August 12, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Dozens feared dead in Borno market explosions •Ooni: Residents storm banks, markets for foodstuff •Ahmed orders institutions to open single account •Ambode urges Buhari to disband Task Force in Lagos •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3304 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

P10 P57

NEWS Page 4

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•PPMC chief, others fired

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

Security agencies watch-list Supreme Court justices

N150.00

Cancer patients, others hardhit by CBN’s forex policy

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

S

UPREME Court justices and judges serving on nine election petitions tribunals have been placed on a security agencies’ watch-list, it was learnt yesterday.

The tribunals are those of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Yobe, Gombe, Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Delta and Taraba states.

Besides, a governor and a former governor are being investigated for allegedly offering to pay for some judges’ vacation trips .

According to sources, the Federal Government is disturbed that some governors and candidates in the last general elections have become desperate in their bid to influence tribuContinued on page 4

New heads for NNPC firms

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T • Justice Mohammed

HERE are fears that the new forex policy may cause a major setback in the medical sector.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), last week, directed commercial banks to pay for their dollar purchases at the official forex window 48 hours ahead of the bid date.

Under the policy, banks and

By Collins Nweze, Finance Correspondent

other forex dealers are required to deposit the naira equivalent of the total forex bids to the apex bank 48 hours in advance. The lenders responded by transmitting same message to their customers, who must now fund their accounts 48 hours before the for-

ex bid date. Besides, dollar deposits are being rejected.

The policy, which made no exceptions for medical service providers, is adversely affecting importers of radiopharmaceuticals used in treatment of cancer patients and others with serious ailments, The Nation learnt yesContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: ICPC ORDERS OKIRO-LED POLICE COMMISSION TO REFUND N145M P56

•President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (fifth left), Gen. Abdulsalami (fourth left), Sultan Abubakar III (fifth right), Pastor Oritsejafor (fourth right), Cardinal Onaiyekan (third right), Bishop Kukah (second left), Mr. Amuka-Pemu (left) and others after meeting ...yesterday.

Abdulsalami Panel: we didn’t beg for Jonathan

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

Treasury looters to face trial soon, says Buhari

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption battle got a major boost yesterday, with the Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee for the 2015 General Elections endorsing it.

Besides, the committee denied the speculation that it was on a mission to plead for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dr. Jonathan, who left office on May

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

29, has not been accused of any offence.

Members of the committee, who met with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the on-going action against corruption was in order.

“It is not heating up the polity,” their spokesman, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kuka, told State House reporters after the meeting.

The committee, however, cautioned against the abuse of due process.

Rev. Kukah said the committee members, on Monday, met with Senate President Bukola Saraki and spoke of plans to hold talks with House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Gen. Abdulsalami led other members of the panel, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III;

the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh.

Others are: the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan; Dr. Kukah, who is the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese; a former President Continued on page 4

•OGONI CLEAN-UP: BUHARI HAS SHOWN HE’S FATHER OF ALL, SAYS APC P5

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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NEWS

Another headache for giant of Africa •Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (right) and Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni (left) decorating the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the governor, Mr. Saheed Kassim (middle) who was promoted from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) at the Lagos House, Ikeja… yesterday.

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right) decorating the 51st President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Otunba Olufemi Deru, with the state's lapel pin at the Governor's Office, Abeokuta...yesterday.

•One-time Lagos State Commissioner of Finance Olawale Edun receiving the licence to operate The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme in Nigeria (to be known as The International Award for Young People Nigeria.www.intaward.org.ng) from Greg Belton (Chairman) and HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation's London Offices.

• Osun State Secretary to State Government (SSG)Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (middle), Deputy, Head of Political Section, British High Commission Abuja, Mr Andrew Fleming (right) and former Commissioner of Commerce Ismaila Alabada during an investment mission to the Government House, Osogbo...yesterday.

State and federal governments are battling to meet their financial obligations due to dwindling oil cash. But, Nigeria’s oil earnings are likely to dip further, when the Islamic Republic of Iran re-enters the market.

EMEKA UGWUANYI examines the impact of the imminent lifting of the ban on Iran and the way out for Africa’s biggest oil producer

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INCE May 29, when President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn into office, it has been trying times for the country. Reason: governments at all levels are struggling to meet their financial obligations.

Many a state owes workers. Projects are left unattended to because obligations to contractors cannot be met. The situation leaves Buhari with no choice than to seek ways to get more cash into the Federation Account from oil sales, which have witnessed an all-time low in the last one year.

But, salt is about to be added to the country’s injury with the anticipated re-entry of the Islamic Republic of Iran into the global oil market. This was sequel to the planned lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran by the world powers. To some experts and stakeholders in the local oil industry, the development is bad news. Their fear is that Iran’s re-entry into the global oil market may cause serious fiscal upset for oil dependent countries particularly Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer and largest economy. The worry is that the increased supplies from the Islamic Republic are capable of worsening the oil glut and further shrinking Nigeria’s income. Such fears are not without basis. Nigeria, as Africa’s biggest oil producer for years, with proceeds from oil accounting for between 85 and 90 per cent of her foreign exchange earnings, failed to judiciously use the huge proceeds from the resource to grow her economy due partly to lack of investment and partly to inability to foresee the need to save for the rainy day. This explains why Nigeria’s fiscal system suffers serious upsets whenever there is downturn in the global industry with the attendant tumbling of oil prices.

According to Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Nigeria earned $143.5 billion as revenues from oil and gas between 2009 and 2011, while in 2012; it received $62.9 billion as revenues. The statistical arm of the United States’ Department of Energy, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said Nigeria’s earnings from oil export in 2011 were $99 billion and $70 billion in 2010. On its part, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in its recent revenues fact sheet noted that Nigeria’s oil export revenue in 2014 was $77 billion and the lowest since 2011. These figures point to the fact that oil proceeds over the years lacked prudent usage, as there is not much on ground in the form of infrastructural development to justify such huge revenue earnings. To make matter worse, the current oil price slump, which started mid-last year, also upset the 2015 budget compelling the Federal Government to adopt a downward review of the benchmark from $78 to $52 per barrel. The uncertainty that surrounds budget implementation whenever there is downturn in the global oil industry has be-

come a reoccurring decimal.

Some analysts have predicted that the industry will remain low for at least the next two years before it will be able to rebound to the level of first quarter of 2014 when prices averaged at least $100 per barrel. Now, the fear of elongated downturn in the industry appears to have been heightened by the Iran nuclear deal with the United States, European Union and the United Nations Security Council.

The deal, according to those schooled in the dynamics of international politics and diplomacy, is likely to lead to lifting of sanctions imposed on the oil rich Islamic Republic in the next six months. The announcement of the nuclear deal sent shivers to the global market with instant reaction on prices.

The re-entry of Iran will, according to reports, add between 500 – 1,000,000 barrels per day of oil into the global market. Already, OPEC’s production quota is currently being overshot by 340,000 barrels daily. The greater challenge is that Iran shares the same market with Nigeria, which includes China, India and Japan.

Besides, Iran reportedly has over 30 million barrels of oil produced and stored in massive floating tankers off its coast. Currently, consumption in China has dropped as a result of oversupply of the market, and India, another major buyer of Nigerian crude, said its output is increasing. This, according to stakeholders, means that Nigeria will walk a tight rope if Iran resumes production and exportin earnest.

Where Nigeria got it wrong The Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council and President, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), an umbrella body of Nigerian firms that play in the upstream sector, Mr. Emeka Ene, said Nigeria planned to fail by failing to invest in the industry to boost its production. He said other producer countries had always invested in boosting their production whenever oil price is low and this enables them have enough barrels to sell and make profit when the price is high. But that is not the case with Nigeria where the reverse is the case, as it further depletes what she has.

Ene said: “As a country, we need to look at the oil cycle in a 10-year cycle.

We have been in the up cycle and we are now in the down cycle. Supply and demand in the oil industry has not changed. Currently, supply exceeds demand but if you look at the forecast by the International Energy Agency (IEA), we expect that by 2016, the gap in oil price will start to narrow. So this is a time for Nigeria to actually do the opposite of what it is doing, which is to invest. If you don’t invest, when demand will exceed supply, we will not have the barrels to meet that demand.”

Ene said common business sense

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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NEWS dictates that a country buys low and sells high and that this is the time to invest in the industry.

“As we speak, Kuwait is investing $34 billion over the next three years in its oil industry to improve production, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) is doing $36 billion. Same thing for Saudi Arabia, but in Nigeria we are cutting back on our investments by over 3040 per cent. So, to counter the effect from Iran, Nigeria will take action by investing in her oil industry to boost production and become a competitive market place,” he counselled.

For Dr. Austin Nweze, an oil industry analyst and lecturer at the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, the return of Iran to the oil market will further constrain Nigeria’s oil revenue.

He said: “The Iran deal signals a huge challenge to Nigeria. A week ago, it was reported that a Nigerian ship laden with crude oil was looking for a buyer but it couldn’t find. That is a serious sign of the challenge that lies ahead for Nigeria. Currently, China and India that are major buyers of Nigerian oil have alternatives.”He further said Russia is pumping more oil into the market, and it recently had a deal with China. Also, Angola has more oil now as well as some emerging oil producing countries. United States is now the world’s biggest oil producer after Saudi Arabia. According to him, it may be difficult for the United States to resume purchase of Nigeria’s oil. “The fact is that the challenge ahead for Nigeria is enormous because the market share of its crude oil, which is its major foreign exchange earner, is shrinking by the day,” Dr. Nweze pointed out.

While projecting that oil price drop will continue through this year, he said, “United States has stopped buying Nigeria’s oil. Nigeria has not been benefitting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers tangible incentives for African countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets. These are few of the economic concerns we expected President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss with President Barack Obama during his recent visit to the United States. Such benefits will help Nigeria to revive its comatose textile industry and other sectors of the economy.”

On her part, the Principal Consultant, Lonadek Oil and Gas Consultants, Dr. Ibilola Amao said:”The return of Iran into the global oil market is an excellent opportunity that would force Nigeria to domesticate the use of the products from her petroleum industry and fix her economy. We would be compelled to focus on refining, petrochemicals, fertiliser, agriculture and agro-allied industry whilst building the required infrastructure that would form the back bone for national development and socio-economic transformation. Maximum “in-country” value would be created for what would otherwise have been wasted away as crude sales with minimum value creation. I welcome this change and cannot be happier.”

She further noted that such critical situation would also compel Nigeria to explore better ways of actualizing her aspiration to utlilise and monetize its gas resource. “It would accelerate our strategic thinking process since the worthlessness of focusing on the export of unprocessed natural resources and the budget deficit impact would become very glaring if we do not address the issue of exporting unfinished products properly.”

Effect of OPEC’s refusal to cut production The refusal of members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to cut its output into the global market constitutes a major challenge for Nigeria. The refusal has left the market oversupplied especially as the leader country, Saudi Arabia decided not to budge in its decision to continue to pump crude into the market despite purported entreaties from some members such as Nigeria.

According to the Chair of the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) and former Minister of Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia, such inter-

•Buhari

•Ene

•Kachikwu

•Nweze

ventions in the past had immensely helped in rebound of prices. He said for instance, prices had averaged $18 per barrel from 1990 to the end of 1997 but from December 1997 to July 1999 oil prices had fallen from $18 per barrel to about $12 per barrel. In December 1998 the price dipped below $10 per barrel, by April 1999 the price was just over $11 per barrel. But OPEC intervened by joining forces with nonOPEC producers such as Mexico, Oman, Norway and Russia to cut 2.1 million barrels with effect from April 1, 1999. By end of April the price had rallied reaching about $16 per barrel and $18 by July and rose to $20 per a barrel afterwards.

Also between 2007 and 2008, the world witnessed the greatest level of volatility in oil market with prices going up from $65 per barrel in 2007 to all time high of $147 per barrel in July 2008 and many analysts predicted a rise to $200 per barrel but by October of the same year, it had dropped to $32 per barrel. Similarly, OPEC intervened again, cut production and price rallied and got to $70 per barrel. Very few people predicted that oil price will rise soon to $100 per barrel afterwards but by the beginning of 2014 oil prices have gone up averaging about $110 a barrel before the current slump set in by mid last year. However, the fear that the current price slump may last longer than expected is hinged on the fact that the leading oil producer members of OPEC such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have refused to buy into the proposal by other members to cut production. Besides, the United States, a major global oil producer and consumer, is accessing its oil reserves apart from the regular production;

therefore, it is not buying from external market. Also oil demand by other big buyer countries such as China has dropped following a lull in the economy. Therefore, the glut in supply is expected to continue until all members of OPEC reach a consensus to cut production, he added.

The Managing Director, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Austin Avuru, said besides oil price drop, security issues in the Niger Delta and bottlenecks, which include project delay, delay in approval of projects and unpaid arrears of $5billion cash calls, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the government failed in management of oil revenues for the good of the economy and the populace.

He noted that other oil producing countries managed their industries and oil revenues efficiently and currently have deep pockets in terms of sovereign wealth funds and hardly feels the impact of oil price slump. He said today, Norway has a GDP of $512billion and has a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) of $893billion; Qatar with GDP of $203billion, has SWF of $256billion and Saudi Arabia with GDP $748billion has SWF of $762billion.

“Why I have given these figures is because these same countries have managed their economy better. They saved for the rainy day and today they can play the game while Nigeria is watching. Which means Kuwait and Saudi Arabia can afford to derive zero revenue from crude oil production over the next three years and survive because of their SWF,” he explained.

‘

The way out Ene said Nigeria should in the short

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia can afford to derive zero revenue from crude oil production over the next three years and survive because of their SWF (Sovereign Wealth Fund).

‘

term invest in its brown and marginal fields. Brown fields are those fields whose production levels have dropped due to age.

“We need to look at brown fields, marginal fields and independents. All the brown fields and wells that have been developed already, we need to do infield drilling, work-over, and we get cheap barrels. Through this we can increase our production by up to 2030 per cent just by investing in that.

That is what we need to now as a country, there is need for campaign to boost production. Short term oil gain should be the target. To even come close to future plans of other oil producing countries, Nigeria’s budget for the oil industry should actually be higher than what it was last year.”

On the need for diversification, he said: “Diversifying oil revenue and increasing domestic use of crude is not what can be done overnight. You can’t do that between now and December.

It has to be a holistic approach. We have pushed the concept of the Niger Delta energy corridor to allow primary fossil fuels to be processed in Nigeria and export finished product but that doesn’t happen overnight. Government has to create the investment environment.”

Ene said gas’s potential is huge but it took 10 years for Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to come into fruition.

“It took NLNG Act for it to happen, so if we want to diversify our economy, that’s a great idea but it requires a coordinated efforts to achieve it. Right now, we are facing challenges of restructuring and reforming the industry to be leaner, more efficient and to produce cheaper barrels at a time when the industry is low so that we position the industry to reap the benefits when the industry is high,” he added.

Dr Nweze said the Federal Government should think critically and strategically to diversify it sources of revenue and how to maximise use and benefit of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources. He said there have been suggestions to the government to be thinking of alternative major sources of income and place less attention on oil perhaps between the next 10-15 years because overdependence on oil may disappoint her but nobody knew it would come so soon.

He, therefore, said government must be aggressive enough to search for buyers of its crude oil especially now that the traditional buyers such as the United States and Europe have taken the back seat. It is said that even militants in troubled countries such as Syria stole crude oil and sell it on spot markets to sustain themselves which also is part of the cause of low oil price.

But primarily, the government should address the problem of power supply.

Power, according to him, accounts for between 65-85 per cent of the primary components for the industrial sector.

Therefore, for the industries to survive and operate profitably there must be stable power supply.

“It is because of this reason that some companies rejected the Central Bank of Nigeria’s offer for the power sector because whatever they could have got would have gone into power supply. The government should declare a state of emergency on power and do industrial clusters. For instance, in Agbara industrial area, some firms run permanently on gas just to have uninterrupted power supply because of the nature of their activities,” he added.

To also boost industrial development, Nweze said government should find a way of incentivising indigenous firms. According to him, making local firms pay for gas at international price isn’t encouraging.

“We need to have a special pricing to enable local industries pick up. Government should encourage the establishment of petrochemical companies by the private sector. That will help diversify utilisation of the country’s hydrocarbon resources. There should be availability of gas to power the industry. The government should look at refining its crude in-country, and

export the products. But most of all, government should give the direction where the economy is headed,” he noted.

For instance, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) doesn’t have clear directive now. The Corporation, he said, should device aggressive way of marketing Nigeria’s crude rather than relying on third party. Besides, NNPC is supposed to be fully in charge of Nigeria’s oil production but currently the international oil companies (IOCs) that operate in Nigeria are in charge.

“What these IOCs declare as the production is what Nigeria takes. Government allowed so much in their hands and that is the reason Nigerians are not deriving full benefit from the oil and gas industry,” the university don pointed out. To him, the current situation that Nigeria faces requires urgent thinking and nobody is thinking so, government needs to think and focus on resuscitating the industry by meeting with businesses and investors to find ways of developing the economy rather than depending on foreign countries. “No foreign country or company will develop Nigeria. The development we need as a country will certainly come from within. Our local investors hold the key to development of the economy not foreigners,” Nweze said.

According to him, Nigeria boasts hundreds of Dangotes to develop her industries and the economy.

“Government should have meetings with them and give them confidence that their investments will be safe.

They should be encouraged to bring out the money and invest in the economy. The entrepreneurs are scared. The government can probe whom it wants to probe but must allow business to flow,” he advised.

Nweze added that there is no country without corruption, therefore, government should build confidence in local businesses and entrepreneurs find the challenges they are having and provide quick low-hanging fruits for them, so that these funds are not frittered away to foreign countries adding that Indonesia did same. He also called on government to address the issue of interest rate, noting that high interest rate stifles the economy.

Low interest rate is important for businesses to take off and important for entrepreneurs. It will also help small businesses to stand and grow,” he added.

He said: “The civil servants can corrupt angels; therefore, what President Buhari will do is to strengthen the institutions, so the ministers will be able to work. The civil servants have a way of covering corruption in the ministries adding that Mr. President should also know that one government cannot solve all the problems of this country, so he should remove oil subsidy, diversify and centralise the economy by building industries,” he said.

He noted that a study by government agencies showed that of the 774 local government areas, every local government area has natural endowment; therefore, government should help to develop such natural endowment and build clusters around them.

With this approach, migration from rural areas to cities such as Lagos and Abuja will drastically reduce because it will create massive employment.

He said the three major sectors of the economy – the telecoms, oil andgas, and financial services employ less than two million people, therefore, to create the expected job opportunities, government should build the industries and encourage investment so that what happened in 2008-09 financial crisis, when foreign investors took away their money doesn’t repeat itself.

Dr Amao said Nigeria must privatise her refineries.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Chinwendu Edoziem, also expressed concern that the oil price crash may lead to stopping exploration for discovery of new oil fields.

These are indeed times for new ways of doing things.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

NEWS Cancer patients, others hard hit

by CBN’s policy Continued from page 1

•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (left) being welcomed at Republic of Guinea •All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Airport by Minister of Decentralsation of Guinea, Gen. Bourama Conde and Governor of (right) being welcomed at the airport by Minister of Decentralsation of Conakry, Soriba Sorel Camara...yesterday. With them are: Former Lagos Information Guinea, Gen. Conde and others...yesterday Commissioner Dele Alake (behind Ambode), Akintola Benson (behind Camara) and others.

Dozens feared killed as explosions hit Borno market

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ORE than 20 people were killed when multiple explosions, believed to be Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocked a market in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday.

Eyewitness and vigilance group sources confirmed the incident. They said more than 50 others were injured in the aftermath of the explosions, suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists.

But, nemesis caught up with the insurgents in Cameroon where troops killed 10 of them and arrested many.

The explosions that occurred at Sabon Gari Market in Damboa, was said to have occurred

From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

at about 1.30pm, the peak of transactions at the ware point.

According to a source, the IEDs were planted at the centre of the market and was detonated when activities at the market had peaked, killing many traders.

A trader at the market from Biu said the attackers disguised like Fulani women, hawking cow milk and walked into the market and dropped the supposed cow milk containers and left before the two containers went off.

The source said: “It was terrible. What we saw. The insurgents sent some women, who came into the market pretend-

ing to be Fulani women selling cow milk (Nono) and dropped their calabashes, laden with explosives and left.

“Nobody suspected this action until the calabashes exploded, killing many people at the market. I couldn’t count the number of people that died but many dead bodies were littered the ground. It was horrible to look at.”

A Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) member from Biu, who pleaded for anonymity, told our correspondent on phone that, “48 people were killed in Sabon Gari Market this (yesterday) afternoon when bombs exploded at the centre of market.”

A local vigilance, who gave

his name as Adulmimini, said: “We heard loud explosions at about 1: 35pm. When we got there, people were scattered. It was not suicide bombers but the explosives were planted at the centre of the market. We don’t have figure but many people died. I saw many dead bodies with some completely shattered beyond recognition.”

A source at the Biu General Hospital, who apparently, was attending to victims, said he was too busy to talk when our correspondent called him on the telephone.

“Which one is more important to talk to you, or attend to the victims?” he asked.

But Police Commissioner Continued on page 60

Security agencies watch-list Supreme Court justices

Continued from page 1

nals.

It was gathered that some petitioners and defenders had been dangling mouth-watering bribes before judges to sway judgment in their favour.

The development was said to have irritated the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which asked security agencies

to bring errant judges to book.

It was learnt that the row generated by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s controversial visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmood Mohammed, has further motivated the government to ask security agencies to watch and protect judges.

“The new administration is

out to protect the sanctity of the judiciary. The era of impunity, judgment-fixing and hijack of the court or tribunals for selfish ends is gone,” a source said.

It added: “The position of the Buhari administration is that each litigant and respondent should go to the tribunals to defend his or her petition.

This position applies to all political parties.”

It was learnt that security agencies have been trailing a governor and a former governor who offered to pay for some judges’ vacation trips.

“The serving governor has been boasting that there is no judgment he cannot fix beContinued on page 60

terday.

For the Centre for Nuclear Medicine –an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Project—at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, which banks with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, the policy shift means more pains for its cancer patients.

As a non-governmental organisation, the Centre does not have huge cash at its disposal and remitting funds 48 hours before bid date will strain its already drained resources, a source said. This will lead to reduced number of patients who will have access to the cancer drugs, hence, aggravatContinued on page 60

NNPC fires heads of NPDC, others

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ORE senior officials have got the boot at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) . The managing directors of all its subsidiaries and 38 managers were shown the way out yesterday.

Besides, four new Group Executive Directors (GEDs) were named to man the four new directorates approved by the Presidency. The directorates were pruned from eight last week.

The NNPC announced replacements for the sacked managing directors of its subsidiaries, including the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

According to Group Managing Director (GMD) Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the new appointments are in line with the Federal Government’s aspiration to transform the Corporation into a lean, efficient, business-focused, transparent and accountable national oil company.

The reorganisation, Kachikwu said, is in tune with international best practices.

NNPC spokesman Mr. Ohi

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Alegbe, spoke in a statement yesterday.

The appointments, which Alegbe said have been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, include: Dr. Maikanti Baru (GED, Exploration & Production); Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq (GED, Finance & Services); Dennis Nnamdi Ajulu (GED, Refining & Technology) and Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran (GED, Commercial & Investment).

In the latest shake-up, a new Company Secretary/Legal Adviser and managing directors have been appointed for the strategic business units of the corporation.

Chidi Momah has been appointed as the Group General Manager (GGM) and Mrs. Esther Nnamdi Ogbue as Company Secratarty & Legal Adviser.

The managing directors are: Chinedu Ezeribe (Pipelines and Products Marketing Company PPMC); Mr. Babatunde Bakare (Warri Refinning & Petrochemicals Company, WRPC); Mr. Inuwa Ibrahim Waya (Nigerian Continued on page 60

Abdulsalami Panel: we didn’t beg for Jonathan Looters to face trial in weeks, says Buhari

Continued from page 1

of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Priscilla Kuye and Senator Ben Obi. Briefing reporters on their mission to the Villa, Rev. Kukah denied that the Committee was intervening on Jonathan’s behalf when it met behind closed doors with President Buhari.

The former President was at the Villa last Thursday night for talks with his successor.

There were unconfirmed reports that Dr. Jonathan approached the Gen. Abdusalami-led panel to plead with President Buhari as his administration beamed its searchlight on the activities of those who held public offices under

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday declared that the prosecution of persons who have stolen national resources will begin in a matter of weeks.

He made the declaration while speaking at a meeting with members of the National Peace Committee led by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that his administration

the former president.

But, the cleric noted that Jonathan never sought the committee’s intervention.

Rev. Kukah said: “We gave a bit of update about the rele-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

was irrevocably committed to doing all within its powers to break the vicious cycle of corruption, unemployment and insecurity.

“Nigeria has to break this vicious cycle before we can make progress,” the President was quoted as saying, adding that his administration was diligently getting facts and figures pertaining to the nation’s stolen funds, before proceeding to the prosecution of identified culprits.

He told General Abdulsalami and mem-

vance of the peace committee itself and how we can help to nurture what God has given to us.

“Anybody is free to come to our committee but President Jonathan never by telephone or another means talked to the committee.

“We went to see him, but that is after we had already seen members of the political parties, members of the civil society. We planned to see the speaker because we couldn’t see him yesterday.

“This is a very planned series of intervention, essentially just to hear out everybody and I think the good news is that Nigerians are committed to a new nation, they are com-

bers of his committee that the Federal Government, under his leadership, will not only ask for the return of stolen funds stashed in foreign banks, but will also ensure that those who stole the funds are put on trial in Nigeria.

The President also said that as part of its actions to address the national problems it inherited, his administration was reorganising Nigeria’s revenue generating institutions.

Buhari explained that a single treasury

mitted to ensuring that the gains and blessings God has given us come to fruition.”

On the committee’s mission, he said: “This is not an intervention; it is not a hearing out process. When we had election, it was like a wedding.

Now the reality of government is now the marriage and people need to be encouraged.

“We need to reaffirm that this is our country and the only thing we can collectively be opposed to is injustice, iniquity, corruption and in that regard we all had one single conversation.”

The bishop said the President reaffirmed the need for the committee to continue. The international community has

Continued on page 60 •Dr. Jonathan

also welcomed the contributions.

Stressing that the committee has not been policing elected officials, Rev. Kukah said that the panel’s intervention will not only help to build but also strengthen confidence in the process.

Commenting on the Buhari administration’s anti-corruption posture, the cleric said: “It is not heating up the polity. In our conversation with President Jonathan and members of the parties, I don’t think any Nigerian is in favour of corruption, or is against the President’s commitment to ensuring that we turn a new leaf.

“I think what we are concerned about is process. It is no

longer a military regime and under our existing laws everybody is innocent, until proven guilty.

“Again our own commitment is not to intimidate or fight anybody. The former President’s commitment and what he did still remain spectacular and I think that President Buhari himself appreciates that. So, our effort really is to make sure that the right thing is done.”

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5

NEWS

‘Buhari’s directive on Ogoniland clean-up shows he’s President of all’

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said the steps taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to fasttrack the environmental clean-up of Ogoniland shwed he was a President for all.

APC’s Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed spoke at a news conference in Lagos.

He said the step was undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions taken by Buhari since his inauguration on May 29.

Mohammed said: ‘’This action of the President transcends all the needless arguments about the appointments so far made by him, because it touches directly on the well-being of a long-suffering people. People whose farmlands, drinking water, homes and sources of living have been deeply affected by hydrocarbon pollution. ‘’The action also puts a lie to the antics of those who insinuated that the President would ignore those who did not vote for him in the March 28 presidential election. ‘’Undoubtedly, the most far-reaching action by the President has been to the ben-

Maitama Sule seeks constructive criticisms of Buhari From Austine Ehikioya, Abuja

A

N elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, on Tuesday asked Nigerians to criticise this administration responsibly and constructively.

Sule spoke to State House correspondents after meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

He described the advent of the administration as the “dawn of a new era’’, saying the administration would deliver on its promises.

“I call upon Nigerians to give them (President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo), their honest and sincere support.

“Tell them if they do wrong or if they go wrong, support them if they do the right thing, but do it in a responsible and constructive manner.

“That we shall do for we have confidence in them.

We don’t want them to fail and by the grace of God they will not fail,’’ he said.

The motivational speaker observed that the country was beset by insecurity and bad image abroad.

“It is when you have good leaders that we will bring an end to the insecurity and the bad image abroad.

“Leaders with integrity are the ones that can bring about change and we have that in these two men. I am confident that things would be what they should be.’’

The sage noted that the “international community is giving Nigeria respect’’.

“And I think the President has established that reputation as a military leader, a reputation of instilling discipline, raising the tone of the society and fighting graft.

•HYPREP to get $10 million

‘

Undoubtedly, the most far-reaching action by the President has been to the benefit of the Niger Delta, where he is not known to have garnered many votes! What a pleasant irony

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

efit of the Niger Delta, where he is not known to have garnered many votes! What a pleasant irony. ‘’ He said the President’s action had given life into a fouryear report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which had been on the shelf since it was published on August 4, 2011.

The APC spokesman said: ‘’The UNEP report showed the nature and extent of oil contamination in Ogoniland, which includes the extensive pollution of soil by petroleum hydrocarbons in Ogoni. ‘’Pollution has reached the

groundwater. In one site, in Eleme Local Government, 8cm layer of refined oil is floating on the groundwater serving community wells. ‘’Crops were damaged, fish fawning places in Mangrove contaminated, oil fires kill vegetation and there was loss of Mangrove cover due to increased artisanal refining ‘’Surface water contains hydrocarbons. Floating layers of oil vary from thick black oil to thin sheens. Fish deserted polluted areas, which made the Fish sector suffer due to destruction of fish habitats. ‘’On the issue of public health, Ogoni community is exposed to petroleum hydro-

’

carbons, which are in the outdoor air, drinking water and contaminated soil. ‘’Community members in some areas drink water with Benzene, a known carcinogen, at levels 900 times above the WHO guideline. ‘’ Mohammed said the Goodluck Jonathan administration did nothing beyond establishing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) in 2012, a year after the report was submitted.

He added that the President approved the amendment of the Official Gazette establishing HYPREP to reflect a different governance framework, which would create a

Governing Council, a Board of Trustees and Project Management.

He said the President also approved the composition of a Board of Trustees for the HYPREP. Mohammed said: ‘’Some $10 million will be made available by stakeholders within 30 days of the appointment of members of the Board of Trustees for the Trust Fund, who will be responsible for collecting and managing funds from contributors and donors. ‘’A new implementation template has also been evolved at the instance of President Buhari, and the environmental clean-up of Ogoniland will commence in earnest with the President’s inauguration of the HYPREP Governing Council and the Board of Trustees for the Trust Fund. ‘’It is important to say that with these steps by President Buhari, he has proved beyond doubt that he is a President for not just those who voted for him, but for those who did not vote for him and those who did not vote at all.“

Fed Govt needs N15b to hit 8,000 megawatts by 2016

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EPUTY Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Dr Atiku Abubakar yesterday said about N15 billion was required for the nation to generate 8,000 megawatts of electricity by 2016.

Abubakar spoke while inspection of some electricity projects at the sidelines of a training programme for auditors in Lagos.

He said electricity genera-

tion recently improved, attributing it to improved gas supply.

According to him, the highest peak (4,652 megawatts) was reached in July, with transmission a little above the power generated, saying TCN could transmit about 5,300 megawatts. ‘’As generation is improving, we are expected to expand transmission to evacuate all that is being generated

for distribution. “l can assure that we have our plans, targeting projects that are critical, so that within a short time, we will hit 8,000 megawatts by end of 2016,’’ he said..

Abubakar said interested investors willing to invest in the transmission segment had been shortlisted, adding that over 30 investors that could deliver on project had been chosen.

He said he won’t name them, adding: ‘’We are trying to see that they are capable technically and financially to fund the project’’.

“We are putting up a framework to enable them recover their investment.

“Since the Federal Government won’t give them a sovereign guarantee, we’ll repayment from our billing charges and internally generated revenue,’’ Abubakar said.

•Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade being put through the process of milking a cow at a dairy farm in Wicklow, Republic of Ireland ... on Monday.

CAC boss decries double taxation

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

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HE Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Alhaji Bello Mahmud has called on the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) to address double taxation in the country.

Alhaji Bello Mahmud spoke when CITN’s Registrar/Chief Executive Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade and his team, led by the Chairman, Annual Tax Conference Committee, Samuel Agbeluyi visited the commission.

The registrar-general stressed the need to harmonise tax to ensure that people do not suffer double taxation not to demoralise tax payers.

He said the institute should partner the government to ensure awareness on the honest commitment of government to use taxes properly to enable tax payers appreciate the benefits of tax payment, adding that this would motivate tax evaders.

Mahmud hailed the institute for planning the conference ahead as such would give room for greater event. He assured that the CAC would sponsor its members in the commission to attend the conference.

Earlier, the Registrar of the institute, Mr. Adefisayo Awogbade, said the purpose of the visit was to reach stakeholders, such as the CAC, to intimate it with its programmes particularly the institute’s 2016 Annual Conference next May. He added that part of their visit was for advocacy, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to be a mono-economy, given the advantages of diversification of the economy for more sources of revenue.

The focus of the 2016 Annual Tax Conference is on ‘How to do more with internally generated revenue’. The conference will address advocacy, proper use of tax revenue, mobilisation of revenue agencies to comply and pay taxes to develop the country, among others.

According to the institute, the conference would enable stakeholders interact and meet minds on areas of collaboration. The CITN is the professional body empowered by law to regulate the tax profession. It is a training institute that trains and re-train.

Chinese govt backs war against corruption

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HE Chinese government yesterday threw its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti-corruption drive, saying it was the right thing for a responsible government to do. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gu Xiaojie, told reporters that the Chinese government was also waging a similar war back home.

“We are following the development and we appreciate that the new government is going on with this anti-corruption campaign.

“Actually in China, we are doing the same because it is a responsible government.

“They have to get rid of all the corrupt people in government, in business and in public affairs,” the envoy said.

He, however, cautioned that

Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign should be waged within the provisions of the law.

Xiaojie said Chinese government had always advised Chinese and Chinese firms doing business in Nigeria on the need to respect the laws of the land.

He said if any of them was suspected to have been found wanting, investigation should be carried out in accordance

with the law.

“Sometimes some Chinese cases are mentioned or are referred to; we are following closely because we believe that the Nigerian government is looking into it,” he said.

Xiaojie said the Chinese government would encourage Chinese companies to operate or cooperate with Nigerian entrepreneurs.

“We are educating our com-

panies to respect the customs and traditions of this country and best practices in their businesses.”

Omission One of the stories used as promo on Life, Page 15: ‘Ogakwu’s Illimite at Terra Kulture’, wrongly paged 50, did not appear in the paper due to some technical hitch.

We regret the omission — Editor

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

6

NEWS

Senate seeks abolition of fixed electricity charges

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HE Senate yesterday asked the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to stop collecting fixed charges from consumers.

It directed Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to discontinue compulsory bulk metering of villages and communities as a consumer had the right to be part of a bulk metering scheme or not.

Following a motion on “Unfair Trade Practice of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Nigeria,” sponsored by Senators Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North) and David Umaru (Niger East), the Senate also resolved to ask NERC to mandate the DISCOs to stop making consumers to pay for meters,

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

poles and transformers.

Egwu, in his lead debate, noted that NERC was established to license and regulate persons engaged in the generation, transmission, system operation distribution and trading of electricity.

The former Ebonyi governor also said NERC was empowered by Section 32(1) (d) to ensure that the prices charged by licensees were fair and sufficient to allow the licensees to finance their activities and ensure an efficient operation.

He noted that the commission, in the exercise of its power under Section 32(2)(d) of the Power Sector Reform Act, had licensed a number

of companies , including DISCOs, which had been ripping off consumers through fixed charges and bulk metering.

Egwu said he was worried that with the present economic situation, many Nigerians, would not be able to access electricity.

Many contributing senators condemned the activities of the DISCOs. Senator Mohammed Ohiare (Kogi Central) seconded the motion and prayed the Senate to curb some activities of the DISCOs. Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East) described the DISCOs as a big scam.

The Bayelsa lawmaker said he pays as much as N20 million monthly on bills alone for his companies.

He noted that despite high

tariff, consumers receive little or no electricity insisting that “it is a fraudulent act.

The Federal Government and the companies, he said, were extorting.

Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, (Gombe Central) urged the Senate to review the Power Sector Reform Act to address these inadequacies.

Goje said there was need to tackle electricity problems in the country.

Senator Nelson Effiong, (Akwa Ibom South), in the same vein, said the Senate the review of the Power Sector Reform Act was necessary to curb arbitrary charges.

Senator Lanre Tejuosho (Ogun Central) noted that in every decent society, charges ere meant only for services provided.

Tejuosho said fixed charges should be done away with if services could not be provided.

Senator Francis Alimikhena said a particular village was charged N2.5 million.

He noted that when the villagers complained, they were told to pay because they had a senator.

Other senators, supporting the motion, include Adamu Aliero, Abdulrahman Abubakar, Chukwuka Utazi, Samuel Anyanwu and Matthew Uroghide.

Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Senate may hold a public hearing, where the DISCO operators would be invited to tell Nigerians what they were doing.

Five die, six injured in two Lagos accidents ive persons were confirmed dead and 11 injured in two accidents in Lagos.

At Agege, on Monday night, a trailer registered as PKM 180 XA, rammed into a Mass Transit Train Service (MTTS) from Iddo Terminus in Lagos State to Ijoko, in Ogun State.

In Epe, a 13-seater passenger bus, marked AAA868XJ, belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors, hit a truck carrying a caterpillar yesterday.

The two incidents claimed two and three lives.

It was gathered that the two victims of the Agege mishap were hanging on a train, which crushed a truck that had its brakes failed.

The accident occurred at the Pen Cinema rail track, shortly after the train left the Agege sub-station.

While the driver of the truck was said to have escaped, two of the three passengers hanging on the train died instantly.

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T

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs to intensify efforts to reunite families, whose members were scattered in different Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

He spoke after receiving a briefing from the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, called for a followup on the supervision and audit of constituency projects.

Expressing concern about the well-being of children in the camps, he said appropriate measures must be put in place to ensure the proper up-bringing of the children so they don’t grow up to become a national problem.

Officials of the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) also briefed President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

O

• The train ...on Monday night. Inset: the trailer.

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe and Precious Igbonwelundu

The third person sustained injuries and was rushed to the General Hospital, Ikeja.

An eye witness, Aliu, who sells barbecue meat close to the spot, said 12 bodies were recovered from under the train.

He said the train stopped for several minutes for the bodies to be removed.

Another eye witness blamed the truck driver for not stopping when flagged down by the level-crossing guards.

The victims, he said, were part of the illegal roof riders, who fell off the engine com-

PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

partment where they had hung for a ride to Ijoko.

The Nation learnt that the driver of the 13-seater interstate passenger bus was among the dead persons.

The Lagos State Fire Service Director, Rasaq Fadipe and the Southwest spokesman for the National Emer-

gency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, said the injured were taken to Epe General Hospital for treatment.

They said the dead in both accidents were men, adding that their remains had been deposited at the morgues.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

Verification Number will help the banking system to track transactions across banks. “ There is, however, concern that the people in the rural areas are not carried along due to the inability to access print and electronic media.’’

Senate President Bukola Saraki described the motion as timely in view of the October 31 deadline.

He said while the exercise

was laudable, the CBN and other stakeholders should ensure that no Nigerian, irrespective of location, is negatively affected.

Saraki said: “It is a laudable project but it should be inclusive and there should be more awareness, particularly in the rural areas. They should go the extra mile to ensure their customers participate in the exercise.“ Senator Philip Gyunka (Nasarawa North) said the CBN ought to make provisions to accommodate rural dwellers.

He said farmers in his community had complained that their finger prints could not be captured.

Senator Enyinaya Abaribe (Abia South) called for a unification of data from agencies collating data.

Abaribe said: “I support this motion because it is difficult to register to vote, go through the rigours of another biometric data capturing for drivers’ licence and dragged into registering for National Identity card.

“We are carrying all manner of identifications that

are not linked in anyway and we are concerned.

“This has to be part of what we will discuss with the CBN governor when he comes.

“We will discuss how to make life pleasurable for the Nigerian,’’ he said.

Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) expressed concern about the poor state of banking in rural areas.

Sani said attempts to promote banking in the villages had not been successful and something should be done to carry them along.

Dogara, select panel meet on positions on House committees HE process to determine positions on committees in the House of Representatives began yesterday, as the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara held an inaugural meeting with members of select committees.

The meeting lasted for over two hours, with Depu-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

NDLEA seizes N2.8b drugs at airport

BVN registration: Senate urges CBN, others to sensitise Nigerians HE Senate yesterday urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and commercial banks to conduct intensive awareness campaign on the Bank Verification Number (BVN).

The resolution followed a motion by Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, entitled “Danger posed to rural bank customers by the Bank Verification exercise.”

Mrs Olujimi said: “We appreciate the fact that the Bank

Buhari seeks quick re-unification of displaced families

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ty Speaker Yusuf Lasun and Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila present.

Also, in attendance were Minority Leader Leo Ogor and other principal officers.

Though there was no briefing or information after the meeting, The Nation

learnt that the process to fill about 89 committees had begun.

Presently, the Green Chamber has been operating with ad hoc committees to sustain the legislative functions of the House.

Immediately the select committee was named, intense lobbying began, as

members jostled for positions.

The lobbying had been extended to anyone perceived to have influence on the Speaker to put in a kind word in order to clinch a good position.

Such personalities include the former Speaker in the Seventh House and now

Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal who is believed to have helped swing the Speakership votes in the direction of Dogara on the June 9.

Also, leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) have reportedly been inundated with requests by members.

PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, seized narcotic drugs weighing 455.215kg between January and June.

The estimated street value is N2.8 billion. Besides, $2.5 million cash was intercepted and 75 (62 men and 13 women) suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

The intercepted money includes $2.1 million seized from a bureau de change operator, which had been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Fifteen arrests were recorded on Emirates Airline. Eleven were arrested on Qatar Airways, eight on Ethiopian Airline and seven on Etihad Airways.

NDLEA Lgos Airport Commander Mr. Hamza Umar gave a breakdown of the seized drugs. ”The seized drugs include cannabis sativa 138.304kg, ephedrine 133kg, methamphetamine 93.85kg, cocaine 43.426kg and tramadol 42.025kg. We also seized $2.5 million dollars within the period.”

“Twenty two suspects were arrested for ingesting drugs, 33 caught with drugs in their luggage while six were found to have drugs on them. ‘’Thirty-nine suspects were caught during outward screening attempting to smuggle drugs from the country. Seven among them were going to China where drug trafficking attracts the death penalty. Twenty eight were apprehended during inward screening operations, with 23 of them coming from Brazil”.

7

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

LAGOS POLITICS

Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a protracted crisis. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines its implications on the future of the troubled chapter.

Lagos PDP in search of elusive peace T

HE Lagos State People Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be sinking deeper into crises. Since its inception, the chapter has not known peace. The issue at stake is the struggle for the party’s soul. The chapter has recorded the highest turnover of party chairmen: Chief Olorunfemi Basorun, Alhaji Murtala Asorobi, Chief Alaba Williams, Bayo Adebayo, Hon Setonji Koshoedo and Captain Tunji Shelle.

Amid persistent crisis, many founding members have defected to the ruling party. Many chieftains believe that, since Chief Olabode George became the party leader, peace has eluded the chapter. There are three factions in the party namely: The Establishment led by George, the Union and Non-Align Group. All of them are working at cross purposes.

George’s group is in control of the party executive to the detriment of the other factions.

Key party leaders are in arms against George.

They complained that he has aborted efforts to unite the polarised chapter by taking unilateral steps considered infuriated to other party leaders. Others have accused him of imposition of candidates for elective offices especially governorship candidates.

The crisis assumed a new dimension, shortly after the general elections. Thirty four of the 49 members of the State Working Committee (SWC) sacked chairman, Captain Shelle, for what they called mismanagement of party funds and unilateral decisions that were detrimental to the interests of the party in the state.

The Secretary, Mr Wahab Owokoniran, said the decision was taken after a critical look at the recommendation of the disciplinary committee set up by his faction to investigate a 14point allegations levelled against Shelle. He said: “We members of the executive committee have agreed that the way the party is being run should not be allowed. The party was not well run before, during and after the elections. There is need for restructuring. If we want to restructure there is no way for the chairman to remain in office”. He disclosed that the disciplinary committee had recommended expulsion or impeachment of Shelle but “we resolved to impeach him”.

Analysts say the bitter struggle in Lagos PDP underscores the personality crisis and ego war between George and his arch rival, Musiliu Obanikoro. They said the current face off was the continuation of the battle of supremacy that preceded the party’s governorship primary. The decision of Obanikoro to vie for the party’s ticket re-opened the old rivalry between him and George and former Minister of Works,Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe who were the prominent PDP leaders that backed Jimi Agbaje.

They accused Obanikoro of joining the race to cause trouble. George said it was curious that he resigned as a minister few months after he was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan. He also accused Obanikoro of peddling rumour that he had been endorsed by the Presidency. His summation was that Obanikoro’s candidacy would dent the image of the party and

•George make it lose the election in the state.

Obanikoro,the former Minister of State for foreign Affairs returned the missiles, saying the retired naval officer and former military governor of Ondo Sate was his rival at the primaries and not Agbaje, who he described as a foreigner in the chapter. At the venue of the primaries in Oregun, Ikeja, the supporters of Obanikoro and Agbaje clashed. They exchanged gun shots to intimidate delegates and observers. At the end, Obanikoro rejected the results of the governorship shadow election won by Agbaje. He went to court to challenge the validity of the result. The former minister alleged that George manipulated the result in favour of Agbaje. It took the presidency intervention and promise to reappoint Obanikoro as minister before he could withdraw the suit.

A chieftain said the chapter went into the general elections as a divided house. Reflecting on the division, he said the party was weakened by the escalation of the crisis that preceded the primaries. In spite of the last minute reconciliation by the Presidency, the party was not united. Until we are able to resolve the deep seated animosity between George and Obanikoro, the PDP will never produce governor in Lagos, he affirmed.

“Agbaje’s defection to the PDP few weeks before the governorship primaries escalated the crisis. Some members perceived it as deliberate attempt to block the chances of Obanikoro. His teeming supporters believe that only Obanikoro can win the governorship election for the PDP in Lagos State. Though Obanikoro remained in the party despite losing the primary and campaigned for Agbaje, but not all his supporters worked for the party. In fact some of his supporters worked against party interest,” he stated.

A group within the party, Concerned Members of the State Caucus, and PDP Stakeholders in Lagos have accused Obanikoro of sponsoring the removal of Shelle as chairman. The group alleged that Obanikoro bribed 34 members of the State Working Committee to sack the chairman and to pave way for him to hijack the party structure and facilitate his emergence as the party governorship candidate in 2019.

“We know Obanikoro gave the 34 SWC members money to remove the chairman. When will the PDP stop this politics of corruption and imposition? The person who wants to be acting chairman lacks profile, capacity and political expediency to lead us. We believe Obanikoro’s action to sponsor the removal of the chairman and replace him with his stooge

•Obanikoro

•Ogunlewe is to demystify George and pave way for his political ambition to run for governor in 2019", the group alleged.

But, Obanikoro has exonerated himself from the crisis resulting in the sack of Shelle. He said he never influenced members of SWC in taking the decision that led to removal of the chairman. However, he hailed the sack of the Chairman at a meeting with the elected Lagos PDP members in the general elections There are indications that the crisis at the national level has a link with the removal of Shelle because of his closeness to George, who had been at loggerhead with the National Secretary of the PDP, Professor Wale Oladipo. According to party sources, the call by George for the resignation of Oladipo did not go down well with Obanikoro, who is a close ally of Oladipo.

Reflecting on the crisis, the Financial Secretary, Chief Taiwo Kuye said that what Owokoniran and his group did was illegal and not binding the party. He stated that few members of the party cannot take decision on a non-existent matter and remove the party chairman for personal interest. He ruled out division in the party.

He said there is unity in Lagos Chapter. We are united. Obanikoro is a leader. George is also a leader in Lagos and the Southwest, he concluded.

Amid persistent crisis, many founding members have defected to the ruling party in the state. Many party chieftains believe that, since Chief Olabode George became the party leader, peace has eluded the chapter

A party stalwart has warned against the national leadership interference in the resolution of the crisis. “It is purely a Lagos PDP affair which the state chapter can handle; we don’t want Abuja interference. The party in the state is heading towards restructuring by sacking Shelle who did not carry members of the SWC along in financial matters during the elections. Shelle was running the party as a personal estate. He failed to consult before taking decision which affected the party performance at the governorship poll.

Shelle could not mobilise properly during the election because he was just mobilising only one group within the party. It is time to restructure the party towards 2019 and we are going to remove more dead woods in the party in the process of restructuring the party.”

According to him peace may continue to elude the party. Since the report of the Harmonisation Committee led by Chief Tunde Osunrinde from Ogun State was not implemented, the politics of exclusion permeated the chapter. Osunrinde had recommended the sharing of party officers on equitable basis so that peace could reign. Owing to the non-implementation of the report, party leaders have been working at cross purposes with George.

A former chieftain of the PDP, Dr Abayomi Finnih, described George as Lagos PDP headache.

He said the bone of contention was the congress that produced the current state executive of the party. “Few people hijacked the process. The court halted the congress from holding but the Olabode George faction called “the Establishment” defied the court order and went ahead with the congress.

So, a faction is in control of the party executive.

The other two factions namely: the Union which I led and the Non-Align Group are left in the cold.

This action has further brought the party down.

A serious party should open its doors for every member to be part of decision making.

“There were reconciliatory moves made from outside such as Southwest zone, the Presidency and PDP Governors Forum, all to no avail. The panel recommended a harmonised executive that would embrace all the factions, but the George group remains adamant. Even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrote the party’s national chairman that the Lagos congress contravened the party guidelines and the constitution and that the commission does not recognise the congress. That was over three years now.

Nothing has changed.

“Some of us bent backward by reaching out to George and his group to find solutions, but the incalcitrant attitude did not allow George’s group to reason with us. Politicians don’t behave that way. There must be compromise.

The situation on ground would continue to jeopardise PDP chances in the state.”

Proffering solutions to the crisis, a political analyst, Dr Akin Babajide said the leadership of the party should bring all factions to a round table discussion for amicable resolutions of differences and give the party a new sense of direction. The leadership should bring every member on board to work together and ensure the unity of the party in the state.

Babajide advised George to allow internal democracy in the party. According to him, a leader should carry members along in decision making adding, the will of the majority should prevail. In a democratic system, a leader cannot impose his will on the people; the people must be part of decision making, he said.

The analyst stressed that if the party must remain solid and compete effectively in Lagos State, peace must prevail and the party leaders should ensure equity and fair play.

To a youth activist, Yomi Davies, BodeGeorge, Obanikoro, Adeseye Ogunlewe and Segun Ogundimu should retire from active politics and allow the youths to take over the leadership of the PDP in Lagos State. He said for as long as these leaders remain in dictating the tunes for the party, PDP in Lagos will never know peace. They lack charisma to command followership; they lack electoral value; many of them can’t win elections in their wards, he added.

With the hard line posture of the warring factions, analysts say peace may not return to the troubled Lagos PDP soon .

• Continued on page 46

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

8

NEWS Ogun deputy governor rescues road accident victims •Urges motorists to respect speed limit

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GUN State Deputy Governor Chief Yetunde Onanuga yesterday stopped her convoy to attend to victims of a fatal motor accident at Onipepeye/Isiu, on AbeokutaSagamu road.

The accident involved a white Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number KRD 933 BP, which veered off its lane and rammed into a commercial buses with registration number SRA 229 XC. Two passengers were feared dead on the spot, including a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnics, Abeokuta.

The student, who was travelling with one of the buses from Ijebu-Ode alongside his younger sister, died instantly with the driver.

Other passengers in the vehicles sustained severe injuries.

Mrs. Onanuga expressed the state government’s condolences to the families of the deceased.

She also visited victims of the accident at the emergency ward of the state hospital, Abeokuta.

She directed that the bodies of the victims should be deposited at the mortuary unit of the hospital.

The deputy governor urged motorists plying the state’s roads, especially Abeokuta-Sagamu road, to respect speed limit to avert road crashes.

Ambode urges Buhari to disband Federal task force •‘Members involved in land grabbing, lawlessness’

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AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the Presidential Taskforce Implementation Committee on the alienation of Federal Government Landed Properties.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said members of the task force were carrying out duties inimical to the interest of the Federal and the state governments.

He added that the call was

informed by “several petitions lamenting the nefarious and reprehensible activities of members of the task force”.

The governor asserted that the task force, whose existence and legality was allegedly still in doubt has unlawfully, “embarked on a brazen seizure, take over and appropriation of state and Federal Government properties”.

The team’s activities, according to Ambode, had led to “a near total destruction, displacement, stoppage, including un-

provoked mass harassment, intimidation, molestation and denial of the original owners of their land and properties”.

The governor added that the task force’s members continued to engage in illegal activities “despite their knowledge of an existence of a consent judgment duly entered into by the same committee and some of the petitioners on one hand and an order of interlocutory injunction granted by the High Court of Lagos State, with the restraining orders widely pub-

•Ambode

lished in newspapers”.

He called on Buhari to immediately disband the team to forestall a breakdown of law and order, stressing that its activities “constitutes a security risk in the state”.

The committee began its operations during the era of the Jonathan administration.

Man killed with machetes in Ondo

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THIRTY-year-old man identified as Babangida Oni was allegedly killed with machetes Monday evening by some hoodlums in Ise-Akoko, a community in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

As at press time yesterday, details of Oni’s death were still sketchy.

It was rumoured that some Fulani herdsmen were responsible for his death.

It was gathered that some unknown men invaded his residence on Monday, late in the evening, and had some altercations with him before he was killed.

His remains had been deposited at the morgue of the State Specialist Hospital in Ikare-Akoko.

It was learnt that a postmortem will be conducted on the body.

A police report on Oni’s death indicated: “At about

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

10:00am, one Yunusa Oni, who resides at Akunnu-Akoko came to the station and reported that on that fateful day at about 7:00am, his nephew, one Idris Oni, called to inform him that three men came to their house in Ise-Akoko, where they macheted the victim who was his brother to death.”

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said no suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder.

He said the police have launched investigations into the matter “to unravel those behind the dastardly act”.

Ogodo added that a team of detectives, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, had visited the scene of the incident.

The spokesman assured that policemen were on the trail of the suspects.

Covenant varsity’s school graduates 50

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OVENANT University Secondary School, Otta has graduated its first set of Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 pupils.

It advised the pupils to continue to strive for excellence in their future endeavours.

The graduation, which also included the school’s fifth Speech/ Prize-giving ceremony, was witnessed by members of the governing council, parents, teachers and other guests.

The school principal, Mrs. Florence Johnson noted that the students would face challenges, urging them to always hold their “head high and heart wide open”.

“Every battle you win matters most not only to your family, it matters to your society, your country and the world.

“Remember that we would be physically there to advice you; that is why you must set your direction into a positive attitude and strong spirit,” Mrs. Johnson said.

She hailed the school founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, Vice President (Education), Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Oyedepo, the ministry’s Education Commission, governing council members, parents and teachers for their supports to the institution.

She highlighted achievements of the school as including awards won by students in academic and sporting competitions.

Police arrest 38 cult members in Lagos

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HE Lagos State security outfit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), has announced the arrest of 38 suspected members of cult groups in Somolu area.

The suspects were arrested last weekend after men of the RRS responded to distress calls from “a concerned citizen about criminal activities and other unlawful engagements of the suspects” in the area.

The concerned citizen informed the RSS that the suspected cult members had an-

nounced plan to initiate interested members of the public.

A team of RRS operatives, headed by Olabode Aroge, moved to the scene as the suspects were beating drums and some eating pepper soup.

“The police team combed everywhere before they were fished out,” it was learnt.

Twenty-nine males and nine females were arrested and conveyed to the squad’s headquarters at Alausa for interrogation.

The Commander of RRS, ACP Olatunji Disu, confirmed the arrests.

•Chairman of Occassion, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo inaugurating the First Year Memorial Celebration & Commissioning of the J. F Ade-Ajayi Gardens at Faculty of Art Quadrangle, University of Ibadan...yesterday. With him are the widow, Mrs. Christie Ade-Ajayi (third right), children from left: Dr. Niyi Ade-Ajayi, Mrs. Bisilola Oloko, Mrs. Funmi Ogunlesi, Mrs. Yetunde Aina and Mrs. Ajayi Jones.

PHOTO FEMI ILESANMI, IBADAN

‘Odumakin’s petition against Aregbesola is another hype’

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HE Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of Osun State Governor has described as another gimmick, the petition allegedly submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by an activist, Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

It added that petition was part of the “ploy to continue to get media attention”.

Director of the Bureau, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said what “discerning Nigerians need to do is to spot the difference between the supposed petition to the EFCC and the one which was submitted by a judge of the state High Court, which ended up discrediting the petitioner”.

In a statement yesterday, Okanlawon said serious-minded Nigerians no longer take Odumakin’s media hype with any seriousness.

“I don’t think serious-minded people take Odumakin serious again. After brainwashing a judge to waste her status and privilege of being a judge of a High Court to join the fray against Aregbesola on their dubious agenda, their next strategy is to keep making noise all over the places with hyped visits to EFCC or ICPC. “The question discerning Nigerians should ask Odumakin, Niyi Owolade, and other sponsors of this mindless pull-himdown project is: ‘With all the anxieties raised by the frivolous allegations against the governor by their hired judge, why did the judge chicken out when called upon by the House of Assembly to which they made her to submit her petition? Why did they also not encourage her to pursue her petition to its logical conclusion

by simply availing the EFCC the opportunity to defend and substantiate the allegations when invited?’ “ Nigerians are no fools and so, Odumakin’s trip to EFCC today is another in the series of their media hype all aimed at keeping the subject of their destructive mission in the minds of the people. It is a failed project! Was it EFCC they went to submit their petition today?” the statement queried.

Accusing Odumakin and his sponsors of inconsistency, the statement said the group has embarked on deliberate and persistent falsehood, hoping that they have the capacity to turn their lies to truth with time.

“They have consistent jumbled figures, trampled on facts and attempted to create a confusing set of statistics to get un-

suspecting members of the public confused and possibly win underserved sympathy. But lies remain lies! Even if they succeed getting a few minds to follow their lies, the tragedy that awaits such scandalous falsifications is unimaginable.

“If a group consistently accuse a governor of throwing a state into debt of over N400 billion and the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Debt Management Office tell Nigerians that the total debt owed banks by all the 36 states of Nigeria are just a little above N600 billion. Such characters seem to be unaware that they have become nothing, but laughing stocks in the estimation of right-thinking people without realising the jokes on them,” The statement noted that Aregbesola has a record that would be hard to beat.

Judge petition lacks substance, insists panel chair

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HE allegations contained in Justice Olamide Oloyede’s petition against Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola lacked substance, chairman of the committee that investigated the petition, Oladoyin Bamisayemi, insisted yesterday.

Bamisayemi, the chief whip of the state House of Assembly, said the judge failed to substantiate the allegations and failed to attach documentary evidence to back up her claims.

He spoke yesterday on Channel Television, which was monitored by our correspondent.

Bamisayemi said: “Most of the aspect of the petition is skeletal; we asked her to come and produce evidence, she didn’t. She raised serious allegations against the governor, which must be substantiated, but she failed.

“For instance, she alleged that the governor embarked on policies to enrich himself, his godfathers and his cronies. She needed to prove this allegation by telling us how it was done. Was it through contract award or cash award?

“She also alleged that the governor was governing the state from Cuba; that the state debt profile stands at N500 billion; that there were no projects to justify the loans incurred by the

By Leke Salaudeen Aregbesola administration; and that the state government was paying participants of empowerment scheme O-YES N8,000 per month.”

He added that the panel in its investigation found that the allegations were baseless.

“We found that the state debt is less than N100 billion. There are so many on-going projects across the state for which loans were obtained. The last time the governor travelled to Cuba was in 2005 - five years before he became governor. The O-YES participant receives a monthly allowance of N20,000,” he said.

He said ordinarily, “we could have struck out the petition on technical ground because it breached the House Rule that such petition should be passed through the author’s representative in the House. But we didn’t do that and we decided to give it fair hearing.

“That explains why the Speaker went ahead to set up the investigation panel. But the judge abandoned her petition by refusing to come out to prove her allegations. He who alleges must prove.“

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NEWS Aregbesola to assist victims of Ilesa market fire •Governor visits scene of inferno

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has sympathised with victims of Sunday night’s market inferno, which ravaged the Atakumosa Main Market in Ilesa.

He assured the victims that his government would lessen the impact of their losses.

Aregbesola spoke when he visited the scene of the incident.

The governor described the “incident as painful, unfortunate and disastrous”, adding that his government would “do everything possible to put smiles on the faces of the victims who lost their valuables to the disaster.

He urged the victims to accept the unexpected incident in good faith and see it as the will of God. Aregbesola promised that his government would do whatever it could to avert a recurrence.

“The state government would assist those who lost their property worth millions to the fire outbreak and as well expedite action to prevent recurrence by continuously making necessary provisions for natural disaster as we have been doing before,” he said.

The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, in a chat with reporters, described the incident as “worrisome, disastrous and painful”.

The traditional ruler as-

sured the victims of prompt assistance from “the good people of Ijesaland to relieve whatever damages and pains they might have experienced from the incident”.

The Babaloja of the market, Chief Adesiji Ogbara, who spoke on behalf of the victims, said he could not ascertain the amount of property lost.

“The cause of the inferno was unknown to anyone, but it is quite unfortunate that the inferno started sometimes around 6:00pm, when market women, men, sellers, buyers and other market users were almost gone to their various homes. The fire lasted till the next day,” he said.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second left); Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran (second right), Vice Chairman, Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Azeez Adesiji (left) and Babaloja of Atakumosa Market, Chief Adediji Ogbara, on a condolence visit to the Scene of the fire outbreak that ravaged Atakumosa Market, Ilesa...yesterday.

Ooni: Ife residents storm banks, markets for foodstuff

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ESIDENTS of Ile-Ife yesterday stormed markets to stock-up on foodstuff.

A movement restriction today has been announced for the final rite of passage for Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

On Monday, the Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, declared that the death of Oba Sijuwade would be announced today.

He warned the residents to stay indoors because Oro rituals, will be observed from 6am till 4pm.

Traders were yesterday busy selling their stocks at markets in Sabo and Lagere.

•OAU warns students to stay on campus •Chiefs differ over death announcement From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Residents stormed banks to make cash withdrawals.

They formed long queues at the banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Many students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, who are living off-campus, have relocated to the campus because of the rituals.

A student, simply identi-

fied as Wale, said he and his mates would stay on the campus until the rites were completed.

The university’s Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Mrs. I. M. Durosinmi, in a statement yesterday, warned the students to remain on the campus till the duration of the rites.

The statement reads: “This is to inform the generality of students that there shall be a curfew in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 from 9am to 4pm and from 11 pm till dawn.

“Students are advised to stay on campus and those off-campus to remain in-

doors. The Division of the Students’ Affairs counts on the maturity and sense of responsibility of Great Ife students and appeals to all students to comply with the information and continue to keep the peace.”

Investigation also showed that classes and continuous assessment tests fixed for today were postponed until further notice.

It was learnt yesterday that the Awara of Iwara-Ife’s declaration that the death of Oba Sijuwade would be officially announced today was causing a rift among the palace and traditional chiefs.

Through the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, some chiefs disagreed with Oba Adereti over his statement.

On a live radio programme on an Ife-based private radio station, Crown FM, monitored yesterday by our correspondent, Ijaodola debunked Awara’s claim that there will be final rite of Oro ritual for the late monarch today.

According to him, Ife chiefs did not have any plan for Oro. Ijaodola, who warned reporters against reporting stories that did not emanate from the palace, said: “Whoever reports without the consent of the combined team of Ife chiefs will face the wrath of Ifeland.”

Why tradition forbids revealing monarch’s death, by Aderemi •‘Ife chiefs shielded Oba Aderemi’s remains from Awolowo’

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RINCE Aderonmu Ishola Aderemi, the son of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, yesterday asserted that the town’s tradition forbids the announcement of the death of any holder of the stool.

The prince, who said the “Ooni never dies”, added that the monarch, “from time immemorial, is likened to Oduduwa, being the first son of the father of the Yoruba”.

He explained that among the over 200 Orishas (gods and goddesses) in Yorubaland, Ooni remains the first, a reason he ascribed for the stool’s relevance and sacredness.

Saying that the social media “falsely” broke the news of the death of Oba Sijuwade Olubuse (II), he added: “The fact remains that the Ooni never dies”.

Aderemi, in an interview, noted that when the late Ooni, Oba Adesoji Aderemi (I), joined his ancestors in 1980, the news was concealed for weeks without anyone having a hint of what had happened until it was formally announced.

He said the tradition of keeping the death of Ooni from public knowledge was so strong that even when the former Premier of Western Region, the late Chief

By Wale Ajetunmobi

Obafemi Awolowo, requested to see the remains of Oba Aderemi shortly before burial, he was denied access.

His words: “When my father, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, died in 1980, what we did was to quickly take him out of Ife to Ibadan, where we did the embalmment and kept him in a safe place. Nobody knew of it until few days to the burial after the formal announcement was made.

“I still remember that Chief Awolowo came and wanted to see him. He was very close to my father because they were both strong promoters of progressive politics in the Western Region. Even with such kind of closeness, he was not allowed to see the Ooni.”

Aderemi lamented that the breaking of the news of the death of Oba Sijuwade by the social media and later by some Nigerian newspapers had slightly assailed the tradition of Ife on royalty.

He added that the custodians of the Ife tradition, which he described as a means of preserving the reverence around the Ooni, “were scandalised and jolted, a reason the rebuttal they published thereafter was a necessity”.

The prince added: “I was one of the first to know that Oba Sijuwade passed on because they called me from London almost immediately. However, it was because they took him to London that the information leaked and began to spread.

“Some few hours after I received the call from London, I could observe that the news was all over the place and I started wondering how fast such information could spread. If he had not been taken to London, we would have prevented the news from leaking out.”

He described the late Sijuwade as a good symbol of royalty not only to Ife, but to Yorubaland.

Aderemi recalled how the late Oba brought finesse and glamour to the obaship of Ifeland.

He was delighted that he enjoyed some favourable moments from his closeness to the late Oba. Aderemi said: “Given the significance of the stool of Ooni to Yorubaland and even the outside world on matters of tradition and royalty, I expect that the good elders of Ife will take time to bring on the throne an able, experienced and well-vast a candidate to step into the throne.”

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Life

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Text only: 08023058761 and 08112662687

• Dr Layiwola presenting an award to her predecessor, Prof Ekwueme

Honours for founding fathers Benue support Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre – PAGE 17

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Ogakwu’s Illimite holds at Terra Kulture – PAGE 50

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

They were there when it all started. They gave their all to make it work. Fifty years on, their efforts have etched an enduring legacy in the world of arts, giving birth to an outstanding edifice for all to see. Welcome to the grand celebration of the “New” Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG), which feted its founding fathers and others who have contributed to its advancement over the years. EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

Honours for founding fathers

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T was a banquet of awards. It was a feast of creativity garnished with professionalism. The masters came to dine and wine - the takings, a gold-plated key.

The week-long feast of music, comedy, play, seminar and exhibition climaxed with the awards of excellence to founding fathers and others.

As they arrived at the Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), they scanned the edifice. It is the Department of Creative Arts reloaded. They beamed with pride – their years of commitment and perseverance have paid off.

They smiled and walked into the department’s Theatre Complex, with heads raised in poised satisfaction. Past memories kept flooding back. They were home with honours.

Full with dignitaries, especially from the arts and entertainment worlds, and students, a grand reception was awaiting them. This was the day they dreamed 50 years ago. They beamed at protégés and students in acknowledgement as they were cheered to their exclusive seats. The ovation was at its loudest as they took their seats.

“Welcome home!” screamed the compere, Mr Olatunji Sotimirin a teacher in the department. “We are proud, honoured and happy to have you with us.”

And the masters and founding fathers, Prof E.J. Alagoa; Eze Ijikala II, Prof Edward Nnanyelu Laz Ekwueme and Prof Abayomi Barber, nodded in response. Each had played key roles in ensuring the creative legacy lived on. Alagoa was the first director of Centre for Cultural Studies; Ekwueme was the first Head of the Department and Barber built the department of Visual Arts and after retirement, remained a point of reference.

Along with others who had made immense contributions to the growth of the department, they were treated to a feast tagged: Homecoming cum “Grand Celebration of the “New” Department of Creative Arts”.

The award recipients were divided into four groups: former lecturers/directors that contributed department’s growth. In addition to the founding fathers, they included Prof Akin Euba; Prof Ebun Clark, two-time director of the Centre for Cultural Studies; Prof Dele Jegede; Prof Bode Osanyin, who was represented by Lilian Osanyin; Prof A.V.E. Anthony V. Ekwemezie Mereni; Prof Duro Oni, who served as Director and later as Head of Department; and others served either as directors of the Center for Cultural Studies or as Head of Department, and Prof Abayomi Sherriffdeen Adetoro. The contributions of General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire ministries, Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya; Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and Chief Yemisi Shyllon earned them the “excellence award”; while Mr Demola Olayiwola’s meritorious service to both the Center of Cultural Studies and the Department of Creative Arts got him “long service award”.

The department also honoured journalists who had done their bit. The Nation’s Assistant Editor (Arts), Mr Ozolua Uhakheme was part of the last group of recipients. Others included former Sunday Editor of The Guardian, Mr Jahman Anikulapo; Mrs Tolulope Lamidi of Television Continetal; Mr Tajudeen Sowole of The Guardian and Ms Chioma Okpara of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

The feast brought together former lecturers and past students. They were elated to meet with their predecessors. It also featured performances from the former students, who have become icons in the entertainment industry.

When in 1975, the authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) established the Centre for Cultural Studies that later metamorphorsed into Department of Crea-

CELEBRATION tive Arts, they did not imagine how far it would go. But those men did. They gave their sweat and blood, envisioning a future where their products would rule the arts world. And so, for Igwe Ekwueme, now a monarch, and his contemporaries, it was more like a “harvest of dreams”.

“I am very glad to be here today. We have come a long way from where we started. Fifty years after, I am proud to be honoured and be asked to be part of this. We have performed greatly and produced many excellent performers in whatever genre – all icons in their own rights.

“This centre has taken tours to different parts of the world. I hope the department would continue to grow from strength. I am proud that here are members of the certificate class that rose to be profession and great artistes and icons,” he said.

Recounting the old days, the traditional ruler said it was not an easy task, ensuring that high standards were maintained.

He recalled: “It was rough then but we were determined. It gives me special pleasure to see Abayomi after a long time because even before there was Creative Arts Department, there was African and Oriental Studies and from this small school was formed, the Centre for Cultural Studies.

“There was the late Ayo Bankole, myself and Alagoa, later others were added to us and we then started the Performing Arts Troupe in 1974, and 1975, Centre for Cultural Studies was born. It is good to see what our efforts had become.”

After leaving UNILAG for the Niger Delta, Alagoa said his experience at the institution paid off. “Coming back here, the memories of the time when I was here all come back to me. I am glad at what it has grown into. Moving from Lagos to the Niger Delta, it was like another country, but the experience I gathered from here were very useful,” he said.

Former lecturers and students also shared the experiences. It was the old versus the new as each sought to outdo the others in their reminiscences. But the performance/recollection of popular comedians, Helen Paul and “Princess” Damilola and Wole, graduates of the department, were particularly engaging.

Wole took guest down memory lane. While declaring the greatness of the contemporary and future artistes that the department would yet produce, he reminded guest of its great past. Guests sang with him, Abe Igi Orombo, when he sang some popular Yoruba folksongs and nursery rhymes.

While Comedian and DSTV host Paul involved the audience in a mind game by mimicking different lectures in voice and action, Princess encouraged young ones to keep their dreams alive by paying attention to the teachings of their lecturers.

“Theatre is now very sweet and easy. But in our time it wasn’t so. We were competing with others for space. We were drilled and tasked; and would in most cases rehearse under trees and in the open because of space. Today all that has changed,” Paul said.

‘I am very glad to be here today.

We have come a long way from where we started. 50 years after, I am proud to be honoured and be asked to be part of this.

We have performed greatly and produced many excellent performers in whatever genre – all icons in their own rights’

•Dr Layiwola (left) presenting an award to Prof Alagoa

• Prof Barber receiving his award from Dr Layiwola

•Uhakheme receiving the plaque from Dr Layiwola (right) and Sotimirin

Princess said: “The trainings I got from this place are what have kept me going. At that time, I hated it because they were tedious; the lecturers would drill you. But in the end the trainings I received have taught me discipline and determination.”

Olota, thrilled guests with his performance of a popular hymn, Then Sing my Soul and the late

Bankole’s Iya, saying: it gives me great pleasure to be back home.

The award ceremony, like other activities marking the Homecoming, was meant to bring together “those who have worked so hard to create the foundation on which the department •Continued on Page 17

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ENUE State Governor Samuel Ortom has promised to support the Aokpe Prilgrimage Centre, near Ugbokolo.

He spoke at the 21st anniversary of the centre at the Our Lady of Aokpe Mediatrix of All Ages.

Ortom, who was represented by Director of Tourism, Mrs Dooter Ajoko, reiterated his administration’s commitment to promote tourism, saying that the government takes pilgrimage seriously and has spent much on sponsoring people on pilgrimage.

He said tourism is a big money spinner which can boost the economic fortunes of a country.

He said indices abound of what countries such as Kenya, Gambia, Bahamas and cities like Calabar benefit from their investment in tourism.

He stressed that time had come for a diversification of the economy from the monooil economy to a multi-economy and that tourism is one of the preferred sectors.

“The Aokpe apparition ground has become a prominent religious tourist site/destination that deserves international attention and which I believe the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation would project considering its significance as a pilgrimage centre. The importance of pilgrimage to Christianity and Islamic religion cannot be overemphaised. If you consider the volume of pilgrims who troop to Mecca, Jerusalem and Rome for pilgrimage viz-a-viz the monetary value on the economy, and you imagine that replicated here in Aopke, not only would the rural economy get a boost but the state and country at large would benefit from the multiplier effects of these,” he said.

Ortom stressed that as soon as the pilgrimage centre is authenticated, some of the pilgrims would come and perform their religious duties at Aopke, noting that government is very willing and ready to provide the necessary enabling environment for the realisation of authentication of Aokpe as a pilgrimage centre.

Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Uwechue Mbanefo, said Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre is one of the many religious sites in Nigeria that needs to be promoted within and outside the country. She noted that NTDC in line with its statutory mandate recognises and identifies Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre as a religious tourism site worthy of recognition and onward publicity on the corporation’s website to attract more foreign pilgrims all over the globe.

“This will form part of religious tourism like the Winners’ Shiloh and Redeemed Church convention which hold every December in Ota and Lagos respectively. In view of the importance of this site to the good people of Benue State, Aokpe community and Nigeria at large, I hereby approve and authenticate Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre as religious tourism site under the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act which encourages religious tourism in Nigeria,” she added.

Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism Mr Sekav Dzua Iyortyom recalled that 20 years ago, the story of apparition in Aokpe of mother Mary started and her consistent appearance to Christiana Inebu Agbo. He noted that there were apparitions in Mexico, France, Portugal, Egypt and Rwanda but that

•Mrs Mbanefo

• Ortom

• Ejeh

After decades of neglect, Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre is being considered by the Benue State government as a priority tourism project for development, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

Benue to support Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre TOURISM ‘our own joy today is that we are also recognised by nature to see with our own eyes what we used to hear.’

“Today, as Aokpe comes on the Nigerian Tourism map, we should expect that the world would also come here to our door step just as we go to Israel and Mecca for pilgrimage. God in His infinite mercy has provided us what we have been praying for, it is now left for us to sustain it,” he added.

Mrs. Ajoko assured that the government was determined to develop tourism as income from oil has continued to dwindle. She said tourism is one of the priority areas the new administration is given attention to generate income alongside agriculture, entrepre-

neurship development and creating enabling environment for industry to strive.

She said Aokpe is of interest to the state because it has spent much money on pilgrims to abroad. “With Aokpe, government intends to promote it to encourage domestic tourism instead of spending foreign exchange on pilgrimage abroad. Unfortunately, not many people in Benue are aware of the centre at Aokpe. So, the government wants to promote and develop the centre,” she said.

According to her, the state government has concluded plans to revive the Makurdi airport and construct the access road to Aokpe recalling that past administrations in the state started the seven kilometre UgbokoloAokpe road project, which was abandoned.

Mrs Ajoko praised Mrs Sally Mbanefo led Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation

‘Today, as Aokpe comes on the Nigerian Tourism map, we should expect that the world would also come here to our door step just as we go to Israel and Mecca for pilgrimage. God in His infinite mercy has provided us what we have been praying for, it is now left for us to sustain it’

(NTDC) for the promotion of domestic tourism, which she said, has lots of multiplier effects on job creation.

Director Benue State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Terseer Aernyi, assured that tourism can drive the economy because the state has all it takes - cuisine, dance and folklore to offer tourists. He however observed that for Aokpe Pilgrimage Centre to thrive, the road leading to it should be made accessible and conducive for pilgrims. He added that government is keen in turning the centre around as one of the best in Africa.

On what kept the state troupe successful, he said: “We have had lots of encouragement from successive administrations. That has been our source of strength and it forces us to do more.”

The visionary Mrs Christiana Agbo Ejeh, a lawyer, said the Blessed Virgin Mary started appearing to her since 1992 when she was 12 and that Virgin Mary told her She would appear on August 4, 1994 to bestow grace on her children.

“Virgin Mary told me that every August 4 should be set aside to celebrate a special day of grace,” she said.

Honours for founding fathers •Continued from Page 16

is built”. It also marked the end of the tenure of the Acting Head of Department, Dr Peju Layiwola, which was from August 1, 2013 to July, 31, 2015.

Having produced alumni that have distinguished themselves in the fields of music, performing arts and the visual arts, Layiwola said the occasion was also a scorecard for the department and reflection on the progress it has made.

She said: “It is a time for us to recall institutional memory and in many ways thank those who have invested time and resources in shaping and people since 1975. We are celebrating the homecoming of several persons who have served in the Department of Creative Arts and also others who contributed immensely to the old Centre for Cultural Studies from which the Department evolved in 1997.

“This event is coming at the close of my tenure as Acting Head of Department The multilayered event heralds our entry into the new Creative Arts Complex, a complex which has the most iconic mural in the University of Lagos.”

While listing the names of its alumni, Dr Layiwola added: “The award is shaped as a

key. This is metaphoric of the awardees valuable contributions to humanity. Speaking metaphorically, they are the keys that have and is shaping many lives. Notable amongst these alumni are Patricia Uwaje-King of the midnight Crew Fame; Famed classical act, Pat King of the Midnight Crew fame, Olota; Seun Olota; Mo Cheddah, Femi Brainard; Pricess Tessy Iyase-Odozi; Wole Ojo; Kachi Nochiri; Seun Ajayi; Princess; Paul, Mercy Aigbe; Segun Adefila; Dare Art Alade; Stella Damascus and many more.”

Also, 40 popular arts/entertainment icons also received honourary mention, including the late Afolabi Alaja- Browne; Dr Sheri Ajasin; Stella Monye; Olu Adeniregun; Amos Oludotun; Olu Amoda; Ras Kimono; Cybil Amuta Kimono; Richard Bucknor; Francis Igboke and Margaret Henshaw Dacosta.

Other activities of marking the Homecoming events include lectures on Traditional Textile/ Contemporary Art by Art Historian and Research Fellow at Boston University and Clark University United States, Prof Jean Borgatti; and What about Art Markets in Lagos (Early XXIth Century) by Dr Emmanuelle

• Dr Layiwola presenting the plaque to Prof Onobrakpeya

Spiesse Fourchard, a Research Associate lecturer and, LAM of Bordeaux (Science Politiques). There was also art confab introspection on Dele Jegede at 70 by the Society of Nigerian Artist (SNA). Bolaji Ogunwo’s

Art Exhibition also held at the Theatre Complex. There two performances on different days: Felix Okolo’s The Walking Stick as directed by Felix Emoruwa and Wole Soyinka’s Kongi’s Harvest by Crown Troupe of Africa.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Kogi and siege of ‘eating-class’

Time for action •Now that the Presidency knows banks harbouring stolen oil money, it is time to act fast to recover the funds

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, speaking to a visiting delegation of American congressmen, gave a most pleasing piece of news: the Nigerian authorities now know the overseas banks in which Nigerian stolen oil cash is holed up.

“We are getting cooperation from the international community, including information on ships that take crude oil from Nigeria and change direction or pour their contents into other ships midstream,” the president disclosed, revealing the rather snaky modus operandi by oil thieves’.

“Some monies are paid into individual accounts. We are identifying the financial institutions and countries that are involved. I have been assured,” he added, “that when we get all our documents together, the United States and other coun-

‘But full disclosure or not, President Buhari should move in post-haste, act on the information he now has, and nail proven culprits.

For one, Nigeria needs the money to boost a comatose economy; and re-energise a badly abused populace, now lying prostrate with criminal abuse of trust’

tries will treat our case with sympathy.”

This is all very reassuring; and Nigerians must be convinced — if they need further convincing — that the president’s trip to the United States is bearing some fruits, even if it is early days yet; and only the beginning of a marathon to retrieve the stolen funds, given all the technicalities and complexities involved.

Indeed, the president’s statement suggests a process just barely starting: banks’ names are being compiled; individual accounts being confirmed; and countries outside the United States, where those banks are domiciled, probably being alerted, on the shape of things to come. It just might take some time, given the expected differing response rates by each of the countries — and even banks.

Still, time is of essence. There was just too much alleged oil cash looting during the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency. The painful physical manifestations are all too grimly present to ignore: mass poverty, near-nationwide default in salary commitments and even abandoned capital projects in the few states that still manage to do capital projects. These indeed are lean times, even if wilfully caused by unpatriotic Nigerians who have betrayed their positions of trust; and put their compatriots in avoidable jeopardy.

That is why this pitiable state cannot be allowed to continue longer than absolutely necessary. So, for a start, why can’t the Buhari Presidency share its knowledge of these banks with Nigerians, who

certainly have a right to know — it’s their patrimony, after all! That way, the government can rally the people behind its action — except, of course, if such full disclosure could hamper further investigations and therefore become ultimately counter-productive.

But full disclosure or not, President Buhari should move in post-haste, act on the information he now has, and nail proven culprits. For one, Nigeria needs the money to boost a comatose economy; and re-energise a badly abused populace, now lying prostrate with criminal abuse of trust. For another, quickly bringing to justice those found guilty of abusing public trust would teach the right lessons, and lift the people’s morale.

There is definitely a disadvantage in announcing that “we know”, without prompt action. If citizens could be brazen enough to betray their country; and salt our collective wealth turned personal loot in foreign banks, they certainly can further manoeuvre to save their illicit nest when crucial information gets to wrong quarters. It is the natural survival instincts of a thief about to be caught. That is why the Buhari Presidency should act with despatch or, if the coast is not fully clear, learn to better manage the information at its disposal.

That as it may, we give the president our full support in this onerous battle of recovering the looted funds; and giving our much abused people the respite they sorely deserve.

Curbing medical tourism • Government money should rarely be spent to treat Nigerians abroad

T

HAT Nigeria requires stern measures to fix its health sector, like the other sectors, is not in doubt. This explains our support for the recommendation by the President of Abuja Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Fatima Mairami, that public officials should be banned from travelling abroad for medical treatment at public expense. Mairami made the call in Abuja at the Annual General Meeting/Scientific Conference organised by the NMA chapter. According to her, such a practice was borne out of corruption and is detrimental to growing the nation’s health system even as it constitutes a drain on its dwindling economy. Indeed, but for the profligacy of the past, such a policy ought to have come a long time ago.

Mairami made the point succinctly when she said that” “Whoever goes outside for medical tourism, if you are paying the bill yourself, it is not an easy task.

But, what has happened before was a lot of corruption. People cheated on the government, used public resources. That is why it is easy for them to go outside without feeling the pain. But, by the time we make it mandatory that everybody must get healthcare within the nation, as long as we can provide such services, and if you want to still go abroad, you must pay out of your pocket. Then, you will see the rate of medical tourism will dwindle as not many people would be able to afford it.”

Nigeria has enormous benefits to reap from her suggestion. One, most of the 5,000 Nigerians who troop to India, Turkey, etc. monthly would be contented

with having their medical needs met at home. And if the revelation by a former President of the NMA, Osahon Enabulele, is anything to go by, then we would be saving about N120billion annually that we presently lose to medical tourism. This is staggering and a sheer waste of scarce foreign exchange. Another benefit is the restoration of our national pride, as our elite too would not see any compelling need for medical tourism except for situations that we cannot handle at home, which would be few and far-between.

The truth is that, today, medical tourism has become a status symbol in Nigeria; many of our rich people want to have their babies abroad and die abroad. We have nothing against these for those who can afford it. But not for people who rely on government sponsorship. Overseas travels by Nigerians in the past were essentially for studies, tourism or relaxation by those who could afford it. Then, some of our tertiary hospitals competed with some of the best elsewhere in terms of the facilities and trained personnel they paraded. Unfortunately, bad governance over the decades led to some of these hospitals being left to progressively decay such that today, they are the shadow of what they used to be. The brain drain that followed, especially in the mid-eighties, saw many of our good medical personnel leaving in droves to Saudi Arabia, the United States and other countries where their services are better appreciated and they also have the requisite tools to work with.

We have got to the point where we must

see medical tourism as the dysfunctional and unsustainable development that it is, especially with an experienced leader like President Muhammadu Buhari in power.

Buhari had observed as far back as 1983 that our hospitals had become mere ‘consulting clinics’. This is what many of them still are; including the so-called centres of excellence and other tertiary medical facilities. And poor consulting ones, at best.

Since our public functionaries prepare the broad guidelines for public policy, it is only fair to compel them to do the right things to make our public facilities work.

If it takes banning them from travelling abroad at public expense to get our hospitals fixed, so be it. Nigeria should not just be good as a playground or burial ground, or one God-forsaken country whose hope of redemption is lost. If people could make hospitals abroad work, we can.

‘Since our public functionaries prepare the broad guidelines for public policy, it is only fair to compel them to do the right things to make our public facilities work. If it takes banning them from travelling abroad at public expense to get our hospitals fixed, so be it’

S

IR: To assert that of the states created 24 years ago by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida, precisely August 27 1991, Kogi state has remained the most backward in terms of human and infrastructural development is to simply admit the obvious.

While a section of the state concentrated their energy and intellectual resources to ensuring that the position of governor of the state did not leave their district since more than two decades, Delta, Abia, Osun and other states created alongside left us far behind that it will take the confluence state more than 20 years to be able to catch up.

State agencies and institutions are in shambles. The state of public schools is unfortunate and pathetic. Kogi State University Anyingba is now rated second from behind among Nigerian universities. The condition of education in the state is so bad that only the poorest of the poor sends their children and wards to the dilapidated government schools.

Payments of teachers’ salary have since been moved out of the state government’s priority list, as teachers are now being owed for months.

The very few government hospitals available are ill-equipped with modern medical facilities, drugs and are under-staffed. The level of insecurity in the state is alarming and grave source for concern, as kidnappers, rapists and armed robbers have virtually turned the state into a theater of horror, leveraging on the fact that the state government has decided not to treat issues of security with the required vigor and zest.

Behind the scene in the Kogi State corridors of power is a powerful cabal who I prefer to call the “eating-class”. They are powerful men and women spread across the length and breadth of the state. Some of them are ex-governors, exex-ministers, former ambassadors, ex-deputy governors, former senators and excommissioners.

All major political appointments and juicy contracts goes through the “eating-class”, who then decides who to nominate for the job among their cronies. They are always quick to associate themselves with any sitting government, regardless of political party affiliation, so long as the governor keeps to the plan of enriching their pockets at the expense of the overall development of the state.

As the political cloud gathers momentum towards the gubernatorial election of November 21, the need to rescue and salvage the state from the influence and siege of these economic vampires and cabal should be the goal and resolve of every Kogite. Only a candidate who is not sponsored or anointed by the “eating-class” will have the capacity to reverse the current trend of educational backwardness, economic retardation, disunity among the different ethnic groups in the state, decayed state agencies and institutions, alarming level of insecurity and unemployment and worrisome level of poverty in the state. This is the time for Kogites to refuse to be induced with money and bags of rice, but rather vote according to their conscience and for their well-being. The time to rescue Kogi state from the siege of the “eating-class” is now or never.

• Hussain Obaro, Ilorin, Kwara State

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The cries of witches which in the not too distant past were incubating, have resonated their ugly voices both day and night in our garden of change. Could these be the cry of those whose closets are filled with skeletons?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which was established in 2003 is a Nigerian law enforcement agency that investigates advance fee fraud and other financial crimes among politicians, government officials and private agencies was in the past a nightmare to all those who in their bulimic accumulation of wealth pilfered our collective patrimony.

Majority of them were in the past investigated, arrested and convicted with some forfeiting some of their ill-gotten assets through a plea bargain.

Back then, under the leadership of

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EFCC and witch cries Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the fear of EFCC became the beginning of financial repentance in our polity.

Many high profiled politicians, including former states governors, top police echelons, top civil servants, and contractors, individuals etc involved in one financial misappropriation or the other were convicted.

The change of governments and

the body languages of the previous permissive governments greatly affected the operations of EFCC. The watchdog was confined to a cage and things began to deteriorate, the once fearless financial watchdog became a toothless bull dog that couldn’t even bite the hands of those who put it directly in it’s mouth.

Our crooked politicians, together with their cohorts, took advantage

Withheld results: Who takes the blame?

S

IR: Going down the memory lane, I can still remember how, with anxiety and ecstasy, I received the news that our West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results had been released after waiting for some months. I was tense and expectant until the moment I saw it with my widelyopened eyes; ditto my friends and every other student I knew. And I strongly believe that the anticipation that’s associated with the release of results of such magnitude as WASSCE still exists till date — it’s a natural occurrence.

And that’s why it would be very unfair to allow such resultsassociated anxiety stay longer than necessary in the minds of highly expectant WASSCE candidates.

Unfortunately, this is already happening in some states across Nigeria. The Head of Nigerian office of West African Examination Council (WAEC), Charles Eguridu, recently announced that the 2015 May/June WASSCE results of candidates who were sponsored by the thirteen (13) states that are indebted to WAEC have been withheld.

It’s totally unbelievable and

embarrassing. The implication of this is that hundreds of thousands of innocent candidates who sat the exam do not have access to their results. In other words, they do not get to see the outcome of the exam they laboured to write for weeks.

By extension, these students can’t adequately prepare for the next phase of their lives. The students are obviously in a quagmire, which regrettably, they cannot save themselves from — they cannot pay for their individual registration fees and their state governments have not paid on their behalf. What psychological torture is more devastating than this?

It’s very shameful that Nigeria— Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy — currently has about one-third of her states indebted to WAEC, an examination body which also operates in other West African countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia.

One may be quick to ask if the governors of these yet-to-benamed states know exactly the likely implications of their action and inaction on the public image of the country.

Should we therefore say that the

education of young people is not a ‘big deal’ for many governors in this country? Or perhaps the “Free Education” that’s being run by these states is a huge burden on them. If it’s the former, that’s a real time bomb and if the latter is the case, it’s actually better to let the students pay their fees and prepare well for exams and have access to their results whenever they are released. That’s much better than giving them “Free Education”— and then subject them to unnecessary hardship.

No matter how unfavorable the financial status of a state is, education, I believe, must remain a priority. Even if it involves putting a hold on certain projects or taking bank loans to make sure that the registration fees of these students are paid on time, so be it.

I expect that in the next few days, the governors and the leadership of WAEC would reach a compromise so as to ensure that they do not prolong the agony of these students. For goodness sake, these are the future Nigerian leaders!

• Kofoworola Ayodeji, Lagos

of the impuissance to wreck our treasury. They have suddenly woken up to the fact that the once toothless watch dog can now bite.

The witches, in their jittery mood have been crying, the dog was released for witch-hunting purposes.

It’s been difficult here trying to fathom the purpose of the complaints of those morally contradicted persons who have taken it as a duty upon themselves to dictate whom the financial watch dog should beam it’s lights on and who not to.

EFCC, the anti corruption agency that was on the throes of demise in the past administration could best be described as the proverbial goat that must be killed to appease the gods either when the child is sick or

when the child has been healed.

Either way, the goat must be taken to the slaughter house. Or how does one explain the fact that same EFCC Nigerians complained in the not too distant past, were moribund and inactive, is same agency that is being accused by some treacherous ingrates of witch-hunting?

Accusing EFCC of witch-hunting is just a case of giving a dog a bad name just to hang it. We should rather commend President Muhammadu Buhari for looking beyond ethnic and religious affiliations in the fight against corruption.

This is indeed the time to work the talk, EFCC, under President Buhari does not have any reason to fail as the President has reiterated his stance that corrupt PDP and APC members must face trial against the recent allegations that EFCC is being used to witch-hunt the opposition.

I advise EFCC not to listen to the cries of those witches that have been crying both day and night in the discharge of their constitutional duties. It’s natural for the guilty to be afraid!

• Joe Onwukeme.

Enugu.

DTSG: Pay teachers their due

S

IR: It is quite disheartening that a government would turn deaf ears to issues of utmost importance, until industrial actions are deployed.

In Delta State, heads of public schools have refused to conduct promotion examinations for the 2014/2015 academic session across primary and secondary schools. The Delta State government has been indebted to teachers in its public schools since the beginning of the academic session (just concluded in some states), and have been employing different tactics to avoid the payment of over N300 million grants, meant for the payment of supervisors and purchase of examination materials.

A labourer is entitled to his wage so says a biblical dictum. Why withhold these teachers pay and in turn, suffer the Nigerian child, the

recipient of the tussle between the duos? How does the government intend to wipe out examination malpractice as it has claimed with this development? Are we then to blame the frustrated supervisor taking bribe in examinations hall, having been provided with enough reasons of laying aside ethics to embrace bribe offered by unserious students and parents who have failed in their responsibility to nurture their children?

It is high time the problem of half baked graduates emanating from our higher institutions of learning, was tackled from the roots. Give more importance to educating the Nigerian child – leaders of tomorrow.

• Fashakin Oluyomi Abraham.

Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 12, 2015

21

COMMENTS

Our Girls; IDPs; NPA Audit; ‘Lagos-Ibadan Stopway’; A Buhari ‘Team Tomorrow’ today?

O

UR Girls are still missing since April 15, 2014. And the deaths go on. More African migrants are forced into the holds of Tony unseaworthy boats and Marinho die of thirst and generator fumes’ poisoning in the Mediterranean. At home, the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, are serviced by a Nigerians victims’ support structure represented by the well-funded but slow-to-act Victims Support Fund together with the underfunded Red Cross and Blue Crescent. These should be reinforced by able-bodied and qualified IDPs to prevent a ‘donor-beggar’ relationship. Nigerian red tape and lack of empathy must not spoil the ‘Recovery Effort’ for the IDPs. Beyond photo-ops, real people with sympathy and technical skills are needed to bring succour to IDPs with 95% of the funds spent on IDPs, not ‘administration’. The Red Cross has trained ‘20 in psychological support services’. This empowerment is an overdue service adding to the ability of the Red Cross. The Red Cross must remember that Nigeria has unemployed psychology graduates who should be empowered to offer psychological support for IDPs. To cater for the 3-4million displaced, 100-200 psychologists, many of them indigenous IDPs, need employment. All qualified Red Cross staff must get this three day course to detect Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTMS, depression and suicidal tendencies.

Hurray, the Police Service is looking into creating a Finger Print Database. But is it serious, just rhetorical or for PR purposes or another crime fighting gimmick that is programmed to fail and will never catch a thief? The Police must request for the INEC Voters’ Register as the most comprehensive database available. It can be beefed up by the FRSC’s Drivers Licence, Immigration’s Passport and Prisons’ Databases.

Along with NNPC, Customs, FIRS and FAAN, the

I

FE has strong traditional and cultural beliefs that have endured for a very long time.

While modernity has been encroaching very fast into various societies, the people of Ife have placed a high premium on their culture and tradition. That is why in the face of all the media attention on the fate of the Ooni, the people of the ancient city have remained undaunted and unperturbed, preferring instead, to hold on tenaciously to their age long belief.

After all, as a foremost traditional society in Africa, Ife, as the cradle of the Yoruba race, must lead by example. The institution of the Ooni stool remains the existing seat of Oduduwa, the father of the Yoruba race. As the religious and cultural matrix of the Yorubas, Ile-Ife carries the burden of a great responsibility on its shoulders. Since the Yorubas, whose ancestry is traced to Oduduwa, are unique in their ways and values, it, therefore, follows that all the Obas in Yoruba land are direct descendants of Oduduwa. This is because they all left Ile-Ife at one time or another to settle down in their present places of abode. This is what unmistakably confers on IleIfe the enviable title of the cradle of the Yoruba race. As a result of this, any occupant of the Ooni stool is directly confronted with the arduous role of ensuring unity among Yoruba Obas.

Like I said last week, oral tradition and legend have played a significant role in the history and foundation of the Yoruba as Oduduwa was supposed to have been lowered down through the clouds with a string, bearing some sand and a

Nigeria Ports Authority is also a huge fraud-riddled foreign exchange earner. It must also be forensically audited working backwards from firstly year 2015, then 2014, then 2013 back to 2005 to get quick actionable Annual Reports.

Thinking Point: ‘California Is Sinking’ according to Dr Faunt in a CNN report. This is because of the extraction of ground water in response to a major draught. Will parts of Nigeria sink from the massive volumes of oil removed from the ground? And what will happen to the millions who build upon sand-fills? Will floods eventually reclaim those reclaimed areas? There are worldwide floods. Take Kaduna and Lagos for example and dams are threatening to be opened. Where and what next?

The way the Nigerian transport authorities have tackled the monotonously repetitive 6-18 hour traffic stoppage mayhem on the ‘Lagos-Ibadan Stopway’ in the last few months and especially the days of Redemption Convention compounds the already horrible reputation of that apology of a track, let alone the name ‘road’ or ‘expressway’. I have longed to take a helicopter flight and do a documentary or feature film including shots down the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway during a peak ‘zero movement day’ or weekend to record and count the 5-6 lane gridlock on either side for 30-40 kilometres. Sadly, I have counted from the free side of the road, up to 10,000 vehicles in one traffic gridlock. Which journalist has adequately recorded the suffering of the hundreds of thousands of trapped travellers? We must remember that if Nigerians drove correctly or were forced by barriers and FRSC to stay in the two lanes, like in the UK, and did not illegally overtake on each side whenever there was a slow-down of traffic, the traffic jam would actually be 80100 kilometres of two lane traffic bringing total gridlock to the entire Expressway and backed up into the city. The Expressway can be seen as a long bridge and is to Lagos what the Niger Bridge is to Onitsha. Blocked it is useless to everyone including the economy! Inadequate it is useless! The much-touted, over-politicised and as yet unbuilt Second Niger Bridge must be built by this government, even in a Public Private Partnership, PPP,

with the business communities of Asaba and Onitsha as major stake or shareholders. The value of a new bridge is seen from the Fasola/Yar’Adua dream New Lekki Bridge in Lagos, saving millions of travel hours daily in a state/ federal deal. Imagine how many ‘Lekki-like Bridges’ Nigeria needs nationwide, over 100, to enter the annals of modern transportation! Instead of development we have perfected the ‘Abuja Jamboree’ of Conferences, Summits and Colloquia –of increasing extravagance and budgets in Ladi Kwali Hall in the Sheraton, The Villa and other high end hotels, accommodation, travel and per diem.

Talking of dreams, China wants to build the tallest building in the world in 19 days. The Egyptians have just built a ‘Second Suez Canal’ actually a 35km one way canal in one year for $4b instead of three years. What have we built? A few billionaires!

Our own Nigerian dreams turn out somewhat differently. Here our dream of a Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a four-year nightmare. Why do Nigerians never build quickly? There are 20 contractors capable of doing 1020km segments of refurbishment in six months each.

Because of this failure to dream big and act big, Nigeria has inadequate infrastructure. The East-West Road happily nears completion, 40 tears late but must be completed immediately. There are 200 old roads that must be repaired and new roads pointing in new directions needed while the railways need further modernisation.

Can Nigeria have a Buhari ‘Team Tomorrow’ today?

‘Instead of development we have perfected the ‘Abuja Jamboree’ of Conferences, Summits and Colloquia –of increasing extravagance and budgets in Ladi Kwali Hall in the Sheraton, The Villa and other high end hotels, accommodation, travel and per diem’

Ile-Ife: Tradition Vs Modernity (2) cockerel in his hand. He was said to have spewed the sand on the ground while he released the cock to spread it over the surface of the whole earth which was then all covered by water. But there is another version, a less mythical story of the founding of Ile-Ife. The narration is that Oduduwa came from Mecca. The account is corroborated by archeological excavations of terracottas, carved figures, brass castings, stools and monoliths in granite and quartz found in several parts of the town. All these gave the suggestion that the Yorubas have the similarity of cultural origin with Egypt. The common denominator in all the various historical narrations of the origin of the Yoruba race is the undisputable acceptance of Oduduwa as their founder and progenitor. This has been the unbreakable bond of unification among the Yorubas.

Having said this, perhaps, we should now examine the importance of the Ooni in Yoruba history. The Ooni’s stool is an important one and it will be quite antithetical for anybody to question the authenticity of its superiority. The Ooni, a position which every occupant has carried with panache, charisma, candour, respectability and gaiety, is the spiritual head of the Yoruba race. The spiritual headship of the Yoruba race by the Ooni cannot be queried, because the authenticity of his leadership has remained sacrosanct since creation as attested to by various writers and

‘The spiritual headship of the Yoruba race by the Oni cannot be queried, because the authenticity of his leadership has remained sacrosanct since creation as attested to by various writers and historians’

historians.

In a passing reference, in its Volume No 9, of December 1932 pages 10-11, the West African Students’ Union, WASU, Magazine, featured the following: ……”the Ooni of Ife – the traditionally appointed Head of The Oduduwa House” ….. Also in 1932, the writers of Itan Ilesa, listed on page 115, the following as the sons of Oduduwa (alias Olofinaye i. e. the great lord of the world). (i) Obanifon (ii) Oba Ado (Benin) (iii) Oloye (iv) Owa Ilesa (v) Orangun Aga (vi) Ajero (vii) Elekole (viii) Ore Otun (ix) Alaketu or Aketu (x) Awujale Ijebu Ode (xi) Olowu (xii) Alara (xiii) Olojudo (xiv) Oloye (xv) Osemifarawe or Osemawe (xvi) Onipopo King of the Popos (vii) Oninan a King of the Nanans etc.

Similarly, in Volume XII No 4, 662 of Monday, March 14, 1938, one Old Campaigner, a correspondent of the Nigerian Daily Times, in an article entitled “Forthcoming Chiefs’ Conference in Yoruba land’s Garden of Eden” wrote: “Here again, the Ooni, whom one may be permitted on the authority of Ex-Resident H. L. Wardprice, to call the super-father of the grand family of Oduduwa, had himself led the way”…..

According to the writers of Itan Ilesa, “Obanifon (obalufon) occupying the premier position among the sons of Oduduwa was the last surviving son of Oduduwa.

He ascended the throne of Ife after the demise of their father and he is the ancestor of the succeeding Oonis of Ife”. What this implies is that as a successor to the throne of Oduduwa, the Ooni of Ife represents the tree while other princes who went away and founded new kingdoms represent the branches: In the Government Gazette No 13, March 28, 1903, the great Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Alowolodu was in a discussion with Sir William

Macgregor the governor of Lagos on the previous visit to Lagos of the Ooni of Ife early in 1903. In reply to a question from the Governor, the Alafin said, “Egbon mi ni” meaning “He (the Ooni) is my older brother”. That 1903 visit of Oba Olubuse Adelekan, the then Ooni of Ife, to Lagos on the invitation by the Government, was purposely to decide whether or not the two Obas of Remo at that time who were asking for beaded crown had a right to wear it. How the Ooni decided the two cases was how the case was rested. It was there and then made public that it is the prerogative of the Ooni and Ooni alone, as the accredited head of the crowned sons of Oduduwa, to decide which of the rulers of Yoruba land had the right to wear a beaded crown.

In short, the Obas in Yoruba land know their relative position to the Ooni of Ife and documentary evidence abounds to buttress this claim. There are many other definitive things which are the prerogative of the Ooni alone as the head of the family of the Oduduwa House. However, the problem is not that these facts are not commonly known but there are some who are reluctant to accept them as true. For instance, on page 13 of the History of Abeokuta,

by A.K. Ajisafe, even though two of the crowned sons of Oduduwa - the Alaafin of Oyo and the Oba of Benin - grew powerful with mighty influence, they still conceded to the Ooni his unquestionable prerogatives throughout the length and breadth of the commonwealth of Oduduwa. At a time in the past when most of the Yoruba Obas including the Owa of Ilesa, became tributary to the Alaafin of Oyo, the Ooni’s influence continued unabated.

Dele Agekameh A record of the 15th Century gave an example of the powerful Oba of Benin’s own relative position to the Ooni. When a new Oba of Benin was to be installed, for the insignia of royalty, the Ooni used to send: a staff, a cap or crown, a cross and a sword. Whenever an Oba of Benin joined his ancestors, it was customary to send to Ile-Ife to get an official mask of the deceased Oba. Usually the Benin envoys sent to Ile-Ife were only allowed to see the Ooni’s foot. On the departure of such envoys they became for life “enjoyers of the freedom of Ife”, and crosses were put around their neck. In that century, the Chief of Ugwato, a Benin Ambassador, accompanied some Portuguese to Portugal. There, the Bini Chief gave information of a most powerful king named Ogane (i. e. the Ooni of Ife) to whom even the great Oba of Benin was subject. This so moved the king of Portugal that he sent in the year 1485, one Jose Affonso d’ Aveiro, to accompany the Bini envoy to see the Ooni of Ife. • To be continued For comments Text (only) to : 08058354382

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COMMENTS ‘Re-where are they now -No doubt the various people mentioned in your article are all hale and hearty but silently scheming politically. They must be monitored as they constitute danger to the political class. Some in the NASS are the brains behind illegal actions in the Assembly. Our Ijaw Leader-Edwin Clark was given a university as his share for his political efforts. What type of university will be? All of them are to be watched closely as leopards can’t change its spots. From Pastor Odunmbaku’ •Buhari For Segun Gbadegesin Re-War-weary already? All well meaning Nigerians and the world have no choice than to agree that, irrespective of whatever correlation, indiscipline and corruption are cog in the wheel of progress in any part of the world but worse in Nigeria. And in tackling them by PMB, ‘whoever eats no garbage won’t vomit garb’!

Once we allow any government, Buhari now and others, later, development would sprout and blossom in all ramifications. To me, no stick is too weighty, on any indiscipline and corrupt citizens. Enough of those two cankerworms.

From Lanre Oseni.

Advice to President Buhari: Nigeria can be a great nation if we have peace; fix education system to produce non-job seekers; tighten CBN present forex control; 200 per cent luxury and 100 per cent non-Luxury. Economic Reform: Tax on all imported goods that we can produce, in addition to normal Customs duty; encourage import of raw materials/industries for all other goods; encourage general export of goods and reduce retirement age to 30 years or age 50 years in service, while 35 years or age 55 years for Judges/Lecturers to get youth employed, by both government and retirees. From Paul M.Jiya,Minna Why the PDP treasury looters are insisting that the President is slow in ‘kick starting’ the government is because they want the line between their 16 yrs misrule and the new dawn that beckons to remain blurred so that the traumatised masses will not know the extent of damage they did. So the President is right on the spot in what he is doing. From Architect Eddie Ogbuefi.

If indiscipline begets corruption, how can you say corruption is the mother of indiscipline?

Since indiscipline is the first culprit and hence the source of corruption, then indiscipline is the mother of corruption (vide, Paragraphs 12 & 13 of your piece titled, “War-weary already?”).

Anonymous Like the reported case of Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, going public to tell the world about the magnificent kinds of achievements they have recorded for the people but which often fly in the face of the realities, has become the common attitude of most of our governors. They do this to divert our attention from prying into how they convert the funds meant for the advancement of the states to the development of their personal business empires usually scattered all over the place. For the change Buhari assured all Nigerians to be of effect, there ought to be a provision by which a governor whose claims of such achievements were found non-existent or contradict what was on the ground upon close investigation, should be appropriately penalised to serve as a deterrent to others. There is no way Buhari could record a change of appreciable impact on the nation if he should build up at the federal level only for the governors to pull it down from the state circles. From Emmanuel Egwu For Olatunji Dare “That the process of change can’t preclude pursuing the alleged forgery of the Senate rules to its logical conclusion and bringing to buck all those implicated in the odious infraction,” as you alluded, deceives nobody. It’s simply another way of saying that the APC leadership would stop at nothing come what may until it has its way. Nothing indicates that the party leaders would have let go the matter was there no forgery case associated with the process that threw Senators Saraki and Ekweremadu up.

Against wrong to single Senator Saraki out as one only mindful of his leadership of the Senate than the service he should render to the people.

On the contrary, the quest for personal leadership position and to attract unnecessary notice have for long become part of the trademarks of our politicians in our today

Nigeria, among whom Saraki is a mere individual. As it is with the Senate president, so too it is with the APC leadership. Or, what hasn’t been said and written to make the APC leaders sheathe their sword. From Sunny Owoniyi “Kogi:The unending mess” bore your signature through and through; frothing with characteristic brilliance, the essay was as witty as it was insightful; speaks of injustices meted out to Nigerian minority tribes nationwide, and not only in Kogi State! Yet, you cracked a rib or two, when I tried to pronounce the “hilarious acronym PAAU”! It sucks. Cheers!! Anonymous Thanks for INEC card reader that will decide the vote but I pray the Okun and Ebira unity to effect a change to freedom. Thanks for your write up. Anonymous Thanks for your article: The unending mess.

For your information, it was not Governor Idris Wada that cost the “Okun Yoruba” the loss of Federal University, rather it was Governor Ibrahim (Ibro). All the same, I appreciate your write up. From Kunle Rogbesan.

The unending mess-Don’t blame the Igala people in Kogi State,the Ebira and Okun have themselves to blame. Otherwise, how can nine be dictating to 12, simply because seven and five failed to form alliance to establish political force to stop the mess by Igala political elite. l hope that the Ebiras and Okuns have realised it’s now or never. Enough is enough my people.

From Abdulmalik ADAVI Your article titled’ The unending mess in Kogi was highly commendable . It is now glaring that the much talked about population of Kogi East Senatorial District was initially built on false figure. Anonymous Kogi State is a failed state. It’s bizarre to have such an artificial contraption in the modern era.

Probably, state creation will deliver the Yoruba speaking people of the state from their oppressors. Anonymous Thank you my brother, your column had actually made my day. From Lawal Idris.l, Lokoja.

Prof. I’ve followed you from your days as a Columnist with Newswatch in the 80s and have continued to follow at The Nation. You have continued to bash the Igala governors forgetting that Benue State has been run by the Tiv that claims to be in the majority since the creation of the state in 1976! Try to soft-pedal a bit. Thank you sir. Anonymous The electorate of Kogi State should vote to pick best candidate that would move the state forward. Let them not repeat the mistake of the past for wrong voting, as their election is coming soon. Progressive is the answer for development. Let them not play with it. From Gordon Chika Nnorom It was Ibrahim Idris not Idris Wada that insisted the sitting in Lokoja. Thanks. From Dr. Mbashir, A. Lanre (OHON GBEDE) Re: Kogi the Unending Mess. I write to appreciate your piece on the above topic, I can only say thank you. My prayer is that God will give you divine wisdom and tongue of the learned. From Pastor Femi Jefferson Prof, Thanks for your tireless and relentless concern for a Nigeria. All we have is a government busy doing nothing except impunity and ethnic cleansing. From Sani Ismaila, Nigeria/KogiI/IU Connection Reading through your column today in The Nation, your article titled: Kogi: The unending mess, I was moved to request you to send me your email so I can forward a piece, a write-up to you for reference today, tomorrow and forever. It is titled: Kogi Manpower Distribution-Marginalization in figures. Thank you. Prince Emman Omadivi, Secretary, Kogi Central and West Forum for Equity & Justice.

Kogi - the mess. Sure the Tivs are using the same template as the Igalas, maybe more.

Corruption must still have a special role in the mess. There would soon evolve a society where government will not be everything. Then the initiatives for development will be for the selfwilled communities. Anonymous

I went through your article it was well written please sir I will be very grateful if you can help us educate our Okun brothers and sisters and that of Ebiras who have more card readers than Igalas to come together and have their rightful position in Kogi State as we have discovered that they are more in numbers by mouths during the last election please we have to show our numerical strength this time around. Anonymous For Gbenga Omotoso How did you omit the loud-mouthed, opaque, compulsive and inscrutable Ayo Oritsejafor, your signature piece, Where are they now?; Ayo’s ascension to the presidency of the Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N) utterly diminished Christendom.

Anonymous They need to prosecute them for their wrong doing in the last administration, they are behind Nigeria problems. From Gordon Chika Nnorom They should be remembered often, mostly Obanikoro Musiliu. Anonymous Re: Where are they now? Our dear Omotoso, your piece on the above topic reminds us of the Scripture that says,”A time for every purpose under heaven “- —”A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing ;”( Eccl.3:1,5b).Nigeria’s politicians are self-focused .Hence, they do not know what and when to embrace per time .

However, the list topped by an 85-year-old greedy fellow , left out the ever relevant “Vila’s Chief Priest” from Warri ,and head of delegation to Jerusalem who virtually sold CAN to PDP .They all deserve to be remembered as they gradually withdraw themselves into oblivion . Long live Nigeria! Ladipo.O. David, Gwagalada Re: Where are they now? Within this write up, it is mentioned that my old columnist at The Guardian newspaper is up for hire. It is a pity that most of us, his readers have shifted our interest and love to the ever robust ’The Nation ‘.We expect the “changed” Abati to establish a newspaper after departing Villa and continue to enlighten the world on “ the miss-understood will-power of Jonathan” or he goes back to the stable of The Guardian . He has almost become a dark spot in Nigerian journalism .Good luck. From L. O David , Gwawalada .

They deserve to be remembered. Especially my ex-governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State. From Joseph, BENUE. Good day Sir, thanks for “Where are they now?”. I have always craved for someone who would follow up on our men in power and after! Please keep up the good work. From Olumuyiwa GAM-IKON Great job you did to your article today. Wish you expand it to other like Oritsheja for. From Bode Benson.

I read your article on the back page of The Nation of Thursday 06/08/2015. Well, I should ask about the where about of the cocoordinating minister of the Nigerian economy under President Jonathan? What about the best governor in Nigeria, Dr, Emmanuel Oduaghan of Delta State. The man many awarding organisations in Nigeria adjudged the best governor, not by what he actually did for Deltans, but how much he was willing to pay for several awards he received?

Some say he has gone to China for deserved rest. Please when you see him, tell him Deltans are waiting for him to refund the billions he paid out for several contracts that were never started. From Young Francis Thanks for ‘’where are they now?’’ but it seems you have forgotten or afraid of Yakubu Jang, son of Jonah Jang who has properties in almost every street of Jos. The only school dropout turned billionaire in Jos. From Mr. Dalong, Jos. Re: No hiding place. You mistakenly wrote “as happened in the cases of Charles Taylor

•Jonathan and Laurent Gbagbo of Liberia and Sierra Leone respectively” It should read Cote d’evoire instead of Sierra Leone. From L O . David .Gwagwalada .

Thank you for your piece “Where are they now?” You have said it all. It is a great lesson to learn and think twice whenever you find yourself in position of authority. PDP thought they have power to rule us for 60 years. But God disgraced them all. If I were God I would not allow some PDP senators who are against democratic government and the actualisation of June 12 enjoy the number four citizen of Nigeria for eight years. Psalm 1:4. Thanks. From Elder Isaiah. O. Fakunle Re-Where are they now? All the atrocities mentioned by you except Dr Akinwumi Adesina, teach us to remember the future while we are opportune to hold positions today. You forgot to mention the tortoise, Okonjo-Iweala and the garrulous, Maku! They are all around; they cannot talk, now. From Lanre Oseni.

When some people are on seat they tend to forget they will one day leave the seat but now where are they? Their country is hot for them now. Anonymous I really enjoy your Where are they now? From Yemi Giwa Re: Where are they now? Please will the Captain Sagir Kolo Ekiti Polls saga just fade away like that? Please bring it back to front burner for Nigeria’s sake. Thank you. From Kola Atta, LAGOS Sir, your column is always thoughtprovoking. Yes these former leaders are worth remembering, however can they ask themselves if there past left any legacy for our dear nation or a sour irritating taste of disgust and public anger? From Nyebuchi Wobo, Port Harcourt.

Re-where are they now -No doubt the various people mentioned in your article are all hale and hearty but silently scheming politically.

They must be monitored as they constitute danger to the political class. Some in the NASS are the brains behind illegal actions in the Assembly. Our Ijaw Leader-Edwin Clark was given a university as his share for his political efforts. What type of university will be? All of them are to be watched closely as leopards can’t change its spots. From Pastor Odunmbaku.

Where are they now? There’s no condition that remains permanent, whether good or bad: what is permanent is change. If one is a governor today nothing stops him from becoming an exgovernor tomorrow just as Gbenga Omotoso will some day be called an ex-editor - editor of the year. To proffer an answer to your question, I submit that the men/women of power and calibre of yesteryears have since been consigned to the dustbin of history of ex-this or ex-that.

From Edet Essien, a lawyer.

Re: where are they now? Orubebe, Musiliu Obanikoro, Bode George,Danbaba Merryln Ogah, Asari Dokubo and AIG Mbu? Please find out for us. Truly, “The horse’s tail last not forever”. From R. Omionawele, Ibadan These public figures need no remembrance till they die, because doing that is exactly pouring undiluted salt on fresh wound Hahaha...how are the mighty fallen! Sir, your article “Where are they now” is a masterpiece!

This is also a warning to present political office holders that power is transient! Abati. What a pity! From Lion Ogorry.

Truly, former president Jonathan’s administration had calibres and timbers. But, they did make our humorous moment. Kudos sir. Anonymous Sir, your write-ups are beautiful. I read your columns every time, as a lover of The Nation newspapers. With you being awarded the ‘Editor of the year’, please keep your quality up. More grease on your elbows. From Evangelist J. O. Akinpelu, Akowonjo, Egbeda.

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‘When modular refineries are operated, they would be refining smaller quantities of crude oil, create jobs, and help grow the economy’ •Former Commander of JTF, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe

Regulators, govt to review securities pricing

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HE Securities and Ex change Commission (SEC) plans to spearhead a concerted effort to review the pricing of financial instruments, especially government securities, to deepen private sector funding and reduce overcrowding of the capital market by government securities.

A source said the review of the pricing models for government securities, such as Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) and government bonds, is one of the mandates of the high-powered lobbying and advocacy group, billed to be announced by the SEC before the end of next month.

The right pricing of financial instruments is one of the highlights of the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan, which include input from other financial

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

services’regulators, including the Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Capital Market Committee (CMC), led by SEC, has started the implementation of the 20152025.

The source said SEC and the advisory council would liaise with the CBN, Debt Management Office (DMO), Economic Management Team (EMT), the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly to ensure the re-examination of the pricing models for all instruments.

The Capital Market Master Plan noted that the pricing of risk-free government securities, such as the NTBs, is undermining the nation’s creative financial management

and crowding out private sectors from the capital pool.

According to the master plan, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation, the situation where the rate of riskfree securities such as NTBs is very high makes any form of risk-taking very unattractive and results in government inadvertently crowding out the private sector.

For instance, the 91-day NTBs auctioned by the CBN for the Federal Government, on July 8, this year and which matures on October 8, this year, carries a yield of 10.26 per cent. A five-year bond offered by the government the same month carries a marginal rate of about 15.3 per cent.

The NTBs and government bonds are considered as sovereign securities and are as such deemed as risk-free instruments because they carry

the authorities of the government. NTBs are, particularly, fascinating; shorttermed, upfront interest payment, acceptable as collateral, guaranteed repayment at maturity and interest income not subject to tax, they make for easy way to grow funds without risk-taking.

The Master Plan noted that the combination of risk-free and relatively high rate of NTBs and others also lead to high cost of borrowing for the economy as other nongovernment borrowers become uncompetitive. Nongovernment borrowers often tend to offer higher rates to woo investors, thereby fuelling additional risk of default.

SEC’s Director-General, Mr Mounir Gwarzo, two weeks ago reiterated the commitment of SEC and the CMC to the implementation of the

Master Plan.

He said the Commission was working on the list of the members of the advisory council, one of the recommendations of the Master Plan, and that their names would be announced soon.

The CMC, chaired by Gwarzo, consists of chief executives of registered capital market operators, including stockbrokers, solicitors, custodians, fund managers, issuing houses, rating agencies, registrars, reporting accountants, trustees and consultants.

Others include the chief executives of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS); Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), NASD Plc, FMDQ OTC Plc, Africa Exchange Holdings (AFEX) and Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX).

NAICOM facilitates disputed claims payment

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo and Fatima Shehu

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HE National Insur ance Commission (NAICOM) has resolved disputed claims of N539.7 million for aggrieved insurance consumers.

Its Head, Corporate Affairs, ‘Rasaaq ‘Salami, in a statement in Lagos, said the Commission facilitated the payment of the claims to the aggrieved consumers in line with its responsibilities.

According to him, the claims arose from 34 complaints over delayed or non-settlement of genuine insurance claims in the first half of the year.

He said the Commission received a total of 147 complaints from policy holders, beneficiaries or their representatives during the period under review.

He noted that the majority of these complaints are at advanced stages of being resolved.

According to him, the Commission employs a civil process of resolving these disputes and complaints through correspondences and mediation meetings between all stakeholders.

He recalled that the Complaint Bureau Unit of the Commission was established to process and resolve complaints from aggrieved insurance policy owners and beneficiaries in all areas of the business.

•From left: Representatives of Newmail, Olutayo Adelele; Broadcating Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Adebimpe Adedigba; The Nation, Tayo Johnson and Adebanke Adekoya, at a five-day multimedia training tagged ‘Airtelchangemystory’ in Ibafan,Oyo State capital.

Forex restrictions grow foreign reserves to $2.5b

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OREIGN exchange reserves rose by $2.5 billion last month to hit $31.5 billion.

Head of Markets, FBN Capital, Olubunmi Ashaolu, in a report, attributed the increased earnings to the introduction of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) forex restrictions policy.

CBN, in a circular dated June 23, banned 41 imported goods from forex either in the interbank market or in the bureaux de change.

“We have heard some wellinformed estimates that imports of the listed goods had accounted for 20 per cent of forex utilisation: this would amount to about $900 million per month on the basis of the CBN’s figure for utilisation (for goods and services) for first quarter 2015,” he said.

Ashaolu said import demand had eased due to the squeezing of real incomes, adding that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has started to transfer its forex reserves from the commercial banks to the CBN. “This brings us to the untested theory that the plugging of forex leakages has begun. This could also explain why the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distribution of June revenues was higher than May’s when oil prices would have suggested the opposite,” he said.

According to CBN regulations, forex from the markets (whether direct CBN forex sales, the interbank or the parallel markets) can no longer be used to import these items. The restricted list includes some food items, such as rice, margarine, imported palm oil, other vegetable oils, and tomato paste.

The objective of the restrictions is to curb demand for imports, safeguard the forex reserves, which have been affected by declining oil earnings and portfolio outflows, and boost local production.

‘Diversification of economy key to sustainable devt’

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HIEF Executive Of ficer, Techno Quip Limited, Mr.Samson Makinwa has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to fulfill his promise to diversify the economy, arguing that with a significant percentage of mineral resources in the country, there is no reason for it to be poor.

He said since mineral and natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc and arable land, are in large quantities in the country, all the

Bankers’ Committee to bank customers: embrace e-payment - P26

By Ambrose Nnaji

government needed to do is to shift emphasis on oil and take advantage of other options.

He said if the Federal Government would put measures in place to harness these potential, the country would make the list of richest countries of the world.

The oil and gas sector accounts for about 35 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) while petroleum export revenue represents over 90 per cent of total ex-

ports revenue, he said.

Makinwa told The Nation in Lagos that the successive governments had failed to put in place sustainable plans to ensure a stable economy.

He said: “I feel we can’t do any planning because we don’t know what we have; we don’t know how much we can get from the agricultural sector, solid mineral resources, industries, the film industry, tourism among others.”

Stressing the need to diversify the nation’s

PFAs violating pension laws

economy, he advised the Buhari administration to bring together stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including those in mining, manufacturing, and production and processing as well as the technological know-how, among others, to fashion out the means to exploit the abundant natural resources both for local consumption and export.

He urged the government to make soft loans available, stressing that this would encourage private investment

in the sector.

He scored the performance of Nigeria Export Promotion Council and Solid Mineral Resources Boards low in the area of adding value to the economy.

He advised the Council management to encourage investors by giving them free export licences and create solid mineral trade fairs which other countries would attend and see what the country has, adding the government really needs to do more than setting up a board.

Helpng women to look good is serious business - P 38

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Bankers’ Committee to bank customers: embrace e-payment

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HE Bankers’ Committee has advised bank customers to key into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-led cash-less policy by using alternative channels of e-payment.

At the Committee’s 323rd meeting at the weekend in Lagos, Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Segun Oloketuyi, said only five states -Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers and Anambra - and Abuja had implemented the policy. He urged customers other states to embrace online transactions to de-emphasise use of huge cash.

He said the Committee would ensure that online banking is done in all the states.

He said banks were given time to deploy adequate infrastructure to support the policy and enlighten customers on the merits of the policy.

Oloketuyi noted that telecommunication and power challenges are yet to be addressed.

According to the CBN, the implementation of the Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number

Stories by Collins Nweze

(NUBAN), deployment of a new Real Time Gross Settlement system (RTGS) that is built on the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) messaging standards and deployment of the Scripless Securities Settlement System (SSSS) are some of the achievements of policy Others are introduction of Cheque Truncation, reduction of clearing cycles for payments & cheque from three days (T plus two) to next day (T plus one) and setting of limits on encashment of third party cheques and a maximum cap of N10 million for cheque payments, to encourage the use of electronic payments channels, among others.

It said the Payments System Vision 2020 (PSV2020) was created to ensure the payments system are “nationally utilised and internationally recognised.”

“It is gratifying to note that our country is acknowledged as a major economic force within Af-

rica, but also increasingly becoming an active player in the global economy. To participate actively, our payments system must be successfully benchmarked against the global best practices, as in most developed nations of the world. We have made some significant achievements so far in this journey, but a lot still remains to be done,” he said.

“The PSV2020 initiative is intended to benchmark the existing core payments infrastructure in Nigeria against international best practices. The primary reference point was the Core Principles produced by the then Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS),” the CBN said.

Through the implementation of the original PSV2020 initiatives by the CBN, with the banking community, the country has witnessed growth of electronic payments and a shift from cash as a means of payment.

Skye Bank supports SMEs Given its desire to promote the growth of small scale businesses, Skye Bank held a seminar to acquaint operators of new business ideas, reports, AJOSE SEHINDEMI.

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KYE Bank has held its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seminar in Kano to share new business methods with operators.

On the occasion, the bank pledged its support to the manufacturing sector as a veritable catalyst of change and harbinger of economic development.

The Executive Director, Abuja and Northern Directorate, Mr. Idris Yakubu, said manufacturing represents a good approach to diversifying the economic base of the country.

Yakubu said aside providing employment, manufacturing enhances the tax net of the government and increases its ability to handle developmental projects.

He described Kano as crucial to the economy as it hosts many companies.

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is a major manufacturer in Kano, Alhaji Salisu Buhari, advised SME operators to seek the input of experts and the advice of consultants when setting up their businesses.

According to him, such experts’ advice will help them to avoid pitfalls in business and set them on the right course. He said learning about the business from an expert is a sure guarantee for success.

Buhari advised manufacturers and those aspiring to go into the business to acquire enough information about the line of business they want to invest in.

The Head, Retail Banking Group, Skye Bank Plc, Nkolika Okoli, thanked the SME owners for attending the seminar, promising to support and transform their businesses into successful enterprises.

• Skye Bank CEO Timothy Oguntayo

Okoli said the bank would hold the seminar across the country as its contribution to building the required skill and knowledge for small business owners to run their companies.

Head, Small Business Group, Skye Bank, Ayo Olojede explained: “Helping business owners to achieve the best in their businesses with a platform like the SME seminar is important to SkyeBank.

We understand that many SMEs lack management skills and do not understand the process of accessing fund. We are eager to proffer solutions to some of these challenges to help the growth and development of SMEs in Nigeria, knowing how fundamental it is to the growth of the nation’s economy.

We want to add value to our customers, and help their businesses grow.”

First millionaire emerges in Sterling Bank’s promo

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• Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Sterling Bank Plc. Abubakar Suleiman (middle) flanked by Johnson Ojigwe and Oluchi Chikezie, winners of the New Sterling Plus cash reward promo at the cheque presentation ceremony in Lagos.

Afrinvest unveils AfriTrack

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FRINVEST Securities Limited (ASL) has launched AfriTrack, a service designed to unlock the value of outstanding and unclaimed entitlements of investments in Nigerian quoted securities, equities and bonds.

Targeted at high networth individuals and corporate bodies, cooperative societies, estate account clients and busy executives, AfriTrack is a combination of ancillary services bundled into one for ease and convenience.

“It involves reconciliation of client’s shareholding and invest-

ments; recovery of all outstanding certificates, bonuses and dividend warrants; recovery of return moneys on unallotted public offer shares; dematerialisation of recovered share certificates; revalidation of expired dividend warrants; and consolidation of multiple shareholding accounts and CSCS accounts in multiple houses,” said Charles Egbunonwo, managing director of ASL. On how to enjoy AfriTrack services, Egbunonwo said: “Simply open a brokerage account with Afrinvest Securities Lim-

ited, fill out the AfriTrack application form, supply basic information on your investment portfolio and provide us with a mandate or authorisation letter. We would then leverage on our cordial relationship with various company registrars to promptly reconcile actual shareholding against benefits and entitlements received.’’

He added: “AfriTrack services would normally be concluded within a period of one to three months depending on the complexity of the portfolio and peculiar circumstances.’’

COUPLE, Mr. and Mrs. Ojigwe has won N1 million in the special holiday draw of the Sterling Bank Cash Reward Promo.

The elated couple, who has a joint account with the bank, received the prize at the headquarters of the bank at the weekend.

Also, Mr. Adams Joshua Terna, who won N500,000 in the quarterly draw, also received his cash.

New Sterling Plus is a hybrid offering with the promise of many goodies and freebies, such as free Lenovo smartphones pre-installed with Sterling Mobile banking application and loaded with ‘cool’ financial and entertainment apps and cash rewards, among others, for customers.

The promo started in June and is aimed at rewarding loyalty and encouraging a savings culture.

The bank’s Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Abubakar Suleiman, congratulated the winners, assuring them: “Sterling Bank will continue to demonstrate its commitment to building an enduring relationship with its customers and in the process enrich their lives.”

Ojigwe praised the bank for

fulfilling its promise. Terna said: “This is the first time I am winning anything in a promo. This came to me as a big surprise but I am happy about it. Sterling Bank has demonstrated transparency in the way they have handled the entire process”.

• Sterling Bank CEO Yemi Adeola

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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MONEY Further devaluation of the naira, experts argue, is unavoidable given Nigeria’s weak capital inflows, market pressures and the lack of fiscal and monetary co-ordination. They insist that foreign exchange restrictions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has diverse implications on the economy, including a reduction in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

Why another Naira devaluation is vital, by experts T HE naira has gone through thick and thin in the last one year. And its problem is far from being over because its stability or otherwise is hinged on various factors.

One is the price of crude oil in the international market. Oil prices around the globe have continued to fall, posing serious challenges to Nigerian economy and its currency which, many believe, is overvalued and needed to be adjusted.

But the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under Godwin Emefiele, has insisted on exchange rate stability and defending the naira. For him, the apex bank is committed to safeguarding the value of the naira and has instituted various policies to achieve the objective.

The CBN has banned the sale of foreign exchange by banks to importers without the requisite shipping documents and also directed that only imports, which are backed with evidence of shipment and other relevant documents, will qualify for purchase of foreign exchange, among others, to keep the naira afloat.

The naira was devalued last November during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

The midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market was moved from N155/dollar to N168/dollar.

The committee also widened the band around the midpoint by 200 basis points from plus or minus three per cent to plus or minus five per cent. The naira has fallen by 15 per cent in the year and exchanges at N197 to dollar at the official window.

Despite these moves, many analysts believe that further devaluation of the naira is imminent and will boost the inflow of foreign capital and enhance economic growth. For instance, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had predicted that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2015 would be around 4.8 per cent from 6.3 per cent last year.

For the Head, Africa Strategy at Standard Chartered Bank, Samir Gadio, though a further devaluation of the naira may not happen soon, but an adjustment is imminent.

“Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s resolve, markets observers believe that it will eventually succumb to pressures and devalue the currency (again),” he said.

Also, Bond Fund Manager, Standard Life Investments, Kieran Curtis, said a further devaluation would restore the economy to competitiveness and promote more capital inflows.

“It will take a combination of weaker currency and higher interest rates to get us back to Nigeria,” he said, arguing that when Nigeria is compared to other oil exporters, it hasn’t had enough of a currency adjustment.

Still, Nigeria has a good number of indicators in its favour. Though at the detriment of local firms, its foreign exchange reserve position remains healthy. As of July 7, the external reserves had risen slightly to $31.89 billion from $29.1billion as at the end of June. Foreign currency reserves were $37.3 billion in June 2014.

Analysts have predicted that foreign investors will likely remain wary of Nigeria until there is more policy certainty and a further naira

• Central Bank Nigeria Headquarters, Abuja

devaluation leading to a dollar surge in the interbank market.

Gadio added: “Even though international investors want a piece of Nigeria, they will stay away, because, right now, they expect to make a 10 per cent loss on the foreign exchange side since devaluation is likely to happen.”

Morgan Stanley analyst Martijn Rats said the global oil and gas industry reaction is like what happened in the slump of 1986, almost 30 years ago, when Saudi Arabia triggered an oil price slide by making a bid for market share.

Then, like now, “as the oil groups cut spending, the wider workforce shrank and costs in the supply chain tumbled. The majors shored up cash flow and, in time, investors reacquired faith in their dividends,” he said.

Oil demand picked up and nonOPEC supply growth slowed, rebalancing the market.

Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Plc, Ike Chioke, said a strong positive correlation exists between the exchange rate and crude oil price.

Nigeria’s crude oil – Bonny Light, which traded at $110.2 per barrel in January, last year, hitting $114.6 per barrel by June same year, is now trading below $60 per barrel.

“With the discovery of the shale oil, crude oil prices are projected to moderate in coming years. In addition, the threat by the United States (U.S.) to reduce oil imports constitutes a downside risk on crude receipts of OPEC members.

Consequently, the CBN must establish a “real” and “sustainable” value for the naira as the opportunity cost of “substantial” support for the naira increases,” he explained in a report titled: Naira Trending Towards 2015.

Chioke said Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil (currently 70 per cent of total foreign exchange earnings) makes economic growth susceptible to price shocks.

Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, UBA Plc, Femi Olaloku, said dwindling oil prices around the globe poses seri-

• CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

ous challenges to a developing economy like Nigeria’s, hence, the need for the government to also consider various diversification options.

For him, further devaluation of the naira is imminent, as such would make the importation of goods into the country more expensive, encourage local manufacturing and inflow of foreign capital.

CBN vs fiscal measures With prolonged global crude downturn and sporadic lengthy fuel queues sprawled out at many petrol stations across the country, indigenous oil firms have adopted prudent approach amid fluctuating oil prices and adverse market and operating conditions.

The apex bank had last December directed all banks to reduce transactions with oil and gas companies following pending liquidity and fiscal hitches in meeting the funding demands associated with the sector, especially the upstream.

The decision was based on a recent risk-based supervision exercise conducted by the apex bank,

which highlighted the financial industry’s level of exposure to the oil and gas sector combined with existing risk management deficiencies. It was seen as necessary steps to ensure that banks have sufficient capital buffers to mitigate rising risk in the industry.

Monetary policies and other regulations by the CBN have also become tighter as it continues to defend the naira and in turn, depleting banks’ earnings further.

For instance, the CBN shut down the retail Dutch Auction System/ wholesale Dutch Auction System (rDAS/wDAS) segment of the foreign exchange market, and quoted an exchange rate of N198/ to dollar. That was indirect naira devaluation at the interbank foreign exchange market, igniting further pressure on the nation’s currency.

To curb naira speculation, the apex bank also banned commercial banks from re-selling dollars to other banks. it also directed that all foreign exchange needs are to be sourced from the interbank market, which has rate ranging from N197 to N198 to dollar.

Implications of CBN’s policies The CBN’s policies have prompted petroleum marketers to rely on product allocations from the Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC), the marketing entity of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to alleviate the ongoing shortage.

“Marketers are caught between a rock and a hard place as importers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) under the Petroleum Subsidy Fund scheme, as a result of the huge outstanding fund due and payable to them by the federal government.

Although the pricing template provides for a marketer to be paid the subsidy element within 45 days of submitting complete and verified documentation, the bulk of reimbursements due to importers are typically paid not less than 180 days or more,” analysts said.

They see these challenges created

by liquidity squeeze, including mounting bank interest charges, and huge exposures to foreign exchange fluctuations as major threats to the survival of many operators, especially with foreign investors wary of the country’s present economic climate.

A Lagos-based analyst, Michael Obidike, said oil marketers face myriad issues ranging from fund sourcing, letters of credit, and more s restrictions on the purchase of forex, all affecting the steady flow of product importation.

“Oil marketers will find it very difficult to function without the appropriate fiscal backing required from the banks and the CBN in particular. The delays in the payment of petroleum subsidy funds by the federal government had previously led to the non-issuance of Letters of Credit for marketers, even within authorised bands of transactions. This was due to the CBN’s directive that banks become risk averse to oil and gas companies. The nature of it all is very cyclical,” he said.

The NNPC had indicated that the on-off shortage of fuel was caused by a halt in the importation of products due to ongoing delays in the outstanding payment of N264 billion subsidy claims to marketers by the government.

This payment is for product importation between July, last year till date, and marketers are also owed N100 billion in forex exposure – due to the naira devaluation – between January, last year till date and accumulated interest exposure from 2013 till date. The major marketers import close to 60 per cent of petrol consumed in the country, while the NNPC imports the balance.

Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, said the clean-up of the downstream sector and how the outstanding fuel subsidies of N200billion to N300 billion is resolved, as well as regulatory/policy changes, which could negatively affect some corporates, are also potential drivers of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the sector.

“In gauging the asset-quality stress in the system and relative strengths of the banks through this rough patch, we establish each bank’s breakeven cost of risk and calculate what we call a ‘pain buffer,’ which estimates how much room we think the bank has to take on additional impairments before moving into a loss. Based on our 2015 estimates, GTBank, Stanbic, Zenith and UBA have the highest pain buffers in the sector,” it added.

Continuing, the investment and research firm in the report, also noted that with much talk about the federal government reforming the economy, in a weaker macro and fiscal environment, it would be unlikely that the banking sector would remain unscathed by some of the changes that could occur.

A year ago, the firm predicted that this year held green shoots of recovery for banks. Then, analysts at RenCap were cognisant of the tough operating environment in which the banks operate, exacerbated by an onslaught of regulatory headwinds since 2013.

“We were looking for an easing in the cash reserve requirements and a more market-friendly regulatory environment. However, the subsequent decline in oil prices,” it said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

UK-Nigeria’s Joint Commission seeks review of insider dealings A

JOINT committee on investment and development made up of the United Kingdom and Nigeria has called for a review of the rules on insider dealings in the capital market to ensure clarity, enforcement and strong deterrence.

The final report of the NigeriaUnited Kingdom Capital Markets Project, obtained by The Nation, underlined the importance of clearer and more comprehensive rules on insider dealings and the need to institute stronger punitive measures against offenders.

The Nigeria-United Kingdom Capital Markets Project is an offshoot of the UK’s Emerging Capital Markets Taskforce (ECMT), which aimed at fostering innovative collaboration between government, the private sector and UK missions overseas, to enhance inflow of UK’s investments and participation in the capital market.

The report noted that insider dealing jeopardises the development of fair and orderly markets, undermines investor confidence, damages the reputation of companies and their shareholders and undermines confidence in the markets and as such, there must be a robust regulatory framework to curtail and punish insider dealings.

“Even the perception of insider dealing is sufficient to hinder the development of the capital markets. In order to promote transparency and avoid distortion of the market, up to date information must be made available to investors, other market par-

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

ticipants and regulators of the shareholdings and share dealings by directors, controllers and all others classed as insiders of a listed company.

Furthermore, the infrastructure available to regulators for market surveillance and enforcement must be robust enough to compel adherence to the rules,” the report stated.

The report highlighted that the regulatory framework fails to address concerns over insider dealings pointing out that the description of insider dealing under the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) and the rules of SEC and NSE did not provide adequate clarity on what conduct amounts to insider dealing and what conduct may be exempt from prohibition.

“Rule 401(a) of the SEC rules 2013 requires disclosure to the SEC, not only by the company but also by insiders of any trades made in respect of the shares of which they are insiders. Rule 401 does not go far enough in its regulation of insider dealing.

For instance, the rule does not extend to the transfer by an insider of its beneficial ownership of shares in respect of which it is an insider,” the report noted.

According to the joint commission, SEC’s Rule 401 also falls short because it only provides that the requisite disclosure be made to SEC alone and not

required to be notified to the company, the stock exchange or to the public whereas with regard to surveillance and enforcement of the insider dealing rules, the exchanges, in their capacity as Self-Regulatory Organisation (SROs) rely on the information disclosed to them.

The commission pointed out what it described as absence of a system for alerting the NSE or any other exchange of trading patterns or other trails that would put the exchange on alert as to the possibility of insider dealing and trigger the need to request the disclosure of the recorded information of questionable trades.

“The SEC rules do not, in our opinion, go far enough. In particular we note that the penalties imposed on the insider for breach appear to be limited, being a fine imposed under Section 115 of ISA and should, where appropriate and as a minimum, include the disqualification of directors; the information disclosed by the insider to SEC should not be disclosed to SEC alone and should also be notified to the company, the stock exchange and to the public; in view of the intricacy and deleterious impact of insider dealing, there should be a requirement for the members of the board of listed companies to undergo compulsory training on insider dealing and other regulatory matters,” the joint commission stated.

The report noted that there has so

far been no prosecution for insider dealing in Nigeria, which raises doubts on the effectiveness of the current regulatory regime, adding that the provision of clear guidance on what conduct amounts to insider dealing would make it easier for the regulators to investigate perceived breaches and promote compliance.

The commission called for harmonisation of rules and provision of more detailed guidance under a code of conduct for the market, which should provide guidance in determining whether a particular conduct amounts to insider dealing or falls within any of the safe harbours created by the code in the mode of the UK Code of Market Conduct.

The report noted that to boost the integrity of the capital markets, there is a need to enhance the framework of rules and develop initiatives so as to improve information disclosure and dissemination, deter manipulation of the market through insider dealing or conflict of interest and promote an industry-led transparency and good governance culture.

It pointed out that trust and confidence in capital markets transactions in the country is needed in order to attract investors to the market but such trust and confidence will be harder to establish where there are perceptions of shortcomings in the

standards.

“It is therefore necessary to adopt strategies aimed specifically at improving the ethical standards of operation in the capital markets as well as changing the perception of the standards that operate in the markets,” the report noted.

The report further underscored the importance of an effective regulatory regime that will foster capital market development by encouraging the participation of investors and issuers in capital market transactions, noting that the regulatory regime must be robust enough to protect investors without acting as a disincentive to the participation of issuers.

It, however, called for a balance between ensuring investor protection and enabling efficient capital formation adding that the regulatory process must be carried out within a reasonable timeframe in order not to discourage potential participants from using the capital markets for their fund-raising.

According to the report, the regulations must have the effect of protecting investors without imposing undue costs on the compliant issuers due to difficulties in negotiating the regulatory landscape and the duplication of procedures between the various approving regulators.

The report also canvassed for more incentives to quoted companies and other capital market issuers arguing that the current incentives are few and insufficient to propel capital market as the preferred hub for global capital.

May & Baker improves earnings in first-half

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AY & Baker Nigeria Plc recorded impressive growths in the top-line and bottom-line in the first half of the year as latest earnings report indicated that the leading healthcare company has continued to consolidate the recent recovery in earnings performance.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2015 showed that May & Baker strengthened its underlying fundamentals, which impacted positively on the actual profit and loss items. Gross profit margin improved to 34 per cent in first half 2015 as against 31.59 per cent in comparable period of last year. Operating profit margin also improved from 5.03 per cent in 2014 to 9.35 per cent this year. As against a negative pre-tax margin of -5.23 per cent in first half of last year, the company posted a modest pre-tax profit margin of 1.29 per cent in first half 2015.

The six-month report showed a top-down well-rounded performance, driven by growths across all the business segments of the company. Turnover rose by 10.7 per cent to N3.41 billion in first half 2015 as against N3.08 billion in comparable period of 2014. Gross profit improved from N972.59 million in 2014 to N1.16 billion, representing an increase of 19.2 per cent.

Operating profit doubled by 105.7 per cent from N155.16 million to N319.1 million. As against loss of N161.13 million in first half 2014, the company recorded modest pre and post tax profit of N43.73 million and N29.73 million respectively. Earnings per share thus stood at 3.03 kobo as against loss per share of 16.44 kobo in comparable period of last year.

The performance was driven by appreciable growths in all the business segments and improving internal cost management.

Segmental analysis showed that turnover in the pharmaceuticals

business improved from N2.11 billion in first half 2014 to N2.34 billion in first half 2015. Beverage business turned in N33.23 million sales in first half 2015 compared with N29.91 million in comparable period of 2014 while the foods business improved sales from N941.65 million to N965.15 million.

Administrative expenses declined to N263.45 million in first half of the year compared with N283.18 million in first half last year, while finance costs had declined from N309.16 million to N284.39 million.

The latest report further strengthened the overall outlook of the company, which had rebounded to profitability in 2014. The audited report and accounts of May & Baker Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2014 had that group turnover rose to N7 billion in 2014 as against N6.3 billion recorded in 2013. Gross profit also rose by 13.2 per cent from N2.3 billion to N2.6 billion. Profit before tax stood at N101.1 million in 2014 compared with a pre-tax loss of N11.4 million in 2013. After taxes, net profit was modest at N63 million as against net loss of N103 million recorded in 2013.

The report indicated that cost containment and efficient resource utilisation were responsible for the rebound. The company reduced financing charges, distribution, sales and marketing expenses to optimise the top-line growth and return the bottom-line to the positive side.

Operational profitability rose by 16.2 per cent while sales and marketing expenses dropped by three per cent. Finance costs also dropped by 4.2 per cent. However, finance cost still remains a challenge to the company.

May & Baker raised her capacity to produce more products with the construction of the world-class pharmaceutical centre known as the PharmaCentre located in Ota, Ogun State.

The facility has raised May & Baker’s production capacity by over

•From left: Head, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Olumide Orojimi; Head, Legal Department, NSE, Mrs. Irene Robinson-Ayanwale; General Manager, Head, Legal and Regulation Division, NSE Ms. Tinuade Awe and Lead, CSR, NSE, Mrs. Cima Sholotan, at the LCCI’s Commerce and Industry Awards where NSE received the Award for Promoting Best Practice Reporting and Corporate Disclosure.

NSE wins LCCI’s award on best practice

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HE Lagos Chamber of Com merce & Industry (LCCI) has conferred its Award for Promotion of Best Practice Reporting and Corporate Disclosure on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The award was presented to NSE by the President of the LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello at the ceremony in Lagos.

LCCI’s Director-General, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said the objective of the yearly awards was to recognise, celebrate and promote private and public institutions that have exhibited the core values of best business practices, growth through innovations, business sustainability and have impacted the society posi-

tively.

According to him, the award is highly credible where winners emerge through a painstaking selection process from hundreds of entries backed by feedbacks from dedicated research and market intelligence.

On the award, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema said the award highlights the positive reaction to the strong corporate governance regime that the management of the Exchange has emplaced and the success the Exchange had achieved with its listed companies on timely financial and information disclosures.

“We are encouraged to do more

by ensuring that our listed companies continue to act in the best interest of investors thereby adding tangible value in protecting and sustaining the corporate health of the exchange and the capital market in general,” Onyema said.

This is the third award received by the Exchange in barely a month.

The Exchange was first presented with the African Regulator of the Year at the Sixth African Business Leadership Awards in London in July. Last week, it clinched the Financial Institution of the Year Award at the Oil & Gas Year Nigeria Award.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

PAGE 29

Kingship tussle: Succession crisis engulfs Oyo community Peace has eluded Ago-Are, a sleepy town in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. Since the death of the late Aare of AgoAre, Oba Jubril Oyesiyi Oladoke Gbadewolu 1, the town has been without a king. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, who visited the agrarian town, reports that the crisis sparked by the election of a new king threatens to dismember the community as some of those who lost out in the kingship contest threaten to pull it down.

F

OR some time now, peace has eluded Ago-Are, an agrarian community in Oyo State. This was because of

a tussle for the vacant stool of the Aara of Ago-Aro. Fifteen contestants from the Ruling House of Ude, and eventu-

ally one won the election. This didn’t go downwell with others who insisted that the election should be annulled.

The residents and the British American Tobacco (BAT) Company Continued pages 32-33

•Ago-Are king palace

•Chief Adetoro

INSIDE

•Alhaji Olaniyonu

Residents bicker over Fayose’s eviction order

Lawmaker pledges support for education

Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

PAGES 30-31

PAGE 35

PAGE 33

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•One of the houses in the etate

• The gate to one of the houses

Residents bicker over Thursday was a bad day for many residents of Irewolede Estate in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, as they were forcibly evicted from their homes by the Ayo Fayose administration for alleged failure to complete payment of their mortgages. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports that reprieve came their way on Saturday when the deadline for payment was extended to November.

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OR many residents of Irewolede Estate that was later renamed Adekunle Fajuyi Estate, Thursday, August 6 was a day they would never forget in a hurry.

It was a day they witnessed the fury of a government that was bent on recovering the proceeds from the mortgage on the houses in the estate.

A combined team of armed policemen, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and officials of the State Housing Corporation stormed the estate to evict owners of houses who were yet to complete payment of their mortgages.

They were armed with guns, padlocks, chains and other gadgets in order to effect the “order from above”.

Bulldozers were also busy pulling down what government officials referred to as “illegal structures” in the estate.

The operation was already in full swing at 10:00 a.m. when the operatives moved into the houses of the ‘defaulters’, forcing out the occupants and sealing off their residences.

Helpless wives, children and other relations were wailing uncontrollably; unsure of where next they would call their homes.

Government had, two months earlier, served them notice to pay up or be ejected, but raising the money within the short period was a task too taxing for many of them.

While some succeeded “one way or the other” to pay up, most of them, especially those who still had long ways to go to complete their payment, couldn’t meet the deadline.

Apparently learning from a Yoruba axiom which says “a war long declared well ahead of time would not consume a wise cripple”, many of the landlords in the estate who were unable to meet the deadline had since left to avoid the ignominy of being forced out of their homes.

They had left their residences to put up with relations, friends, members of the same faith and other Good Samaritans in other parts of the city.

Others who had nowhere to go to stayed put to face the fury of the “unwanted visitors”.

It was a pitiable sight to see landlords and landladies in the estate

locked out of their residences for allegedly owing ‘millions’ of Naira and becoming homeless in a matter of minutes.

When reporters visited the estate again at 2:00 p.m., security personnel were seen at the gate, while the staff of the Ekiti State Housing Corporation were screening the landlords and identifying those that defaulted and prevented them from gaining entry into the estate.

A shouting march ensued in some houses as some landlords displayed documents to show that they had fulfilled their payment obligation but wondered how their names got into the defaulters’ list.

One of the residents claimed that his dogs which were barking ferociously at the invaders were shot dead.

The drama-of-the-day took place at the home of the chairman of the estate landlords’ association, Ayo Orebe, whose wife and three-day-old baby were locked inside by men of the task force in a bid to enforce the order.

Governor Fayose had earlier constituted a committee, headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, to interface with the landlords, from where a directive was given to each of them to pay the amount authorised by the mortgage agreement on or before August 5, or face mass ejection.

The action was also entangled in the web of political intrigues as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) traded accusations on the eviction.

While the Fayose-led government said the eviction had no political undertone, the APC said it was targeted at opposition figures who served during the Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi administrations.

Many ex-government officials claimed they have a subsisting repaym e n t

agreement which are still ongoing, but wondered how they could be told overnight to complete payment within two months.

While speaking with reporters, residents of the estate lamented the indescribable hardship the sealing order had caused them.

A resident, Bolaji Fasanmi, alleged that government was biased in its mode of operation, stressing that some buildings belonging to the executive of the estate were placed under lock and key while those who owe huge sums of money were left unsealed.

Mr. Orebe argued that they have mortgage between 10 to 25 years for civil servants and five to 10 years for politicians which he said the government has contravened.

He appealed to the governor to grant them more time to be able to respond to payment, saying the forced eviction could aggravate the poor economic situations of his members.

Orebe, however, blamed the Federal Mortgage Bank for its refusal to disburse funds to banks, claiming that some of his members had subscribed to the bank without remitting same to the government.

He said the sordid scenario would not have happened, but for the stoppage of disbursement of funds

by Federal Mortgage Bank under President Goodluck Jonathan-led government.

Orebe urged the governor to set up machinery for the har-

monisation of all the agreements reached by landlords for the payment through Aso Savings, Mortgage and outright purchase policies, so that members could be more committed to the payment schedules.

Orebe, who displayed evidence of his payment before reporters, explained that he has fulfilled his obligations through the primary mortgage institution and his house was still placed under lock and key with a three-dayold baby inside the house.

The chairman added that some of them had been living in the estate since 2008, while some moved into the estate in 2011, saying it will be wrong for them to be pushed out in this disastrous way, having contributed immensely to the development of the estate.

“Some of the landlords bought their houses through mortgage arrangement and outright purchase, which will last for a period of 10 years and five years for the payment of the full money respectively.

“Some of us have renovated our residences, spending several thousands of Naira. Some of the landladies are widows whose husbands bought the houses and died few months after they moved in here.

“These widows have no means of livelihood and there is no way they can continue with the payment. Should we now ask those people to vacate for their inabilities to pay?” he asked.

Continuing, he said: “My people are aware of their indebtedness and we have even confirmed to government when the Deputy Governor met with us. But it will be difficult for us to pay this huge amount within a spate of short time.

“But if proper arrangement is worked out, the government will get its money and it will, at the same time, be easy for us to pay. We shall be grateful if government could grant us this opportunity.”

When contacted to speak on the matter, the General Manager, Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Soji Awe was hostile to reporters as he refused to comment on the development.

Throughout the time the

• Fayose

uproar lasted, many of the residents did not know their fate as to whether they would lose their houses completely or be given the grace to pay up as some of the buildings have been demolished by the agents of the state government.

But the state government justified its action when it claimed that house owners yet to complete payment owe government over N800 million.

It maintained that the sealing-off of the houses of defaulting occupants of Irewolede Estate has no political undertone; alleging that the affected persons “have bluntly refused to meet their contractual obligations to the government”.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Idowu Adelusi in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, the government said out of 254 allocated houses in the estate, only 37 of those who were allotted houses had paid fully, adding that 217 were yet to complete payment.

“The total amount being owed by the allottees as at the time Governor Fayose assumed office was N904, 635,556.57.

“Total amount recovered since Governor Fayose assumed office was N82 million. Some of the allottees have sold or rented out the houses allocated to them.

“The allottees cut across political parties, as there are notable leaders of the PDP and APC among them. It is therefore not political. Over N800 million is being owed by the allottees as at today.

“Today alone, over N5 million was paid by some of the allottees. The government is insisting that allottees that have declined to pay for the houses allocated to them must pay. Those who are not defaulting did not have their houses sealed.

“Because Governor Fayose directed that Irewolede Housing Estate, AdoEkiti be sealed off because of the allottees’ refusal to pay for the houses allocated to them, over N10 million was paid today alone!

“One of the allottees paid N1million, another one paid N396, 500; two others paid N324, 000 and N225, 000 respectively. payments Others made ranging from N45, 000 to N70, 000.

“In all, 27 allottees h a v e

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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•Down illegal structures in the estate

• One of the bulldozers tearing

Fayose’s eviction order made payments as at 2:00 p.m., making a total sum of N87, 447,644 recovered today,” he said.

But the state chapter of the APC would have none of that as he alleged that the action was primarily targeted at its leaders, members, innocent civil servants and other members of the public perceived to have sympathy for the party.

In a statement on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the APC described the action as “barbaric, heartless and brutish, as a three-day-old baby and her mother were locked inside the house”.

The APC said: “The action was like a movie from the blues as dangerouslooking thugs and some policemen from the Government House invaded the estate and started harassing residents, sealing off their houses.

“This caused panic among residents,

including women and children, some of whom suffered shock,” it explained.

Olatunbosun regretted that the governor behaved “in this reckless manner” even though there was a subsisting mortgage agreement, which allowed the residents to pay over five to 10 years, but Fayose insisted that all the money must be paid within one month.

“As if this harassment was not enough, bulldozers have been moved into the estate to demolish structures which they claimed were constructed without approval in an apparent move to inflict pain on our members.

“If approval was not obtained, the right thing to do is to ask such people to pay the required amount and not to resort to demolition, which is in bad faith,” he said.

Olatunbosun added that the governor had earlier impounded monetised vehicles to political appointees who

,

By the tenure of the sale agreement, our clients are requested to pay the total cost of their houses within the period of five years from the day Offer Letters were written to them by the corporation...It is worrisome that the governor can be threatening fire and brimstone when the tenure of the mortgage has not expired...During the last meeting His Excellency had with our clients, he restated his threat pointblank that he will eject our clients and allocate their houses to interested buyers contrary to the mortgage agreement

,

• The main gate of the estate

• A section of the estate

served in Fayemi’s administration.

Calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to save members of the APC from the governor’s iron rule, Olatunbosun warned that further harassment of APC members would be resisted by all means civil.

“Fayose should be called to order by all men and women of goodwill, as his reign of impunity is becoming embarrassing to all citizens of the state.

“His continuous trampling on the fundamental rights of citizens should be checked without further delay,” Olatunbosun said.

Following the outcry generated by the massive eviction from the estate, traditional rulers and other prominent citizens of the state made representations to Governor Fayose to show mercy to those affected.

After meeting the Obas and some leading lights of Ekiti State, Fayose, on

Saturday, granted concession to the “defaulting landlords” by extending deadline for payment till November 30 while government will resume action on December 1.

Another press statement issued on Saturday by Adelusi on Fayose’s behalf said the extension was considered due to intervention by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, other traditional rulers and some prominent Ekiti indigenes.

He claimed that the monarchs and other eminent Ekiti citizens condemned the “lackadaisical attitude of the defaulting landlords” but pleaded with the governor to give them more time to pay up.

“The governor, however, showed compassion but warned against defaulting, stating that government will resume action against defaulters by December 1.

“Since the government action began, N13 million has been paid by some ýof the defaulters”, the statement concluded. With the temporary reprieve given to the beleaguered landlords and other residents in the estate, they are in a race against time to raise the money as another extension may not be granted.

Meanwhile, lawyers to the victims of forcible ejection have sought police protection for their clients.

They warned Governor Fayose against “avoidable violent clash between residents and law enforcement agents” over his handling of a civil matter that did not follow legal procedure.

The residents have also reacted to their plight, calling on the police authorities not to allow their men be used for illegal activities against law-abiding citizens. In a letter dated August 6, 2015, the Law Chambers of R.O. Balogun and Company called the attention of Ekiti State Commissioner of Police to the alleged Fayose-induced breach of mortgage agreement in the purchase of their clients’ houses.

“Our clients applied to the Housing Corporation for purchase of their houses and accepted the offer and paid the initial deposit in line with the Letters of Offer and took possession, and, accordingly, all of them have been occupying their respective houses, having paid the initial deposit in line with the agreement.

“By the tenure of the sale agreement, our clients are requested to pay the total cost of their houses within the period of five years from the day Offer Letters were written to them by the corporation,” the lawyers explained.

They added that the agreement also included extension of another five years to make it convenient to pay up the mortgage sum, regretting that even the first five years had not been exhausted let alone the extension of time before

• Mr Orebe

the governor moved against their clients.

“It is worrisome that the governor can be threatening fire and brimstone when the tenure of the mortgage has not expired.

“During the last meeting His Excellency had with our clients, he restated his threat pointblank that he will eject our clients and allocate their houses to interested buyers contrary to the mortgage agreement,” the lawyers said.

They urged the Commissioner of Police to protect their clients and prevent avoidable breakdown of law and order and its adverse consequences.

In a separate petition to the police, the residents and house owners in the estate also alleged illegal use of policemen by the governor to forcibly evict them from their homes.

In the petition also copied to the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase; National Human Rights Commission and State Director of the Department of State Services by their chairman, Ayodele Orebe; and Secretary Fidelis Adikwu, the residents complained of harassment and forceful eviction, following refusal of the governor to accept a mortgage agreement with Ekiti State Housing Corporation in the payment for their houses.

“We wish to intimate you of the subsisting mortgage repayment agreement with the State Housing Corporation ranging from five to 10 years.

“However, the corporation suddenly made a U-turn to renege on the agreement on the instruction of the governor by insisting that we must pay up in just one month,” they explained.

They said they were shocked on Thursday when armed policemen and thugs were led by some aides of the governor to seal off the houses and, in the process, a three-day-old baby and her mother were locked inside their house and the thugs went away with the keys.

They said all efforts to have audience with the governor were futile, as he insisted of having his way.

“We see this as a brazen impunity, unnecessary victimisation and violation of our fundamental human rights and we urge you to use your good offices to prevent your men from being used for illegal and inhuman actions, as the residents have not breached their repayment agreement,” they said.

They also urged the police to protect the residents against any form of harassment and forceful eviction that does not have the backing of the court of law.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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•Entrance of Ago-Are

•Makanjuola

Kingship tussle: Succession crisis engulfs Oyo community Continued from page 29

The residents and the British American Tobacco (BAT) Company share common business interest in tobacco trade, which has produced many wealthy individuals in the ancient town.

Undoubtedly, in Ago-Are town, the residents have also had a pleasing taste of religious harmony among Muslims and Christians as adherents of the two faiths live in peace.

Indeed, the people have been enjoying relative peace and tranquillity for decades until Tuesday, July 7, this year, a day when the 15 candidates who were in contest for the vacant stool of Aare of Ago-Are presented themselves before the six kingmakers in a process that will produce the next king for the town.

Before the July 7 election, the Head of the Edu Ruling House, Alhaji Lawal Oyebisi Olaniyonu said opportunity was given to all the families of the Edu Ruling House for them to nominate their sons who are interested in the vacant stool.

Alhaji Olaniyonu related how several meetings were held in his house before the list of the nominees was forwarded to the Head of the kingmakers, who is the Agoro of Ago-Are, Chief Jonathan Kehinde Adetoro.

Alhaji Olaniyonu said: “We made sure that there was a level playing field for all the aspirants.

We called for nominations which they responded to. There is no secrecy about this; every aspirant was free to come up to say anything he feels like. The process was open and transparent enough for all the aspirants.

“So, I don’t see any reason why someone will ask for the cancellation of the process. We made it clear that this is not a do-or-die affair. If you win fine, but if you fail also fine.

In a race, it’s one person that will emerge winner. Why should someone allow his selfish interest to override that of the majority? All I know is that I have satisfied the provisions laid down by our forefathers and the law of the land in respect of the procedure for election of a new king to the vacant stool. “ Alhaji Olaniyonu noted that it will be honourable for those who lost the election to support the winner, and desist from setting the whole town on fire because of personal interest.

While calling for understanding

and support, the Head of the Edu Ruling House, advised anyone who felt aggrieved to seek redress in court of law and avoid creating tension in the town.

After the nomination of the aspirants, Alhaji Olaniyonu said he forwarded a list of 15 names to Chief Adetoro for the conduct of election.

In a letter signed by the Head and Secretary of Edu Ruling House, Alhaji Olaniyonu and Secretary, Prince Salam Kazeem respectively dated June 30, 2015 to Chief Adetoro, the 15 aspirants were listed and forwarded to the kingmakers.

The letter entitled “Nomination of Candidates for the Vacant Stool of the Aare of Ago-Are Land” and copied to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 and the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Atisbo Local Government Area reads in part: “This is to inform you that, on receipt of letter with Ref. No ALG/ 782T/48 dated 23 June, 2015 from Atisbo Local Government Area, Tede; we the entire members of Edu Ruling House of Ago-Are chieftaincy family have nominated candidates to fill the vacant stool of the Ago-Are land in accordance with our customary law for the consideration of the Are of Ago-Are kingmakers...”

Attached along with the letter were the minutes of the meeting of the Edu Ruling House of the Are of Ago-Are chieftaincy family with names, signatures and telephone numbers of 83 members in attendance.

Also in attendance were officials of the Atisbo Local Government Area led by Head of the Local Government Administration, Alhaji K.O. Akeem.

There were eight kingmakers in the community, out of which two are dead and their seats declared vacant; six are still alive, with Chief Adetoro as the head.

The eight king makers are Agoro -Head, Maye, Jagun, Sobaloju, Egbe omo, Abese, Otun Agoro and Osi Agoro.

However, Maye and Osi Agoro stool remained vacant following the death of the occupants.

Chief Adetoro told Southwest Report that “following the receipt of the letter from the Head of the Edu Ruling House, he swung into action by calling a meeting of all the kingmakers, the 15 candidates on the list, the security personnel and local government officials to witness the election of a candidate to fill the vacant stool.

“However, among the 15 candidates, one Prince Amusat Yisau Adewale Oladoke wrote a letter dated July 3, 2015 informing the kingmakers of his intention to withdraw from vying

for the vacant stool, which was duly acknowledged.

“At the end of the election, Prince Rasheed Oyewole Olakanla polled two votes, while Prince Bodunrin Oyetunji Olakanla polled four votes and was subsequently declared winner as the king-elect. The other 12 candidates had no votes.”

He also attached the minutes of the election and a copy of the result of the election signed by the six kingmakers and observers.

Chief Adetoro explained that, to his dismay, after the election witnessed by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the town, the State Security Service (SSS) official in the local government, the officials of the local government and other observers, some of the candidates who lost out of the election came to his house with over 20 men in protest against the outcome of the election.

The Agoro of Ago-Are wondered why some youths will choose to make trouble and disrupt the community’s

Before the election, the kingmakers ensured that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ago-Are , the official of the SSS , the officials of the local government and all the applicants were present . We also invited other observers and there was video recording of the entire process. At the end of the election, all the applicants signed the result sheet, indicating that they accepted the outcome of the election, and we have forwarded the document to the appropriate authorities...

peace.

He said the matter was promptly reported to the elders of the community, adding that the process to produce the next Oba was done under a free and fair atmosphere.

He further explained that after the presentation of 15 applicants to the kingmakers by the Head of the Edu Ruling House, there was an election where one of the applicants scored two votes, while the other one polled four votes and the rest 12 had none.

“Before the election, the kingmakers ensured that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ago-Are , the official of the SSS , the officials of the local government and all the applicants were present . We also invited other observers and there was video recording of the entire process. At the end of the election, all the applicants signed the result sheet, indicating that they accepted the outcome of the election, and we have forwarded the document to the appropriate authorities.

“So, if anyone now is complaining, I will advise that such a person should seek redress in the court of law and we will present all the facts and evidences at our disposal. No one can intimidate us, they want us (the kingmakers) to forge the document and this we cannot do,” he said.

Commenting on the issue, a community leader and former chairman of Atisbo Local Government Area, Mr Josiah Makanjuola (aka Makensi) who hails from Ago-Are described the development as very unfortunate.

While expressing his determination to ensure that justice and truth prevailed, Makanjuola reiterated that no person or group of persons can drag the community backward, noting that the community is greater than any individual.

Makanjuola, who was the former Commissioner for Sports, expressed dismay over the reported protest against the kingmakers, saying that the leaders of the town would not fold their hands and allow a few disgruntled elements to set the community on fire.

He said what the Head of Edu Ruling House and the kingmakers had done were strictly in line with the provisions of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Laws of 1957.

When contacted, one of the candidates to the vacant stool who lost out in the election, Prince Taoheed Amusat condemned the alleged threat on the kingmakers and the attempt by some elements to incite people to violence in the town.

Prince Amusat, who described the election as free and fair, said: “Of course, I am one of the aspirants that vied for

the kingship position in Ago-Are. “Ordinarily, the election that was conducted by the kingmakers was free and fair because it began with opening and ended with a closing prayer. Definitely, the election was free and fair.

“And at the same time when we conducted our own, that is from the head of the family where they nominated an aspirant, it is also a free and fair exercise. It is unfortunate that when a matter did not favour an individual, especially in this part of the globe, he will want to disrupt the peace of the community because of selfish interest above the general well-being of the community. That is exactly what is causing the problem currently in Ago-Are. “But, as far as Ago-Are is concerned, there is no problem in the town because if you enter the town, you will not find any sign of crisis. It is only a few disgruntled elements that want to disturb the peace.”

He further appealed to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi to consent to the election of Prince Bodunrin as the Are of Ago-Are and Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi to give approval to the election.

While calling on co-contestants to give peace a chance, Prince Amusat said: “I just want to add that we are appealing to the Iku Babayeye , the Alaafin of Oyo to consent to the election of Dr Abodunrin Tunji Kofoworaola Olakanla as the new Are of Ago-Are. And at the same time, I am also appealing to Governor Ajimobi to give immediate approval to the election conducted by the kingmakers of Ago-Are.” However, efforts made to get those aggrieved over the election process were futile. The Head of the kingmakers, Chief Adetoro refused to give names of any of the men whom he alleged came to his house threatening himto reverse the result of the election.

He only said he saw the agitators in the evening leaving the town in a convoy of buses, without anybody knowing their next line of action.

In a related development, the OkeOgun professionals; a group that seeks to promote peace, co-operation, unity and general well-being among communities in Oke-Ogun, has pleaded with the relevant authorities to expedite action on the process that will pave way for the coronation of the Oba-electPrince Kofoworola Abodunrin Oyetunji.

In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the group; Chief Tiamiyu Adebayo, it praised both the Ruling House and the kingmakers for observing due process in the exercise leading to the emergence of the Obaelect; by following all traditional practices and complementing same with openness and transparency which are features of modern day democracy.

It, therefore, urged other candidates to join hands with these institutions and the Oba-elect towards ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unnecessary bickering or litigation.

The group said its stand was informed by the fact that the only ruling house -Edu met about five times in the house of the family head; Alhaji Lawani Oyebisi to enable it accommodate all interests, resulting in not less than 15 princes showing their intention. Their names were subsequently transmitted to the kingmakers as stipulated by the extant Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo State.

Thereafter, the kingmakers; in the presence of appropriate officials of Atisbo Local Government Area, the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Secretary of Atisbo Local Government Area Traditional Council voted to elect Prince Oyetunji as the next Oba of AgoAre. With this substantial compliance with the laid down procedure and rules therefore, the group said it is appealing to the consenting authority- His Imperial Majesty, The Alaafin of Oyo and the final approving authority; Governor Ajimobi to graciously expedite action on the process, so that pockets of discontent, which cannot be ruled out in most human contests, may not snowball into acts capable of breaching the peace of the community.

‘Buhari’ll encourage entrepreneurship’

T

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan HE former Press Secretary to the late Bola Ige and Aare used as a yardstick. He urged the Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadan present government to provide the land, Oloye Lekan Alabi has said citizens with adequate security and the administration of President social amenities as a condition to Mohammadu Buhari is capable of promote entrepreneurship. promoting entrepreneurIn his lecture, the guest ship in Nigeria. lecturer and former chairHe added that man of Advertising lack of rule of law Practitioners’ Counand merit had cil of Nigeria (APbeen major setCON), Chief Olu back to both Falomo said enpolitical and trepreneurship economic deis the only way velopment in to sustain our the country. economic develAlabi, opment. who was the He defined chairman of entrepreneurship this year’s anas a process of nual lecture starting a business whose theme with a capacity and was “Entrepre•Lekan Alabi willingness to manage neurship: A Veritait to make profit, saying ble Panacea to Youth the problem with Nigeria is Development” organised that most businesses are owned by by a student forum from the Uni- government, thereby inhibiting versity of Ibadan, said the time creativity and economic developwhen rule of law and merit could ment. thrive again as it was in the time Chief Falomo, however, urged of our founding fathers is here. all up-and-coming entrepreneurs Chief Alabi noted that the late to anticipate challenges and be politician, Adegoke Adelabu (aka ready to make a breakthrough, Penkelemesi) was able to become a first African Manager of United saying that youths have the deterAfrican Company (UAC) at the age mination to succeed as entrepreof 20 years and first minister at the neurs such as Aliko Dangote, Oba age of 39 years because merit was Otedeko and others.

Expert praises JAMB’s new admission policy What concerns tutorial centres with admission. These are people who would promise candidates high mark in examination in order to dupe them

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

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HE President of the Association of Proprietors of Innovation and Vocational Institutions (APIVI), Dr. Andrews Jegede has faulted views of those who oppose the new policy by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which seeks to redistribute successful candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) whose scores are below the requirements of their universities of first choice to other universities whose requirements they met.

Jegede, who spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, explained that tertiary institutions in the country have turned post-UTME admission process into a money-making venture which they included as part of their major internally-generated revenue (IGR) drive.

Of late, criticisms have continued to trail the new admission policy of the examination body, as students and parents protested at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Explaining that the introduction of post-UTME as part of admission process by tertiary institutions had made the cost of tertiary admission highly exploitative and expensive at the expense of the poor Nigerian masses, he posited that “Nigeria is not the only country that has university admission regulatory body; it is in all over the world. Then, why should Nigerians interfere in the affairs of the country’s tertiary admission regulatory body saddled with the responsibility of conducting entrance examination for eligible candidates and place them into the university of their choices if he or she meets the university’s cut off mark?”

He commended the board’s Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde for the introduction of the computer-based test (CBT); saying that the measure had reduced examination malpractices in the system. He noted that the CBT had rendered the Post-UTME test unnecessary in the tertiary admission process.

His words: “Since the establishment of JAMB, there was never a time a decision was taken in isolation of other stakeholders in the system; the Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, rectors of polytechnics, Provosts of colleges of education and Heads of innovation institutions were always carried along. Before this became public, we all met at a roundtable in Abuja to take a decision on this year’s admission process.

“When JAMB released this year’s cut-off point for admission, every university has its in-house admission standard, and that any student whose score does not fall within a particular university pass mark, JAMB has the statutory right to send his particulars to another institution where he or she could be considered. It could be polytechnic, college of education or private institution. So, also the candidate has the right to accept it, or reapply to another one he or she wants.”

He decried the protests, especially by the association of tutorial schools, saying that “what concerns tutorial centres with admission. These are people who would promise candidates high mark in examination in order to dupe them. If not that we waded in, many more people would have been victims. You cannot see any poster, promising candidate 320 over 400 in an examination that has not been done. If care is not taken, we will start buying admission from cybercafé.”

•Oba Aladesulu, Kekemeke and others.

Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

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HE Deji of Akure , Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladesulu has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make its “change” agenda be noticed in Akure, the Ondo State capital by appointing one of his subjects as a minister in its proposed cabinet.

The monarch spoke through the Asamo of Akure, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya when APC leaders in the state visited him in Akure.

Oba Aladesulu noted that the last time Akure community felt Federal Government’s presence in terms of political appointment was during the era of the Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, when the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Chief Olu Falae was appointed as the Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF).

According to the traditional ruler, the people of Akure will support the government and ensure the sustenance of peace in the community.

The visit to his palace was led by the chairman of the state chairman of APC, Isaac Kekemeke with a promise that the party would support his reign for the development of Akure, the state capital.

He said the APC would work assiduously with Akure traditional council for the socio-economic development of the kingdom.

Kekemeke said: “Our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari is seen as a man of integrity by most world leaders. Now we want to change Nigeria, Ondo State and Akure and we know you too as a change agent.”

He described Oba Aladesulu as a man of integrity, stressing that APC members are for progress and development in all spheres of life.

His words: “Kabiyesi, we have many things in common to develop your domain. We know by next year,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

we will be working together because APC is forming the next government in Ondo State.

“We want to have a traditional rapport with the palace to have a common goal to develop Akure in particular and the entire state in general. Akure is vital to the development of the state.

“We have a great luck in having you as our monarch at a time we are preparing to take the mantle of leadership.”

Kekemeke called for peaceful co-existence among residents in Akure, saying “APC is committed to peace and progress of the ancient community.”

He condemned the recent protest by commercial motorcycle operators in Akure, emphasising that APC would not support the destruction of public property in the name of protestation.”

The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) however criticised the alleged mismanagement and politicisation of all issues of governance in the state by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

He urged the monarch to prevail on all unions in the state to operate within the confines of the law.

Another APC leader, Prince Olu Adegboro said the party was for transformation.

He lamented that Akure has been relegated to the background politically by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state, promising the traditional ruler that the APC government would ensure that all glory of the ancient town is restored.

Other APC leaders on the visit to the palace were Prince Olu Adegboro, the Vice-Chairman (Central), Gboyega Adedipe and the State Secretary, Rotimi Rahman.

‘We’ll serve you sincerely’

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HE Lagos branch of Egbelu Progressive Union (EPU); a socio-cultural group that seeks to promote peace, co-operation, unity and general well-being among communities in Amaimo Ancient Kingdom, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, has elected new members of executive to pilot its affairs in the next three years.

Swearing in the newly elected officers, Pastor Thaddeus Onyejiuwa reminded them of the need to work hard for the development of the town, which he described as one of the largest and most progressive towns in the local government area.

The former banker with the Union Bank noted that the current socio-economic changes being witnessed in several communities are driven by members of those communities, saying he was optimistic that “with the caliber of members elected, I am sure that the ongoing development initiatives being carried out in the town would receive great boost. Leadership could be taxing, but with determination and commitment to rendering selfless service to the people, great achievements would be attained.”

Pastor Onyejiuwa therefore urged members of the newly elected executive to regard their election as call to service, without minding the hassles they may encounter

while discharging their respective duties.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of other members, the newly elected President, Chief Ikechukwu Madu promised that his executive would work hard to justify the confidence the people reposed in them.

He urged all members of the group to join hands with the executive to engender the much-needed development of the community.

He noted that time has come for concerted efforts towards building and enhancing the society that has given every individual great opportunity to excel in life, even as he enjoined every resident of the area; whether at home or in the Diaspora, to be preoccupied with lively sentiments of how to move the community forward.

Noting that the group had always been in the forefront of socio-economic development of the town, Chief Madu said he was proud of members of the group whom, he said, are always responsive to issues and calls pertaining to the development of the community. He pledged the commitment of the executive to fast-track socio-economic and political development of Egbelu town in particular and Amaimo Ancient Kingdom in general.

He said: “Government alone cannot provide all that the people need.

It is in realisation of this fact most

of our members who are imbued with the spirit of charity and benevolence always come forward to assist in the development of the town.

“The inability of government and policy makers to provide the needs of the people due to dwindling economic fortunes paved the way for our patriotic members to pool resources to embark on self-help projects such as rural electrification, among others,” he said.

Admonishing members of the group not to rest on their oars in making life more meaningful for people at home, the President reminded that: “Life will begin to change the moment we begin to think of changing the lives of the less-privileged people to the better. Situations will become better when we purge ourselves of greed, selfishness, man’s inhumanity to man and embrace a life of being more interested in the happiness of the next person and help in enhancing individual and community development.”

Other members elected were Messrs Moses Okoro, Vice-President; Louis Osuji, Secretary-General; Chidi Anyanwu, Financial Secretary; Hyginus Okoro, Treasurer; Ikechukwu Okoro, Chief Provost and George Anyanwu as Assistant Provost.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Odogbolu gets new council chief

Council, motorcyclists brainstorm on safety

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HE founder of the Nigerian Institute of Production Management (NIPM), Prince Olaniyi Opanuga, has been sworn in as the Chairman, Transition Committee, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State by Governor Ibikunle Amosun at Obas’ Complex Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

In a chat with Southwest Report shortly after the event, Prince Opanuga who is the current President of Council of Certified Institute of Applied Management and Administration (CIAMA), said he was humbled by the Governor’s trust in him, promising to put in his best to complement the efforts of the governor to make Ogun State a modern one.

Having served as the Secretary to the Local Government in the immediate past administration, he has garnered appreciable experience in local government admin-

•Opanuga receiving certificate from Governor Amosun

istration during and will deploy his connection in the industrial sector to attract investors to the area in order to transform, develop and emancipate his people from poverty, saying innovative policies will be initiated for the betterment of all.

During a separate inauguration of other members at the local government secretariat, Prince Opanuga implored them to eschew personal aggrandizement and desperate quest to amass wealth at the expense of the

people they are supposed to serve.

He further said through constructive criticism and useful pieces of advice they can jointly lift and restore hope to the people.

Other members sworn in were Mr. Ololade Onakoya as ViceChairman; Mrs. Morenikeji Adeogun as Secretary to the Local Government; Mr. Sesan Badejo Okunuga and Hon. Ezekiel Agbaoye as members respectively.

HE Executive Secretary of Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon Joseph A. Agoro has said that despite some negative impressions resulting from some untoward behaviour of motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada, their immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the society cannot be overlooked.

Hon. Agoro spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the council’s secretariat on Friday. The meeting was organised with a view to ensuring that motorcycle operations, especially in the council area are devoid of the usual skirmishes.

He noted that okada riders are significant contributors to economic growth and development of the society, even as he added that their somewhat awkward behaviours tend to rob them of such significance.

Describing them as gap-fillers, Hon. Agoro noted that the crumbling of public intra-city transport system and poor road network paved way for the ingenious introduction of mo-

By Emma Udodinma

torcycle transport system as means of public transportation in Nigeria.

He added that it is patronised by the low and mighty because of the advantages it has over taxis and buses. Its use for commercial purposes has impacted significantly on the economy and society.

The council chief revealed that the stakeholders’ meeting with okada riders aimed at fashioning a better way of doing the business of motorcycle operation devoid of the usual problems engendered by the operators.

“The essence of this meeting is to ensure a peaceful relationship between okada riders and other road users in Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

The increase in crime has been linked with the influx of okada riders, particularly in the cities closer to the border. The criminal activities by okada riders range from theft of purses and mobile phones to abduction, grand larceny and even politically-motivated murder.

“It is pertinent to maintain some stan-

A

From left: Southeast Coordinator Nkechi Chukwueke; Alhaja Babs-Olorunkemi; Dr Ajayi-Ojora and South West Zonal General Secretary Yeye Sonubi Ogunremi after the election

Wanted: More women in politics

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GROUP of women, under the aegis of Women for Equity and Fairness Organisation of Nigeria (WEFON), has evolved what it refers to as ‘godmotherism’ which is its own way of grooming and mentoring young females into politics.

WEFON, which was founded in 2011 as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) will serve as a platform for women in politics irrespective of their political affiliations.

The group seeks to increase the number of women who participate in governance and decision-making in Nigeria.

Its South West Zonal President, Alhaja Nourat Babs-Olorunkemi, who spoke to journalists just after the group’s zonal and state elections, said they have branches in the six South Western states as well as three other geo-political zones of Nigeria. Some of the objectives of WEFON are to serve as unifying platform for women and support for the political ambitions of women.

She said: “We are here to promote women’s rights agenda, sponsor

By Nneka Nwaneri

gender responsive bills in the legislature as well as mentor female youths in politics; since every woman, 18 years and above in politics is a member.”

She said the agenda for the group’s new administration is to put on the front burner women issues and how the leaders of the group can engage government on appointments for women in the current political dispensation.

The President of the Lagos State chapter of the organisation, who contested for governorship seat in Lagos State on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Dr. Abimbola Ajayi-Ojora urged women to begin from home to teach and build their daughters’ confidence in social involvement.

She called for equity of rights with men in the development and resources of the land.

“Men should carry us along if they want to succeed; else, they do so at their own detriment. We have no wish to compete with the men; we are only here to complement them to attain greater success,” she said.

FORMER lawmaker, who represented AjeromiIfelodun State Constituency II in the 7th Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has presented gift items worth thousands of naira to Bab-esSalam, an orphanage at Joel Ogunaike Street, GRA, Ikeja Lagos.

He had earlier reached out to So’Said Charity Home in his constituency at Ajegunle where he donated several gift items and empowerment items worth millions of Naira to some less-privileged persons such as widows, as well as his political supporters in the constituency at the event which took place at the premises of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area secretariat.

The empowerment items donated included six mini-buses for transportation, fridges and 50 packs of table water for each of 12 beneficiaries. Twenty-five other beneficiaries also received gas cookers as food vendors received cooking utensils and satellite decoder for viewing centres, among several other items.

Hon. Balogun said the gesture was part of programmes lined up for his 40th birthday. Making the presentation, Hon. Balogun appealed to wealthy Nigerians to always remember the less-privileged as a way of reducing the socio-economic inequality among the citizens.

Reaching out to the less-privileged people, he said, will make the environment a better place to live in for all.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the presentation, Balogun, who said he felt very happy at 40, thanked his supporters and those who have been part of his success

FERMA begins rehabilitation of federal roads

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HE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has commenced inspection, assessment and rehabilitation of all federal roads across the Southwest states.

The Deputy General Manager, Road Maintenance Management Services (RMMS) Mrs Bola Ilemore spoke with reporters in Ibadan, on during a tour of federal roads.

Ilemore revealed that the essence of the inspection exercise, which, according to her, commenced from Lagos State, is expect-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ed to provide a platform for maintenance of all federal roads in the region.

Ilemore, who led a team of FERMA officials on the iexercise in Oyo State from old Oyo/Ojoo Road in Ibadan through Ibadan ExpresswayIseyin/Oyo old Road-Ado-Awaye and Maya/Igboora Road, said the Federal Government is determined to improve on the current status of its roads nation-wide.

Those who were part of the tour were Mrs Ilamore; the zonal co-ordinator Southwest, Mrs Mary Adeniran,

representative of FERMA in Oyo State, Francis Ishabiyi, Yemi Olaniyan and Mrs Adunola Bamgbopa.

Ilemore stated that the aim was to ensure that the intervention works that had been done before now are sustained. She added that the exercise was also targeted at looking at the federal roads generally, identify critical failure areas and make arrangement and recommendation to government on how to commence the repairs of these failures immediately.

Ilemore said: “We’re also inspecting our repair works and maintenance

contracts generally and direct labour works to ensure that these works are done in line with our specifications and standards.

“We actually commenced the exercise in Lagos State. In Lagos, we inspected Lagos-Badagry/Seme Border dual carriage way, Apapa/Oworonsoki dual carriage way, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road, Ikorodu/Itoikin Road and Ikorodu/Sagamu Road. “In all the roads inspected, our contractors are working while our direct labour work are also in progress and the quality of work done is satis-

factory. What we saw was in line with our specification and standards and we have looked generally at our drainage network. We’re also ensuring the desilting of base to allow for timely discharge of run off from our roads whenever it rains.

Then, we proceeded to Ogun State and inspected Agbara/Atan Road, Ota/Abeokuta Expressway and moved to Papalanto/Sagamu Road, then to Sagamu/Ajebandele Expressway. There also, work is in progress with our contractors and we have identified critical washout which we’re

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT It is pertinent to maintain some standard in order to reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from careless operation of motorcycles. Apart from other factors such as overloading, speeding, indulgence in alcohol and lack of training in safety matters, among others, there have also been incidents of gang beating, during which okada riders had attacked motorists as a result of minor traffic accidents involving both parties Some motorcycle operators in Badagry West Local Council Development Area with some council officials

dard in order to reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from careless operation of motorcycles. Apart from other factors such as overloading, speeding, indulgence in alcohol and lack of training in safety matters, among oth-

ers, there have also been incidents of gang beating, during which okada riders had attacked motorists as a result of minor traffic accidents involving both parties.

“There had been serious clashes involving okada riders and other road us-

•Mini-buses donated for transportation

Ex-lawmaker empowers the poor

By Oziegbe Okoeki

story. He appreciated God for giving him the magnanimity and the means to assist the less-privileged people as well as be a blessing to those around him.

“Giving to charity from what God has given to me has been a way of life for me right from when I was in the private sector. I thank God for giving me the magnanimity and the heart to do this.

“It is my 40th birthday and it is a milestone in my life. I chose not to confine the celebration to my nuclear family alone. I had always celebrated my birthday through the years by reaching out to the less-privileged.

“This has been the practice in the past,” he said.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Leader of Lagos West Senatorial District, Chief Rabiu Adio Oluwa, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), Hon. Adekanye MHR, Hon. Funmlayo Tejuosho, Hon. Kasumu, immediate past deputy Speaker, Lagos Assembly, Kolawole Taiwo, former Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa and other stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

in Southwest going to effect and ensure that repairs are done immediately.

“In Oyo State, we started with Oyo/Ibadan Old Road and Ibadan/ Oyo Expressway. We inspected a critical washout on the road, the old alignment on Oyo road and have identified the problems and we have also come up with solutions. In no time, we will commence repair work of that failed section.

For Ibadan/Oyo Expressway, we discovered movement of the wearing course on the surface of the road and we’re looking at milling and

overlaying the peeled section of the road. Maybe, in the nearest future, we may consider entire overlay stretch of the road to further strengthen the road.”

She addressed reporters in Maya where FERMA is currently providing alternative bridge which had been dilapitated over the years.

Mrs Ilemore said FERMA’s main priority was to ensure that all road users across the country ply the road with ease, adding that work will soon be completed on the bridge for the use of the people of the area.

ers. Some of these clashes, sometimes, escalate into riots during which vehicles were set ablaze,” he said. Continuing, he said: “There is no secrecy about what is needed to be done to keep okada riders safe. I, therefore, call on all stakehold-

ers who gathered here today to brainstorm on how best to make motorcycle operation less dangerous and less life-threatening in the council area as we experience it currently.

“In this respect, I therefore advise

all motorcycle operators to be of good behaviour, show respect to security agents and also to be lawabiding citizens. In case of any misunderstanding, do not take the laws into your own hands; report to the council for redress. We will always attend to your needs.”

•Ongoing middle school project

Lawmaker to support education

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HE lawmaker representing had received from any educationAyedaade/Irewole/Isokan al institution, the Leader of the Federal Constituency of Osun Caucus in the House of RepOsun State in the House of Repreresentatives noted that, apart sentatives, Hon. Ayo Omidiran from cherishing it for the rest of has pledged her unflinching supher life, the honour will further port for any cause that will enspur her to be more dedicated to hance education of younger Nigeensuring that the goals of educarians in order to make them contion are realised for the benefit tribute to nation-building. of children within and outside her Hon. Omidiran made the constituency. pledge during her investiture as Earlier, the President of the Matron of the Students’ Union Students’ Union Government Government, Osun State Univerhad described Hon. Omidiran as sity Ikire Campus Osun State. a pillar of support for the instituAccording to the lawmaker, the tion and by extension, the Sturole of education is very critical •The classrooms being equipped dents Union Government. in nation-building so much so that with furniture On why the student body deevery right thinking Nigerian, escided to honour the lawmaker, pecially those in positions of authe student leader said the donathority, must always be ready to tion of 110 computer sets to the volunteer their time and resourcinstitution last year to boost Ines for any venture that will proformation and Communication mote and enhance the education Technology (ICT), her intervenof the Nigerian child. tion in the re-opening of the Describing education as very school which Osun State Governcritical in what has translated into ment closed down as a result of her present social, economic and students’ unruly behaviour and political status, the only All Prodestruction of property on camgressives Congress (APC) female pus and her commitment to the member of the House of Repreactivities of the union as part of sentatives from the Southwest the reasons she was honoured. said “were it not for education and Apart from support for tertiaother considerations, I would not ry education, Hon. Omidiran has, have been considered to represent during her first term in the House my people in the House by my •Hon. Omidiran of Representatives, touched the party, hence the need for the students to always lives of many post-primary schools in her constituenembrace the ideas being put forward by those who cy. are genuinely committed to the uplift of their eduAt the moment, work is almost completed on the cation.” middle schools she is constructing in Ikire and GbonDescribing the honour as first of its kind she gan.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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SOUTHWEST REPORT The District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, Otunba Bola Onabadejo (fourth left), Rotarian Kolawole Ojelabi, President, Rotary Club of Agege (fourth right), Rotarian Kolawole Ojelabi, Medical Director, General Hospital, Orile Agege and Dr. (Mrs) A. Tijani during the presentation of a generating set and mosquito-treated nets to the hospital

by Rotary Club of Agege

Unpaid salaries: Ajimobi’s wife appeals to workers From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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•Ajimobi

•Mrs Ajimobi

S agitation by Oyo State workers over non-payment of their four months’ salary arrears become frenzied, the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Abiola Ajimobi has appealed to them to be patient with her husband.

Mrs. Ajimobi spoke while addressing women who converged on the Government House for this year’s intercessory prayer session. She also expressed optimism that the situation would soon be normalised and everyone will be happy.

“It is not in the interest of my husband to owe workers. The issues of salary and economic problem are not peculiar to Oyo State. I am sure we will get over it soon.

“If my husband has received any money to pay workers, he will do just that. You all as civil servants know the process involved. So, my husband cannot deny the workers their entitlements. But we should please be more patient with him,” she said.

Mrs Ajimobi also urged the people to continue to pray for her husband’s success and the peace and progress of Oyo State.

She further urged the women to always forgive their husbands and ensure smooth relations with our God. She said:”We should not hold grudges against anyone. We are all humans and we offend one another almost always. We have to always forgive one another, particularly our spouses. When I get back home today, I will go and seek forgiveness from my husband and I will also forgive him. In like manner, I want every woman to do same.” The intercessory prayer was attended by over 2,000 women from all walks of life,

Arrests as FRSC hits the road to enforce safety

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HE ongoing Fedeal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Operation on Lagos – Ibadan Expressway code named “Operation Scorpion” is biting harder on undiscipline motorists on the corridor.

A combined team of FRSC operatives on the corridor arrested and handed over two Cement drivers, among others, for immediate prosecution at the mobile court for reckless/dangerous driving, speed limit violation and driving without valid drivers’ licences, among other traffic offences.

The FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 2 Command Lagos, Assistant Corps Marshal Nseobong Akpabio said the exercise was part of various measures designed to tackle the menace haulage truck drivers perpetrate on Nigerian roads. The two Dangote Cement company truck drivers arraigned before mobile court at Oluyole, Ibadan along Lagos – Ibadan expressway were Sani Ahmed and Umar Musa. Akpabio revealed this while addressing a group of truck and tanker drivers at Ogere during his routine monitoring of the special task force from Lagos to Ibadan.

He also warned the drivers and other motorists against reckless and dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, speed limit violation, driving with worn-out tyres as well as driving without valid driver’s license, saying no one has immunity against road crashes.

Akpabio affirmed that the Corps is working in cooperation with the judiciary in the three states of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo to accelerate prosecution of traffic offenders. This, he said, is meant to instill discipline in every road user in a bid to reduce road crashes.

He further explained that Ahmed Sani drove his unregistered, fully loaded truck with cement in a reckless and dangerous manner,inimical to the safety of himself and other road users. The truck had no registration number plate but company inscription of “IBESE 5”.

Sani’s manner of driving made other motorists to lodge complaints to three various FRSC patrol teams at Ogere and Onigari along the Lagos-Ibadan Express-

Sani’s manner of driving made other motorists to lodge complaints to three various FRSC patrol teams at Ogere and Onigari along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The patrol teams sent traffic alert to other patrol teams within and outside the corridor to watch out for the vehicle way. The patrol teams sent traffic alert to other patrol teams within and outside the corridor to watch out for the vehicle.

Following the signal, the said driver was flagged down by the next FRSC team but all effort made to effect arrest failed as the driver continued in his reckless

and dangerous driving.

Mindful of the danger inherent in such tendency, re-inforcement was made until the driver was tactically arrested and was immediately arraigned before mobile Court sitting at Oluyole, Oyo State along the Ibadan – Lagos Expressway on the count charges of dangerous driving, operating a vehicle without number plate, failure to stop when asked to do so by law enforcement officers and driving without drivers’ licence. These contravened the provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, Oyo State Road Traffic Law and Federal Highway Act. The Court sentenced Mr Sani to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour and payment of N81,000 as fine.

The second driver, Mr Musa Umar was also arraigned before the court for driving a truck with registration number RMG 29 XA, fully loaded with cement dangerously on the highway and without a valid drivers’ licence.

On his part, Mr Umar pleaded guilty a n d showed r e morse

for his act and promised to drive responsibly henceforth. The court convicted him but with option of fine of N60,000 while his truck remained impounded until the company provides another driver to drive the truck.

Meanwhile, in Lagos 12 other truck drivers were prosecuted at the court for 19 traffic offences and were all found guilty of the charges. In Ogun State, 27 truck drivers arrested by various patrol teams on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were charged to mob i l e court in Sagamu, Ogun State for offences ranging from unsecured containers on trucks, dangerous driving, driving with wornout tyres and driving without valid drivers’ licence.

Out of the 27 drivers, 22 were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment while five were discharged and acquitted by the court.

•Akpabio

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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THE NATION INVESTORS

•Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema (4th left) with Special Olympic Team (Nigeria) led by its Chairman, Mr Victor Osibodu (6th left), during the commemorative visit of the team to the NSE office in Lagos ... on Monday.

Nigerian stocks reach their lowest levels, says FBN Capital T N

Nigeria International Debt Fund to pay N20.7m interim coupon

IGERIAN quoted equities have reached their lowest levels and may therefore show more recovery than depression in the period ahead, according to FBN Capital Limited.

In a review of the Nigerian equities market, FBN Capital, the investment banking subsidiary of FBN Holdings, said while the Nigerian equities market might still come under global risks, the market appeared to have fully factored in domestic macroeconomic economic risks and prices have bottomed-out.

“In January, we forecast a -1.0 per cent loss for the index (All Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange) over the full year. On the basis of solely domestic factors, we think that the market has reached the bottom,” FBN Capital stated.

The stock market opened on Monday with a negative average year-to-date return of -9.28 per cent, trailing the Kenyan stock market, which had recorded average year-todate return of -13.6 per cent. In contrast, the South African stock market, Africa’s most liquid and largest market, had gained 5.4 per cent over the same period.

Under the influence of the political transition, the stock market has been erratic over the past seven months, gaining 20 per cent between March 20 and April 13 on an election-driven surge and then started a sustained streak of depreciation, losing 11.9 per cent in the subsequent period.

FBN Capital attributed the downtrend at the Nigerian Stock Exchange to “poor listed company results and an investors’ sense of drift since the handover to the new administration on May 29”.

The investment report noted the various concerns over the delay in

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

forming executive cabinet by President Muhammadu Buhari but analysts at FBN Capital appeared to side with the contrary position that views the concerns as misplaced, noting that while numerous commentators have been highly critical, they tended to overlook the reality that civil servants “run” countries and not ministers.

The report, however, noted that the stock market might still come under pressure from a sustained fall in the oil price, which would intensify pressures on the public finances, the balance of payments and the naira exchange rate.

“We also highlight a general risk to frontier and emerging markets from expected United States monetary tightening this year,” FBN Capital added.

Analysts noted the increase in foreign portfolio investments. The NSE’s monthly notes on investor participation had shown foreign inflows at N285 billion in first half of the year and outflows at N304 billion. However, the month of June saw the largest net inflow of the period at about N16 billion.

The report, however, hinted of possible further devaluation of Naira noting that the offshore community expects a third devaluation in one year, and FBN Capital also expects another adjustment by the end of the year.

Nigerian equities had gained more than a double of the best return in the select global stock market last week as strong four-day consecutive rally neutralised last-day relapse and left the market with its highest weekon-week performance in recent

weeks.

After losing N1.13 trillion in July, the Nigerian stock market opened August with considerable rally. Dayon-day gain between Monday and Thursday moderated the built-up negative average year-to-date return. However, the market relapsed on the last trading day on Friday as investors turned round to profit-taking.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), closed last week with a week-onweek gain of 4.18 per cent. It closed weekend at 31,441.71 points as against the week’s opening index of 30,180.27 points. Also, aggregate market value of all quoted companies rose to N10.776 trillion; representing an increase of N432 billion on its week’s opening value of N10.344 trillion.

The gain last week moderated the negative average year-to-date return to -9.28 per cent.

A review of some major advanced and emerging global markets showed that Nigerian equities outperformed other markets with considerable margin. The United States’ Standards & Poor’s 500 ( S & P 500) and the NASDAQ declined by 1.6 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively. In Europe, the United Kingdom’s FTSE recorded a modest week-on-week gain of 0.5 per cent. France CAC and German DAX outperformed other advanced markets with weekly gain of 2.2 per cent and 2.0 per cent.

In Asia, the Shanghai Composite Index rose by 2.2 per cent as against modest decline of 0.3 per cent by Hong Kong Hang Seng. The Japanese Nikkei appreciated by 0.7 per cent.

In the emerging markets under the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India,

China and South Africa), Russia’s RTS indicated a negative return of -2.4 per cent while the Brazilian IBOVESPA also declined by 2.7 per cent. On the positive side, the South African FTSE and the India BSE Sens returned 0.6 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively.

Most African markets recorded positive performance, albeit lower than Nigeria’s. The Egypt EGX (Egypt General Index) rose by 0.1 per cent while Kenya’s Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) Index inched up by 0.2 per cent. However, Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) Index declined by 1.0 per cent.

Low-priced stocks, otherwise known as penny stocks, were the toasts of investors last week. Penny stocks dominated the top-gainers’ list with Evans Medical leading the pack with a gain of 38.9 per cent to close at 75 kobo. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) recorded the second highest percentage gain of 29.1 per cent to close at N2.66. PZ Cussons Nigeria recorded exceptional gain of 25.26 per cent to close at N34.51, the largest gain by any high-priced stock. May & Baker Nigeria also rose by 14.5 per cent to close at N1.50 while Continental Reinsurance appreciated by 12.05 per cent to close at 93 kobo.

Total turnover increased to 2.38 billion shares worth N18.99 billion in 19,769 deals last week as against a total of 1.37 billion shares valued at N17.95 billion traded in 17,391 deals in the previous week. Financial services sector remained the dominant sector with a turnover of 1.996 billion shares valued at N13.195 billion in 11,232 deals; representing 83.79 per cent and 69.49 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value.

HE Nigeria International Debt Fund (NIDF) will tomorrow distribute a total of N20.76 million as interim coupon to investors in the investment scheme.

Each noteholder on the register of the fund as at June 30, this year will receive an interim coupon per note of N38.21.

Managing Director, Afrinvest Asset Management Limited, the manager of NIDF, Mr Ola Belgore, noted that the latest payment will represent the 35th coupon in the life of the Fund, which started in 1997.

He pointed out that the interim distribution was in line with the structure of the NIDF, as the NSElisted Mutual Fund, which invests in fixed income securities of Federal and state governments, is designed to make distributions twice yearly.

“Since the restructuring of the Fund in 2010, NIDF has had an Income Return of 16 per cent and a total return of 42 per cent. As at December 31, 2014, the fund closed at N1, 978.38, and as at June 30, 2015 it closed at N2, 036.35,” Belgore said on the attractiveness of the fund.

He outlined that NIDF offers investors safety, capital preservation, steady returns and investment diversification adding that the fund is suitable for both individual and institutional investors such as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), insurance companies, asset managers and gratuity funds.

Afrinvest Asset Management Limited is a subsidiary of Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research, which focuses on West Africa.

Vetiva’s VG 30 ETF declares interim dividend

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ETIVA Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund (VG30 ETF), an exchange traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of the 30 most capitalised stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), will tomorrow distribute interim dividend of 12 kobo per unit to investors.

The interim distribution would be made tomorrow to unitholders that were on the register of the ETF as at the close of business on Monday August 10, 2015.

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund (VG30 ETF) is managed by Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, a

wholly owned subsidiary of Vetiva Capital Management Limited, which is registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) to carry out business as fund and portfolio manager.

VG30 ETF tracks the price and yield performance of the NSE 30 Index-an index of the 30 most capitalized and liquid stocks listed on the NSE. It was listed in March, last year.

ETF is a security that tracks the performance of a specified security or other assets, including stocks, basket of assets, indices, commodity prices, foreign currency rates, and derivatives among others. There are

many types of ETF. Index-based ETF, like index fund, tracks specified market index.

ETFs are essentially index funds that are listed and traded on the Exchange like shares. Buying and selling ETFs is as simple as buying and selling of shares. Unlike shares and mutual funds however, the ETFs will trade all day and allow investors to lock in a price for the underlying stocks immediately, rather than being bought and sold based on endof-day prices.

Managing Director, Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Mr. Damilola Ajayi, who manages the VG30 ETF,

had explained that the interim distribution was in line with the structure and design of the VG30 ETF, which include distribution of returns twice a year.

He noted that Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund represents a convenient and efficient way for investors to have access to the top 30 most capitalised and liquid stocks on the NSE, both from a potential capital appreciation and distribution income points’ of view.

He noted that the VG30 ETF was the first equity-based ETF to be listed on the NSE.

Vetiva Fund Managers recently held signing ceremony for the proposed initial offer for subscription of three new ETFs included Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund (VB ETF), Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund (VCG ETF) and Vetiva Industrials Exchange Traded Fund (VI ETF).

Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, upon receipt of final approval from SEC, plans to list the ETFs based on the NSE Banking Index, NSE Consumer Goods Index and NSE Industrial Index respectively, on the floors of the NSE.

9

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

PFAs violating pension laws A

REVIEW of the compliance reports sent by Pension Fund Operators (PFAs) to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has raised questions about non-compliance by some PFAs. This was contained in PenCom 2015 First Quarter Report about its regulation and supervision on the pension industry.

The issues of non-compliance by the PFAs range from non-compliance with investment limits; delay in the payment of retirement benefits; receipt of pension contributions without appropriate schedules; unresolved customer complaints; and non-implementation of disaster recovery plans.

These anomalies have been persistent and reoccurring among PFAs as shown in PenCom quarterly reports and they violate the Pension Reform Act, 2014.

The Commission said it had informed the operators as well as monitored them to resolve the identified issues.

The report further revealed that the Commission’s regulation and supervision of the pension industry continued to focus on risk-based examination of licensed pension operators with a view to promote transparency, provide early warning signals as well as encourage pension operators to regularly self-evaluate their positions.

A review of risk management reports showed that some of them faced operational risks associated with receipt of contributions without appropriate schedules, litigations, concentration of portfolio investment, and nonfunding of RSAs by employers.

The commission advised the affected operators to strengthen their mitigating measures to avert the risks.

On actuarial valuation, the Commission received and reviewed the actuarial valuation reports of seven Defined Benefit Schemes and another report from a scheme sponsor for the year which ended on December 31, 2014.

A review of the eight reports, however, revealed that only two of the schemes were under-funded as at the end of the reporting period.

Consequently, the affected sponsors were directed to come up with funding arrangements to defray the deficits.

During the quarter, the Commission received and reviewed 23 corporate governance reports from licensed operators for the year which ended on December 31, 2014.

The reports indicated some violations of the Code of Corporate Governance by the operators.

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

The review further showed that some operators did not evaluate the performance of their Boards, Board Committees and Directors; and held inadequate number of Board meetings as stipulated by the Code.

In addition, some directors did not attend Board and Committee meetings regularly.

Subsequently, the affected operators were asked to address the identified issues of non-compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance.

Section 92 (1) of the Act on supervision and examination of the PFAs states that PenCom shall at least once in each year authorise an inspection or examination as the case may be of the PFAs, Pension Fund Custodian (PFCs), Federal Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate and Federal Capital Territory Pension Transitional Arrangement Section 85 of the PRA on investment of pension fund states that all contributions made under this bill shall be invested by the pension fund administrators with the objectives of safety and maintenance of fair returns on amount invested. It also states that the funds and assets shall only be invested in accordance with regulations and guidelines issued by the commission from time to time. These include bonds, bills and other securities issued or guaranteed by the federal government and the central bank of Nigeria; states and local governments among others.

Section 87 further states that a PFA may invest the pension funds in units of any investment outside Nigeria within the categories of investments set out in Section 86 of the Act and subject to the subsisting Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange rules, the commission may recommend to the president for approval, the portfolio limits for investment of pension fund assets outside the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Section 88 states: “A PFA shall not invest pension fund assets in any shares or other securities issued by a PFA or PFC and a shareholder of the PFA or PFC.’’ Section 91 states that any PFA who fails to comply with any provision of the Act shall be liable to a penalty of not less than N500,000 for each day that the non-compliance continues and the PFA shall forfeit the profit from that investment to the beneficiaries of the retirement savings accounts and where the investments has led to a loss, the pension fund administrator shall be made to make up for the loss.

•From left: Executive Director Operations and Services, Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Kayode Akande; Managing Director, Mr Wilson Ideva; Executive Director, Business Development and Investment, Mr. Adam Mele and Chief Compliance Officer, Mrs. Funmi Femi-Obalemo, celebrating the Award for Mass Mobilisation of Pension Assets won by the company at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awards in Lagos.

Stanbic IBTC Pension is best Pension Fund Manager

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TANBIC IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), has been named the Best Pension Fund Manager in the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards.

The awards, which were instituted in 2011, recognises achievements and innovations by companies in the global financial community, cutting across banking, Islamic finance, hedge funds, asset and wealth management, real estate, and corporate social responsibility, among others.

Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said since the firm opened its doors nine years ago, its aim is to set higher standards in service delivery and ensure that their retirement savings account holders are well served as well as derive maximum value from their investments.

He said the company is quite honoured to receive such a distinguished award showcasing its flag-

ship role in nurturing the growth of Nigeria’s pension industry.

Sogunle said as industry leader, the PFA would innovate and help to enhance industry best practices.

He said part of this includes creating awareness about the benefits of retirement savings and helping workers plan for that eventuality.

Sogunle disclosed that the company boasts of over one million retirement savings account (RSA) holders and assets under management in excess of N1 trillion, paying approximately N1.8 billion to almost 30,000 retirees monthly.

He added that over N180 billion has been paid to retirees since the PFA commenced operations in 2006.

He said: “Among innovations introduced by the PFA to enable clients experience excellent and convenient service delivery are the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers mobile office; the first 24-hour multilingual call centre manned by personnel who speak the three major

Nigerian languages - Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa; as well as Pidgin English.

“A footprint of over 200 branches of Stanbic IBTC Bank where RSA clients can access pension service; Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ regional offices; as well as selected branches of Zenith Bank PLC. Other access points include Stanbic IBTC Bank ATMs, online service for RSA holders, email, SMS and the Pension Notes, which accompany hardcopy RSA statements sent to customers quarterly.”

Stanbic IBTC Pension is a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, which is part of the Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets.

Standard Bank Group is 151 years old and is based in 20 African countries. Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC provides the financial services in three areas - Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management.

HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT

Seven retirement MYTHS debunked MYTH 1- I am too old to save for retirement Too old? Many workers, especially in the private sector, may one day wake up to realize that they are ÀÛ+Üfty or more without a retirement savings plan. Fear would envelope them and they would conclude it is already too late to start. They were stuck; they had missed their opportunity. Not true.

While it’s true that you’re better off starting at age 25 than 50, it is also true you’ll be better off starting at age 50 than, say, 70. Then again, 70 is a better start than 90, isn’t it? The past is the past. We must stop peering at the rearview and instead look ahead toward the horizon. As long as you’re still breathing, it’s never too late to start. It’s never too early, either.

MYTH 2-I am too young to save for retirement Too young? If you’re younger than 30, you have it made! Young people, no matter your tax bracket, have a significant opportunity to become truly wealthy thanks to the power of compound interest. Someone who invests $25,000 by age 25, with a 12 per cent rate of return, will have more than $2 million by age 65 even if he or she doesn’t add another dollar after age 25. Conversely, if that same person waits until age 30, he or she will have to contribute more than three times as much to achieve the same outcome. The lesson? Compound interest is the best ways to grow your money over the long haul so start while you’re young.

To visually illustrate the difference between starting at age 25/35.

MYTH 3-I don’t make enough money to save for retirement Actually, there is no reason y o u s h o u l d n ‘ t r e t i r e a millionaire. That’s right. Virtually everyone, even minimum-wage earners, has the opportunity to be a millionaire when they retire. It sounds too good to be true, but the math proves otherwise: a 25-year-old who sets aside only $23 per week will retire with more than a million dollars if the money is invested properly (12 per cent rate of return).

Okay, so maybe you’re not 25 anymore me, either! That’s all right. Older folks simply need to a d j u s t a c c o r d i n g l y. B e t t e r m e n t h a s a wo n d e r f u l l y i n t u i t i ve i nve s t m e n t - a n d - retirement calculator to help you understand exactly how much money you

need to save based on your age and financial objectives.

MYTH 4- Inflation will hurt my retirement nest egg This is the only myth that is partially true; however, its truth is irrelevant. While it is true $100 dollars ten years from now will probably possess less buying power than $100 today, the flip side of that coin is also true, and considerably more important: your $100 ten years from now will be worth infinitely more than your friend’s $0 invested.

In fact, solid investments are the only way to outpace inflation. It is better to invest your $100 than keep it in a bank or under your mattress.

•Culled from Premium Pension

•To be continued

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Abimbola Odunusi is passionate about helping women have their signature styles to look best in clothes that fit their body. She has built her business on the understanding that women are differently built – even if they share the same dress size, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

‘Helping women to look good is serious business’ A BIMBOLA Odunusi, a graduate of Microbiology from Crawford University, Ogun State, is savouring the success of her firm, Sweet N Savy Couture, a Lagos-based fashion label, which targets women. It was established four years ago.

But the dream of establishing her business has been with her since she was young. Then she used to sketch designs.

Her words: “I have been sketching designs since 2002. I have always loved to draw from imagination.”

In 2009, after her university education, while waiting for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she learnt how to sew. She started in 2011.

She later registered the business,which took off with N25,000. Today, she is making waves with her designs.

Always neatly dressed, she has given styling a new meaning by designing dresses with a refreshing

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O fewer than 150 men and women have graduated from the vocational training by the Chris Okafor Foundation (COF).

The graduands, who were trained in various vocations, also got N50, 000 each to start their businesses.

COF’s founder, Dr. Chris Okafor, urged the graduates to make sure that the purpose of the training was not wasted, adding that they must all ensure that they build successful businesses.

Shedding light on the Foundation’s gesture, Okafor, who is the General Overseer of Liberation City Ministries

and the much-needed newness and vision. Her target audience is middle and upper class women.

Her pieces reflect creativity and design innovation. Daring, futuristic and all-pervading, Odunusi represents the new Nigerian fashion movement because of the uniqueness of the materials that go into her works and the fusion in creating the piece.

Each dress has a story behind it that is as beautiful as the dress itself, she said.

The markets have been overflowing with clothing made from imported and local fabrics.

Independent designers are working in street markets, festivals and small boutiques to sell various clothes in both native and western styles. Her style is deploying a strong sense of aesthetics appreciated by the middle and upper middle classes. The

journey so far has been good.

She loves the excitement and challenges the startup brings. The icing on the cake is the feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction that she derives from creating something which helps people dress better. The other is her freedom to implement new ideas. Her ability to brainstorm and fire fight along with her dynamic ideas adds to the joy.

Her journey from being a new startup in a very competitive landscape has been a stimulating, yet challenging. The industry is very competitive and there are many designers with established brands.

As a new label, it is very easy to get lost in the competition, and very difficult to get attention, and to inspire confidence and interest in a new brand. But she feels her brand will get its recognition in time as her ideas are futuristic.

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

SMEs to get £3.5m

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OME SMALL businesses may be given a cash injection thanks to GEMS4 £3.5 million matching Challenge fund, a United Kingdom sponsored project that focuses on developing business leaders and ideas along various sectors of the economy.

The GEMS4 Enterprise Challenge Fund is a cost sharing grant scheme.

GEMS4 Spokesperson, Kikelomo Koya, said unequivocal proof of the dedication of applicant contributions to the project will be required before grants are disbursed to applicants.

Koya said the fund is to encourage enterprises come up with creative business ideas which benefit local communities and result in jobs and income opportunities for the poor.

The best ideas will receive grant investment of up to £150,000 with special consideration for applications from women owned or managed enterprises.

According to her, individuals can pitch their business ideas to win funding and support.

She said the Challenge Fund will invest in businesses wishing to implement commercially viable and high development impact projects, with the intent to spur business innovation and investment in agribusiness development across the country.

Applications will be assessed during rounds.

Foundation empowers 150 artisans

By Muyiwa Lucas

International, said it was also borne out of the need to teach people how to fish and not to give them fish.

After their training, he explained, the church felt it was important to be the first to sow into their businesses, because ‘’we know how difficult it is to raise capital for business, so we decided to kick start it for them, even as we continue to mentor and monitor their progress’’.

“Let me advise you not to despise the days of small beginning. From here, you can all become big and internationally renowned entrepreneur,” Okafor urged.

He explained that the initiative was one of his modest ways of contributing to the development of the country, calling on other body of Christ to emulate the gesture of the church as this will reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.

Okafor further said the responsibil-

ity of the church is not only to delivered people or win their soul for Christ, but also to empower them with skills and cash so they can be independent.

Some of the graduates thanked the Foundation for putting smiles on their faces.

For 21 days, the trainees, drawn from all works of life, converged on the Liberation City Headquarters for the skills acquisition programme, where leading professionals in Fashion hoen their skills.

So far, she said GEMS4 has provided financial and technical support to innovative business ideas that tackle the loss of perishable produce due to spoilage and wastage, or create income opportunities for women.

It has been identified that seven out of every 10 baskets of perishable food produce such as tomatoes, pepper, and vegetables are lost within the value chain before it gets to the end consumer due to poor preservation techniques and storage facilities, while many women in the wholesale and retail sector which contributed (N22 trillion) to last year’s national Gross Domestic Product(GDP) are poor.

Eligible organisations, according to her are encouraged to apply for the GEMS4 Enterprise Challenge Fund through a funding window.

Each funding window seeks to address a specific market problem facing small and medium enterprises, small-holder farmers/producers, poor and vulnerable men and women engaged in economic activities within the wholesale and retail sector, and its value chain.

Deadline for submission of applications is August 24, 2015. Applications submitted after the deadline date will not be accepted or processed.

The maximum duration of projects to this funding round of the GEMS4 Enterprise challenge fund is six months. The GEMS4 Enterprise Challenge Fund will end on December 30, next year.

GEMS4 has been involved in the training of agro entrepreneurs in the handling , transporting and packaging tomatoes. In Mile 12 market, traders have been encouraged to adopt good handling practices to preserve tomato shelf life and maintains quality. The GEMS4 pilot, provided access to returnable plastic crates for transporting and packaging tomatoes, and facilitated an instalment repayment plan, enabling traders purchase the plastic crates.

Applicants are advised to send enquiries to the fund manager via challengefund@coffeynigeria.com or call +23413428155

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

BUSINESS The First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc has evolved as a leading provider of financial services, rewarding its shareholders and garnering recognition. The group, which operates a Holding Company Structure, posted N77.4 billion in the first six months of the year and has continued to surpass customers’ expectations on quality services, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

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FCMB Group: Rewarding investors, sustaining quality services

OR the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc, banking is all about service and meeting customers at the point of their needs.

So, when the bank posted an increased revenue earning of 11 per cent or N77.4 billion in the first six months of the year with a pre-tax profit of N9.6 billion, many saw the performance as a bountiful reward for hard work.

The period also saw an increased business momentum, with total assets growing 15 percent year-onyear to N1.22 trillion and up five percent Year-to- Date (YTD).

Equally, customers’ confidence in the lender remained strong, as deposits grew by four percent during the period to N785.8 billion, just as its diversification across commercial investment banking and wealth management, provided a cushion as earnings from non-banking activities proved more resilient.

FCMB Limited, the commercial and retail banking subsidiary of the grou has continued to validate its increased drive into retail, contributing 21 per cent (N1.7 billion) of FCMB Limited’s Profit Before Tax. The retail group also grew deposits by 21 percent year-on-year to N431.2 billion, or 54 per cent of total deposits.

The bank continued its drive of inclusive lending, granting over 9,100 new loans to micro-enterprises, even as its credit card offering saw increased patronage, with over 17,000 cards issued in the first half of this year.

Corporate banking was, however, constrained by scarcity of foreign exchange and tight monetary policy, which affected trade finance, foreign exchange trading and lending. In the first half of the year, the bank’s UK wholesale banking subsidiary, FCMB Bank (UK) Limited, broke even after 14 months of taking off as a deposit-taking institution.

The investment banking group of FCMB Group Plc – comprising financial advisory (FCMB Capital Markets Limited (FCMB-CM)) and stockbroking (CSL Stockbrokers Limited (CSLS)) – delivered a six percent increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) of N414 million, driven by financial advisory, equity capital raising and asset management fees.

The Managing Director of FCMB Group Plc, Peter Obaseki, acknowledged that, ‘’the economy has entered a higher risk level with infla-

tion climbing to 9.2 percent, fiscal and trade deficits. Declining GDP growth rate below four percent as at Q1 2015 from 5.94 percent as at Q4 2014; broad money supply (MM2) contracted by N380 billion in June, from N19.19 trillion in May, to N18.81 trillion. The group results for H1 2015 reflects a deliberate conservative stance aimed at maintaining robust capital buffers in the face of a tough macro-economic and regulatory environment.

Group Managing Director/ CEO of FCMB Limited, Ladi Balogun, said the “First half 2015 was characterised by significant macro-economic and policy headwinds.”

Balogun stressed that limited supply of foreign exchange had a major impact on the commercial & retail banking group’s (CRBG) trade finance and foreign exchange trading income.

According to him, “the harmonisation of the cash reserve requirement to 31 percent led to a significant rise in our restricted reserves and consequently constrained lending and put pressure on net interest margins. Asset quality was adversely affected by the effect of declining government revenue on contractors and employees, which saw our NPL ratio climb to 5.2 percent compared to 3.6 percent at the end of FY14. In spite of the inflationary pressures , operating expenses saw a modest rise of five percent in the CRBG, thanks to our ongoing channel optimisation programme’’.

Reward for shareholders

Shareholders of FCMB Group Plc approved the payment of a dividend of 25 kobo per ordinary share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. The approval came at the Second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of FCMB Group.

On the development and the financial statements of the Group, the Coordinator of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, praised the Board and Management of FCMB Group Plc for the performance and dividend payment,

past year, the Group continued the profitable development of its core banking, capital markets and stockbroking businesses’’.

Long assured that with the implementation of the Group’s supervisory structure, ‘’we are confident that this will help us to consolidate the gains made over the past years and face the economic challenges which we are confronted in 2015’’.

Bond issuance

•Balogun despite the challenging operating environment for banks in last year.

He added: ‘’The increase in the Group’s profit from N16billion in 2013 to N22billion in 2014 is commendable. It is a clear signal that things are looking up. We are also happy that FCMB has emerged as a strong player in retail banking and from what we have seen so far, we are optimistic that the bank will continue to wax stronger’’.

National Chairman, Shareholders’ Trustees Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Mukhtar Mukhtar, said: ‘’The result is very wonderful, despite the very harsh economic environment.

The FCMB has been able to give us a wonderful result. We are very satisfied. The 25k dividend is very encouraging. Profit after tax has gone up, total assets has increased. We are very impressed with the result. I congratulate the executive management of the bank on a job well done.’’

On the identity of the bank,Mukhtar described the move as welcome and that it would help the bank become more visible and connect with customers better.

Chairman, FCMB Group, Dr. Jonathan Long, said the Group, which comprises First City Monument Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited and CSL Stockbrokers Limited, ‘’has achieved a strong and sustained growth over the past three years’’, adding that during the

‘First half 2015 was characterised by significant macro-economic and policy headwinds’

FCMB Limited has listed its N26 billion Series 1, 7-Year 14.25 per cent Fixed Rate Unsecured Bond on the Financial Market Dealers Quotations (FMDQ) Over-the-Counter (OTC) Plc platform its platform. The bond, which is due in the year 2021, is under a N100 billion debt issuance programme. FCMB Capital Markets Limited, the investment banking subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, is the issuing house and sponsor of the bond.

The bank informed that proceeds of the bond will be used in strengthening its capital base, enhancing its capital adequacy ratio, expanding its distribution channels and infrastructure as well as growing its risk assets with a view to enhancing income.

Speaking during the listing, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of FCMB Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, said: ‘’The significance of listing the FCMB bond on the FMDQ platform is hinged on the availability of a readily accessible liquid market to the bondholders, where the value of their investments can easily be determined and monitored on a daily basis. It also provides a platform to realise their investment when necessary’’.

He added: ‘’The bond provides a long term capital that will help us to reinforce our commitment to our customers.’’

Balogun praised FMDQ’s efforts towards creating more depth in the debt market, while applauding the platform’s seamless processes and its drive to achieve market transparency by deploying technology driven initiatives.

Reward for excellence

The various valued added initiatives being driven by FCMB Limited at enhancing its operations and customer experience have continued to receive positive affirmation. This follows the rating of the Bank by KPMG, a leading international consulting firm, as the fourth most customer-focused bank in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a score of 74.94 percent and fifth in retail banking with 73.16 per cent by bank customers surveyed nationwide.

This performance, which is coming barely four years after the bank transformed to become a retail and commercial banking-led lender, is an improvement when compared to 2014 where the bank occupied the eighth and seventh position in the SMEs segment and retail banking space.

The rating, as contained in the 2015 report of the KPMG Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS), was on the basis of Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI), which took into account convenience, product/service offering, and value for money and customer care.

The KPMG BICSS survey was launched in 2007 to heighten the consciousness of service delivery among banks. The survey has evolved over the years and in the year, it covered over 23,000 retail customers, 2,800 SMEs and 400 corporate/commercial organisations across the country.

‘Entrepreneurs resolute despite challenges’

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RESIDENT, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello, has said entrepreneurs are undeterred despite the various challenges they face.

He spoke at the LCCI awards in Lagos at the weekend.

He said: “The business environment is replete with all manner of difficulties in the area of infrastructure, funding, policy, corruption, insecurity and weak institutions, hence investors that have remained resolute deserve to be celebrated.”

The firms were rewarded at the Second Awards by LCCI held over the weekend in Lagos.

Bello said the awards were conceived to celebrate deserving corporate organisations for their input to the advancement of the

By Ajose Sehindemi

economy.

He said the awards were not aimed at diminishing the importance of an enabling environment for the progress of the economy and the prosperity of enterprises, but to remind the government of what it must do to the economy.

The president, who will step down later this year, said: “We are celebrating excellence, best practices in corporate governance, value addition, backward integration achievements, innovations and good corporate social responsibility practices.’’

A former Minister of Health and a honorary life president of LCCI, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said getting the awards was special as all the awardees deserved the accolades.

Firm to hold women empowerment programme

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•From left: Chief Operating Officer, Seven Energy, Mr. Jeff Corey; former lecturer, Department of Petroleum Economics, Louisiana State University, United States, Prof Wumi Illedare; Chairman/Managing Director, Exxonmobil Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O'neal and General Manager, Operations, Technical, Surface, Exxonmobil Nigeria, Mr. Cletus Egbuzie, during the National Annual International Conference and Exhibition organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) inVictoria Island, Lagos.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

FIRM Comunications Sup port Limited is set to hold Phenomena 2015 aimed at celebrating and empowering exceptional women in various sector.

In a statement, its Managing Director, Mike Efunkoya said the event billed for November in Lagos will provide a basis for highligting the contribution of women to corporate growth and economic development and promoting the best in women development, facilitating behaviourial change and inspiring women for high positions.

The event, which has as theme

as, Transforming the society through inspiring women, will feature speeches, connections, giving and sharing of knowledge, awards, books and music presentations, live entertainment and dinner. Attendance will be drawn from the public and private sectors.

He said as a nation aspirating to become peaceful, united, egalitarian and most dynamic economic hub in Africa, Nigeria requires consistent and strategic investments in human capital development with particular attention to women.

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BUSINESS EXTRA ‘Mining sector can fetch N1b’ From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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HE mining sector is capable of generating over N1 billion yearly, the Director-General (DG), Nigeria Mining Cadastre, Mohammed Amate, has said.

He said despite this potential, it is challenged by paucity of funds.

Amate spoke while receiving an assessment report of the agency conducted by a civil society organisation under the aegis of Integrity Network Initiative (INI) yesterday in Abuja.

The DG, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for listing the mining sector as one of the cardinal focus of his administration, urged local and foreign investors to take advantage of the huge value chain that lies in the mining industry.

INI urged President Buhari to create Cadastre Mining Zonal Offices to encourage proper grassroots participation as way of diversifying the economy.

Its President, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu while submitting the report, he said if the mining sector is well managed, it will address the challenges facing the country and open up the economy to more foreign investors.

Lauding management of the agency, he said it endorsement of the administration was premise on the group’s independent assessment on the modus operandi of the mining cadastre office in Abuja.

Lawmaker faults Buhari on single account

By Oziegbe Okoeki

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MEMBER of the Lagos State House of Assem bly, Victor Akande, has faulted the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government to streamline accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

President Muhammadu Buhari directed MDAs to run a TSA, to be domicilled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Akande, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Ojo I, told reporters that such a move would draw the country back, adding that it would lead to delay in decision making.

He said: “When you say you want a better change, can we go to the old era, where everything was crammed together.”

N89b: Reps to probe FIRS’ accounting method

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HE House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the accounting procedure of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) that allowed it to retain a whopping N89billion last year as operational cost.

According to the House, this is because “there might be irregularities in the accounting procedure and calculations of the four per cent of the non-oil taxes the Service is empowered to retain as operational costs.”

To this end, the House is to set up an ad hoc Committee to investigate the financial books and records of the FIRS with a view to ensuring adherence to constitutional and statutory provisions.

The resolution of the House followed the passage of a motion by a member, Abubakar Amuda Kannike, titled: Urgent Need to Investigate the Accounting Procedures of the FIRS. Kannike said:“Section 15 (a) of the FIRS (Establishment) Act enables the Service to establish and maintain a fund which shall consist of and into which shall be credited, inter alia, a percentage, as determined by the National Assembly, of all nonoil and gas revenue collected by the Service, which may be appropriated by the National Assembly for then capital and recurrent expenditure of the Service “Section 22 (1) of the Act mandates the Executive Chairman if the Service to keep proper records as determined by the Board in respect of all revenues and expenditures of the Service, all assets, liabilities and other financial transactions as well as all other revenue collected by the Service, including income on investments.”

• CBN invited to explain dollar policy From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

According to the lawmaker, “ in 2014, out of N4.69 trillion generated by the Service, non-oil taxes were given as N2.24 trillion, four per cent which amounted to N89 billion was presumably retained as operational costs by the Service for that year.”

He also said the Service has generated N1.842 trillion between January and June this year and that the amount accrued to the Service might have been a significant contribution to the sources of funding the nation’s budget which stood at

N4.669 trillion.

Kannike urged the House to investigate the FIRS’ accounting style as it might be fraught with irregularities, particularly in the calculation of the four per cent deductions in the non-oil revenue for operational costs.

He said: “Given the fact that the country has even experiencing dwindling revenue earnings from the sale of crude oil due to the weakening global demand and fall in oil prices, a product which the country depends (on), there is the need to ensure transparency, accountability and due diligence in the management of the country’s revenue to rekin-

dle hope in Nigeria’s creditors about her fiscal capacity to address her macroeconomic concerns.’’

When House Speaker Yakubu Dogara called for a vote on the motion, it was supported by almost all the members.

Meanwhile, the House has summoned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele to appear before it and explain the workings and expected effects of its new monetary policy on foreign exchange and the economy at large The lawmakers said the need for the apex bank’s boss to appear before the Commit-

Abuja Disco rejects smart metering From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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• From left: Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Timothy Oguntayo & Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Keystone Bank Limited, Philip Ikeazor, after a meeting on collaboration with Corporate Lagos…at the weekend.

MTN spends N10b on SIM registration

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TN yesterday said it has spent about N10 billion to ensure a hitch-free and dependable subscriber identity module (SIM) registration in the country, adding that it is committed to working with the Federal Government to realise the laudable objectives behind the initiative which process was finalised about four years ago.

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) also spent a whopping N6.2 billion to register subscribers. The Commission promised to provide informa-

tee of the Whole House became imperative because the policy is ‘very confusing’.

The lawmakers said, among other sudden effects of the policy, money deposit banks have started rejecting foreign currency deposits by Nigerians without convincing explanations.

The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Emmanuel Ekon (PDP, Akwa Ibom), who said divergent analysis of the policy by manufacturers and financial market analysts are creating confusions for Nigerians.

He noted that the action of banks has only added to the confusion, saying: “Though the policy may have both long and short term economic benefits for the country, Nigerians does not have any explanation from CBN on the merit or otherwise of the policy.”

By Lucas Ajanaku

tion on how it spent the money but this did not happen till Dr, Eugene Juwah’s five-year tenure as executive vice chairman/ chief executive officer of the Commission elapsed last month.

Its Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager, Quasim Odumakin, who spoke with ICT editors in Lagos, said the N10billion was spent on logistics and acquisition of biometric data equipment that facilitated seamless implementation of the

scheme.

He said: “SIM card registration started in 2007, the NCC commenced the process for SIM Registration.

Process only finalised in 2011 with enactment of the SIM Registration Regulations.

“SIM Registration also allow operators some advantages, such as a credible KYC (know your customer) framework to improve on service delivery for our customers.

Biological/ biometric information is a first step towards Telco 2.0 – we can only provide converged & integrated services if we know our customers – who are they? What is their history? What is their lifestyle like? Where do they live? Where do they go? It also enables us to leverage on adjacent industries – mobile payments, banking, entertainment, identity management, trade, medical services, and others.

“Hence, credible subscriber data is critical to MTN’s future business.

This is why MTN has invested over N10billion in the project till date.”

Speaking on the key objective of the exercise, Odumakin said is to create a Central Database of all users of telecoms services in Nigeria, regardless of

medium.

Other objectives, he added include facilitating KYC for adjacent sectors, such as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other government agencies.

He said NCC’s actions were hinged on assisting law enforcement and security agencies to fight the growing level of insurgency particularly in the Northeast, and criminality in the South such as kidnap for ransom.

Odumakin said some subscribers abused anonymity to embarrass, defraud or carry out illegitimate activities, stressing that nregistered SIMs had been implicated in acts of kidnapping, financial crimes such as advanced free fraud (419) and other petty crimes, adding that registration/location information had been used successfully to track criminals.

He said the SIM card registration assisted in identifying those allegedly involved in the murder of Cynthia Osokogu by her alleged Facebook friends.

He also said SIMs could be used to detonate explosive devices and others.

XECUTIVE Director, Regulation, Abuja Elec tricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ambibola Odubiyi, yesterday rejected the proposed smart metering regulation of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

He said the commission is adopting a British standard of metering (STS) despite the disparity in infrastructure.

Besides, he submitted that because smart meters are very expensive, it would increase the cost of metering in the country.

According to him, the company is on the verge of flagging off a pilot project on smart metering because it is passionate about metering.

He spoke during the public consultations of the commission’s draft regulations on feed in tariff, smart metering and capping on estimated billing in Abuja.

He added that his company beleives that since there is no gas distribution reticulation in the local electricity market, it is unnecessary adopting that type of meter.

He said: “In Nigeria now, we have not got gas distribution reticulation at the domestic level. So putting that kind of functionality in the draft regulation is to us in Abuja not necessary at this point . And if you put it, it is going to increase the cost of smart metering in Nigeria.”

Odubiyi advised the commission to opt for a cheaper smart meter which can carry out its calculation from the central server, noting that there is no need adopting the UK type of smart meter since there is no retail competition at the moment.

The STS type of meter, he said, is basically necessary so that even if a customer migrate from one retailer to the other, the meter can still retain its information.

“In Nigeria, we are not doing retail competition or we are not there yet. That part of the draft regulation needs to be deleted or left optional.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PLATEAU STATE OF NIGERIA IN THE PLATEAU STATE JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT BUKURU THIS 30TH DAY OF JULY, 2015 BEFORE HIS LORDSHIP: HON. JUSTICE D.D LONGJI – JUDGE SUIT NO: PLD/J52/2015 MOTION NO: PLD/J52MI/2015 BETWEEN: HON. LETEP DABANG & 17 ORDERS……..........….PLAINTIFFS AND PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT & 19 ORDERS….DEFENDANTS COURT ORDER Upon the consideration of the Motion Ex-parte th dated 27 day of July, 2015 and filed on the 28 th day of July, 2015 praying this Hornourable Court for the following reliefs.

1.

An Order for the substituted service of the Originating Summons and all court processes on the 6 th – 19 th Defendants by having same to any officer of the People Democratic Party (PDP) at its office at Yakubu Gowon Way, Jos Plateau State or by publication in any National Newspaper in circulation within the jurisdiction of this court.

2.

AND for such further order or orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

3.

AND AFTER READING the Affidavit in support of Motion Ex-parte sworn to by Jonathan Udeagbala, male, adult, Christian, a legal practioner, Nigerian citizen, of 3 rd floor J.D Gomwalk House Jos, Plateau State and filed at this Court’s Registry.

ANDAFTER HEARING T.Y Agaga Esq. with J.A Udeagbala Esq. for the Plaintiffs/ Applicants.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the application is granted as prayed IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the return date shall be 19th day of August, 2015 by the grace of God.

55 QUESTIOS FOR DETERMINATION 1. Whether by virtue of provision of S. 4(2) of the Plateau State independent electoral commission Law, and Section 197 Part 2 of 3rd schedule and section 200 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), the 3rd – 5th Defendants were qualified to be appointed as Chairman and Members of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission who were at the time of their appointment card carrying members of the People Democratic Party (PDP).

2. Whether if the answer to question 1 is in the negative, by reason of their disqualification, they can lawfully occupy anddischarge the functions of their offices.

3. Whether by reason of their disqualification, all acts carried out by them for the 2nddefendants are invalid, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

4. RELIEFS SOUTH 1. A declaration that the appointment of the 3rd – 5th Defendants is null and void being madeat the time when they were card carrying members of the People’s Democratic Party 2. A declaration that every actor decisions carried out by the 3rd – 5th Defendants including the holding of the purported Local Government Election of 25th February,2014 is null and void of no effect.

3. An Order of this Honourable Court setting aside every actordecision of the 2nd Defendant, including the holding of purported Local Government Election of February, 2014. th

th

4. An Order on the 6 – 19 Defendants who were beneficiaries of the illegal act of the 2nd – Defendants to forth with return all the benefits including monies and property derived from the occupation of their offices.

Dated this…24TH ….day of……JULY...........2015

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PLAINTIFFS

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT PLATEAU STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISION HON. PETER DALYOP (CHAIRMAN PLASIEC) HON. ISHAYA IKPIRI (MEMBER PLASIEC) MR. YAKUBU MAIGARI (MEMBER PLASIEC) HON. EMMANUEL LOMAK HON. PETER VWANG-DUNG HON. DAVID RACHA BRIG. GEN. ABOK (RTD) HON. KEMI NICHOLAS NSHE DEFENDANTS HON. DANIEL KUNGMI HON. MONDAY KASSA HON. THEOPHILUS DAKAS-CHAN HON. CALEB MUTFWANG HON. EMMANUEL GOAR HON. BENDEL NANCWAT HON. MRS. JOSEPHINE PIYO HON. ADO YUSUF DANBOYI HON. JOHN GOTOM MAIKUDI PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

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ORIGINATING SUMMONS The 1st Defendants is Government House, Rayfield Jos, the 2nd , 3rd, 4th and 5th Defendants of No. 7 Old Bukuru Road, 6th – 20th Defendanrts C/o Peoples Democratic party (PDP) Secretariat, Yakubu Gowon Way, Jos, within 8 days after the service of this summons on it, inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for it to this summons which is issued upon the application of the above Plaintiffs whose address are atC/o PEACE CHAMBERS, 3rd Flor, J.D Gomwalk House, Jos for the determination of the following questions.

PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT PLATEAU STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISION HON. PETER DALYOP (CHAIRMAN PLASIEC) HON. ISHAYA IKPIRI (MEMBER PLASIEC) MR. YAKUBU MAIGARI (MEMBER PLASIEC) HON. EMMANUEL LOMAK HON. PETER VWANG-DUNG HON. DAVID RACHA BRIG. GEN. ABOK (RTD) HON. KEMI NICHOLAS NSHE DEFENDANTS HON. DANIEL KUNGMI HON. MONDAY KASSA HON. THEOPHILUS DAKAS-CHAN HON. CALEB MUTFWANG HON. EMMANUEL GOAR HON. BENDEL NANCWAT HON. MRS. JOSEPHINE PIYO HON. ADO YUSUF DANBOYI HON. JOHN GOTOM MAIKUDI PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

}

That the 2nd defendant is the State electoral Commission charged with the responsibility of conducting the Local Government election in the State among other functions.

c.

That the law requires the 2nd defendant to be constituted by a Chairman and not less than 5 but not more than 7 other members of the commission.

d.

That3rd Defendant was appointed the Chairman of the 2nd Defendant and the 4th Defendants as members of the commission.

e.

That for a person to be appointed as Chairman or member of the 2nd defendant he must be a person of proven integrity and must not be a card carrying member of any political party amongst other qualification.

PLAINTIFFS’ ADDRESS FOR SERVICE

5.

TONNY YUNANA AGADA ESQ, (Plaintiffs Counsel) Peace Chambers, 3rd Floor, J.D Gomwalk House, No. J.D Gomwalk Road, Jos, Plateau State.

a.

That I am informed by the 3rd Plaintiff and I verily believe him to be true and correct as follows: That at the time of the appointment of the 3rd Defendant as the Chairman of the 2nd defendant, he served as the secretary of the campaign of organization of the former Governor of Plateau State, David Jonah Jang of the PDP and was a card carrying member of the PDP Kabong Ward of Jos North Local Government Council.

The Defendants may appear hereunto by entering appearance personally or

by Legal Practitioner either by filling the appropriate process in response at the Registry of the Court where the summons was issued or by sending them to that office by any of the method allowed by the rules.

NOTE: If the Defendant do not respond within the time at the place above mentioned, such order will be made and proceedings may be taken as the Judge may think just and expedient.

AND

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF PLATEAU STATE IN THE JOS JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN IN JOS

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AND

I, Inkus Akpai Ahok, Male, Christian, Nigerian Citizan of Jebbu bassa, in Bassa Local government Council of Plateau State do herby make oath and state as follows Government Council of Plateau State do hereby make oath and state as follows: 1. That I am the 2nd Plaintiffs in this matter and by virtue of which position I am conversant with the facts of this matter.

2. That I have the consent of the other Plaintiffs in the matter to depose to this affidavit.

3. That the plaintiffs are the State Executive Officers and stakeholders of all progressive Change (APC) in Plateau State who are entitled to present candidates, for local Government election in the State.

4. That I know as fact as follows: a. That the 1st Defendant established the 2nd defendant (Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission).

Under the hand and seal of the presiding Judge.

BETWEEN: 1. HON. LETEP DABANG 2. INKUS AKPAI AHOK 3. BAR. GABRIEL TSENYEM 4. BAR. BASHIR MUSA SATI 5. YUSUF IZAM 6. ALHASSAN AYIKI 7. ISAAC IBRAHIM 8. HON. SARGWAH WAZHI 9. YAKUBU GUMSHUR 10. ALH. KABIRU PAKACHI 11. HON. EMANUEL AGATI 12. HON. BITRUS DORO 13. DANIEL DUNG 14. DR. HANTSI JAKADA 15. BINKUR L. BINKUR 16. INNOCENT DAIKA 17. EMMANUELJANKANWA 18. ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC)

ALH. KABIRU PAKACHI HON. EMANUEL AGATI HON. BITRUS DORO DANIEL DNG DR. HANTSI JAKADA BINKUR L. BINKUR INNOCENT DAIKA EMMANUEL JANKANWA ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC)

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF ORIGINATING SUMMONS

Dated this 30th day of July, 2015.

SUIT NO.PLD/J52/2015

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The photocopy of his membership card is annexed as Exhibit “A”. b. That the 4th Defendant was a former member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Rukuba/Irigwe State Constituency under the platform of the PDP and a cardcarrying member of the PDP in Buhit Ward of Bassa LGA. The photocopy of the membership card of the 4th defendant is hereby annexed and marked Exhibit “B”.

FOR SERVICE ON: 1. The 1st Defendant, C/o Government House, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State

c.

That the 5th Defendant was at the time of his appointment a card carrying member of the PDP and aspirant for the House of Assembly in Kanam LGA, under the platform of the PDP.

6.

That I know as a fact that on the 25th of February, 2014, the 2nd Defendant under the Chairmanship of the 3rd Defendant conducted Local Government Election and declared the 6th – 16th defendants as winners to the Chairmanship seats of their various Local Government Council.

7.

That the 6th – 19 th Defendants have spent over 18 months in office.

8.

That I swear to this affidavitin good faith, believing all the contents to be true and in accordance with the Oaths Act, 2004.

2. The 2 nd Defendant No. 7 Old Bukuru Road, Jos, Plateau State.

3. The 6thDefendant C/o PDP Secretariat, Yakubu Gowon Way, Jos, Plateau State IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF PLATEAU STATE IN THE JOS JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN IN JOS SUIT NO. BETWEEN: 1. HON. LETEP DABANG 2. INKUS AKPAI AHOK 3. BAR. GABRIEL TSENYEM 4. BAR. BASHIR MUSA SATI 5. YUSUF IZAM 6. ALHASSAN AYIKI 7. ISAAC IBRAHIM 8. HON. SARGWAH WAZHI 9. YAKUBU GUMSHUR

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PLAINTIFFS

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

56

NEWS

ICPC orders Okiro-led PSC to refund N145m T

Unity Bank appoints Somefun MD

T

HE board of Unity Bank Plc yesterday appointed Mrs Oluwatomi Somefun as the new managing director. She is taking over from Mr. Henry Semenitari, whose resignation took effect also yesterday.

Before her appointment, Mrs. Somefun was an executive director at Unity Bank responsible for Lagos and South West regional operations, and oversight on treasury and financial institutions division.

Unity Bank’s share price rose by 2.05 per cent yesterday to N2.05 as the news of the appointment made the round among stock market pundits.

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria

By Taofik Salako

(ICAN), Somefun is a professional banker with 33 years of experience, 26 years of which were in banking covering all key aspects of treasury, investment and commercial banking operations.

The bank hailed her appointment, noting that she has a depth of experience in Nigeria’s financial and banking sector as she had a distinguished career with United Bank for Africa (UBA) group where she led two major subsidiaries of UBA as managing director. Prior to this, she served as general manager and led three critical business units of UBA Group.

Somefun’s skills and experience span across institutional

‘Justify people’s trust in you’

P

OLITICAL office holders have been urged to justify the people’s trust in them.

Minister-in-charge of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Igangan, Oyo State gave the advice at a victory thanksgiving of Gbenga Ojoawo, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa North/ Central at the National Assembly.

The cleric advised politicians against pursuing personal agenda, which could terminate their political career

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

abruptly, but seek to arrest decadence in the education, power, and other ailing sectors of the economy to make the country a safe haven for all.

Addressing reporters, Ojoawo promised to make his constituency the envy of all by pursuing development programmes.

He thanked the people for the opportunity to serve them while assuring them of quality representation.

•Mrs. Somefun

banking, commercial banking, retail banking and financial markets. Prior to UBA, she worked with two leading consulting firms: KPMG and Arthur Andersen (now KPMG).

The new managing director has undergone executive training and advanced management programmes at INSEAD Fontainebleau, Harvard Business School and University of Columbia Business School.

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has ordered the Police Service Commission (PSC) to refund N145.16 million to the Federation Account.

The money was part of the N350 million election monitoring funds.

The directed was contained in a document signed by the Chairman of ICPC, Ekpo Nta, in Abuja yesterday.

“The total amount of N133, 413,845.99 from the N350 million 2015 election monitoring exercise domiciled within FCMB be remitted to the Federal Treasury through the ICPC recovery account at Zenith Bank,” the directive said.

The commission also directed all staff who took part in the election monitoring to refund the N11.7 million paid to them as two-way return ticket and airport taxi within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the

federal treasury through ICPC recovery account.

Nta said: “The Police Service Commission paid DTA to all staff including those based in Abuja that participated in the training progarmme held within Abuja.

“The investigation has not revealed any criminal infraction against Mike Okiro as all issues outlined above are administrative in nature.”

It was confirmed that Mr. Okiro collected five days each for two conferences that ran simultaneously in Dublin and Orlando, Florida.

“However, it was discovered that he expended the entire 10 days on the trip using the ticket-fare for Abuja-Dublin-Abuja,” it said.

According to the document, Mr. Okiro has written to the Presidency to expend

the ticket-fare for Abuja-Orlando-Abuja on another trip coming up in October.

It said that if the presidency approved his request, the matter would be considered by the commission.

“However, if approval is refused, the fund thereof should be returned to the Police Service Commission and ICPC so informed,” he said.

The document said that the commission accepted the explanation by PSC that due process could not be strictly adhered to because of time constraint.

A staff of PSC, Aaron Kaase, had petitioned the ICPC that Mr. Okiro swindled the PSC of more than N275 million from the N350 million meant for training of its staff to monitor the conduct of the 2015 election.

Ozuruigbo Day/lecture scheduled HE 2015 Ozuruigbo for Aug. 28

T

Day/lecture series will hold on Friday August 28 at the Lagos Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Former Secretary to the Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim is the guest speaker and he will speak on “Entrepreneurship as a sina qua non for accelerated National development: The Igbo example”.

Foremost transportation guru and industrialist Mr. Frank Nneli of ABC Transport is the chairman.

A statement by its PresidentGeneral, Dr. Batos Nwadike, said other prominent Igbo entrepreneurs, both in Nigeria and the Diaspora, including Chief Uzoma Obioyo, Chief N.D Mbaka, Chief Tony Chukwu, Dr. ABC. Rijiako, Chief Chidi Anyaegbno, Chief Chris Dhuruzd, Prince Hillary Unachukwu, Chief Nnamdi Anyahie, Chief Uche Ogar, Chief Ben Okoyo among others, will attend.

Anambra PDP crisis: Nwoye, Oguebego suspended

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HE crisis in the Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is escalating, with the Prince Ken Emeakayi faction suspending nine party chieftains.

A letter by the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Oguagu, said they were suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

Those suspended include: Comrade Tony Nwoye, Prince Osy Ezenwa, Ejike Oguebego, Chief Basil Ejidike, Chief Mrs. Jessy Balonwu, Mr.

•‘Emeakayi remains suspended’ Kenneth Arinze, Uche Ogbonna, Chuks Okoye and Dr. Tony Akachukwu.

The letter reads: “Following allegations of anti-party activities levelled against them, the Anambra State working committee of the PDP, has, after preliminary hearings, in compliance with chapter 10, article 57 (3) of the 2012 constitution (as amended), suspended these members.”

•Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi greeting the Head of Office, South West, Department for International Development (DFID), Dr. Adesina Fagbenro (representing the Southeast, Head of Office, DFID) on their arrival for a three-day retreat organised for the members of the State Executive Council. Watching is the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi.

‘10 per cent of Lagosians enjoy public water’

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NVIRONMENTAL rights activist, Nnimmo Bassey yesterday said that only 10 per cent of Lagos residents enjoy public water supply.

He spoke at the opening of a two-day water summit themed: “Connecting local outrage to global resistance of corporate control of water”, organised by the Environmental Rights Action|Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA) and Corporate Accountability International (CAI).

Bassey said he arrived at the percentage from official statistics which claims seven million people in Lagos would have water and 15 million wouldn’t if the existing water supply facilities worked at full stream and with uninterrupted power supply.

He described the percentage as woeful for an upcoming megacity, noting that the situation was no different across the country.

According to him, official statistics nationally indicates

•Activists kick against water privatisation

By Precious Igbonwelundu

that more than half of the nation’s population have no access to clean water and more than two thirds have no access to sanitation.

He added that citizens depend on ‘pure water’, wells, ponds, borehole, water carts and water trucks for supply?.

Bassey however insisted that ?privatisation or public private partnership (PPP) in water would only worsen the situation because more people would be denied access to water as a result of the cost.

He reminded the government that access to water was a human rights, adding that the civil society will join the masses to fight the government should any step that would contract their rights to water is taken.

“Only 10 percent of Lagos residents have access to public water supply. The situation will even be worst with privatisation because the cost of public water will be high.

Provision is not the same

thing as accessibility and private sector is not about philanthropy. They are interested in making profits.

“It is easier for the public sector to mobilise resources and provide water. It is cheaper and the government can borrow from bank at lower interest than the private sector. ”The remarkable failure of the privatisation of water in several countries of the world has led to what has been termed the remunicipalisation of water services.

“Avoidable deaths and diseases continue to wrack the portions of the world where citizens do not have adequate and safe water and sanitation.

This situation will prevail unless citizens of the world confront the roadblocks and realise that the claiming of their right to water and sanitation is an essential political project.

“The world is facing a water crisis and by 2025, all Af-

rican countries will be vulnerable with regards to water supply and many would already be water stressed by that time.

“With climate change, increased flooding, droughts and desertification, the ?hope of securing ample fresh water supply continues to recede...

“The privatisation of water under any guise must be rejected. Whether through direct enclosure by way of taking over public water supply or through bottling water for sale to the public as promoted by the hugely discredited structural adjustment programmes of international financial institutions, the response must be an unwavering no.

“The same must be our response to the pollution of our rivers, creeks, lagoons and streams by extractive and other industrial companies...”

“In several countries the public sector has successfully provided water for their citizens. Indeed, 90 percent of global water infrastructure ?investment is provided by public finance”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

57

NEWS

Ex-lawmaker shot dead in Benue

A

FORMER member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Douglas Beagh, was killed by gunmen on Monday in Zakibiam, Benue State.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, told The Nation that the gunmen stormed the home of the ex- lawmaker in the evening and shot him at close range.

Our reporter learnt that there was an attempt on Beagh

Ahmed orders institutions to open single account From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

two months ago, but he escaped. His son was, however, shot dead.

Police spokesman Matter Oko said the gunmen came on a motorcycle

K

wara State government has directed its nine tertiary institutions to open single treasury accounts for fees and other payments.

It said the pilot exercise would later extend to all revenue generating agencies.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed directed state-owned tertiary institutions to close other revenue accounts in commercial banks.

He spoke at a meeting with heads of tertiary institutions and banks.

Ahmed said the directive was to enable the government get a picture of the institutions’ finances as a prelude to the debut of the newly-established Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS), which is the sole body responsible for revenue collection and management.

Saraki closes defence at tribunal From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

S

•National President, Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Kayode Obembe with the Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe (middle), the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of EKSUTH, Dr. Kayode Ajite(left) and Dr. Obitunde Obimakinde and Dr. Tunji Omotayo during the latter’s courtesy visit to the EKSUTH CMD.

Ortom begins probe of Suswam’s administration

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ENUE State Governor Samuel Ortom has constituted two committees to probe the Gabriel Suswam administration.

He said the purpose was not to witch-hunt the last government but to know how it managed public funds.

The committees are the Judicial Commission of Enquiry and the Commission of Enquiry into the Sale/ Lease of Government Assets.

The Judicial Commission of Enquiry is to identify revenue resources and the amount which accrued to the state between 2007 and 2015.

It was set up to ascertain

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

the funds received by the government from Federal allocations local government funds, IGR, bonds and loans, excess crude account, small and medium enterprise (SME) funds, ecological funds, VAT, Sure-P funds, SUBEB, MDGs and others.

The commission of enquiry is to also ascertain the shares/stock owned by the state in companies.

It will identify the investors who bought shares and determine whether the transaction followed due process.

The commission of enquiry is to ascertain the whereabouts of the pro-

ceeds sold, determine the state equity in the companies and values of such equity.

It is to ascertain if the funds realised from the sale were appropriated, to know how the funds were applied and utilised, establish misappropriation if any and identify persons involved and to recommend appropriate action to the government.

The Commission of Enquiry into the Sale/Lease of Government Property is to identify the government property sold/leased since June 2007, determine the status and correct value of such property as at the time of sale/lease.

It is to identify those who

bought or took on lease, such properties and in case of lease, determine what improvements have been made and the subsisting interest of the government in the transaction, to determine the value of sale/lease and establish whether the transactions were in the interest of government and if due process was followed.

It is to determine whether the terms of lease agreement have been complied with and to review all such transactions and advise government on the appropriate actions in the interest of the people and good governance.

The two committees were given six months to submit their reports.

Flood destroys 418 houses in Bauchi

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OUR hundred and eighteen houses have been destroyed by flood in Misau, Darazo and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said.

The flood also damaged belongings worth N70 million.

The Secretary of the Humanitarian Coordination team of SEMA, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, who confirmed this to our correspondent in Bauchi, said: “There were no casualties.”

•Belongings worth N70m damaged From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

He said: “Eighty homes were destroyed in Misau Local Government, with 197 farms submerged. Rice, guinea corn, maize, groundnut and millet were affected.

“In Darazo Council, 338 homes were washed away.”

Umar said over 13 communities in Tafawa Balewa Local

Government were affected by the flood.

According to him, the crops washed away in the council included sweet potato, rice, guinea corn, corn, millet, groundnut, pepper and others.

He said SEMA, in collaboration with other stakeholders, was working to ensure that relief materials were given to the victims.

The secretary, who said

most of the victims were taking refuge in the homes of their relatives, advised people not to build houses on water ways.

The Disaster Management Coordinator of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Mr. Yahaya Inuwa Bello, said the organisation had carried out sensitisation campaigns through its divisional offices in Itas- Gadau, Zaki and Gamawa local governments, as part of efforts to reduce the level of damage caused by flood.

UNICEF: ‘over 1m Nigerian children are malnourished’

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HE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged well-meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies, social crusaders and all levels of government to wage war against malnutrition.

UNICEF’s Head of Nutrition, Arjan de Wagt, spoke in Kano at a two-day media dialogue on child malnutrition, with a theme: Spend Money on Nutrition.

He said over 1 million Nigerian children died of malnutrition, adding that 13 per cent

By Sina Fadare

child deaths could be averted if efforts were coordinated to wage war against malnutrition.

In his presentation, titled: An overview of nutrition in Nigeria and its impact on children, Wagt noted that a good nutrition for children between birth and five years would develop their brains.

He said the consequences were always disastrous for the child, when such nutritional arrangement was not adhered

to.

He pointed out that malnutrition could also lead to reduction in mental capacity and ultimately poor education of the child advising nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months after birth.”Exclusive breastfeeding has the potential to save more ‘s live than any other preventive interventions.”

According to him, the percent of children in Nigeria who are wasted or too thin for their

height, has steadily increased over the last decade, rising from 11 percent in 2003 to 18 percent in 2003, adding that nearly 4 out of 5 Nigerian children do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life Speaking at the occasion the UNICEF chief of communication, Doune Porter, stressed the need for media partnership so as to attract the necessary intervention to stop child malnutrition in the country.

ENATE President Bukola Saraki has closed his defence at the Kwara State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kwara Central, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, is challenging the victory of Saraki, the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard-bearer.

Counsel to the respondent, Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN), on Monday closed his defence without calling for any witness, but his APC counterpart, Abdulwahab Bamidele, asked for a short adjournment to enable him call witnesses.

The petitioner’s counsel, Francis Obumse, also closed his case.

Four witnesses called by the petitioner testified during the five days allotted for the PDP candidate to prove his case.

The tribunal admitted two additional exhibits. They include stubs/counterfeits of used ballot papers in respect of the senatorial election. The issued but unused ballot papers were marked as exhibits P5 and P6.

The Justice Josiah Majebi-led three-man tribunal adjourned the petition till today for continuation of defence.

Saraki at the previous sitting opposed the tendering of electoral documents, arguing that the documents were not listed or referred to in any of the deposition of the witness.

‘Badagry Dockyard is 100 per cent private venture’

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HE Badagry Ship Repair and Maritime Engineering Company (BSMEC) has reacted to the controversy trailing its recent decision to site a $1.5 billion Dockyard project in Badagry, Lagos State.

Speaking in Lagos on behalf of the consortium, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who is BSMEC Chairman as well as Chairman of participating company, Sifax Logistics and Marine Services Limited, denied the insinuation that NLNG is funding the project.

“BSMEC is the sole owner of the Badagry Dry Dock Project and no one else. BSMEC is made up of five different successful Nigerian companies who came together as core investors to form Badagry Ship Repair and Maritime Engineering Company, which is a joint venture between Sifax Logistics and Marine Services Ltd., Energy Nature Limited, GMT Energy Services Limited, Japaul Oil and Maritime Services PLC and SIVC Infrastructure DMCC (Sahara Group Limited).

“Nigeria LNG is not a part of the consortium and is not an investor in the construction of the dry dock project. To be clear, the Badagry Dry Dock will be used for the maintenance of a wide range of oil and gas related vessels including very large crude carriers (VLCCs), Offshore drilling rigs, Offshore support vessels, in addition to large LNG carriers.”

It is also planned to be a hub to be used for dry docking vessels from other West Africa countries.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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NEWS ‘Cross River’ll get rid of criminals’

Three DPR workers abducted in Bayelsa •Abductors reduce ransom from N400m to N10m

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE Security Adviser to Cross River State Governor, Mr Jude Ngaji, has said the government will wipe out criminals.

Ngaji told reporters yesterday in Calabar, the state capital, that the state would not be held to ransom by criminals.

He said: “The state government is planning to wipe out criminals. We must show them the way out of the state.

The joint patrol team will soon be on the streets. So far, the police have done well.

“The Ben Ayade administration is a new government but we are working to ensure that in a few months, insecurity will become history.

“We can never sit to negotiate with criminals. With the commitment of the governor, I know that we are going to wipe out criminals from this state.”

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UNMEN have abducted three workers of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Bayelsa State.

There has been a resurgence of kidnapping, killings and other forms of violence in the area.

Five soldiers and a mobile policeman were killed by gunmen, who sacked a military outpost at Nembe last Friday.

The victims of the latest incident were reportedly seized at Kalamatoru and

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

whisked away to an unknown place in the creeks.

The incident, it was learnt, happened on Saturday when the victims were inspecting oil installations in the area.

The hoodlums, who were said to have operated on a speedboat, accosted the employees after shooting into the air to scare them.

Investigation showed that the incident was not reported to the police, the Navy and the Joint Task

Force (JTF), code-named Operation Pulo Shield.

JTF’s Coordinator for the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) Lt.-Col. Isa Ado said the outfit did not receive a situation report.

Also, police spokesman Asinim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said nobody reported the incident to the police.

But a security officer attached to the Department of State Security (DSS), who spoke in confidence, confirmed the abduction.

He said the abductors had

established contact with DPR and started negotiation for ransom.

Butswat said the abductors initially demanded N400 million ransom but reduced it to N10 million.

The police spokesman said the kidnappers abandoned DPR to negotiate with families of their captors.

He said: “The kidnappers are afraid of their fate because their company seems unwilling and unserious with the negotiation. The kidnappers are now talking to families of their victims.”

‘Why we left Jonathan for APC’ From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

INSMEN of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Ogbia Local Government Area Bayelsa State, including Senator Clever Ikisikpo, have said they left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of its method of operation.

Ikisikpo, who represented Bayelsa East, said he and former federal and state lawmakers as well as ex-office holders from Ogbia dumped the PDP because it was run as a one-man business.

He spoke yesterday at his Kolo Creek home.

The senator said he and his compatriots joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its transparency, internal democracy, equity and fairness.

Many residents were said to daily besiege the home of the senator to join APC. Ikisikpo said: “What is happening is historic in the sense that we have now joined a new party, and that is a reigning party. We will make sure that APC becomes the ruling party in Bayelsa State. By the grace of God, by December, APC will take this state.

“Of course, we are ready to work as a team to make sure that we achieve our goal.”

The senator, who said he had been a PDP member since 1998, added that he left the party when it derailed from its founding principles.

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Police corporal sacked for murder From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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POLICE corporal, Christopher Ali, has been dismissed from service for “accidentally” killing two nursing mothers at a funeral in Fugar, headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

His dismissal followed an Orderly Room trial by the state police command, which found him culpable.

Police spokesman Stephen Onwochei, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), told reporters in Benin, the state capital, that of the two policemen arrested, one of them was found wanting.

Onwochei said: “The policeman has been tried in the Orderly Room. He is a corporal. As I speak with you, he has been dismissed.

“Hopefully, by next week (this week), he will appear in court. Police officers should be guided by Force Order 237, which spells out the use of arms, among officers.”

Two nursing mothers were killed at a funeral by a stray bullet at Ivhiokhile Quarters in Fugar.

A two-month-old baby strapped to the back of one of the victims was almost hit by the bullet.

JTF arrests cultist, abductors, others From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

•From left: Chief Operating Officer, Secure ID Limited, Kurt Robert Burger; Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Managing Director, Secure ID Limited, Kofo Akinkugbe and Senior Special Assistant (Government House) to the Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeyemi, during a visit by Secure ID Limited management to the governor at his Abuja home.

Senate panel to consider Edo N14.7b loan request

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HE Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee on Local and Foreign Debt yesterday got the nod to consider President Muhammadu Buhari’s request that the Senate should approve $75 million (N14.7 billion) World Bank loan to Edo State.

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki constituted the seven-man committee and urged it to consider the request and report to the Senate today.

The members are: Kabiru

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

Gaya (chairman); Buka Abba Ibrahim, David Umoru, Duro Faseyi, Emmanuel Paulker, Samuel Anyanwu and Ibrahim Abdullahi.

President Buhari requested the Senate for approval to enable the state obtain the World Bank loan.

In a letter to the Senate president, which was read on the floor on August 4, President Buhari reminded the lawmakers that the World Bank

approved a development policy programme of $225 million to the state in 2012.

It would be implemented in three tranches of $75 million per annum.

He told senators that the first tranche of the loan was approved by the National Assembly in the 2012-2014 Federal Government’s external rolling borrowing plan.

The President said the Edo State government had successfully implemented the

Development Policy Operation (DPO) since 2014.

He explained that following this success, the World Bank’s board of directors approved the second tranche, noting that on April 29, 2015, the DPO was also captured in the Federal Government’s external borrowing plan of 2014-2017 pending before the National Assembly.

The President said the request for approval would enable the state consolidate on the gains of the first tranche.

Peterside, Abe to Ogoni APC leaders: we’ll reclaim mandate

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IVERS State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside and the party’s Rivers Southeast candidate, Magnus Abe, have assured the party’s

•Wike: let the defeated face reality From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

leaders and members that they will regain their “stolen” mandate through the tribunal.

They said APC was making progress at tribunal, despite the alleged plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to frustrate the tribunal.

Peterside and Abe, who are from the same senatorial district, spoke yesterday in Bori, an Ogoni town, during the senatorial district’s meeting of APC. The senatorial district comprises seven local governments Opobo/Nkoro, Gokhana, Khana, Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo and Andoni.

Peterside told the party faithful that the zone needed to have faith in God. The APC chieftain said every stolen mandate would be recovered, adding that stolen or diverted funds under the PDP administration would be accounted for when APC comes

into power.

He urged the party’s members to resolve their differences and speak with one voice.

Peterside thanked APC’s supporters for not defecting to the PDP. The APC candidate said scores of PDP members would defect to APC when the party reclaims its mandate.

He said: “We have come a long way and I know that God will lead us to the Promised Land.

We know many of our cases are at tribunals. But one thing I know is that we will take back our mandate, by the grace of God. They have failed in their plot to stop the tribunal to speed up the matter and we know God will see us through.

“Those parading themselves as winners of the last general election in the state did not win any election. For us, we have a role to play. We must work as one for the good of all. There are no serious APC members, who de-

fected to PDP because our people know that there is no future in PDP. Abe told the party members that a motion by his opponent at the tribunal had been struck out, paving the way for a speedy hearing.

The senator urged APC members to hold on to their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and prepare for a re-run.

He accused the PDP of spreading falsehood against former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other APC leaders.

Abe advised the members and the public to prevail on the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Gesila Khan, to assist the party by releasing the requested electoral materials He said: “We have written letters and done everything; yet, she has refused to release the document.”

The party leaders passed a vote of confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari for ordering the implementation of the United Nations Environmental Protection (UNEP) Report.

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THE Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, has arrested a

man it called a notorious cult leader, two suspected kidnappers and two oil thieves in Niger Delta.

The Coordinator of JTF’s Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Lt.-Col. Ado Isa, said the task force’s special squad deployed in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State raided a criminals’ hideout at Eziorsu community.

He said the operation led to the arrest of a most wanted and notorious gang leader, who had been terrorising residents.

Isa said the suspect identified himself simply as Ukwa, adding that the operatives recovered sophisticated weapons and live cartridges from him.

The spokesman said the suspect and the weapons were in JTF’s custody for preliminary investigation before it would be handed over to a prosecuting agency.

He said the troops, in collaboration with the Department of State Security (DSS), also arrested two suspected kidnappers, who gave their names as Suleiman Hamza and Rabiu Isiaku.

Isa said the suspects were held in connection with the abduction of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The spokesman explained that the suspects had been handed over to the DSS for further investigation.

He said: “The JTF troops of Sector 2 arrested an illegal oil bunkering truck, with registration number DBT 244XA, on the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation-Pipeline Products Marketing Company (NNPCPPMC) pipelines with stolen Automated Gas Oil (diesel). ‘’Two occupants of the truck were arrested and detained in the custody of the JTF while PPMC conducted a test and confirmed the product to be adulterated diesel.’’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS

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IVAL Libyan factions yesterday restarted peace talks aimed at creating a unity government, with representatives of the powerful Tripoli parliament expected to join the negotiations after boycotting them last month.

Libya, which plunged into chaos after the fall of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, currently has two rival parliaments vying for power as well several militia groups battling for control of the country’s vast resource wealth.

United Nations special envoy Bernardino Leon, who is brokering the talks in Geneva,

Libya peace talks resume in Geneva has urged the key camps to reach a political deal in hopes that a unity government could enforce a durable ceasefire.

A partial deal was reached last month, but leaders of the Islamist-backed General National Congress parliament that sits in Tripoli boycotted the pact, calling it “unsatisfactory”.

“The GNC delegation should be arriving here soon to join the rest of the group,” said Mohammed Ali Abdallah Addarrat, who sits in the Tri-

poli parliament and is the head of the National Front party.

The UN had earlier said that a GNC delegation was expected.

Addarrat said that Leon had over the past 24 hours given the GNC “some guarantees” that the issues they raised last month could be resolved.

The international community currently recognises the parliament that sits in the eastern port city of Tobruk, which installed the controversial

General Khalifa Haftar as its army chief in March.

The GNC — which took power after an Islamist militia alliance captured Tripoli last year — will not sign any deal that safeguards a senior military post for Haftar, according to Addarrat.

“There will not be an agreement if General Haftar is still expected to lead an army in Libya,” he told journalists.

“Those who were involved in escalating the political and military crisis in Libya cannot

be the ones who lead the solution. This is a given.”

The 72-year-old Haftar served as a general under Kadhafi before relocating to the United States, where he worked at times with the CIA, according to reports in US media.

He returned to Libya last year and took charge of the army, vowing to crush the Islamist militias while urging the West to support his forces.

Addarrat said that after four decades of Kadhafi, Libyans

had no interest in another military strongman.

Experts say that fighting on the ground could continue even if the GNC and Tobruk parliament ultimately form a unity government.

Addarrat conceded that militias linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group will almost certainly dismiss a unity government pact, but said that Libya’s best hope to combat extremism is through a single, recognised central authority.

Iraq's parliament backs PM's reforms

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HE Iraqi parliament yesterday unanimously approved a reform package aimed at fighting corruption and reducing costs.

The reforms were proposed

by Prime Minister Haider alAbadi following a wave of protests across the country.

The vote was taken with a show of hands that was televised live. Among other measures, the reforms will eliminate some senior government

• Palestinians supporting the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine take part in a protest against the reduction of educational programs given by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza City...yesterday PHOTO:AFP

Cameroon military releases 72 illegally-held persons

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AMEROON's military has freed 72 people, including children, held illegally in the north for periods ranging from eight months to four years, an official said yesterday.

Police detained Mallam Danlatti, the owner of the camp in the town of Ngaoundere, where the people were held, said the governor of the Adamawa

region Abakar Ahamat. He alleged that Danlatti may have links to leaders of the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram in Nigeria's north.

Ousmaila Ibrahim, 45, said he was one of the 72 captives, including 20 men, 50 boys and two girls. He said they had been chained, given food and water every other day and were prohibited from bathing

more than once in three months. He said they were detained in a 16-square-meter (19 sq. yard) room and slept on the bare floor. The children were told this was a part of Islamic teachings, he said.

Imam Baba Moussa of Cameroon's Ngaoundere Mosque said such practices are not part of Islam, and warned parents about Boko Haram fighters who may be recruit-

ing children.

"Their parents say they gave their children to learn good religion," and learn good behaviour, Moussa said. "But correction does not mean brutality."

Danlatti reportedly asked parents to send children for rehabilitation to him more than eight months ago.

Local leaders called for investigations.

Greek bailout deal agreed 'in principle'

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• Tsipras

REECE has agreed a bailout deal "in principle" with its creditors, the European Commission has said.

The Commission said a technical agreement had been reached with Greece, which now requires political approval.

Earlier, Greece's Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos had said "two or three

small issues," were yet to be resolved with lenders, following overnight talks in Athens.

A deal is needed to keep the country in the eurozone and avert bankruptcy.

The Greek government is hoping to push a new •86bn (£60bn) three-year agreement through parliament later this week.

The country needs a deal by 20 August, when it has a debt repayment of about •3bn to make to the European Central Bank.

A European Commission spokeswoman said a technical deal had been reached last night between parties including Greece, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank.

Ferguson: State of emergency declared as U.S. F-16 crashes ORE than 20 people dozens arrested Prominent activist Cornel in Germany

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have been arrested in Ferguson, Missouri, amid protests marking the anniversary of the death of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown.

A state of emergency was declared, as officers in riot gear forced people off the streets on Monday night.

A police spokesman said 23 people were detained, but "there were no shots fired, no smoke or tear gas used".

On Sunday, Tyrone Harris, 18, was critically wounded after being fired on by police in Ferguson.

The authorities say Mr Harris was armed and opened fire,

but his father has described their account of events as "a bunch of lies".

Prosecutors have filed 10 charges against him, including assaulting an officer.

The shooting followed a day of peaceful and sombre commemorations in memory of Michael Brown.

The 18-year-old was shot in August 2014 by a white police officer who was later cleared of any wrongdoing by a grand jury and the US Department of Justice. The death triggered a wave of protests over alleged racism and the use of excessive force by US police officers.

West was among those arrested in St Louis on Monday Demonstrators marched past a rioting flashpoint on West Florrisant Street On Monday night marchers chanted, beat drums and carried signs in memory of Brown - but some demonstrators also attacked officers, according to the St Louis police department.

It tweeted: "Officers are being hit with rocks and bottles. We continue to support free speech, but agitators who ignore orders to disperse risk arrest."

By early morning yesterday, most people had left the areas where confrontations had occurred.

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pilot ejected from a U.S. F-16 before it crashed yesterday morning in a forested area in Germany's Bavaria region, the U.S. Air Force said.

The pilot was safe, though it wasn't immediately clear if there were any injuries, the Air Force said.

The plane had taken off from the U.S. Air Force's Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany, more than 140 kilometers (about 90 miles) west of Frankfurt.

Details about what caused the crash weren't immediately available.

posts, including those of vice president and deputy prime minister.

Many Iraqis protested over the weekend against government corruption and the lack of efficient public services.

Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, Iraq's most prominent Shiite cleric, called on the Prime Minister to "strike with an iron fist" against corruption. Despite the approval of parliament, it remains unclear how the reforms will be implemented.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

NEWS Cancer patients, others hard hit by CBN’s forex policy Continued from page 4

ing an already difficult situation.

The Nation gathered that since the CBN began the enforcement of the policy, the importation of drugs for the patients has been put on hold. The drugs for the centre’s patients are shipped to get to Nigeria within three to four days when they should be taken by patients. The centre “operates more or less like a charity”, being a UN agency, but it is lumped together with big businesses by bankers, The Nation learnt.

Besides of such organisations are exempted from the rules, CBN Director of Corporate Communications Ibrahim Mu’azu said the apex bank could not give exemptions because it will not know where to draw the line.

In his view the centre can overcome the funding challenge by planning ahead.

But, an expert, who pleaded not to be named because he is not permitted to talk to the media, believes that both the CBN and the banks do not understand the damage the policy can do to the health sector, including the patients undergoing treatment at the centre. He urged the CBN to grant waiver to providers of

medical services, because of the sensitivity of their cases.

“Both the CBN and the banks do not understand the harm they are doing to the health of cancer patients who need these drugs to stay alive. Why can’t they give a waiver to providers of medical services. For us, the drugs used in UCH are not produced in Nigeria or even West Africa.

They are imported from France and Hungary,” the source said.

The bank sends the Euro to the company that produces the cancer drugs in France and Hungary.

But for both the CBN and banks, every transaction is considered first, as a business. All must follow the policy.

Statistics show that Nigeria records 100,000 new cases of cancer every year, and at the moment, there are about two million recorded cases. Experts say the incidence is increasing at an alarming rate in developing countries, such as Nigeria, due to the poor state of health facilities, poor funding of cancer care, late diagnosis and detection of the deadly disease.

Speaking on the new forex policy during the Bankers’ Committee meeting held in Lagos last weekend, GTBank CEO, Segun Agbaje said: “I think the policy

will help the CBN a lot to determine what the real demand for forex is or what spurious demand is. It is going to ensure that what we operate is effective demand backed by cash. So, that way, it is easy for the Central Bank to actually determine what the demand is and ensure it is a proper demand.”

This is not the first time the centre for Nuclear Medicine has been caught up in the complexity of a new policy.

The late President Umaru Yar’Adua approved a special clearance for the centre’s goods at the airport to avoid unnecessary delay that could damage the radioactive drugs used for cancer and thyroid patients.

“He was a chemist and he understood it all. He quickly granted the request,” said the source.

The centre wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari to save it the problems of clearing its radioactive materials at the Lagos Airport. This was after a sudden increase in clearing tariff by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Customs, who delayed the clearance and issue of gate pass for the centre’s clearing agents. The impasse has been resolved – apparently after President Buhari’s intervention.

Looters to face trial soon, Buhari insists Continued from page 4

account had been established for all Federal revenue to ensure greater probity, transparency and accountability in the collection, disbursement and utilisation of national funds.

He said: “We have really degenerated as a country. Our national institutions, including the military, which did wonderfully on foreign missions in the past, have been compromised. But we are doing something about it. The military is now retraining and morale has been resuscitated.

“As Petroleum Minister under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in the 1970s, I could not travel abroad until I had taken a memo to the Federal Executive

Council asking for estacode.

Now, everybody does what he wants.”

“That is why security-wise and economically, we’re in trouble,” President Buhari told his guests, adding that those who have stolen the national wealth “will be in court in a matter of weeks and Nigerians will know those who have short-changed them”.

Gen. Abubakar and members of his committee urged the Federal Government to be guided by the rule of law in its fight against corruption.

Members of the National Peace Committee, who accompanied Gen Abubakar on the visit, were Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, His Eminence,

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Others were Justice Rose Ukeje (rtd), Prof Ameze Guobadia, Vanguard Newspapers publisher Sam Amuka, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Senator Ben Obi, Dr. Yunusa Tanko and Dr Arthur-Martin Aginam.

The National Peace Committee, formed before the 2015 general elections, was granted permission by the President to transform to a National Peace Council.

Security agencies watch-list Supreme Court justices Continued from page 4

cause he has the head of one of the courts at his beck and call. He also said he will be paying for vacation trips of some judges.

“The former Chief Justice of Nigeria threatened to sanction the said head of a court when insinuations of his under-thetable deals got to her.

“The ex-governor is also noted for bragging that there is nothing money cannot buy.”

A source at the Supreme Court, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the development.

The source said: “All judges are really on security watch-

list, including those at the apex court. The security agents were called in to monitor judges and movement of money.

“There is no tribunal sitting without any official of the Department of State Services attached to it.

“But there are more discreet security personnel putting close tabs on election petition tribunals than those officially attached.

“The position of the government is that these judges must be allowed to discharge their duties without fear or favour.”

Determined to stave off pressure from election petitioners, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed,

recently banned politicians from his residence – a development The Nation reported exclusively .

He also directed that his security detail from the State Security Service (SSS) and police orderly will henceforth be part of any interaction with Politically Exposed Lawyers seeking audience with him.

The CJN has limited official courtesy calls by governors with outstanding petitions against them at election tribunals.

The CJN put all these measures in place following subtle moves by some election petitioners to drag the Judiciary into politics.

Dozens feared killed as explosions hit Borno market Continued from page 4

Aderemi Opadokun said a male suicide bomber detonated IEDs strapped on his body. ``Reports we just received indicates that at about 14:45 hours, there was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at Sabon Gari market in Damboa LGA.

“A suspected male suicide bomber, who strapped the IED around his body, detonated it in the open and many people died and about 30 injured,” Opadokun said.

He said that the injured victims had been evacuated to Biu General Hospital for treatment. ``Investigation is in progress on the issue,'' Opadokun said.

Cameroonian forces killed 10 Boko Haram fighters and arrested several others, it was learnt yesterday.

Col. Jacob Kodji, who confirmed the killings, said that hundreds of fighters entered the border town of Ashigashia early yesterday, shooting into the air.

NNPC fires heads of NPDC, PPMC, others Continued from page 4

Gas Company NGC); Mr. Abubakar Mai-Bornu (Hyson); Mr. Abubakar Mai-Bornu (Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Mr. Ladipo Fagbola (NNPC Retail).

Others are: Mr. Rowland Ewubare (Integrated Data Ser-

vices Ltd, IDSL); Mr. Modupe Bammeke (NNPC Prperties); Mr. Abdulkadir Saidu (Duke Oil) and Mr. Dafe Sejebor (GGM, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS).

The corporation also retired 38 top management staff, reducing the number from 122 to 83.

Also in line with the aspiration to reposition the corporation, 12 personnel have been recruited from the private sector into the top management cadre to jumpstart a new business outlook to enhance the operational environment as a profit-driven business as against the current civil service orientation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

61

NEWS

Student and teacher reunite in U.S. decades after meeting in Nigeria ‘To the teacher I will not forget. And to the teacher who has helped me with my lessons’

•Aluko and Mrs. Durante

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ECAUSE of his name and accent, it’s not unusual for Dr. Yele Aluko’s patients to ask where he’s from.

But in the early 1990s, when he got the question from this new patient – a retired Charlotte principal and Johnson C. Smith University professor – Aluko asked one of his own: Where do you think?

Spencer Durante guessed correctly that his new heart specialist was from Nigeria, in West Africa.

This rarely happened. In fact, when Aluko first came to Charlotte in 1989, one area hospital administrator suggested he change his name from Yele – pronounced yehlay – to Yale, so it would be easier to say.

As Aluko chatted with Durante and his wife, Rosalia, he learned they had lived in Nigeria from 1962 to 1966, when Spencer Durante was working on a U.S. project to build a college that would train Nigerians to be secondary school teachers.

Rosalia Durante (pronounced rose-ale-ya due-rawnt) said she had taught primary school in Nigeria. And she remembered having a student named Yele.

Really? Aluko thought. And he asked the name of the school.

When she said Corona International School in Lagos, his jaw dropped. Aluko, who was born in Lagos in 1954, had gone to that school in the mid1960s. What a coincidence.

The Durantes had seen Aluko’s name in The Charlotte Observer and made an appointment, both to confirm he was the boy at the Corona School and because Spencer Durante needed a heart specialist. They continued seeing Aluko for more than a decade, but the conversations focused on medical issues.

Class picture Spencer Durante died in 2003, at 86. Rosalia Durante remained one of Aluko’s patients, coming to his office once a year for an evaluation.

At one of her visits, she brought Aluko a surprise. She had been digging through papers after her husband’s death.

She’d found an 8-by-10 copy of a black-and-white picture of her first class at Corona, for the school year 1963-64. That’s her, at 47, standing in the middle of 23 children – girls and boys, black and white, Nigerian, Asian and British, mostly dressed in white.

She asked Aluko if he saw anyone familiar.

Indeed, Aluko saw his sixthgrade self, legs crossed, sitting

on the grass in the front row.

He’s smiling at the camera, resting his elbow on his knee and his cheek on his fist.

“Oh my God, that is me,” Aluko thought. “How could this be?”

By what twist of fate did this Nigerian boy in Mrs. Durante’s class end up, half a world away and more than three decades later, becoming the heart specialist who cares for his former teacher and her husband in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Settling in Charlotte The picture had been taken outside Corona, a private British-owned school that attracted children who could qualify academically and afford the tuition. Some were children of foreign diplomats. Aluko’s father was a civil engineer; his mother had been an English teacher.

Aluko remembered having American, Nigerian and British teachers at Corona. He got a good education, good enough to get him into Kings College boarding school and then medical school at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. He came to the United States for medical residency at Columbia University in New York, where he met his future wife, Shirley Houston, also a doctor.

In 1989, they chose to settle in Charlotte. Aluko said he started a solo cardiology practice after he couldn’t find an existing group that would hire someone with his foreign education. His practice grew into the city’s second-largest group of heart specialists, Mid Carolina Cardiology, now Novant Health Heart and Vascular Institute. He often was quoted in the Observer, about new heart procedures, efforts to reduce health disparities or the community of Nigerian doctors in the Charlotte area.

As she got to know Aluko, Rosalia Durante continued searching through her scrapbooks. They bulged with keepsakes from Africa – maps of Nigeria, newspaper and magazine articles, pictures of her students and copies of their handwritten notes.

“I keep stuff,” said Durante, whose home is decorated with African art, including a carved ivory elephant tusk and a painting by a Nigerian artist.

She remembers her first day at Corona School: “When I first saw all the boys in that class, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m gonna have a terrible time.’” She had three “rambunctious” sons of her own. But these boys, from several countries, sat at attention at their desks, called her “Madame,” and

raised their hands and stood before speaking.

“They didn’t have many books, but their books were well-used,” Rosalia Durante recalled. “…I enjoyed hearing how the languages crisscrossed. … And they had to listen to a Southern dialect from North Carolina.”

‘My name is Yele’ Nigerian names were distinctive and stuck in her mind, Rosalia Durante said. It helped that she had asked her students to print their names in large letters on construction paper. For the first week, they held up their posters and announced themselves so she could learn to spell and pronounce their names correctly.

“My name is Yele Aluko,” she recalled him saying. He had bright, eager eyes and a “zest for knowledge. … He was inquisitive. You didn’t have to pull things out of him,” she said.

In 2011, Rosalia Durante read in the newspaper that Aluko was getting a lifetime achievement award from the Charlotte Post Foundation.

She mentioned it to her granddaughter, who arranged for them to attend.

During the ceremony, Aluko was surprised when organizers announced that his primary school teacher was in the audience.

By then in her 90s, Rosalia Durante stood at her table and waved. Aluko walked over and gave her a hug. She couldn’t hear well, but she had a keen memory of that year when he was beginning to find his path in the world.

He vowed they would become more than just doctor and patient. They would be friends.

‘With all my love’ He called her occasionally, and this year, he arranged a visit to her home off Beatties Ford Road. Aluko arrived with a bouquet of flowers.

Rosalia Durante pulled a note on white paper from her scrapbook.

It read: “To the teacher I will not forget. And to the teacher who has helped me with my lessons.”

Aluko recognised the tiny but clear and legible script – and thought how much better it was than his handwriting today.

He did not remember writing this note at the end of sixth grade to thank his American teacher. But she had saved it all these years. It had meant that much to her.

It was signed: “With all my love. From Yele.”

•Culled from Charlotte Observer

62

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015

63

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO.3304

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Instead of development we have perfected the ‘Abuja Jamboree’ of Conferences, Summits and Colloquia –of increasing extravagance and budgets in Ladi Kwali Hall in the Sheraton, The Villa and other high end hotels, accommodation, travel and per diem’ TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

F

OR the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, February 17 last year was probably one of the most unforgettable days in his life. On that day he went to Aso Villa, Abuja, the country’s presidential residence, to brief ex-President Goodluck Jonathan about, and seek succour, from the Boko Haram insurrection in his Northeast region, which had turned his state in particular into the main theatre of the war. He briefed the president alright, but instead of succour, he suffered excoriation not only from the president himself, but also from some of the president’s men, who tried to sound angrier than their principal.

Shettima’s offence was to have spoken truth to power when he told the Aso Villa correspondents shortly after briefing the president that our soldiers were losing the war against Boko Haram not because they lacked courage, but because they were under-armed and poorly motivated.

“In fairness to the officers and men of the Nigerian army and the police,” he told the journalists, “they are doing their best, given the circumstance they have found themselves. But honestly Boko Haram are better armed and better motivated than our own troops.”

The following day, Dr Doyin Okupe, a senior presidential spokesman, apparently unimpressed by Shettima’s careful choice of words, countered the governor by describing him as an “illiterate” in military matters, who wouldn’t understand the mysterious ways in which soldiers moved to defeat the enemy.

Not to be outdone, the Minister of Information, who at the time happened to be the Acting Defence Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, also said Shettima committed “serious indiscretion” by apparently denigrating the military. He, along with the military top hierarchy, barely stopped short of dismissing Shettima as unpatriotic.

The boss himself was more measured in his choice of words, but he was apparently no less angry with Shettima than his men.

“If we pull out the military from Borno State,” he said seemingly jokingly, “let us see if he will be able to stay in Government House.” He was never really likely to have carried out his threat. But that he issued it at all spoke volumes about how he felt about the governor.

Shettima was not the only person to have spoken out about his concern with the effectiveness of our soldiers in fighting Boko Haram. Indeed, in doing so he merely echoed widespread public worry with the slow speed of the war against the sect. Definitely his words were less harsh than those of a military officer, whose letter to his commander-in-chief was published by Saharareporters on December 15, 2004. ”The fact about NE (North-East) operation,” the officer said, “is that we are poorly equipped, understaffed, high corruption from Army Headquarters down to battalion level. Commanders see it as opportunity to make money.”

The Governor of Adamawa State, retired Admiral Murtala Nyako, said even worse things about the prosecution of the war. The ostensible war against Boko Haram, he said in effect at a three-day symposium in Amer-

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Boko Haram: The vindication of Shettima

•Shettima

ica, was “a nurtured war against the people in Northern Nigeria.” This was at a symposium on “Current Economic, Social and Security Challenges Facing Northern Nigeria” organised by US Institute of Peace between March 17 and 19, 2014.

On his return home, the governor repeated the same accusation in an open letter to his 19 northern colleagues. He paid a price with his office when he was impeached, ostensibly for corruption, and even went on self-exile for his dear life.

Yet, Shettima’s much more cautious criticism of the conduct of the war last year barely saved him from being declared persona non grata from Aso Villa.

Events since July 30 when the erstwhile Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, was pulled out of service following his recent retirement along with the other service chiefs, must have since made Shettima both happy and sad at the same time – happy that he has at last been personally vindicated and sad that his vindication is hardly a thing any sensible person should celebrate, given the prolonged suffering of Nigerians from the Boko Haram insurrection, especially those in its main theatre.

For Shettima, personal vindication couldn’t have come better than the say-so of Air Marshal Badeh as CDS. “The last time any piece of equipment was bought for the army,” he said during an interview with Channels TV sever-

W

HEN a contractor’s cheese has been moved, particularly if it’s a large chunk of cheese, expect contractor confusion. A reflection of such confusion: “All I’m saying is that government can merge the community residents and law enforcement agents to police the neighbourhood. But my fear is that, if they are being merged, how are we sure that the law enforcement agents would not compromise members of the community?”

Who was that? Well, the speaker was no other than Gani Adams, a factional chief of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), in a published interview. His company, Donyx Global Concept Nigeria Limited, recently lost a controversial oil pipeline security contract because the Muhammadu Buhari presidency considered it unworthy of renewal.

What Adams meant was that militiamen, euphemistically described as “community residents”, should be allowed to operate side by side with the official security agents. Adam’s company was one of the militia-related companies that enjoyed multi-billion naira

al days after his pulling out parade, “was some APCs (armoured personnel carriers) that were bought in 2006 and how many were they?”

The Air Force, he said, flew “the oldest airplanes in the whole world.” He had made similar remarks in his valedictory speech during the parade.

As if to counter Badeh’s damaging admission that the military has long suffered neglect, PR Nigeria, a controversial media consultant to some of our security services including the DSS and the military, said in a statement it issued on August 6, that in its twilight, the administration of former President Jonathan did acquire sophisticated weapons to fight Boko Haram in spite of the obstacle thrown in its path by Western nations.

The weapons, PR Nigeria said, “were acquired in the last one year after years of frustration by Western powers...We utilised some of these equipment to recover more than 22 local governments under Boko Haram terrorists and ensured that (Abubakar) Shekau (its leader) did not disrupt the 2015 elections as he had threatened.”

However, far from debunking Badeh’s admission that the military had suffered neglect for too long, PR Nigeria only succeeded in buttressing his point. The war against Boko Haram has been on since 2009 when the military first moved against it and routed the sect from its Maiduguri stronghold. Or so we thought. For, the sect returned in 2010 with vengeance, kidnapping girls, destroying property, maiming and killing people, civilians and uniformed men alike, with greater ferocity than it did before 2009.

By PR Nigeria’s own admission, the military was only properly equipped to fight the insurrectionists only a year ago. The excuse was that the West had refused to cooperate with Nigeria in acquiring weapons because it said it had ample evidence that the military used them indiscriminately against civilians.

PR Nigeria’s excuse is plausible. Even then it does not answer the obvious question of what happened to the tens of billions of Naira that were budgeted year in year out for the weapons and for the welfare of the security forces.

If the authorities had regarded Shettima’s

cautious criticism of the operation against Boko Haram last year as food for thought rather than cause for anger, they would probably have realised that the answer to what happened to the billions lied partly in their decision to shift the procurement of weapons from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) where it rightly belonged to the office of the National Security Agency under the favoured late General Andrew Owoye Azazi, who, as a General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Kaduna, between January 2005 and July 2006, was implicated in, but was never charged with, the massive stealing of arms under his division and selling them to Niger Delta militants.

The shift of the procurement of weapons from MOD to NSA was ostensibly to make it more efficient and corruption-proof. Instead it made matters far worse on both counts because the checks and balances that limited the scale of corruption at MOD were completely absent at NSA. If, as is obvious, corruption was part of the answer to the poor capacity of our armed forces in fighting Boko Haram, another answer came to the surface in the valedictory speech by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Kenneth Minimah, during his pulling out parade on August 5.

Like Badeh along with whom he was retired, he correctly observed that the army had suffered neglect for a long time. “I was,” he said, “confronted with the decay in the service due to long periods of neglect the army had suffered.” However, like Badeh, he conveniently forgot to identify those who, for about 15 years after the civilians took over power in 1999, hardly did anything to end the self-neglect by the previous military regimes. Instead he chose, implausibly in my view, to blame some faceless people for using the insurrection to advance what he said were their sectional, tribal, religious and personal interests.

“Because,” he said, “if we had all stood against the terrorists at the onset through public condemnation of their activities and active collaboration with the military to confront them rather than use it as a tool to advance sectional, tribal, religious and political interests, we would not have been where we are today.”

Even without naming names it is pretty obvious that Minimah’s accusation was directed at the erstwhile opposition, which is now in power. But if the general cared for the truth, he would have been the first to admit that those in power until May – and that includes himself – were even more guilty of his charge as they tried to use everything they could to retain power.

The lesson in all this is obvious: we cannot neglect our armed forces by stealing their budgets and expect them to stand up to an enemy of the State, while at the same time we cannot expect public support for any war against the enemy of the State if our armed forces indiscriminately attack civilians under the guise of ending the war.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion HARDBALL of the columnist featured above Gani the guard security contracts when Goodluck Jonathan was president. From the beginning, the contracts in question were politically-coloured, which is a way of saying they were corrupted by politics and politicians. “About 4,000 workers were engaged by our companies – New Age Security Company owned by Dr. Fasehun; Galaxy Security Outfit Nigeria Limited owned by General Shoot-at-Sight and Donyx Global Concept Nigeria Limited owned by me.” That was Adams again in another interview.

Apart from the absurdity of the imagined combination of forces, Adams’ expressed “fear” that the regular security personnel may have a corrupting influence on the irregular workers is laughable because it attempts to paint them in unrealistically positive colours.

Adams’ self-promoting thinking: “The contract expired on the 15th of June. Between that 15th of June when we left and now, we have all seen what happened to our oil pipe-

lines, especially in Arepo, in Ogun State.

Every activity of these vandals, we tactically blocked during the three months which the contract lasted…But rather than get the support of the people, they were going up and down, calling us all manner of names, using the media to fight us.”

Can anyone make Adams see the nonsense of downgrading the normal security agencies in favour of militiamen? Can Adams understand the irrationality of the enrichment of militia leaders to the detriment of the empowerment of the country’s security personnel? Listen to him again: “The only way we can reduce pipeline vandalism is through community efforts.” He means through the use of militiamen. He said boastfully: “When we came on board, some of the vandals came to my house, promising me heaven on earth if I cooperate with them.

But I walked them out.” Hail Gani, the incorruptible guard!

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