The Nation August 06, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

NMA: Hospital matron shows Ebola symptoms

•Doctors seek govt’s protection

NEWS Page 4

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2930 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

Seven-man panel clears Al-Makura NEWS Page 60

•‘It’s victory for democracy’ •www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INSIDE: SOUTHSOUTH GOVERNORS, LEADERS ENDORSE JONATHAN FOR 2015 POLL P58

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•ALL FOR AREGBESOLA: Part of the crowd at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Osogbo for its candidate Rauf Aregbesola in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election...yesterday

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

Why Osun should not vote PDP, by Oyinlola How to safeguard ballot paper, by Aregbesola STORY ON PAGE 4

•SECURITY AGENCIES PROBE BOKO HARAM’S ‘PLAN’ TO HAVE RADIO STATION P4

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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NEWS

•Globacom's Head of Operations, Mr. Bisi Koleoso, emphasising a point at the launch of the company's new 3-in-1 Recharge Option on Tuesday, in Lagos. With him are Mr. Dimeji Amao, Gloworld Coordinator (middle) and Miss Omolade Odunola.

NLNG... A gr The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited used to be the third largest supplier of LNG. It has since dropped to fourth position and the possibility of dropping further is imminent. No thanks to other LNG projects and the indecision of the Federal Government on its expansion plans, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

I •Chairman/CEO, C&F Porter Novelli , Nn'emeka Maduegbuna(second left), flanked by the graduands, Femi Farinde (left), Okeroghene Egbi (second right) and Temitope Olajiga at the graduation ceremony of the third batch of the C&F Porter Novelli's PR Fundamentals Internship Programme in Lagos.

•From left: Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Hajia Blikisu Bashir, Chief Judge of Oyo State, ustice Badejoko Adeniji, retired Judge of Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar during a courtesy visit to the Gbongan home of Justice Babalakin in Osun State... on Monday

•From left: Director, Marketing Services, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mrs Iquo Ukoh, Prof of Neonatology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Chinyere Ezeaka and President, Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Prof. Adebisi Olowu at the Nestle Nutrition Symposium on Breastfeeding in Lagos...yesterday.

T was incorporated 25 years ago.

Its first cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) did not leave the Bonny Port until ten years later. And once it took off, it appeared there was no stopping it. It rose so fast that it became the fourth largest supplier of LNG. That is part of the story of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, whose six-train plant produces about 22 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export and 5 MTPA of natural gas liquids (NGLS).

No thanks to indecision on expansion plans, it has been overtaken by other producers. It has lost its position as the third largest supplier of LNG. It now occupies the fourth position. There are imminent fears it will still dip further if its expansion plans are not concretised soon.

As at the time it celebrated the export of its 3000th cargo on January 6, a large expanse of land close to its Train Six in Finima, Bonny Island was waiting for further action to house the Seventh Train of the plant. But years after work began on sand-filling of the site, there is no definite decision on when real construction work will begin.

The NLNG, once the fastest growing facility in the world, has lost grounds to Qatar and Australia.

Qatar has moved its output from 20 million metric tonnes to 80 million metric tonnes. Australia, from its previous 20 metric tonnes, now churns out 81 metric tonnes annually. NLNG is stuck at 22 million metric tonnes.

Australia has 10 LNG projects, with 20 trains and $215 billion worth of final investment decision. Yet, Australia has only 60 percent of Nigeria's gas reserves. Nigeria has gas reserves estimated at over 160 trillion cubic feet.

The U.S., formerly a major LNG export destination, plans to become a net LNG exporter by 2016, with 1.1 billion cubic feet per day, projected to rise to 2.2 billion cubic feet per day in 2019.

China, with an estimated gas reserve of 1,275 trillion cubic metres, is also planning big for the LNG market. Mozambique too is set for a fair share of the market, with plans to build a two-train facility at advanced stage.

NLNG Train Seven project will raise the liquefaction capacity of the Plant to 30mtpa, consolidating Nigeria's position as one of the largest producers and exporters of LNG.

•NLNG Bonny Plant at night

What really is the problem? Some have wondered if the company, which contributes 4 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), does not have the financial wherewithal to see the project through. But checks have revealed that the company's challenge with expansion has nothing to do with money. Industry sources say for this Train Seven to become a reality a Final Investment Decision (FID) has to be taken. The only person who can take this decision is President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke. The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) whose board is chaired by Mrs. Madueke, controls 49 per cent of the company.

The remaining 51 per cent is owned

by Shell (25.6 per cent), Total (15 per cent) and Eni (10.4 per cent).

At its board meeting last month, it was agreed that pre-FID work should continue on the site, which has gulped about $300 million, with the hope that the final decision will come soon. But if the words of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi are anything to go by, the FID may not be taken anytime soon. Amaechi once quoted Jonathan as telling him that NLNG's expansion has to wait until the Brass LNG in Bayelsa State takes off. There are no clear signs that the Brass LNG is set to take off.

The indecision on the FID is baffling given the fact that even top cabinet members have spoken about the need for the NLNG to surmount global challenges with countries, such as United States and others in East Africa, growing their LNG industry aggressively.

Last November, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, visited the company's Finima plant. She could not hide her excitement at these facts: it has made $25 billion from a $2.6 billion investment, has six-train plant worth over $15 billion, owns 24 ships and six ships are underway from Samsung and Hyundai dockyards; and so on.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala said: "I came after looking at your books and saw that you have been commercially viable and successful. The Nigeria LNG is an asset to the country."

The minister, however, said the company must rise above the looming global LNG industry storm, which may see NLNG lose its mar-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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NEWS

A growth stunted by indecision

•Yakubu-Gowon

ket share if it does not expand. She said the company should consolidate its feed gas supply and ensure it secures long-term offshore contracts for its proposed Train Seven, adding that with the United States of America joining the league of oil and gas exporters, it was imperative for the NLNG to explore other major importers.

Like Dr. Oknojo-Iweala, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Shonekan had earlier spoken about the need for the NLNG to expand. Both spoke during visits to its plant.

Shonekan said: "Nigeria no longer has the luxury of deferring major decisions or of picking and choosing developmental projects to do and in what order. The LNG market is tightening. Other nations are not staying idle…

"That Nigeria is still flaring gas is an unacceptable fact in today's world, not only from a health and environmental perspective, but also for the basic fact that the perpetrators are burning cash. Again, as a former captain of industry and a statesman, I find it detestable that our country not only still leaves value on the table and walks away, year after year, but also continues to literally pour money into flames by flaring gas!

"These are some reasons that you must get on with Train Seven immediately… The NLNG has a very strong balance sheet and therefore does not need money from the federal purse to expand. It only needs government approval and support of its shareholders to build train seven.

"I am not entirely sure about what is delaying train seven. I gather that sales and purchase agreements for it

were signed five years ago with buyers. Whatever might be delaying train seven, I call on the government to step in and ensure that the construction of that train takes off immediately. The time for it is now!

"This is why I call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to immediately order the acceleration of these gas projects in the interest of this country. Train Seven is a low hanging fruit. I urge the government to immediately pursue that.

"From the stand point of investment: it will cost Nigeria nothing; it will be built with third party loans.

Nigeria LNG Limited has solid credit ratings and can raise funds with relative ease."

To Gen. Gowon, the NLNG growth should be more than what it is. He said: "I am still not completely fulfilled that we haven't reached our destination in that journey we started so long ago. I am worried that history is about to repeat itself as other players (including the United States, a previous importer now a net exporter) will get to the global market ahead of us and it may be another 3050 years lost. I will not like to see another great opportunity lost due to our lethargy. We can't afford to sit on the fence any longer."

NLNG Managing Director Babs Omotowa believes expansion is the only answer to America's shale gas development and other emerging natural gas producing countries, which are serious threats to NLNG's current success status.

Instructively, six years ago, the NLNG signed sales and purchase agreement for its seventh train. Observers are of the view that building the seventh train of the NLNG plant

•Shonekan

will bring in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) estimated at over $8 billion and help reduce flared gas, and improve the country's revenue profile. With Train 7, the NLNG, said industry watchers, would provide about 10,000 jobs. Since it opened shop in Bonny, NLNG Limited has provided over 2,000 jobs each construction year and 18,000 jobs at the peak of construction.

The government, they said, will also reap an additional $2.2 billion annually in dividend. It has so far received over $9 billion as dividends from the company.

Other worries Speaking on the challenges facing the company at a retreat of the Corporate Planning Department, NLNG's Head of the Department, Charles Orji, said: "We have come to the end of our tax holiday, which means we will pay tax to the Federal Government and that definitely is going to affect the bottom line in terms of dividends paid to shareholders. There are challenges facing us as an organisation. Competition is building up. The dynamics in the market keeps changing. Some years back, we never knew there will be anything like shale gas. Shale gas is real now.

America has given out four licences.

And those licences are for production and export. There is competition expected from Australia. Down here in Africa, there is also competition from Angola. They have actually done their first shipment and Mozambique has also signed an agreement with the Japanese for an LNG Plant and a whole lot of the coast of East Africa is saturated with gas. So, we have to face these challenges as a company and

•Diezani

•Omotowa

we have to reposition.

"If shale gas is a game changer, gas hydrates, God forbid, will be the end of the game because you have deposits all over the world, just as we have deposits of shale gas across the continental shelf. So, the threats against our business coming from these unconventionals are becoming real.

"We also have issues to tackle internally within the company and some of these issues include those of aging plants. Our plants as you all know are aging and there is need to rejuvenation. We have no choice than to refurbish and revamp our plants.

There is also the issue of gas supply.

We are having challenges at the moment. The number of cargoes we projected for 2013 we had to revise our outlook going down from 325 cargoes projected for this year, first to 305 cargoes and now to 280 cargoes. So, gas supply continues to be a major issue for the company and part of the problem is that the country is not funding the Joint Venture Partners gas gathering projects. Added to the gas supply issue is the need for us to expand.

We have proposed Train Seven, which would have increased our capacity from the 22, 000 metric tonnes we are currently producing. Trains Seven is also having issues and one of the major issues is gas supply.

"In a few years time, we will need to renegotiate our SPAs and gas supply will also be an issue. Externally, there is the challenge we face from the regulatory authorities, the interpretation of the Nigeria LNG Act, which we will continue to depend on as a company."

The United States, followed by Canada, leads the world in producing natural gas from shale formations.

Shale gas is said to account for 39 per cent of all natural gas produced last year in the United States, where four licences have been issued for large scale production. Data from the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Department of Energy, shows that shale gas production will continue to rise. Already, shale gas has cut into the share of U.S. electricity provided by coal-fired power plants. It has fallen from 53 per cent in 1993 to 42 per cent in 2011. EIA said U.S. shale gas production will increase 44 per cent between 2011 and 2040.

Gas hydrates, according to the EIA, could be a potential source of natural gas. It said one cubic foot of gas hydrate releases 164 cubic feet of natural gas when brought back to the earth.

EIA said: "According to the United States Geological Survey, the world's gas hydrates may contain more organic carbon than the world's coal, oil, and other forms of natural gas combined. Estimates of the naturally occurring gas hydrate resource vary from 10,000 trillion cubic feet to more than 100,000 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Tapping such resources would require significant additional research and technological improvements. The U.S. Department of Energy recently selected 14 gas hydrate research projects to receive funding, building on a successful test in early 2012 in which a steady flow of natural gas was extracted from gas hydrates on Alaska's North Slope. Japan is also conducting research on producing gas hydrates from deepwater basins near its shores."

UNEP report: Ogoni indigenes demand $100bn restoration fund

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GONI indigenes yesterday demanded a $100bn restoration fund for the Niger Delta to, among other issues, address the clean-up and compensation of citizens in the region.

The demand was made in Abuja in commemoration of the third year of the release of the United Nations Environmental Programme assessment report on Ogoniland.

The Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Uyi, alongside several representatives from the region, stated that Shell Petroleum Development Company and the Federal Government had failed to implement the recom-

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

mendations of the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP) report three years after it was released.

Uyi said: “Shell would not obey the laws of Nigeria and would not accede to the implementation of the report recommendations.

“We reiterate our demands, among others, that the Ogonis in collaboration with other Niger Delta communities and civil society approach the United Nations to appoint a Niger Delta Reconciliation and Restoration Commission with autonomy and authority to do so.

“We are not only demanding $1bn for the Ogoni environment restoration but the sum of $100bn restoration fund for the Niger Delta to address clean-up, restoration and compensation.”

Uyi said since the UNEP report Shell had disputed some of the findings in it without providing any scientific basis for its claims.

He said the oil major had blamed the Federal Government for not putting in place requisite framework to make the company to commit funds in remediation.

However, Shell, in a statement by its Media Relations Manager, Precious Okolobo, said the majority of the UNEP recommendations re-

quired multi- stakeholder efforts that will be coordinated by the Federal Government.

It said neither the SPDC nor any other stakeholders was in a position to implement the entire recommendations of the UNEP report unilaterally.

“SPDC has an activity programme in place, focused on delivering improvements in the environmental and community health situation on the ground.

“We continue to work with the government, communities and a number of constructive NGOs and civil society groups in the Niger Delta to accelerate progress,” the statement said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

U.S. planes spot girls in Northeast

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ECENT United States (U.S.) surveillance flights over northeastern Nigeria showed what appeared to be large groups of girls held together in remote locations, raising hopes among domestic and foreign officials that they are among the group that Boko Haram abducted from a boarding school in April, U.S. and Nigerian officials said.

The surveillance suggests that at least some of the 219 schoolgirls still held captive haven’t been forced into marriage or sex slavery, as had been feared, but instead are being used as bargaining chips for the release of

prisoners.

The U.S. aerial imagery matches what Nigerian officials say they hear from northern Nigerians who have interacted with the Islamist insurgency: that some of Boko Haram’s most famous set of captives are getting special treatment, compared with the hundreds of other girls the group is suspected to have kidnapped.

Boko Haram appears to have seen the schoolgirls as of higher value, given the global attention paid to their plight, those officials said.

President Goodluck Jonathan, who faces re-election in FebruContinued on page 59

Security agencies probe Boko Haram’s ‘plan’ to have radio station •Troops ‘take back Damboa’

S •President Goodluck Jonathan (right) shaking hands with members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Washington United States… on Monday PHOTO: NAN

NMA: Hospital matron shows Ebola symptoms

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NOTHER medical official who attended to the late Liberian Patrick Sawyer in a Lagos hospital now has symptoms of the deadly Ebola virus, Lagos doctors said yesterday.

Sawyer, who flew into Lagos on July 20, died five days later of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at the First Consultant Hospital in Obalende, Lagos.

A doctor who attended to him in the hospital is down with the disease.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Tope Ojo, said yesterday that the matron of the hospital was showing symptoms of Ebola.

He also said doctors needed the assurance of their safety while attending to suspected Ebola cases.

The lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said eight persons’ test results –some of those who had primary contact with the Liberian- were being awaited.

Ojo said the infected doctor was stable.

B

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro, Wale Adepoju and Nwanosike Onu, Awka

“But everybody, including the WHO, is doing all we can to salvage the situation,” he said.

He added: “Strike or no strike, we must respond to emergencies. Our doctors are at the hospital in Yaba. There are seven committees working on the management of the disease at the centre in Lagos. Our members are part of the committees.

“But the committee is having challenges getting volunteers in case management. These are the people that work directly with confirmed and suspected cases.

“Look at the overall kits doctors in Liberia and Guinea wear.

They are well protected, yet some of them still caught the virus. Our doctors are worried about the danger it poses to their lives and they need to be reassured. We understand their fears and we are making moves to confirm the level of preparedness of the government for doctors.”

The state NMA Secretary, Dr Saheed Babajide, said: “Not all

doctors can attend to an Ebola patient. In fact, you must limit the number of health workers treating affected persons just to contain the risk.

“We will be escalating the situation if doctors rush to attend to patients.”

Nigeria is considering applying experimental drugs on the Ebola-hit woman doctor.

The government is considering applying for the experimental Ebola therapy given to two Americans to treat the doctor who contracted the virus after treating the late Sawyer, who died of Ebola virus on July 25.

The woman is receiving care in Lagos, most likely at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba.

“We will exploit the possibility of getting some,” Idris said.

“There are protocols involved.”

San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc.’s experimental ZMapp drug had only been tested on infected animals before it was given to Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, U.S. health workers who were infected with the virus in Liberia.

The doctor is Nigeria’s only confirmed case of Ebola, which

has sickened 1,603 people in West Africa, killing 887, according to the World Health Organisation. Most of the cases are in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Nigeria is monitoring seven other people who came into contact with Sawyer.

“While appreciating the various health workers who have selflessly committed to this cause in the areas of contact tracing, case management, decontamination etc, this is a clarion call for all volunteer health workers – doctors, nurses, environmental health workers, phlebotomists to complement our workforce.

“I appeal to striking doctors to return to work and to other health workers to sheathe their swords and embrace team work. We also count on the cooperation of the good people of Lagos State as your government, in partnership with the Federal Government, may need to in the course of taking decisions in the overriding interest of the public.”

Idris said the government Continued on page 59

ECURITY agencies are probing an alleged plan

by Boko Haram to float a radio station.

The moves by the sect to mount radio transmitters in Chad and Banki town have come under intelligence searchlight, The Nation has learnt.

But the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday that troops have taken back Borno State town Damboa from Boko

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Haram.

A terse statement fromthe Defence headquarters last night said: “Troops taken over Damboa. At about 051700A Aug 14, troops from HQ7 Division retook Damboa town in Dambua LGA Borno State from suspected BHTs. The military and security agencies had been inundated Continued on page 59

APC vows to set up parallel govt if 2015 poll is rigged

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) warned yesterday against any plan to rig next year’s general election, saying it will form a people’s government if Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempts to rig the poll.

Addressing a huge crowd of supporters at the party’s mega rally for the re-election of its governorship candidate in Osun at the Osogbo Township Stadium in Osogbo, the APC National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, said the battle line was drawn.

Saying the APC would not allow its mandate to be stolen, Odigie-Oyegun said they were not afraid of the forces of oppression.

His words: “Let those who have ears hear that they should not tamper with a single vote

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

that belongs to us. The battle line is already drawn. The APC will not allow its mandate to be stolen. After the Ekiti State, there can be no more opportunity for anybody to steal our mandate.

Enough is enough.

“The APC is prepared for free and fair election . If anyone steals our mandate on February 20, 2015, we will resist it and set up a people’s government. Let them be warned, there would be dire consequences for this.”

The chairman asked the people to observe a minute silence in honour of the late AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, who was murdered in his Ibadan, Oyo State capital home on December 23, 2001.

Continued on page 59

Why Osun should not vote PDP, by Oyinlola

EFORE a roaring crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola sealed yesterday his renunciation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he urged the people to reject at the poll on Saturday.

Oyinlola, now of the APC, was all smiles as he danced and sang at the party’s rally ahead of the governorship election.

He said the electorate should not vote PDP’s candidate Iyiola Omisore.

Clad in complete APC customised agbada at the party’s mega rally at Osogbo Township Stadium, the former governor said there was no project the ruling party at the federal level had executed in Osun to deserve the people’s vote.

Leaving his former party to join the APC alongside his numerous supporters, the former PDP national secretary also threw jibes at President Goodluck Jonathan for marginalising the Southwest in the sharing of plum political offices after the zone had helped him win the presidency in 2011. Jonathan won five out of six states (except Osun) in the zone in the last presidential poll.

How to safeguard ballot paper, by Aregbesola

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday gave tips to prospective voters on how to safeguard their ballot during Saturday’s governorship election.

Aregbesola, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), told the teeming supporters at the mega rally in Osogbo that the tips were necessary because “what they did in Ekiti State has been discovered”.

He gave the tips as follow: •Voters should ensure that the ink on their thumb is not excessive. If excessive,

By Adekunle Yusuf, Assistant Editor

In a speech brimming with anecdotes, Oyinlola, an Okuku prince, swore with sanctity of the royal crown to further authenticate his claims, as he urged would-be voters to cast their votes wisely.

“Is there any Yoruba among those currently holding the highest offices of the federal government?” he asked, adding that the office of the chief of staff to the President is the highest occupied by a Southwesterner, saying, “even there is no provision for the office in the constitution”.

Oyinlola recalled that his travails with the PDP and Jonathan

By Muyiwa Lucas

it should be allowed to dry a little before it is placed on the ballot paper. After thumb printing, allow the ballot paper to dry a little before dropping it into the ballot.

•Voters should write down the serial number on their ballot papers. Also, voters should, using their mobile phones, take pictures of their ballot papers before and after thumb printing on it. If a voter does not have a camera phone, he should seek the assistance of another person with a camera phone to snap the ballot paper.

•Before thumb printing ballot papers,

began when, in 2011, he was invited by Mr. President who then indicated interest to run in 2011.

He said he told President Jonathan that the right person to approach was former President Olusegun Obasanjo, adding that both leaders later agreed, worked together and achieved victory. However, after the election, Oyinlola said, Jonathan started baring his fangs, maltreating the former president.

The Ogun State PDP executive was unilaterally dissolved and the party’s structure in the Southwest was disrupted.

He alleged that the President desecrated the constitution of the PDP, having now built the par-

voters should count three boxes above the APC logo and then fold along the line, pressing it thoroughly until the line forms a fold. ·•Also, count three boxes below the APC logo and fold the ballot paper along the line until it forms a fold. Once this is done, the ballot paper would have folded perfectly and then the APC logo will be facing up, alone. Then thumb print on the APC logo and allow it to dry a little before dropping it into the ballot box. This will ensure that the ink does not smear the ballot paper or spill into another party’s logo.

ty in his own image.

After tracing how the Presidency has rewarded the zone’s goodness with ingratitude by systematically sidelining the Southwest in the scheme of things, Oyinlola, amid rousing applause from the huge crowd that graced the rally, also spoke about character flaws of Omisore, who is the main challenger to APC’s Governor Rauf Aregbesola, saying such people should not be entrusted with the leadership of the state. Linking the self-conceited nature of Omisore to the defection of key PDP stalwarts, the General made a veiled reference to the killing of Chief Bola Ige, former

Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He said it was unfortunate that the presidency is now recruiting people detained in connection with the murder of the former chief law officer of the country, into leadership positions.

“In Osun State, the PDP can’t be voted for because its governorship candidate is selfish. He only thinks of himself alone. He ensured Prof. Wale Oladipo, his kinsman, became the PDP national secretary, Jelili Adesiyan as police affairs minister, Gani Ola-Oluwa, as the party’s state chairman and tipping Kunle Alao for Senate. He recalled that all those people were in

•Aregbesola

prison custody with him. For his selfishness, Isiaka Adeleke, Fatai Adeleke, and now myself left the PDP,” Oyinlola said.

He enjoined the people to vote for Aregbesola becuase of his sterling performance and his passion to do a lot more for the people.

The former governor praised Aregbesola’s intervention in education, especially the policy that seeks to decentralise the state-owned Osun State University, saying this would further cement the spirit of togetherness in the state.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

NEWS •From left: Winners of British Airways (BA) Leaders of Tomorrow Banigo Michael, Adachie Gabriel, Fajemisin Peter; British Airways Chief Executive Officer, Keith Williams (fourth left); Ubong Itok, Caulcrick Abimbola, Ogunranti Olaoluwa and BA Country Commercial Manager, West Africa, Kola Olayinka, at the presentation of certificates to the top six students of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, after completing the inaugural BA’s programme in Nigeria and United Kingdom, at the airways’ global office at London Heathrow...yesterday

Rejecting panel’s report on Al-Makura dangerous, says Falana

By Adebisi Onanuga

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AGOS lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has said the leadership of the Nasarawa House of Assembly lacks the power to reject the report of the panel which exonerated Governor Tanko Al-Makura of alleged criminal offences.

In a statement last night in Lagos, Falana noted that the statement credited to the leadership of the Asembly, that it would reject the panel’s report, was borne out of ignorance.

He said: “It is a reckless invitation to anarchy. The impunity of the Assembly must be halted without any further delay.”

The frontline lawyer noted that contrary to the position of its leadership, the Assembly could no longer bring charges against Al-Makura under the constitution, having failed to prove its allegations against the governor.

The activist recalled that on receipt of the allegations of impeachable offences against the governor, the Chief Judge set up a seven-member impeachment panel in compliance with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution.

Falana said the panel sat on Monday and yesterday and waited in vain for the Assembly to prove its charges against Al-Makura.

The lawyer said instead of taking up the challenge, the Assembly members shunned the panel’s invitation.

He said: “As the allegations were deemed abandoned by the Assembly, the panel rightly dismissed the charges and found the governor not guilty.

“Under the Nigerian legal system, it is trite that he who asserts must prove. Since the allegations against the governor were criminal in nature, the Assembly members were required to prove them beyond reasonable doubt.

“Since the Assembly failed to prove the allegations in any material particular, the panel cannot be faulted for dismissing them in toto.”

FRSC redeploys senior officers

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HE Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, has approved the redeployment of 55 senior officers, comprising two Deputy Corps Marshals, 11 Assistant Corps Marshals and 42 Corps Commanders.

Outgoing Deputy Corps Public Education Officer Bisi Kazeem said the recent exercise was part of a general redeployment of senior officers of the corps.

Among the Deputy Corps Marshals was Ojeme Ewhudjakpor, who was at Gwagwalada as Zonal Commanding Officer and redeployed as the Head of the Special Marshals and Partnership Department at the national headquarters in Abuja.

The former Zonal Commanding Officer in Kaduna, Deputy Corps Marshal Charles Theophilus, has been moved to the national headquarters as Head of the Motor Vehicle Administration Department.

‘Nigerians ‘ll vote out PDP in 2015’

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NDO State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Isaac Kekekeme has said the gale of impeachment targeted at opposition governors by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not stop Nigerians from rejecting the ruling party in the 2015 general elections.

He said even if President Goodluck Jonathan impeached all APC governors, he will fail to impeach the votes of the masses and members of the progressives party.

Kekekeme spoke at the party’s new secretariat on

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Oyemekun Road in Akure, the state capital, at the inauguration of the local government’s branch of the APC Women’s Leaders.

He described the PDP as a snake, whose head has been cut off.

The chairman stressed that the PDP has seven months to remain in power in Nigeria.

Kekekeme urged the women not to be intimidated by their male counterpart before, during and after the elections.

He advised the women to make themselves a part of the party’s victory in February next year.

Atiku: APC’llwinAdamawagovernorshippoll

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ESPITE the impeachment of former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, a former vice-president and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has said the party will win the forthcoming governorship election.

He also said APC would ensure an open and fair contest among its members vying for the party’s ticket.

Atiku addressed reporters yesterday on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

A statement by Media Unit of the Atiku Campaign Organisation quoted the former vice-president as saying: “APC is the party to beat in Adamawa State. All the contenders for the party’s ticket are my close political associates. There-

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•‘Al-Makura’s clearance vindicates APC’ From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

fore, it is imperative for me to ensure a high sense of neutrality in this situation and allow the followership of the party take a decision on who should be their candidate.

“It is important APC makes the Adamawa election a case study in political transparency through effective application of the party’s internal democracy mechanism before, during and post-election periods.

“The governorship election is very crucial to the electioneering future and fortune of Nigeria’s politics.

“This is the more reason the APC wants to rebuild the country’s equitably, fairly and justly. I have always been an advocate of internal

democracy in political party system; now is the time to practise what we preach.

“Only a level-playing field can sustain and maintain unity, security and prosperity for all and sundry.”

The former vice-president noted that the culture of imposing candidates on a party was no longer fashionable.

Atiku added: “The culture of imposition of candidates and its concomitant impunity is now old fashioned and unacceptable in our democracy.

“You may recall that I have been in the vanguard of safeguarding true democracy by challenging obstacles to justice and fair play. I even went to court severally to protect our hard-won political freedom.

“I will continue to lead with others in the race to unseat this inept and incompetent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maladministration, which has thrown Nigerians into an era of depression, frustration and desperation.”

On the dismissal of the impeachment plot against Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura by the panel constituted by the Chief Judge, Atiku said this was “a real life vindication of the APC as a party of the people that creates and cherishes good governance”.

He added: “The era where a political super power would arbitrarily use impeachment as a mechanism to get rid of political opposition is over.”

Nigeria is on edge of precipice, says Amaechi

IVERS State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has said the nation’s sundry predicaments have shown that it is on the edge of a precipice.

He described the kidnap of Chibok schoolgirls and the Federal Government’s inability to rescue them as a dent on the nation’s image.

The governor spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, when he opened the 44th/9th biennial conference of Methodist Church Nigeria at Wesley Methodist Church.

This year’s theme of the conference is: Let My People Move Forward.

Amaechi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tour-

•Mark’s wife, at 63, seeks Chibok girls’ rescue From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

ism, Dr. Nabbs Imegwu, said there is need for a change in Nigeria’s political journey to enable the people enjoy a new lease of life.

According to him, the nation’s leaders has shown disregard for the rule of law and reckless disposition to the demands of their offices.

Amaechi said: “This country is on the edge of a precipice. Rivers State happens to be one of the places chosen wittingly or unwittingly for some of these acts that exhibit reduction in righteousness and outright show of man’s impunity to another.

“I am thrilled about the

‘I am thrilled about the fact that the general sentiment is about making a change. Change is real; change brings about development; change brings about progress.’ fact that the general sentiment is about making a change. Change is real; change brings about development; change brings about progress.

“If you find yourself doing the same thing the same way

over and over again, over a period of time and getting the same result and you insist of doing the same thing the same way, then you are not interested in change. You are not interested in progress. You have to change your method for the better.

“We have become a global flashpoint for the wrong reason. Countries and nations get reckoning internationally for positive things.

Lately, the frequency of mentioning (about Nigeria) in the media, such as the CNN, has never been so prominent. But there has been prominence over the nastiness of all the things you can imagine. It is a national malaise, and we should look at it that way.”

Chibok girls: We’re tired of waiting, say protesters

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AMPAIGNERS for the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, under the aegis of #BringBackOurGirls, have said they are tired that the innocent girls remain in Boko Haram captivity, 113 after their abduction.

They said the members of the movement have put their lives on the hold for 98 days, asking the government to perform its constitutional duties.

They regretted that rather than empathise, the government has been censuring the group for its patriotism for fellow Nigerians.

From Grace Obike, Abuja

The group noted that although they cry and despair for the Chibok girls, they would not give up the hope for the girls’ return.

The campaigners feared that something bad might happen to the girls, if they stopped fighting for their rescue.

One of the leaders of the group, Bukky Shonibare, spoke yesterday at the 98th day of the campaigners’ daily sitting.

She explained that though the protesters were tired of the authorities’ non-response, the group would continue to stand

for the Chibok girls until they are rescued.

Shonibare said: “It’s been 113 days and the girls are not yet back, it’s so discouraging that we continue to speak about the same thing and yet no response, I am tired of working on strategies.

“There are days that we are weakened by the discouragement, we cry and we despair but we will not give up because the day we give up on the Chibok girls, what becomes of us?” She asks.

She also said: “Each and everyone of us for the past 98 days have put our lives on the

hold until our girls are brought back alive, each day I wake up with the good that something good will happen and our girls will return but yet nothing and instead the people saddled with the responsibility of returning the girls turn around pointing fingers at us and calling us names. We will not give up for the girls and will continue to stand.”

Another member, Dino Malaye said: “Those of us coming here everyday are not here for the lack of things to do. It’s because we have a conscience. We care for these girls and are pained by their continued captivity.

6

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

NEWS THE EBOLA VIRUS

Ekiti, Kogi set up prevention committees

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HE Ekiti and Kogi State governments have set up committees to prevent the deadly Ebola virus from getting to the states.

Ekiti State has set up a 30man multi-ministerial committee and Kogi an emergency committee to prevent and offer prompt diagnosis and treatment, in case of any identified case of the virus.

Ebola has killed scores of people in some West African countries. Other nations are taking preventive measures to stave off the spread of the virus.

Health Commissioner Prof Olusola Fasubaa spoke in AdoEkiti, the state capital, on the essence of the committee.

He said the government’s proactive stance was to prevent and control the transmission of the disease to the state because of the frightening 90 per cent mortality rate of the virus.

The commissioner said the committee comprises

From James Azania, Lokoja

members from various relevant sectors, including Health, Information, Police and other security agencies, road transport workers and women’s groups, who would track and refer suspected cases for proper treatment.

The members would also ensure the prevention of further spread of the virus from suspected cases of infection, he said.

Prof Fasubaa explained that selected hospital wards in three general hospitals in the three senatorial districts at Ode, Ifaki and Okemesi had been identified and management centres set up to handle likely cases of infection.

The commissioner said an ambulance support would be provided for suspected infected persons from their locations, adding that the premises would be properly decontaminated and surveillance measures intensified through

community-membership approach.

He also said it had become mandatory for the residents to obtain death certificates from government health facilities.

According to him, security agencies have been authorised to ensure proper screening of bodies entering or leaving the state.

Fasubaa stressed that bodies would also be screened before they are admitted into mortuaries.

The commissioner assured that the government would continue to strengthen infection, prevention and control mechanisms in all health facilities, adding that safe and adequate disposal methods for wastes and infected bodies would be adopted.

He urged the residents to be vigilant and report suspected cases of the virus to relevant authorities. Fasubaa listed the usual signs to watch out for as vomiting with or without diarrhoea and bleeding

with or without dehydration.

The commissioner stressed that it is dangerous to harbour people with symptoms of the disease, particularly those who recently travelled to Ebola-prone areas.

He also noted that large gatherings promote the spread of the virus.

Fasubaa advised the residents to be wary of such gatherings to curtail the disease.

The commissioner urged the people to call 07039707775 (Commissioner for Health); 08033881226 (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health); 08076481333 (Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board); 08038171592 (Permanent Secretary, Public Health Care Development Agency) and 08033880425 (Director, Disease Control) in case of emergency and issues on the virus.

He hailed Governor Kayode Fayemi for demonstrating a strong political will and doggedness to prevent the

Ebola virus from getting to the state.

Fasubaa said the Fayemi administration would ensure early detection, prompt notification and surveillance, besides adopting infection prevention control mechanism in all parts of the state.

In Kogi State, Governor Idris Wada urged the residents to watch out for the likely signs of the Ebola virus.

The governor also advised the people to maintain a high hygienic standard to prevent the deadly virus from the state.

Wada spoke at a capacity building workshop for midwives and community health extension workers in all the local governments.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy Yomi Awoniyi, said public health experts had stipulated some safety measures to contain the disease.

He urged the people to always wash their hands and abstain from eating bush meat,

Kano sets up alert committee

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HE Kano State Government has set up a committee to prevent the Ebola virus from getting to the state.

The committee was set up following the death in Lagos of a Liberian, who was diagnosed with the virus last Tuesday.

It was the first recorded Ebola case in the country.

Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso spoke yesterday on the committee when he met with Kano elders at Africa House in the Government House.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

The governor expressed concern about the diseases and its spread because of the huge population of the ancient city, being the nation’s second largest commercial centre with regular influx of traders from other West African countries.

The state is also home to one of Nigeria’s international airports, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano.

Kwankwaso said the committee is expected to present

its report next Wednesday.

The governor urged the residents to avoid actions that could make them contract the Ebola virus by paying more attention to sanitation and personal hygiene.

He advised them to report health challenges to the nearest health facility.

Kwankwaso said his administration would soon recruit additional doctors from aboard to widen access to health services.

The governor said the state was providing facilities and

Ebola campaign tops Rotary Ojo projects

By Nneka Nwaneri

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From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

of Health have begun enlightenment campaign at religious homes and traditional health centres on the need to contact medical personnel for the proper burial of the dead.

Health Commissioner Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin

spoke with our correspondent yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, on the state’s readiness to combat the disease.

The commissioner said protective kits had been procured and distributed to health workers to protect them during surveillance duties at the boundaries.

He assured that the Abiola Ajimobi administration had

‘We intend to take this N compliance with the global emergency required to campaign to maternity create awareness to sensitise homes, primary health care centres, schools - Lagos State the people against the deadly University (LASU), Adeniran Ebola Virus, international huOgunsanya College of Edumanitarian organisations are cation (AOCOED) and secgradually keying into the camondary schools – to create paign. awareness and save lives The Rotary Club of Ojo, Lagos, is making the campaign from the dreaded virus.’ for the prevention of Ebola virus its priority.

The club said it took the decision to comply with the global emergency required to create awareness on the disease and save people from contracting the deadly virus.

It has earmarked N5 million to implement health and disease control-related projects in the next 12 months for Ojo Local Government residents and its environs.

Mr Odusanya Felix Olasunkanmi spoke in Lagos after his induction as the 29th President of the club.

He said the club would hire medical experts and social welfare workers to widen the campaign.

According to him, Rotary Club has begun distributing fliers, detailing the symptoms to the residents of Ojo community and environs.

Olasunkanmi said: “We intend to take this campaign to maternity homes, primary health care centres, schools - Lagos State University (LASU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) and secondary schools – to create awareness and save lives from the dreaded virus.”

The president said the club would donate drugs and other health materials to Ojo health centres, child care seminar and birth kike to expectant mothers.

He said it would also rebuild a block of classrooms and an administrative office at L. A. Primary School in Okoludun, donate a vocational/empowerment programme and 20 sewing machines to youths in Ojo, among others.

I •Kwankwaso

medical consumables at health centres across the state.

Oyo moves health officials to boundaries THE Oyo State Government has moved health professionals to boundary communities with heightened tension on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The measure, the government said, was taken to prevent the deadly virus from entering the state.

Also, officials of Ministry

which is said to be among the carriers of the dreaded virus.

Wada, who said Kogi is the gateway to the North and South, advised the residents to adhere strictly to prevention stipulated by the Emergency Rapid Response Committee to address various issues on the Ebola virus infection.

The governor promised that his administration would protect the residents from diseases. He urged the people to cooperate with the committee for the prevention, detection and treatment of any suspected case.

Health Commissioner Dr Idris Omede said the government constituted the emergency committee to ensure that the state is not affected by the disease.

The commissioner urged the residents to be hygienic and ensure that the meat they eat is clean and cooked very well.

He advised the people to report suspected cases to health workers.

taken decisive steps to prevent an Ebola outbreak in the state.

According to him, the government is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the ministries of Health of neighbouring states to prevent the outbreak of the disease.

Apprehension in Calabar From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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•Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Jubrin Usman (third left); President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Alhaji Sani Ndanusa (second left); President, Nigeria Handball Federation, Mr Yusuf Dauda (fourth left); President, Nigeria Traditional Sports Federation, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi (fourth right); Principal Officers of the Naval Headquarters and Members of ‘One-Service-One Medal’ Project team during their visit to the CNS in Abuja...yesterday.

HERE is fear in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, as the Federal Government recalled to Lagos for screening six Liberians who were in the Southeast city.

The action, it was learnt, followed the death of their countryman, Patrick Sawyer, from the dreaded Ebola virus.

The Liberians were in Calabar for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meeting at the Tinapa Resort.

Sawyer was billed to attend the meeting but could not, following the detection of the Ebola virus symptoms in him. He took ill on Tuesday, July 22 and died on Friday, July 25.

Following the development, most Calabar residents have been apprehensive because of the high contagiousness of the disease.

A resident, who declined to give his name, said: “We pray that none of them who came to Calabar had it because it would be very sad news if such were to be in this part of the country and even the nation.

“I hope the health authorities take appropriate measures to tackle any problem the situation may bring. We pray that this issue would be tackled before it even develops.”

7

THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6, 2014

NEWS

OSUN 2014

•Second row: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (right); APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (fourth left); Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (fourth right); his wife, Sherifat (third right); former Governor Isiaka Adeleke (second right); former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo (second left) and Alhaji Kawu Baraje (third left).

First row: Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori (second right); her Lagos State counterpart Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (third right); Chief Tony Momoh (second left); Lagos APC Women Leader Mrs. Kemi Nelson (third left) and other APC leaders at the party’s mega rally at the Osogbo City Stadium in Osun State...yesterday.

APC cries out over arrest of its leaders

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted the public to alleged plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government to arrest its leaders in Osun State.

It said the ploy was to destabilise the APC and intimidate its members and supporters ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll.

In a statement yesterday, APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the arrests were earlier scheduled to start tomorrow, but began yesterday following the success of the party’s rally in Osogbo.

The APC said: “The mammoth crowd that turned out for the rally today (yesterday) destabilised the PDP and the Federal Government and they fast tracked the arrest of our leaders in all local government areas.

“Already, a special team from Abuja has arrived in Osogbo solely for this purpose and, at least, one of our leaders, Hon. Oke, has been arrested. The arrest and intimidation of opposition members put a question mark on President Goodluck Jonathan’s assurance to the international community that the Osun election will be free and fair.

“As we have always said, election is a process. Rigging is not restricted to the voting day alone. Arrest and intimidation of the opposition ahead of voting constitute rigging. Therefore, by

•’AIG’s advert unacceptable’ •Party queries suspects’ release engaging in the mass arrest of our leaders in Osun and deploying highly-partisan security agencies in the state, the Federal Government has kick-started the process of rigging Saturday’s election.

“We are alerting election observers, the international community and all Nigerians to the evil machinations of the PDP and the Federal Government for the Osun election. We urge all men and women of conscience to prevail on those who are bent on fomenting anarchy in Osun State to give peace a chance. We ask for nothing more than a level playing field for all candidates in the election. We want the election to be a celebration of democracy rather than a trigger for chaos.”

The APC, in a statement by its Osun State Publicity Director, Kunle Oyatomi, has demanded the withdrawal of an advert running on the National Television Authority (NTA), Osogbo, placed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, David Omojola, saying it amounted to “an official threat of assassination from the AIG’s office”.

NTA-Osogbo has been running an advert in Ijesha dialect, warning one SOJI not to put his life on the line in the process of fighting against electoral fraud.

According to the APC, the

“obvious reference” in that advert was Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, whose middle name is ADESOJI. In a letter dated August 4 to the AIG, the APC demanded that in the alternative to withdrawing the advert, the AIG should publicly clarify that the governor was not the object of the advert.

It said Aregbesola would never surrender to intimidation, fraud or threat of assassination in his fight against evil and injustice.

The APC alleged that four suspects, who were caught thumbprinting ballot papers in Akoda, Ede, had been released by the military.

The suspects were apprehended by members of a vigilance group and handed over to the military.

According to the APC, it was discovered yesterday that the suspects had been released.

The party said some suspected PDP thugs, who were arrested last Saturday in possession of guns, had been released by the police.

It said: “During the PDP’s rally in Osogbo last Saturday, the police were reported to have arrested some PDP thugs caught with guns and other ammunition in their possession. But as you read this, the thugs

have also been released.

“The big question is why should the military and the police release suspects caught in illegal acts, who are supposed to be in custody, preparatory for court charges.

“Secondly, in the case of Akoda, the question is who gave the suspects ballot papers, if not the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that is supposed to be in exclusive possession of ballot papers?

“There appears to be a synergy among the military, police, PDP and INEC to rig Saturday’s election.

The APC, therefore, demands explanations on why the suspects arrested in Akoda and Osogbo were released by security agencies to continue their criminality.

“INEC must provide Nigerians with an answer on how the criminals broke into its storehouse and stole the ballot papers they were thumb printing?

Nigerians and the world should not be deceived.

There is a criminal conspiracy of the highest pedestal of the security agencies, the PDP, INEC and the government in Abuja to criminally bastardise democracy and destroy the electoral process through coordinated fraud.

“No matter what the combination of these forces do, APC will prevail and win the election on Saturday with the people’s mandate.”

•Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola dancing at the rally after he joined the APC...yesterday.

‘Campaign gifts should be discouraged’

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kunle Oyeyemi, has described the distribution of rice, cooking oil, bags of beans, kerosene and other food and household items to the electorate by a political party in Osun State as “open bribery”.

Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, Oyeyemi said the trend should be discouraged because it poses great danger to democracy.

He said: “This trend is more peculiar to Nigeria and I believe it is tantamount to direct and open bribery, which is against electoral and other laws of the land.”

Oyeyemi urged the people not to be tricked into giving up their voter cards for a stipend, adding that their voter cards are “means to a profitable political end”.

He said: “It is common knowledge in Osun State that the campaign team of an opposition party is aggressively buying voter cards from potential voters. This is a manifestation of anxiety resulting from

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

their realisation of the challenge they face in this election.

“I warn the people of Osun State not to sell their voter cards. The card is their power to decide who rules them. People should also be advised not to engage in a fight or argue with security operatives invited to provide security during the election.

“The party in question now resorts to all sorts of desperate efforts, including disenfranchising as many as possible members and supporters of the APC. It goes about buying voter cards. My warning to everyone is that under no reason gift or threat - should any one give his or her voter card to anyone to take away or to copy personal information from the card.

“The democratic process and electioneering activities in this country, including the socalled politics of stomach infrastructure, is getting to a dangerous state, which is unlikely to support the country’s unity.”

8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6, 2014

NEWS Dabiri-Erewa, Ashafa mourn Ayangburen

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OUSE of Representatives member Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Ikorodu Constituency) has condoled with the people of Ikorodu in Lagos State on the passage of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salau Oyefusi.

She described the ruler as a father figure and symbol of unity in Ikorodu Division, adding that his death is a loss to the traditional institution.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said the late Oba Oyefusi’s reign was eventful, noting that the town witnessed socio-economic and political development. She said the monarch was a source of inspiration to her and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) also commiserated with the Ikorodu people.

Ashafa said the ruler’s reign strengthened unity among traditional rulers in the state and brought development to Ikorodu Division.

He said: “Oba Oyefusi was a man of repute, whose impact and influence would be greatly felt by the people of Ikorodu Division and Lagos State. On behalf of the people of Lagos East Senatorial District, I pray that the Almighty God grants the Oyefusi family the fortitude a time like this demands.”

Oyo gets Acting HoS •Fayemi congratulating Alonge...yesterday.

Improve grassroots, Fayemi urges council chiefs E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has sworn in caretaker chairmen in the 16 local governments and the 19 local council development areas (LCDAs).

Fayemi said they were chosen for their competence and closeness to the grassroots.

He urged them to be diligent, noting that they would be held accountable by God and the people.

The governor said: “I have no doubt that going by the pedigree of the leaders being sworn in today, there will be accelerated progress in meeting the needs of our people at the grassroots. These are leaders carefully chosen, not only on account of their competence, but also for their closeness to the grassroots.

“I urge you to live up to the expectations of our people in serving them with diligence and honour. Above

•Appointees take oath

all, remember that power belongs to God and to Him shall we ultimately give account.”

On the creation of the LCDAs, Fayemi said it was to meet the “long and persistent clamour of our people for the creation of new local governments”.

He said the chairmen would play pioneering roles in the establishment of structures, programmes and policies for good governance at the grassroots.

Speaking for the chairmen, Ado West LCDA Caretaker Chairperson Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi said they will justify the confidence reposed in them.

At the event were the Dep-

uty Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva; House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin; All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman Chief Jide Awe; top government officials and traditional rulers.

The council chairmen are Tope Olanipekun, Ado; Mrs Omotunde Fajuyi, Ado West LCDA; Sunday Ibitoye, Ado North LCDA; Raheem Balogun, Ado Central LCDA; Richard Apolola, Ekiti Southwest; Ayodeji Olaniyi, Igbara Odo/Ogotun LCDA; Tope Alonge, Oye; Olumide Adeyanju, Ifeloju LCDA; Adeyeye Bolaji, Ifesowapo LCDA; Dipo Ogunleye, Efon; Tope Ogunleye, Ilejemeje;

Aribasoye Adeoye, Ajoni LCDA; Akinwale Alebiosu, Ero LCDA; Sina Ogunleye, Ifedara LCDA; and Kareem Agunbiade, Ekiti West.

Others are Ayodeji Ajayi, Ise/Orun; Febisola Adewale, Emure; Olunide Fadipe, Isokan LCDA; Ojo Atibioke, Irewolede LCDA; Mrs Remi Balogun, Irede LCDA; Chief Dayo Ajayi, Ijero; Azeez Awolokun, Irepodun/Ifelodun; Gbenga Omole, Ikere West LCDA; Femi Ayodele, Ikere; Rotimi Afolabi, Ido/Osi; Bayo Akerele, Araromi LCDA; Damilare Ajayi, Gbonyin; Sunkanmi Onipede, Moba; Rotimi Ajidara, Ekiti East; Fadumiye Ayodele, Ayedire; Lateef Akanle, Ekiti South East LCDA; Olatiboye Titus, Okemesi/Ido Ile LCDA; Joshua Ayorinde, Eka Meta LCDA; Razak Aladetuyi, Ikole; and Kayode Ogunsakin, Ikole West.

‘Bode George is a drowning man’

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HE Ekiti State government has condemned Chief Olabode George’s statement that Governor Kayode Fayemi “lost” the June 21 governorship election because he did not pay workers’ salaries.

The statement was credited to George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and published by a national newspaper on July 30.

In a statement, the government said: “While it may be needless to join issues with the ex-naval chief, who is fast becoming a drowning man and a failed politician, there is need to set the records straight and tell the world that the Ekiti State government, under Fayemi, has in the last three-and-a-half years been responsive to the yearnings of civil servants and Ekiti residents.

“It is on record that the Ekiti State government pays workers’ salaries and allowances before the end of the month and has statutorily done this without failing since its inception in October, 2010.

“Besides this, the government has increased workers’ salaries and allowances twice without pressure.

‘George is advised to reflect on his pepper soup and champagne days as the military governor of the old Ondo State, where he stood on the commonwealth of the state for years without initiating any meaningful project in Ekiti Division...’

Teachers enjoy a relatively higher pay than their counterparts in any part of Nigeria because of the 20 per cent Rural Allowance and 20 per cent Core Subjects Allowance introduced by the Fayemi administration, as well as the 27.5 Teachers Pecuniary Allowance.

“To achieve a consistent and hitch-free payment system, the government introduced the bio-metric data capturing scheme that enables workers to get paid on the same day, thus enabling them to receive salaries and allowances much earlier than their colleagues in most

states.

“Many analysts and political commentators have adduced reasons for the controversial outcome of the June 21 election and not one of these analysts, except the myopic George, has attributed the result of the election to the purported failure of the labour-friendly government to pay workers salaries when due.

“One would have thought that the once highly respected chief ought to have matured with age, stature and status and analyse topical issues as a statesman, rather than seeing things from a pa-

rochially-partisan posture and platform, in view of the fact that he served the country in various capacities at both the state and national levels.

“George is advised to reflect on his pepper soup and champagne days as the military governor of the old Ondo State, where he stood on the commonwealth of the state for years without initiating any meaningful project in Ekiti Division, which was an integral part of the then Ondo State, other than his famous statement that ‘the people would always remember that a Lagos boy once passed through the state’.

“Notwithstanding the misinformation contained in the statement of the ex-naval chief on the Ekiti election, we are compelled to sympathise with him, as he is presently currying the favour of his paymasters in Abuja in order to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into the main stream of the purported largest party, having crashed from the mountain top to the valley of power, during which he lost touch with the realities of time.”

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R. Williams Adesoji Eniade has been appointed as the Acting Head of Service of Oyo State.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the governor’s media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

Until his appointment, Eniade was the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youths and Sports.

Born on April 31, 1959, Eniade got a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the University of Ibadan (U.I.) in 1981 and a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.), Ile-Ife, in 1997.

A 2012 graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Eniade joined the service of the Oyo State government on February 8, 1983, as Administrative Officer II and rose to a Permanent Secretary on July 3, 2009.

He hails from Lagelu Local Government Area and is married with three children.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi urged Eniade to discharge his duties diligently.

Ajimobi for book launch

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Michael Koleoso, are some of the eminent Nigerians expected at the unveiling of a book on grassroots governance tomorrow at the Premier Hotel in Ibadan.

The book, written by Oluyole Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, is titled: “Grassroots Governance in Perspective: My Experience in Oluyole Local Government, Oyo State”.

It addresses local government autonomy, revenue allocation, true federalism, regional integration and other issues confronting the local government system.

The book will be reviewed by a renowned local government administration scholar, Dr Isiak Aransi of the Department of Local Government

•Ajimobi From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U), Ile-Ife. The National President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, will chair the ceremony.

House of Assembly Speaker Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu is the guest of honour. A business man, Asiwaju Bisi Adegunyi, is the chief launcher. Oil magnate Chief Salmon Oladiti is a co-launcher.

The Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, is the royal father of the day.

Man in prison for patricide From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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MAGISTRATE’S Court in Owode-Egba, Ogun State, has remanded a 21-year-old, Tolani Ajayi, in prison custody for allegedly killing his father, Mr Charles Ajayi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Tolani is a 300-level student of the Department of History and International Relations at the Redeemer’s University (RUN) in Ogun State.

It was gathered that following a disagreement, Tolani stabbed his father repeatedly with a knife and slit his throat with a machete.

Yesterday, the police arraigned him before a Chief Magistrate, Bolaji Ojikutu.

When the case was mentioned, the suspect had no counsel to represent him and his plea was not taken.

The chief magistrate remanded Tolani in prison custody and instructed the police to send a copy of the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

The case was adjourned till October 10.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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NEWS Cholera kills three in Plateau From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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•Adamawa Acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (middle) congratulating Chairman, judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the administration of former Goernor Murtala Nyako Justice Bobbo Umar during the inauguration of the panel in Yola...yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Bola Ige resonates at campaign

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HO killed Bola Ige? Thirteen years after the gruesome murder of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief James Idowu Ajibola Ige, his killers are still at large. But, the memory of the most colourful politician in the post-Awolowo era is evergreen. The scars of the gruesome midnight murder have not faded. The pain also lingers, owing to the inability of the police and the temple of justice to fish out the killers.

At yesterday’s mega rally organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo, the state capital, Ige’s name came alive. His compatriot in the pro-democracy movement and APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, requested the crowd to observe a minute of silence in his memory.

Ige, lawyer, philosopher, prolific writer, eloquent social critic, astute politician, administrator, and indomitable opposition figure was the governor of the old Oyo State between 1979 and 1983.

He hailed from Esa-Oke, Osun State. Before he was killed by suspected assassins, his mission was to rid the Southwest of the ‘mainstream marauders’, who were opposed to Awo’s legendary ideology of progressivism and ‘life more abundant’. The inability of government to unravel the assassination of the slain Attorney-General and Minister of Justice aptly underscores the illusion of justice.

Full of grace, incisive wit, charisma, carriage and magnetism, Ige, with a caustic tongue, was simply electrifying on the podium. His blood still runs in the veins of the Aregbesola Administration, as it were. His son, Muyiwa, an architect, is the Commissioner for Physical Planning. Many believe that, if Ige were alive, the only party he would identify with is the APC because it is close to his ideological leaning.

Will Ige factor count on Saturday when voters from 30 local governments troop out to vote? Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who defected to the APC at the rally, observed that tIge’s spirit is cry-

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

ing for vengeance. He reflected on Ige’s stature, saying that it is horrifying that suspects in the murder case were bidding for power in his native state.

Oyinlola, a prince of Okuku, clarified that he could not say that somebody killed Ige. But, he pointed out that some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains, particularly associates of Aregbesola’s challenger, Senator Iyiola Omisore, were remanded in Agodi Prisons as suspects. He recalled that the PDP chairman, Ganiyu Olaoluwa, Minister of Police Affairs Jelili Adesiyan and Omisore were remanded in prison over their alleged involvement. However, the court did not pronounce them guilty. The Okuku Prince urged voters not to vote for suspect at the poll.

Many people are still bitter in the Southwest, 13 years after. They blame the PDPFederal Government for its lack of will to fish out the killers and bring them to book.

Little did Ige guess that he would not return alive from the federal cabinet. The slain minister had retraced his steps, as Muyiwa, disclosed to the public. His plan was to return to the critical task of mapping out an alternative route. To forge ahead, he needed to put his house, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in order. Before his death, he was said to have begun a process of disengagement. He was said to have written to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, intimating him of his desire to leave the Federal Executive Council. He said he would focus his attention on the Southwest, where much needed be done in the interest of regional progress in an atmosphere of national tolerance. But, rebuilding the AD was the immediate priority. “I have a pivotal role to play in my party, the AD, while you are engineering your party, the PDP. I need to strengthen my own, so that in 2003, there will be a credible, strong and clean national government in which the major parties will be represented”, he wrote. Ige prayed that “nothing will happen adversely, which will frustrate the fond hope”. It was an unanswered prayer.

When the PDP-Federal

Government moved against the once vibrant party, it became a ghost of itself. When Ige died, its members were scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. They sought refuge in the PDP, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), the Action Congress (AC) and the Social Mega Democratic Party (SMDP).

Ige’s ordeal started at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, where he was a guest of the former First Lady, the late Stella Obasanjo, who was taking a honorary chieftaincy title in the ancient town. Suddenly, some charlatans allegedly instigated by foes, seized his cap and hung it on a nearby tree around the palace. It was an irony of life. In the same palace in 1980, he had presented the Staff of Office to Oba Sijuwade Olubuse 11.

Many Yoruba elders at the scene shook their heads.

It was the forerunner to the sad event of December 22, 2001. His death provoked rage, emotional outburst and lamentation. Eminent Nigerians described the killing as too callous. His Ibadan inlaws could not be consoled.

His mates at Ibadan Grammar School decried the violent death. His Ijesa kinsmen, who perceived him as the precious gift, were downcast.

Young politicians who saw him as a mentor and role model mourned his passage.

At his lying-in-state, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka decried the hypocrisy of foes crying more than the bereaved. He said: “Ige’s killers are here with us”. The endless wailings could not resuscitate him from deep sleep. It was the end of an era for the ‘Arole Awolowo’.

His ghost has continued to hunt his killers and adversaries. At issue in this electioneering is the challenge of perception for the suspects. In fact, when the issue was not raised when Adesiyan was screened as a ministerial nominee by the Senate, the former commissioner burst into tears. Promptly, Muyiwa and cautioned him against shedding crocodile tears.

During the campaigns, Omisore has also distanced himself from the murder, saying that he has no hand in Ige’s death.

But, who killed Ige? So far, there is no answer to the puzzle.

CHOLERA outbreak has claimed three victims in Plateau State’s Wase Local Government Area.

About 34 other persons have been hospitalised as a result of the outbreak.

The outbreak occurred in Gumbur Ward in the local council area.

The council chairman, Mr. Zakari Abdul, confirmed the outbreak to reporters.

Abdul said the council has been battling with the outbreak since last Sunday morning.

Abdul, who spoke through the Director of Primary Health Care (PHC) Department, Mr. Ayuba Ahuta, said the outbreak is the second the council is experiencing.

Mimiko attributes success to wealth creation

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NDO state Governor Olusegun Mimiko has identified the need to seek the widest spread of material well-being by engaging in policies that facilitate wealth creation as the driving idea behind the success of his government.

Mimiko spoke yesterday at the Yoruba Tennis Club’s Business Luncheon where he delivered a paper on : Progressivism as an Ideological Instrument for Social Integration-The Ondo State Example.

Held At the Greetings Hall of the Yoruba Tennis

club Yaba, Lagos,Governor Mimiko at the lecture posited that the terms “state” or “nation” and “government” are among the most significant products of centuries of political evolution in human societies, adding that “today, it is taken for granted that the state and the government in power should protect the citizens and provide that type of good governance that will promote happiness, enhance the material conditions of the people, and provide the enabling conditions for individual ambitions and enter-

prises to mature and flourish” He said as demonstrated by his administration “government should seek to ensure the widest spread of material well-being by engaging in policies that facilitate wealth creation by manufacturers, factories, small-scale businesses, and other entrepreneurs, and yet supportive of the causes of the common man so as to minimise, or at least ameliorate, sharp economic and social cleavages in society”.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

•From left: Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Alhaja; Oriat Adeleye, Alhaja Omolara Fashola and the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, at the 1st Anniversary of Pa Ademola Fashola in Lagos... yesterday PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

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‘Free me from my herbalist husband’

MIDDLE-age trader, Oluwatoyin Sokoti, has prayed the Customary Court at Alakuko, a Lagos suburb, to dissolve her five-year old marriage.

She alleged that her 51year-old husband, Adebayo Sokoti, an architect, is threatening her life spiritually.

Mrs. Sokoti, who told the court that they had no issues, said her husband was fond of beating her up whenever she asked for money.

•‘She should check herself’

By Basirat Braimah

“Each time I see babies, it affects me psychologically.

I am yet to know the reason behind my husband’s broken marriages. He has three children with none from me. He claimed to be a herbalist, and is always threatening that if I leave him, I would die. I yearn for

peace of mind; I need a home! I am tired of sleeping under different roofs. I want the marriage dissolved,” she said.

Sokoti, however, told the court: “At a point, I had to visit a herbalist because I was desperate to know why we are childless. My wife hates the sight of men because she is from a bro-

ken home. We make love twice in a week. I think she should check herself. I cater for her needs and treat her worries with utmost urgency. What else does she want? She should also drop her illicit act. I don’t want our marriage to drift like fallen leaves.”

The Court President, Chief Godwin Awosola, advised the couple to live in peace and adjourned the case till August 14.

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S peace finally returns to Aguiyi-Ironsi International Market, one of the over 32 sections within the popular Ladipo Auto Spares Market in Mushin, Lagos, its traders will elect their leaders tomorrow.

The Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan, urged the aspirants to ensure the stability and progress of the market.

Adepitan, who spoke through the council’s manager, Mr. Rasaq Oladeji, at the market during the presenta-

Market elects new leaders tomorrow

By Nneka Nwaneri

tion of manifestoes by the aspirants, enjoined the traders to work towards ensuring peaceful atmosphere for buying and selling.

The three chairmanship aspirants at the market, Festus Obinachi, Chris Akornonso and Cyril Onyemachi, The Nation learnt, have pledged to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the election.

Red Cross moves to prevent spread of Ebola

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HE Nigerian Red Cross Society will do everything to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus, its Lagos branch chairman, Mobolaji Onibudo, said yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of its 50 th anniversary at Government College, Ikorodu, Lagos, Onibudo said after their training on Ebola, members would go to their local government areas to educate others.

He said research is ongoing to find a cure for the virus, adding that it must be properly managed to prevent its spread.

“This is why some of our members are in the training to ensure that Ebola is curtailed. The only thing we can do is to sensitise and enlighten the public to have good hygiene to minimise the risk of the virus.

“The disease cannot spread by you just touching, but it can spread through contact with body fluid of the carrier of the virus. This is why we tell people to wash their hands regularly and have them dried up properly with disinfectants; these are the areas that the germs will not

•Chisom ... after

By Jude Isiguzo

•Little Jessica Ebele (right), presenting a bouquet to Mrs Alaka. Other guests from left are: Tolulope Ogunlola, Associate Member; Onibudo and Monday Oamen Oiyehi, the branch’s Training Adviser and others at the event ... yesterday

By Olatunde Odebiyi

turn into any form of virus that can lead to Ebola,” he explained.

Onibudo added: “We should avoid the body fluid of suspected carriers from getting in contact with ours.

This is the minimum precaution we can talk about now.”

The society, he said, is also doing sensitisation on malaria, adding: “We go out from time to time to ensure that the environment is kept

safe and clean from mosquitoes that could lead to malaria. We also embark on spirited HIV/AIDS sensitisation whereby you need to keep a safe life by ensuring that you keep to one partner so that you do not stand the risk of contracting AIDS. Where we have AIDS victims, we enlighten the public on how not to stigmatise them.

“We also educate the youth on water-borne diseases, cholera and first aid in cases

of disaster. We develop the youth on leadership training and ensure that women are properly empowered and enlightened. We also do prison sensitisation to ensure that they maintain good sanitation.

“We provide water across the state. We just finished one in Badagry, where we provided water for about 10 communities and we intend to extend to some other rural areas in the state”.

The Director of Post-Ser-

vice, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Rolat Alaka, who represented the Head of Service, praised the society for developing youths.

She said the state government was doing a lot on Ebola, adding that all those who came in contact with the man that died of the virus were being checked.

Mrs Alaka urged anyone with the symptom to report to the hospital to prevent the spread of the virus.

She advised the public to

stop self medication, adding: “Go to the hospital whenever anything is wrong with you. Use only the drugs that are prescribed for you so that the drugs don’t lose their value in your body when you truly need them.”

The Chairman, 50th anniversary planning committee, Mr Bamigbola ShueTijani, said the celebration was to help youths and urged more youths to join the society.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

Life

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761

‘It was tough but...’

– Page 49

Tribute to Soyinka @ 80 – Page 50

Eat, drink and make merry in Badagry – Page 50

Why I offer free reconstruction surgery for the poor,

by Modupe Ozolua – SEE STORY ON PAGE 16 •Modupe Ozolua

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Thirteen years ago, when Modupe Ozolua ventured into the world of beauty enhancement therapy, many Nigerians were quick to dismiss her projects. But years after, with many body reconstruction and humanitarian activities, Ozolua is set to move into the next phase. SEUN AKIOYE reports.

Why I offer free reconstruction surgery for the poor, by Modupe Ozolua T HERE is something that glows about Modupe Ozolua, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Body Enhancement Limited and Founder, Body Enhancement Foundation.

It also leaves one with conflicting emotions about her identity and personality. At least that was the consensus in 2001 when she appeared on the social scene and announced that her company would be involved in helping women enhance their bodies, especially the breasts.

There were as many Nigerians that dismissed the gorgeous Ozolua as there were that embraced her body enhancement therapy. She held on to the belief that women who are not satisfied with their bodies deserve a second chance at looking young and beautiful.

In the years following the opening of her cosmetic surgery centre, her clientele grew in leaps and bounds, many of them society women and business tycoons who wanted the anti-ageing therapy that Ozolua offers.

But two years after opening the first cosmetic surgery centre in Nigeria and West Africa, she jolted her critics by doing the unusual: she founded the Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery (BEARS), a charity organisation which specialised in helping the indigent in need of life-saving body reconstruction.

Ozolua’s charity endeared her to many Nigerians who began to see her in another light. Her motive, she said, was to help the poor and the needy regain their lost body features.

In the 11 years that BEARS existed, the organisation helped many indigent children and adult reconstruct either the face or other body parts. It was like regaining their humanity, pride and life. Using modern day medical technology, technique and skills to safely perform reconstructive surgical procedures to restore the lives of thousands of underprivileged people suffering from various types of physical congenital, developmental deformities, such as Vesico Vagina Fistula (VVF), cleft lip, cleft palate, burns and lacerations, cataract extractions, hernias, removal of tumors, cysts and fibroid.

BEARS was also engaged in other humanitarian activities outside surgery, such as provision of relief materials and donation of food and clothes.

This year, Ozolua again changed her strategy by changing the name of her highly successful humanitarian organisation from BEARS to Body Enhancement Foundation to better reflect the connection to her body enhancement company.

“There isn’t a better time to draw people’s attention to what BEARS Foundation actually stood for. The acronym BEARS represented Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery. Many people didn’t realise it was the charity arm of Body Enhancement Ltd, the company that pioneered cosmetic surgery in Nigeria, 13 years ago,” Ozolua said.

But she insisted that the group did not change its name but only shortened it. She said: “When you look at what the acronym BEARS stood for, you will realise the name did not actually change, but has been shortened to Body Enhancement Foundation. In addition, as we conduct various types of humanitarian activities outside of surgeries, such as donations of items, exchange of skills, etc., and these are done more than once a year; it makes sense for the change.”

‘She must have been about eight years old when we did her surgery. About three years later, her mother brought her to visit me in the office...I thought she wouldn’t recognise me ...but as soon as she saw me, she ran straight into my arms and held me tightly’

•Funmi before surgery

•Sulaiman before surgery

•Funmi after surgery

•Sulaiman after surgery

PHILANTROPHY The organisation has had its hands full in its 11 years of operation, especially from those in need of one body reconstruction or the other who can’t afford to pay for the usually expensive operation. Using volunteer doctors and funds from her other businesses, Ozolua has immersed herself in this life-saving venture, giving hope and life back to the poor and the needy.

Her foundation is not only involved in free reconstructive surgeries, but also in helping other organisations cater for the poor and the needy. She said: “In the last few years, we have been quietly supporting other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in their causes by donating money, books, toys and clothing to them. We also send money to different parts of the country to pay the hospital bills of patients who can’t afford to pay them. This year is no different. Our dedication to helping the underprivileged in our society still remains the primary focus of this foundation.”

•From left: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Ozolua

The beauty therapist also has a consideration for the victims of bomb blasts and her organisation is open not only

to treat them but to feed them. “We come in and identify those who can benefit from us and try to impact their lives as positively as we can. Not just surgical, but means of feeding too. After all, a bed ridden person cannot go to work and earn an income.”

Ozolua has memories of some of her clients. There was baby Funmi who had a cleft lip, Jude, a young boy with severe burns all over his body and Sulaiman who had a terrible and unusual growth at the back of his head.

They all came and were restored. Operations like these, Ozolua said, give her happiness.

But an experience with a particular patient had stuck with her for a long time. She was only a little girl with cleft palate problems which had been operated on several times. ”She must have been about eight years old when we did her surgery. About three years later, her mother brought her to visit me in the office. I will never forget how beautifully dressed she was and how big she had grown. I thought she wouldn’t recognise me as the woman who had been part of the team that restored her body to wholeness and who was in the operating room with her; but as soon as she saw me, she ran straight into my arms and held me tightly,” she recollected.

Ozolua also held on to her tightly and to confirm she recognised her, the child said: “You are Aunty Modupe who did my surgery.” Such experiences, she said, were clear reminder that though many people may not appreciate her efforts, but for the little girl, for Jude and Sulaiman, ”all effort and sacrifices on our part is worth it”.

Also in addition to the name change, the Foundation has a new Board of Trustees, which include the Director-General, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii; Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki (SAN); the Adviser, World Bank, Edith Jubunoh and Prince Oluwaseun Ozolua.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is the patron of the Foundation. The new website address is: www.b-efoundation.org.

Ozolua said her foundation is open for business of saving lives and restoring pride to the poor. “We will soon start publicised advertisement of our treatments,” she said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

PRESS RELEASE Re: Ibibio Elders ‘haven’t endorsed SSG Udom’

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ur attention has been drawn to a news report promoted on the cover page and published at page 5 of The Nation of July 30, 2014, with the caption “Akwa Ibom 2015: We haven’t endorsed Udom, say Ibibio Elders” wherein the Chairman of Ibibio Elders Forum, Dr. Okon Akpan Uko is allegedly quoted to have denied that Ibibio Elders Forum had declared support for Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel’s gubernatorial ambition during his visit to the Forum on Friday July 25, 2014.

Dr. Uko, in the said report is quoted as saying:‘We only received him out of courtesy and wished him well in his future endeavours. We told him to continue with his consultations peacefully. How such visit now translates to us accepting his candidature is what we cannot understand. He only came to see us as one of the aspirants eyeing the governorship seat. I even told him I don’t know he was eyeing the governorship seat. There is no way I would have endorsed a man I don’t know. A man that has not been in the state…’

We understand that following this report, a similar story has also been published in local newspapers in Akwa Ibom State.

We wish to state that it is either unlikely or most unfortunate and disingenuous that Dr. Okon Akpan Uko could have made above comments in the said telephone interview after he, in council, had openly declared the support of Ibibio Elders Forum to Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) Akwa Ibom State.

We view this development as highly regrettable and grossly embarrassing not only to the Forum and the public but to the vast array of prominent leaders and notable political figures across the state that accompanied the SSG to the visit on July 25, 2014.Accordingly, we condem this double speak in its entirety.

Vividly, we recall that at this event, Dr. Uko made various profound statements about the character and personality of Mr. Udom Emmanuel and emphatically commended his unassailable intellectual prowess, managerial ingenuity and humane disposition which he noted set him apart as a credible and competent successor to Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2015.

For the same Dr. Okon Akpan Uko, who we hold in very high esteem, to have also turned around to describe Mr. Udom Emmanuel in another interview as ‘a man he does not know’ will be nothing other than a manifest display of insincerity. This type of character is ignoble, detestable, indefensible and completely condemnable in the leadership of any organization and in this case the prominent and notable elders group like the Ibibio Elders Forum.

This development is very instructive. Hence, to say that whatever must have prompted this has raised serious moral and credibility questions and exposed Ibibio Elders Forum to ridicule, is to say the least.

We are at a loss how Dr. Uko or the leadership of the Forum could deny the (recorded) material facts of the said

endorsement which they presented initially in a wellcomposed tribute by the Forum. The said tribute which was printed, circulated and presented by the Ibibio Elders Forum PRO, Hon. (Obong) Barrister Tony Mike Akpan, reads in part: ‘…Udom Gabriel Emmanuel like the biblical David is anointed king.

His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio will pass on the mantle of governorship to Mr. Udom Emmanuel to continue the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State….

WE SUPPORT YOU. WE KNOW YOU WILL BE GOVERNOR. Remember Ibibio Elders in your kingdom of the Hill top mansion come 2015.

Appoint us Ministers, SSG, Ambassador, Commissioners, Special Advisers etc.

Udom is the Right way to go, Akwa Ibom people go for Udom Emmanuel as Governor come 2015 Let us rise and give him a standing ovation God bless you all” Neither comments by the Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Akpan Obong nor any other member of the Forum who spoke during the event betrayed above initial documented position of the Forum which the Forum’s Chairman Dr. Okon Akpan Uko ultimately affirmed when he made the following declarations in his speech which was recorded and properly documented, part of which is reproduced below: ‘You are going to be the governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015. And we will support you. I was one of those who attended the Thanksgiving Service organized for you recently. I was highly impressed by the testimonies of all the good things said about you and the many great things you have silently done, the lives you have touched and your selfless sacrifices and contributions to the uplift of humanity. I was particularly touched by the testimony of your contributions to the building of the Church. And because you have served God, He will honour and raise good men to work for you. Your master, Chief Godswill Akpabio has done a lot but there are certain things that he said he will do which you will have to continue from where he stopped. He said he will build industries, you will have to ensure that this and many other things are done’.

(These statements were recorded and could be aired to clear all doubts) Having reviewed the above documented proceedings of Mr. Udom Emanuel’s visit to Ibibio Elders Forum, it is obvious from the foregoing that the statement allegedly credited to Obong Dr. Okon Akpan Uko in the said telephone interview was made in bad faith as it contradicts the position taken by Dr. Uko in Council, as the Chairman of Ibibio Elders Forum.

Sincerely, we regret the embarrassment that this situation might have caused the SSG, his entourage and the discerning public and wish to disassociate ourselves from this unnecessary denial.

Signed:

Rt Hon. (Obong) Thomas O. Akpan Member, Ibibio Elders Forum For: Concerned Elders, Ibibio Elders Forum

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Female bombers?

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•Nigeria’s terror campaign has entered a new dimension

HE insurgency spearheaded by the militant Islamic group Boko Haram has entered an even more terrifying dimension with the appearance of female suicide bombers. In Kano, two young women detonated bombs at a Catholic church and a fuel station, killing themselves and several others in the process. They were aged 15 and 19 years, respectively. Also, a 10-year-old girl with an explosives belt attached to her was apprehended in the company of two men suspected to be Boko Haram militants on their way to Katsina State.

The utilisation of young females as suicide bombers is a sobering realisation of the exact nature of the threat the Nigerian state is confronting. It can clearly be seen that Boko Haram’s tactics are evolving as its campaign of terror and intimi-

‘The utilisation of young female suicide bombers is an obvious response to increased security awareness and improved surveillance methods which have made it harder for male operatives to carry out their evil purpose. Young women are generally seen as less threatening, and their ability to wear the all-enclosing burka and hijab makes it easier to shroud their identities and conceal their deadly cargo’

dation spreads. First, there were the armed attacks and bombings of symbols of federal authority, such as police stations and military barracks; then there were the assaults on western educational institutions, followed by the mass murders and abductions of civilians. As its baleful influence has spread, the group has now taken to the act of claiming territory by raising its flag in areas it perceives as being under its control.

The murderous activities of this group have involved a variety of methods: planting bombs in stationary vehicles or refuse dumps; ramming bomb-laden vehicles into buildings and checkpoints; using male suicide bombers with explosive belts.

The utilisation of young female suicide bombers is an obvious response to increased security awareness and improved surveillance methods which have made it harder for male operatives to carry out their evil purpose. Young women are generally seen as less threatening, and their ability to wear the all-enclosing burka and hijab makes it easier to shroud their identities and conceal their deadly cargo.

It is still difficult for many Nigerians to understand how anybody, much less young women, can willingly accept to kill themselves for a cause, no matter how noble it may seem to be. However, when it is realised that Boko Haram may in fact be tapping into an already-established tradition of terror, much of this mystification disappears. There are allegations that the insurgents may have entered into a strategic alliance with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on training and

the procurement of weapons. It is very likely that the methods of indoctrination used by the former on its own suicide bombers are being used to brainwash Nigerians.

Already, there are speculations that the girls abducted in Chibok last April are either being readied for suicide bombings or have even been deployed in the next phase of Boko Haram’s campaign.

Regardless of whether it is true or not, the possibility is too terrible to contemplate, and is yet another reason why the Federal Government must step up its efforts to rescue them. They have endured captivity for over three months; that is long enough for some to have succumbed to the blandishments of their captors.

The evolution of the terrorists’ tactics is also a stark warning that Nigeria’s antiinsurgency operatives cannot afford to rest on their oars. This is a battle for hearts and minds, and as such, must be fought on multiple levels. Greater educational, employment and political opportunities must be provided for youths in the northeast to wean them away from the insurgents. Increased intelligence-gathering must be utilised in understanding insurgent strategies, anticipating attacks and identifying their bases. More efforts should be made in tracing the terrorists’ sources of funding and exposing those who are behind them.

Above all, Nigerians must accept the battle against terror as their own and unite to fight it. Making baseless accusations against political opponents will not solve the problem, and will in fact embolden those who seek to use terror as an instrument of political policy.

A lying presidency • Why would the Federal Govt lie that it did not give money to the Chibok girls’ parents?

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HEN a country’s presidency speaks, its voice should be like that of the oracle. Its yes should be yes and its no, no. Unfortunately, the Nigerian presidency, like most other things and places characteristically Nigerian, is becoming notorious for lying.

The latest of such lie from Nigeria’s seat of power has to do with the monetary gift reportedly given to the parents of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram on April 15, and those of them that escaped, when they visited the Presidency on July 22.

To start with, it is quite shameful that it took the intervention of a teenage Pakistan girl, Malala Yousafzai, to wake President Goodluck Jonathan up to his responsibility on the abducted girls. But, the allegation that, in his attempt to obey the directive of the teenager, the President committed a presidential blunder by giving money to his visitors deserves more than a cursory attention. The matter has rightly been the subject of unending comments since the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners leader and former Minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, tweeted that the Federal Government offered N100 million to the distressed Chibok parents.

More disgusting is that since the issue was made public, the presidency has been giving Nigerians the impression that there is no iota of truth in it. Both the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, and the Senior Personal Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, have denied that any money changed hands.

But these denials run counter to the claims of the beneficiaries and the Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), the group representing the Chibok people in Abuja. According to the group, the Federal Government gave the parents and the escaped girls only N22.4million and not N100million. In other words, ‘there is no smoke without fire’, as they say.

The money, according to KADA, was brought by the senior special assistant to the president on special duties to the hotel where the visitors lodged, who told the girls that the government had sent them N100, 000 each. Sixty-one of the 122 parents who came got N200, 000 each; while 51 others got N100, 000 each.

Because the calculations were wrong, the remaining 10 parents left empty-handed.

Predictably, it was the distribution of the money that led to a row among the affected parents, with some of them complaining that they had been shortchanged by the community’s leaders. “I was not able to go to Abuja; they chose some people from among us.

Some received N100,000, some received N200,000, some received N300,000.

Those of us in the village were given N7,000. This is not a thing of joy. What we want are our girls to be brought back home”, one of them reportedly said.

It is extremely baffling why the Federal Government resorted to telling a blatant lie, like the one it told the nation and the international community that it knows where the abducted girls are. It is a pity that, through the negligence and incompetence of the government, these

girls have spent over 100 days in Boko Haram captivity without the slightest hope that they would ever be brought back to reunite with their parents. Yet, all we hear often from the President is that “we know where the girls are, and we will bring them back to their parents soonest”.

When we remember that President Nixon of the U.S.A. resigned in 1974 to stave off impeachment because he lied to the American people in what has become known as the ‘Watergate scandal’, we should view with all seriousness the lie by the Presidency this time around. It is one lie too many. Or, could it be that some officials, as usual, profited from this filthy lucre? The Presidency owes Nigerians an explanation on this untoward and fraudulent denial of the undeniable.

‘These denials run counter to the claims of the beneficiaries and the Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA), the group representing the Chibok people in Abuja. According to the group, the Federal Government gave the parents and the escaped girls only N22.4million and not N100million. In other words, ‘there is no smoke without fire’, as they say’

Where is human rights in the Africa summit?

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HE UNITED STATES’ unfocused lens on a rising Africa may sharpen a little beginning Monday. The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which gathers nearly 50 African leaders in the capital, will feature important discussions on security and development. But the key emphasis will be on investment in Africa; the White House is convening chief executives and African heads of state to hammer out promising deals. “The fact is that we have reached an inflection point for the new Africa,” Secretary of State John F. Kerry declared to young African leaders last week.

Africa is indeed home to the seven of the 10 fastest growing economies of the past decade. But it’s also home to at least 16 countries with a broken or deteriorating human rights record. Three of those countries — Eritrea, Sudan and Zimbabwe — were not invited to the summit because they were not in good standing with the United States.

But in a push for inclusiveness, the Obama administration invited at least 13 other strongmen.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, the longest-serving non-monarch in the world, will likely be in attendance. He’s allegedly jailed and tortured political opponents, including an Italian businessman named Roberto Berardi who was to testify in the United States about corruption by Mr. Obiang’s son. Mr. Berardi has been “severely beaten and flogged by guards, [and] held for lengthy periods in solitary confinement,” Human Rights Watch reported.

Another likely attendee, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, had his anti-gay law struck down on Friday but still enforces his public order law, which is used to shutter media organizations and detain politicians.

Mr. Museveni’s police reportedly killed at least 49 people with impunity in two separate protest crackdowns in recent years.

The inclusion of these leaders would have been understandable — and perhaps productive — if human rights were centrally placed on the agenda. No African leader would refuse an invitation to the White House even with a summit prominently featuring human rights. Yet the topic is wholly sidelined through all three days of conferences. There’s no doubt a purposeful, diplomatic choice was made to deny human rights its own session, while topics like wildlife trafficking receive their own.

The idea, as national security adviser Susan E. Rice says, is that “in each of the sessions, there will be some very straight talk and give-and-take.” The White House argues that human rights will weave itself into discussions, especially in the Civil Society Forum and the leaders’ session on governance. But like all uncomfortable topics, human rights will likely be pushed to the back-burner while more agreeable issues like “civic innovation” and managing “transnational threats” take precedence.

The result is a tangential, pro forma chat on human rights that does little to pressure African leaders to change. It’s a wasted opportunity to advance a core U.S. national interest of breaking some African countries out of a cycle of repression. This isn’t fingerpointing; it’s addressing one of Africa’s challenges to sustained growth.

As President Obama said to the Ghanaian Parliament in 2009, “Governments that respect the will of their own people, that govern by consent and not coercion, are more prosperous, they are more stable and more successful.” An administration that began with such a hopeful message has now abandoned it in its most consequential engagement with the continent.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: This letter is also informed by the spirit of open government which democracy seeks to promote in any society including Nigeria where it is our choice for governance. It is a statement on the confidence that I and our community have in your ability to intervene and address problems like ours in the road sector.

Honourable Minister, may I painfully inform you that Arochukwu, an ancient kingdom in Abia State is presently cut-off from the rest of the country. The only major federal road that connects Aro with the rest of the country is in a deplorable state.

The 27 kilometre road from the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Military Barracks Ohafia toArocukwu in Abia State has been neglected for over 30 years. It has no major obstacles like bridges or difficult terrain.The only problem of the road over these years can easily be traced to promises made and promises broken!

It is sad commentary that a well-

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

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Arochukwu–Ohafia road – Memo to Minister of Works known community like Arochukwu reputed as the cradle of Igbo civilization has found itself in such a sorry state in terms of bad roads. Under its present terrible state, a journey from Ohafia to Arochukwu that should not last more than 20 minutes now drags for over three hours.

There is no doubt that Arochukwu – Ohafia road in its current condition is perhaps the worst federal road in Nigeria. And this is not an exaggeration. A trip on this road is a terrible experience that no one is prepared to recommend even to one’s worst enemy. This is why for some time

now, many of us from Arochukwu neither travel home nor risk the shame of inviting friends and wellwishers to visit our community.

In November 2012, our joy knew no bounds when the Jonathan administration awarded a contract for reconstruction of the road to one indigenous company BeksKimse Nigeria Ltd at the cost of aboutN4.8 billion.The project was expected to be completed within a period of 24 months from the date the contract was signed.

We thought that our pains, frustration anguish on the road were

over. While publicly appreciating the federal government’s gesture, Arochukwu in particular offered to provide any required assistance and support to the contractor to avoid stories and excuses in getting the important job done.

Unfortunately, it is sad, a big shame and disappointment that this company, BeksKimse Nigeria Ltd have failed themselves, Arochukwu community and the Federal Government that gave them an opportunity to make an important contribution to national development in that part of the country.

other world. They lived a short life but left a mark that is hard to get rid of from our national landscape - together, they were blessed with the gift of loyalty.

Thanks to Fajuyi’s sacrifice, for, in this country today, we have people who are grooming responsible citizens for the future. Fajuyi’s loss calls and bid us to fight biases with determination. If Nigerians stand up to fight against discrimination of women then it would be possible to have many more like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba, Laila Dogonyaro,etc.

Ironsi barnstormed the country in quest of peace and spoke about the need for it up until the day he died in Ibadan. He was not given to rhetoric; otherwise he would have remained in Lagos making announcements full of pseudo-patriotism. He went to the field uniting his troops to restore stability and sanity in the country.

And even though his grip lay in the military, he was meek enough to consult widely in other areas. He was a skilled general, gentlemanofficer, fluent in the English language, of unsullied character, and valued reason above narrowminded interest and the unity of

the country above personal selfseeking interest.

The political class and army looked up to Ironsi for leadership and guidance against the background of riots, election-rigging, minority-people agitation and many more social problems in the land.

May be his ‘oneness’ policy might have created a Nigeria where ingenuity, intelligence, a high sense of industry was the norm in all regions of the country and not the exception?

Aguiyi Ironsi and Adekunle

Fajuyi went into alignment with their true pristine self and saw life from an all-inclusive, rather than a fragmented perspective. They realized that as a people we shine more as ‘full moon’. `Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi and Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi practiced the religion of love to take Nigeria to loftiness unimagined and should have a memorial day, like Martin Luther King Junior, in their memory.

• Simon Abah Port Harcourt

Remembering Ironsi and Fajuyi

IR: Where will Nigeria’s saviour come from? Politics which is meant to solve our perplexing troubles is now a tool to separate people. Decent and strong guidance is elusive; yet it is desired to change the mind-set of the average man on the street as well as the elite for national goals.

Have we ever had a golden era?

Yes! We have. General Aguiyi Ironsi and Col. Adekunle Fajuyi may not have been ideal democratic leaders but they both were committed to helping Nigeria move away from the nationalist sentimentalities of the numerous tribes that was and is still today tearing the country apart.

Activists have asked if this country can ever produce great leaders of the same kind to the types they have read about in other climes who liberated their countries from anguishes. They reason that such leaders succeeded in their quest for development because they were altruistic, loved their country, and treated all and sundry with consideration, both by edict and example impressed upon on citizens.

It is 47 years now since General Aguiyi Ironsi and Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, passed on to the

We are utterly disappointed on the performance of BeksKimse Nigeria Ltd. The firmhas shown no sensitivity to our plight. Apart from two archaic caterpillars, a few shovels, some wheel barrows and diggers which the company abandoned near the Arochukwu local government headquarters since the past 18 months, less than a quarter of a kilometre of the job has been accomplished after nearly two years.

While we have no information on what their specific problem may be, we have also seen no signs, equipment, skilled human manpower or any form of passionate commitment on the part of this company to embark on this project. We are deeply concerned that this contract that we all hoped on has been rendered a failed project.

In the light of this unfortunate situation, I wish to appeal for urgent intervention of the Minister of Works, Arch Mike Onolenmemen, to institute a full investigation into circumstances that has led to this failed project. I also request the ministerr to do us a rare honour of visiting Arochukwu, inspect the project site to see things for himself because seeing is believing.

As a major support base for the administration in the South-east, Arochukwu as a community is ready and willing to offer assistance that may be required. We trust that this passionate request for your kind urgent intervention will attract your mercy and desired attention in the service of man and country.

• Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Abuja.

Give us credible election in Osun

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IR: I will like to to air my views on the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Osun State.

The August 9, election must be free, fair and credible and must be seen to be so. Failure to ensure an enabling environment that will nurture this democratic experiment will be suicidal to the survival of Nigeria. Prof. Attahiru Jega must take responsibility for any untoward consequences to this democracy.

The undue

militarization of the Ekiti State cannot work in Osun State. The selective arrests of APC unit, ward and other leaders that took place in Ekiti will spell doom for them in Osun State. The people of Osun State know who their real leaders are.

The president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan must caution his ministers of police affairs, Jelili Adesiyan and that of Defence,. Musiliu Obanikoro on the abuse of their offices because it will backfire.

The use of fake soldiers and po-

lice officials to harrass and arrest APC members must not be contemplated. Compromised Returning Officers will regret their actions if they make attempt to perpetrate electoral fraud in Osun State. Prof Jega must shore up the sagging integrity and credibility of INEC by putting in place fraud-proof measures in the Osun governorship election on Saturday.

• Hon. Akinrolabu Babatunde Omonitan, Ikeji-Ile Ijesha, Osun State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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COMMENTS

Victims Support Fund –Spend ‘’For, By and With the Victims’ Families, not chop chop’’; NNPC sack

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E advised that the now well-funded N58.7billion Danjuma-led Terror Victim Support Fund will best be served by targeting for employment in Tony m a n a g e m e n t , Marinho administrative and outreach qualified victims only from the areas concerned who have been affected and are naturally desperately looking for jobs. This is not a job for the boys. This is not a time for the usual greedy suspects, vultures feeding fat on the victims’ funds. The Nigerian extended family is the best NGO in Nigeria and should be quickly identified as the unit of recovery, not the individual. Make the recovery a family matter. The VSF must be spent ‘For the Victims, By the Victims and With the Victims!’

This is not the time for mega-contractors – one contractor delivering 5000 mattresses or 10,000 blankets or whatever and making billions for his family. Nigeria does not need more billionaires. It needs many thousands of half-amillionaires. This fund will do better with multiple microfinance contracts similar to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and touching millions. Every contractor, business or

‘What type of country do we live in that the government does not pay its own contractors for years and years while the nation groans in preventable darkness?

And then Customs release 230+ containers containing electricity power equipment needed long ago. Is there no synergy between power, policies and agencies?’

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VERYWHERE across the political landscape, the impeachment stuff has become a sort of epidemic or another version of Ebola virus that has so far defied any known cure. One of the governors now in the throes of impeachment is Umar Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State. But a theatre of the absurd is now playing out there.

The 20 PDP members in the state House of Assembly, who are the brains behind the impeachment drive, are not comfortable with the composition of the seven-man panel set-up by the Chief Judge of the state to investigate the governor. They are, therefore, calling for a recomposition of the panel. In the alternative, they have warned that the report of the panel as presently constituted will only be good for the dustbin. If that happens, a new dimension would have been introduced into the roiling impeachment saga now blowing across the country.

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria has laid down procedures for appointment and removal of governors of every state in the country.

These provisions of the Constitution are sacrosanct and must be followed strictly. Sections 188 and 189 of the 1999 Constitution provide the only acceptable procedures for removal, or more commonly termed “impeachment”, of a sitting Governor. Section 188 lays down procedure for possible removal of a governor on grounds of “Gross Misconduct” while Section 189 gives the procedure for possible removal where a governor is alleged to be permanently incapable of holding office on health grounds – mental or physical health. However, the case in issue here is bordered on

local professional or consultant empowered with a N1million or N5million or N10million contract or job for drugs, beddings, roofing sheets, cooking gas or physical and psychological caring will empower the recipients’ families with honest income. But more than money, it will bring morale and morals to the contractor, shop or merchant and instil the pride of the dignity of labour and a return from ruin to human respectability.

There is no point in paying non-local consultants, accountants, drivers, purchasers, contractors, workers, companies and even NGOs from outside the area while the capable affected citizens, experienced in local business, transportation, administration, management are sitting in long separate rows of men, women and children to receive the ‘largess’ of the TVSF. All these must be registered by age, experience, qualification from paper to professional skills like food preparation to driving licence owner to plumber to farmer, jobs done, jobs desired, computer literacy-very important. Students studying should also be registered for assistance, holiday jobs and educational support. Ask for citizens from the area but residing elsewhere to offer themselves for technical service. Ultimately it is not about the money but integrity, not only of the leadership but of the funded care system.

I suspect the sack of Mr Andrew Yakubu of the NNPC demonstrates little more than the absolute arrogance of political power refusing to accept good advice and professionalism. Could it be that government only wants ‘yes-men and yes-women’ willing to carry out wrong decisions as ‘orders from above’? Why are there such high attrition rates among the chosen leadership? In the armed forces, how many Generals have been retired prematurely in the last 15 years? Nigeria forgets that each prematurely retired high official has been trained at government expense and will receive full gratuity and pension for the remaining 30+ years of their life. So every premature retirement case is a blow to the finances of Nigeria because premature retirement means that Nigeria is paying for the person to live until the actual retirement day when the pensions should start. If government retires a GMD or a General at 55 instead of 65,

Nigeria will lose years of usefulness. Whatever the real reason, one has doubts that Mr Yakubu, now suddenly ‘former GMD’, was sacked for something serious or treasonable like having links to Boko Haram funding or bombers or massive fraud and corruption at NNPC. Can the Presidency tell the nation if his crime was corruption, theft, contract inflation, maladministration or a lack of ‘Yes Ma, Yes sir’? Government is powerful enough to tar anyone with a ‘criminal’ brush. In July, I watched part of the well-established Annual NNPC Youth Quiz Competition on TV and I wonder if that was why he was sacked. Perhaps for being ‘larger than life’ and offering to ‘increase the Quiz Prize money’? Perhaps for doing too much good in the public domain and standing too firmly against non-professionalism? Of course, perhaps we will never know the real ‘political’ reason for Diezani and Jonathan agreeing to the termination of such a senior government official. The NNPC has a track record of rapid turn-over of leadership. Are these ‘too quick changes of the guard at the oily palace’ for the good of Nigeria or for the good and preservation of the evil retrogressive status quo and the interests of the few? Some suggestions include that many importers are unhappy at the progress of the GMD in getting Nigeria’s refineries ready to replace the ridiculous dependence on imported fuel.

But the most important announcement from the Minister of Petroleum is the devastating news that Nigeria will not see even 10,000Mw in the lifetime of many and certainly not before 2015 as the new goal by end 2014 is now revised down to –yes, you guessed right -5,000Mw. The same political authorities have been in total charge of petroleum and gas supplies since 1999. Yet they blame poor gas supplies in turn blamed on a refusal of contractors to supply gas because of non-payment of gas contractors. These contractors are strangely owed N25billion for previous gas supplies. What type of country do we live in that the government does not pay its own contractors for years and years while the nation groans in preventable darkness? And then Customs release 230+ containers containing electricity power equipment needed long ago. Is there no synergy between power, policies and agencies?

Al-Makura’s Impeachment Debacle Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

Now, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly recently set in motion the procedure in Section 188. So far, the procedure has been caught up in legal and political controversy.

In a strictly legal sense, there are genuine points for debate which may have no easy answers as the matter stands. First, there are allegations that the State House of Assembly did not serve the notice of impeachment on the governor as provided in Sub-section 2 of Section 188. The legal implication of this is difficult to ascertain as Sub-section 10 of Section 188 seems to preclude contesting any matter relating to impeachment proceedings of the House of Assembly before any court, even though non service of the impeachment notice would be a violation of the constitutional provisions of section 188, if indeed no notice was served on the Governor.

Secondly, there is the question of whether the State House of Assembly can direct the Chief Judge of the state to disband the panel constituted to investigate the allegations.

That only the Chief Judge has the power to set up the panel is without doubt. The immediate question here is, did the Chief Judge adhere to the provisions of sub-section (5) of Section 188 in appointing members of the panel, particularly the requirement that they must not be “members of any public service, legislative house or political party”? If any of them indeed falls in any of these categories, then the panel is illegally constituted; but can the House

‘What this current gale of impeachment signposts is that our dubious politicians, ever so cunning and diabolical in political permutations, have discovered new tricks to wrestle political power from their opponents without necessarily going through the ballot box’

of Assembly direct the Chief Judge to disband the panel? Certainly not.

This particular point, of the legality or otherwise of the constituted panel is justiciable and can only be determined in a court of law and not by the decision of the State House of Assembly. Added to this, the holding of a session out of the chambers and out of the state by the lawmakers is an absurdity unknown to Nigerian laws. Although the constitution contains no express provisions for venue of a state House of Assembly session, it is ludicrous to assume that such can be held in the private house of a member, outside the state or even in a beer parlour as some of these reckless assemblymen might want to do.

In the midst of the brewing accusations and counter-accusations, we should not forget what the intention of the draftsmen of the 1999 Constitution was in apportioning a critical role for the Chief Judge of the state in the middle of an otherwise fully legislative procedure.

That particular provision was inserted purely following the principle of checks and balances, a practice that ensures that no arm of government has a free reign or monopoly of power in performing its functions. This is why certain executive decisions are subject to the confirmation of the Senate for instance (and vice-versa) and why the Judicial Review and the likes of the writ of Mandamus and Habeas Corpus, amongst others, are available to the judiciary to curb excesses by officials in other arms of government.

The principle of checks and balances is a complement to the principle of separation of powers which ensures that division of powers is no licence for one arm to use its powers arbitrarily. The Chief Judge whose role in the impeachment process is to check and balance the powers of the legislature must, in turn, ensure that his function is performed judicially and judiciously in line with constitutional procedures.

It is no surprise that the Nigerian Government in successive administrations has rubbished these sacred principles expounded by renowned scholar, Baron De Montesquieu, in the Eighteenth Century.

It is obvious from the surrounding circumstances that the constitutional procedure laid down in Section 188 and sacred constitutional principles are being overshadowed by cheap politicking and selfish interests from all quarters. If, indeed, the impeachment notice was not served, despite coming after the Nyako saga, then the proceedings have been tainted from the very beginning by disregard for legal procedure. That means that something dangerous is pervading the entire gamut of our polity as the rule of law is continually shoved aside to make way for political agendas. And everybody is a victim of the disrespect for the law, including the probably “unsuspecting perpetrators” themselves. The spine of the law is not just in sanctions but in people’s adherence to it and the impulse of everyone at all levels to obey. A lawless state is a throwback to the dark days of the human race, and selective application of the law is a worse evil to an organised society. The House of Assembly and the Chief Judge cannot feign ignorance of laws that are so directly applicable to their normal course of duties. Their non-adherence, if true, can only be considered an affront to the law and against the people.

The drama that is currently playing out in Nasarawa State is a pointer to the fact that most of this impeachment nonsense all over the place is designed to get rid of political opponents at all costs. In the past, we had witnessed a situation where a handful of legislators who are not even up to one-third of the House of Assembly have ganged up to remove their governors. In many cases, this is done for pecuniary gains. And now it is as if history is

Dele Agekameh repeating itself. I am sure a lot of right-thinking Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, tribal or political differences, are amazed by this sad development in the polity. The truth is that this thing is predominant in opposition-controlled houses of assembly all over the place.

What this current gale of impeachment signposts is that our dubious politicians, ever so cunning and diabolical in political permutations, have discovered new tricks to wrestle political power from their opponents without necessarily going through the ballot box. As it is, impeachment is now a shortcut to power. It is in this vein that our politicians, especially at the legislative arm of government, have introduced new dimensions into the exercise of the power of impeachment.

This power is being grossly abused as it is now being exercised, not necessarily as a panacea for gross misconduct, but simply to settle political scores. The opposition of the House members to the composition of the investigative panel and their threat to dump the report has exposed the shenanigan and hitherto hidden agenda of the legislators and their paymasters. That agenda is to nail Al-Makura at all costs. If this unwholesome practice is allowed to fester, it is our democracy that will suffer, albeit, irreparable damage.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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COMMENTS

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Osun 2014: For Aregbesola it’s a goal

BELIEVE that all men and women of peace should commend the present administration in Osun for the far-reaching development programmes it has initiated for the benefits of our people. It is our duty to see to it, that these positive programmes succeed and the momentum maintained. Our people should commit themselves to this noble cause. What others could not do during their tenure, Aregbesola has done in three and half years of coming into office, very prudently and transparently.

Indeed, anything is possible if we have faith, the will and heart. I know we all have the will to play our parts in this campaign for accelerated development in Osun State. I know we have faith in the present regime and we have the hearts to face the challenges ahead. Our people are urged to support this administration’s laudable programmes of economic reconstruction, social justice, unity and religious tolerance that will guarantee our present happiness and future prosperity. Test of faith can only be ascertained by God Almighty, in whose hands are the sovereignty of heaven and earth.

The cause of Aregbesola’s regime is the cause of the common people and the less privileged members of society - the villagers, the labourers, farmers and those millions of unemployed. It is a cause that compels serious attention and commitment.

Let the politicians pledge, that they will not misuse the trust and responsibility that are thrust upon them by the people. Let them pledge, that they will speak for those who have no voice, and to remember those who are forgotten. Let them pledge that they will love us as themselves and that looting of public treasuries will not be their major preoccupations. Let them remember accountability before God Almighty, on the day that all would be assembled before

‘Aregbesola’s regime has offered us new hope; new hope of gainful employment and self respect for those thousands of our school-leavers, graduates-skilled and unskilled through O’YES. New hope of economic recovery through the dedicated pursuit of individual and collective approach to agrarian revolution and smallscale industrialization through O’REAP’

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N African proverb says that when a woman is exceptionally beautiful, she attracts the eyes of several suitors, and it is that suitor who possesses the most panache and material disposition that might win her heart. There comes a time in the life of a man when his ability and pedigree present scintillating attributes too good to resist by all and sundry.

This appears to be presently true of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who is currently being eyed by the two dominant political parties in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC), both trying to draft him to their sides as the race to occupy the seat of the Government House in Yola, Adamawa State, becomes more intense.

Ribadu, the former presidential candidate on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), would certainly be the man to beat if he enters into the race under whatever platform to clinch the Adamawa governor’s seat vacated by the sacked governor Murtala Nyako for obvious reasons.

Among the deluge of attributes that make Ribadu tick, as the most sought after politician in the state at the moment, are his courage and drive. It is also the misfortune of Adamawa of not being lucky with good administration that makes the

By: Olumide Lawal Him. The challenges for the electorate is to give voices and votes to people of integrity and for those fundamental democratic principles of human freedom, free economic enterprises, self respect and accountability.

Indeed, Aregbesola’s regime has offered us new hope; new hope of gainful employment and self respect for those thousands of our school-leavers, graduates-skilled and unskilled through O’YES. New hope of economic recovery through the dedicated pursuit of individual and collective approach to agrarian revolution and small-scale industrialization through O’REAP. New hope of good quality of life for the rural populace through the faithful execution of populist-oriented programmes, like the DAGBOLU scheme, through O’HUB. Socially, we must build bridges of understanding. And economically, we must narrow the wide gap between the rich and the poor, if we want peace and stability in this country.

Indeed, we stand at a great turning point, when Osun State and indeed Nigeria is looking for a new direction, through a second term for Aregbesola and an APC federally-controlled government.

A time like this calls for leadership like Aregbesola that can set a firm focus and positive vision for the future and rally the people of Osun behind it. We thank God that at this point in time in Osun State, we have such leader in the person of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Let me commend all his good efforts toward ensuring progress in the state since he took charge. However, the governor himself must continue to reinforce the attributes of good leadership with which he is already identified and make more use of home-grown people to man key positions in his second term in office.

The school merger programme by the government should be vigorously pursued, possibly with modifications. The structures being put in place are of world standard and a legacy that will outlive Aregbesola. I am impressed that the various sites demolished are now being beautified with walkways. Definitely, we need to embrace modernity in all aspects of our life, though no changes come about without temporary pains. Only change is permanent.

Aregbesola government has been listening not only to the clamorous voices of the privileged few and those at the corridor of power, but also the hardly audible voices of the proverbial silent majority.

The governor has declared that his administration does not presume to have a monopoly of knowledge. He has brought

‘dissenters’ into policy discussions, rather than freeze them out. He has invited constructive criticism, because he believes the critics have a right to be heard. We should realize that the lamps of enlightenment are lit by the spark of controversy and that their flame can be snuffed out by the blanket of consensus.

In this regard, we must concede, that out experience between 2003 and 2010 was not particularly edifying. We saw hatred and sorrow on our faces waiting for love and happiness. We saw families divided against themselves waiting to be brought together again. To find answers to all these unwholesome acts, we must look within ourselves. Let us forget the past and come together to build this state, for nobody else can do it for us because it belongs to all of us. We must close all sullen pages and open a new chapter.

Let us give unalloyed support to Aregbesola, so that those who were left out in the cold in those years of inaction, could be accommodated for positive contributions. Let us know that we cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another; until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices.

Let us remember that if we succeed, generations to come will say of us now living, that we mastered our moment. That we helped to make Osun safe and prosperous to live in. This is our summon to greatness. Let us pray that strength and courage abundant be given to us; that the good that lies in each of our hearts may day by day be magnified. That we may come to see more clearly not what divides us, but that which unites us. That the true spirit of this time – its joy, its hopes and above all its binding faith may live among us. Osun State must always be many steps ahead of others.

We must build a virile state and improve the standard of living of our people, because the worth of a nation is the worth of the men and women in it. We must not lose hope, for in ashes there can still be spark. For as the passage in one of the Shakespeare works put it “there is a tide in the affairs of men which taken in time leads to good fortune.” We must not allow this golden opportunity to slip by.

The prelude to August 9 governorship election should be devoid of violence and acrimony in whatever form. We should know, that our leaders can only govern over the living.

Both APC and PDP should call their supporters to order, as there is no cause to make the forthcoming election, a matter of do or die.

Aregbesola is working. Osun is progressing. For Aregbesola, it is a goal scored in a grand style, after an epic and protracted play against concerted forces of fate.

• Lawal writes from Ede, Osun State

Ribadu: Beautiful bride courted by all

By Ibrahim Umar yearning for Ribadu even more deepening. To most people, he represents the needed new lease of life the state needs at this time.

He gained prominence during his heydays as the anti- corruption czar during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The fear of Ribadu was palpable as he bestrode the length and breadth of the nation catching corrupt politicians, businessmen, internet scammers, advance fee fraudsters and a wide range of financial fraudsters and sending them to face prosecution.

During Ribadu’s time at the EFCC, the haven of fraudsters was methodically dismantled, the politicians who stuck their filthy fingers on the treasury, were hammered into submission. He was effective as he was consistent.

Despite the calculated attempt to slant his war against corruption as a witch-hunt by some disgraced elements in the country, the distinguished lawyer proved to all who cared that the war was logical and anchored on transparency, with enormous empirical validity.

His ability helped to launder the image of Nigeria then heavily

‘It is not surprising that Ribadu had to enjoy these impressive credentials because if he had enriched himself with illicit funds, those who he brought down during his reign as the anti-corruption chief, would have mobilized their strength and financial power to hunt him’

trapped in the opprobrium of corruption among the comity of nations. The international community recognized his unprecedented efforts in fighting corruption in Nigeria such that he became a household name. He also bagged several domestic and international awards.

Even though his efforts were fraught with risks as most of the thieves in the country are known to be very dangerous elements, who could easily connive to take him out, he yet continued the dogged fight. The amount of money he saved for the country ran into billions of naira and Ribadu, despite having an opportunity to enrich himself, chose transparency and left office without any trail of corruption till this day.

It is not surprising that Ribadu had to enjoy these impressive credentials because if he had enriched himself with illicit funds, those who he brought down during his reign as the anti-corruption chief, would have mobilized their strength and financial power to hunt him. But he left no one in doubts with his honesty, integrity and a shining example of excellence.

It is these startling qualities of the man that are now his greatest assets as he joins the bid for Adamawa governorship. For a state that suffered corruption hemorrhage for a very long time, the people are no longer trapped in the blind following of political parties, but rather their concern now is on individuals who can clean the malfeasance of yester-years and re-direct the country unto a fresh path of progress.

This is what the people see in Nuhu Ribadu.

For the APC, the ultimate choice,

if they were to provide a credible person that can give the dominant PDP run for its money, it would have to be Ribadu. The APC is on the verge of being silenced in the state and they recognize the strategic political asset Ribadu would be for the APC in their quest to bounce back from the brink.

The ousted governor, Nyako, tried to transpose the political fortunes of the state to the lap of the APC, yet lacked the tact and prudence to pursue such initiatives. His shortsightedness and some proportion of arrogance cost the party what may have been an opportunity.

Now they are desperate to snatch power back from the PDP hawks, who have taken over.

The top rank of the APC hierarchy led by its chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, are said to be working to convince Ribadu, who was presidential candidate of the ACN, one of the components that formed the APC. For the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, they are struggling to have Ribadu as their flag bearer in the forthcoming governorship election in Adamawa state because of the aforementioned qualities. For the PDP Ribadu’s popularity, integrity and his influence will be a big asset to the party. He therefore stands a great chance to pick the PDP ticket once he makes up his mind to run under the platform.

Apart from his high moral disposition, Ribadu is also a powerful force in terms of articulation of ideas; he is equally gifted in recruiting the best brains to drive such ideas. As a politician, Ribadu is a smooth operator who is not disposed to the flamboyance and un-

necessary aimless public statements.

At the moment the sad situation which led to the impeachment and removal from office of the former governor, Nyako, caused some ripples in the political equation of the state. But it presents yet immense opportunities to restore the requisite values to the state and move it forward.

Ribadu’s emergence in the state as the PDP candidate will further strengthen the hands of the party as they strategize for the 2015 elections. Already the PDP enjoys the majority in the state assembly as well as other facets.

It is only Ribadu that can give the PDP the edge they are looking for to neutralize the threat of the APC, which now has possible sympathy votes from Adamawa voters. It is not surprising therefore, that the Presidency is reportedly in the forefront of those clamouring for him to pick the PDP ticket with some lofty promises of support in all ramifications.

Although this situation of two platforms cajoling him presents Ribadu with some awkward scenario, the challenges notwithstanding, Ribadu is man who knows how to pick the best in any given situation.

The astute politician can distinguish the pretenders from real politicians adept at transformation, which the state indigenes desperately need. He is passionate about his quest to reorder the state, reprioritize and refocus the state on the path of peace and development.

•Umar wrote from Karewa GRA, Jimeta, Yola

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

25

BUSINESS THE NATION

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

AfDB moves to boost agribusiness in Africa

I

NCREASING agribusiness in Africa was the focus of a panel discussion moderated

by African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Donald Kaberuka at “Believe in Africa Day,” at a forum to herald the United States/African Leader’s Summit this week in Washington, DC. “How do we work together to increase agribusiness investments now that the policies are in place? That is the question,” Kaberuka said. As part of the panel on realising a new vision for Africa’s development, African agricultural leaders from Cameroon, Madagascar and Guinea, along with industry executives, fielded pointed questions from Kaberuka on food security, the use of subsidies to fuel growth and the need for regional integration when it comes to agricultural expansion on the continent.

Kaberuka questioned Guinea’s Minister of Agriculture, Jacqueline Sultan, about why her country is not a more successful model for agribusiness growth given its rich resources including land and people. She replied that “the willingness is there,” but land and water coordination has proved to be a stumbling block. “Other than the water,” Sultan said, “infrastructure and roads are expensive to build” and that, along with “a lack of financing, prevents agricultural growth.”

When asked about how harmful or helpful subsidies to farmers in Africa have been over the years, International Finance Corporation Vice-President for Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Jean Philippe Prosper, told Kaberuka that there have been some missteps in administering them.

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

SEC, stockbrokers, others seek middle T course on capital requirements HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stockbroking firms and other stakeholders are reviewing the new capital requirements for capital market operators.

SEC had introduced new capital requirements for all capital market functions with a deadline of December 31 for full compliance.

President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Albert Okumagba, said stockbrokers and other stakeholders are engaging SEC on the new capital requirements with a view to finding a common ground that will be mutually beneficial to the interests of the regulators and the capital market operators.

He said the engagement process could likely result in an announcement by the stakeholders by the end of the third quarter, three months to the deadline earlier set by SEC. "We believe it's going to be a win-win resolution for the regulator and the operators," Okumagba said.

By Taofik Salako

SEC had announced major increases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new minimum capital structure that is expected to take off by January 1, 2015.

The apex capital market regulator increased minimum capital base for broker/dealer by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million.

Broker, which currently operates with capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent.

Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million.

Also, issuing houses, which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will now be required to have minimum capital base of N200 million as against the current capital base

of N150 million. The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million.

Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 million, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million respectively.

A Registrar will have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the current requirement of N50 million.

While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent from N500,000 to N2 million.

While a source at SEC had insisted to The Nation that the board of SEC would stick to the December 31, 2014 deadline for

the implementation of the new capital requirements for capital market operators, there has been a groundswell of opposition to the new capital requirements, which operators believe were aimed at indirectly reducing the number of operators.

The source at SEC had insisted that the apex capital market regulator carefully weighed all the options before deciding on the new capital requirements and the deadline.

According to the source, the Commission decided on the new capital requirements in the best interest of the capital market as poor capitalization was partly responsible for the recent recession and cases of malpractices in the market.

"The downtrend in the past was due to laxity in the regulatory framework and operators' malfeasance. Everyone has acclaimed the improvement in the regulatory envi-

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-0.2958 -206.9 -242.1 -156 -1.9179 -238 -40.472

•From left: Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), Reuben Okeke; Representative of Minister of Power, Dr. Anthonia Ekpo; Representative of MD/CEO, Sahara Power Group, Mr. Alistair Morrison; MD/ CEO, Egbin Power Plc, Mike Uzoigwe and MD/CEO, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Abiodun Ajifowobaje at the PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE kick-off of NAPTIN Programme in Lagos ... yesterday.

ronment, so when you strengthened the regulatory surveillance, you must have stronger operators with adequate capital and relevant competencies to ensure stable market growth," the source said.

The source noted that inadequate capital has been undermining market growth as operators have not been able to respond to market growth initiatives being promoted by the regulators. The source cited the example of infrastructure fund, which has not generated any strong interest among operators.

Earlier, leading stockbroker and Chairman of Capital Bancorp, Mr Olutola Mobolurin, urged the Commission not to use arbitrary regulation to enforce consolidation noting that both the capital market regulators and operators should find a common ground to ensure a smooth consolidation process.

Mobolurin, who also chairs the NASD Plc and Custodian and Allied Plc, said consolidation should not be artificially imposed by resort to mandatory statutory capital requirements as capital alone does not make an institution viable.

According to him, capital can be adequate or not while overcapitalisation is just as bad as under-capitalisation.

Capital market operators argued that the new capital requirement structure- which retained the previous trend of fixed capital base for a designated function, failed to sufficiently address the peculiarities of the various capital market functions.

Stockbrokers under the auspices of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) had stated that the new capital requirements did not reflect the underlying structures and feelings of the market.

Lagos votes N300m for LPG utilisation

T

HE Lagos State Government has earmarked N300 million as intervention to aid the campaign targeted at boosting utilisation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) also called cooking gas, as against other fuels under its programme tagged Eko Gas .

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Taofiq Ajibade Tijani, stated this during a road-show at Isolo Local Government Area to sensitise the public on the need to switch over to cooking gas.

At such road-shows, the state government through the Eko Gas initiative gives out filled gas cylinders with

Different strokes for different banks - P 27

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

accessories free to low income earners, particularly market women. At Isolo, 1000 cylinders and accessories were given out.

Tijani said besides the vote by the state government, they are in partnership with major players in the LPG sector such as Chimons, Oando, Strategy Alliance and Banner Energy to enhance acceptance and switch over to cooking gas.

The commissioner, who spoke to The Nation on the sideline, said: This is an initiative of Lagos State Government to promote the use of LPG (cooking gas) as fuel of choice for cooking knowing that it a fuel

that is environmentally friendly and brings good health to people. So, the Governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola, has approved that Lagosians switch to using LPG rather than using kerosene.

"Today's occasion is to flagoff another road show, which we started last year. We started with Surulere last year, moved to Ikorodu and now in Isolo and we want to cover all the administrative areas of Lagos to sensitise the masses on the need to deride unfriendly fuels."

On the distribution of gas cylinders and accessories free to Lagosian, he said that 1000 was distributed at Isolo adding that their plan is to sample round

Downbeat for the stock market

- P33

and give the gas to selected low income earners. "We might not able to cover all the people that we should but we will make sure we get to as many people as possible and by next year again we can get another vote and funding to cover more people "Our intervention is to make sure we give free to people so that they can try it. Between last year and this year, the governor approved N300 million for this initiative and we have been able to acquire those LPG from the stakeholders such Chimons, Oando, Strategy Alliance, and all the people that are already doing business in LPG. They are giving us all the support,"headded.

Governor Fashola He also noted that from the areas covered so far, “the initiative has been very successful and I can give it 95 per cent, and it will get better as we move along”.

PenCom: Northeast is least pension compliant - P38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

Why banks must curb fraud, by Emefiele W

HICH continent has the highest fraud cases? It is Africa, according to the 2013 Global Fraud Report.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, who made this known at the Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCOBIN) Conference in Lagos, said the report was a wakeup call for the region’s financial institutions to stem fraud and related incidences.

According to him, among other regions surveyed, Sub-Saharan Africa scored 77 per cent as the area with the most prevalent fraud problems. For physical assets thefts, it scored 47 per cent; corruption, 30 per cent; regulatory or compliance breaches, 22 per cent; internal financial frauds, 27 per cent and misappropriation of organisational funds, 17 per cent. It also showed that 2.4 per cent of the regions revenues are lost to fraud.

Represented by Deputy Governor, Operations Adebayo Adelabu, Emefiele said though the need for compliance has imposed additional costs on banks, the right thing must be done to protect the system from local and international fraudsters.

He advised banks to always comply with regulations as risks of non-compliance is costly, saying:

Stories by Collins Nweze

“If they think compliance is costly, let them try non-compliance.”

Emefiele said while fraud and corruption were international in coverage, their incidence was pronounced in third world countries, including Nigeria because of result of perverse incentives.

To overcome this challenge, he said financial institutions were required to keep track of transactions involving high risk customers, such as Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and Financially Exposed Persons (FEPs).

He said it was because of these consequences that regulatory bodies, have set up standards and regulations to curb the menace.

Emefiele said Nigeria has adequate legal and regulatory measures for addressing breaches of the Know Your Customer (KYC), Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (EDD) provisions. “It is the application of these KYC provisions that are meant to reveal illegitimate sources of funds and trigger investigation by relevant stakeholders that matters. Like in many developing countries, compliance has been a major regulatory challenge in Nigeria,” he said.

In his presentation, founder and Managing Director, DataPro Limited Abimbola Adeseyoju said criminals know that there are compliance procedures, such as KYC. They, therefore, come prepared, hence the need for lenders to go the extra mile in verifying their customers’ identities.

He said fraudsters either modify their identity slightly, or create a synthetic identity which can be detected through a Link Analysis Solution. This applies advanced analysis to determine the risk level for both the network and every individual associated with the network, he said.

Examples of attributes that could be shared and linked are Personal Identity Information, Account Information and Transactional Information.

“Once the entities are linked together, advanced analytics are applied to determine the level of risk and create a risk score. The i2 Notebook used by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIUs), among others, enables them to search multiple data sources simultaneously, find hidden links and entities and visualise transactions and timelines,” he said.

Adeseyoju advised financial institutions to pay special attention

to all complex, unusually large transactions, or unusual patterns of transactions that have no visible economic or lawful purpose. Continuing, he said the lenders should investigate suspicious transaction and report its findings to the NFIU immediately.

Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have in the last three years committed over N2 billion to the KYC, CDD and EDD provisions, The Nation has learnt.

Management Executive, Obrien Research & Data Management Bright James said so much investment was going into KYC, CDD, EDD, pension statement verification and reference letters for banks’ staff, adding that the lenders were going the extra mile in verifying customers’ details at the commencement of business relationship.

The verification, he said, became more helpful for banks, especially in handling those seeking credit, or customers that want to borrow.

“The KYC verification by independent enquiry is good for banks.

UREAUX De Change (BDCs) are waiting for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release the list of operators that met the July 31 recapitalisation deadline, Managing Director, Blue Wall Bureau De Change (BDC) Limited Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said.

He told The Nation that feelers indicated that about 1,000 operators may make emerge.

Aiyedatiwa, who is former Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) president, said: “We are waiting.

The collation process is ongoing.

I think that the CBN may complete the collation before the week runs out.”

He said operators that hitherto ran four or more BDCs would be

forced to go for only one licence because of the new huge capital base. Duplication of ownership, he said, would no longer be feasible.

ABCON President Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe said the policy was an indirect attempt to empower few operators and force many others out of business.

ABCON proposed a 40-week timetable for operators to meet the new minimum capital requirements. The proposal, he said, was sent to CBN for consideration. He said though CBN extended the deadline to July 31, the time was still too short to enable BDCs comply with the statu-

tory and legal requirements of the new policy.

The timetable, he said, contained actions needed to be taken to enhance the successful implementation of the policy for the subsector.

Managing Director, Kayewd Bureau De Change (BDC) Limited, Rotimi Dada said the CBN was still selling only $15,000 to BDCs as against $50,000 before the policy was announced.

Dada said CBN was “a bit hasty” by cutting the dollar sales to BDCs, adding that the regulator should consult with stakeholders on what to be done. CBN, he said, should see the BDCs as macroeconomic factors that favour the economy.

Bank staff are doing their best in carrying out these roles, but contracting it to consultants has proved to be more reliable for banks,” he said.

AfDB inaugurates $35m scheme

T

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a public financial and macroeconomic management capacitybuilding project worth $35 million.

It was approved by the bank’s board last December.

The inauguration came at a workshop in Khartoum, Sudan, and presided over by the State Minister of Finance and National Economy, Magdi Yasin, and attended by high government officials from the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Central Bank of Sudan, Taxation Chamber, Khartoum Stock Exchange, and Customs Authorities.

The AfDB was represented by Suwareh Darbo, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Sudan Field Office, who presented a speech at the opening on behalf of the Resident Representative.

The bank said in a statement that the workshop was also attended by staff from the bank, including Camille Karamaga, the Project Task Manager; Tadesse Melaku, Financial Analyst; and Asaye Adal Fasil, Procurement.

The project’s overarching objective is to build and enhance transparency, accountability and effi-

ciency in the use of public resources, macroeconomic policy and debt management through institutional strengthening and capacity building.

The state minister commended the bank’s continuous support to Sudan, promising to provide the utmost support to the project team to effectively implement this important project.

The state Minister further underscored that the project was essential for better management of public resources in the context of the government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. For his side, the OIC of the Sudan Field Office, underscored the fact that the realisation of the project bears is a concrete testimony to both the bank’s and the government’s commitment to financial governance, which is critical for the country to realise its development aspirations.

The OIC also emphasised the project’s alignment with the pillars of the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (I-PRSP) and the National Development Plan (2012 to 2016), both of which strengthen governance and institutional capacity in the public sector.

FCMB leads Oando deal

• Members of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) at a conference in Lagos.

Recapitalisation: 1000 BDCs may emerge B

• Emefiele

F

CMB Capital Markets, the investment banking arm of the FCMB Group, has emerged the lead arranger in the ConocoPhillips acquisition agreement signed by Oando Plc. The agreement signing and completion ceremony took place in France.

FCMB Capital Markets Limited, played the dual role of the Mandated Lead Arranger and Technical Bank, while First City Monument Bank Limited, its sister company, was one of the major lenders in the transaction, a statement from the lender said.

The $1.65 billion deal, which is expected to increase Oando’s crude oil production from about 5,000 barrels per day to 50,000 bpd, was concluded following the satisfaction of all statutory requirements and approval of the Federal Government.

“This acquisition satisfies our criteria for assets in production, as well as excellent appraisal and explora-

tion prospects,” Wale Tinubu, Chairman, OER said.

FCMB’s emergence comes as local banks are increasing their investment banking (IB) capacity to handle the most sophisticated deals. Three Nigerian firms –Vetiva Capital Managements Ltd, FCMB Capital Markets and FBN Capital finance - emerged in the top 10 lists for Sub-Sahara Africa Equity Capital Markets fee rankings for first half of last year, according to data from Thompson Reuters deals intelligence.

Domestic firms are developing investment-banking capacity as deals explode in Africa’s largest economy, powered by an emerging middle class and rising consumer spending. Projected growth rates of roughly 7.1 per cent per year through 2030, would raise Nigeria’s total Gross Domestic Product to more than $1.6 trillion, making it a top-20 global economy, according to consulting firm, McKinsey, in a report released last week.

27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

MONEY For many banks, the second quarter which ended in June was not a season to cheer about. Their profits dipped.

Some are blaming it on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policies which reportedly cut banks’ loanable funds and income margins. But, what was the magic for those that made profit? COLLINS NWEZE reports.

C

APITAL is key to business.

This explains why banks panicked when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on public sector deposits from 12 per cent to 50 per cent in July, last year. In March, the ratio was raised to 75 per cent.

CRR on private sector deposits also rose by 300 basis points from 12 per cent to 15 per cent during the last CBN Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in March.

Seeing the effect of previous hikes on banks’operations, the MPC left CRR, Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and other indicators unchanged at its last month’s meeting. For many banks, especially those with weak deposit base, it was bad business.

These policy adjustments creamed off over N1.5 trillion from banks’ vaults and put it in CBN’s custody.

When banks started releasing their fiscal year 2013 results, many pundits were interested in knowing the impacts changes in cash reserve, reduction on Commission on Turnover (COT), removal of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) charges and increase in contribution to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) levy had on their profit.

Some of the banks posed good results; other had a poor showing.

The half year ended June 30 result of Skye Bank indicated that its Profit Before Tax (PBT) dropped to N7.266 billion as against N10.545 billion during the corresponding period in 2013. Profit after tax also decreased to N5.786 billion as against N8.428 billion the previous year.

With gross earnings of N63.9 billion, interest expense dropped by 24 per cent yearly to close at N20.7 billion compared to N27.2 billion as at June, last year, in line with the bank’s operational strategy of increasing the volume of low cost funds in its deposit portfolio.

“Our loan impairment charge increased by 100 per cent year-onyear to N5 billion, being a deliberate policy of aggressive provisioning early in the year to enable a fairly sustained position and avoid high-figure concentration in the last quarter. Exchange earnings improved by five per cent to N5.8 billion compared to N5.5 billion of the corresponding period in 2013,” the bank said.

Giving insight on the reasons for poor outing of most banks, Timothy Oguntayo, the new Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director Skye Bank Plc, at a briefing, said the 0.5 per cent sinking fund being contributed to the Assets Management Corporation affects operating expenses.

Fidelity Bank Plc’s PBT for the half year ended June 30, stood at N9.43 billion, its Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, has said. The PBT represents a drop of 16 per cent from N11.2 billion recorded in the Half Year ended June 30, 2013. However, second quarter PBT was N4.97billion, which represents a growth of 12 per cent from N4.45 billion recorded in first quarter of the year.

Total Customer Deposits declined by five per cent to N766 billion as at June 30, this year from N806 billion as at December 31, last year as we rebalance our deposit book on account of high Cash Reserve Requirement on public sector deposits and continuous repricing of the deposit book.

“On a quarterly basis deposits recorded a marginal growth in second quarter 2014 while interest expense remained flat in a period of increased monetary tightening. Net Loans and Leases grew by three per cent to N438 billion

Different strokes for different banks

• CEO FirstBank Bisi Onasanya

as at June 30, 2014 from N426 billion as at December 31, 2013, loan growth was 19 per cent from June 2013 to June 2014,” it said.

Okonkwo said the result is in line with the lender’s 2014 fiscal year and medium term Return on Equity (ROE) target, adding that the lender’s shareholders’ funds stood at N166.38 billion within the period.

He said the result showed a gradual impact of some of the transformation it commenced at the beginning of the financial year, adding that the PBT rose by 12 per cent in the second quarter and net interest income improved by 32 per cent between June 2013 and June 2014.

“We are confident that the profit and efficiency momentum will be sustained in the coming quarters as we implement our newly tested lending structures, to grow the loan book in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and retail segment while consolidating on our niche corporate banking play,” he said. He said the lender’s gross earnings grew by one per cent from N62.9 billion recorded in first half of 2013 to N63.3 billion that of this year.

Also, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group second quarter result for the period ended June 30, 2014 showed the PBT grew by 4.6 per cent to N11.14 billion, while PAT rose by 3.2 per cent to N9.6 billion during the period.

FBN Holdings Plc, the holding company for First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Limited and its previous subsidiaries, grew its top-line by 7.9 per cent to N212 billion in the first half of this year.

Interim report and accounts of FBN Holdings for the period ended June 30, this year released at the weekend showed that gross earnings rose by 7.9 per cent to

• CEO FCMB Ladi Balogun

N212 billion in first half 2014 as against N196.4 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. The top-line showed mixed performance from the interest and noninterest incomes.

Analysts’ views Equities analyst at Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, Adesoji Solanke, said lenders must be disciplined on the cost line, and properly manage their impairment charges before they could deliver earnings growth. He said most banks’ managements acknowledged the current challenges and their initial focus will be on reducing the funding costs by continuous downward re-pricing of costly term deposits.

For Fidelity Bank, Solanke said the lender would be significantly more focused on driving e-banking products for customer mobilisation. On the asset side, he said Fidelity is positioning itself to be a Small and Medium Enterprisefocused bank, and, coupled with its payroll lending retail book, management expects combined exposure to rise to 50 per cent over the medium term (2017), from 28 per cent last year.

He said the bank’s management has also been re-pricing the existing loan book and plans to periodically review all concessions and lending rates. “The turnaround process is under way, but we think in the short term, investors are likely to retain a preference for the more liquid and relatively cheap tier one names,” he said.

Vetiva Capital Management analysts predicted that on an aggregate level, the banking industry 2014 gross earnings would take a potential $690 million annual hit, assuming a 12 per cent yield on

• CEO Skye Bank Timothy Oguntayo

the newly sterilised CRR deposits. They said the impact will vary from bank to bank depending on how much public sector deposits on their books.

But Sterling Bank Executive Director, Abubakar Suleiman, disagreed that banks have performed poorly. “If you look around, most banks in Sub Saharan Africa did not do better than 15 per cent Return on Equity (ROE) in 2013. Nigerian banks are averaging 20 per cent ROE. So, that is not poor performance. Also, it is at a time that the sector is also growing. Is it true that the headwinds exist? Yes,” he told The Nation.

Suleiman said the cost of resolution for the crisis of 2009 is something that will be with banks for a while but that, he added, should not stop them from aspiring to deliver good returns.

“These are difficult times. A time when the government and regulatory authorities are trying to stabilise prices, including exchange rates and interest rates, and the choices available to them are limited”.

And again, these are not policies that will be there forever. They will be applied in the best interest of the country, and when things stabilise, we expect some of these policies to be reversed and profitability will improve for the banks,” he said.

He said the CBN could not allow a certain level of liquidity in the system when there is pressure from the exchange rate. “And even the banks themselves are not better-off if liquidity is allowed in the system because what they gain, in terms of interest income, they may end up losing if there is significant devaluation or devaluation that is not managed properly. In my view, the CRR hike is something that must happen, and is not

‘These policy adjustments creamed off over N1.5 trillion from banks’ vaults and put it in CBN’s custody. When banks started releasing their fiscal year 2013 results, many pundits were interested in knowing the impact changes in cash reserve, reduction on Commission on Turnover (COT), removal of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) charges and increase in contribution to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) levy had on their profit’

going to prevent any serious minded bank from returning decent ROE,” he said.

Suleiman said his bank achieved its objective, and the target that was set for last year despite the difficult operating environment. Suleiman said the increase in top line performance is impressive considering the harsh regulatory environment and the tightening stance of the CBN which have put pressure on earnings of most banks.

“Most importantly, we also reduced our cost to income ratio, and we are a more efficient bank today than we were before. We also achieved a 40 per cent growth in our risk assets, and 22 per cent growth in total assets. So, it is an encouraging performance that we are very proud of and intend to repeat in 2014,” he said.

Banks’ reactions Banks are raising dollar-funds to fund businesses in power, oil and gas sectors. The lenders are also embracing e-payment to reduce cost of operation while also improving their commitments to Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. There is also renewed zeal to fund mortgage, agricultural and educational businesses. Banks are also reviewing their business development strategies aimed at achieving improved earnings.

In late April, the Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Phillips Oduoza, announced a major shift in the lender’s business model and strategy to improve its earnings in Nigeria and African subsidiaries. The bank has 18 subsidiaries across Africa.

The lender had in May 1, split its operations into two broad directorates, UBA Africa and UBA Nigeria, both under UBA Plc. The bank also appointed two deputy managing directors to head the UBA Africa and UBA Nigeria directorates, and mandated each division to contribute 50 per cent to the lender’s group profit targets.

He said competition between the two directorates will be positive and improve its earnings.

“We have taken a decision on how to drive Nigeria and African divisions and earn the full benefits of our investments,” he said.

Oduoza said the bank was not restructuring, but was redeploying its resources in a optimally to achieve its objectives and improving earnings.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Global commodity resurgence boosts Presco’s profit

P

RESCO Plc gained more than N1 billion from improvement in global commodity prices to boost its first-half profit by 84 per cent.

A management report on the operations of the company for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014 indicated that the palm oil-plantation and processing company recorded a gain of N1.29 billion from revaluation of its biological assets in line with the global commodity prices for the period. It had recorded a paltry N37.48 million as gains on similar revaluation in the first half of 2013.

The revaluation by the end of the first half restored the company’s margin, which was earlier depressed by relatively higher cost of sales.

The International Financial Reporting Standard (IaFRS) requires commodity-based companies such as Presco to revalue their biological assets on the basis of the international price of the assets as at the end of the reporting period.

Chairman, Presco Plc, Mr. Pierre Vandebeeck, had blamed similar revaluation at the end of the audited year ended December 31, 2013 for the steep decline in the performance of the company in 2013.

According to him, while there were no decline in the price of oils in Nigeria by the year-end, there was a decrease in the world market price of biological assets and oils, which led to a revaluation loss of about N1 billion.

The first-half report gained from the

Stories by Taofik Salako

positive change in the global commodity prices. The six-month report showed that sales rose marginally by 3.6 per cent from N3.92 billion in first half of 2013 to N4.06 billion in first half of 2014.

Gross profit however dropped from N1.37 billion to N1.27 billion. The revaluation gain of N1.29 billion in first half of 2014 meanwhile boosted operating profit to N1.84 billion compared with N995.91 million in corresponding period of 2013. Profit before tax thus increased from N791.68 million to N1.69 billion. After taxes, net profit stood at N1.09 billion by June 2014 as against N591.83 million by June 2013. This implied earnings per share of N1.09 in first half 2014 as against 55 kobo in first half of 2013.

Presco primarily engages in the development of oil palm plantations, palm oil milling, palm kernel processing and vegetable oil refining. The main products of the company included refined bleached and deodorized palm oil, palm olein, palm stearin, palm fatty acid distillate, palm kernel oil (crude and refined) and palm kernel cake.

Presco is expected to leverage on its first half results to encourage shareholders to support its impending rights issue.

The company might raise about N3.5 billion from existing shareholders through a rights issue. At the annual general meeting last month, shareholders had approved the increase in the

authorised share capital of the company from N500 million to N550 million through the creation of 100 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

The rights issue will be pre-allotted to shareholders on the register of the company as at July 4, 2014 on the basis of one new share for every 10 shares held as at the qualification date. Directors of the company had earlier indicated the rights would be offered at N35 per share.

However, in the event of under-subscription of the rights issue, shareholders will not have any pre-emptive right, paving the way for other investors to acquire the unsubscribed shares. The underwriter to the rights issue will be able to acquire the unsubscribed shares, subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities.

Presco will use the net proceeds of its equity issue to offset foreign loans and

U

growing overdraft. Latest audit of Presco showed that it has outstanding foreign loan of N2.02 billion obtained from its majority shareholder, Siat sa.

Besides, the company also obtained N1.07 billion loan from Stanbic IBTC Holdings under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF). It also has about N221.9 million outstanding as import finance facility from Zenith Bank and another N845.55 million from United Bank for Africa (UBA) under the CBN’s Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). Bank overdraft has jumped by 1,015 per cent from N63.06 million in previous audit to N702.9 million in the latest audit.

Presco’s interest expense on overdrafts also leapt by 608 per cent from N28.4 million in 2012 to N201.4 million in 2013. Interest expense on overdraft represented about 52 per cent of the total

UACN records N5.1b profit in first half

AC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc recorded modest increase in earnings in the first half as the conglomerate continued to harness the opportunities from its recent acquisitions.

Interim report and accounts of UACN for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014 showed that turnover rose by 7.8 per cent while profit after tax increased by 3.3 per cent.

The conglomerate recorded a turnover of N40.26 billion in first half of

2014 as against N37.35 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Profit before tax stood at N5.06 billion in 2014 as against N5.11 billion recorded in 2013. Profit after tax inched up from N3.37 billion to N3.48 billion. Earnings per share increased from 84 kobo to N1.03.

The first-half report came on the heels of distribution of N3.36 billion to shareholders as cash dividends for the 2013 business year. This implied a dividend per share of N1.75 in 2013 as against

• Trading floor of the Nigeria Stock of Exchange

Chams grows turnover by 178% in first half

C

HAMS Plc consolidated its performance in the first half with 178 per cent increase in gross income and a positive bottom-line.

Interim report and accounts of Chams for the half-year ended June 30, 2014 showed a major leap in the growth momentum of the information and communication technology company. Turnover rose to N1.415 billion in first half of 2014 as against N509.44 million in corresponding period of 2013. Gross profit also increased from N371.69 million to N598.34 million.

The company sustained its positive bottom-line. Against operating loss of N243.28 million in first half of 2013, operating profit stood at N100.69 million in first half of 2014.

Profits before and after tax stood at N34.76 million in first half of 2014 compared with loss of N276.21 million in comparable period of 2013.

The interim report appeared to underline increasing profitability of the company's operations. Au-

dited report and accounts of Chams for the year ended December 31, 2013 had shown that turnover rose by 21.3 per cent from N2.84 billion in 2012 to N3.44 billion in 2013.

Profit after tax rose by 115.3 per cent to N188.5 million as against N87.5 million in the previous year. The company's net bottom-line was boosted by tax gain of N81.54 million. Total assets grew by 22.9 per cent to N10.7 billion compared to N8.7 billion. Shareholders' funds improved from N4.5 billion to N4.7 billion.

In his recent review, Group Managing Director, Chams Plc, Demola Aladekomo, said the performance of the company confirmed that the various initiatives that had been put in place have started bearing fruit.

"To consolidate on our performance in the last financial year and maintain our profitability is quite commendable and we are confident that things can only become better for us. More gratifying is the fact

interest expense of N390.4 million in the latest audit. The audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that net profit dropped by 62 per cent, which partly accounted for 90 per cent slash in cash dividend to shareholders.

The additional capital, according to the resolutions, would be used to eliminate the loans with foreign exchange exposure risk, accrued interest on these loans and overdraft.

Sa Siat nv, which holds 60 per cent majority equity stake in Presco, will provide nearly two-thirds of the rights funds. First Inland Bank/Fidelity Finance Company (TRDG), which holds 8.0 per cent equity stake, is expected to provide the second largest chunk of the funds. Presco has some 9,415 shareholders with the largest group of shareholders holding small units within the range of 1000 to 10,000 shares.

that we have sustained our topline growth trajectory, an indication that we have continued to increase our market share and remain competitive. We have entered into some partnership agreements that will have positive impact on our performance in the coming years," Aladekomo said.

According to him, the priorities of the company in 2014 include completion of the ongoing restructuring across the group and dedication of its energy towards delivering value to all stakeholders; upgrading of its card personalization bureau to EMV-certified standard and fostering strategic alliance with its partners based in South Africa and Israel.

He added that the company would also strive to launch new card products and solutions into the market; sustain growth in its market share; achieve a profit growth of 300 per cent while continuing to engage the investment community and keep them abreast of developments in

the company.

This year, Chams will also drive the implementation of the Bank Verification Number project initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers' Committee. It is implementing the oneyear project in partnership with Dermalog Identification Systems, a leading global company in the field of bio-payment. Chams and its technical partner, Dermalog, will work for five years on the Bank Biometric Matching Solution Project, which is expected to create 1000 new jobs for young professionals.

Apart from its benefits to the national economy, which is bridging the formal and informal economy, the Bankers Biometric Matching Solution project and the increasing uptake of identity management products and services by private and public enterprises are expected to usher Chams into a new era of strength, financial stability, improved cash flow and profitability beyond the 2014 financial year.

N1.60 paid for in 2012 when it distributed N2.56 billion to shareholders.

Audited report and accounts of UACN for the year ended December 31, 2014 had shown considerable improvements in actual profit and loss items and underlying profitability indices.

Group turnover rose by 13 per cent from N69.63 billion to N78.71 billion. Profit before tax rose by 30 per cent from N10.75 billion to N14.01 billion. Profit after tax also leapt by 39 per cent from N7.10 billion to N9.90 billion.

Beyond the surface, the intrinsic profitmaking capacity of the company improved in 2013. While gross profit margin dipped from 27 per cent to 24 per cent, pre-tax profit margin rose from 15.4 per cent to 17.8 per cent. Underlying returns were also better with return on total assets of 11.2 per cent in 2013 as against 8.7 per cent in 2012. Return on equity also rose from 11.7 per cent to 13.9 per cent. On Per share basis, basic earnings per share improved by 14.4 per cent from N2.57 to N2.94.

Chairman, UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, recently assured shareholders that recent acquisitions, ongoing investments and strategic alliances and initiatives have placed the conglomerate on the path of sustained growth and better returns to shareholders.

According to him, the growth prospects of the conglomerate in the medium term is encouraging as it continues to integrate the two newly acquired businesses - Livestock Feeds Plc and Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc into the group. UACN had acquired majority equity stakes in Livestock Feeds and Portland Paints in 2013.

“The future of UAC is indeed bright as we are poised to reap the benefits of the investments we are currently making as well as the capacity upgrades we are undertaking in our various businesses, “ Udoma said.

He added that the conglomerate would continue to build on the synergies created by its various strategic alliances with other industry leaders.

He outlined that as the group continues to align its businesses to deliver good returns to shareholders, directors of the conglomerate have taken other strategic initiatives geared towards minimizing business risk and exposure including on-going implementation of Enterprise-wide Risk Management framework and the deployment of Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing (SAP) as its Enterprise Resource Planning software.

He noted that the improved performance of the conglomerate in 2013 was made possible by the innovative and proactive responses to market dynamics and competitive pressures by management while the company also built on its strategy of working with partners who bring value to its businesses.

“We have strategic partners in Tiger Brands Limited for UAC Foods Limited, Imperial Logistics for MDS Logistics Limited and Famous Brands for our UAC Restaurants Limited businesses. These bold initiatives have repositioned our group for sustainable growth and improved performance in the years ahead,” Udoma said.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

PAGE 29

•Works of art made from cane

I

T was an unlikely place to look for luxury, yet for 14 years, men and women dedicated to their art have turned it into a goldmine. Here, men of high fashion and taste, those who desire quality and a bit of the unusual would flock for a piece of an art which though threatened through generations and civilization, has refused to die.

Every morning under the Maryland Bridge, which links Ikorodu Road to Ojota, Mark Ewhleberene resumed in his office- a tiny enclosure made of plank and built closely with several others- and began his work.

INSIDE

•Continued on page 30

Make Nigeria a secular state, says Anglican Cleric

Inside the world of Lagos cane ‘architects’ It is an ancient art threatened by civilization and luxury, but traditional cane weavers in Lagos insist that their products have become luxury items.

Seun Akioye, who spent time with some of them, reports Rise and fall of Leyland Nigeria •PAGE 33

•PAGE 31

Giving a helping hand to the elderly •PAGE 34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Inside the world of Lagos cane ‘architects’ •Continued from page 29

He is a master cane worker, a trade he learnt in 1985 when he first came to Lagos from Delta State. In recent years, he has combined his job of making household utensils out of cane wood with that of being the chairman of Cane Weavers Association of Nigeria (CWAN), Lagos State branch.

When The Nation met Ewhleberene, he was half way into the weaving of what he called a “walkway” pot, about two feet tall with a hollow inside which can be used to hold flowers in a hall or large office. Watching the master weaver at work is a delight as well as a curious undertaking. He held a water cane in his hands and with the dexterity of a’ master’ long accustomed to such delicate and intricate exercise, he weaved the cane around a round frame he had made.

At first, it did not look anywhere near the “walkway pot” he intended but after one hour, it began to take shape, a resemblance of a flower pot.

As Ewhleberene worked, cars sped past overhead. Sometimes the heaviness of the sound of the vehicle on the bridge indicated the type of vehicle passing. There are more than 40 cane weavers working under the bridge, each one weaving similar design yet in some intricate way the works are very distinct from each other.

The bridge where the cane weavers work is accessed through the Mende end of Maryland just by the bend where the road curves into an arch which then leads one back to Maryland. Unless one is pre-informed, it will be difficult to think that such magnificent products are being built under the bridge. The cane weaver’s shops are built side by side on each side of the open space, facing each other.

In front of every shop is a display of exquisite artworks ranging from all household items made from cane. There are pots, baskets, hand fans, chairs, beds etc.

The cane weavers could be found sitting in front of their shops while the cane works are in various stages of completion. Denis Omadide was making a table; he had finished with the frame using wood and was carefully using a water cane to weave intricate designs on it. Not far away, two boys were busy peeling the skin off a willow cane which would be used as a frame for a flower vase.

‘Cane architecture has always been a popular art in Nigeria but it did not get the international reputation as an exquisite work of arts until the 1980s. It was a time Nigerians began to travel to the United Kingdom and they see how those people were using the cane and how much they appreciated it, then the value also increased here in Nigeria’ “We used to stay around Mende before but in 2001, we moved under this bridge because we were asked to leave our former place.

Now, the bulk of our people stay under this bridge to work and the government has been kind to allow us use this place,” Ewhleberene said.

In the beginning

Cane architecture has always been a popular art in Nigeria but it did not get the international reputation as an exquisite work of arts until the 1980s, according to Ewhleberene.

“It was a time Nigerians began to travel to the United Kingdom and they see how those people were using the cane and how much they appreciated it, then the value also increased here in Nigeria,” he said.

The cane business in Lagos is generally dominated by people from the Niger Delta; this is unsurprising because the cane itself is mostly grown in the rainforests of Edo and Delta states. Though, a sizeable portion could also be found in Epe in Lagos.

In Lagos, the earlier practitioners are those who came from the Delta and settled around Maryland after the Nigerian Civil war. They brought with them the cane architecture and began to produce simple household items and instruments for their trade like the fishing cage.

Soon, Lagosians began to take more than a passing interest and seeing the economic potentials, the Niger Deltans began to make it in commercial quantity. “When I came to Lagos in 1985, the people I was staying with were all cane weavers and I had no choice but to join them in that business,” Ewhleberene confessed.

Omadide who began the business about 12 years ago had a similar experience when he arrived in Lagos. He had no choice but to follow the precedence laid down by those he met in the city. Today, he has risen to become the vice chairman of the Cane Weavers Association.

There are two basic types of cane used in weaving. The first is the water cane which is the primary cane needed for weaving, while the other is the willow cane which is stronger and bigger and can be used to form the frame of whatever product to be weaved.

“The water cane is the most important, you can see that we first peel it, then we tear it out into tiny strands suitable for weaving and knitting and tying,” Omadide said.

Cane is the future

Many of the weavers believe that cane is the future of furniture. It is difficult to convince them that people may consider their art as primordial thereby unappreciated.

Omadide believes that cane is perhaps the stylish fashion statement anyone can make in Nigeria today.

Ewhleberene agreed with him.

“Cane chairs are for the rich people, they use it in their offices, hotels, swimming pools and even the beach, it is a show of class. When you really want to see those who are of higher taste look at their furniture and you will find cane there,” he said.

These cane weavers may not be boasting for nothing. For on the shelves of most of them, every conceivable item was made of cane.

There was a complete set of upholstery made from cane, tables, single chairs, baby cots, kitchen equip-

•Works of art made from cane

ments, baskets, dustbins and even a bed.

“Anything you can draw, we can weave,” Omadide said.

This was not an idle boast, a few meters from his store; Francis Djikounou was putting finishing touches to a most unusual product.

A coffin! Two weeks earlier, one of his clients had requested that he made a coffin for the burial of his mother using cane. It was not the first time such a request would be made, but for Francis it was his first cane coffin.

Francis’ coffin was not different from the wood coffins in design; however it was made from cane and grass and tightly knitted together to prevent water seeping into the body. When lifted it was not as heavy as a wood coffin. But as ingenious as this coffin was, Francis was not proud of his work.

“I am not looking for any more customers, I don’t want to do coffin again, anything that has to do with death and coffins, I don’t want to be part of it, I don’t like the sound of death,” he said.

“I am not a poor man” One may be tempted to believe that the weavers are poor and desolate men and women looking to make a meager living. Far from it, Ewhleberene said. He said that people who practice cane weaving have been able to educate their children, build houses and live comfortable lives.

“I am not a poor man,” he insisted.

Omadide said on the average, a weaver can make N30,000 profit in a month, now that is the worst scenario. On a good day, one makes an average of N100,000 and during festival times like Christmas when there are demands for baskets, one

can make a sale of up to N2million.

The products too do not come cheap. An average cane pot costs between N4,000 to N5,000 while a complete set of upholstery could cost between N150,000 and N250,000.

Cane weaving has also been beneficial to many young people too.

There are some University graduates who are still involved in weaving. Many of them paid their way through school weaving cane. Odafe Otomi-Joseph is one of them. A graduate of Purchasing and Supply from The Polytechnic Ibadan, Odafe had his late father to thank for teaching him how to make a living through cane weaving.

“I am an orphan and it was this cane weaving that saw me through school. I would make a lot of cane for people to help me to sell; as soon as that is done I will come back from school and make another set. It was a living hell living without any support for me and my siblings,” he said.

Odafe went though “hell” to acquire education and did his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service in Taraba state in 2010.

Government can help us

All the cane weavers want the Lagos State government to help them in many different ways. , Ewhleberene wants the government to give them formal recognition as that would enable them access loans that would help them expand the business.

Omadide believes that working under the bridge is undesirable.

“The job is good, but working under the bridge is not a good position, the government allowed us here because we are artisans now we are pleading that the governor should find a more permanent place

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Cane coffin

•Underbridge workshop of Lagos cane workers

•Omadide at work

for us. If we find a better place, this business will grow, he said.

Weaving cane and looking forward Surprisingly, despite the promising future in cane business, many of the current practitioners still crave some other businesses. For many of them, cane weaving is not what one can do forever and after acquiring some capital it is time to move on to other things.

Ewhleberene is still in the business because he is a cautious man.

“You have to look before you leap,” he said. But in the not too distant future, he would like to go into business, buying and selling probably,

‘I am an orphan and it was this cane weaving that saw me through school. I would make a lot of cane for people to help me to sell; as soon as that is done I will come back from school and make another set. It was a living hell living without any support for me and my siblings’ this time it will not be cane.

Omadide shared the same sentiment. “I can leave not because this

job is not good but because I want to do something else,” he admitted.

Fortune is yet to smile on Odafe,

now married with two daughters.

He is also dreaming of getting a paid job while he would open a showroom far from Mende where he can display his cane chairs. “Things are still tough, I want to get a university degree, but with the situation now, it is impossible. I have plans, once you get to my showroom you must buy something, I will make sure of that,” he said.

So why would these people want to try other businesses? According to them, making money is a little slow in cane business but once you make a sale, you are guaranteed a good profit. Also, the business is seasonal with most of the sales coming towards the end of the

PHOTOS: SEUN AKIOYE

year. “That is why I want to have a paid job so that I can survive when cane is not selling,” Odafe said.

Ewhleberene wants Nigerians to change their perception about cane products. “Cane chair for instance is a modern furniture, everyone is changing, Nigerians should change to cane. It is durable, strong and better that the other chairs. It can change your home for the better.”

While Ewhleberene was doing his best selling cane to the reporter, traffic was building up overhead on the bridge. Every day, thousands of Lagosians would drive over Ewhleberene and his weavers never realizing, they probably just passed over a goldmine.

Make Nigeria a secular state, says Anglican Cleric

A

•Rev Oladunjoye

PPARENTLY disturbed by the spate of insurgency in the country and the religious connotation attached to it, the Bishop of Owo Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev James Oladunjoye has called on the federal government to declare Nigeria as a Secular State.

Oladunjoye noted that the development would check incessant religious sentiments.

The Bishop who gave the charge at the Second Session of the Eleventh Synod held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral Church in Owo, Ondo State stressed that late Bola Ige’s group were right in the last Constitutional Review Committee’s when they moved that Nigeria should be recognized as a Secular State.

The Anglican Cleric noted that implementing the committee’s report, would make Nigerians to accept that the President or the State

‘The country may only be fighting a losting battle against Boko Haram, if President Goodluck Jonathan decides not to mention names of their sponsors. Some politicians were linked with the Boko Haram after 2011 general elections but are yet to be prosecuted by security agencies’ From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Governor could be an adherent of any religion and nobody can impose his/she religion on other people.

He noted that the current insecurity challenge facing the country was the plan of some people to impose

their religion on every Nigerian.

Oladunjoye also said the country may only be fighting a lost battle against Boko Haram, if President Goodluck Jonathan decided not to mention names of their sponsors.

He said some politicians were linked with the Boko Haram after 2011 general elections but are yet to

be prosecuted by security agencies.

He lamented the continuous stay of the over 200 Chibok’s girl in the hands of the terrorist group Boko Haram wondering why the international community that had offered to help Nigeria in rescuing the girls appears helpless.

Oladunjoye noted that if any of those in the corridors of power had their children among the abducted girls, they would have been moved to action.

The Bishop observed that some of the girls would have died by now or been impregnated.

The Anglican Bishop cautioned politicians, particularly incumbent governors and President against wasting public funds on elections in order to remain in power.

He noted that if a political office holder has done creditably well for the masses, he did not need to spend heavily to secure another term.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT Three days to the August 9 governorship election in Osun State, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, an activist and Director-General of De Raufs Volunteer Group, which is championing the ideals and reelection bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is confident that the governor will get another four-year term. He spoke with ADEKUNLE YUSUF.

‘Aregbesola will win 70 per cent of the votes’

Rise and fall of Leyland Nigeria •How corruption, wrong govt policies ruined a once vibrant auto assembly plant

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ONG before Governor Rauf Aregbesola declared interest in running for a second term in office, De Raufs has been busy campaigning for his reelection. Why is your group so passionate about having the governor win reelection?

What I want to say on that is very simple. It took us months to study Governor Rauf Aregbesola. During our investigation, we unraveled some information that many people may not be familiar with. I am not saying that he is the best in the world, but among the few that do not attach importance to what we call ephemeral of office, he stands out.

What do you mean by that?

He is not somebody who allows the mentality of the so called public office holders who carry everything on their heads thinking that without them, the generality of the people that they are destined to rule cannot survive. He is one of the few that believe truly in the emancipation of the people by using the instrumentality of office to change their lives for the beter. He is among afew politicians that will not betray the trust of the people - and it is very rare to see politicians that will not tell lies. I am teling you, sincerely speaking, that Aregbesola does not tell lies.

And once a leader fails to tell lies, he allows the fear of God to run in his veins. Once you have God, you have everything. I have tested Rauf Aregbesola. In a week, I spend close to seventy-eight to seventy-nine hours with him. It affords me the opportunity to know him critically and from inside his character and life. Whatever you discussed with him, he will not tell anybody; he maintains what we call secret. Once you discuss anything with him in confidence, he will not discuss it with anybody immediately you leave, including his wife. I am saying this authoritatively. I was with him one night. Somebody was talking to an elderly person trying to cover the governor on some issues. I just heard the governor’s voice saying, “I did not say that. That is not what I told you.

Tell people the exact thing I told you. I don’t tell lies and I hate people lying using my name.” But if you ask the governor why he is doing that to the man, he will just tell you that the issue is between the two of them.

Apart from the fact that he is not a liar, he belives so much in God. He has reduced the attraction that people have given to the office of the governor.

That means if you have the likes of him as president of this country, things will change. In his character, he has shown to the public that he is just a representative of the people and that it is the people that have power over him; that he is not the lord over the people. He behaves in a way that shows that without the people he canot be there. He brings everyone on board because he does not like division or segregation. Sometimes I don’t feel comfortable about some people around him, people I think are not honest. But he will say he can manage everybody.

But immediately Aregbesola discovers you are not honest, he will still manage and tolerate you till you expose yourself. I don’t

Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest city used to be home to a fledging automobile industry being driven by UK auto giant, Leyland, but that dream has since collapsed. BISI OLADELE reports on what has become of Leyland Nigeria and all the ancillary companies in the Oyo State capital.

I •Amitolu

•Amitolu

have temperament for such but he has.

There are uncountable qualities this man has that I have never seen in our conventional politicians in my entire life. When Aregbesola is committed to an idea, he puts his life there. That makes him to stand out among our politicians. Even sometimes when he describes himself as a politician, I do tell him that he is not a politician. He will ask me why and I will tell him that a conventional politician will not behave the he behaves.

Aregbesola is also a leader that is ready and in a hurry to fix everything.

That is why he wants to give his best in the area of education, thinking for the children of the people. He says he too is a product of public schools, and asks if he is a product of public schools, why should he not use the instrumentality of office to rehabilitate the battered and the destroyed public school system. He says that during his time in school, there was everything in the public school because the public school was competitive. He will say the very best attended the public schools while those that could not cope attended private schools. Today, the reverse is the case. He is also very passionate about reviving the health sector. He says he cannot imagine that many people in the rural areas cannot have access to decent health facilities. While people in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna, and

‘Aregbesola is also a leader that is ready and in a hurry to fix everything.

That is why he wants to give his best in the area of education, thinking for the children of the people. He says he too is a product of public schools, and asks why should he not use the instrumentality of office to rehabilitate the battered and the destroyed public school system’ other cities are living comfortably, they don’t bother to care about the rural dwellers who produce the foods they eat in the cities. When he realised that accidents have become incessant on our roads, he introduced the ambulance system. This is really saving lives - it takes care of the sick and the pregnant women. And it is in all the senatorial districts, each senatorial distric having nine. Just call them on their number and the ambulance is already there. I know we have ambulances in our hospitals in Nigeria, but what we

have here runs twenty-four hours all over the state. Apart from Lagos, where do you have that kind of thing? Since he inaugurated the ambulance system, the rate of mortality through accidents has reduced drastically - I have the hospital statistics. When some journalists had an accident recently the ambulance team gave them first aid and took them to the hospital promptly.

We could have lost more than five of them but for the intervention of this great man. Those who are alive today among the victims will give gratitude

to God and credit to the government of Aregbesola. Many members of the public who have benefitted from this initiative cannot also forget Rauf Aregbesola. In the past, when an acident happened, many of the victims died in the pool of their blood unattended to.

You can also see that the people are happy with his agricultural revolution.

His initiative in the area of agriculture can also be linked with Fidel Castro’s ideology in the area of agriculture in Cuba. Agriculture runs in Cuba. I know what I am talking about, in the forseeable future, this state will be the largest food basket in the whole of the former Western region. With the foundation, the output we are recording in all our farms in the areas of fishery, livestock, etc has increased.

Very soon, cocoa will be processed here. There will be no need for any cocoa farmer to travel elsewhere because all the cocoa products will be processed in Ede. The thinking of Aregbesola is to make Osun the hub of agricultural production for the whole of the West, that we can do it since the climate favours us. He has also made a landmark in the area of social security. He realised that the insecurity problems Nigeria is going through today is as a result of lack of social security. What he is doing in the •Continued on page 34

NCONSISTENT government policies on the Nigerian automobile industry in the 1980s coupled with corruption within the military high command might have contributed to the collapse of one of Nigeria’s leading automobile assembly plants, Leyland Nigeria.

Established in 1979 as a joint venture between the Federal government and United Kingdom’s auto giant Leyland UK, the company located in Ibadan, Oyo State was ostensibly set up to meet the transportation needs of the military, police and other security agencies including the Customs, Immigration, Prisons.

Not a few Nigerians in their middle ages grew up with the sight of the Nigerian military and Police in particular moving about on patrol in Land Rover jeeps then being assembled at the Ibadan plant. That had since given way to pick up vans imported into the country by private businessmen to the detriment of the local industry. Its Range Rover series were also quite popular among the elite Leyland was a popular automobile brand name, particularly in Southwest Nigeria up till late 1980s. It was not just popular for its products but also for the huge number of staff it engaged in its massive factory in Ibadan. So was the factory’s massive physical presence.

Located along Ibadan-Iwo highway, Leyland Automobile factory was one huge engineering centre that passersby could not ignore. It used to witness a huge traffic of personnel, business partners, visitors and equipment in and out of the factory. Production was

done round the clock as relevant staff ran three shifts to meet up with order for its products from all over the country.

It was the source of livelihood for over 1,000 employees as well as those offering services for the workers around the factory including landlords, food vendors, transporters and traders.

The factory not only empowered locals and foreigners alike, it practically opened up the Iwo Road axis of the city for booming economic activities as residents scrambled for landed property in the area at the peak of company’s flourishing.

But all that has become history. The sprawling Leyland factory currently lays waste in the same location, telling the pitiable story of an ex-champion. Its buildings still stand tall and attractive but the machinery have rotten away, drawing pity from passerby who witnessed its hey days. The heavy traffic of staff, dealers, suppliers and visitors has vanished while the factory struggles to survive.

Though it was originally jointly owned by Nigeria and Leyland UK, the company was sold to a business mogul, the late Chief Nathaniel Idowu, and renamed Leyland Busan Motor Company, when it could no longer sustain its operations.

The plant that used to churn out thousands of Land Rover, Range Rover vehicles and scuttles (chassis) for buses manufactured by another company, is now unable to assemble 100 vehicles in a year. Leyland, which employed over 1,000 staff, currently has less than 150.

•The factory

‘It was the source of livelihood for over 1,000 employees as well as those offering services for the workers around the factory including landlords, food vendors, transporters and traders. The factory not only empowered locals and foreigners alike, it practically opened up the Iwo Road axis of the city for booming economic activities as residents scrambled for landed property in the area at the peak of company’s flourishing’ For survival, the new owner is converting a section of the large factory to a training institute for technicians and engineers.

What went wrong?

Its Director of Sales and Marketing at the time, Chief Ezekiel Adeniyi Adeniran, explained: “Leyland was an assembly plant when I was there. We assembled vehicles from completely knocked down parts (bits and pieces or CKD). At the time it folded up, we were producing about 10,000 vehicles per annum and we had a staff strength of about 1000 running three shifts, but there was corruption in the country under the then military government (which affected the company’s fortune). We used to raise our budget by what the military/paramilitary (estab-

Celebrating the virgins of our time Recently, young men and women gathered to celebrate chastity and purity. They are young people who have kept themselves away from the moral decadence in Nigeria by remaining virgins. ADEJO DAVID who witnessed the event reports

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•Some virgin at the Virgin Pride Network celebration in Lagos

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

T was not the kind of crowd one would expect at such an otherwise solemn event. Earlier that morning, the heavens had opened up and poured torrential rain which had threatened to disrupt the event. But as the intensity of the rain increase so was the number of “virgins” drawn from schools, churches, mosques who had come for the second anniversary celebration of Virgin and Purity, organized by Virgin Pride Network (VPN) in Ikeja Lagos.

The virgins were immaculately dressed in pink and white while the hall was also symbolically decorated in pink and white. The concept, Virgin and Purity was the brainchild of Nkechi Odebiyi who is also the President of Virgin Pride Network. According to her, it was an initiative that seeks to celebrate young people who imbibe purity and chastity in a world

that is fast losing its meaning.

In Nigeria, it is no longer in fashion for young people to keep their virginity until the day of marriage. According to socio-behavioral scientists, media influence is a major factor in moral decadence in the country.

Available statistics also revealed that the number of women getting married as virgins have decreased in the last 20 years in Nigeria, while religious organizations in the country no longer make it mandatory for brides to remain virgins until marriage.

“There is no doubt there is a low level of moral uprightness in the country at this time, the infusion of foreign culture into the country, the influence of the media and Hollywood movies are the major factors that contributed to moral decadence in the country, people no longer see sex as sacred or holy and something to wait for, they

see it now as a social thing to be enjoyed anytime,” a clergy, Adegboyega Adeyemi said.

Adeyemi also blamed corruption for the moral decadence in the country saying leaders who exhibited corrupt behavior have lost the moral rights to lead the country and this has impacted negatively on the youths.

However, another clergy, Dare Adeolu of Christ the Redeemers’ Mission, Abule Egba on the outskirts of Lagos said the level of moral depravity in the country is attributed to the work of the devil. “If you see the level of moral decadence and how the youth no longer see the things of God as sacred, you will know this is more than the work of Hollywood, it is the devil.

That is why we can only counter this through praying and spiritual warfare.”

Odebiyi agreed that the level of

lishments) wanted - the customs, the immigration and so on. We used to combine this with the requirements of the general populace. This formed the basis of our budget and this was what we produced in a given year.

Now, this will be translated into funding for the completely knocked down components (used in assembling the vehicles). But (along the line) the army, instead of buying the Land Rovers from us, would go to the United Kingdom (UK) to order vehicles. In about a year, they ordered about 1000 vehicles which had already been included in our own budget judging from their needs and the requirements. So, we ended up holding the wrong side of the stake, hence, we had to find a way to sell the vehicles in the

moral depravity in the country has to be reined in and therefore set up the VPN to rewards youths who have kept the sacred vows. “This organisation was set up to know the mind of God for us regarding sexuality. We need to know what God expected from us, His desire for us is for a woman to remain a virgin and undefiled until she is married. Our idea is going back to the creation of human beings the way God made it to be,” Odebiyi said.

That was the essence of the celebration of virgins in Lagos. To show to the world there are still those who will chose to remain pure even with the moral decadence in the country and to educate the virgins on the ways to remain so in the face of temptations.

Tunde Odebiyi, who was the father of the day admonished the girls to remain pure in the face of the strongest temptation. But one of the facilitators Ihuoma Onyearuga gave the youths an expert plan. She said the girls should maintain their status by using common sense. This include being careful of the places they go, the kind of friends they keep, the kind of movies they watch and the kind of

neighboring West African countries.

This continued (unabated). At a point our technical partners - Leyland UK - decided they could not go on this way and decided to withdraw their staff and other investment.

To Mr Adeniran, the problems that killed Leyland and other automobile assembly plants in Nigeria, aside corruption, include epileptic supply of electricity, devaluation of the Naira and lack of sincerity on the part of the government to protect the industry.

He said: “Corruption was the major problem that affected automobile plants but we also had the problem of electricity because we needed electricity in all we were doing and at that time public power supply was not too good. So, we had to rely on diesel” (to power electricity generating sets).

Adeniran castigated the attitude of the military then and the corruption in the system noting that “because of the kick-back they wanted to take in cash from the importers, (when) the army wanted to buy 1,500 Range Rovers, they went to Leyland UK instead of buying from Leyland Nigeria that provided jobs for their people demanding so much from them and of course they would just add that to the cost of vehicles.”

According to him, Leyland UK, which held 40 percent of the company’s share, finally pulled out when Leyland Nigeria could no longer make profit in 1987. The Nigerian government owned 60 percent. The former owned all the directors excepting the Personnel Director and Sales/Marketing Di•Continued on page 35

fun they have. If they do this, Onyearuga assured they would maintain their status as virgins till marriage.

The virgins also had their say.

Oluwafunmilayo Demehin, a 21-year old undergraduate of the University of Lagos said being a virgin has helped her to be confident about contracting diseases or getting unwanted pregnancy. She said her parents have been helpful but ultimately it was the fear of God that has kept her.

A medical doctor, Theresa Ekwere counseled parents not to allow their children stay indoors with male friends, families and strangers while saying children should be given sex education early in life.

The virgins also carpeted the law against rapists and pedophiles.

Odebiyi said the law is not strong enough and that her organisation may in the future sponsor a stronger legislation against sexual offences. The highlight of the event however was when Odebiyi promised the virgins a special gift if they remained a virgin till their wedding day. And the gift will be given to them on their wedding day if she was invited.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT A non-governmental organisation, Ewenla Socio-Cultural Foundation recently extended a helping hand to the elderly in Ode Remo, Ogun State through its ‘care for the elderly project’, ERNEST NWOKOLO was there.

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UCCOUR came the way of the elderly - men and women, of the seedy Ode Remo community in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State recently as no fewer than 1000 of them benefited from the ‘care for the elderly project’ of the Ewenla Socio - Cultural Foundation (ESCF), a non - governmental organisation.

For over six hours, they were the centre of affection and care at the Ode Remo Town Hall where they were hosted. Scores of the elderly men had their hairs neatly barbed free of charge by tested barbers in the community while their women counterparts also had theirs plaited or weaved by stylists and hairdressers that made a good number of them wore younger looks than the true age.

Food items, detergents, toiletries among others were also packaged and given to each as take - home.

Many of the elderly women and men also received free medical tests and treatment.

Among the medical tests conducted by the medical teams from University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) include test for HIV, visual acuity, screening for cataracts and glaucoma - and no fewer than 40 of them were found to be suffering from cataracts.

And while they savoured light food in wait for the real thing, health workers from UCH and OOUTH, using local language sensitized them on how to care or manage old age, save their eyes from going blind with age and on cancer awareness.

Dr. Adedayo Afolabi of the Department of Public Health, OOUTH, who spoke on cancer, advised the women to check their breasts for early detection of cancer of the breast at the early stage.

Afolabi explained that if cancer is detected early, it would be easy to get rid of it quickly and warned that if allowed to linger in the body, it could result in a terminal health challenge.

He said: “Let all women stand before the mirror and examine their breasts frequently at least once a month. Run your left hand on the right

Giving a helping hand to the elderly breast and vice versa to check if there is any lump. If you detect any strange thing, report to the doctor in the hospital.”

He also pointed out that men too could detect on their own if prostate cancer is developing in their male organ, saying should they begin to experience strain in the urinary tract or finding it difficult to urinate, they should quickly see a surgeon for medical check-up.

The Chairperson of ESCF, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Filani, a philanthropist, who facilitated the programme in conjunction with the Ode Remo Development Council (ODC), presented awards to eight aged people for excellent and meritorious performance in their various trades and professions within the community.

Those conferred with awards are the octogenarian, Alhaja Sauli Sonuyi, a traditional midwife, Pa Olagade Oluyide (Bricklayer of old times) and Alhaji Adebisi Bello (Posthumous award, Butcher of old times).

Chief Filani said she set - up the Foundation to empower the indigent members of Ode Remo community irrespective of their ages, including giving of scholarship to students, and advised the wealthy and corporate bodies to lend helping hands.

Citing the case of 40 people having cataracts, she said it cost an average of N15,000 to carry out a surgery for the removal of the problem from a sufferer, adding that if more persons support the cause, the operation could be performed to restore the sight of the affected people.

The town’s traditional head, Oba

‘Aregbesola will win 70 per cent of the votes’ •Continued from page 32

area of O’Yes is a way of giving social security to Nigerians. With that, the rate of criminality in Osun has reduced drastically - anyone can find out from the police. He has engaged the youth of this generation in socio-economic development of this state. In the area of road construction in the thirty local government areas, he has touched so many areas. Look at the working tools he has given to the police. How will the people not be happy? Where there is security, investors will come.

Awolowo immortalised himself in the hearts of the people through his policies. Aregbesola is doing the same thing here. That is why he walks freely on all the streets and towns in Osun.

How many state governors can walk freely on the streets of their states?

Going by what you have seen in the course of campaigns, are you confident that the people so appreciate his works that they will vote for him again?

Yes, I am sure of that. Every Friday and Sunday, he makes beggars happy by identifying with them and giving them money. How many governors do that? How many times has President Goodluck Jonathan done that?

How many times has the president visited an orphanage? How many times has the president dined and wined with destitutes or the downtrodden masses? How many times has the president invited the poor masses to the government house to share the dinning table with him? Aregbesola

•Chief (Mrs) Filani

•Some of the old women having their hair plaited

•Amitolu

has done that on many occassions where people with special needs were invited to government house, organising dinner for them and giving them sense of belonging that they are part of us. His style of governance gives the impression that he does not fancy vanity or luxury at all.

Beyond what you ascribed to the governor, to what extent are you also counting on members of your organization in all the 30 local government areas in the state to win next Saturday poll?

Anytime we hold meetings or rallies, I am always amazed at the way they work. They are very committed.

Recently, I tested them to know

whether their loyalty and devotion is real or not. I asked each chapter to produce within 24 hours at least five hundred members of our organisation that have voter’s card (he opens his laptop to show the figures). Later, I extended it to 72 hours. Before 72 hours, they produced more than that. I also did my own - I produced my entire family’s voter’s cards, my mother’s voter’s card, my wife’s voter’s card, my son’s voter’s card. I asked every member of De Raufs in all the 3011 polling units in Osun to do same. They produced all this in less than 72 hours. I was shocked. They gave me more than the figure requested for. To the glory of God, in each polling unit, we can

Adetunji Osho (Owadaniyan11), who chaired the event, urged his subjects home and in the Diaspora, to use their God - given wealth to bless the less fortunate members of the community.

Osho lauded Mrs Filani for “bringing succour to the elderly,” making them to once again feel loved and have a sense of “belonging to the rest of the active members of the community.”

Oba Osho said: “whatever blessing or wealth God gave you, use it to empower others. You are only a custodian of God’s gift of wealth in your hand. When you use it to develop others, you gain more blessings.”

In the reckoning of the monarch, the woman philanthropist should not only be “emulated,” but

also supported by individuals and the government to impact more on the indigents.

Also, billionaire hotelier, Prince Buruji Kashamu, who was a special guest, enjoined those who aspire longevity, to cultivate the habit of caring for the aged members of the society.

Kashamu who was represented by Mrs Ibilola Osilaja, said the aged are mothers and fathers of the younger ones, whose prayers are potent force that could attract more blessings and long life for those who care for them.

The chieftain of the Peoples democratic Party (PDP) who supported the project with food items, said there was the need for the young ones to attend to the needs of the aged, especially those who can’t help themselves.

conveniently tell you that we have over 150 members today that have voter’s cards. And we have their records stored permanently in our archive. That is just our own organisation. Look at other countless organisations that also believe in the ideology of Aregbesola - look at the Oranmiyan, Aregbesola Victory Group, Vanguards, etc who also have their members too. Now let us talk about his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). All these are bloc votes. I can tell you authoritatively that Aregbesola cannot get less than 70 per cent of the votes.

Anything less than 70 per cent is fraud.

He will get 70 per cent from this exercise while other political parties will share the remaining 30 per cent. I can boldly tell you that the candidate of the Labour Party will have more votes than the PDP’s.

In other words, you are not afraid that violence or militarisation of the poll may suddenly change the game?

That is why I disagree with people who want to take over the state by force. I want to say that doing that will not help democracy in Nigeria. I therefore want to use this medium to advise and warn President Jonathan not to be deceived by the aggressive and over-ambitious politicians; otherwise they will throw Osun into chaos. If they come to Osun and rig election, the people of Osun will react. I know they will roll out their armoured tanks, but they should be ready to kill thousands.

Rigging election here will bring sudden death to this democracy. I have been into detention 10 times because of the struggle for democracy. And if democracy collapses on the head of Jonathan, posterity will never forgive him because anarchy is looming. Why? If you rig election in Osun, there will

be crisis. This will trigger more crises elsewhere. It will raise the consciousness of people of Ekiti that have been robbed and kept quiet. Crisis will engulf that state and they may start killing people. In Adamawa where the governor was forcefully removed, it will raise the consciousnes of the people there and they may start challenging the impunity. Similar things may happen in Oyo and Ogun, where Governor Amosun is now feeling that he is unsafe. Same thing in Edo and Imo states. And when the crises engulf the whole nation, it will crumble democracy. That is why I want Jonathan to look and think critically by not undemining the electoral sovereignty of Osun because it can bring quick death to our democracy. I know politicians don’t think about the welfare and security of the country; they only care for their pocket. That is why I am talking about the implications of rigging Osun election. If they do, what I said will happen. They should also know that nobody has the monopoly of violence; it will consume Mr. President and destroy everything because crisis knows no bounds. I want to appeal to him passionately that taking over Osun should be between life and death. It is a do-ordie affair. But he cannot toy with the life of the people and expect them to fold their arms. The people of Osun know what they have passed through in the last four years; they can sleep with their eyes closed because the state is very peaceful. Anyone who wants to return hooliganism to Osun should be expecting anarchy. His party is telling us that Jonathan wants to revenge for not voting for him in 2011, it will consume him if he dares it. It will consume every consumable democratic structure in Nigeria, and posterity will not forgive any of them.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT It was time to celebrate excellence among Yoruba of south west Nigeria recently as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission honoured two exceptional young talents in Ibadan. BISI OLADELE was there.

Celebrating the geniuses in our midst •DAWN commission rolls out red carpet for exceptional Yoruba talents

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RE you a genius? If yes, a red carpet honour is awaiting you at the Development Agenda for Western Nigerian Commission (DAWN).

DAWN, which is the coordinating body for regional integration of Southwestern Nigeria, has commenced a programme of honour and support for genius graduates of Yoruba extraction.

The programme was flagged off by according recognition and honoring two geniuses of Yoruba origin who just graduated from the University of Lagos at unbelievable ages.

Tagged “Talent Repository,” the project, which typifies hall of fame, would see the Yoruba man and woman who distinguish themselves in their career well celebrated and encouraged with necessary support to enhance human capital development of the region.

Dr. Mariam Raji, 21, and Dr. Hallowed Olaoluwa, 24, were the first to be inducted into the commission’s Talent Repository at its 10th Floor, Cocoa House, Ibadan office recently.

While Dr. Mariam Raji emerged the youngest graduating medical student at age 21 for the 2012/13 academic session at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Hallowed Oluwadara Olaoluwa emerged the youngest PhD holder in Africa having graduated with the highest degree at the age of 23 years.

Olaoluwa started his PhD at the age of 21 in March 2011 and completed his thesis at the age of 23 in 2013 but he graduated in January, 2014 at the age

•From left: The Commission’s Director General, Mr Dipo Famakinwa, Dr Hallowed Olaoluwa and Dr Bayonile Ademidi

of 24. His PhD thesis was adjudged the best in Engineering and Science having made a cumulative grade point average of 5.0. By the feat, Dr. Olaoluwa became the youngest PhD holder in Africa.

Dr. Raji, daughter of a civil servant, was eight years old when she lost her father. She finished her primary education aged seven before she proceeded to Vanguard Secondary School, Epe, Lagos State, where she graduated at the age of 14. She immediately gained admission to study Medicine at the UNILAG, graduated at 20, but did her convocation at age 21.

The Director General (DG) of the commission, Mr Dipo Famakinwa explained that the project was aimed at ensuring that individuals with rare and development-prone competencies and capabilities are celebrated, positively mentored and aided to effectively maximize their endowments to the development of the region, the country and the world at large.

“The Southwest Region has always been a reservoir of high fliers and DAWN Commission deems it critical to develop an organized growth mechanism for the region’s exceptional human capital. He said.

Famakinwa further explained that the project was part of a deliberate

•Dr. Mariam Raji

‘DAWN Commission has instituted actions targeted at harnessing individuals with highest indices of excellence in academics, sports, creativity, arts, design, social work etc. with the objective of celebrating them, setting standards and benchmarks which will eventually cascade into the socio-economic enhancement of the region’ measure towards achieving this goal, adding that it would help tackle the challenge of ‘brain drain’ in the country.

He said: “ DAWN Commission has instituted actions targeted at harnessing individuals with highest indices of excellence in academics, sports, creativity, arts, design, social work etc. with the objective of celebrating them, setting standards and benchmarks which will eventually cascade into the socio-economic enhancement of the region.”

The DG expressed dissatisfaction at the rate of brain drain, and the celebration of mediocrity, which he said, has affected the human capital base of the

nation. He said the project would help identify, encourage and monitor emerging talents and “rare brains” in the region.

Famakinwa further stated that the project would help state governments in the region maximize the rare giftedness of some of the indigene, pointing out that phenomena such as those exhibited by the two scholars should not go unnoticed because what they have done is truly remarkable. He stressed that celebrating them helps sustain values in the Southwest region as a place where merit and competence are the yardsticks for success.

Prof Rotimi Tayo, who applauded this remarkable initiative launched by

Rise and fall of Leyland Nigeria •Continued from page 33

rector produced by Nigeria.

Leyland UK pulled off its expertise and started exporting its finished products into Nigeria.

The Ibadan factory at its height, had distributors for both its finished vehicles as well as service parts. They included SCOA Motors, Bewac and CFAO Motors who stocked service parts for customers who needed replacement or wanted Leyland products. Hence, customers needed not visit Leyland for maintenance if they chose to. The distributors in turn provided jobs for technicians, salesmen, administration and account personnel.

Adeniran attributed the success of Leyland at the time to good management and dynamic marketing and sales.

He also recalled that government gave the company a tax holiday on its imports for the first five years to enable it find its feet. That was in addition to patronage the company enjoyed from the government. But when that began to dwindle, the company’s fortune began to nosedive.

Will the new Federal Government policy heal the ailing automobile firms?

Adeniran is rather pessimistic about the propriety of the new policy as he views it as too weak and poorly thought out for a deeply ailing sector.

He said: “I think the Federal Government is putting the cart before the horse. Why should you increase the

tariff when what you want to produce has not started flowing? What have they done to make the one they are producing affordable? How much are they going to sell the cars when they do not have electricity for the cars they are producing? How cheaper can it be?

A good Tokunbo Toyota saloon goes for about N2 million. That is a very strong one that is not more than five years old. So, how much will they sell their own which probably will not have spare parts? This was what informed my position that if they had approach Toyota, Honda and so on which already have a presence here in form of Tokunbo (used) cars and you allow them set up their plants and you provide an enabling environment, they will produce cars at an affordable price. When the economy was good, I bought my first Peugeot 505, a station wagon, for N8,000. It was brand new.

That same car will cost millions of Naira today. They have to do something about the economy because there is no way they can produce a new car for less than N5 million. Even if they produce the Japanese and Chinese cars that cost about a million or two which will crash in less than two years, where are the spare parts? The spare parts are going to be imported at the current exchange rate. The companies involved in the assembling will also have to import spare parts. If the government gives waiver on the assembling of the vehicles, they will not give waiver on the parts used for replacement. So, has the government done what will make the manufacturing of

•Adeniran

cars affordable?”

The way out Adeniran believes that reviving the industry with the current value of the Naira, epileptic power supply, poor steel source and corruption will be a Herculean task.

His words: “It is going to be a gigantic step because of the weakness of our currency. A major bane of the industry is the weakness of our currency.

A dollar is about N165, meaning that a spare part that costs about $5 in the United States (US) will cost so much in Naira. Then you add duty and it becomes about N15,000. This is exactly my point.

So, how much are you going to change your filter that is imported for Nigerian assembled car? It will defi-

nitely be much more expensive. I do not know what the government can do but if they want to do it they will have to do a lot to revitalize the companies. First, they will have to wave duties on vehicle parts. Second, they will need to subsidize the cost of the cars manufactured for Nigerians to maintain quality and affordability.

That is a very huge task. If not, they will have to buy the cars themselves.

Some companies will buy what they can and the remaining cars will be left, unless we want to have small companies that will be producing just 10 cars per month and each will employ how many people? They have allowed it (the industry) to go down too much.

My opinion concerning the new policy is if it is going to succeed they need to

DAWN, specifically praised the commission’s strategy at guaranteeing that maximum gains are made from the brains God has given the Southwest region.

Another academic who attended the programme, Prof. Ademola Ariyo, noted that the best brains are most likely to leave the country except institutions create conducive and supportive environment for them. He therefore, charged DAWN commission to ensure that sense of responsibility and ownership be built into the emerging rare talents by instituting a structure that celebrates, rewards, manages and develops talented individuals in the region.

At the programme were the Group Managing Director (GMD), Odu’a Investments Limited, Mr Adewale Raji; Dr. Bayonile Ademodi; Dr. Tunde Adegbola and members of the DAWN Commission team.

The commission also recently celebrated the award-winning author of ‘Sahara Testaments,’ Mr Tade Ipadeola and also concluded the DAWN Games 2014, hosted by Lagos State.

Budding sporting talents from secondary schools around the region were identified. According to its Communication Specialist, Mr. Adetayo Adeleke-Adedoyin, the commission was already working to organize appropriate management processes “to ensure that these talents are developed into world standards by celebrating them, exposing them, monitoring them both in their social and academic endeavors. Education is so crucial as it plays a key role in development of both cognitive and physical abilities, as does mentoring, among other things. The framework will offer an opportunity for a diverse group of individuals to develop their natural God-given potentials into development commodities that would benefit the region and by extension, the global community.”

The commission had earlier held a strategy retreat sponsored by the Lagos State Government. The retreat, according to a statement by AdelekeAdedoyin, was aimed at defining “a sustainable economic competitiveness value agenda for the Southwest region” during which the need to build a huge human capital base for the region was highlighted rethink it because from my experience I do not know the kind of car they want to produce. If you bring Chinese or Taiwanese cars, Nigerians will buy, and in less than two years, they will crash because of the bad economy.

When you want to replace faulty parts, you spend a huge amount of money and after two years you need another car. So, the government should look at the population of the vehicles in Nigeria, the brands, that is where they should go. They should look at the popular and most preferred ones and not just any manufacturer. If you go to any local vehicle parts market, the spare parts are available and affordable, and you fix it, it works. They are unlike the hybrid car types whose parts are unavailable. I know about so many cars that were faulty and they had to fix a Toyota engine inside because the other one is problematic.

Toyota is fantastic!”

Adeniran believes that individuals cannot run the big automobile firms successfully. He believes in the country returning to the old practice whereby government would own about 60 percent while other investors would own 40 percent.

“I don’t even see how the current policy can work. Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) is producing about one third of its installed capacity now. It is still the only one producing, I understand that Nissan is about starting at Volkswagen factory in Lagos. I think another auto firm is coming but I do not know how they will produce with the present exchange rate and bad electricity supply.” He said.

What should government do?

•Continued on page 36

‘

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

What a Sallah celebration it was last week for the people of Otto in Lagos Mainland as Rise and fall of their long years of suffering erratic power supply came to an end during the Eid-Ul-Fitri Leyland Nigeria festival when they were given a 500KVA electricity transformer by their representative in •Continued from page 35 the Lagos State House of Assembly. OZIEGBE OKOEKI was at the handover ceremony.

Adeniran strongly advises the gov-

Pillar of light comes over Otto community F

OR residents of Otto in Lagos Mainland 1 constituency, there was no better Sallah present than the one given to them by their representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Bashir Oloto last week.

For quite a long time residents of the area have been experiencing erratic public power supply due to a fault detected in the old transformer that they have been using for years, forcing some of them to relocate. But as they celebrated the end of Ramadan last week, Hon. Oloto brought relief to them with his presentation of a 500KVA electricity transformer Oloto also gave out about 3,500 bags of rice, food items to his constituents as part of his goodwill gesture for the sallah celebration.

According to the people of the area, several efforts have been made to get the attention of the relevant authorities to supply the area another transformer but such efforts have been unproductive. A community leader in the area, Taiwo Ajayi, who spoke to newsmen at the handing over ceremony of the transformer, disclosed that “we have been through a lot of challenges as regards the issue of electricity supply. Out of the 24 hours in a day, we hardly make use of electricity for one hour. There are times that we don’t have it for more than a week and almost every household relies on generator.

“Our businesses have been down for a very long time because of lack of electricity supply. It was so bad that some had to relocate to neighbouring communities that are enjoying electricity.

Now we are very happy that our representative in the House of Assembly has come to our rescue, the issue of epileptic power supply can now become a thing of the past,” Ajayi enthused.

Oloto noted that the problem of epileptic power supply has been a major problem in the area “and it has been there before I became a member of the House. It was part of my electioneering campaign that I will ensure that Otto gets another power transformer and that is what I am doing today; I am fulfilling that promise I made before getting their mandate. As a lawmaker and representative of the people, it is my responsibility to make sure that

my people get everything that will make them comfortable. Now that they have this new 500 KVA transformer, it will replace the old one and they can now enjoy regular supply of electricity,” he said.

Traditional ruler of the area, Oba Ganiyu Odesanya, Oloto of Otto and Mainland, commended the lawmaker for the gesture, noting that “this is worthy of commendation because this is the best way a politician can repay his people. It is not when you give money to people that you can repay them. You look at what they lack and look for a way to provide those things for them, even if those things are out of your reach, you can use your position to get them for the people. Oloto has done well by remembering those that gave their mandates to him to represent them.

“Some months ago, I was informed that he gave GCE forms to about 1, 000 students in his constituency, these are some of the things we expect from politicians not just to select some people and be doling money out to them, while many people will not benefit. I want to commend him and I want to advise him not to relent. The only thing we require from him is quality representation at the House of Assembly and I can assure him that he will always get the support of the people whenever the need arises,” Odesanya added.

Speaking on behalf of the Community Development Association, Olufemi Akano, explained that “our community has waited too long to get this transformer and now that we have it, we will make judicious use of it. We will protect it very well, especially from those who can damage it. We thank out Honourable member for doing this for us and we pray that God will continue to protect and grant him his heart desires,” he said.

Expressing the excitement of the community, the oldest man in the area, Elder Babatunde Ayinla, noted the tremendous achievements of the lawmaker since he was elected, even as he lamented the absence of power supply to the community for several months now and appreciated the lawmaker for coming to their rescue.

“Personally, I have been monitoring his activities in the House of Assembly

•Oloto presenting the transformer to the community

and to an extent, I can say he has represented us well considering the kind of representation we have had in the past.

We have lawmakers that only share money among few people, instead of using the money to bring about development to the constituency; they give money out to their loyalists. But Oloto has not been like that, some people came to me to complain that Oloto doesn’t give them money and I told them that his responsibility is not to share money to people and since then, they have stopped coming to complain to me,” said Ayinla.

While speaking on why he decided to reach out to his constituents, Oloto disclosed that he has not forgotten the overwhelming support the electorate gave to him and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last election in Lagos State.

In order for the constituents to have a joyful Eid-Ul-Fitri celebration, the lawmaker also gave out about 3,000 mini bags of rice to residents of the 11 wards in Lagos Mainland 1 constituency. This gesture, according to the lawmaker, “is just to appreciate the electorate in a little way. The packaged bags of rice we have shared were meant to let the people have something to celebrate the sallah festival. And what we

•The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Oluyole Local Government Area, Prince Abass Ayoade Alesinloye (middle) cutting the tape to inaugurate Borehole water and Street light at the New Kasumu Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State. With him are Chairman, Board of Trustee of the community, Mr. Sulaimon Adebayo Ajibola (second right); Council Women Leader, Alhaja Nike Adebiyi (right); Mr. Femi Abioye (left); Mr. John Awopeju (second left; Community Financial Secretary; Mr. Matthew Ogundipe (third left); Mr. Wasiu Akobi (backrow) and others.

have done is to go about the whole Wards in my constituency to share the food-stuffs.

“Some people might feel we are doing these things because 2015 is fast approaching but this is far from it. I am very close to my people and it is important for me to do what I can do to provide for some of their needs and that sallah and nothing more,” said the lawmaker.

Some of the beneficiaries applauded the lawmaker for the gesture, noting that such largesse could not have come at a better time. “Honourable Oloto is a kind person; I have known him for a very long time, before he became a member of the House. He has always been generous. He donated a transformer to the people of Otto and now, he has given some of us mini bags of rice, which we can use to celebrate the salah festival,” said Mrs. Aminat Ahmed, a resident of Ward A in Makoko area of the constituency.

Another resident in Freeman Street, Mrs. Titilola Sawyer, said “we are grateful to our lawmaker for these bags of rice he has distributed to us. It is very rare and hard to see a politician that will come back and give back to the people. I want to personally say thank you to him for this gesture and I pray that God will grant him all his heart desires and wherever he is aiming to get to in life, the Almighty God will take him there,” Mrs. Sawyer prayed.

When asked to give the financial estimate of the things he has done for the people, the lawmaker said “I really can’t give you the financial figure of these things I have done for my people. The point is I don’t always do the financial estimation of whatever I want to do for my people. No amount of money is too much to spend on those who gave me their mandate, so let us not talk about the financial cost of doing these things for them,” he said.

Oloto, however, urged the people to protect the transformer from those who may want to vandalize it, saying “you have to protect the transformer from those that can vandalize it because once it is vandalized, it will become a problem for the community and I can’t imagine seeing you going back to darkness. So make sure you protect it very well so that you can keep enjoying constant supply of electricity,” the lawmaker added.

ernment to invite popular brands such as Toyota and Honda to set up assembly plants in Nigeria. He believes that service parts of their products are already available and that new parts would increase in the Nigerian auto market if they start their plants in Nigeria.

“If the government wants to produce affordable cars that can be maintained for the Nigerian populace and provide employment, they will need to follow the advice. It is good. I see that Nissan has started assembling in Lagos. They should invite Toyota and Honda instead of all the Chinese because it is going to be counter-productive. If they want to do it for the populace, then the interest of the populace will be first and foremost in their mind.”

Future of the automobile industry in Nigeria However, Adeniran is optimistic that if the Nigerian government is sincere and committed to it, the large market in the country makes the future a bright one for the country.

“The future is bright. We have a very large population which means huge market but they have to get it right. If corruption had not killed Ajaokuta Steel, we would be able to churn out parts ourselves. We would be able to attract people from outside to come and invest here, buy the iron and produce spare parts here and that will reduce the price. We will be able to do the body part from our steel and petroleum. This is what I think the government should start first, not just go into assembling. We do not have the parts here and if you are going to import it you are going to do that with the present exchange rate. That will kill the dream.

Ancillary companies While Leyland Automobile Company thrived in the 1980s, it sourced vehicle parts from parts manufacturing companies, most of which were located in the same city of Ibadan.

For instance, it sourced tyre from the then two top tyre manufacturing companies in Nigeria - Dunlop and Michelin. The two tyre manufacturers, which were based in Lagos, have since folded up due to the harsh economic condition.

Leyland also sourced brake pads from Ferodo Nig. Ltd, a brake pads manufacturing company in Ibadan.

The company, which used to supply Leyland, PAN and other automobile companies in the country, has also since closed shop.

Its battery manufacturer, West African Batteries Ltd, which is located about 1,200 metres away from Leyland, has also folded up. So is the glass supplier, TSG Nigeria, which shares fence with Leyland. The firm has also closed down, throwing thousands of Nigerians back into the job market.

The manufacturing company that produced body for the trucks, Nigerwest Ltd, which was also located in Ibadan, has also since wond down.

Fact file *Leyland commenced production in 1979 but went under around 1987 Employed over 1,000 staff but currently has less than 100 *Engaged several distributors but currently has none Produced 10,000 Land and Range Rovers, 16,000 light and heavy trucks annually but currently struggling to turn out 50 buses ordered by Osun State Government Produced huge service parts for product maintenance Recording a turnover of N100 million as at 1982 (when N4 exchanged for £1) A one-hectre factory currently producing below 10 % capacity Now grappling with extremely poor patronage, very poor electricity supply and inadequate skilled manpower

37

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS Nigerian equities are losing the momentum in the second half. Against the expectations that half-year earnings would boost stock market performance, equities have struggled with sustained declines over the weeks. Capital Market Editor TAOFIK SALAKO reports that insecurity, election and low earnings might have sapped investors' appetite

Downbeat for the stock market

E

QUITIES opened this week with average decline of 0.32 per cent on Monday, extending the downtrend after it lost 0.83 per cent last week. With more losers than gainers, the selling pressure has built up and appeared to be spreading across the sectors. Last week, 47 stocks depreciated against 27 stocks that appreciated. In the previous week, more than half of price changes ended on the negative with 54 decliners to 26 advancers.

The early period of August reflected the echoes of the downtrend in the preceding month of July, when equities lost some N128 billion. Equities had lost the momentum and struggled through July as a mixed of modest and uninspiring earnings dampened investors' appetite. With the market closing on the downtrend, investors lost about N128 billion in July, implying average decline of 0.91 per cent. The downtrend in July depressed the average year-to-date return from 2.79 per cent at the beginning of the month to 1.86 per cent.

Equities opened this week with average decline of 0.32 per cent on Monday, extending the downtrend after it lost 0.83 per cent last week.

Equities had lost the momentum and struggled through July as a mixed of modest and uninspiring earnings dampened investors' appetite. With the market closing on the downtrend, investors lost about N128 billion in July, implying average decline of 0.91 per cent. The downtrend in July depressed the average year-to-date return from 2.79 per cent at the beginning of the month to 1.86 per cent.

Also, accumulated capital gains over the course of the year, which stood at N802 billion by the end of June, dropped to N674 billion by the July month-end as a last-day bearish trend sent most equities to lower prices.

Aggregate market value of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed July at N13.900 trillion as against the month's opening value of N14.028 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the composite index that tracks prices of all equities on the NSE, also dropped from its month's opening index of 42,482.48 points to close at 42,097.46 points.

On the reverse The seven-month performance in 2014 represented a significant reversal against the performance in the corresponding period of 2013. Nigerian equities had by July 2013 rode to a seven-month average return of 35.03 per cent. Equities closed July 2013 on a high note, trotting back to N12 trillion after adding N581 billion capital gains in July.

Aggregate year-to-date return thus improved from six-month value of N2.45 trillion to N3.03 trillion by the end of July 2013. After the downtrend in June, the market was particularly spectacular in July with a month-onmonth average return of 5.08 per cent.

The market closed the last trading day of July 2013 with a gain of N34 billion.

Aggregate market value of all equities closed July 2013 at N12.007 trillion as against its opening value of N11.426 trillion for the month. The ASI also rose from month's opening index of 36,164.31 points to close at 37,914.33 points by July 2013. With a bulging pocket of N3.03 trillion and

•CEO, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema

average year-to-date return of 35.03 per cent, equities had readied for another record successive performance.

In value terms, the seven-month capital gain of N3.03 trillion had already surpassed total gains of N2.44 trillion recorded for the entire 2012. Also, real benchmark return of 35.03 per cent was only a point below the average full-year return of 35.45 per cent recorded in 2012.

The topsy-turvy pricing trend The July 2014 downtrend dampened enthusiasm that started the second half as capital gains accumulated to N802 billion on the back of early positioning for the second quarter and first half earnings. However, the first half reports have shown muted performance across several sectors; especially in the financial services sector where banks have shown tight bottom-line.

Aggregate market value of all quoted equities had opened this year at N13.226 trillion while the ASI started the year at 41,329.19 points.

Riding on the back of sustained gains in May and June, the stock market had erased the losses in the previous four months and left the investors with some N802 billion in capital gains by the end of first half.

Quoted equities had wriggled all through the first four months of this year with negative month-on-month return. The stock market recorded a negative return of -0.68 per cent in April, building on the bearish trend that had characterized the stock market in the first quarter. In January, February and March, the market consistently recorded losses of 1.8 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.0 per cent respectively.

The negative return in April further depressed the overall market performance, increasing the four-month average loss to 6.88 per cent. This implied that an average investor had lost 6.88 per cent of its portfolio over the four-month period.

The ASI had closed the first quarter of 2014 with a drop of 6.25 per cent to close at 38,748 points while market capitalization dropped by 5.89 per cent to close at N12.45 Trillion. Total market volume for the quarter also fell by 26 per cent at 22.83 billion while total market value rose marginally by 6.3 per cent to close at N269.4 billion.

However, Nigerian equities had in June built on strong gain made in May to add additional capital gains of N333 billion. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed June 2014 at N14.028 trillion as against the open-

•DG, SEC, Arunma Oteh

ing value for the month at N13.695 trillion. This represented additional gain of N333 billion. The ASI rose from index on board for the month of 41,474.40 points to close first half 2014 at 42,482.48 points, indicating monthon-month average return of 2.43 per cent.

A six-month analysis of the first half had shown that the market benefited from increasing positioning and portfolio rebalancing as investors sought to strengthen their portfolios across sectors, in expectation of half-year earnings. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed the first half at a high of N14.028 trillion as against its 2014 opening value of N13.226 trillion. The ASI rose from the year's opening index of 41,329.19 points to close first half at 42,482.48 points, representing average return of 2.79 per cent.

Notwithstanding the modest gain in the first half, the downbeat was evident when also compared with the performance in the first half of 2013.

In the first half of 2013, the Nigerian stock market recorded a six-month average return of about 28.8 per cent, leaving investors with approximately N2.45 trillion in capital gains during the period. Aggregate market value of all equities on the NSE closed the first half of 2013 at N11.426 trillion as against its value-on-board of N8.974 trillion that started the year, representing an increase of 27.3 per cent.

The ASI rose from 2013's opening index of 28,078.81 points to close the first half at 36,164.31 points. The market had subsequently built on this momentum to close 2013 with a capital gain of more than N4.25 trillion.

The 2013 business year set the stock market on a new high with average full-year return of 47.19 per cent, its best performance since 2007.

Aggregate market capitalization of all quoted equities on the NSE closed 2013 at N13.226 trillion as against its opening value of N8.974 trillion for the year. This represented a whooping increase of N4.252 trillion. The ASI recorded full-year return of 47.19 per cent rising from its opening index for the year of 28,078.81 points to close the year at 41,329.19 points.

The performance in 2013 significantly surpassed the much applauded return in 2012 when equities posted average return of 35.45 per cent, equivalent to capital gains of N2.44 trillion.

Losing the momentum Now, market pundits appeared to agree that the equities' market would close this year with its lowest performance in recent years, although the

level of returns differs across various analyses. Most analysts believe the market would close with marginal return, a euphemism for average return of a single digit.

Executive director, Stanbic IBTC Nominees, Mr. Akeem Oyewale, said the Nigerian equities market may struggle through the remaining month of the year to close flat as investors continue to weigh the possible risks from the political transition programme, insecurity and insurgency and economic lull.

According to him, the equities market would possibly close flat by the end of this year as the remaining months of this year might be more challenging for equities because of concerns over the lingering insurgency in some areas of the Northern region and political transition as the 2015 election draws near.

He noted that the while the unimpressive performance of the stock market this year may be partly due to the boom-burst investment cycle, uninspiring earnings and macroeconomic risks are also fuelling the selling pressure.

He noted that the lingering insurgency in the North is affecting the stock market in many ways by reducing the earnings of quoted companies and also raising risk profile of the country.

He pointed out that the insurgency in the North has affected the earnings of several companies adding that the inability to sell their products in some part of the country negatively impacted on the earnings of companies, especially fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) which thrive on nationwide sale strategy.

He added that the security challenge was also partly responsible for the low earnings of banks given the constrained financing opportunities.

Analysts at Afrinvest (West Africa) also attributed the decline in the market to what they described as "broadly unimpressive earnings published by quoted companies especially the banks".

According to analysts, the slowdown in the momentum of the market signifies the waning appetite for select stocks particularly stocks within banking space which continued to be weighed down by weaker earnings performance.

Group managing director, BGL Plc, Mr. Albert Okumagba, however said the second half might benefit from the muted performance in the first half.

According to him, the market may witness a reversed positive trend in the second half, with better average return than the first half.

Executive director, Magnartis Finance, Oluwaseyi Abe, said the downtrend was not peculiar to the equities, but also across fixed-income securities. This, he noted, could dissuade investors from aggressive portfolio relocation.

Weak earnings, slow gains A review of operational results of most companies, especially large fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) companies that thrive on economy of scale and large market, indicated a general decline in the momentum of sales and profitability.

First half reports of Cadbury Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria, DN Meyer, Chellarams and Scoa Nigeria Plc among others showed declines in corporate earnings and profitability.

Cadbury Nigeria's sales dropped by 12 per cent to N15.32 billion in first

Now, market pundits appeared to agree that the equities' market would close this year with its lowest performance in recent years, although the level of returns differs across various analyses. Most analysts believe the market would close with marginal return, a euphemism for average return of a single digit’

SAVED IN MAC 27 BUSINESS PAGES AKPAN AS Due Diligence 6 -8-14

half of 2014 as against N17.43 billion in comparable period of 2013. The company's pre and post tax profits dropped by 50 per cent each. Profit before tax dropped from N3.59 billion to N1.79 billion while profit after tax declined from N2.52 billion to N1.26 billion.

Unilever Nigeria also reported marginal decline in sales while its bottom-line was depressed by increasing sales and operating costs.

Unilever Nigeria's turnover slipped from N29.67 billion in first half of 2013 to N29.28 billion in first half of 2014. , Profit before tax meanwhile dropped by 48 per cent from N3.96 billion to N2.08 billion. Profit after tax declined by 47 per cent from N2.74 billion in first half 2013 to N1.46 billion.

DN Meyer recorded a pre-tax loss of N59.85 million in first half 2014 as against a profit of N59.01 million in first half of 2013. Loss after tax totaled N61.59 million in 2014 compared with N57.88 million in 2013. Turnover dropped from N720.63 million to N633.46 million.

Scoa Nigeria also reported significant declines in sales and profit. Total sales dropped from N6.23 billion to N3.42 billion. Profit before tax halved to N77.04 million in 2014 as against N157.42 million while profit after tax dropped from N123.25 million to N58.25 million.

With its first quarter of the current business year, Chellarams recorded a loss of N109.13 million in 2014 as against N147.05 million in 2013. Turnover dropped from N7.17 billion to N6.25 billion.

Corporate sources said spate of violence and lingering and escalating sense of insecurity have been undermining their forecasts given that the Northern market represented a major segment for nationwide companies. They said all the sales representatives in major states like Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Maiduguri have been forced to relocate to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Particularly hard-hit were companies dealing in perishable and breakable products, which have had to contend with longer transportation schedule and sometimes, seizure and obstruction of delivery trucks.

Banks, which form the most active stocks in the stock market, have also generally shown a largely tepid performance, ranging from outright negative bottom-line to muted growth.

FBN Holdings Plc, the holding company for First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Limited and its previous subsidiaries, reported 12 per cent decline in pre-tax profit in the first half. Interim report and accounts of FBN Holdings for the period ended June 30, 2014 showed that gross earnings rose by 7.9 per cent to N212 billion in first half 2014 as against N196.4 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Profit before tax however dropped by 12 per cent to N48.3 billion in first half 2014 as against N54.8 billion in first half 2013. Profit after tax also dropped by 19 per cent from N46.1 billion to N37.2 billion.

Zenith Bank witnessed marginal growths across key indices. Profit before tax rose by about seven per cent to N57.85 billion in first half 2014 as against N54.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of last year. Profit after tax also rose to N47.45 billion as against N45.42 billion for the same period in 2013. Gross earnings rose by 7.8 per cent from N171.02 billion in 2013 to N184.43 billion in first half 2014.

Skye Bank indicated that profit before tax dropped to N7.266 billion in first half of 2014 as against N10.545 billion during the corresponding period in 2013. Profit after tax also decreased to N5.786 billion as against N8.428 billion the previous year.

As the market winds down the alley, the only major dose from its slumbering walk is strong earnings in the third quarter. The cast is split equally; the risk is the earnings may not be strong, and the downtrend worsens..

38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS P ENSION

PenCom: Northeast is least pension compliant T HE Northeast zone is the least compliant in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Nigeria, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said.

The zone comprised Taraba, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe and Adamawa states.

However, the Southwest zone is different. It has continued to be the most complaint zone.

The states in this zone are Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ondo.

This was contained in a report titled: ‘Status of implementaion of the Contributory Pension Scheme in states,’ released by PenCom and obtained by The Nation.

According to the report, in the Northeast zone, Adamawa is yet to commence the implementation of the CPS while Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe states are yet to enact the law.

Taraba is yet to appoint Pension Fund Administrator (PFAs) and has not started remittance of pension contributions, is yet to carry out actuarial valuation, commence funding of the accrued rights and yet to put in place Group Life Insurance Policy (GLIP).

Southwest Zone In the Southwest zone, all the states have enacted the law on CPS, PenCom said. The report showed that Lagos State has registered its employees and is remitting their pension contributions. It has also funded its accrued rights and put in place Group Life Insurance Policy. The state is, however, yet to transfer the accrued right to either the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safe custody or licensed PFA for management.

Osun State has registered its employees, is remitting pension contributions, commenced funding of its accrued right with the CBN and has put in place a GLIP. Ogun has registered its employees, remitting pension contributions in arrears, commenced funding of its accrued right with the CBN, yet to put in place the GLIP. The state extended the take-off date for the implementation of the CPS by 18 years - 2025.

Oyo has appointed PFAs but is yet to commence registration of the employees, commence remittance of pension contributions, carry out actuarial valuation, commence funding of its accrued right and put in place a GLIP. Ekiti has appointed PFAs, commenced registration of its employ-

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

ees, is yet to commence remittance of pension contributions, fund accrued rights but has put in place a GLIP. Ondo has enacted law on CPS but is yet to forward a copy to PenCom for review, appoint PFAs, commence registration of its employees, commence remittance of pension contributions, commence funding of the accrued rights of the employees, and put in place a GLIP.

Northwest Zone In the Northwest zone, Katsina is yet to enact the CPS law. Jigawa has enacted it, adopted Contributory Defined Benefits Pension Scheme and transferred the pension assets to six PFAs. Kaduna has started registration of its employees, remitting pension contributions, commenced funding of its accrued rights, which is domiciled with commercial banks but yet to put in place a GLIP. Zamfara has appointed PFAs, registered its employees, started remitting employee portion of pension contributions, yet to commence remittance of employer portion of pension contributions, has not started funding of its accrued rights, yet to put in place the endowment fund in place of a GLIP Kebbi has commenced registration of its employees, yet to commence remittance of pension contributions, commence funding of its accrued rights and put in a GLIP. Sokoto has appointed PFAs, registered its employees, yet to commence remittance of pension contributions, commence funding of its accrued, put in place a GLIP. Kano enacted the CPS law but has adopted Contributory Defined Benefits Scheme. The state is yet to transfer pension assets to PFAs.

November 2013 but ISPO yet to be endorsed by the CME/HMF. Kogi has appointed PFAs, registered only 5,232 employees, yet to commence remittance of pension contributions, carry out actuarial valuation to determine the accrued rights of the employees and yet to put in place a GLIP. Nasarawa has enacted the law but is yet to appoint PFAs, register its employees, commence deduction and remittance of pension contributions and yet to determine and commence funding of the accrued rights.

Southsouth Zone The report showed that only Cross River is yet to enact the law in the In the Southsouth zone.

Akwa Ibom has enacted the law but is yet to appoint PFAs, register its employees, commence remittance of pension contributions, carry out actuarial valuation and commence funding of the accrued rights and put in place a GLIP. Bayelsa is yet to register its employees, commence remittance of pension contributions, commence funding of the accrued rights and put in place a Group Life Insurance Policy.

Rivers has registered its employ-

ees under the scheme, partially remitting pension contributions and has put in place Group Life Insurance Policy for the employees, which expired in June 2013. The state is yet to renew the plan. The report also showed that the state commenced funding of its accrued rights, domiciled it with Premium Pension Limited but later stopped.

Edo State is yet to appoint PFAs, register its employees, commence remittance of pension contributions, carry out actuarial valuation and commence funding of the accrued rights and put in place a Group Life Insurance policy.

Delta has registered its employees and is remitting pension contributions. It has also funded the accrued rights of the local government employees while funding for the state government employees just commenced. It is yet to put in place Group Life Insurance policy for the employees.

Southeast Zone In the Southeast zone, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States only drafted bills on the CPS and are yet to enact the law.

Imo State has appointed PFAs and

has registered 3,943 employees. But it is yet to commence remittance of pension contributions. But the Imo State University is implementing the CPS under the auspices of the PRA 2004. However, it is also yet to carry out actuarial valuation and commence funding of the accrued rights as well as put in place a Group Life Insurance policy.

Although Anambra State has appointed five PFAs, it is yet to register its employees, commence remittance of pension contributions and yet to put in place a GLIP. It has, however, appointed an actuary to carry out actuarial valuation and commence funding of the accrued rights.

PenCom Acting Director-General, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said among the states, is the most outstanding as it was the first state in the federation to embrace the scheme.

According to her, Lagos enacted the law that enabled it to start implementing the scheme in 2007.

President Goodluck Jonathan last month awarded a gold trophy to the Lagos State Government for emerging the best state to fully adopt and implement the CPS in compliance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004.

Northcentral Zone In the Northcentral geopolitical zone, Kwara State is yet to commence the implementation of the CPS. Benue and Plateau have only drafted a bill on the CPS and are yet to enact the law.

Niger is the most compliant in this zone. It has enacted the CPS law, registered its employees, remitting pension contributions, and funded its accrued rights but is yet to renew its GLIP. The state was issued a letter of ‘No objection’ by PenCom for the PFAs to invest in the state’s bond in

From left: Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), (3rd left) and Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Rotimi Hussain (3rd right), during the award presentation by President Jonathan in Abuja. With them are (from left), Executive Director, Technical, (LASPEC), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga; Commissioner for Establishment, Training & Pensions, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase; Executive Director, Finance& Investment, Dr. Adekunle Wright and Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Pension Office, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye.

What you need to know about Pension Reform Act 2014

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N July 1, this year, President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the new Pension Reform Act 2014, which repealed the Pension Reform Act. The key objectives of the reform are to ensure contributors receive their benefits as and when due and to assist improvident individuals to save in order to cater for their livelihood during old age.

As an employee or an employer, there are implications of this change in law that you need to know; Access to benefits in event of loss of job The Pension Reform Act 2014 has reduced the waiting period for accessing benefits in the event of loss of job by employees from six months to four months. This is done in order to identify with the yearning of contributors and labour.

Opening of temporary RSA for employees that failed to do so

The Pension Reform Act 2014 makes provision that would compel an employer to open a Temporary Retirement Savings Account (TRSA) on behalf of an employee that failed to open an RSA within three months of assumption of duty. This was not required under 2004 Act. Enhanced Coverage of the CPS and informal sector participation The Act expanded the coverage of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the private sector organisations with three employees and above, in line with the drive towards informal sector participation.

Upward review of the penalties and sanctions The sanctions provided under the Pension Reform Act 2004 were no longer sufficient deterrents against infractions of the law. Furthermore, there are currently more sophisticated mode of diversion of pension assets, such as di-

version and/or non-disclosure of interests and commissions accruable to pension fund assets, which were not addressed by the PRA 2004. Consequently, the Pension Reform Act 2014 has created new offences and provided stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrence against mismanagement or diversion of pension funds assets under any guise. Thus, operators who mismanage pension fund will be liable on conviction to not less than 10 years imprisonment or fine of an amount equal to three-times the amount so misappropriated or diverted or both imprisonment and fine.

Power to institute criminal proceedings against employers for persistent refusal to remit pension contributions The 2014 Act also empowers PenCom, subject to the fiat of the Attorney General of the Federation, to institute criminal proceedings against employers who per-

sistently fail to deduct and/or remit pension contributions of their employees within the stipulated time. This was not provided for by the 2004 Act. Upward review of rate of pension contribution The Pension Reform Act 2014 reviewed upwards, the minimum rate of pension contribution from 15 per cent to 18 per cent of monthly emolument, where eight per cent will be contributed by employee and 10 per cent by the employer.

This will provide additional benefits to workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts and thereby enhance their monthly pension benefits at retirement.

Corrective actions on failing licensed operators The Pension Reform Act 2004 only allowed PenCom to revoke the licences of erring pension operators but does not provide for other interim remedial measures that may be taken by PenCom to

resolve identified challenges in licensed operators. Accordingly, the Pension Reform Act 2014 now empowers PenCom to take proactive corrective measures on licensed operators whose situations, actions or inactions jeopardise the safety of pension assets. This provision further fortifies the pension assets against mismanagement and/or systemic risks.

Restructuring the system of administration of pensions under the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate The Pension Reform Act 2014 makes provisions for the repositioning of the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to ensure greater efficiency and accountability in the administration of the Defined Benefits Scheme in the federal public service such that payment of pensions would be made directly into pensioners’ bank accounts in line with the current policy of the Federal Government.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP A young entrepreneur who entered the cosmetics market with the will to succeed is reaping the fruits of his patience. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

‘Belief in yourself crucial to survival in business’ R ISING to the top in business does not come easy. And for the Chief Executive Officer of ICN Industries, Ifeanyi Daniel, his story is a testimony on how to develop and nurture a business.

A “can-do it attitude,” and taking advantage of opportunities describe Ifeanyi’s road to entrepreneurship.

He started his business in 2002. Then, he tried his hands on anything that came his way. Initially, he went into trading, and by 2011, the idea of going into production of small scale body cream emerged.

First, he received training on how to do the business. At the end of which, he took off with N3,000.

In the beginning, he partnered a

manufacturer to help him produce his body cream until he was able to acquire facilities.

Daniel is in a market that is changing daily. In it, there is a preponderance of start up entrepreneurs; what is more, new brands are getting coming in.

He also faced the dilemma of producing skin care and acne treatment products or those that promise to reverse signs of aging.

There are also products with a dermatologic origin in the market. Besides, the preference for imported cosmetics remains a challenge for in-

digenous products.

Notwithstanding these, Daniel is convinced of breaking into the market, believing it has a space for him.

For now, his is a one-man show in which he is the only worker and salesman.

Daniel would introduce his products to prospective customers, try to convince them that his unpopular body cream is as good as the established brands.

He is lucky. The results are gradually showing - his products are gaining ground. Now, he hopes to be a major player.

The secret of his market penetration, he explained, is right pricing and ability to supply customers with quality products at relatively lower prices.

Also instrumental to this success is his ability to maintain steady and increasing contact with top buyers.

Though he sees his product competing favourably with established brands in the nearest future, there are challenges that may hinder this dream.

One of these is the difficulty in accessing finance - a reality that forced him to plough back most of the profits in the business. Also, is grappling with high energy costs.

Beside these are regulatory issues.

But, he has been able to take care

•Daniel

of the one by the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The ABC of doing business in Nigeria

A

•From left: Deputy Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Mr. Baylon Duru; Executive Committee member, Mr. Ade Makinde; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources,Lagos State, Mr. Taofiq Tijani; and Chairman, LCCI LPG Group, Mr. Abubakar Folami, during the distribution of EKO Gas cylinders in Lagos.

OGUNCCIMA partners New York Chamber of Commerce

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O boost entrepreneurship, the New York Chamber of Commerce has agreed to hold an exchange programme for entrepreneurs under the auspices of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA).

The initiative draws from the wave of industrialisation blowing across Ogun State.

A chieftain of OGUNCCIMA, Mrs. Cynthnia Saka, explained that the state government’s support for the growth of small and medium enterprises was a major factor in the deal, as the world is becoming more conversant with the business opportunities in the “Gateway” state, which has attracted over 45 industries, with a minimum investment of $100 million each in the last two years. This development, it is believed, would boost income revenue for the state and investors, thereby making the state become a nest for investment.

Saka told The Nation that the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administra-

tion has launched the state on the path of industrial base, adding that the state is rich in natural resources to make her competitive nationally, but needed the government’s efforts to develop into an industrial giant.

She said to achieve the developmental strides, the government was providing incentives, building up business skills and encouraging firms to look beyond the borders. In addition, she said the government is boosting its services to meet the needs of small and medium-sized export firms.

One strategy which she maintained would help the government achieve its goal is the partnership with the chamber of commerce as evidenced in the results are being seen in terms of increased business activities.

According to her, investors believe in state, and that is why the state has the largest concentration of industries.

Besides, Mrs Saka said the state’s investment not only in infrastructure, but also designing and implementing projects, would secure lives and

•Mrs Saka

properties and protect future legacies.

Mrs Saka, the Chief Executive Officer, T. Cynthia Nigeria Limited, a Lagos-based company that deals on plastic waste, said she has a vision to transform “waste into wealth,” adding that plastic waste has a huge market as it is may be used for packaging materials for beverages, food products, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products.

S Nigeria continues to grow economically, so do the trade opportunities for South African businesses. According to Hennie Heymans, managing director for DHL Express South Africa, despite Nigeria recently taking the number one spot as the largest economy in Africa, remains an untapped source of growth, and with internet and telecommunications technologies providing global reach, there has never been a better time to explore cross-border trade opportunities.

DHL’s own small and medium enterprise (SME) research on internationalisation, conducted with IHS Global Insight, revealed that SMEs who trade internationally are twice as successful as those who trade only within their own market.

“Nigeria is bursting with opportunities given its diversifying sectors, and has become the market to consider within Africa given its exceptional growth.”

Heymans warns though that it is vital for business owners to research the environment before entering the market. “Entry into the Nigerian market may seem cumbersome, but the market, catering to a population of over 170million, is relatively open to businesses outside of the traditional oil and gas sector given that the larger population has created a demand for fast moving consumer goods, health care products, as well as a need for retail, food, telecommunications and other consumer related necessities.”

Businesses also need to consider possible challenges, says Heymans. “Potential supply chain disruptions are a concern due to traffic gridlocks in most major cities, as well as congestion and possible delays at customs. The power grid is also under constant pressure which results in most companies relying on generators for their power supply.”

Other aspects to bear in mind are the country’s unique and diverse regions, cultures and people. Companies often make the mistake of moving into Africa with a ‘one size fits all’ approach. According to market intelligence agency WARC, West Africans have an outlook closely aligned to the US, therefore

By Hennie Heymans

understanding the differing cultures and their preference is important when considering expansion.

“More importantly, business entering the Nigerian market, or any market for that matter should not only understand the different cultures but respect them,” says Heymans.

He adds that businesses need to bear in mind that Nigeria, along with many other African countries, is an emerging economy and with this will come unique challenges and require patience, persistence and flexibility when conducting business.

“The emergence of the Nigerian market is relatively new. There is always the question of risk versus reward when investing in any country in Africa, and Nigeria is no different. These risks can be mitigated and managed with proper planning and the assistance of trusted and established partners. Whilst perceived risks may be high, the rewards are equally high since Nigerians are discerning consumers and will readily pay for quality products and services. When expanding into unfamiliar regions, both in Africa and globally, businesses should partner with a trusted supplier who is experienced in the field and one that is able to provide ad• Heymans, Managing Director, DHL Express South Africa.

•http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com

•Heymans

A passion for photography

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N an age when many people look to new technology, it is difficult to get people to patronise photographers with less sophisticated cameras. But for Lagos entrepreneur, Kehinde Olagbenjo, starting photography business is not expensive. One only needs photography skills, clients and a digital camera.

Precisely, Olagbenjo started nurtur-

ing the dream for the business in 2009.

He started the business with zero capital. He went through up times and down times, and some days, he just wanted to throw in the towel, but the urge to be a successful photographer kept propelling him to succeed.

While he has passion for beautiful photographs, but he has since realised that there’s more to being a successful

photographer than taking good pictures. For him, running a business is hard work. Sometimes, he had to sacrifice the money he would have being getting from certain jobs to create future business relationships. Over the years, his business has grown out of the initial base photography to encompass wedding and corporate work.. Now at the helm of a bigger

Save in Mac 27 in Small business folder as Small Biz -06-08-2014 - Wed

operation that employs other photographers, he hasn’t forgotten the pleasure that led him to start a business around his personal passion.

Beyond the artistic and vintage photos actions that abounds, Olagbenjo said, perseverance, desire to grow, and flexibility are critical success factors. As a photographer and an entrepreneur, he kept striv-

ing to improve his work. For him, the most successful photographers are the ones who see the tides changing and study how they can turn this change into a competitive advantage for their businesses.

Becoming successful for him requires time. Though one can work part-time, it require full-time job to grow the business faster.

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL At last, marketers unite

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HE 10-year-old dispute between the Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (CIMN) and the Nigerian Marketing Association (NIMARK) has finally been settled.

Last week, the two factions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) . Henceforth, the amalgamation will now be known as National Institute of Marketing of Nigeri (NIMN).

The parties, headed by Rotimi Adeyeye and Ganiyu Koledoye, who were joined by other stakeholders to sign a Unification and Memorandum of Understanding expressed satisfaction at the outcome. They confessed to have long desired to come together as one body that will propagate the essence and core values of the institute while advancing the cause of the profession and the interest of the practitioners.

President of the institute, Ganiyu Koledoye while appreciating the efforts and support of the stakeholders of councils and fellow members, stated that the unification will serve “as a solidarity institute devoid of mockery”.

“This MoU will bind us together as one body and never again will

Central bank meetings to set stage for parting of ways

By Nneka Nwaneri

there be any faction or factions that will allow the institute to be ridiculed. There is no professional body in the country without any internal crisis; but they always come together to resolve it, and ours will not be an exception. This is why we are here.

“We have gone the extra mile to ensure that NIMN certificate is recognised in other parts of the world. We will also use the institute to contribute our quota towards the development of Marketing in Nigeria.”

Koledoye also lauded the support and role of the federal government for making it a reality while acknowledging the former President Olusegun Obasanjo led administration for promulgating the Act that established the Institute in 2003.

NIMN Factional leader, Rotimi Adeyeye while commending Koledoye for his relentless effort in bringing both parties together stated that the Marketing profession in the country will go all the way to ensure that its impact is felt.

“Marketing profession is not in its rightful place in managing the economy of the nation.

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FTER the Federal Reserve maintained its path towards raising United States interest rates next year, other major central banks will jostle for space on a crowded stage this week.

The European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, Bank of England and the central banks of India and Australia all hold meetings. While imminent action is unlikely, the time when policy settings start pointing in different directions is nearing.

U.S. growth rebounded in the second quarter and the Fed upgraded its assessment of the economy last week. It is on course to stop creating money in October but the expectation is that there will be no interest rate rise before mid-2015.

That puts the Bank of England in pole position to be the first major central bank to push rates up from

their record low 0.5 percent, perhaps before the year is out.

Although the UK economy is expanding at an annualized clip in excess of 3 percent and unemployment is tumbling, the absence of wage pressure means there is no immediate reason to act.

The consensus is that rates will not rise until early 2015 but polling by Reuters last week found economists expect a first voice or two on the nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee to call for a rate rise this week.

The last time the MPC was considering raising rates was in 2006.

In May of that year, one MPC member voted for a hike and it took just three months before a majority followed suit.

“We expect the jobless rate will continue to fall rapidly, with the

BoE hiking earlier and further than markets project,” said Michael Saunders, chief UK economist at Citi.

The voting pattern will only become public when minutes of the meeting are released two weeks hence.

The Fed has just registered its first dissenter, with the hawkish Charles Plosser saying the commitment to keep rates near zero for “a considerable time” did not reflect the gains made by the economy.

Lack of wage inflation has been a common theme in the United States and euro zone as well, though U.S. labor costs recorded their biggest gain in more than five to one and a half years in the second quarter.

That spooked Wall Street last week as it may hasten the Fed’s first move.

Saudi Arabia’s gas initiative fails to pay off

AUDI Arabia’s decade-long ‘Gas Initiative’ is unravelling — with considerable impact on global energy balance — as galloping domestic consumption seems eating into the exportable crude surplus of the Opec kingpin — Saudi Arabia.

Launched by the then crown prince, and now King Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz, way back in September 1998, when during an hour long private meeting with senior executives of seven US oil majors he invited them to help develop the kingdom’s energy resources.

But things have turned ‘sour’ since.

Initially, the three mooted gas projects focused on a $15 billion scheme to develop gas reserves in South Ghawar field and two minor $5billion ventures that involved gas production for petrochemical, power and water desalination projects.

However, internal opposition and drawn out negotiations, as well as questions about the Aramco reserve estimates, stifled the early euphoria.

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The initiative ended up with only a handful of projects, led mainly by Russian, Chinese and European firms. US oil majors, who had originally negotiated for participation, interestingly abstained.

The revised gas projects entailed exploration and processing of the non-associated gas found in designated blocks in the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter).

In October 2003 Royal Dutch/ Shell and France’s were awarded the Shaybah gas project, covering a 200,000 square kilometre. In May 2004, Russia’s Lukoil was awarded stake in 29,900 sq km Block A and China’s Sinopec was awarded stake in 38,800 sq km Block B. Italy’s ENI and Spain’s Repsol-YPF, were awarded the 52,000 km, Block C. Early last month, Shell announced ending investments in the project. ENI, Repsol and Total — have also abandoned gas search.

China’s Sinopec too had reportedly suspended operations in the Empty Quarter.

Europe’s investment banks resilient in retreat UROPE’S investment banks are giving Wall Street a run for its money despite shrinking their trading arms more aggressively than United States rivals.

Buoyant equity markets and a surge in corporate debt issues have caused a bigger-than-expected jump in investment bank fees in Europe helping Deutsche Bank, UBS, Credit Suisse, Barclays, BNP Paribas and Societe Generale outperform their U.S. peers in the second quarter.

The six European lenders saw revenues from trading and selling debt grow five per cent on average compared to a nine per cent combined drop at Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Citigroup.

Part of the outperformance was because in the previous year European banks were hit harder by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s warning that it would gradually reduce its purchase of bonds.

But a surge in debt issuance by European companies this June, when European Central Bank President Mario Draghi cut interest rates to record lows, has also helped.

Grim warnings from the banks themselves had investors expecting falls in fixed-incomes rev-

E

enue of up to a quarter in the April-June period but the reality proved less bleak after an upturn in activity at the tail end of the quarter.

“Expectations were it (Q2 performance) was going to be really, really bad, and in the end it just turned out to be quite bad,” said David Moss, head of European equities at F&C Investments.

Faced with new regulations in the wake of the financial crisis that made debt trading more expensive, European investment banks have for the most part renounced their ambitions to be global players and cut their fixedincome divisions more aggressively than U.S. counterparts.

The retrenchment has in part been fuelled by public anger over their role in the financial crisis, prompting European politicians to impose tougher pay restrictions on traders and encouraging banks in the region to focus more on wealth management or retail and commercial banking.

The scale-back in investment banking means U.S. banks are expected to continue to dominate rankings, particularly if a rise in interest rates prompts a rebound in fixed income, with increased volatility and rising yield providing trading opportunities.

• From left: Regional Manager Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa, Emirates, Hafeez Azeem; Nigeria's Consul-General, UAE, Ambassador Mike G. Omotosho; Emirates’ Vice President Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa, Adil Al Ghaith and others during the launch of the new daily Dubai-Abuja service at the Dubai International Airport.

Emirates begins Abuja-Dubai daily flights

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MIRATES has connected Abuja to its network. It is Emirates 26th destination in Africa and its 144th worldwide.

Emirates flight EK785 has landed at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport marking the start of the airline’s daily service to its second destination in Nigeria. Services to Lagos were launched over 10 years ago.

“This new daily flight provides a convenient point to point service for our customers between Abuja and Dubai, and it will meet and further stimulate a vibrant market demand between the two cities. It will also serve our customers in Nigeria and around the network with additional connectivity and daily frequency.

Our leisure and business passengers from Nigeria can now better connect to the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Asia via our hub in Dubai. Customers in Abuja can experience our A380 flagship air-

craft to 29 destinations around the world, including popular ones like Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New York, Jeddah and London,” said Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates vice president, Commercial Operations, Northern and Western Africa.

“With a fast growing economy, Nigeria is a key market for Emirates. We started operations to Nigeria on January 2, 2004, with four flights a week from Dubai to Lagos.

Since then, our operations have steadily grown with increases in both frequency and capacity between Lagos and Dubai. Today, we fly twice daily to Lagos and now we have added Abuja, giving us a total of more than 12,200 seats a week, which will further stimulate business and leisure travel, as well as trade,” he added.

Emirates’ Dubai-Abuja route is served by an Airbus A340-300, which offers 267 seats in a threeclass configuration - 12 First Class,

42 Business Class and 213 Economy Class seats. Customers on the route experience Emirates’ award-winning hospitality - from multi-national cabin crew and gourmet cuisine to the ice entertainment system, which offers hundreds of channels of audio and visual entertainment. Customers also enjoy Emirates’ generous baggage allowance of 30kg in Economy Class, 40kg in Business and 50kg in First.

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of the airline, offers over 180 tonnes of cargo capacity weekly on the route. The main imports into Abuja are expected to be machinery, chemicals, transport equipment and manufactured goods, while exports include leather, vegetables and foodstuffs. The additional cargo capacity on the new service will see a further strengthening of the bilateral trade between Nigeria and the UAE.

$2b investments coming to Africa

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ENERAL Electric Co. (GE) will invest about $2 billion in Africa by 2018 to expand in what Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Immelt calls one of the world’s most-promising markets.

“Africa is one of the most important growth areas, purely from an economic standpoint,” Immelt said at a media event for the start of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington being hosted by President Barack Obama. “It’s early. It’s in very early days for Africa, so there’s still a lot yet to be done and the notion of having the summit here says that it’s important.”

GE won about $8.3 billion in orders in Africa over the last year as it accelerates operations in a continent where Immelt said sales were “almost zero” in 2000.

Revenue there last year was $5.2 billion, according to GE, which estimates that Africa’s basic infrastructure needs could generate $90 billion in investment opportunities.

The Africa spending planned by GE will go to develop facilities, improve supply chains and train workers, according to a statement from the Fairfield, Connecticutbased company.

GE’s Africa business includes

supplying locomotives for Nigeria and aircraft engines for Kenya Airways Ltd. Last year, GE announced one of its largest-ever power-plant orders when it signed gas-turbine deals totaling $2.7 billion from a unit of Sonelgaz, Algeria’s national electricity and gas company. Algeria is one of the biggest countries in Africa for GE investment, Immelt said.

“There’s still tremendous opportunities in the future,” said Immelt, who toured Africa in January. “There’s still huge deficits of electricity and infrastructure that we can invest in.”

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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

IMPEACHMENT The whirlwind of impeachment is blowing across the states controlled by the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines ITS implication on the fragile democracy.

• Nyako

• Oshiomhole

• Gov. Abiola Ajimobi

• Al-Makura

Is Nigeria drifting towards dictatorship?

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T started like a joke: The Adamawa State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice to former Governor Murtala Nyako.

Nyako tried to wriggle out of the tight corner he found himself. But, the forces against him were determined to achieve their objective. Today, Nyako and his supporters are still in shock and disbelief. Before the dust of the impeachment could settle, a similar impeachment was initiated against his Nasarawa State counterpart, Tanko Al-Makura. Backed by his people, Al-Makura is still battling to save himself. Both Nyako and Al-Makura are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition party.

Accusing fingers are pointed at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency. The APC has also alleged that four additional governors within its fold have been pencilled down for impeachment. The party identified the governors as: Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Kashim Shettima (Borno) and Nyako. In spite of moves to frustrate the impeachment in Nassarawa State, the House of Assembly has remained adamant that the governor must go. The seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge has commenced investigation on the allegations levelled against him.

Yesterday, the panel gave Al-Makura a clean bill of health.

There is a constitutional provision for the removal of a governor from office through due process. Thus, analysts have decried the gale of impeachment targeted against the governors.

They berated the Presidency for covertly manipulating the impeachment process to decimate the opposition camp, ahead of 2015 elections.

This development, in their view, does not augur well for the survival of the fragile democracy.

According to observers, it is difficult for the Presidency to exonerate itself from the Adamawa and Nasarawa projects because the lawmakers allegedly visited the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, to hold consultations with President Goodluck Jonathan and the national leaders of the PDP on the project. It was alleged that each member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly was given $300,000 to impeach Nyako. Similarly, about N1 billion was allegedly set aside to induce Nasarawa law makers to impeach AlMakura.

Reacting to the development, the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said: “President Jonathan’s desperation knows no bounds and he is willing to set a record of presiding over the highest number of impeachment under his tenure. Before Nyako’s impeachment, a total of five impeachments have been

carried out in 15 years of the Fourth Republic.

But, between now and 2015, President Jonathan is championing five impeachments in Adamawa, Nassarawa, Edo, Rivers and Borno”.

He added: “The impeachment of Governor Nyako is so fraught with irregularities, bias, judicial contradiction and in violation of procedural and constitutional provisions. That it is the worst manifestation of impunity. We intend to mount an immediate and rigorous challenge to this gross injustice to the party and people of Adamawa”.

Former Senate Minority Leader Olorunmbe Mamora said the impeachment was quite unfortunate. He said there is more to the impeachment threat than meet the eye. Mamora said: “The threat of impeachment started from Adamawa, and now, Nasarawa. I understand that there are rumblings in Imo House of Assembly too. That tells you it is not just a coincidence. It is a well orchestrated plan, a process to intimidate the APC -- the main opposition party.

It is sad. If the goal is to achieve one party system, it will spell doom for the country.

“Look at the scenario playing out in Nasarawa State. The Chief Judge had inaugurated a seven-man panel to investigate allegations against the governor as requested by the State House of Assembly. While the panel is about settling down to do its job, the state legislators have said it will not accept its report.

That is to tell you that it was a programmed venture. This despicable role of the lawmakers is not giving the legislature a good name in the eyes of the public.”

On whether the leadership of the PDP is behind the impeachment plots, the APC chieftain said: We can’t rule it out in a situation where all instruments of coercion- the police and armed forces are in the hands of the Federal Government, it is difficult to exonerate the ruling party.”

But, the PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, absolved the party and President Jonathan of any involvement. He said: “The impeachment of the former Governor Murtala Nyako is an act of democracy. It is a constitutional right

granted exclusively to the people of Adamawa State.” Metuh described the allegations by the APC linking the national leadership of the PDP and President Jonathan to the impeachment moves as “purely escapist and can only come from revisionists, reactionary forces, and the unmasked pretenders to democracy.”

The PDP spokesman said it was unfortunate that the APC that claims to champion the rights of the people was the same party turning against the constitutionally guaranteed right of the people to withdraw legitimacy through impeachment and recall.

He argued that, if a sitting governor, who has spent over seven years in office could be removed by more than two-thirds of the members of the House reasons should be located to fundamental factors within rather than the trite excuses of external influence. Metuh therefore, advised the APC to look inwards in its quest to answers to its woes.

Social critic Bernard Briggs said that the trend is threatening to emasculate the opposition and turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Briggs asked: “Who is guilty of gross misconduct than a President who is frittering our commonwealth to induce perfidious legislators to impeach their state governors? Who is guilty of gross misconduct than a President, who deploys troops to harass, intimidate and arrest the opposition during an election? Who deserves to be impeached for gross misconduct more than a President who uses national institutions against the opposition, and shuts airports arbitrarily?”

Briggs advised President Jonathan to tarry a while, take a deep breath and ponder on the impact of recent events in the polity under his watch, on the survival of the nation and the sustenance of its democracy.

A lawyer, Mrs. Agnes Chukwuka, picked holes in the constitutional provisions for impeachment in the 1999 Constitution. She said the drafters of the constitution created a procedural disorder for the removal of the President and

‘The threat of impeachment started from Adamawa, and now, Nasarawa. I understand that there are rumblings in Imo House of Assembly too. That tells you it is not just a coincidence. It is a well orchestrated plan, a process to intimidate the APC -- the main opposition party. It is sad. If the goal is to achieve one party system, it will spell doom for the country’

the governor. According to her, the drafters established impeachment process that depends on the political mood of the legislature.

“In the United States, an impeached governor is subject to removal only after he has been tried and found guilty by the State Assembly. The head of judiciary in the state presides over such trial. Where the governor was found guilty by a two-third majority of the Assembly, he is removed. But, in Nigeria, the Constitution requires the empanelling of seven persons of’ unquestionable integrity’ by the state chief judge.

“The constitution must correct the lack of due process in the impeachment procedure.

The Constitution contradicts itself when it denies the governor due process in the impeachment procedure. The ramshackle forum of seven-man panel is the Constitution’s substitution for procedural due process. A trial by the House of Assembly presided over by the Chief Judge is a better option”.

Chukwuka the current controversy is revealing. Her words: “The focus is slowly shifting to the ineptitude Constitutional provisions that permit the impeachment of a governor in an immature democracy based solely on the political compass of the legislature.

Like Nigeria, Great Britain has a broader definition of what constitutes impeachable offence as compared to the American version.

However that system provides for a removal trial in the House of Lords where a simple majority vote is required for a conviction.

Our constitution wrongly emulates these provisions without accounting for unique circumstances that affect our politics such as our history, religion, different but equal tribal nationalities.”

Civil Right activist Usman Aliyu said the implication of the gale of impeachment is that Nigeria is sliding to dictatorship. He called for serious actions from stake holders irrespective of party affiliation to prevent President Jonathan from plunging the nation into perdition. Aliyu said the Nyako’s criticism of Jonathan handling of the nation’s security was one of the reasons why he was marked for removal. He described the allegations presented against the sacked governor as deceitful.

The activist admonished Nigerians to show concern about how the country is governed.

His words: “Every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, creed, religion or political affiliation should be concerned about Nigeria’s drift to fascism. The price of refusing to cast our differences and halt the drift would be disastrous for those holding temporary power and the entire people of this country.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6, 2014

46

POLITICS KANO POLITICS Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso spoke with reporters in Kano on the Jonathan Administration, the repression of the opposition and the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s quest for power shift. KOLADE ADEYEMI was there.

‘Power must shift next year’ G

ENERAL Muhammadu Buhari’s convoy was at tacked in Kaduna. What is your reaction?

I commiserate with General Muhammadu Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. While commiserating with them, I think I should also congratulate Nigeria in the sense that the lives of these two leaders were saved. I am congratulating Nigeria because only God knows what would have happened, if any one of them or the two of them lost their lives. It is very sad that they had to go through this trauma in their old age and despite their positions. Everybody is having his own share of trouble and attack. Dahiru Bauchi is a little bit older than my father. My father had to go through similar experience in a Mosque at Kwankwaso. They shot at the small Mosque where my father was praying.They had to push him into a particular corner and many people heaped themselves on top of him and they received all the bullets.

Three people died; 13 people were wounded. It cuts across strata, it cuts across different segments of our society. The late Emir of Kano ,Ado Bayero, was attacked on the streets of Kano.

Other traditional rulers have been attacked. Civil servants, politicians, police, journalists have been attacked.

This is not good for any country.

In the case of Kaduna, we thank the Almighty God that they escaped death by whiskers. We are lucky; but I believe nobody can run any country with luck. You can win election by luck, if you have good luck. But, you cannot run any administration, any government, serious government, by luck.

It has its limitations. You cannot be lucky all the time. I think that is what everybody should know. When the issue happened, there were many people who were pointing fingers;.

That is a lesson also, especially for the leaders. Leaders should create an environment of love so that, if bad stories happen anywhere, nobody will point at their direction. That is what has to be done. After the incident, we have seen so many commentators trying to exonerate many people. But, that is not the issue because those who are saying it were saying it on papers, social media, television and so on.

Under those circumstances, it is not those who have money to buy newspaper that will take laws into their hands. That is the unfortunate thing. The unfortunate thing is people who have no capacity to buy newspaper or even read are the people who take decision. That is why their advisers, if they have any good one, should advise them to reduce the level of hatred and dislike for leaders and their followers. Leaders can also be accused for not stopping something bad. I think leaders have to know that the resources of this country, both human and material, are so enormous to the extent that we shouldn’t find ourselves into this avoidable mess and we will continue to pray for the country and work for it to come together. All the divides should be de-emphasised. We have seen in the past the Muslim/ Muslim ticket. Everybody was happy.

At that time, even Muslims and those of us here in Kano didn’t only vote for that ticket because it was Muslim,/ Muslim, but because we believed in democracy. Our son, Alhaji Bashir Usman Tofa, was a candidate. We are from the same Ward and the same polling boot; unfortunately, at that time, we came out and voted for MKO Abiola. Abiola won in our polling

boot, won in our ward, won in our Local Government Area. So, we had no problem with ethnicity at that particular time. Abiola won here, with huge margin, unbelievable margin, and under normal circumstances, we didn’t expect that. We had no sentiment that this man was coming from our state. My house and Bashir Tofa’s house is within the same vicinity.

Yet, we voted Abiola. Look at the case of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. We were supporters of Obasanjo. In 1999, our son, the late Abubakar Rimi, was contesting; we didn’t support him. I didn’t support him. I heard ell over 90 per cent of my votes - with the biggest votes in terms of number. It is just like we have it now in the APC. I have the largest contingents to any convention. So, in 1999, we went to Jos and we voted for Obasanjo from the South, a Christian. He won the primary election. We came here, we voted for him again in the main election. In 2003, our son contested, yet, we supported Obasanjo. In 2003, everybody knew my history. We lost election, but we stood by Obasanjo.

We lost election but we had no regret whatsoever. That is how party politics should be played.

What is your reaction to the plan by the House of Assembly to impeach the governor of Adamawa State?

Well, I don’t think anybody is happy, whether in the APC or any other responsible party in this country, especially those who are conversant with the tenets of democracy.

Democracy is about winning election; and while you won election, somebody would have lost election, even if it is through the party system. And you see, in our constitution, there are many sections that talked about the opposition. Again, across the world, especially where you have mature democracy, the constitution supports opposition in their own way. In this country, we have a Commander-In-Chief, who is very powerful in terms of repressing his opponents. He is ruthless. He does not wait for anybody to advice him.

That is what we have seen in Ekiti State. We went there and we saw what happened, and in politics, that is what we call armed robbery and armed people taking votes for a particular political party. If it is Army, it is the Nigerian Army, if it is the Police, it is the Nigerian Police they are not any political party police. And the implication is that the whole military, the whole police will be politicised. This Nigeria Army didn’t come from a particular village. They are from all kinds of villages in this country. This military and police should be exonerated from politics. They should not be used to intimidate people and take victory by force. That is what we have seen in APC. That is what happened in Ekiti.

How would you react to Governor Nyako’s impeachment?

They went to Adamawa using the same security agencies, using other opportunities they have and that op-

• Kwankwaso

portunity worked against the welfare of the people. They literally took Adamawa by force. We have read in the papers. You have reported what happened at the residence of the Chief Judge, what happened at the House of Assembly. For those who are doing second-term, they are in their eight year; for us who started in 2011, we are in our fourth year. In the next few months, there will be primary election. By February next year, there will be election; and somebody has been on the seat for eight years. And in the eight year, you have no patience to leave that man, you want to remove him by force. In the case of Adamawa, I have forgotten the number of local governments, but they are over 20, they have 25 members in the House.

Out of 25, you took the position of governor elected by millions of people and gave it to one person who was elected by just people from his Local Government Area. They used the weaknesses of the constitution, they cajoled the young men in the Adamawa House of Assembly, I am sure he induced them. At the end of the day, they told them, look, ‘why are you leaving this elderly man, why can’t you take it yourself, go and take, we will support you, we will give you all the support of the Commander-In-Chief to and deal with him! They went there, they used the very process that would have protected the people of Adamawa and made them live in peace, and of course, make progress. They used the same process to remove Murtala. Not only that, I know what they want is to mess up all what he did for this country, bring in all sorts of allegations, take all those that they want to take; but I am happy that they couldn’t get him, though I don’t know where he is. Many of us would be happy to stay here, at least, one would have been a nuisance to them, keeping any of us in the prison.

My opinion is that, if there is anybody that should be impeached, it is them who are in the headquarters of corruption, the headquarter of bad politics, the headquarter of everything evil. I am not here to defend any governor, because I am the governor of Kano—I can’t defend anybody. I will not say somebody is right or wrong; but certainly you should

put them on a balance. Everybody knows where the balance will tilt. We have cases of direct stealing of ballot boxes, cases of direct stealing of crude oil—look at what happened when our Emir (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as CBN Governor) mentioned that $20 billion was missing. Instead of investigating the case, it was him who was being investigated. Of course, they wanted to send him to jail. But, our God is wonderful. Now, he is the Emir of Kano and I don’t know whether they are still contemplating that. So, all these issues are issues that are of great concern to us and all our friends across the world. Now, look at the case of Nasarawa. It is even worst. But, I think the people of Nasarawa now, especially, the young men, have started doing the right thing. They are chasing the Assembly members and I think they should chase them to the Villa where they belong. That is where they belong because I don’t think they are protecting the people’s interest in Nasarawa—they steal want to exploit the weakness of the constitution— since the constitution is permitting 20 people to remove someone elected by millions of people as governor. I don’t know what that clause in the 1999 Constitution means, but they are using it against the wish of the people.

They are conniving with normal enemies to remove APC Governors from their seats. I had wanted to go to Nasarawa. Governor Al-Makora is a complete gentleman; and in this game, you have to have so many sights and faces—a gentleman cannot be a good governor. You cannot be a good governor by just being a gentleman. We wanted to go there, we organized. We mobilised people to go to Nasarawa and help them fight injustice, but he said, ‘no, no, don’t come.’ We even begged him. We said okay, we are not bringing all the foot soldiers, we want to come by ourselves. In fact, a day before we were to go there, he said, ‘no, no, don’t come.’

What is the meaning of that? You see, in this game, if you are dealing with mad people, you don’t just become a gentleman, you have to go out there and handle them as they are. This madness at Nasarawa, I am happy, the young men are taking the matter into their hands. That is what it should be

‘In this country, we have a Commander-In-Chief, who is very powerful in terms of repressing his opponents. He is ruthless. He does not wait for anybody to advice him. That is what we have seen in Ekiti State. We went there and we saw what happened, and in politics, that is what we call armed robbery and armed people taking votes for a particular political party’

because they are being insane. oOf course, for me, somebody who is leaving in glass houses, glasses everywhere, 100 per cent glasses; and myself is leaving in a small window of glass. You started throwing stones. I will be very happy.

Are you not afraid that they may use the House of Assembly against you?

Well, I want us to finish this democracy, at least, from now to 2015. They have been trying that. You are aware they came here and collected all the principal officers and other members of the House of Assembly; not because they stole anything, but because they didn’t want us to go and pass the budget. The EFCC came dead in the night and started collecting them like criminals. They took them to Abuja; and we followed them. There was just no answer, nothing. At the end of the day, I don’t know what happened. They granted us bail and the case is still in court. It is not that they stole money, but we don’t want them to go there again tomorrow. I have never seen this kind of thing anywhere, where authorities came to the state to collect people in the night the elected state legislators, you took them to the EFCC. You lock them there.

Are you running for president?

We have good materials in the APC; we have people, if given the opportunity, who can perform creditably.

Look, I am conversant with that Villa for over 20 years now. From the days of my membership of the House of Representatives as the Deputy Speaker, I know what the Commander-In-Chief should be doing under these circumstances. Now, they are just using propaganda. Look at this Chibok girls. For three weeks, they were arguing—where are the names, who are they, where are the photographs; they didn’t believe that over 200 children were abducted. Haba!

Even, if it is 20 tortoise or goats, won’t you look for them? One of the reasons why I love this country is that we have, people of high caliber in all the regions, in all the states. Look at my former colleague, former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwezili. This is somebody who works in the World Bank, but now she has devoted her time. She is not from this part of the country, but she felt she had to take the bull by the horn and that is what we are seeing in developed countries—fight injustice, save people, help them, if you have the opportunity to do so. They sent some hawks to go and stop the protesters. The other I saw an advertisement while she is saying ‘BringBackOurGirls.’ Some people are saying ‘votes for us, we want to stay and maintain the statusquo; look at my photograph, I am smiling.’ And they don’t know time is of essence.

You have insisted that these killings must stop as 2015 elections draw near.

What do you think should be done to stop it?

You see, you are in 2011. Government was not paying salaries. They had no money to pay salary; I am not talking of programmes and projects.

From 2011 to date, salaries are being paid as at when due. Projects are in progress. We have huge projects which ordinarily states that are getting as many times what we are getting cannot go and show that this is what they have done. Challawa and Tiga Dam project is costing us N14.2 billion and we are finishing it latest

by March. Look at this fly-over at Kofar Nasarawa, about a kilometer; look at the one near Radio Kano which we want to name Obasanjo Fly-over, look at the the one in Sabon Gari, two kilometers—that one is costing over N11 billion. Look at Wuju Wuju, almost N10 billion, look at Northwest University, look at five kilometer road in 44 Local Government Areas, which is over 220 kilometre of dualized roads with street lights, look at our institute numbering about 24 and so on and so forth. We are not talking of education which is our trade-mark.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6, 2014

47

POLITICS OSUN POLITICS Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Senator Adebayo Salami spoke with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, on the Aregbesola Administration and other issues that will shape Saturday’s governorship election. Excerpts.

Salami: We want continuity in Osun W

HAT is your assessment of Governor Rauf Aregbesola?

He has done a lot for the state. He has lifted the state higher, in terms of development. His programmes have touched the lives of the people in so many areas. The first programme he did looked small to some people. But, to me, that is the greatest achievement of this administration; changing the concept of our state to that of omoluabi. This is not physical, but it is germane. There is a great difference between being a man of virtue and and a bastard.

That’s one core value that every human being should have, the attribute of being responsible. That has changed Osun. It looks minute, but it is a great concept of growth.

Let’s go on from there. It is very bad for a human being to wake up in the morning and find nothing to do. That will change him from a complete human being, to an idle hand. So, what he did in his first 100 days in office was to create for twenty thousand youths. If you wake up in the morning and sit down without having any where to go, you are no more a human being. You will hate yourself. Twenty thousand youths had been saved from such a situation.

I have seen some nations, in a bid to engage youths, absorbed them and put them on a job that they don’t even need. After they finish that job line, they destroy it. I am not saying we should do the same thing. What we have here is justifiable. In our own case, the streets are not clean, which is alien to our culture. These people were taught for three weeks on the dignity of labour. The N10,000 they get may look small, but you will see that, with that, about N200 million is monthly pumped into the economy of the state. It is not an amount that

can go to other states. If somebody is getting an allowance of N10,000, all he does with the money is to take care of his immediate needs. Parents, for the first time, were relieved of the burden of seeing the child they have trained over a period of time sitting at home doing nothing productive, which is an achievement on his own part. He also came up with the Osun Rural Entrepreneurial Agricultural programmes. Let’s clear the land and give it to people who are interested in farming. That is an area where we have comparative advantage so that we can also be the food basket for this part of the country. We have reforms in the education sector. Honestly, looking at my background as a capitalist, I was wondering how a government can continue to feed children in public schools everyday without being a burden on government. But, he felt that this should be done for the students.

Many children are from poor backgrounds and they also have a role to play in the development of the state. He believed that they needed the food at that particular age to aid their assimilation. So, they now eat balance diet daily in the school. He decided to give them free uniform and he transformed the education sector at the higher level by giving them the tablet of knowledge, Opon Imo, and for the first time in the history of the state,

• Salami

infrastructural development is at the highest. The kind of road that we never imagined came up; roads that can last for between 15 and 30 years.

That is the practice the world over. If you want to borrow money from banks, you must convince them that you are embarking on a project that will be beneficial to the people for a long time. The project should be able to stand the test of time. They don’t expect you to be spending money on maintenance.

But, some people have said that the state has a huge debt…

Look, people who said he has borrowed N350 billion do not know what they are talking about. No single entity can borrow more than N150 billion. No individual, state, corporation or what have you, can get do that. When you borrow N350 billion, the interest rate at the bearest minimum will be 12 per cent, which means you will be paying N3.5 billion monthly when the allocation to your state is less than N3 billion and you have to pay salary and running cost. People still capitalise on our ignorance. You wonder whether these people know what they are talking about. You want to make it in life and you don’t want to borrow? Let me tell you something.

America is the most indebted country in the world. There is no other country of choice than America.

How many people are struggling to take a visa to our country and how many people want to get to America?

They raise their debt ceiling year after year. But, look at the huge infrastructure in America. Most of our leaders do not have what it takes to govern a nation. In this century, it is not the mineral resources in the soil that makes the difference, but the brain that God has endowed us with.

It is not your oil, but how you use your intellect to better the lot of the people.

Aregbesola has been criticised for

‘President Jonathan spoke with all the Obas in Ekiti on one-on-one basis on the eve of the election. I am not unaware that he will do the same thing in Osun. But, I am aware of the situation in Osun. Our Obas are not illiterate. They are of sound mind and conviction. They know what is right. At the appropriate time, Osun people will take the N10,000 they are planning to give to each voter and they will still do the right thing’ In this piece, Lateef Raji, who highlights the issues that will shape the Osun State governorship poll, submits that voters will not tolerate electoral malpractices.

Voters ‘ll resist rigging

• Aregbesola

A

UGUST is finally here and the countdown to the Osun governorship election has begun. The man to beat is Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. He has in the past three months traversed the nooks and crannies of the state, showcasing his accomplishments justify the peoples’ confidence. He also promised to do more in his second term.

On the other hand, his main challenger, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has not impressed the people as deputy governor and senator. In the absence of any manifesto, he has no option than to rely on the federal might and deployment of troops for nefarious motives.

True to his boasts, like they did in Ekiti, two weeks to the election, the militarisation of Osun State has commenced and the dogs of war have be-

gun shooting sporadically to heighten tension and intimidate the electorates, ahead of the elections.

They have similarly recruited mercenaries from the Niger Delta, and the goons are on ground as well.

This, however, is an insult. Importing a band of ill-bred and uncouth thugs to come and truncate the wishes of the people is wrong.

However, unlike Ekiti where they had a free reign because we were caught unawares as a result of our underestimation of their desperation, we now have these facts and much more, and I make bold to assert that the game is up for the PDP in the Southwest. The election of August 9 will be a turning point for Nigerians as we begin to roll back the fortunes of the PDP that has inflicted pain and sorrow on the country and its people ahead of 2015.

Basking in the euphoria of their victory in Ekiti, the leadership of the PDP has no inhibition to equate the singular occurrence that shocked all critical observers for acceptance in Yorubaland. They see Osun as a walkover. Billions of naira have been moved in to bribe, seduce and influence our people.

The fact, however, is that Osun State presents a different political terrain in comparison to Ekiti.

The issues that are germane to the average voter in Osun are far removed from those that played out in Ekiti.

The Oyos, Ijesas, Igbominas, Ifes, Ibolos, etc. will place a higher premium on the quality of education for their children, the availability of healthcare services, functional infrastructure that have been the priority of the Aregbesola than the populist pretentions of an Ayo Fayose aptly aped by Iyiola Omisore in his public appearances.

They have equally taken little cognisance of the temerity of the man they are up against, aside the monumental achievements recorded by Aregbesola, which are sufficient to see him through; he is a grassroots man and has always identified with the people and he is always in their midst. Little surprise he is so popular, and they found it convenient to relate with him, unlike the corn eating aspirant.

The cohesion the APC enjoys in Osun State is a critical success factor that would ensure victory for Ogbeni Aregbesola. There is no crisis in the APC in Osun State.

Like the saying goes ‘’the cream would always settle at the top,’’ which depicts that Ogbeni’s performance is enough to make him coast to victory with little or minimal effort. Ogbeni Rauf has preformed creditably like Kayode Fayemi, but the not taking any chance, which explains why he has been able to engage the people with grassroots programmes like Ogbeni until day break, gbangbadekun, labe odan to mention a few, which show how connected he is to the grassroots.

The people of Osun are not only sophisticated, but they very wise and they can discern. The death of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice is still very fresh in the minds of Osun people. The good news is that the PDP, lost the Osun State gubernatorial election the very day Omisore was imposed as the flag bearer of the party in a kangaroo primary election. His character and antecedents are enough to convince the people to vote the incumbent. Notwithstanding, Omisore is aware of this, but would be banking on the support from Abuja to rig. But, Osun people would resist any form of militarisation and rigging.

The PDP umbrella suffered a setback

‘The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has not impressed the people as deputy governor and senator. In the absence of any manifesto, he has no option than to rely on the federal might and deployment of troops for nefarious motives’

not appointing many politicians as commissioners…

The people he has brought are Osun indigenes. Some of them may not be be domiciled in Osun at that time, but for whoever cares to listen , the standard we have reached in the last three and a half year is the product of a cabinet of talents and sharp minds. I am not defending him. You need sharp minds for sound ideas. I can tell you now that politicians that are based here know the level we have reached and I believe that, in the second term of the Aregbesola Administration, politicians at home would have moved to the next level.

Things are no more the same in the state. Our teachers are different nowadays. Their mode of dressing and work environment have changed. That is the level we have gotten to. We are no more doing things as it used to be.

What are your fears about the governorship election?

I do not have any fear about the election. I am very sure that, on August 9, we will win the election with a wide margin. We have a state that is heterogeneous, not a homogenous one like that of Ekiti. I am not unaware that President Jonathan spoke with all the Obas in Ekiti on one-onone basis on the eve of the election.

I am not unaware that he will do the same thing in Osun. But, I am aware of the situation in Osun. Our Obas are not illiterates. They are of sound mind and conviction. They know what is right. At the appropriate time, Osun people will take the N10,000 they are planning to give to each voter and they will still do the right thing. This not a place where you preach religion differences. We have been living together as brothers. So, I am certain that the APC will win the election. when one of their strong pillars, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, defected to the APC. Aregbesola’s empowerment program has impacted on lives in almost every home in the state of Osun having employed 20,000 young and able youths in his first 100 days in office.

He feeds school children with balanced diet meals daily. Ogbeni’s administration introduction of ‘’Opon Imo’’ a high-tech educational electronic device or tablet has revolutionized learning.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back for Senator Iyiola Omisore was his refusal to participate in the live debate.

At this juncture, it behooves on APC to challenge INEC to fastrack the distribution of permanent voter’s card (PVC) to avert the insinuation of rigging, which is synonymous with the PDP style of “winning” elections.

These they have done in several places but the good people of Osun would vehemently resist any such shenanigan.

On a last note, it is confounding that it is the PDP that has raped and reaped so much from the democratic rule that has become the greatest threat to its sustenance with its intolerance of the opposition.

They have refused to learn from the experience of the NPC and the NPN. For Osun State and come 2015, we are prepared and better organised in a way that the armed men they have shipped in, in order to intimidate our people and suppress popular will, will end up turning the barrels on themselves, and on the day after, in they shall depart the State of Osun in shame with their tails tucked in between their hind legs.

• Raji is Special Adviser to the governor of Lagos State on Information and Strategy.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

49

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘It was tough but...’

Before Prof Tunde Babawale became the Director-General (DG) of the Centre for Black African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), the agency was little known. But his dynamism has turned around the fortunes of the centre, which was created to harmonise African culture. Seven years on and with his tenure winding down, Babawale told EDOZIE UDEZE and JOE AGBRO (JNR) his challenges in reforming CBAAC, setting an African culture agenda and his future.

L

ET’S look at the past seven years.

What were your greatest challenges and fears as the DirectorGeneral of CBAAC? Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure to have you interview us for us to be able to give account of our stewardship as it were to the Nigerian people through you. It’s been a very challenging experience for me but worthwhile because when we came on-board there were a few things that we felt needed to be changed. First, was the need to change the orientation of the civil service, especially those who work in the agency so that they would begin to see the government job as theirs. And we embarked on a process of reorienting them through training programmes, periodic lectures, and these within a very short time has changed the perception among our people of what hitherto had been an attitude that was not positive towards government service. Today in CBAAC, an overwhelming majority of staff take this job as their own and many who come often think CBAAC is not a government establishment but a private sector organisation because of the way our staff have put them. Because it is said in the private sector, we make them believe that those who come here for whatever kind of service should be regarded as kings just like the typical customer for a private sector organisation. That is the first one. The second challenge we had was that of funding, which was paltry at the time that I assumed office. And because of that, we could do very little but we made special representation to the government, especially the National Assembly. And thankfully, the funding improved over what we met on ground. And that enabled us to embark on quite a few projects (that we saw to fruition) and which has placed us somehow on the pedestal that we’re in today. The third challenge has to do with inadequate office accommodation. We were in the National Theatre which CBAAC had been since 1978 when it was established. Unfortunately, it was there as a tenant because government then decided that it was going to (consign) the National Theatre and everything in it.

Even before the concession idea took off, we had a DG that was managing the theatre and Troupe. CBAAC became just a tenant within the theatre. And we needed to make appeals to the DG anytime we needed an office space. And even to have conveniences became a problem. So, we thought of how to overcome that problem and we also made representation to the government and wrote several letters appealing for a space that would belong to CBAAC alone so that by the time the concession idea would take effect in the National Theatre, we would have

•Prof Babawale

INTERVIEW left. And God heard our prayers. The government also yielded to our requests and offered us a space at Number 36/38 Broad Street, Lagos. And that is where we moved into in 2009 and where we have been up till now. And that has helped us greatly to expand and exhibit the works that we have and play host to local and international visitors. These are some of the challenges that we came across and which we were able to overcome by the special grace of God and the support of our government.

Any fear about sustenance of programmes?

I’m optimistic that whoever would take up the mantle of leadership after me would find it in him or her to continue the programme not only in the interest of the organisation but in the interest of Nigeria and Africa because CBAAC occupies a very strategic role in terms of propagating African culture, in terms of espousing the need for us to continuously imbibe our values and also market them to the outside world, especially the positive aspects of our values – the values of respect for elders, the values of hospitality, the values of the sense of community, brotherhood, togetherness, the values of being your brothers’ keeper. These are values that are rare in other climes, which if espoused as a people would put us in a pride of place in the comity of nations.

It’s also going to help us in terms of our interpersonal relationships as well as the development of our society because united we stand, divided we fall. My fears, however, lie in the realm of the availability of funds to do most of these programmes, especially the international programmes. I know that consistently in the last seven years, we’ve always organised at least one major international congress or conference outside this country which has been wellreceived by not just Africans on the continent but also those in the Diaspora. And that has also helped our government to showcase Nigeria to underscore the leadership role of Nigeria internationally and also

helped in uniting the Africans in the continent with the Africans in the Diaspora.

These are some of the things we have gained through our international programmes. And if you look at it, our activities, maybe by coincidence but I don’t think so, I have always spurred government to further intensify its own relationships with countries where we have made some inroad. I would start from a countrysuch as Trinidad and Tobago. When we went to Trinidad and Tobago in 2006 to hold an international conference, we seemed to have opened a new chapter because that conference was well-attended even by government officials to the point that it was declared open by the then prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Subsequently, there was an intensification of the activities and partnership between Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago. And today, at the level of culture, one of the closest countries to Nigeria is Trinidad and Tobago. Same has happened now in Brazil. When we started in 2008, I’m not saying that our government has not had a relationship but that intensified after about three, four years of consistent interaction with Brazil to the point that as a direct or indirect consequence of that activity, we not only have a joint commission, we have in place now with Brazil what they call an institutionalised mechanism for strategic partnership between Nigeria and Brazil. Indeed, the first meeting held last year in Brasillia and the delegation was led by the vice-president, while the Brazilian delegation that met with them on this mechanism for strategic partnership was led by the vice-president of Brazil. But don’t forget that as far back as 2010, we had facilitated the conclusion of memorandum of understanding between Brazil and Nigeria which was signed by the then minister of culture of Nigeria and his counterpart, especially the minister of Sepri in Brazil in Abuja in 2010. Now, as if that is not enough, we began a process this year in the international conference we held in Jamaica. And shortly after our international conference, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has moved into Jamaica and they have started a joint Nigeria/Jamaica Commission which has

‘The third challenge was inadequate office accommodation. We were in the National Theatre which CBAAC had been since 1978 when it was established.

Unfortunately it was there as a tenant because the government then decided that it was going to (consign) the National Theatre and everything in it. Even before the concession idea took off, we had a DG who was managing the Theatre and Troupe. And CBAAC became just a tenant within the Theatre. And we needed to make appeals to the DG anytime we needed an office space’

taken off effectively now. So, these are just a few examples of what I can call the positive outcomes of some of the activities we have held in those countries. And thankfully, we can see results coming out which would not only benefit Nigeria economically and politically but also in terms of its influence.

What are the chances of sustaining your network and programme?

I want to be optimistic. I don’t want to be pessimistic because these relationships were built at an institutional level. Most of these contacts you’re talking about, we relate with them not just personally but institutionally. I suspect that the government would take that into consideration in making new appointment to this office such that we would have in the place somebody that has the verve, the contacts, the interest, the passion for the job that would make him to be able to tap into those existing linkages and connections which we have established institutionally. I don’t have that fear because I know there are quite eminent Nigerians, so many, who can do much more than we have done if given the opportunity. I only want to urge the government to look closely at the pedigree and track record of the people who would be hankering after this job such that they are not going to just look for those just want it for the sake of it but those who want it for the sake of the country and the continent.

Talking about successor, we heard from the grapevine that you have already started narrowing your area of recommendation to certain people who you think can handle this place after you. Is that correct?

That’s not correct. It is not my personal organisation. I am interested in having a good successor but it does not lie within my powers to determine. It’s only the minister that can make recommendations, it is not the DG. The minister makes recommendation to Mr. President and Mr. President appoints. So, I hope that the minister would recommend to the president people that would do better than we have done . That is my prayer. I can only wish that. Given the kind of personality that we have as minister, I know that he understands the job. He also understands the issues at stake, he would definitely recommend the right person and I’m sure the president would also make the right choice. But as to making recommendations, it’s not within my powers to do so. I cannot do it. I wish I had the power, I would have gladly done it but I don’t.

What is the status of CBAAC before Africa Union (AU) now?

To some extent, we have, but we have not succeeded in making the AU adopt it as a PanAfrican organisation simply because when that request was made at the Third conference of the AU ministers of culture in Abuja in 2010, a decision on it was deferred to the fourth conference of the AU ministers of culture, which was going to hold in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasha. Of course, the meeting held but the decision was still deferred.

However, the conference unanimously agreed to grant the centre an observer status for a start by which it means it now has the legal platforms to be invited to AU meetings which we have not had before, which is to the best of my knowledge, no organisation in Nigeria of equivalent status like CBAAC enjoys by privilege. And you have it many Francophone states and some Anglophone West African and African states. But we’ve been able to overcome that problem and the conference of ministers of the African Union decided and granted CBAAC an observer status in its meeting. And that’s official. We are waiting until this year when another ministers of culture conference would come and hopefully I believe our government would reopen the issue or remind them that it was stepped down at the last meeting in 2012 and a positive decision would probably be taken in our favour such that we can make it to be adopted as a Pan-African Cultural Organisation.

What of the dues? Have they started paying?

Not really. I think if we are able to get them to adopt it as a pan-African cultural organisation that becomes easier. But before that is done, it may be premature to talk about making members pay their dues.

We have written letters to them before but nobody responded positively or even negatively. They just simply ignored us.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Tribute to Soyinka @ 80 Protocols

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MUST start by commending my brother governor and friend, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for putting this befitting banquet together in honour of one of the greatest men alive today. I must confess that giving a tribute in honour of Prof. Wole Soyinka is a daunting task.

Obviously, he is acclaimed as the first African Nobel laureate for literature – which is no mean achievement – but such is the vast expanse of his footprints in the sands of time, that to harp only on his stellar literary accomplishments is to risk being accused of simplemindedness or courting the danger of a single story in the words of another rising star in the literary world, our very own Chimamanda.

The truth is that the celebrant defies easy categorisation. He is an academic who shunned the cloistered life of the ivory tower in favour of a lifelong radical engagement with the forces of retrogression in our society. He is a cultural activist who once cautioned against the dangers of reverse racism and inverted bigotry inherent in the negritude movement. He is a radical activist who was comfortable wielding the bullhorn behind barricades but also did not shrink back from the opportunity to wield public office for a good cause hence his pioneer leadership of the Federal Road Safety Commission.

He is a pacifist who suffered imprisonment during the civil war for trying to broker peace between the federal authorities and the secessionist forces but who during the darkest days of military dictatorship was willing to use every means necessary to dislodge the totalitarian tyranny of the day.

He is a patriot who abhors nationalistic jingoism or bigotry and prejudice of any kind and locates himself in the universal congregation of humanity as a humanist. As a writer, Soyinka speaks to society through his art but also sees society itself as a canvas for his quest for a more humane and habitable world.

Such is the sheer breadth of his life’s voyage and the weight of his presence at various critical moments of our nation’s history. Despite his prime place in the illustrious pantheon of writers globally, Soyinka steadfastly repudiates the limited stereotypical role of the aloof intellectual who is perma-

TRIBUTE From Kayode Fayemi

nently stationed at the margins of society and offers the occasional platitude. On the contrary, he has long thrown himself headlong into a passionate and intense engagement with our society’s travails.

To those who deny and despise human complexity, Soyinka is frustrating because he cannot be easily or simply classified. To ideological purists, he is a heretic of sorts because he abhors the intolerance and extremism latent in rigid adherence to ideological nostrums.

Perhaps, it is altogether safer to describe Soyinka as a man who goes where his conscience leads him. He is at once a playwright, poet, polemicist, prophet, protester and political activist.

He is a wandering spirit whose moorings are to be found in the liberal humanist tradition, a shape shifter whose substance is his conscience.

Soyinka is like that proverbial elephant who is perceived differently by different observers each grappling with various dimensions of his persona.

On a personal note, I was born about the time referred to by Soyinka as the penkelemes years (Soyinka, Ibadan: A memoir 1946-1965, 1994); a child of Western Nigeria during the region’s years of turmoil and turbulence in the sixties. At the time Soyinka was a folkloric figure whose public persona was a marked departure from the key actors of that time. The years of the peculiar mess of cynical politics that was totally devoid of any pretence to public service or personal integrity.

Much later as a student activist in the 1980s, we in the student’s movement saw him as an elder statesman in the community of conscience – one of the few elder activists that we could count on to be on the right side of the struggle.

Years later, a combination of fate and the vicissitudes of our country’s troubles would cross our paths in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s.

In those difficult days in exile, I was privileged to have him as a mentor and as a comrade-in-arms with whom the younger activists fought shoulder to shoulder. Or perhaps I should say that we stood on the broad shoulders of this giant.

•Prof Soyinka

Despite his international profile, Soyinka never restricted his activism in exile to chanceries and sanctums of power. He was very much in the trenches with us, an influence by example, involved in the organisation of different initiatives such as Radio Kudirat and the National Liberation Council of Nigeria which articulated a more uncompromising and militant opposition to military tyranny. In the process, he dared the crosshairs of the dictator’s death squads but not once was he anything other than an unwavering presence, a fiercely immovable rock of patriotic opposition to the evil that had befallen our land and a towering and encouraging moral presence in our midst.

Naturally, such an engaged life earns one both admirers and adversaries.

Soyinka has made his fair share of both.

But no one can accuse Soyinka of desertion, of not being involved or of going missing at critical times. A man with so rich a life’s experience is entitled to take a break or to go on terminal leave from the patriotic work of troubling a complacent elite and stirring society to its calling. He has, after all, paid his dues. He has lost friends and comrades, some cruelly snatched from him by the forces of violence, and others that have slipped quietly into the winter of existence. Soyinka has rightly had to slow down not just or even mostly because of the limitations imposed by age, but because he is, to use an infamous phrase, “stepping aside,” to

enable the younger generation to take centre stage. Even so, this is no permanent retirement for him. Soyinka still lectures, instructing the national mind. He still graces the barricades, still invigorates the ranks of the present day comrades in progressive struggles with the sheer moral potency of his presence.

On a night like this, it would be negligent on my part to fail to acknowledge that our country is going through very difficult times. We are facing arguably the deadliest existential threat that we have encountered since the civil war. The plague of terrorism has come upon our shores like the grim reaper leaving death and destruction in its wake as a now daily normalcy. It is worth noting that Soyinka has long alerted us to the perils of extremism and intolerance. For several decades, he has drawn attention to what he calls “the credo of being and nothingness”; to the shift in the tenor of public discourse from the conventional dialectic of “I am right and you are wrong” to the anarchic “I am right and you are dead” paradigm. The current virulent manifestation of nihilism and fascism in the garments of religion are a terrible fulfillment of Soyinka’s prophetic admonitions that have been little heeded. They are also a testament to his foresight.

Let me conclude by citing some of Soyinka’s own words. During the civil war, the federal regime had a slogan: “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.” Soyinka revised and offered a more instructive assertion – “To keep Nigeria one, justice must be done.” This statement sums up Soyinka’s earthly adventure which according to him is the first condition of humanity. It is a quest for justice that he leaves us as a legacy.

Years ago, in 1984 to be precise, Soyinka authored one of the most incisive critiques of contemporary Nigeria entitled: The Wasted Generation in which he essentially indicted his generation for not having resolved the crisis of our nationhood. As we commemorate the 80th year of this illustrious son of Africa, this gift to the world from our shores, I would like to say that the celebrant has lived a rich, full and inspirationally purposeful life. There has been nothing wasted about him at all even as our country remains an open sore of the continent.

I join all men and women of good conscience the world over, to celebrate my mentor and I dare say friend, but more aptly, a father figure in whom I find the safety of good counsel at critical points in my own mortal journey.

Happy Birthday WS. •Dr Fayemi is governor, Ekiti State

A weekend at QDance Centre

D

•Tourists on a boat cruise on the Badagry lagoon

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Eat, drink and make merry in Badagry

UN-FILLED weekend awaits travel lovers this weekend at Badagry as the TravelNextdoor has announce its excursion to the historic town this Saturday.

TravelNextDoor, which has on its team former winner of the CNN African Journalist Award (Travel Category), Pelu Awofeso, has

Stories by Evelyn Osagie

been taking tourists from within and abroad on excursions to the town famous for its history of slave trading, since 2010. It has built a reputation for that over the last few years.

“We thought to share some highlights of

what it means to be part of that 12 hours (8am8pm) spent outdoors, enjoying the very best of nature, culture and history that Nigeria has to offer. To book a seat on the tour bus, interested tourists can get more details on the excursion by sending an email to travelnextdoor@yahoo.com or calling 0807 0999 670,” the organisers said.

ANCE lovers will burn some calories on the QDance Centre dance floor opened to the public on Saturday. The event was the first at the centre. There were free dance classes.

O0n Sunday, guests were treated to an evening of refreshment tagged: the Opening Cocktail.

The centre, based in Yaba, is an independent space, focused on creating new interests for dance by offering services for amateurs and dance lovers.

According to the organisers, it aims at being “a dance hub/cultural centre, informative and creative space, with an ambition of kickstarting a new experience for the inhabitants of Yaba area.

Other activities it will be offering include a dance school, a dance company, children’s creative club, in addition to regular dance and fitness class for adults, film screenings and performances, studio hire and library.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Osun election: Artistes drum support for Aregbesola

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S the Osun State gubernatorial election draws near, some veteran Yoruba actors and actresses, as well as their music counterparts, have thrown their weight behind the incumbent governor,

By Mercy Michael

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Led by veteran actress Toyin Adegbola, whom her colleagues referred to as ‘Woman Leader’, the thespians all stormed the venue of the APC mega rally held

yesterday, clad in green Ankara print with brooms in their hands.

Adegbola, popularly called Asewo to re Mecca, sensitised the mammoth crowd who stormed the campaign ground to support

the party in the election, slated for Saturday, August 9. She urged the electorate to vote for no other person but Aregbesola so that, according to her, he could complete the transformation programmes started four years ago.

“On the day of election, do not expect to see Aregbesola’s poster. What you will see is the symbol of APC, the broom. So, before you cast your vote, be sure to identify the party, APC, then cast your vote,” she urged. She further urged the electorate to stay behind after casting their votes to avoid any form of electoral malpractice.

“Don’t just cast your votes and go home. After you have finished casting your votes, please do wait to see that the votes are collated right there,” she told the crowd.

While she addressed the crowd, her other colleagues cheered. Among them were Fadeyi Oloro, Lasu Ray, Muyiwa Afolabi and Olofa Ina. From the music industry, Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinda Marshal and 9ice were on ground to entertain the crowd at intervals.

Celebrities to host Bolaji Rosiji at 49

A

HEAD of the 49 th birthday celebrations of the Founder of Gaurapad Charities and exPMAN president, Bolaji Rosiji, on Friday, August 8, celebrities in the nation’s entertainment industry will converge on the Gaurapad Charities Complex in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate him on Thursday, August 7.

An excited Rosiji said: “I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity and the grace to carry out this service of Gaurapad Charities. I am really not deserving of this. I’m extremely humbled by the effort of artistes in putting this together. I’m also excited about re-uniting with these great icons and legends of the music industry after such a long time.

I am looking forward to a great day, hoping it doesn’t rain.”

Rosij, also the SecretaryGeneral of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), started Gaurapad Charities in 2004, which now has in its fold notable musicians like Stella Monye, TMac, Daddy Fresh, Bright Chimezie and Charlyboy as social workers.

At various times, the group has extended its hand of magnanimity to some communities, journalists, musicians, school children in Lagos metropolis, the Police, widows and schools of deaf and dumb, among others.

Genevieve Nnaji, Sound Sultan storm Amstel Malta Showtime 3 launch

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T was, indeed, another historic moment recently when top celebrities stormed the Nigerian Breweries Headquarters, Lagos, as Amstel Malta announced the third edition of the Amstel Malta Showtime, amidst pomp and circumstance.

Amstel Malta Showtime is a unique platform that brings together unique talents in dance, comedy and music, among others, on one stage to showcase their unique potentials to the world.

According to the organisers, these talented individuals will deliver a drama themed: “The Rush”, with special appearances from musician Sound Sultan, comedian Gordon and popular art director, Ice Nweke, who will also serve as mentors and judges on the show.There will also be guest appearances by musician Phyno and choreographer Ukalina.

The organisers further revealed that the third edition, which will hold in Lagos and Enugu, will fea-

ture five talents who will be chosen at auditions to be held in each region. The Enugu Amstel Malta Showtime is scheduled to hold on August 29, at the Grand Royale Hall, Enugu, while it will hold in Lagos on September 18, at University of Lagos Sports Hall, Akoka.

According to Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries, “Amstel Malta Showtime is aimed at discovering potential and unique talents. As a brand that is keen on encouraging people to be the best they can be, Amstel Malta has put everything in place to ensure these unique talents have the best platform to display their potentials alongside renowned Nigerian entertainers.”

Also, Nollywood star and Amstel Malta brand ambassador, Genevieve Nnaji, urged fans to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Amstel Malta is set to make this third edition of Showtime a very memo-

•Art Director, Ice Nweke, Assistant Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Phoebe Larry-Izamoje, Actress Genevieve Nnaji, Sound Sultan and Corporate Affairs Adviser, Kufre Ekanem.

rable experience and I really can’t wait to see how it unfolds because I am very positive that there are so many undiscovered talents out there. I urge everyone to seize this opportunity and be part of this journey to suc-

cess, which can potentially launch you into that career of your choice”, she said.

The organisers also revealed that, apart from starring alongside renowned entertainers, participants will also receive cash prizes

BON to honour Oga Bello, Liz Benson, others

T

HE organisers of the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards have revealed plans to honour veteran Nollywood actors, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and Liz Benson at this year’s awards ceremony scheduled to hold on October 4, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the Founder/ Executive Producer of BON, Seun Oloketuyi, another Nollywood great and pioneer of Kannywood, representing the Hausa-language film industry based in Kano, will also be duly recognised for his contribution towards the movie industry.

“Last year, Pete Edochie and Mrs. Lanre Hassan (Mama

I

By Babatunde Sulaiman

Awero), were given special recognition awards,” he said.

Also, when he was prodded to explain the relevance of the Best Kiss in Movie award that was introduced three years ago, Oloketuyi said: “We don’t do voting in BON. After the screeners have done their job, the jury will come and choose the winners. But we wanted something that will be interactive to people who watch the movies and these are categories that are not professional. If you nominate an up-and-coming actress for Best Ac-

tress of the Year and you also nominate a big actress for the same category, viewers will not vote based on the movie, but on the popularity of the actors. So, we feel that this amounts to injustice.

More so, because a lot of people who watch our movies like to enjoy some fun, we decided to create that category.”

and wardrobe makeovers.

The first edition of Amstel Malta Showtime premiered in 2011 in four regions (Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin and Lagos), while the second edition held in Abuja, Lagos and Enugu in 2012.

Among the stars present at the announcement luncheon of the Amstel Malta Showtime 3 were actress Genevieve Nnaji, musician Sound Sultan, comedian Gordons and TV presenter Vonne Vixen.

Group plans Sakara Legends Day

F efforts by the Sakara Music Fans Group (SMFG) are anything to go by, then, this seemingly ‘eclipsed’ genre of Yoruba music, Sakara, may soon regain its relevance in the Nigerian music industry.

In line with this vision, all roads will literally lead to the Feminar Hall, LTV Ground, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday, August 17, as the SMFG holds the Sakara legends Day. According to the organisers, the forthcoming event, which is being supported by Intercontinental Distillers Limited( IDL), is designed to celebrate the memories of Sakara exponents like the late Yusuf Ajao Olatunji Ojuroungbe, aka Baba L’egba, and Lefty Salami Balogun, for their contributions to the development, sustenance and promotion of Sakara Music in Nigeria.

In a release, Hakeem Adenekan, Group Secretary, SMFG, said: “We

By Babatunde Sulaiman

shall be honouring these legends in different award categories, including Sakara Lifetime Award and Sakara Legends Award.”

Adenekan, who is also the CEO of Commstrat Communications, said the event, which is already generating buzz among Sakara enthusiasts, would also feature presentations by Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL) and Ijebulawa teams.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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BUSINESS EXTRA African leaders seek 15-year extension for AGOA

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• From left: Representative of Lagos State Governor, Mr Taofik Tijani; representative of Minister of Petroleum Resources, Emmanuel Bekee, and President, Nigeria Society of Engineers, (NSE), Ademola Olorunfemi, at the opening ceremony of the 38th Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos ...yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Oil theft, deferred production hit 215,000 bpd, says Minister T

HE Federal Government lost an average of 215,000 barrels of crude oil last year to oil theft and production deferment due to pipeline vandalism, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, has said.

The minister, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the ongoing Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2014) of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos, said the government is investing in gas infrastructure to boost power generation and gas flare reduction.

She said: “In 2013, we sustained an average crude and condensate production of 2.3 million bpd and gas production of 7.6 billion cubic feet per day despite crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Average crude oil theft and deferment during the same period was 215,000 bpd.”

She said the government is

T

• Govt secures $450m Eurobonds for gas pipeline

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

working to reduce gas flare.

“Gas supply to the domestic market grew to an all-time high of 1500 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d), of which about 70 per cent was deployed to the power sector and the balance in support of the manufacturing sector such as cement. This ultimately reduced our average gas flare to less than 12 per cent,”she said.

She explained that as part of the government’s effort to boost infrastructural development for gas supply, they have completed and opened 150- kilometre pipeline Escravos-Lagos Expansion

Project and the remaining 250 km section is at advanced stage of completion.

She also said work had started on the 120km EastWest OB3 gas pipeline, intended to boost power supply.

She said pipeline impediments to gas supply might soon be eradicated in the country as the government guarantees the optimal utilisation of the $450 million in Eurobonds secured to aid extension of the Calabar Ajaokuta - Kano pipeline projects.

She said: “Nigeria needs to recognise and declare the pipelines as national assets.

The next step is to organise and harmonise its institu-

tions responsible for pipeline infrastructure protection and invest appropriately in this light for effectiveness.”

The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the government should find solution to key energy issues, urging Nigeria and Africa to develop and implement a policy that would harness its energy resources and resourcefulness of entrepreneurs, industrial and financial sectors.

He noted that making the most of the oil and gas resources within the region required improved security of supply, infrastructure, human and production capital resources.

He said: “If the current population of 160 million Nigerians and the next generation are to have access to affordable energy options, then we must choose the path which leads to a sustainable energy future.”

PTAD vows to resist interference in old funds by defunct HE Pension Transipension administration pension PBOTs. tional Arrangement

Directorate (PTAD) has vowed to resist interference from the individuals and organisations with opposed to change or that have vested interests.

Speaking at a sensitisation workshop for Treasury Funded Parastatals and their Pension Boards of Trustees in Abuja yesterday, its Director-General, Mrs Nellie Mayshak said the Directorate has come to recognise that some people would be opposed to change and also have entrenched interests; these people, she said, were welcome to hold their views as long as they don’t interfere with PTAD. Specifically, she identified one of the challenges facing the directorate as “resistance to change/entrenched interes.”. Another challenge, according to Mrs Mayshak,

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja and Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

is the absence of credible database on the parastatal pensions.

She said she did not inherit any pensioners data when she assumed duties last year and as a result, the directorate would embark on a pensioners verification and biometric data gathering across the country before the end of the year.

The Directorate, she said, would meet labour unions and others to work out modalities for the exercise.

The result of the Verification and Biometric Data Capture Exercise, Mrs Mayshak said, would include the establishment of a comprehensive, authentic and credible

database of pensioners under the DBS, which would ensure effective planning and management of pensions; elimination of ghost pensioners; elimination of duplication of payments; correction and eradication of anomalies such as over payments and short payments; Pay pensions, gratuities, death benefits and other pensioner entitlements; Update records of next of kins; and Enrollment of new pensioners.

Other challenges include lack of adequate awareness by some concerned stakeholders, e.g. Pension Board of Trustees (PBOTS), Pensioners and other critical stakeholders, Wrong impression/misperception of PTAD by some PBOTs Pensioners; huge pension liabilities; and mismanagement of

The PTAD boss also admitted that the directorate was facing challenges with complaints from pensioners on the performance of Board of Trustees (BOTs) as well as trapped funds with underwriters Under her watch, Mrs Mayshak said “there has not been a single incident of misappropriation of pension funds since PTAD and there will never be” because the Directorate has Zero tolerance for corruption.

In the last one year, PTAD has established a robust complaints resolution mechanism; improved services for Pensioners; improved understanding and collaboration with unions and partners; and creation of a befitting office space and home for pensioners.

FRICAN leaders yesterday urged the United States to renew the trade benefits programme giving duty-free access to billions of dollars of African exports for 15 years, saying it would help cement trade relations and boost development in the region.

South African President Jacob Zuma, one of nearly 50 African leaders in Washington to attend a three-day summit, said the renewal of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) when it expires next year, is one of the key issues for this week’s talks.

“Almost 95 per cent of South African exports receive preferential treatment under AGOA,” Zuma said at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event, joining calls by the African Union for a 15-year extension.

“We strongly believe that by endorsing the extension of AGOA, the U.S. will be promoting African integration, industrialisation and infrastructure development - I’m sure the Americans would not want to lose this opportunity.”

The U. S. administration is keen to renew the programme, but duration and possible reforms such as adding new duty-free products, refining eligibility criteria and tweaking regional content limits are yet to be thrashed out.

AGOA, established in 2000, has already been renewed past its original 2008 expiry date and is set to run until Sept.ember 30, 2015. About 40 African countries are eligible to take part. U.S.-bound exports from sub-Saharan Africa - mainly petroleum under AGOA and other trade preferences totaled $26.8 billion in 2013.

The summit aims to showcase American interests in the region, home to six of the 10 of the world’s fastest-growing economies and the fastest-growing middle class, through public-private partnership deals. General Electric Co, for example, pledged $2 billion in investments by 2018. The U.S. administration has already called for Congress to renew the program well ahead of its expiry date, albeit with reforms, and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said last week he would work with lawmakers on the length of the renewal.

“Seamless renewal will send an important signal to purchasers of AGOA products and investors in AGOA industries who are already making decisions about next year, and in some cases, many years in the future,” Froman said at a meeting with African trade ministers.

“The sooner we renew our commitment, the more likely they will do the same.”

AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha said African countries needed to improve infrastructure, security and investment in science and technology to fully benefit from AGOA. But the US is concerned about political will to address other challenges, such as corruption.”I will say to you, fighting corruption is a definitive and critical part of that process,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said. He added: “Fighting corruption lifts more than a country’s balance sheets. The market always works better with transparency, with the sunshine of accountability.”

Benin Disco loses N1.8b to non-payment of bills

A

BOUT 60 per cent of electricity consumers under the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) do not pay their bills, the Managing Director of the firrm, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, has said.

Mrs. Osibodu, who spoke when the Senate Committee on Privatisation visited the headquarters of the company as part of its oversight functions, said the firm has N1.8 billion debts from bills.

She solicited the Senate’s assistance in curbing power theft by enforcing long jail term for offenders.

She urged the Senate to lend its support towards providing a lasting solution to the incessant gas shortage and ensure generation of additional 5000Megawatts in the short term.

Other assistance sought by her, included fast-tracking transmission projects in the network and the government intervention to meet shortfall in revenue/tariff restructuring.

Mrs. Osibodu said 200,000 of its customers were on estimated billing, adding that the BEDC planned to recruit an Accounting firm to review those on estimated billing to get it right.

The BEDC boss listed achievements of the company within seven months of its operation to include improved customer services, introduction of e-bills platform, metering of 11kv feed-

ers, mapping and rehabilitation of all 33 kv feeders among others.

She said the BEDC has partnered the Elisade University to direct students of the institution to Power Engineering courses with practical approach.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, expressed optimism that the $265million planned investment of the BEDC would bring about monumental growth of the company as well as improved power supply.

Senator Obadara said their visit was to ensure that the 17 successor companies are conforming to the agreement they signed with the Federal Government.

According to him, “Nigerians are expecting great improvement from the new investors that took over generation and distribution companies. They want to see development and availability of power. They want to see huge investment from these people that bought them. The reason for going round is to encourage them and energise them to do what is needed and to see whether they are conforming to the agreement they signed.”

“We are collating all the data we are having from every one of them for a thorough input making sure that more resources are available to the transmission company.

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 05-08-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 05-08-14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

55

EQUITIES

Custodian and Allied grows net profit by 100%

C

USTODIAN and Allied Plc grew its net profit by more than 100 per cent in the first half as the board of directors of the insurance company declares interim dividend.

The interim report and accounts for the half-year ended June 30, 2014 released yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed profits before and after tax of N2.751 billion and profit after tax of N2.276 billion respectively, more than a double on profit after tax of N1.137 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

The company’s shareholders’ funds grew by 9.34 per cent to N20.88 billion in 2014 as against N19.09 billion recorded in 2013. Total assets stood at N48.2 billion by first half

U

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

2014 compared with N45.6 billion reported as at June 30, 2013.

Managing director, Custodian and Allied, Mr. Wole Oshin said the the performance presented in concrete terms the result of Custodian and Allied Plc’s unwavering customer focus, comprehensive systems, processes and operations integration and unrelenting commitment to its corporate ideal of exceeding customers and other stakeholders’ expectations at all times.

“We will continue to ensure that our products and services are customer-driven; even as we strive to position our subsidiaries to become Africa’s insurers of choice,” Oshin

said.

Chief financial officer, Custodian and Allied Plc, Mr. Ademola Ajuwon, said the improved result was achieved on the back of favourable underwriting income from the insurance subsidiaries and remarkable efficiency gains group wide.

The board of directors has recommended the payment of an interim dividend of 6.0 kobo on every ordinary share of 50 kobo each. The closure date for the dividend is August 8, 2014.

Custodian and Allied Plc is listed in the Other Financial Services Sector of the Daily Official List of the NSE and holds significant interests in insurance (Life and Nonlife), pension administration, property holding and trusteeship businesses.

Fords to build new factories in African markets

NITED States (US) manufacturing giant, Ford Motor Company sees Africa emerging as the world’s next big growth market and it’s pushing to expand in the continent.

“Everything is pointing toward a surge in the African economy,” Jim Benintende, Ford’s head of operations in the Middle East and Africa, said in an on the eve of the US Africa-Business Forum in Washington.

“We’re really focused on this region like never before.”

Ford is looking to expand its manufacturing plants in Africa, as it introduces new models like the Mustang sports car and forecasts industrywide auto sales will grow 40 percent by 2020.

The summit is aimed at boosting economic ties to help nurture growth on the continent that has the world’s lowest income and, according to the African Development Bank Group, the fastest growth.

Africa’s vehicle market is accelerating rapidly. Ford, the second-largest US automaker, projects that industrywide sales will grow to 2.1 million vehicles over the next six years, from 1.5 million in 2013.

Africa’s driving-age population is projected to soar 55 percent to 840 million people by 2023, from 540 million last year, Ford has said.

Benintende, a Ford veteran appointed to run the regional operation this year, is formulating an Africa growth strategy for Mark Fields, who took over as chief executive officer July 1 after Alan Mulally retired. The plan is to increase Ford’s factories in Africa beyond its two plants in South Africa, with Nigeria being considered as an option, Benintende said.

“Mark is the one leading the charge, saying, ‘Tell me what I need to do for you to make this all work,’” Benintende said. “He’s fully engaged.”

The continent remains a difficult place to do business, Benintende said, citing the Ebola outbreak in Liberia and Sierra Leone and civil unrest in Nigeria, where Boko Haram rebels have been fighting security forces in a bid to impose Islamic law.

“It’s going to be a rocky road for a bit of time,” Benintende said. “But you’ve got to take the long-term view in places like Nigeria. It’s the biggest economy in Africa.

You can’t ignore that. It’s got abundant natural resources, it’s got a burgeoning middle class. There’s a lot of real good reasons to look at Nigeria for future investment.”

Benintende also is traveling the continent to explore Ford’s options in the region. He said he expects to submit a proposal to Fields next year with a detailed plan on how many

factories and dealerships the automaker needs to add.

“We need to put Ford people on the ground, close to our customers,” Benintende said. “We can’t operate from an ivory tower.”

Ford, based in Dearborn, Michigan, is debuting 17 new models in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa over the next two years, including right-hand-drive versions of the Mustang, Fusion sedan and Focus small car.

The automaker also is expanding its African dealer network.

“A lot of these nations are really coming up,” Benintende said. “If they can get together, I think it will be a tremendous economic force in the future.”

Ford is already benefiting from adding five new models to its South Africa lineup last year. Sales in that country are up 21 percent so far this year, to 37,598 cars and trucks.

Last year, Ford’s sales rose 40 percent in South Africa.

The automaker’s market share in the country, where annual industry-wide sales are about 600,000 vehicles, rose to more than 10 percent last year from 7.7 percent in 2012.

Through mid-June, Ford had 11.5 percent of the market, trailing Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG. In 2010, Ford ranked sixth in sales.

IOSCO launches repository for central clearing requirements

T

HE International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) yesterday unveiled an information repository for central clearing requirements for OTC derivatives, which provides regulators and market participants with consolidated information on the clearing requirements of different jurisdictions.

With this, IOSCO seeks to assist authorities in their rule making and help participants comply with the relevant regulations in the OTC derivatives market. The repository sets out central clearing requirements on a product-by-product level, and any exemptions from them. The information in the repository will be updated quarterly.

Established in February 2014, the repository has been available until now only to IOSCO members. IOSCO has since gained sufficient experience, and gathered enough information on central clearing requirements, to open the repository to the public.

However, the information in the repository is for reference only as interested parties are still expected to refer to the original version of the relevant laws and regulations.

In February 2012, IOSCO released the report on requirements for mandatory clearing in response to the G20 commitment to ensure that all standardized OTC derivatives contracts were cleared through central counterparties by end-2012.

The report recommended that authorities communicate with one another regarding the implementation of mandatory clearing within their own jurisdictions, and encouraged IOSCO to explore the establishment of a central information repository to consolidate that information.

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

MONEYLINK

CBN unveils guidelines for Development Finance Institutions T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled guidelines for establishing Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in the country.

Under the policy announced yesterday, the Federal Government will collaborated with development partners and international financial institutions (IFIs) for the establishment of a Wholesale DFI (WDFI) and Retail DFI. The bodies are expected to bridge the gap and increase the availability and access to finance for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

It also specified a N10 billion and N5 billion to be paid to Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) as minimum capital deposit for WDFI and RDFI respectively.

The DFIs are specialised financial institutions established with specific mandate to develop and promote

•Pegs capital base at N10b, N5b

Stories by Collins Nweze

key sectors of the economy considered to be of strategic importance to the overall socio-economic development objectives of the country.

Part of the guidelines it said, are that any promoter(s) seeking a licence to operate a DFI in Nigeria shall apply in writing to the Governor of the CBN. The application shall indicate the class of DFI (RDFI or WDFI) and be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of N100,000 or any other amount as may be determined from time to time and payable to the apex bank.

There should also be evidence of

proposed name reservation with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a feasibility report specifying objectives and aims of the proposed DFI including the vision and mission statement and the strategy for achieving the objectives and aims among other requirements.

The apex bank said it has decided to develop this Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines to provide a level playing field for participants in the DFI subsector and to further direct private capital to participating financial institutions (PFIs).

These Guidelines will provide framework for licensing, regula-

Citi to source $2.5b for ‘Power Africa’

C

ITI has pledged to source $2.5 billion in incremental capital to improve access to electricity for millions of people across Africa as part of the ‘Power Africa’ initiative.

In a statement, the lender described Power Africa as a multistakeholder partnership between the US government and several African countries and other public and private sector entities, working to accelerate investment in Africa’s power sector over the next several years.

The financial institution will also leverage its financing expertise in renewable energy to encourage the adoption and implementation of the appropriate technologies for specific markets.

It will also work with key stakeholders in local capital markets to introduce innovative debt securities and to enhance financial infrastructure.

Accelerating the development of local capital markets will mobilise domestic savings and attract greater international financial resources to the power sector in Africa. By deploying its systems and technology to enhance the payment and collection capabilities of the various providers in the “Power Africa” markets, Citi aims to increase efficiency and transparency along the entire supply chain.

The Chief Executive Officer of Citi for Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, Jim Cowles, said: “We are proud to be a partner

in this phenomenal project, an initiative to double the number of people who have access to electricity across Africa. Citi has a unique footprint in Africa and a commitment to enabling progress on the Continent through our technical expertise, financing and risk mitigation tools.”

Citi operates in over 40 countries in Africa with offices in 16 countries, including key markets such as, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Over the past two years, Citi has enabled over $1.5 billion in funding for the power sector in Africa.

Citi is also the global leader in placing project finance / infrastructure risk into the international capital markets.

tion, supervision and operations of both WDFI and Retail DFI (RDFI).

It said rather than compete directly with RDFI at the retail level, WDFI shall only provide wholesale financial products and facilitate technical assistance to eligible participating financial institutions (PFIs) throughout Nigeria.

The DFIs are expected to Fund MSMEs for economic development and foster growth in sustainable businesses. It is also part of government’s drive to boost job creation, reduce poverty and improve quality of lives.

Credit Policy that describes the eligibility requirements for its borrowers, the products to be offered

Offer Price

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

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,663.89 1,663.89 1,05.92 1,087.30 1.3620 1.3560 1.0221 1.1841

C

ENTRAl banks may have to address different episodes of financial instability as risks shift from the banking sector to the balance sheets of other financial players, says Bank of England Chief Economist, Andrew Haldane.

A report by Central Banking, said central bank interventions, which have reached unprecedented levels since the advent of the global financial crisis, may never revert to pre-crisis levels.

Haldane said central banks may therefore become more active in their efforts to address substantially different financial stability risks, Haldane says in an article published in Central Banking Journal today.

He said one of the likely consequences of the crisis, and the resulting regulatory response that has seen a clampdown on bank capital and liquidity rules, is that the financial system “will reinvent itself”. Financial activ-

167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,663.89 1,663.89 119.71 1,087.00

GAINERS AS AT 05-08-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 7/16/2014 7/9/2014 7/7/2014

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

8.2%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Foreign Reserves

$39.4b $110.44

14.56

1.29

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

GUINNESS

191.30

200.86

9.56

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

MOBIL

161.55

169.62

8.07

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

NAHCO

5.00

5.25

0.25

PHARMDEKO

1.80

1.89

0.09

675.00

708.75

ETERNA

3.67

3.85

0.18

WAPIC

0.85

0.89

0.04

MBENEFIT

0.52

0.54

0.02

WEMABANK

0.98

1.01

0.03

SEPLAT

NNFM

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

16.5%

33.75

LOSERS AS AT 05-08-14

SYMBOL

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

CHANGE

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 300m 300m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 290.9m 279.08m 342.8m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES July 23, 2014

Inflation: June

13.27

CCNN

ity and risks could migrate “outside of the banking system” as a result. “What previously had been credit and maturity mismatch risk on the balance sheet of the banking system may metastasise into market and illiquidity risk on the balance sheets of non-banks,” says Haldane. “This could have important implications for the stability of the financial system and the broader economy.”

In Haldane’s scenario – he also pictured a world where central bank policy could return to pre-crisis levels – the financial system and economy may become less prone to the low-frequency, high-cost banking crises seen in the past. But the financial system could “exhibit a new strain of systemic risk – a greater number of higher-frequency, higher-amplitude cyclical fluctuations in asset prices and financial activity, now originating on the balance sheets of mutual funds, insurance companies and pension funds”.

DATA BANK

Bid Price

1.3529 1.3570 1.0039 1.1841

by the DFI, including the policies, procedures, terms and conditions for issuing loans and guarantees, and sets forth the standards to be used by the DFI to manage its credit risk.

Economists see greater role for central banks as risks shift

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

US Dollar

154.73

155.73

Pounds Sterling

260.4415

262.1247

Euro

207.3691

208.7093

Swiss Franc

170.4263

171.5277

Yen

1.5028

1.5125

CFA

0.2966

0.3166

236.1789

237.7053

Yuan/Renminbi

25.0351

25.1978

WAUA

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

Riyal

41.2569

41.5236

1M

12.175

12.101

SDR

236.9071

238.4382

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

19.75

18.77

-0.98

PRESTIGE

0.54

0.52

-0.02

ABCTRANS

0.87

0.84

-0.03

CILEASING

0.51

0.50

-0.01

RTBRISCOE

1.02

1.00

-0.02

NEIMETH

1.15

1.13

-0.02

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

HONYFLOUR

4.18

4.11

-0.07

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

SKYEBANK

3.11

3.06

-0.05

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

DANGSUGAR

9.10

9.00

-0.10

TRANSCORP

5.71

5.65

-0.06

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

FOREX RATES

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

57

NEWS

•Chairman of Panel, Mr Uche Oraeke (middle) with members inaugurated to investigate allegations against Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi in Enugu...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Obiano to meet Ekwunife, Reps over defection From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

A

NAMBRA State Governor Willie Obiano has scheduled a meeting for tomorrow with four members representing the state in the House of Representatives.

The meeting followed their impending defection to the Peoples Democratic Party PDP (PDP) from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The members are Uche Ekwunife (Anaocha, Njikoka, Dunukofia Federal Constituency), Victor Afam Ogene (Ogbaru), Cyril Egwuatu Onitsha North and South) and Chris Azubogu (Nnewi North and South Federal Constituency).

Ekwunife last Sunday submitted her resignation letter to Nri Ward I APGA Chairman.

Obiano, disturbed by the development, sent invitation letters to the Reps to come and pray with him on the development.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

THE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Akodo Police Station to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction two weeks after this publication.

The vehicles are: Toyota Celica Saloon Car No KRD 880 AJ, Opel Astra Car CZ 463 APP, Primera Saloon Car No APP 424 FN, Volkswagen Passat Saloon Car Unregistered Mark Tipper Truck XX 502AGL.

Funeral for Mrs. Eke THE Eke family has announced the burial ceremony of their mother, Mrs. Appolonia Nwamgbala Eke. The burial will hold on August 8 at Ekeanyanvou’s compound, Umukpehi Okwu Ikeduru, Owerri, Imo State.

She is survived by Sir Ernest Eke, Mr. Callistus Eke, Sylva Eke, Mr. Ethelbert Eke, Mrs. Scholastica Uka and Ms. Angelina Eke. Mrs. Eke was 91.

E

Seven-man panel sworn in to probe Enugu deputy governor

NUGU State Chief Judge Innocent Umezulike has inaugurated a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct in the impeachment notice served on the Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi.

Onyebuchi is facing impeachment proceedings initiated by the House of Assembly.

The panel includes Oraekeyi Franklin, who is a lawyer, as the chairman, Pastor Uluakanwa Oko, Nnamdi Onyemuru (lawyer), Maxwell Eze (lawyer), Mrs. Praise Anyim, Aroh Okwuchukwu and Anthony Iguh.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

The chief judge urged the members to perform their “constitutional function in a manner that would elicit commendation rather than condemnation from legal and constitutional historians.”

Umezuluike, reminding them that the state’s constitutional or democratic history would never be complete without a chapter of the functions they were about to perform, hoped that that they would discharge their functions without fear or favour.

He said: “I must pause here to point out that the chairman and members of this panel

have been carefully chosen to ensure that there are no cleavages that could hinder the effective and impartial performance of the functions they are about to perform.

“I must inform you that that the glue that holds you together is your uncommon integrity and non-partisanship in political activities.”

The chief judge added that their “activities during this period would be monitored with a detective eye and so you must conduct yourselves like Caesar’s wife.”

Orakaeyi assured that they were not selected to witchhunt anybody, adding: “We are not politicians and we fully appreciate the nature of

our duty, which is akin to that of an umpire.”

He promised that the panel would ensure equity, fairness, justice and neutrality in order to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Orakaeyi said their proceedings shall be guided by the rules made by the House of Assembly pursuant to Section 188(7) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“I want to also point out, for the benefit of the people that will appear before us that this panel is not a court of law. It is a fact-finding panel of enquiry or investigation and as such, we shall not allow technicalities to be a clog in the wheel of proceedings,” he warned.

Kidnapping: Anambra demolishes four houses

A

NAMBAState government has demolished four bungalows allegedly belonging to kidnappers.

The government also revoked the certificates of occupancy (C of O) of the buildings at Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government area.

Two of the buildings were in Umuobi while one each was at Dusogu and Ifite in Awkuzu.

Two of the buildings belonged to Ifeanyi Nwaezeagu, an alleged fake pastor and General Overseer of Unchangeable God Ministries, Awkuzu.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Operations Olafimiham Adeoye, who spoke at the demolition site, said it was in compliance with a government law, which says kidnappers and robbers must not benefit from the proceeds of the crime.

He added that the demoli-

I

•Police parade 15 suspects From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

tion would also dissuade people from involving in crime.

Adeoye confirmed that Nwaezeagu had generated millions of naira from proceeds of kidnapping.

The pastor was accused of kidnapping many wealthy Anambra men, including a priest.

The DCP added that Nwaezeagu operated unnoticed until he was caught last year and confessed.

Governor Willie Obiano later revoked the certificates of occupancy of his buildings.

The state Police Command paraded yesterday 15 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, including confiscated sophisticated arms and ammunition, at the

Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) Headquarters, Awkuzu.

The arms included one Rocket Launcher, one Rocket, 50 magazines for AK4, 300 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition and others.

Adeoye, the SARS Commander James Nwafor, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Emeka Chukwuemeka and Special Adviser to Obiano on Security Chikodi Anarah led the team to the demolition sites and also paraded the suspects.

Chukwuemeka, who addressed reporters said 10 of the suspects were kidnappers and five robbers and members of a car snatching syndicate.

He praised the SARS Commander and his men for their due diligence in investigating and arresting kidnapers

and robbers terrorising the state.

Chukwuemeka said the successes recorded would have been impossible without the support of Obiano and Commissioner Police Usman Gwary The special assistant to the governor on Security confirmed that the robbers and kidnappers used sophisticated weapons.

One of the suspects, Prince Ndubuisi Friday, who is also a dismissed Army officer, confessed to the crime.

He said he kidnapped only once while Obieze Asombe confessed to snatching of vehicles with his gang.

I f e a n y i c h u k w u Onuchukwu confessed to painting the brand new stolen car and Oliver Ifeanyi confirmed he received the vehicle.

The painter and receiver claimed they did not know it was stolen car.

Okorocha denies issuing dud cheque to cleric

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has denied issuing a dud cheque of N50 million to the Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, Anthony Obinna.

He made the denial after an Enugu-based Catholic cleric, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, accused him of issuing the cheque.

Mbaka reportedly made the claim last Sunday at the thanksgiving service organised in honour of former Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, at the Christ the King Church Parish, Enugu.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, in a statement yesterday, described the allegation as false and malicious.

He added that it was politically-motivated to undermine the governor’s integrity.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

He said: “Aside the publications in the newspapers to that effect, we have continued to be inundated with calls from editors of wellknown newspapers and magazines across the nation and online media outfits demanding confirmation of the allegation or otherwise of same.

“Let us simply aver that the claim is not only false, but spurious and curious in many respects.

Fashola: My dad lived exemplary life •One year remembrance for Governor’s father

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IGNITARIES including the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, clerics and former Inspector General of Police, Mr Musiliu Smith yesterday joined Governor Babatunde Fashola and his siblings at the one year remembrance prayer for the late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, their father.

In a lecture delivered at the ceremony which took place at the Surulere Junior Secondary School, Ladipo Labinjo Crescent, Surulere, the Chief Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad, urged everyone to live in full recognition that a day of judgement would come.

He stressed that it should be the preoccupation of man to invest his resources in propagating the works of Almighty God because He is the one that has invested man with all the good things of life including sound health, intelligence and wealth.

Prayers were later offered for the children, wives and siblings of Pa Fashola, who died on August 5 last year. He was 80.

Fashola described his late father as a disciplinarian and a man of integrity who lived an exemplary life, adding that his life taught everyone a great lesson in contentment.

He noted that during his life time, the late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola built his life around people, spending time in building a very extensive family not just for people who are related to him by blood, but people whose life he impacted.

“We are sad that he is not here, we are proud to hold the love, the values that he lived by of being his brother’s keeper, for being contented in whatever situation we may found ourselves and serving God and serving humanity”, the Governor said.

At the occasion were, widow of the late Alhaji Fashola, Cecilia, children, family members, members of the state executive council, members of the National and Lagos State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, royal fathers and clerics amongst others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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NEWS Southsouth governors, PDP leaders endorse Jonathan for 2015

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OUTHSOUTH governors and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders yesterday endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for next year’s election.

The endorsement was the high point of a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu, as part of his zonal tour of the South-South.

The leaders, in a communiqué read at the end of the meeting by the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche, hinged their endorsement on the achievments by the Jonathan administration.

The communiqué reads: “We acknowledge the giant strides of Mr. President in the areas of education, agriculture, health, tourism, re-invention of the railway system, roads and other infrastructural development across the country. There is also focus on economic empowerment of Nigerians.

“In view of his (President’s) doggedness in pursuing his transformation agenda for the country, the South-South is in support of his administration.

We, therefore, endorse President

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Jonathan for the forthcoming presidential election so as to continue his transformation agenda, which transcends all spheres of our lives.”

It was signed by Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

The leaders of the region condemned the spate of violence and insecurity in the country, which they observed was being tackled

by President Jonathan.

They pledged their “unalloyed and unwavering support for the fight against terrorism,” vowing “to be strong advocates of the unity of the country.”

Urging Nigerians to identify with the PDP, they praised the leadership of the party led by Mu’azu.

Others in attendance were the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dakwambo, the South-South lawmakers in the National Assembly, chairmen of the party in the six South-South states, among others.

Knocks for Ibibio Elders’ chair

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HE Chairman of the Ibibio Elders Forum, Dr. Okon Akpan Uko, was slammed yesterday for his remarks that the forum had not endorsed the Akwa Ibom State Secretary to the Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

A member of the forum, Obong Thomas Akpan, chided him for his double-speak.

Akpan said Uko made profound statements about the character and personality of Mr. Udom Emmanuel and hailed his intellectual prowess, managerial ingenuity and humane disposition, which he noted set him apart as a credible and competent successor to Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Uko, in a telephone interview with The Nation, said the forum was yet to endorse Udom, claiming it only received him out of courtesy and urged him to continue his consultations peacefully.

Akpan wondered why the forum would deny the recorded material facts of the endorsement of Udom.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

His words: “We are at a loss how Uko or the leadership of the forum could deny the (recorded) material facts of the endorsement, which they presented initially in a well-composed tribute by the forum. The tribute was printed, circulated and presented by the Ibibio Elders Forum spokesman, Obong Tony Akpan.

“We view this development as regrettable and embarrassing not only to the forum and the public, but also to the leaders and political figures across the state, who accompanied the SSG during the visit on July 25. We condemn this double-speak in its entirety.

“We recall that at this event, Uko made profound statements about the character and personality of Udom and commended his intellectual prowess, managerial ingenuity and humane disposition, which he noted set him apart as a credible and competent successor to Governor Akpabio next year.”

FERMA begins work on federal roads

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HE Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has begun work on the Ekparakwa-IwukemAzumini Road, Ikot Ekpene – Umuhia Road and Aba-Ikot Ekpene-Itu Road, it was learnt yesterday.

A board member representing FERMA, Southsouth Zone, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, spoke to reporters in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Nkanga, a former military administrator of the state, said FERMA acted on a presidential directive ordering it to improve the condition of roads in the state and those linking it with neighbouring states.

He said the Federal Ministry of Works was working on the roads but the contracts were reawarded due to the contractors’ poor performance.

Said Nkanga: “You may have noticed, particularly those of you from this area, that for some time now Akwa Ibom State has been locked out because of the poor condition of the federal roads.

“The roads in the state are tarred, but those linking it with other states are not in good condition. There is a presidential directive that FERMA must repair the roads linking it with other states.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

“I need to let you know that the Federal Ministry of Works has been working on these roads. Contracts were awarded but because of the contractors’ poor performance, they were terminated.

“FERMA couldn’t have been working on these roads at the same time the Federal Ministry of Works is working on them.

We have three contractors working on the roads now.”

•From left: Mu’azu, Imoke, Uduaghan, Akpabio and Dickson at the meeting... yesterday.

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Gunmen kill eight in Port Harcourt

USPECTED gunmen have killed eight people in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The attacks occurred a few days after suspected cult members killed 15 persons at Egi communities in Ogba/ Egbema Ndoni Local Government.

Three persons were also killed in Khana Local Government. One of the cult members in the council was

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

beheaded and the head was taken away.

A source said the gunmen opened fire at two drinking joints on the ever-busy Aggrey Road in the old Port Harcourt Township, popularly called Town.

It was learnt that the hoodlums first stormed a popular drinking joint- Love Garden,

where they killed four persons, including a middle-aged woman, on Monday night, while the other four people were shot dead at Bimo Bar, the same night.

The source said many people, including passersby, were hit by stray bullets, while others sustained injuries.

They were being treated in hospitals in Port Harcourt.

Policemen from the Rivers Command reportedly moved

the bodies to the morgue to an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.

Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko said the shootings involved two rival cult groups, adding that the command had begun investigations.

Police Commissioner Tunde Ogunsakin warned criminals to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Bayelsa communities shut oil wells

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EMBERS of the Egbebiri communities in Biseni clan, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, have seized the Idu oil field belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

It was learnt that the field is made up of about five oil wells numbered as 3, 6, 8, 11 and 12.

The Egbebiri communities were said to have shut the oil wells following the failure of Agip to satisfy some of their demands.

“Five oil wells operated by Agip in the company’s Idu field in Biseni have been shut

From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

down by community folks.

Wellheads 3, 6, 8, 11 and 12 have been shut since Sunday night,” a source who pleaded for anonymity said.

The communities reportedly took the decision after their entreaties to the company fell on deaf ears.

They were said to have written letters to the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield and the Department of State Security (DSS) to inform them about their disagreement with Agip.

One of the community lead-

ers, who identified himself as Solomon, confirmed that the communities shut down the wellheads because of the company’s inability to meet their demands.

“We shut down the wellheads because they refused to meet our demands,” he said.

Solomon said they asked Agip to solve lack of electricity in their communities by giving them a generator.

“The generator they gave us since 2003 has spoilt. Our community has been thrown into darkness since then,” he added.

According to him, they also

wanted Agip to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with them and to change the name of the oil wells to their community’s name.

Said he: “We have been talking to them about this, but they have done nothing. They should call for real meetings with the manager of Agip.

“Our wellheads are numbered in Idu name. They should change it to our community’s name.

“They are paying for only four wellheads instead of six.

We won’t release the wellheads until they call us to a meeting and resolve the issue.”

PDP youths burn membership cards in Rivers

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UNDREDS of Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) youths in Rivers State burnt their membership cards yesterday, rejecting the party.

They were led to the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt by the party’s Youth Leader, Sogbeye Eli, a lawyer.

The defecting youths said they wanted their burnt cards to be replaced with APC membership cards.

The exercise was witnessed by

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

the Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya and other party officials.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Comrade Hart Lawson Atemie said the absence of internal democracy, infighting, selfishness, the need for a change in the country, among others, were their reasons for dumping the PDP. He accused the party’s leadership of self-centredness, saying it did not give them hope.

Atemie said: “The money they distribute is to control the souls of helpless Rivers people born in riches but are poor.

“Rivers is a Christian state and we would not support those who trade with the devil.

“The PDP is finished and in disarray. There are crises in the party which will worsen as 2015 approaches.

“It is their bid to corner the state’s resources, which led to their disagreement with our visionary leader and Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

“We are tired of staying in a party where our so-called leaders are not concerned about improving the relationship between the leadership and the followership.”

Hailing APC for being better organised and capable of providing change, he lamented that despite the corruption in the country, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been turned to a lame duck.

The security situation, Atemie also said, has deteriorated.

Women child traffickers arrested in Calabar

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•The child traffickers...yesterday

en of the Quick Intervention Squad (QIS) of the Emergency Response Centre in Calabar, Cross River State, yesterday arrested two women said to be part of a syndicate that specialises in child trafficking.

The Commander of the QIS, comprising security outfits, Capt. Mohammed Tanko, said the women were arrested on the Etagbo Road, following a tipoff that they were transacting the sale of a two-yearold boy for N600, 000.

He said when the suspects were arrested, they attempted to bribe with N500, 000.

The suspects, a 30-year- old woman from Etinan in Akwa Ibom State and a 33- year-old woman from Akpabuyo in Cross River State, confessed to the crime.

They said they were married and had children.

The suspect from Akpabuyo, who served as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer, said

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

she was a worker with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

She said she got the child from Akpabuyo.

She said her share from the transaction was N20, 000.

According to her, the buyer said she needed a child to adopt, but didn’t want to go through the proper process because she feared one day the child would be collected from them by the government.

The suspect from Etinan, who was the buyer, said she had paid the money.

The Security Adviser, Rekpene Bassey, said investigation was ongoing to bring their accomplices to book.

He said the suspects would be handed over to the police.

Bassey said the state would uphold a zero tolerance policy for crimes.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

NEWS NMA: Hospital matron shows Ebola symptoms Continued from page 4

had started compiling a comprehensive list of all the primary and secondary contacts of the doctor.

He dispelled the rumour that the infected patient was dead.

“Contact tracing is essential and very important to stop the spread of Ebola Virus Disease.

In the case of the infected person, we have contacted her family and have opened comprehensive lists of both primary and secondary contacts of the newly infected person.

“There is no panic as long as basic precautionary measures, such as hand washing, adoption of appropriate waste management and enhanced personal/environmental hygiene, are

adhered to. This is a call for everyone to be vigilant, especially with regard to relating with people who are ill.

“We need to again highlight the mode of transmission of Ebola Virus Disease. Once a person is infected with Ebola, the disease is transmissible through direct contact with broken skin, mucous membrane and secretions of an infected person or through direct contact with materials and surfaces that have been contaminated by the infected person.

“This is a call for vigilance as human to human transmission is only achieved by physical contact with a person who is acutely and gravely ill from Ebola Virus through body fluids, such as urine, stool, saliva, breast milk and semen.”

Idris urged health workers in the state to reconsider their decision to continue with the ongoing strike, saying it would be more difficult to control the spread of the deadly virus if indigenous health workers shy away from helping the suspected and infected cases.

Lagos doctors, however, said the strike would not stop them from attending to person suspected to have contracted EVB. The blood samples result of the six persons quarantined in the hospital by the Anambra State Government where the body from Liberia was deposited, tested negative.

But the result of the sample taken last Friday from the body is still being awaited.

Anambra State Commissioner

for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike, said yesterday in Awka that the report would be made public.

Samples of two of the people said to be relations of the deceased from Liberia were taken at Umueri Hospital in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The other four persons were employees of the Apex Hospital where the body was deposited. They were transferred from the hospital to Umueri General Hospital as a result of the virus scare.

There was tension in Anambra State, following speculations that the body of an indigene of the state who died in Liberia was deposited at Apex Hospital in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area.

APC vows to set up parallel govt if 2015 poll is rigged Continued from page 4

Odigie-Oyegun said he was impressed by the large turnout of the people at the rally.

Said he: “What I could see in people’s eyes is love, passion for Aregbesola’s performance. I have witnessed his popularity.

I have never seen a large turnout in rally like this in my entire political life. Are you going to be afraid of forces of oppression?.”

The national leader of the party and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, advised the people to push on with courage, saying “you can not eat omelette without breaking an egg”.

He told the crowd not to allow or accept any intimidation from the security operatives posted to secure lives and property during the election.

He said: “Don’t be intimidated by the soldiers or police. We give them their uniform and pay their salaries. We won’t allow anybody to use police and soldiers to harrass us. Our party agents should not take bribe from anybody to sabotage the election. If you stand firm you will be the first set of people to be recruited for jobs when it is time for it.”

Tinubu pointed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s failure in many sectors, saying he is incompetent.

“They keep saying they know where the kidnapped girls are kept. If truly they know, let them bring them out and if it is the enemies that keep them and they know, it means they are saying they should be taken away”, Tinubu said.

Tinubu Said: “It is a broom revolution. You must come out, everyone of you to cast your vote. Don’t be afraid of the police or the soldiers. They are paid to protect you. They are

part of us. We have them in our families.

“We know them. We must be careful and vigilant this time. But we must protect our votes. The soldiers are to protect you. They cannot use the uniform to steal our votes. Defend your votes.

Our agents must be vigilant.

“Jonathan is an incapable leader. He does not know this job.

Where are our girls? They say they know where the girls are. If so, why not bring them out and set them free. Bring back the girls.

APC is a party of the common man. Don’t be intimidated.

“Tell the soldiers to let you perform your civic duty. Police affairs minister and some PDP chieftain are bragging that Aregbesola will not win a single local government. It seems they have seen the results before the voting.

“They seem to know what you don’t know. We will win Osun State. The governor has performed. He is constantly working for the people.”

The former interim national chairman of the party and former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, said Jonathan had no voice in Osun because he could not point to any project he did during his last Saturday.

Oyinlola, who spoke in Yoruba language, to the admiration of the crowd, said the PDP did not mean well for the Yoruba.

According to him, no Yoruba is among the first twenty most powerful appointed officers in the Jonathan administration.

Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described the PDP as darkness and the APC as light.

Oshiomhole advised the people to be on the side of light because of what they stand to benefit.

He said: “Where there is light, darkness must disappear. We all know what is going on in Osun.

We are not surprised at your im-

pressives turn out, when a crowd believe in a cause it is not hard to know.. Aregbesola represents light, but the other side is darkness.

“Stay by the man who wants peace, development and progress for you. Take their money and punish them for it. No receipt, no refund; that’s how we describe that kind of bribery in Edo State.

We taught them a lesson in Edo; you can do better.”

The first civilian governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who defected from the PDP to the APC a day to the PDP’s governorship primary poll, enjoined the people not to be afraid of soldiers and police posted to monitor the election.

Aregbesola, who urged security operatives to be civil, taught people how to cast their votes for him without voiding them or making a mistake.

He accused the Federal Government of not completing any project in the state in the last four years.

He said: “Those who started with them have left the PDP because there is nothing good with them. In the last four years, we have cared for the aged, the youth and students with our various programmes and polices and we intend to do a lot more than this.

“So, take time to vote right and stay by your votes so that they don’t manipulate the process.

When you thumb print, count three columns before folding the paper given to you, then count another three columns and fold out, the APC broom symbol must have been well placed and safe for you to thumbprint.

“By this, they are not going to succeed to take any advantage.

We patiently waited till now to reveal this secret. So make proper use of the opportunity.? And for those who could not do this by their own, especially the aged,

the same, they said.

They also can’t say whether those groups included any of the schoolgirls the group has held since April. But U.S. and Nigerian officials said they believe they are indeed those schoolgirls.

“It’s unusual to find a large group of young women like that in an open space,” said one U.S. defense official. “We’re assuming they’re not a rock band of hippies out there camping.”

A wave of intermediaries acting on their own has tried to negotiate the girls’ release, Mr. Abati said, adding that the president has neither authorised nor discouraged those efforts.

Several of those intermediaries have said Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, has ordered his fighters to treat the girls as valuable hostages—not sex slaves— one senior Nigerian security adviser said.

“He gave a directive that anybody found touching any of the girls should be killed immediate-

ly,” the adviser said. “If true, it is cheering.”

It would also show that Boko Haram is trying to follow an al Qaeda tactic: swapping hostages for money and political gain.

The group is accelerating its kidnapping of foreigners and politicians: Over the past two months, it has been blamed for abducting a German expatriate, 10 Chinese labourers in nearby Cameroon and the wife of Cameroon’s deputy prime minister.

Boko Haram has used hostages in the past to demand the exchange of its prisoners held in both Nigeria and Cameroon, which was one of the conditions for the release of a French family from captivity last year.

The international effort to find the girls has waned: The U.S. military is now carrying out just one surveillance flight a day, mostly by manned aircraft, totaling only 35 to 40 hours a week, said U.S. defence officials, as drones have been shifted back toward other operations.

U.S. planes spot girls in Northeast village

Continued from page 4

ary, is under political pressure to secure the girls’ release, with some people urging him to agree to a prisoner swap.

The government has ruled out a rescue operation, saying it is unwilling to risk the girls’ lives, or a prisoner swap.

“We don’t exchange innocent people for criminals. That is not on the cards,” said spokesman Reuben Abati last week in an interview.

In early July, U.S. surveillance flights over northeastern Nigeria spotted a group of 60 to 70 girls held in an open field, said two U.S. defence officials.

Late last month, they spotted a set of roughly 40 girls in a different field.

When surveillance flights returned, both sets of girls had been moved. U.S. intelligence analysts say they don’t have enough information to confirm whether the two groups of girls they saw are

ask for assistance from the INEC officials.”

In attendance were many party stalwarts, including Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Hamed, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, Aregbesola’s deputy Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori. House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam.

Others are: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Interim National Chairman of the APC Chief Bisi Akande, Oyo State Governor Isiaka Ajimobi, former Minister of Defence Demola Seriki, chairman Aregbesola’s Campaign Committee, Senator Sola Adeyeye, Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, former Osun State governor, Senator Isiaka Adeleke and former Kwara State Governor Dr. Bukola Saraki.

APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, former Ekiti State Governor and Deputy chairman of the APC Chief Segun Oni and Senator Bayo Salami. Senator Chris Ngige, Chief Tony Momoh, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipreye Silva, former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo, Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Audu were there.

PUBLIC NOTICE SALAKO

I, formerly known and addressed as HAMDALLAT OMOLADE SALAKO now wish to be known and addressed as HAMDALLAT OMOLADE AYANWALE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public please take note.

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Security agencies probe ‘plan’ Continued from page 4

with information on “plans” by the insurgents to establish a Caliphate government in Damboa after hoisting some flags in the town.

A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The DHQ has ordered massive redeployment of troops to Borno to secure Damboa, Bulabulin, Kreona and many towns and villages the insurgents had been invading.

“For security reasons, I will not tell you when the troops will move into the affected areas but they are up to the task of routing out the insurgents.

“We also got a lot of intelligence reports about their activities but we are probing all clues.

We are investigating their alleged plot to establish a radio station with transmitters in Chad and Banki.

There are speculations that

Boko Haram plan to make Damboa its temporary capital before marching on Maiduguri and Damaturu.

“But we have intercepted their plans; we will flush them out of all the towns and villages they have held hostage,” the source said.

Responding to a question, the source added: “The Nigerian military will not cede a part of the nation’s territory to the insurgents. Their alleged threats to declare a Caliphate administration in Damboa will fail.

“We will appeal to our citizens in the affected areas not to panic. The Nigerian military and security agencies will guarantee their security and safety.

“We, however, urge these citizens to cooperate with the military and security agencies instead of bowing to the whims and caprices of the insurgents.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

NEWS N1bn BoI fund: Oyo begins screening for SMEs owners

Panel clears Al-Makura of misconduct

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OT guilty. That was the verdictNasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura got yesterday from the panel set up by the Chief Judge to investigate allegations of misconduct levelled against him by the House of Assembly.

The implication of the verdict is that the impeachment process instituted by the legislature has collapsed.

The governor described the verdict as a “victory for democracy” and extended a hand of fellowship to the lawmakers.

Lafia, the state capital, erupted in celebration as the news was broken.

The panel on Monday, after the appearance of the governor, gave the House up till yesterday to appear before it to prove its case.

The governor’s counsel submitted a written defence of the 16-point allegations.

Yesterday, Mr. Ocha P. Ulegede, appeared for the House. He faulted the composition of the panel, saying the lawmakers had no confidence in it.

Chairman, Yusuf Usman, who later read the panel’s position, said the Assembly failed to substantiate the allegations as required by Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution and therefore dismissed them.

Usman said the panel would report its findings of “no proof” of allegations to the House of Assembly in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

Counsel to Governor Almakura, Olufunke Aboyede, SAN, who spoke on behalf of

It’s a victory for democracy, says governor NASARAWA State Governor Tanko AlMakura yesterday said his clearance by the Investigative Panel of Inquiry is a victory for democracy.

He said he had left the members of the House of Assembly, who initiated the impeachment proceedings against him, to their conscience and the people’s verdict.

He, however, said he had no grudges against the lawmakers and pleaded with them to return home from “exile”.

Some of the lawmakers reached out yesterday to the governor to reconcile with him.

Al-Makura, who spoke on telephone with our correspondent, said: “I give thanks to the Almighty God for making this day a reality.

This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

“All the while, I saw the impeachment proceedings as other efforts in moving our constitutional democracy and the rule of law forward.

“This was why I kept faith with the constitution and the rule of law throughout the impeachment process. I appeal to the lawmakers to abide strictly by the constitution because they are supposed to be custodians of the constitution and democracy. They should respect the constitution and the rule of law by accepting the verdict of the panel.”

From Blessing Olaifa and Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

her colleagues, praised the panel for the painstaking efforts it took to undertake its assignment.

She said justice had been served to the “good people” of Nasarawa State going by the speed with which the panel discharged its responsibilities.

Usman said: “Having considered and dismissed the

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja Al-Makura added: “I hope that Nasarawa State will come out stronger from the impeachment experience.

“I wish to call on my brothers and partners in the State House of Assembly to come back home from exile. They should terminate their exile and return to be my partners to move this young state forward.

“We have a responsibility to the people of the state to serve them and this should be uppermost in our minds.

“I have demonstrated that I am a democrat and a believer in the rule of law. So, I leave the people’s verdict to take control.”

It was gathered that some of the lawmakers had initiated reconciliation with the governor.

A highly-placed source said: “Some of the aggrieved 20 lawmakers have accepted the decision of the panel, although most of them have opted for legal action.

“One of the peace-inclined lawmakers met with the governor yesterday as part of the moves to reunite with Al-Makura.

“We hope that in the next few days, others will be pacified and see reason why they should return home to conduct their legislative business.”

misconduct and breach of the 1999 Constitution allegations by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly against the governor, having found no merit in each allegation, the panel finally hereby dismisses the allegation’’ “It is important to note that this panel had carried out its duties in compliance with Section 188 (8) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The panel had taken no-

tice of the appearance in protest by the counsels to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on grounds that the panel is illegal.

“Though the panel is not a court of law, it would report the presentation of the views of the parties to the speaker of the state House of Assembly” Ulegede told reporters after appearing: “We are not ready to be part to the breach of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which

O

•Al-Makura

they (House) sworn to uphold the power given to the chief judge of Nasarawa State is not absolute, they are subject to certain conditions.

Lafia erupted in jubilation the state capital, after the verdict as hundreds of youths stormed the Government House in celebration.”

The youth defied the presence of a large number of policemen and other security agents at the premises of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, venue of the sitting of the panel, to register their solidarity with the governor.

Some of the youths, who rode on motor bikes were shouting “Sai Almakura. Security men made frantic efforts to prevent them from gaining entrance into the building.

The Nation observed that the youth, who later made their way into the main gate of the Government House, praised the governor and the panel for the verdict had for hours while the proceedings lasted been on glued onto their radio/TV sets as the event was aired live.

YO State Government has begun the screening for Small and Medium Scale enterprises (SMEs) owners in the state in a bid to disburse the N1billion counterpart funding from the Bank of Industry (BOI) for the development of their businesses.

The Bureau of Investment Promotion and Public Prvate Partnership of the state government saddled with the disbursement commenced the screening for the second phase of the disbursement in furtherance to the directive of the governor.

The six-man committee in charge of the screening are Mr Olusola Oyedeji, Mr Fatoki, Dr A.O. Okesola, Dr Adebusola Adebusuyi, Mr Tosin Ayoade and Mrs Folakemi Akinleye.

Mr. Akinyele said the panel had received 240 applications, adding: “We hope to help as many people as possible with the loan, there are no limitations as to how many applicants will be chosen, the more people that access the fund, the better for our objective...”

FOREIGN NEWS Gaza takes stock of war as Israel withdraws troops

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S a 72-hour cease-fire mediated by Egypt took hold on Tuesday, Gazans emerged to view a shattered landscape with Hamas still in power, while Israel began to debate the politics, costs and accomplishments of the monthlong war.

Israel announced the withdrawal of all its forces from the Gaza Strip and both sides said they would engage in talks on a lasting arrangement to keep the peace. But the negotiations, also to be mediated by Egypt, are bound to be tricky; and given the participants' antagonisms and sharply different goals, the cease-fire could still collapse. Israeli officials emphasized that their army, navy and air force remain deployed near the coastal territory, primed to respond to any attacks from Gaza.

Continue reading the main story Related Coverage Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim to serve in the British cabinet, resigned in protest over the government's policies on Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Muslim Minister Quits British Government to Protest Gaza PoliciesAUG. 5, 2014 Open Source: Indian TV Crew Shows Rare Video of Rocket Launch From GazaAUG. 5, 2014 Gaza War Strains Relations Between U.S. and IsraelAUG. 4, 2014 Dr. Hassan al-Zeyada, a psychologist who works at the

Gaza Community Mental Health Program, at his home in Gaza.

In Fatal Flash, Gaza Psychologist Switches Roles, Turning Into a Trauma VictimAUG. 4, 2014 Questions of Weapons and Warnings in Past Barrage on a Gaza ShelterAUG. 3, 2014 Since the conflict began in earnest on July 8, Gaza officials say, more than 1,830 Palestinians have died, most of them civilians, with more of the dead likely to emerge as the rubble is cleared away. Israel says 64 of its soldiers and three civilians have been killed.

But people on both sides are already wondering if the death and destruction was worth what is essentially another standoff between Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamic group that governs Gaza, and its ally Islamic Jihad, with no clear victor or vanquished. The cease-fire proposal accepted late Monday night is essentially the same one that was rejected by Hamas three weeks ago, before the Israelis moved into Gaza with ground troops, and on its face it resolves little.

In Gaza City, there was little sense of celebration that the fighting had stopped, although many of those interviewed said they thought this cease-fire was more likely to succeed than previous ones, which quickly collapsed amid new violence.

Gaza's streets slowly filled with cars, donkey carts and

trucks, many of them piled with the belongings of displaced families moving from one spot to another toting mattresses, kitchen supplies and bags of clothes.

Residents began to venture out more freely, going to shops and banks or just taking a walk. Fruit stands were full of pears and watermelons, though they had few customers. Men had returned to their familiar stations on plastic chairs outside electronics shops. A man sat in a barber's chair, orange smock on his shoulders, getting a trim.

Many shops displayed merchandise they had hoped to sell for the holiday at the end of Ramadan but left locked in storerooms because of the conflict. Many gas stations were closed, and given the lack of electricity, traffic lights were out.

Gaza faces a major challenge in reconstruction, with its infrastructure, always shaky, badly damaged. Electrical cables are down, the only power plant is out of action, the water and sewage systems are damaged and hospitals urgently need resupplying. There is also the less visible psychological impact of modern war among ordinary people, especially children.

Continue reading the main story Related in Opinion OpEd Contributor: Atef Abu Saif: Life and Death in the Gaza StripAUG. 4, 2014

U.S. invests $33b in Africa

•Obama

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RESIDENT Barack Obama announced yesterday that United States (U.S) Government and businesses have committed $33 billion in new investments to support economic growth across Africa.

According to a statement by the White House, Obama made the announcement at the U.SAfrica Business Summit in Washington D.C .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Goodluck Jonathan is among the 50 African leaders attending the three-day summit.

According to the statement, Obama announced $7 billion in new financing to promote U.S. exports to and investments in Africa under the Doing Business in Africa (DBIA) campaign.

U.S. companies announced new deals in clean energy, aviation, banking, and construction worth more than $14 billion.

This is in addition to $12 billion in new commitments under the President’s Power Africa initiative from private sec-

tor partners, the World Bank and the Government of Sweden.

“Taken together, these new commitments amount to more than $33 billion, supporting economic growth across Africa and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs,’’ the statement from the White house said.

It said Obama also signed an Executive Order (E.O.) to promote broad-based economic growth in the US and in Africa by encouraging U.S. companies to trade with and invest in Africa.

“The E.O. directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa that will be comprised of not more than 15 members from the private sector, including small businesses,’’ the statement said.

It also announced that the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) had reaffirmed its plan to have local representation in Nigeria for the first time.

USTDA, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Transportation, hosted two African Leaders’ Visits in association with the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

These reverse trade missions highlighted the United States’ experience fostering economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments in the energy and transportation sectors.

The DBIA Campaign en-

courages U.S. commercial engagement in Africa by harnessing the resources of the U.S. government to assist businesses in Africa.

The campaign, which was launched in Nov. 2012, aims to among other things, expand access for American businesses to finance their exports to Africa.

It also seeks to reduce barriers to trade and investment in Africa.

Earlier in Abuja on Tuesday, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Jay Williams provided a background of the Business Forum in a video-conference with local entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Williams said the forum was aimed at intensifying efforts to strengthen trade and financial ties between the US and Africa.

He underscored the US commitment to renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), noting that it was a key tool to deepening trade and investment ties between the U.S and Africa.

AGOA allows 6,400 products from eligible Sub-Saharan African countries to enter the U.S. duty free.

According to US Department of Commerce, in 2013, U.S. imports under AGOA totaled $26.8 billion.

In May, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, led a trade mission of 20 U.S. companies to Nigeria and Ghana, mainly focused on the energy sector.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

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TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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VOL.9 NO.2,930

‘What type of country do we live in that the government does not pay its own contractors for years and years while the nation groans in preventable darkness? And then Customs release 230+ containers containing electricity power equipment needed long ago.’ TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

EXT Monday, the National Conference will reconvene for the final consideration and signing of its report. The prospect that the conference will have a happy ending looks rather bleak. And the reason is the same old one that has marred virtually every constitutional conference in the country since 1966; a dubious hidden agenda of self-service by the conveners.

When President Goodluck Jonathan made a U-turn from his long-held rejection of a constindajika@yahoo.com tutional conference and suddenly announced early this year that he would convene one, there were widespread scepticisms, even cynicism, about his decision. Many, including this reporter, concluded it was to divert public attention away from his dismal performance and, at the same time, execute a Machiavellian sectional and self-succession agenda against the foreground of next year’s presidential election. than two years after he came to power, he was Once again, it seemed the lesson that no such overthrown by his army chief, Maj.-Gen. hidden agenda has succeeded since 1966 when Ibrahim Babangida, in a bloodless palace coup the country’s first military regime sought to in August 1985. perpetuate itself, has been lost on those in power.

Babangida, in turn, ran the longest transition Back in 1966, the first military Head of State, programme in the country’s history and in the Maj.-Gen. JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi, set up a Constituend was forced to “step aside” in August 1993, tional Study Group under the late Chief Rotimi leaving behind his army chief, Gen. Sani “The Law” Williams barely a month after he Abacha, ostensibly to back up the interim govcame to power in January. However, even beernment of Chief Ernest Shonekan he had fore the panel could settle down to study anycobbled together to remedy the huge constituthing, the general took the unwise advice of a tional crisis his inexplicable cancellation of the power-hungry cabal he had surrounded himJune 12, 1993 presidential election, apparently self with and promulgated the Unification Dewon by Chief MKO Abiola, had created. cree in May, which turned the country into a Instead of backing up Shonekan, Abacha unitary state under his jackboots. This led to his obliged very convenient calls from several sooverthrow and assassination in July. called progressives for the overthrow of what Col. Yakubu Gowon, who took over, set up they dubbed Babangida’s “contraption”, and an Ad Hoc Conference on Constitutional Prosent the former UAC mogul packing in Noposals, essentially to manage the crisis of his vember 1993. But rather than hand over power succession in the face of strong objections from •Chairman, National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi to Abiola, as the “progressives” foolishly beCol. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the lieved he would, the man predictably kept the The wisdom of this change, intended to check power to himself. military governor of Eastern Nigeria, who was nominally his senior. The conference ended in a the country’s old centrifugal tendencies, has since Five years after he overthrew Shonekan, the fiasco in Aburi, Ghana, with each side accusing become debatable. As Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN, man tried to perpetuate himself by swapping the other of bad faith in implementing its deci- the country’s foremost constitutional lawyer, who his khaki for mufti through a political sleight also played a central role in drafting the 1979 of hand in which all the five parties his elecsions.

The disagreement eventually led to a three- Constitution said in a recent interview in Sunday toral commission had registered in the course year civil war that ended in 1970. After that Vanguard (March 20), this change seems to have of his transition programme, nominated him Gowon announced he would end military rule led to the exact opposite of the framers’ good as their presidential candidate. However, bein 1976. He changed his mind in 1974 when he intentions. fore any election could hold, the man died a “We took 50 per cent of the concurrent list of mysterious death. not only said in the year’s Independence Day broadcast on October 1 that 1976 was “unrealis- matters (in the old constitution) and merged them He was succeeded by his Chief of Defence tic”. He also failed to give a new date that was to the exclusive list,” he said. “We also went to Staff, Lt.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who, the residual matters, took almost 50 per cent and ironically, he had pencilled down for sack on realistic.

This led to his overthrow in July 1975. In his put it in the exclusive list. We took so many other the day he (Abubakar) became the head of state. first Independence Day broadcast on October 1, things...It turned out that putting so much power Wisely, the new head of state refrained from the new Head of State, Brig. Murtala at the centre was an invitation to disunity...The stretching his luck and ran the shortest transiMohammed, announced a five-item, four-year struggle for control of the centre with all that tion programme in the country’s history, lasttransition programme, the central pillar of power led to disunity.” ing only 11 months; dutifully he handed over Whether the change was wise or not, the new power on May 29, 1999 to a civilianised Gen. which was a new constitution for the country. presidential system under President Shehu In February 1976, some disgruntled elements in Obasanjo after he was pardoned for his convicthe Army tried to overthrow his regime but Shagari lasted only 51 months. His ruling Na- tion over a coup attempt against Abacha for failed. However, they succeeded in assassinat- tional Party of Nigeria (NPN) boasted that there which he served several years of a life sentence were only two parties in the country; NPN and commuted from death sentence, and after he ing him.

Despite this assassination, the new regime the military. Meaning, it could never lose any had won the presidential ticket of the ruling headed by Lt.-Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo kept election to its civilian opposition. It went on to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was esfaith with Gen. Mohammed’s transition gratuitously rig the 1983 election – chances then sentially a two-horse race against Shagari’s programme and ended 13 years of military rule were that it could still have won fair and square - deputy, Dr. Alex Ekwueme. by handing over power to civilians on October so massively the military felt compelled to pick Obasanjo served out his two terms of four 1, 1979. However, this was not before it had up its gauntlet as the only opposition party and years each, but soon forgot the lesson of his executed its own agenda of changing the threw it out on December 31, 1983, barely three regime’s good faith during his first outing as country’s constitution from the parliamentary months into its second term. the military head of state in 1976; he sought a The regime of Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, third term half way through his second. Not model bequeathed to it by its British colonial masters to an American-type presidential model which took over from Shagari, said initially that only that, reminiscent of NPN’s boast during a return to civil rule was not its priority. Less in which the centre became all-powerful.

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA

History and moral of constitution making in Nigeria

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ERHAPS as expected, survival must have been on the mind of the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, as he took over from Mohammed Abubakar who retired on July 31 after two years in the saddle and a 35-year career. So, it was unsurprising that he had good words for the Goodluck Jonathan presidency, despite that the administration is poorly rated in the critical area of security.

The 55-year-old Acting IGP, in his maiden address to men and officers of the Force in Abuja, said: “Of all reforms embarked upon by the past governments, it is only that of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan administration that is working. We have seen the seven city programmes with the necessary equipment; we have seen tens of helicopters and other facilities in place.”

Abba’s flattering picture of the Jonathan government is understandable, considering that he is working in acting capacity and must

HARDBALL

Acting IGP’s sweet talk be hoping and praying that the qualification reflecting temporariness would sooner or later be removed from his designation. Or what else could explain his apparent selective perception?

Was Abba speaking about the same police force that is empirically regarded as scandalously illequipped? Besides, how have the so-called “necessary equipment” and “other facilities” translated into security success? It is noteworthy that Abba unwittingly highlighted security failure when he said: “The recent upsurge in security challenges will have my full attention.”

Still pursuing the path of sycophancy, he declared: “In consonance with the President’s Transformation Agenda, I will develop and implement constructive policing strategies for the maintenance of a stable democracy and economic growth.” Maybe he needs to be told that the

country’s transformation under the Jonathan administration has been in the negative direction, as it continues to endanger democracy and threaten economic growth. Hardball is a witness to the abuse of the police and security agencies by the powers that be, particularly the use of these organisations for non-professional and politically- motivated purposes.

It is worth mentioning that all eyes will be on the role of the police in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State; and beyond that, in the 2015 general elections. In other words, among the challenges he will have to tackle, Abba will need to prove his professionalism as the police helmsman and demonstrate that he can operate outside the sphere of political influence in the electoral context.

Hopefully, Abba was not just being theo-

the Second Republic, his party said it would rule Nigeria for the next 50 years, if not forever.

Obasanjo’s third term agenda failed so miserably that today virtually all those who aided and abetted him have been denouncing him.

Surprisingly (?) the loudest denunciation has come from his one-time Minister of Information and Political Adviser, Prof. Jerry Gana, a permanent resident in the country’s corridors of power.

His former principal’s Constitutional Conference of 2005 came to grief, Gana said in an interview in Daily Sun (April 16), because the man was “greedy”! “I was,” he said, “the political adviser at the time and I happened to be one of the conveners...But just because of the issue of third term, which was not part of what we recommended, Obasanjo abandoned the whole thing. It was irresponsible, it was not proper, it was unfair...It was painful; it was an act of greed.”

This, Gana said in the interview, which I am not aware he has repudiated, was something President Jonathan has assured Nigerians he would not contemplate with his own National Conference. “This president,” he said, “has said no Nigerian must come back and do this again.

He told us...by the Grace of God this time round your recommendations will be implemented.”

Gana is not alone among President Jonathan’s men who say they believe in his good faith.

Senator Femi Okurounmu, hitherto a champion of Sovereign National Conference and chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee which recommended the shape and circumscribed terms of reference of the current National Conference, is another.

“I think,” he said in an interview in the New Telegraph (March 17), “this administration, in all fairness, has tried to show it has no hidden agenda and I can say that as the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference that if the government has a hidden agenda, I would be privy to it.”

As we all now know, the newspapers have since given the lie, a big, big lie, to repeated denials by the president’s men that he had no hidden agenda in convening his own National Conference. A 102-page document with presidential imprimatur written all over it, has since surfaced at the conference purporting to be the “Terms of Agreement of the Six Geo-political Zones in Nigeria.” This was reminiscent of the document Obasanjo’s men tried unsuccessfully to sneak into his 2005 conference in order to give him a third term.

As with Obasanjo’s document, this one too has come with malicious intent towards one section of the country. It also contained the sixyear, single-term tenure we all know is so very dear to our president.

If I have bored you with this longish recap of the history of constitution making in the country since 1966, I am terribly sorry. But I thought the recap was necessary to make its moral apparent; virtually every constitutional conference in this country has come with a hidden agenda by its convener and virtually all of them have come to grief.

I have no doubt in my mind that as members of the current one reconvene next Monday, this too shall come to pass because it too was never convened in good faith.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above retical when he referred to the vexed question of police reform. He said: “It is not the fault of those implementing or those that sat down and wrote the reform programmes. It is because one thing is missing, attitudinal change; the absence of attitudinal change in the Force is why the reforms are not effective.” With all due respect, he sounded repetitive as the issue of “attitudinal change” was at the heart of the ceremonious launch of a 20-page booklet known as “Nigeria Police Code of Conduct” in January 2013.

The implication that Abba will devote his tenure to achieving “attitudinal change” in the police force needs to be properly contextualised. If there are no complicating factors and he transcends the acting capacity to become the substantive IGP, he is expected to retire in March 2019. So, Hardball appreciates why his maiden speech was full of sweet talk, the type that will possibly please those who have the power to keep him in office.

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