkan Properties Limited, Chief Femi Odufowokan, said this during a two-day pension seminar organised by the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria(CPIN) in Lagos.

Odufowokan, in his paper entitled: “Coverage and Challenge of Contributory Pension System in Nigeria,” said the pension scheme failed in the ‘60s because only a few blue chip companies had pension schemes.

He said the companies were influenced by the corporate policies of their parent companies abroad, and therefore, did not deem it fit to broaden their horizon.

He said: “Pension coverage in Nigeria has the same history with pension scheme itself. Few Nigerians who worked with Royal Niger Company were granted limited pension

right by the company. Not until when the indigenous workers union started agitation for improved condition of services that some measures of pension rights were granted to workers. Very few workers were entitled to pension as it was based on the discretion of the GovernorGeneral. In fact, whether or not an individual would be entitled to pension was highly subjective.”

He said tax incentives made many companies to introduce pension schemes then, adding that the Income Tax Management Act of1961, and Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) exempted any contribution made into pension scheme.

He said the removal of tax incentives few years after made many companies to stop providing pension schemes for their workers.

Onafowokan, who doubles as a Council Member of Chartered Pension Institute of Nigeria, said the Pension Act of 1974 failed because it covered only the people in the public sector.

He said the Pension Act ensured that only the public service organisations including parastatals of government, statutory corpora-

tions, universities among other tertiary institutions and local governments operate pension schemes similar to that of civil service.

He said the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF) has its flaws, in spite of the fact that it extended the number of people who have access to social securities.

According to him, NSTIF exempted a person, who is entitled to diplomatic or equivalent status under the diplomatic privileges and immunities Act, a minister of religion, who is engaged in the propagation of their faith, among others.

On Pension Reform Act 2004, Onafowokan said the percentage of those who are covered are incomparable to those who is not covered.

He said employees in small and medium scale businesses were not covered by the scheme.

He advised the government to sign into law the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007, create a reliable data base for Nigerians, and design a social security scheme that would serve as a safety net for those whose retirement benefits cannot meet the minimum poverty standards.

NEW investment opportunity has opened up for

banks in the insurance industry, a few months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ordered them to divest their holdings in insurance firms.

This is coming through an insurance model call Bancassurance.

Bancassurance refers to the sales of insurance insurance and allied products through banks. The model has been in existence in United States, Europe and Asia for years, but it’s just coming to Nigeria. The model provides some benefits to consumers. For instance, when a bank requires life insurance for those receiving a mortgage loan, the consumer could purchase the insurance directly from the bank. This saves the consumer from stress.

According to the Executive Director, Lagos Business School,Chief Obasi Ngwuta, Bancassurance would bring about wider penetration for insurance companies.

Ngwuta said the school is organizing an international conference to educate bankers and insurance practitioners, among others, on how to tap the benefits of Bancassurance.

He said the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Commissioners for Insurance Nigeria and Ghana and Chief Executive Officer of Bancassurance Consultants Worldwide Limited, London are among the guest speakers at the event.

Also expected as delegates are chief executive officers and executives directors of regulatory bodies, banks, insurance companies and the brokers; reinsurers and other financial service providers.

Nigerians urged to embrace insurance

N

IGERIANS have been urged to obtain comprehensive

insurance policies against unforeseen losses. The advice is coming on the heels of persistent cases of road accidents, fire outbreaks, collapse of buildings,among other disasters.

The Head of Technical Division in Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Tajudeen Rufai, said this is the time Nigerians need to consciously educate themselves on the benefits of insurance policy.

Rufai said there are various insurance products that people can obtain to save their lives and properties.

In his words: “Nigerians have waited too long in willingly accepting and recognising the fact that without insurance, one is like building a house without a foundation and in no time, it could come crashing and when that hap-

pens, you will have to start from the scratch again with even more funds than you initially spent.”

Also, the company’s Head of Marketing and Relationship Management, Mr Ugochi Odemelam, said Nigerians lack the basic knowledge of insurance, and, therefore, do not know the benefits inherent in it.

According to her, “there is lack of awareness about insurance products.

“Experience has shown that some people who took one policy or the other in the past, had some nasty experiences. These set of people are capable of misinforming others about insurance policy”.

She said the recent flood in Lagos was an eye-opener to what insurance could have taken care of in terms of compensation. The flood destroyed properties and vehicles worth millions of naira in Lagos and other parts of the country.

52

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

53

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION with

Good organisation, good team BOOK REVIEW Author: Tom Massey Publisher: Religious Broadcasting Inc. Reviewer: Goke Ilesanmi

GOKE ILESANMI

H

IGH performance is very critical to the survival of any organisation or individual.

That is why I want us to examine this text entitled “Ten Commitments for Building High Performance Teams”. It is written by Dr. Tom Massey, a corporate leadership trainer and coach with about 20-year experience in optimising individual and organisational performance.

Team performance, according to Massey, is only as strong as the collective performance of members.

This consultant says when committed, collaborative individuals with complementary skills work together, synergy takes place because total performance is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

Massey adds that the ten commitments outlined in this text will help you get the right people in the right positions to develop a focused, values-driven, high performing team.

This author advises you to learn how to get every member to take personal ownership of your team’s success by creating shared purpose, values and strategic goals.

Massey says through this text, you will be able to gain insights into how to set up profit-sharing, establish work standards and correct performance problems in addition to creating a learning organisation that is able to adapt to the challenges of the next century.

This text is segmented into ten chapters. Chapter one is entitled “Commit to getting the right peo-

ple ‘on the bus’”. In the author’s words, “When you have the right people on the bus, with the right skills and a high-level commitment, regardless of whether you are a business manager or coach of a sports team, you will be successful.”

Massey says the first thing to start when picking the right people for your team is to develop job descriptions based on factors of success for each position. “Great coaches and managers develop every position as if it is the most important position on the team, and it is. Remember the adage: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” he adds.

According to Massey, factors of success may be defined as the skills and behaviour needed to perform a job successfully within the culture operated by the team.

“These factors include more than simply the skills requirements.

Skills requirements are essential characteristics or experiences every team member must have in order to qualify for their respective position. However, there are other behavioural standards required to ensure team success,” says the author.

Chapter two focuses on commitment to greeting everyone ‘on the same page’. Massey educates that established rules provide structure.

He adds that people know what is expected of them and how they will engage one another in day-to-day interaction. The author says conflicts commonly arise in teams because of failed expectations caused by assumptions of one or more people.

Massey discusses the issue of creating a team charter. He says a team

charter is a written document used to define the team’s purpose/vision, values and goals, adding that the charter will also assist to serve as a contract between the team and the organisation.

The author expatiates that charters may be developed by top management, then presented to team members; or teams can create their own charters and present them to top management. Regardless of who creates the charter, it is absolutely imperative that top management give full endorsement to provide the team the needed direction and authority, says Massey.

In chapters three to six, this author X-rays concepts such as committing to creating a learning environment; committing to sharing the profits and losses; committing to turning around poor performance; and committing to dancing with ‘those who brought you’.

Chapter seven is based on the subject matter of committing to win. According to this author here, if you want your team to reach the level of high performance, you must transform those moments of fear and uncertainty into opportunities for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results.

Massey says the late John Wooden, hall-of-fame coaching legend once told his UCLA basketball team thus: “Men, the team that makes the most mistakes tonight will win the game!” Massey adds that Wooden encouraged his players to take risks and make more mistakes because he knew that you miss 100 per cent of the shots you never take.

Massey advises you against allowing naysayers a foothold in your team to perpetuate a story of negativity. He says the story heard is the story told. Massey adds that you should tell a different story, one that perpetuates a ‘play to win’ mindset that will allow you to create anything you want.

In chapters eight to ten, the author discusses concepts such as com-

mitting to growing through adversity; committing to having fun; and committing to playing large.

On style, this text is on the high rung of the ladder. Apart from the simplicity of the language, the mode of presentation is logical and highly didactic. What’s more, Massey employs classical allusions, starting every chapter with a quote from a legendary figure, just to achieve conceptual reinforcement and ensure easy understanding on readers’ part. He adds “Practical

Application” segment at the end of each chapter where additional tips are offered, to ensure practical involvement of readers.

However, chapters five and seven need to be harmonised for conceptual compactness.

Generally, Massey’s intellectual efforts in this text are commendable. If you want your organisation to surpass previous achievements by building highly-effective teams, then this text is a must-read and the tips must-apply for you.

Organisational crises and effective communication strategy (2)

C

RISIS and organisational communication. We said in the last segment that it is a reality that all corporate organisations are vulnerable to crises. This is because it is inevitable to be in business without experiencing situations involving lawsuits, sudden changes in company ownership or management, and other volatile situations on which stakeholders often focus.

We added that the good news is that organisations can better cope with crises if they have established sound and long-term relationship with stakeholders, that is, the people and organisations that are at risk from the decisions and actions of such organisations.

We stressed that it is natural that a crisis will have effects on the future financial performance of a company, and therefore crisis communication plans should make full allowance for releasing information to interested parties simultaneously.

We explained that there are four basic elements to establishing trust and credibility

By Goke Ilesanmi through crisis communication, that is, empathy, competence, honesty and dedication.

Necessary action Communication in a crisis should follow the principles of risk communication. Organisations need to be open, accessible and willing to respond as much as possible to those seeking information.

Another thing is not to overreassure. The objective is not to soothe, but to express accurate, calm concern. In fact, it is better to over-estimate the problem and then be able to say that the situation is better than first thought.

Acknowledge uncertainty.

Tell only what you know. Show your distress and acknowledge your audience’s distress thus: “It must be frustrating to hear that we don’t have the answer to that question right now.…”

Organisations in crisis should also emphasise that a process is in place to learn more. Describe that process in simple terms.

Additional tips Organisations in crisis should be regretful, not defensive. Say, “We are sorry….” when acknowledging problems or failures. Express wishes. Say, “I wish our answers were more definitive.”

Prepare messages in advance.

A crisis jams up every action into an urgent time frame. There is not enough time to perform actions properly. Therefore it makes sense to do as much preparation in advance as possible.

Kim Harrison, a renowned authority on public relations educates that one of the crucial communication tasks is the preparation of holding statements in the initial stages while waiting for more definitive information to be available.

This task can be helped immeasurably by preparing a sizeable proportion of such statements ahead of time from a standard format. Several versions of a statement can be prepared for adaptation as required. It is surprising how much of a statement can be written,

leaving only a few spaces that need to be filled in. The statements must not contain any inaccuracies or speculation.

Continuation The statements should just state the known facts and incorporate key messages such as: “We are sorry the event happened, we are extremely concerned, and we are doing everything possible to contain the effects of the crisis”; “Not all the relevant details are available at this time. But investigation is underway. A spokesperson will be available to comment and provide an update later.”

This effort shows willingness to provide accurate information openly and regularly. The organisation makes no comment on the question of legal responsibility for the incident. That is best left to the proper investigation by the authorities.

Some people are concerned that saying “sorry” and expressing regret will leave them exposed to possible legal action.

There is no legal liability incurred in saying “sorry” – and aggrieved people will be much more forgiving.

Crisis prevention There are steps an organisation can take to prevent a crisis, quickly stop the crisis, or even create a positive opportunity from it. Let us examine some of them.

• To be continued NOTE: The duration of the public speaking seminar has been greatly reduced as requested, in addition to other adjustments. You will find the programme on the right side at the upper part of my website. Click on the text and see details. I appreciate your suggestions and requests.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is a Certified Public Speaker/Emcee, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker, Career Management Coach, Renowned Book Reviewer, Corporate Leadership Expert and Editorial Consultant..

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: info@gokeilesanmi.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

56

MONEY LINK

Foreign reserves drop to $32b N

IGERIA’s foreign reserves according to latest data on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) website, have slumped to $32.5 billion in August 1, from $35.2 billion in July 11.

This depicts about $2.7 billion dip in nearly two weeks.

The apex bank is concerned about the sustained low level of accretion in the face of higher oil output, higher oil exports volume and higher oil prices. Before this reduction, the reserves had stood at $33.73 billion as at July 21, representing an increase of $1.84 billion or 5.77 per cent over the level attained on June, 30.

Given that the current oil price level may not be sustained in the event of a slowdown in global economic recovery, the CBN said there was need to pursue policies that would foster macro-economic stability, economic diversification as well as encouraging foreign capital inflows.

Also, the foreign currency reserves, which equally stood at $37 billion as at July 4, 2010, were $68 billion in August 2008 before the global financial crises impacted negatively on it, according to data from the CBN’s website.

During the July Monetary Policy Committee, CBN was noted that the inflow into the reserves was not consistent with the high oil prices and, this underscored the need for tighter fiscal controls around oil revenues as well as first line charges including Joint Venture Company deductions and subsidies.

The Committee called for a higher rate of retention of oil revenues, to help maintain exchange rate stability, seen as an antidote to imported inflation without excessive reliance on

Stories by Collins Nweze Senior Correspondent

monetary tightening measures.

The CBN has maintained that the current level could finance more than 17 months of import and is expected to remain robust in view of the favorable outlook for oil prices and output.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been under pressure since last month with strong local demand for the United States dollar by oil and rice importers, leading, sometimes, to a depreciation of the naira.

Experts say in a highly import-

•Sheds $2.7b in two weeks dependent economy with large pass-through effects of import prices on domestic prices like Nigeria, it is necessary to create a climate conducive to larger foreign capital inflows. This could be done through appropriate fiscal measures, particularly in the light of the gains that could be made in the current context of high crude oil prices. There is therefore need of continuing structural reforms and infrastructural development to enhance domestic production to reduce large import cost.

Meanwhile, the naira headed for the biggest gain in three weeks

after the CBN doubled the amount of dollars banks can sell to foreign-exchange bureaux. The naira had on Wednesday, appreciated 0.3 percent to 152.55 per dollar, heading for its largest increase since July 12 according to Bloomberg. The CBN doubled the amount of money banks can sell to foreign-exchange bureaux to $500,000 a week in a bid to stabilise the trading rate of the local currency, it said on July 28.

“The increase in dollar sales to bureaux has reduced pressure at the interbank market, thereby

Three banks to pay MfBs, Fortune Bank depositors

T

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has ap pointed Intercontinental Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and Unity Bank Plc to pay depositors of failed microfinance banks (MfBs), Fortune Bank and Triumph Bank.

The Managing Director of NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim said the regulatory body will continue to partner with the bank, to help it verify and pay the affected depositors, whenever they come forward. Ibrahim said the de-

Affairs Unit of NDIC, Mr. Sule Birchi, said the agency had in the three sessions, paid depositors of failed MfBs over 50 per cent of their total insured claims.

“We went out three times to pay the depositors of microfinance banks, which I believe we have paid more than 50 per cent of those depositors,” he said.

The NDIC said that to hasten the claim process, depositors are required to present their savings passbooks, withdrawal slip, cheque

positors of Fortune Bank and Triumph Bank would soon be paid their insured deposits through the bank.

He said.

Speaking yesterday during the 2010 Annual General Meeting of Financial Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Ibrahim said the agency would continue to call on depositors of these institutions to come forward, verify their claims and collect their funds.

Ibrahim, who was represented by Head, Communications and Public

T

HE dollar-bond yields re treated to a record as low yes terday. The yield on the 6.75 per cent Eurobonds due 2021 of Africa’s biggest oil producer fell for a third day, losing four basis points, or 0.04 percentage point, to 5.72 per cent, the lowest level since the debt was issued in January.

Bloomberg reported that the

Gross Domestic Product ratio of around 23 perc ent, said Razia Khan, the London-based head of African economic research at Standard Chartered Bank Ltd. “Although domestic debt has been rising steadily and it’s overall debt to GDP ratios are now 22 per cent to 23 per cent from really minimal levels a few years ago, that

bonds’ price gained 0.3 percent to 107.458 cents on the dollar. The $500 million of bonds are Nigeria’s only international notes.

The federal government’s domestic debt rose to N5.21 trillion ($34 billion) at the end of June, from N4.87 trillion as of March, according to Debt Management Office.

Nigeria has an overall debt-to-

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 02-8-11 SYMBOL OCEANIC ETERNAOIL CILEASING AFRIBANK NIGERINS JAPAULOIL GUARANTY DANGSUGAR BERGER UACN

O/PRICE 1.00 4.28 0.91 0.70 0.50 1.05 14.41 10.90 8.80 39.30

C/PRICE 1.05 4.48 0.95 0.73 0.52 1.07 14.68 11.09 8.90 39.50

CHANGE 0.05 0.20 0.04 0.03 0.02 2.02 0.27 0.19 0.10 0.20

LOSER AS AT 02-8-11 SYMBOL EVANSMED JOHNHOLT CAP UPL BAGCO INTERCONT UBN PAINT COM WEMABANK NSL TECH

O/PRICE 1.00 7.21 28.90 4.50 2.25 0.82 2.30 1.29 0.86 0.92

would be still considered attractive in the overall global context,” Khan said. Yields falling “really reflect the size of investor appetite relative to how little there is still.”

Nigeria is rated B+ by Standard & Poor’s, and BB- with a “negative” outlook by Fitch Ratings. The assessments are the fourth-highest junk ratings at the two companies.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

books, term deposit certificates, statement of accounts and other documents as proof of account ownership.

For those wishing to collect on behalf of individuals and corporate bodies, proper written authorisation and identification are required, but must be endorsed by signatories to the account.

For MfBs, all depositors with less than N200, 000 will get full settlement while those with deposits exceeding N200, 000 can only get N200, 000 maximum payments.

$500m Eurobond yields in free fall

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

•CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi

resulting in an appreciating naira,” analysts said.

C/PRICE 0.95 6.85 27.46 4.28 2.14 0.78 2.19 1.23 0.82 0.88

CHANGE 0.05 0.36 1.44 0.22 0.11 0.04 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.04

Amount Sold ($)

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

400m

467.7m

400m

153.59

25-5-11

400m

452.3m

400m

153.4

23-5-11

500m

499,8m

499.8m

153.45

16-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 30-05-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

21-07-11 N7.650tr 23,916.90

22-07-11 N7.633tr 23,863.27

% Change -0.22% -0.22%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW January ’11

February ’11

May ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.00%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.3%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.62 1,586.00 0.80 0.99 0.99 1,586.00 9.55 1.39 1.87 8,827.74 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.16 1,576.75 0.78 0.99 0.98 1,576.75 9.09 1.33 1.80 8,557.25 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 04 MAR, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 24, MAY, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 MAR, 2011

07, MAR, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-08-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name CAPITAL OIL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000,000 500,000.00 1,000,000 500,000.00

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 23 26

Quotation(N) 0.50 7.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,003,100 1,001,550.00 438,822 3,291,214.70 2,441,922 4,292,764.70

Quotation(N) 2.23 7.31

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,940 8,786.20 1,082,590 7,740,375.74 1,086,530 7,749,161.94

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.77

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,030,654 2,515,327.00 93,906 160,855.68 5,124,560 2,676,182.68

Quotation(N) 6.70 0.73 4.80 3.00 6.28 2.00 12.02 0.50 14.68 9.00 0.78 1.05 0.55 6.26 0.85 1.53 5.30 2.19 0.71 0.82 14.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 18,465,509 123,872,084.27 2,744,826 1,854,605.93 7,911,987 37,659,020.38 2,733,486 8,041,025.01 12,645,768 79,375,668.68 10,508,316 21,871,097.37 26,593,288 323,590,397.20 5,612,472 2,806,236.00 42,993,954 619,603,255.53 801,492 7,303,522.35 6,505,698 5,160,055.26 29,869,063 30,258,775.54 3,160,473 1,819,973.60 3,127,200 19,720,693.94 1,006,080 852,011.00 898,303 1,368,821.64 8,909,677 47,747,722.96 4,115,650 9,118,191.72 30,025,421 23,032,072.57 2,013,127 1,696,892.13 53,580,868 790,592,521.77 274,222,658 2,157,344,644.85

Quotation(N) 240.00 6.00 91.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 127,949 30,598,219.68 692,700 4,181,466.00 1,121,284 103,281,556.87 1,941,933 138,061,242.55

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 65 67

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 14 20 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC BANK PHB PLC SKYE BANK PLC. SPRING BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 204 31 59 44 46 71 649 88 588 33 73 198 29 120 12 20 260 104 23 44 337 3,033 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 75 36 160 271

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 72 21 22 37 152

Quotation(N) 22.10 8.00 120.00 45.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 962,400 21,020,784.02 702,148 5,606,685.87 38,974 4,565,577.40 70,360 3,141,486.68 1,773,882 34,334,533.97

Quotation(N) 8.90 27.46 1.38 1.23

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 507,699 4,481,304.61 219,914 6,167,944.04 40,400 53,328.00 163,000 200,490.00 931,013 10,903,066.65

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 10 22 3 2 37

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name Secure Electronic Technology PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC TRANS NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 20 1 22

Quotation(N) 0.88 3.18 3.82

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 100,000 88,000.00 4,686,272 15,525,741.52 500 1,815.00 4,786,772 15,615,556.52

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

Quotation(N) 3.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,000 6,180.00 2,000 6,180.00

Quotation(N) 6.85 42.00 1.02 39.50 28.00

Quantity Traded Value 300,000 551,143 25,401,977 262,646 101,747 26,617,513

Quotation(N) 2.66 50.00 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 165,880 441,240.80 132,084 6,563,197.00 9,038,005 4,519,002.50 9,335,969 11,523,440.30

NSE suspends Etranzact, Standard Alliance, 22 others

T

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change (NSE) yesterday upgraded the technical suspension earlier placed on 24 companies to full suspension.

This marked a step closer to delisting unless the companies address corporate governance issues that had hindered the submission of their audited results to the Exchange.

The full suspension implies that there would be no trading on the shares of the affected companies as against earlier technical suspension, which allowed trading without share price movement.

The companies had been suspended with effect from July 1, 2011 for non-submission of their audited reports and accounts for the immediate past business year in violation of post-listing requirements of the NSE. Upon placement on technical suspension, NSE had given the 48 companies one-month deadline to submit their reports and accounts. Twentyfour companies complied and were released from suspension.

The companies that have been placed on full suspension included IPWA Plc, Premier Paints Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Nigerian Wire & Cable Plc, PS Mandrides Plc, Union Dicon Salt Plc, Lennards Plc, Morrison Plc, Ikeja Hotel Plc, Aluminium Manufacturing Plc, Etranzact Plc, MTI Plc and First Assurance Plc. Others were African Alliance Insurance Plc, Guinea Insurance, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc, Standard Alliance Plc, Investment & Allied Assur-

No of Deals 1 74 225 55 42 397

of Shares (N) 2,055,000.00 22,974,556.88 26,678,674.07 10,345,898.62 2,825,873.44 64,880,003.01

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC MULTIVERSE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 15 4 26

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

ance Plc, DFM Plc, DAAR Communication Plc, Resort Savings & Loans, W.A. Glass Plc, Afroil Plc and UNTL Plc. In a related development, the NSE placed nine other companies on technical suspension for non-submission of their annual reports and accounts. These companies are Premier Breweries Plc, Hallmark Paper Plc, Costain Plc, G Cappa Plc, Roads Nigeria Plc, Neimeth Plc, Aso Savings & Loans Plc, Union Homes Savings and Poly Products Plc. Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema described the suspension as painful but noted that the Exchange was committed to enforcing its rules and regulations.

He said non-submission of accounts as at when due violates the post-listing rules of NSE, which states that audited annual accounts of companies ought to be submitted within three months of year end.

NSE had noted that the investing public and the market need timely financial information from listed companies in other to facilitate stock transactions that are based on market fundamentals.

Meanwhile, at the close of business yesterday, key indicators dropped amidst intensified volume.

The volume traded, improved significantly when compared to what was traded at the beginning of the week.

The NSE ASI lost 53.63 basis points representing 0.23 per

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-08-11 UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

3 3 2 236

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 2.30

No of Deals 20 20

No of Deals 12 37 91 51 13 1 35 20 46 2 308

Quotation(N) 45.00 19.00 11.09 85.02 4.00 1.78 4.88 43.25 402.00 0.50

No of Deals 2 14 11 19 2 2 50

Quotation(N) 0.95 1.90 25.09 3.88 1.47 0.50

of Shares (N) 446,102.50 4,531,955.23 19,418,991.38 14,648,648.35 1,018,304.90 1,700.00 5,740,488.83 3,779,810.55 21,036,806.83 61,750.00 70,684,558.57

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 165,000 156,750.00 389,381 733,729.90 46,149 1,142,763.66 1,456,211 5,642,346.78 31,000 45,570.00 16,000,000 8,000,000.00 18,087,741 15,721,160.34

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 6.51

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 41,000 266,910.00 41,000 266,910.00

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 10 3 14

Quotation(N) 7.45 6.00 2.88

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 70,800.00 272,546 1,635,026.00 373,516 1,075,726.08 656,062 2,781,552.08

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 5 6

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.56

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,000,000 2,500,000.00 10,295,230 5,765,328.80 15,295,230 8,265,328.80

INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 91 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 6 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. 7 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 12 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 6 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 16 CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 5 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 2 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 14 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 1 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 2 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 19 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. 7 OASIS INSURANCE PLC 3 PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. 9 REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 4 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 17 STACO INSURANCE PLC 3 UNIC INSURANCE PLC. 3

Quotation(N) 0.69 1.09 0.50 2.76 0.50 1.41 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.51 0.52 0.50 1.69 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

570,000.00 3,535,705.50 5,800.00 60,096,669.99

Quotation(N) 0.95

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 654,959 603,097.27 654,959 603,097.27

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 85 85

Quotation(N) 1.07

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,828,440 4,908,813.29 4,828,440 4,908,813.29

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.51

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 510.00 1,000 510.00

MEDIA Quantity Traded Value 9,555 235,201 1,751,412 172,161 254,950 1,000 1,139,400 87,841 52,281 123,500 3,827,301

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

1,140,000 7,071,411 11,600 111,961,677

MARITIME Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 500 1,150.00 500 1,150.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BOTTLING COMPANY PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC TANTALIZERS PLC Sector Totals

0.50 0.50 0.51

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC Sector Totals

cent depreciation to close low at 23,863.27. Similarly, the market capitalisation of 194 firsttier traded equities shed N17 billion and eventually settled lower at N7.633 trillion.

A total of 50 stocks recorded price change with 14 appreciating while the remaining 36 reduced in value.

Unchanged stocks in terms of value and volume dominated activities’ log yesterday.

It had 51 per cent and 42 per cent of total volume and value traded respectively. Declined stocks had 35.8 per cent and 38.4 per cent of volume and value respectively. Gained stocks accounted for the rest.

The following blue chip stocks; CAP, ETI, StanbicIBTC, Julius Berger, Oando Oil and PZ Cussons impacted appreciably on the market downturn.

Investors in all traded 500.273 million shares worth N1.735 billion in 4,233 deals, with the banks contributing 54.81 per cent of the volume.

The sector traded 274.223 million shares worth N2.157 billion exchanged in 3,033 deals.

This was followed by Insurance and conglomerates sectors with 111.962 million shares worth N60.097 million and 26.618 million shares valued at N64.880 million.

Also with relatively significant volume were Healthcare, Information & communication and construction sectors with 18.088 million shares, 15.295 million shares and 9.336 million shares respectively.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CONGLOMERATES Company Name JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

•Nine on technical suspension

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,317,745 2,967,264.69 519,163 561,428.20 4,542,933 2,271,466.50 130,172 353,426.28 1,030,000 515,010.00 2,557,440 3,667,951.00 1,000,000 500,000.00 8,061,227 4,030,613.50 3,000,000 1,500,000.00 4,331,237 2,165,618.50 13,000,000 6,500,000.00 2,202,000 1,101,000.00 5,117,664 2,688,813.72 1,369,200 688,450.00 6,000,000 3,000,000.00 164,940 275,849.60 36,026,000 18,013,000.00 6,583,745 3,292,672.50 2,777,600 1,388,800.00 1,007,600 503,800.00

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 24 25

Quotation(N) 1.38 0.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 1,430.00 3,704,601 1,926,392.52 3,705,601 1,927,822.52

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND TRUST PLC NIGERIAN ENERGY SECTOR FUND ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 3 1 7 15

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.02 552.20 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,408,067 1,204,033.50 1,355,000 2,737,100.00 600 331,320.00 918,224 459,112.00 4,681,891 4,731,565.50

Quotation(N) 2.14 1.05 13.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,064,879 6,742,436.82 100 105.00 50 664.00 3,065,029 6,743,205.82

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC POLY PRODUCTS (NIGERIA) PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 79 1 1 81

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 5 36 60 14 23 170 14 325

Quotation(N) 0.50 67.22 36.01 4.48 19.28 157.50 40.00 203.32

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 202,000 101,000.00 4,065 273,127.30 44,090 1,569,592.44 880,372 3,757,626.57 24,876 479,609.28 110,252 17,151,966.00 1,789,903 72,477,963.13 21,843 4,441,439.90 3,077,401 100,252,324.62

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 9 15

Quotation(N) 5.35 4.28

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 46,304 235,687.36 226,220 968,524.00 272,524 1,204,211.36

Quotation(N) 18.41

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 147,644 2,722,821.12 147,644 2,722,821.12

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 15

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 13 13

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 346,470 173,235.00 346,470 173,235.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 14 14

Quotation(N) 14.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 316,777 4,679,804.46 316,777 4,679,804.46

5,279

500,231,999

2,733,651,517.91

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

58

NEWS Ebonyi to borrow N100m monthly to pay wage From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakiliki

OVERNOR Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State has said the state would borrow at least N100 million monthly to augment allocation from the federation account to be able to pay the N18,000 national minimum wage.

Elechi spoke yesterday at the Women’s Development Centre in Abakaliki during a Town Hall meeting with stakeholders. He said if the Federal Government and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) agree that the minimum wage be paid across board, the decision would put the state in a precarious situation.

Elechi said should the NLC and the Federal Government reach an agreement that those to benefit from the minimum wage are those on grade level 01 to 06, the state would be paying N1.9 billion monthly to workers.

He said the amount include subventions to hospitals, universities, College of Educations and pensions.

He said: “We are duty bound to make our workers happy.

We have looked at the computations from the office of the Accountant- General, what it means is that we will be paying about N1.9 billion on salaries of public officers monthly.

That also include subventions to hospitals, universities, College of Education and pensions.

“That is the position, assuming we are paying only for grade level 01 to 06. If we are going to pay those in grade level 07 to 17, I will request you to give me a vehicle to move to Equatorial Guinea or you elect somebody else.”

G

•Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, with some Alumni of the CKS during their Annual Convention in New York, USA...yesterday.

Groups call for Sovereign National Conference

Funeral for vicar’s wife

•The late Mrs Ajayi

T

HE remains of Mrs Olufunke Ayomide Ajayi will be buried tomorrow at the Atan Cem-

etery, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, after a funeral service in Mushin.

She died on July 29 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after a brief illness.

According to a statement by Fagbenro Abiodun, the Christian wake will be held by 5pm today at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Idi-Oro, Mushin, where her husband, Venerable Segun Ajayi, is Vicar.

VACANCY

•Braithwaite, Kalu, Abayomi push for new constitution

E

EMINENT Nigerians under the aegis of the ‘National Consensus Group/Project Nigeria yesterday called for a new democratic constitution to replace the 1999 constitution, which they described as a military-imposed document.

The group said: “It is now clear that the 1999 military constitution is neither amenable nor amendable to panel beating as it has been attempted in the past and now by the political class”.

Rising from a brainstorm-

VACANT EXECUTIVE POSITIONS IN A MEDIA HOUSE (ELECTRONICS) 1.

GENERAL MANAGER Candidate must possess a degree in Arts / Social Sciences with at least 15years post qualification experience 5 of which must be in management position. * Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word * Versatility in News presentation, Programme Production and Marketing * Membership of relevant professional association (s) 2.

MARKETING MANAGER * A degree in Humanities/Management with bias for Marketing and relevant experience. * Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word * Membership of relevant professional association (s) 3.

MANAGER (PROGRAMMES AND NEWS) * A degree in Arts/Social Sciences with relevant experience. * Creative Skill and membership of relevant professional association (s) will be an advantage.

METHOD OF APPLICATION Interested persons should send their applications with detailed CV to: THE ADVERTISER, P.O. Box 6276, Agodi Post Office, Ibadan.

Within 2 weeks of this publication

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

ing session in Lagos, the group, which is led by the socialist lawyer, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, said a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) would point to the way forward for the country.

Also, Southeast and Southsouth Professionals, met separately in Lagos and called for urgent national dialogue. They warned that Nigeria may disintegrate before 2015,should the terms for peaceful co-existence not agreed upon by the ethnic nationalities.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, President of the group, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, and leader of ‘Ijaw Professionals’, Denzil Ketebe, said

the constitution conference would provide a forum for representatives of the people to negotiate the basis for coexistence.

The Braithwaite’s group, which insisted on the constitutional restructuring of the country, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to put in motion a machinery for enacting a new constitution acceptable to the country.

At the meeting held at the Victoria Island residence of Dr Braithwaite were rights activist Dr Tunji Abayomi, former Finance minister Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) Dr Fredrick Fasehun, Prof Adebayo Williams, Senator Sulaiman Salawu, Yerima Shettima, Shehu Sani,leader of the Movement

for the Survival of Ogoni, Leden Mitee, Wale Okunniyi and Niger Delta activist Mrs Ankio Briggs.

A communiqué of the meeting read by Mrs Briggs also called for the establishment of a National Consensus Commission to coordinate the process foe making the new constitution.

It reads: “Project Nigeria believes the way forward is to immediately begin the process of making a peoples constitution to replace the illegitimate and false constitution.

“Project Nigeria calls for the conveying of a constitutional conference through elections by the people for the purpose of giving to the people their own constitution, which is their fundamental right.

Enugu Fire: Police lose 15 houses •85 families displaced

F

IFTEEN houses were burnt at the Central Police Station barracks in Enugu during last week’s inferno caused by a fuel tanker.

Also, 85 police officers and their families were displaced.

Divisional Police Officer (DPO)Ike Mbah spoke yesterday when the Senator representing Enugu East senatorial zone,Gilbert Nnaji, visited the affected areas.

From: Chris Oji, Enugu

The DPO told the visiting Senator that the major effect of the fire was on the displaced families.

“Many affected ones did not come out with anything, including vital certificates and documents,” he said.

Mba solicited the assistance of the Senator to the victims.

The Senator was taken round the prison quarters where 12 houses

were burnt and about 14 vehicles destroyed.He was also taken round the police barracks.

Sympathising with them, Nnaji said he came to assess the damage done by the fire and assured that the National Assembly would assist the affected families.

“By the special grace of God, we shall show our sympathy to the affected families by supplying materials to rebuild their property. The Senate is on recess now. By the time we resume, we will do something,” he said.

SAN Award: NBA chief sues CJN, LPPC, AGF

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IRST Vice-President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Emonena Ukiri has asked a Federal High Court, Abuja, to stop the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in respect of the 2010 exercise.

Ukiri said the exercise wass excluded from the award after coming out on top twice consecutively in the interviews conducted.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Aloysius Katsina-Alu, the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Bello Adoke (SAN) and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).

He wants the court to determine among others:: “Whether the decision of the

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Defendants not to confer the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on the Plaintiff who came first in the 2010 exercise is not unconstitutional, unconscionable, unlawful, illegal, null, void, discriminatory and of no effect whatsoever for being in wanton violation of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and the provisions of the Regulations/Guidelines for the Conferment of the rank of SAN. “Whether the Defendants are competent to confer the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for the year 2011 on anyone when the selection exercise for 2011 had not commenced due to the

spill-over of the 2010 exercise into July, 2011 and when no candidate has yet applied for the rank for 2011.

“Whether the Defendants are bound to observe the principles of natural justice and fair hearing before making any adverse decision against any Applicant for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria against whom an allegation capable of adversely affecting him has been made.

“Whether it is not mandatory for the Defendants to have given the Plaintiff an opportunity to be heard in response to the alleged adverse report from the Port Harcourt Branch against the Plaintiff before acting on the alleged adverse report to the prejudice of the Plaintiff. “

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

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FOREIGN NEWS

Norway Terror suspect lists demands THE man suspected of murdering 77 people in Norway last month has made jailhouse demands so unusual and unrealistic his lawyer said it shows he “does not know how society works.”

Geir Lippestad, attorney for accused mass murderer Anders Breivik, told reporters yesterday his client had made two lists of demands — one for practical jailhouse items like cigarettes and clothes, and another with far more bizarre requests.

Breivik has told police he can exchange information on two other terror cells in Norway and several others around the world.

For one, Brievik is demanding the complete overthrow of the Norwegian and European societies, starting with the resignation of the Norwegian government. When the societies are rebuilt, Breivik said, he wants to play a key role.

He also said that if he were to undergo a mental health evaluation, it should be done by Japanese specialists because they “understand the idea and values of honor,” Lippestad said, according to a report by The Associated Press. Breivik had previously requested he be allowed to appear in court in full military uniform and, during questioning, demanded to be made the head of the country’s armed forces, Norway’s NRK reported.

T

US to avoid deficit as Senate backs debt ceiling rise

HE United States Senate has passed a deal struck between Republicans, Democrats and President Barack Obama to increase the US debt ceiling and avert a default.

The bill passed the Senate by 74 votes to 26. Mr Obama is due to speak shortly and then sign the deal into law.

The bill raises the debt limit by up to $2.4tn (£1.5tn) from $14.3tn, and makes savings of at least $2.1tn in 10 years.

The deal was struck after months of fierce negotiations between the White House and lawmakers of

both parties.

The vote came roughly 12 hours before Washington was due to run out of time.

Without a deal to raise the debt ceiling the US would be unable to meet all its bills, according to the US treasury department.

Before the vote, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell praised the direction of the legislation, saying Congress had “engaged in an important debate” in recent weeks.

“The push-and-pull people saw in Washington this week was not gridlock, it was the

will of the people working itself out,” Mr McConnell said.

“Together, we have a new way of doing business in Washington,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke after Mr McConnell, saying that though debt deal was not perfect, the US needed to avert the financial disaster that would have been caused by a default.

The legislation passed in the House of Representatives by a clear majority on Monday evening.

The deal, hammered out

over the weekend after weeks of feverish speculation, raises the debt limit by up to $2.4tn (£1.5tn) from $14.3tn, and makes savings of at least $2.1tn in 10 years.

If Standard & Poor’s stands by its previous warnings on US debt, you have to say that a downgrade is now more likely than not” In a key point for President Obama, the bill would raise the debt ceiling into 2013 meaning he would not face another congressional showdown on spending in the middle of his re-election campaign next year.

Gaddafi regime vows to fight on

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OL Muammar Gaddafi’s son issued the regime’s boldest threat of defiance against Nato yesterday in state TV broadcast that heralded a concerted drive by loyalist officials to demonstrate it has weathered the opposition uprising.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the dictator’s heir apparent, used a meeting with Libyans displaced by fighting to declare the regime had blunted the five month bombing campaign.

“No one should think that after all the sacrifices we have made, and the martyrdom of our sons, brothers and friends, we will stop fighting. Forget it,” Saif declared.

“Regardless of whether Nato

leaves or not, the fighting will continue until all of Libya is liberated. Let me say to you that the battle will not stop.

Every one of you: return to your homes and farms and villages and jobs with peace of mind. We will not stop.”

The broadcast was one of a series of signals from the Gaddafi family inner circle exhibiting its confidence in its stronghold.

Major Gen Abubaker Yunus, the defence minister, also appeared on television to appeal to defecting officers to rejoin the army to “liberate” Benghazi.

He spoke after divisions emerged in the rebel movement following the murder of the highest ranking defector Gen Abdel-Fattah Younes, the

opposition military chief and former Gaddafi right hand man.

Yesterday night members of the cabinet were to appear in a government tent in Tripoli’s Green Square for an Iftar banquet to break the Ramadan fast. It was the nearest to a public appearance important regime figures had undertaken in weeks.

The first broadcast by the Libyan leader’s LSE-educated son in a month was in a TV studio to a hand-picked selection of loyalists. After months in the bunker he had shed his Western sheen, appearing bearded and in uniform.

The broadcast was recorded just two days after Nato attempted to bomb the Jamahiriya state television

•Saif al-Islam Gaddafi

out of existence. After a bombing run on Friday hit three transmitters in Tripoli, a Nato spokesman said TV was integral to the “systematic oppression” of civilians.

Yet the station has continued to record, moving its operations to the underground portions of the Corinthia hotel, a harbour front property occupied by diplomats and journalists.

Syria forces renew crackdown

S

YRIAN forces are pushing towards the centre of the city of Hama as they continue an offensive in which scores of people have died.

Residents told the BBC many people were fleeing to nearby villages, believing the army would gain full control.

On Monday, security forces cracked down on protests in towns around Syria, often after prayers on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The United Nations Security Council has resumed discussions on the crisis.

Russia has until now resisted agreeing to a resolution condemning the violence, but has indicated that it could back a lesser statement.

Syrian Defence Minister Ali Habib was among five Syrian officials targeted by European Union asset freezes and travel bans, the EU said on yesterday.

Italy has recalled its ambassador to Syria for consultations, citing the “horrible repression” of citizens.

Rights groups say around 140 people have been killed by the authorities since Sunday, most of them in Hama.

President Bashar al-Assad’s government has promised reforms but says citizens and its troops are being attacked by “armed gangs” backed by unspecified foreign powers.

International journalists have been denied access to Syria and it is not possible to verify accounts by witnesses and activists.

Syrian troops took up new positions towards the centre of Hama on Tuesday, residents said.

NEWS

Covenant University ranks among top 100 in Africa COVENANT University has been ranked among the best in the African educational landscape.

In the webometric ranking of World Universities released in last month, the University was ranked among the top 100 in Africa.

The University is ranked among the best among the 45 private universities in Nigeria. It is also the 10th best out of the 117 Universities in the country.

On the continental level, the breakdown of the report hosted on the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities’ website: http://www.webometrics.info, shows that Covenant University was ranked 93 in Africa and 53 in the Sub-Saharan African countries.

The University is the only private university in Nigeria listed among top 100 in Africa.

Other Universities in Nigeria in the top 100 include: University of Ibadan (41), University of Ilorin (42), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (43), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife (44), University of Lagos (46), University of Benin (55), University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (60), University of Jos (67) and University of Nigeria Nsukka (68).

C

Although none of the Nigerian Universities was placed among the top 1000 universities in the world, the Nigerian universities ranking has improved significantly. University of Ibadan placed the 3,499th position and going by these improvements, it may not be long for some universities in Nigeria to be ranked among the top 2000 universities in the world.

The “Webometrics Ranking of World Universities” is an initiative of the Cybermetrics Lab, a research group belonging to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), the largest public research body in Spain and one of the first basic research organisations in Europe.

The original aim of the Ranking was to promote Web publication as well as supporting Open Access initiatives, electronic access to scientific publications and to other academic materials. The ranking, which has become a global benchmark for best practices among universities, does not only focus on research results of University Faculty but also in other indicators such as global quality of Scholars and Researchers on institutions worldwide.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

61

NEWS

57 arrested in Kaduna over ‘illegal’ training camp

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HE Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 57 persons over an illegal training camp allegedly operated by an unregistered security firm in Kaduna.

The police said the suspects were undergoing counter-terrorism training at the camp.

The camp is said to be located at Dura Yadi village, Kwoi, in Jaba Local Government.

The police gave the camp operator’s name as Advanced Homeland Security and Mountaineering Agency.

A team of armed riot policemen reportedly raided the camp following an intelligence report.

The Nation gathered that youths between 25 and 30 were recruited from Kano, Kaduna and Anambra states by the security firm upon the payment of an unspecified amount of money.

The police said they arrested the leader of the security firm, identified as Royal James. He is helping in the investigation.

Police Commisioner Bala Mohammed Nasarawa said the security firm was involved in an illegal activity, adding that the police raided the camp based on intelligence reports.

He said: “We arrested them because they are being trained as intelligence officer by a certain organisation, Advanced Homeland Securi-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ty and Mountaineering Agency. Fifty-seven persons were arrested. The organisation is illegal.

“We want to know whether they were cajoled or they went there voluntarily. If our investigation shows that they are innocent, we will release them and if otherwise, they will be prosecuted accordingly.”

It was gathered at the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that though Advanced Homeland applied for registration as a private security company, the registration had not been formalised, because it did not meet the requirement for registration.

A source at the NSCDC said the security firm “is not registered with us and that is why we have not issued it a licence to operate”.

The Nation learnt that some of the arrested youths may

have spent about N30,000 before their recruitment and training.

The father of one of the youths, Alhaji Ahmed Rufai, said the firm was introduced to him by one of his friends in Kano State.

He added that he spent about N30,000 to enrol his 27year-old son, Abdulkarim, for the training.

Rufai said: “My son is one of those arrested at the camp.

We paid N2,500 to obtain the form and we were asked to take it to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for signing.

When I approached the DPO of Gogoruwa Police Station in Kano, he did not sign it.

He said he was not sure of the organisation. I then became suspicious. They are not particular about an applicant’s qualification. I allowed my son to enrol because of what my friend told me.”

‘We performed first kidney transplant’

T

HE Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) has said it performed the first successful indigenous kidney transplant on June 28,

2002.

It said the reports that the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, in collaboration with Bayero University Teaching Hospital, Kano, and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, carried out the first kidney transplant was misleading.

A statement by the OAUTHC Deputy Director (Corporate Section), Olu Bello, said other kidney transplants have been carried out at the hospital since then.

The statement added that OAUTHC performed the ninth kidney on Monday, June 20 this year.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

Falcons’ camp bubbles F for Cameroon OURTEEN players have arrived the camp of Nigeria’s Women’s national team, the Super Falcons ahead of this month’s Olympic qualifier against Cameroun.

Thirty two players were called up by coach, Uche Eucharia last week and Delta Queens winger, Vera Okolo, who was had been frozen out of the national set up for the past four years, was among the early birds at the team’s training camp in Abuja.

Joy Jegede, Gloria Iroka, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Ebere Orji also stormed the camp on Monday.

Goalkeeper, Precious Dede, Ameze Aighewi, Gloria Ofoegbu, Ebubeleye White, Amarachi Okoronkwo and Becky Kalu are some of the others who turned up on Monday.

“I came in yesterday (Monday) and others have been steadily coming in too,” Okolo told SuperSport.com.

“Cameroun is a difficult side any day so we are approaching this game with the seriousness it deserves.

We going to beat them home and away and qualify for the Olympics,” she said.

The players trained on Tuesday morning at the

practice pitch of the Abuja National Stadium and will have another session in the evening.

The Falcons will take on the

Lionesses of Cameroon in the first leg of the fixture in Nigeria on Sunday, August 28, with the return leg in Cameroon two weeks later.

•Eucharia

Rangersindilemmaoverfixtures

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ESPITE having a WAFU Cup tie this weekend at home to Kwara United, Rangers International of Enugu have been told by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to proceed to Gombe the venue of their Federation Cup Group Stage fixtures where they have been ordered to play a match before coming back to Enugu to honour the sub regional club competition game with their fellow Premier league side.

Making this known to NationSport was the Technical Adviser of the Flying Antelopes, Alphonsus Dike who stressed that his club was still at a bewilderment state

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri on what to do when they have been instructed to play two matches within four days with the hazard of travelling to and from Gombe after the game also another factor to consider.

Dike still hopes things would be reviewed in their favour since the tie against Kwara United is beyond the country’s borders and cannot be postponed adding that playing a game before that tie would not allow his players to give their best on both matches. “ The job on our hands now is the notice we got from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that we must play our first game in the Federation

Cup before embarking on the weekend tie with Kwara United which is a WAFU Club engagement. We are still discussing with NFF because playing two matches within the spate of three days and a long journey to Gombe and then come back to face a continental tie will be too much for us to bear.” Dike said.

Rangers International is grouped in Pool B and will play at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe alongside Warri Wolves, UNiCem Rovers of Calabar and Ocean Boys of Yenagoa and the former Challenge Cup king holds a 1-0 lead in the first leg of the WAFU Cup game played at Ilorin a forthnight ago.

Rufai impressed with LP35 Football competion

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ORMER Eagles’ goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, one of the former internationals who graced the maiden edition of the Lagos Province (LP) 35 Football Competition, which ended at the Campos mini stadium, in Lagos on Saturday has expressed delight and commended the organisers of the event and the players for putting up a great show in the final.

It could be recalled that CHARIOT of Fire (Area 006) has emerged the champions of the Christ of Fire defeated host Christ Church (Area 010) 5-4 on penalties to lift the trophy and pocket N500, 000 for their effort. The game ended 0-0 after regulation time.

Both sides played good football but failed to make use of the numerous scoring chances that came their way with the Christ Church team, the major culprit.

Christ Church went home with N300, 000 while third placed team Trinity Tabernacle (Area 004) got N200, 000 for beating Chief Shepherd (Area 013) in the losers final.

Coach Anthony Ibe of Chariot of Fire dedicated the victory to God and commended his

players for their hardwork especially in the final game. He also said that their opponents were very good and could have won if they took their goal scoring chances.

He said they trained for the penalty kicks and was happy

they won.

Pastor-in-charge of LP 35, Remi Morgan said that the final exceeded his expectation considering that the championship was in its first year. He said the played bonded and played some thrilling games.

17th NIPOGA, ``Ede 2011'':

LOC warns against use of mercenaries

T

HE Local Organising Committee of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) has warned against the use of mercenaries at the 17th edition of the games holding at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.

The games will hold between Dec. 6 and Dec. 18 on the sports facilities of the two campuses of the institutions now undergoing renovation and construction.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Joseph Oke disclosed this on Tuesday in Ede shortly after unveiling the Mascot for the games tagged: ``Ede 2011, Ready To Go, Ready To Roll.’’ ``We will not tolerate the use of mercenaries for the games.

We will seriously clamp down on any institution that use or attempt to use

By Stella Bamawo mercenaries for the games,’’ Oke said.

According to the Rector, the LOC has enough data on ground to detect any mercenary for the games, stressing that such mercenary would not only be prosecuted, the school too would be banned from the games.

He said that for the first time in the history of the games an electronically powered mascot will be used for the games.

According to him, the concept of the mascot for the games is an active fish playing football with water flowing from its mouth inside a pond.

He added that the mascot illustrated the traditional and cultural background of the state, formally ``State of the living Spring,`` now ``State of the Virtuous.’’

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

Swansea, Leicester keen on Uche S

KYSPORTS.COM understands Swansea and Leicester are targeting Almeria forward Kalu Uche.

The Nigeria international has been linked with a move away from the Spanish side following their relegation to the second tier last season.

Uche arrived at Almeria from Polish outfit Wisla Krakow in 2005 and has since notched up over 170 appearances for the club.

The 28-year-old, capped 31 times for the Super Eagles, also spent time on loan at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux before moving to Spain.

Premier League new-boys Swansea have made no secret of their desire to strengthen before the campaign gets underway, while Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is keen to bolster his attacking options.

Uche was also linked with a move to England last summer, when Fulham and Hull City were thought to be interested.

T

• Hails 5-0 thumping of Guatemala

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From Tunde Liadi, Owerri be when they face Croatia in the second match.

His words: “We are all happy with the feat and it demonstated the quality Nigerian teams have always had in previous competitions at this level. They played the kind of game that wins and there was no doubt they would beat Guatemala since they played positive football and they displayed tactical discipline while the match lasted.

“It is not yet Eldorado because there are still two matches to be played and the major one is the tie between Nigeria and Croatia.

The Croats lost their first match and they will not want to be eliminated after two games hence the need for the Flying Eagles to forget about the victory over Guatemala and concentrate on the next match.

If they allow complacency to set in it will be too bad for us,” Odiaka warned.

High Court halts Owumi's return HE joy of Davidson Owumi returning as the Chairman of Nigeria Premier League (NPL) was on tuesday caught short by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which ordered his sack from office, and ordered the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organise an election into the Board of the NPL within 30days, while declaring Owumi ineligible to contest the election.

Delivering his two-hour judgement which contains 91 pages , the presiding Chief Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawale, upheld the decision of the Arbitration tribunal set up by the NFF which had earlier quashed the emergence of Owumi as the chairman of the NPL. The Judge had dismissed the prayer of Owumi's lawyer S. Ameh stressing that the plaintiff failed to prove on point of law that the supremacy of the electoral statute over the statute of the NFF in the overall matters concerning the running of football in the country.

Complacency could ruin Nigeria —Odiaka

HE man credited with the fastest goal in FIFA Under 20 World Cup, Monday Odiaka has warned that the Flying Eagles’ victory against Guatemala will make no meaning if the Nigeria Under 20 side display complacency in their Thursday morning tie with Croatia in the ongoing World Cup in Colombia.

Odiaka, who has coached Oceanic Bank Football team and Bolowotan FC in Lagos, was in the Flying Eagles’ team of USSR’85 and his 13th second scorcher against Canada told SportingLife exclusively on Monday evening that the current Under 20 squad should build on the success of their 5-0 drubbing of Guatemala in order to have a soft landing to the second round with a match to spare.

He stressed that the team played a compact game against the Central Americans but opined that their true test would

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE

• Ahmed Musa (right, on the ground) celebrates with teammates Emmanuel Anyanwu (left) and Edafe Egbedi after scoring against Guatemala

Sam Okwaraji Remembrance tourney kicks off August 12

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ITH the August 12 date around the corner to mark the 22nd year commemoration of the death of former Super Eagles’ midfielder, Samuel Okwaraji, a competition

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri dubbed Memoir Under 20 Cup 2011 has been earmarked to commence on same date the Imo-born player died.

Speaking with NationSport on telephone, the elder brother of the ex Nigerian international, Patrick Okwaraji disclosed that the competition is opened to players Under 20 years and that the opening ceremony will take place on the August 12 before the main competition which starts about a week later across the six zones in the country.

He confirmed that the competition will initially goes to the six zones in the country from where six States would emerge. These six will be invited to take part in the national competition where only four would be left to vie for the prestigious trophy in honour of Samuel Okwaraji.

Lagos State will host the matches for the South West zone while Enugu will take the South East while additional four states will get the nod to host their zones before the grand finale which will either take place in Lagos or Abuja.

According to him, “Arrangement has been concluded to make this year’s annual memorial of the death of Samuel Okwaraji another interesting one. We are going to make it known officially to the press in the coming days but we are organizing a competition we have tagged Memoir Cup 2011 in his honour and it will start on the 12th August first across the six zones in the country before the champions of each zone will now meet in a national championship to ascertain the winner of this year’s edition. It is meant for Under 20 and we are putting everything in place to ensure we get those that are genuine Under 20 players.

Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji died on the August 12th, 1989 when he slumped on the field of play during a World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria and Angola at the National Stadium, Lagos.

From Patrick Ngwaogu and Andrew Abah, Abuja He said that since the statute of NFF and that of FIFA, are superior to the NPL, the first defendant has the legal right to set up the arbitration tribunal which ruled against the eligibility of the plaintiff.

He insisted that since Owumi nominated a party to the Arbitration and equally failed to appeal the ruling of the panel within the stipulated three months legal period he has no legal ground to pray for the setting aside of the resolution of the Arbitration.

Counsel to Owumi, Barr.

Sunday Ameh, had in his prayers asked the court to set aside the resolution of the Arbitration Tribunal, set up

by NFF, for lack of merit and upholds the stipulations of the electoral statutes that the Appeal Panel of NPL is the last resort in matters arising from the election.

After the judgement, the counsel gave a clue that they may appeal the ruling.

NIGERIA VS CROATIA

Obuh cautions Flying Eagles • As Nigeria target African goal record today

F

LYING Eagles coach John Obuh has admitted that his players will be cautious when they take on Croatia in today’s second Group D encounter of the FIFA U-20 World Cup slated for the Armenia Centenario stadium.

The Nigerian side are on a high after their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Guatemala in the first match, while Croatia will be looking to redress the balance following their unexpected 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia.

Despite their impressive opening performance, Nigeria know that Croatia will prove a tougher nut to crack, and coach John Obuh will be hoping star forward Ahmed Musa and Edafe Egbedi are on song.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Obuh said: “We’ll be very wary going into the game against Croatia. A win will be a big boost to our chances of going through, but we want to avoid a loss at all cost.”

By Taofeek Babalola If John Obuh’s men keep the goals flowing in the game today, they stand a chance to create another World Cup record for the country. Nigeria needs two goals in today’s game to become the top-scoring African side in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Current leaders, Ghana have 55 to their name.

PUBLIC NOTICE

RURAL AND COMMUNITY PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION (RURALCOP) The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Chief Byron G. Ironkanulo 4. Barr. Chinedu O. Irokanulo 2. Madam Esther George 5. Barr. Ezinne C. Kanu 3. Miss Victoria Nkemakolam AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. The Provision of portable water supply and appropriate sanitation 2. Advocacy on Human Rights 3. The promotion of Poverty Reduction 4. The promotion of Climate change, Environmental and Waste Management.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Byron G. Irokanulo Chairman

Victoria Nkemakolam Secretary

http://www.thenationonlineng.net

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 6 NO.1841

Tomorrow in THE NATION ‘If Yar Adua’s Seven Point Agenda was unwieldy, Jonathan’s Transformation Charter is cumbersome. Words and words without JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN substance’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N its edition of August 6, 1994, The Economist published what in local media parlance we call a supplement on “Islam and the West.” The 18-page pull-out by Brian Beedham was an anti-thesis of sorts to the famous thesis by the Harvard University professor of Politics, the late Samuel Huntington, that an apocalyptic clash was inevitable between Islam and the West.

“Are Muslims and the people of the West doomed to perpetual confrontation?”

Beedham asked. “Not,” he answered himself, “if they both see that this is a moment for change.”

The two civilisations, he said, have their differences obviously. “Few westerners,” he said, “believe that God dictated the Koran, and no Muslim believes that Jesus was the son of God.” However, in spite of these differences, he said, the two shared enough convictions to make Huntington’s prophesy possibly untenable. “A Muslim and a westerner both believe, more clearly than most other people, in the idea of individual responsibility. They can exchange opinions about the nature of good and evil, or property rights, or the preservation of the environment, in something like a spirit of brotherhood,” he said.

In the third section of the seven-part survey, subtitled “The cash-flow of God,” the author concluded that the West can learn a thing or two from Islamic banking.

Islamic economics, he said, may not be as special as its adherents say it is, but it deserved more than the dismissal it often got from nonMuslims.

“The economics of Islam, in short,” he said, “is not as special as its enthusiasts claim; but neither does it deserve the usually ignorant sneer it gets from non-Muslims.”

In Nigeria since the recent announcement by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that Islamic banking is to start in the country soon, it has been getting worse than an ignorant sneer from non-Muslims. What it has been getting especially from the Christian clergy is total rejection. This rejection is clearly rooted more in sheer Islamophobia, the irrational or extreme fear of Islam, than in ignorance.

From the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, through the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Sunday Ola Makinde, to the Catholic Archbishop Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, the clergy have been united almost to the last in speaking up against Islamic banking.

However, whereas the CAN president has been threatening brimstone and fire at every opportunity, and whereas another clergy, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, former Secretary of the Kaduna State chapter of CAN and presently the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to the Kaduna State Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, has said the introduction of Islamic banking in

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

The Christian clergy and Islamic banking

•Dr Jonathan

the country will probably provoke a crisis worse than that which trailed the introduction of penal Shari’a in most states in the North, Cardinal Okogie has merely threatened to go to court should Islamic banking commence in the country.

The rejection of Islamic banking by the Christian clergy is clearly irrational, as we shall see presently. It also shows the clergy’s disconnect with its laity – that is if the CBN governor is to be believed when he said about 60% of the shareholders in the putative Islamic banking sector are non-Muslims. And there is no reason not to believe him; you may say anything of the man but no one can accuse him of getting his facts wrong since he became the CBN governor.

Reverend Hayab says in the interview with Sunday Sun (July 24) where he warned about the dire consequences of going ahead with Islamic banking that he has no quarrel with interest-free banking. “Non-interest banking is ok,” he said. “But when you attach it to faith, it is just like the manner Shari’a came up...If the sitting governor of the Central Bank is the one saying it must be, then people will start asking questions.”

Archbishop Makinde spoke in a similar,

RIPPLES POWER MINISTER FIRES FOUR PHCN CEOs–News

...and will that give us LIGHT?

albeit more fear mongering, vein in an interview in the Sunday Vanguard of July 17.

“The whole thing,” he said, “appears as though some people want to Islamise the country and drop the Holy Quran from the desert to the ocean; but we cannot sit and look at this. If they called it non-interest banking, of course, nobody will be afraid.”

I say fear-mongering because there is absolutely no scientific basis to his claim the Islamic banking is tantamount to Islamising the country. Historically, as a recent study by the American Pew Research Centre’s Forum on Religion and Public Life has shown, religions have grown or shrunk more from the fertility rate of their adherents than from conversions.

History apart, the Prelate’s very choice of words betrays his prejudice; to talk about dropping “the Holy Quran from the desert into the ocean” betrays his rather shaky grasp of the country’s geography, a shaky grasp rooted in an unwillingness to see beyond stereotypes.

Surely the highly respected Prelate knows that the mainly Muslim North he is referring to is not a barren desert. Surely he knows that except for its northern fringes it has a highly fertile Savannah vegetation that produces most of the country’s grains, root-crops and livestock.

Besides, he knows that for at least more than a century the South-West he comes from has had hundreds of thousands of indigenous Muslims just like the North has had indigenous Christians without any gunboat diplomacy in either direction. I believe it is rather contemptuous of these Muslims and Christians for anyone to talk as if they never existed.

The Christian clergy’s rejection of Islamic banking is, broadly speaking, based apparently on three reasons, the last two of which are related. First, there’s the claim, echoed by Archbishop Makinde, that introducing the bank amounts to Islamising Nigeria. Then there is the argument that it is discriminatory and therefore unconstitutional. Lastly, there is the argument that Nigeria is a secular state.

All three are untenable. Worse, they amount to a very negative attitude of beggar-thyneighbour.

To begin with the last, Nigeria is not a secular state. It is, as the Constitution says, a multi-

HARDBALL

A

FTER the Federal Government, EFCC, ICPC, and the cheerfully insouciant Mohammed Bello Adoke conspired to deny us the dramatic thrill of putting the governorship class of 2007-2011 on trial, it began to look like we would sink back into the suffocating humdrum of our existence under military rule. Ah, the vivaciousness of democracy, the unparalleled excitement of electioneering, and the ghoulish look on the faces of election losers – all these we had in the opening years of the Fourth Republic.

But once the contrarian, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, dropped the baton in 2007, a huge pall of silence and lethargy descended upon the land. Umaru Yar’Adua, the immediate past president, could neither be stirred nor ruffled, and Dr Goodluck Jonathan has widened the chasm between decision and indecision.

Suddenly, as if scripted by a thousand demons, a soap opera, whose protagonist is the imperious and aloof Major Hamza al-

religious state. Section 15 of our Constitution, for example, states categorically that the country’s motto is “Unity and FAITH, Peace and Progress.” (Emphasis mine). That is why, for example, we begin every official function with prayers to the Deity. It is also why we built a church and a mosque in our Presidential Villa and in Government Houses in most states. Again that is why our Armed Forces have departments of religion. And so on and so on.

The second argument about the bank being discriminatory looks tenable at first glance; in spite of the popular understanding of the rhetorical question, “What’s in a name?,” there is indeed a lot that is in a name. As that famous wordsmith, George Orwell, often stressed, words are weapons.

Even then words in the end only conjure images in our heads and in the language of politics words are often abused to conjure images that are at variance with the substance of what they describe. This seems to be especially the case with the word Islam in certain influential circles in Nigeria where it is regarded as taboo.

Everywhere in the world, including in officially Christian United Kingdom and the ostensibly secular America and France, Islamic banking is the word used to describe noninterest banking. Why we should not call this spade by its name in a country where at least 50% of its population is Muslim is really truly baffling.

If the phrase Islamic banking sounds discriminatory in name it is certainly not so in fact. That is why it is subscribed to by Muslims and non-Muslim’s alike, which has led to its being quoted in many of the leading stock exchanges all over the world and has grown over the decades into a global service worth about US$1 trillion in financial assets alone, according to most estimates.

Lastly, to think that merely establishing Islamic banking in the country amounts to Islamising it truly beggars belief. The reason is simple. If in spite of the Jewish global control of interest banking all these millennia, and even more importantly, their near-total control of the global media, they have not succeeded in converting the rest of the world in to Judaism, it is incredible how anyone can believe Islamic banking can Islamise Nigeria.

Hello, Oceanic Bank

I

N the last few months, Oceanic Bank has been texting me an alert on my Glo line 08054502909 on the account number 0007250966. I have never had any account with the bank, so obviously the alert is in error. I hope someone in the bank’s management will read this and get them to stop sending me someone else’s bank balances.

The whole thing could, of course, be a scam.

Either way the bank should know and do something about it.

•For comments, send SMS to 08054502909

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

At last, the al-Mustapha soap opens Mustapha, former chief security officer to the late Gen Sani Abacha, has swooped on us almost unannounced and unheralded. The officer who was thought to hold the power of life and death when he was CSO, and who after his fall was condemned by the public as the architect of everyone’s misfortune and nemesis of human rights organisations, has romped into our living rooms in a spectacular, even heroic, fashion promising to smell of 10,000 roses. Episode one started on Monday, and, boy, was it fascinating!

Al-Mustapha struggled to contain himself, given the welter of information in his anguished soul panting for release. And most newspapers, except a few notably cynical ones, had trouble deciding what to lead with.

The judge and lawyers involved in the case will have as much trouble as newspapers and the rest of us determining what is relevant and what is not, shutting the defendant up or

allowing him to sing like a canary, especially considering that Nigerians love juicy tales of what goes on behind the thick mahogany doors of Aso Villa. Hefty sums were used to bribe Southwest leaders over MKO Abiola’s death, says Mustapha. Perhaps someone will encourage him to give the names in one of the episodes. There is a video of the murder of Abiola and Abacha, he coos into our tingled ears. The public and film pirates will keep vigil for the release. So far, the embattled officer has blamed all his troubles on former military head of state, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar. Perhaps, the Minna-based general will give his rebuttal. A thousand pities those allegedly murdered by Mustapha’s agents won’t get to have a word in the soap, even as ghosts. All the ghosts we know are too busy working for the Federal, State and local governments to honour any living summons.

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